Pandora's Star: Part One Of The Commonwealth Saga (signed by the author)

Hamilton, Peter F.

ISBN 10: 1405000198 / ISBN 13: 9781405000192

Published by MacMillan: London, 2004

SF novel, first volume in the two-book series: the sequel was JUDAS UNCHAINED (2005). SIGNED BY BOTH THE AUTHOR AND COVER ARTIST JIM BURNS. First printing with ''9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'' on copyright page. Fine copy in a fine dustjacket (as new). Seller Inventory # 12447

Synopsis:

It is Ad 2380 and humanity has colonized over 600 planets, all interlinked by wormholes. With Earth as its centre, the Intersolar Commonwealth has grown into a society where rejuvenation allows its citizens to live for centuries. When a star vanishes, the Commonwealth is anxious to investigate.

From the Inside Flap: Critics have compared the engrossing space operas of Peter F. Hamilton to the classic sagas of such sf giants as Isaac Asimov and Frank Herbert. But Hamilton's bestselling fiction--powered by a fearless imagination and world-class storytelling skills--has also earned him comparison to Tolstoy and Dickens. Hugely ambitious, wildly entertaining, philosophically stimulating: the novels of Peter F. Hamilton will change the way you think about science fiction. Now, with "Pandora's Star, he begins a new multivolume adventure, one that promises to be his most mind-blowing yet.
The year is 2380. The Intersolar Commonwealth, a sphere of stars some four hundred light-years in diameter, contains more than six hundred worlds, interconnected by a web of transport "tunnels" known as wormholes. At the farthest edge of the Commonwealth, astronomer Dudley Bose observes the impossible: Over one thousand light-years away, a star . . . vanishes. It does not go supernova. It does not collapse into a black hole. It simply "disappears. Since the location is too distant to reach by wormhole, a faster-than-light starship, the "Second Chance, is dispatched to learn what has occurred and whether it represents a threat. In command is Wilson Kime, a five-time rejuvenated ex-NASA pilot whose glory days are centuries behind him.
Opposed to the mission are the Guardians of Selfhood, a cult that believes the human race is being manipulated by an alien entity they call the Starflyer. Bradley Johansson, leader of the Guardians, warns of sabotage, fearing the Starflyer means to use the starship's mission for its own ends, .
Pursued by a Commonwealth special agent convinced the Guardians are crazy butdangerous, Johansson flees. But the danger is not averted. Aboard the "Second Chance, Kime wonders if his crew has been infiltrated. Soon enough, he will have other worries. A thousand light-years away, something truly incredible is waiting: a deadly discovery whose unleashing will threaten to destroy the Commonwealth . . . and humanity itself.
"Could it be that Johansson was right?

"From the Hardcover edition.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Pandora's Star: Part One Of The Commonwealth...
Publisher: MacMillan: London
Publication Date: 2004
Binding: Hardcover
Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: First edition (& 1st printing).