Potential spoilers follow...

A grand and vibrant exploration of aspects of current life and culture co-mingled with potential visions of the future of Earth and humanity. Details abound that include mention of (in no particular order): rising sea levels, genetically enhanced dolphins, expeditions to the asteroid belt and beyond, escape from the "Big Kudzu", Von Neumann machines, war-footing between factions of society, active complete-immersion multi-level VR, extraterrestrial contact, an autism 'plague', and crystal-fomite transmitted meme infections. Bonus is mention of: Asimov, (JK?)Rowling, Mel Brooks, Tom Robbins, Eminem and Keats (in the same sentence no less), Adam Smith, and others that prompt a response of "Oh no, he didn't just do that, did he?"

A must read for fans of serious science-fiction. I've read Brin's "Uplift" novels (4 or 5 times each for both Startide Rising and The Uplift War), and heartily recommend this as being in the same light and written with a similar depth of detail and intensity, although not the same universe. ( )

От Дейвид Брин съм харесал само една книга до сега - Войната на ъплифта. Всичките ми други усилия да намеря нещо заслужаващо прочитане или поне задържащо вниманието ми за повече от стотина страници (докъдето пък ме довежда само тъпото упорство) в предхождащите я или следващи книги се оказват все ялови. Вкл. и тук. ( )

This is a very good book. Brin is very sharp, and there's an awful lot of good and clever thinking in here, with a memorable story and lots of good characters. The only problem is that there's so much of it. In the first half of the book, the story often feels interrupted by seemingly disconnected events, so it's hard to get a feel for it. In the second half of the book, with its big payoffs, you sometimes wonder what happened to some characters who were prominent in the early half of it.

That said, this story of the very surprising set of circumstances around humanity's first contact(s) with other civilizations is very rewarding. Brin keeps you thinking at all times, and he's thought deeply and smartly about a lot of issues, and at the same time keeps you turning the pages. I do wish it were shorter though, and I think the length of the book damaged sales and its reputation. Me, I'm sure I'm going to be remembering it for some time. ( )

This is David Brin's best book in quite a few years. OK, I know that's not saying a lot, but I found this to be a worthy and enjoyable space opera. The pacing is all wrong -- the first half of the book drags on and is boring -- but keep reading, because it gets better. The last half of the book is fascinating and thought-provoking. It's basically a take on the Fermi paradox (think Alastair Reynolds), but with a bunch of new twists I haven't seen before. Good stuff, once you get past the boring beginning. ( )

Unconventional first contact story touching a lot of actual or near future issues that humanity could have to deal with. Much more anchored in what might be physically possible than other first contact stories, and follows the situation over a significant period of time allowing the possibility to touch many aspects and situations and see characters in evolution. Due to the size gives a bit the feeling of connected short stories (although the main topics remain central), as some characters appear for short stretches not to be talked again after or development that looked important at some point are set aside. Very enjoyable overall and thought provoking. ( )