The Noise Within

A space opera in the style of Alistair Reynolds or Peter Hamilton, yet not really up to the standards of either. There are certainly some interesting ideas in here, and some good action, but it's let down by many of the characters coming across as rather flat. Kethi looks the most promising, but she has almost nothing to do here (I'm guessing she features more in the sequel). It's a pity, because much of the plot isn't bad, and the title ‘character' makes for a worthwhile premise.

So certainly some good bits, but overall, nothing standout. The author's occasional habit of describing the same scene from different points of view - without adding much the second time round that wasn't already obvious - can be a little dull at times. It deserved to be better, and perhaps the second book (this one ends on a cliffhanger) manages to deliver on the promise of the first.

We'll see.