The Uplift War

The final book of a mind-opening trilogy that's especially difficult to read at a time when humankind seems determined to plunge the future of life on Earth into uncertainty.

One of David's Brin's most fascinating habits as an author is his tendency to play interesting but strictly unnecessary facts and worldbuilding tidbits close to the vest. Each successive book reveals so frustratingly little of the broad universe that acts as the backdrop for Brin's very local dramas—even if the narrative results of those dramas will clearly have effects that go on to change all of galactic society for good.

Definitely worth reading—I'm glad I finally got around to this series!