Judas Unchained
by Peter F. Hamilton
Published by Del Ray
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Reviewed by Russ Benson
Best-selling author, Peter F. Hamilton's Judas Unchained is much more than the sequel to Pandora's Star. It feels as if it's a continuation of that book. This installment of the space saga addresses loose ends from Pandora's Star and ultimately leaves more at the end of Judas Unchained. That suggests a third installment.
With a book as big and complex as Judas Unchained, it is difficult to provide an adequate synopsis as there are so many characters and subplots. One wonders what to address and what to leave out.
It is the twenty-fourth century and the hostile Primes (an alien race) viciously attack the outnumbered human Commonwealth. They have decimated some of the hundreds of worlds and while the Intersolar Commonwealth Senate ponders their motives, the military struggles with a response. As the fight rages on, it is discovered that there is another party involved in controlling events. There is conspiracy afoot and the only hope for humanity is to stop it.
Ultimately a moral quandary stands out as important and current. The hostile Prime does not have any compunction about killing while the Commonwealth struggles with the ethics of genocide. If genocide is possible, is it ethical? Will the super weapon be used?
Hamilton's saga is absolutely mind boggling in its ambition and scope. The plot is richly layered with excitement, action and intrigue. The numerous characters and subplots require attention, and it is a detailed and long novel. But it is worth every moment spent turning the pages. If you want a thrilling read, I suggest you start with Pandora's Star and then continue with Judas Unchained.
Armchair Interviews highly recommends Judas Unchained as one of the best Science Fiction releases in a long time.