There are so many great authors out there writing science fiction: Dan Simmons, China Mieville, and Rudy Rucker just to name a few. Peter F. Hamilton isn't quite to their level, but he is a master at penning compelling Space Operas that span multiple volumes. When I picked up Pandora's Star I was under the impression that it was a stand alone volume, however, I was sadly mistaken. Hamilton spends most of this volume introducing his characters and setting up the situation for the next volume, Judas Unchained, which I will be purchasing as soon as it comes out on Feb 28th (just 2 weeks after my birthday, just in case you were looking for gift ideas). This was a rollicking good read, and if you are into SciFi (space opera in particular) you should pick yourself up a copy. I would loan you my copy but Glenn has it, and I am certain that he won't be finished with any time soon.