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In the climactic third novel of the Founding of the Commonwealth, bestselling author Alan Dean Foster continues the spectacular space adventure that traces the perilous early years of this remarkable universe. . . .

From the beginning, contact between humankind and the thranx has been tenuous at best. Nearly a century after first contact, the likelihood of closer human/thranx relations is as far away as ever. Yet idealists on both sides refuse to surrender their dreams of achieving an alliance. Among the most dedicated are a minor diplomat named Fanielle Anjou and her thranx counterpart. Others intend to make sure such a liaison never comes to pass . . . by any means necessary .

For these xenophobes, the upcoming Humanx Inter-Cultural Fair, the first wholly cross-species event, is a hideous confirmation of their worst fears. Zealots on both sides vow it will be the last of its kind, no matter how many must die. In the coming conflagration Fanielle holds the key to triumph, but only if she can outwit those desperate to silence her forever. . . .

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

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395 people want to read

About the author

Alan Dean Foster

498 books2,034 followers
Bestselling science fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was born in New York City in 1946, but raised mainly in California. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 1968, and a M.F.A. in 1969. Foster lives in Arizona with his wife, but he enjoys traveling because it gives him opportunities to meet new people and explore new places and cultures. This interest is carried over to his writing, but with a twist: the new places encountered in his books are likely to be on another planet, and the people may belong to an alien race.

Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.

Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.

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5 stars
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240 (36%)
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192 (29%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Craig.
6,351 reviews177 followers
August 21, 2021
This is the very satisfying conclusion to Foster's Founding of the Commonwealth trilogy. The characters and settings don't connect from book to book, just the theme and history, so it stands alone... though some prior Humanx knowledge would be helpful. There are some very surprising twists and turns in the book, especially surprising since the reader already knows what the result of the story is, just not the details of how the end was reached. (It's quite a bit darker and more violent than the majority of his work, I think.) Both the Thranx and Human protagonists are quite sympathetic and engaging, and those nasty AAnn are back formenting problems, as usual. Foster's character- and world-building are under-appreciated by the field.
Profile Image for Paul.
2,793 reviews20 followers
November 25, 2015
Not much time to review this one as it's my fortieth birthday today and my lady wife is taking me out for dinner and a movie but, suffice it to say that I loved this book! This the third part of the story of how Foster's Humanx Commonealth was founded (well, fourth part if you include the prequel novel 'Nor Crystal Tears') and, boy, does it end with a bang!

It's been a long time since I read a book this exciting and tense... There are political machinations, terrorism, large scale battles, murder, heroism, sacrifice and twists and turns aplenty! Not everything is resolved in this volume but that's to be expected when there are another twenty-odd books in this series.

Anyway, gotta go! See you in the funny papers!
Profile Image for Indeneri.
115 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2013
This book is kind of political sci fi. The problem with it is that there is no suspense in it. Things like people getting blown up or a mega police bust are described as if they were the most mundane thing. There's no build up before the big reveal. There are some sections at the end where protagonists are killed off left and right, but that doesn't quite make up for it because I never really cared for the characters,



Another problem I had with this was the motivation of the characters. Why would Fanelle go through all that just to forward the Humanx commonwealth project, what's in it for her? She putting her life on the line for something that isn't really desperately importantly to anyone.

The pacing of the book is slow, and I skipped over the really predictable bits. ]Like when the two gangs join up, or when an incident we read about from one colony is repeated as a news story to someone on another

Which brings me to the overall plot. Could politicians really sell the idea of living with huge bug like creature? And what really was the point of that, it's not like anyone gained anything they couldn't already get, or need.

Over all, meh.
Profile Image for Fred D.
196 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2010
This book had a lot of unexpected plot twists. I did not expect things to turn out the way they did. I mean, of course I knew the Commonwealth would be founded, but other than that, the course of events was very unexpected. I guess that's a good thing, you don't want books to be too predictable. But some things just shocked and appalled me!

Comagrave, for example. I did not expect that whole archeological team to get wiped out. Especially after they had just made an amazing discovery that left more questions than it answered. Left a giant loose end in the plot there he did. Anyway, I just couldn't believe what Pilwandepat did! I was beginning to really like his character, and then he goes off and does something like that, provoking the Aan into killing him and all his colleagues! I was dumbfounded. I actually felt sorry for the Aan. They were totally set up and framed.

And then there's Dawn. Actually, that went down mostly as I expected, but I was surprised when the 2 United Church missionaries were killed. They shouldn't even have been there when the police tried to apprehend the last 2 terrorists. What police anywhere would allow civilians to tag along while they make an arrest of some dangerous terrorists? That made no sense. However I can see how them being martyred would help along the process of forming the Commonwealth.

I've got more to say. I'll finish this tomorrow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,012 reviews37 followers
February 28, 2017
Of the three in the trilogy, I found this one the lesser, despite it having more Aann.

It was solid novel, overall, but it fell flat in terms of suspense. Unlike the other two, which were “collective history” of small events that led up to the Commonwealth, this one made it seem like a couple major events were the cause, which made it less suspenseful because you knew the CW was going to be formed anyway. But that’s really the only flaw.

Spoilers below!

This one also has more “main” characters than the previous two, but all get enough “screen time” to flesh them out (except the Aann – we never get to see inside their heads, but I suspect that was on purpose). When I first started writing this, Fanielle’s motivations were iffy, but now they seem pretty clear. Her boyfriend gets killed, she’s pregnant, and she’s depressed about it, but you could argue that she puts all this effort (including life-threatening activities) into forming the CW as a way to make a better life for her son. Or simply because she’s super ambitious? Because she loves her job? Do we have to explain that a young woman in a demanding and high-up position in her career would want to continue with it despite suffering a loss and being pregnant? No, we shouldn’t, which Foster doesn’t. Her five minutes of wanting to quit were the moments right after she woke up and was in shock. After this, she goes on a usual, which is exactly what I would do and why I really like Fanielle as a character - she realistic. Given how our society is inundated with stories and movies of women acting like “my baby is all that matters” when they’re pregnant or “realizing that my baby is of more importance than my career” (bullshit), I really enjoyed how she was conscious of being pregnant (because, honestly, when you’re pregnant it affects your life a lot, and not just the terrible wrenching morning sickness) but she still went on with her ambitions. Like most women. Like me. I’m not stopping my life just because I'm growing an embryo inside me. Despite how much I feel like garbage right now.

I also liked Pilwondepat, in a way. He was kind of annoying and whiny, but his story was interesting, as well as what was happening on Comagrave. That whole side plot raised some interesting questions. We never find out: were the Aann actually intending to kick the Terrans off? Or were they creating those scenarios to show how great allies they could be? Granted, it’s shifty to do what they did, but were their motives really that bad? We don’t know, but that’s what made this plotline intriguing – we aren’t sure whether Pilwondepat was full or shit or not. Then again, I have a soft spot for the Aann so I’m probably biased.

Likewise, Preen makes some good arguments for why Aann and Terran culture should be just as intermingled as the Thranx. Personally, I don’t see why they couldn’t join the CW too. I mean, yeah, the Aann are kind of imperialistic and have bad blood with the Thranx, but what were they going to do? Attack Earth one day? If they were mutually tied via trade and military to the Thranx they wouldn’t go around attacking them anymore, right? Why not try to have the powerful reptiloids on your side?

The Dawn plot was well done – I didn’t find it that suspenseful though; I’m not sure why. It was rather ironic how the Thranx and Human terrorists had to work together. Rather heavy-handedly showed that their species could work together, but also showed how stupid xenophobia is.

The best part of the Dawn plot was the United Church. When reading the Flinx novels I was like – really, some non-secular body is that important in the future? But now I get it – it isn’t a religion, but a philosophy. I really enjoyed how Briann and Twikanrozek kept shooting down all the priests and ministers who approached them. This book really helped understand what the United Church was all about in the Flinx and other novels.

There are some other great parts to this novel too: the sauna scene where Fanielle barges in naked was hilarious, the parts on Comagrave unearthing the pods were really cool, and, well, I must say, an Aann can burst into my hotel room anytime he wants to have vaguely sinister conversation. That whole scene was fantastic.

Ah screw it, five stars! I honestly think I was less into this one because I was reading it while in considerable stomach pain.
1,686 reviews8 followers
January 25, 2024
In the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy there are three major intelligent powers. The humans and the insectoid Thranx, who joined forces in a bitter war against a belligerent species from another part of the galaxy, and the AAnn, the bipedal but reptiloid race who have long-standing animosities with the Thranx. Movements in diplomatic circles are driving toward a more permanent and open treaty between the Thranx and humanity, and an Interspecies Cultural Fair has been organized on the recently-settled human world of Dawn. Despite the surface amity, there are significant violent militants on both the Thranx and human sides who want nothing whatsoever to do with a treaty, and independently thay have developed terrorist plans for the Fair. Meanwhile, the AAnn, feeling snubbed by all this warmth the humans are feeling for the Thranx, are making moves themselves, both overtly through diplomatic channels, and covertly, on a recently discoverd world claimed by humanity. On this world something utterly amazing has been discovered and the local Thranx archeologist working with the Terrans has devised an ill-considered plan to thwart the AAnn. Alan Dean Foster has penned a masterful conclusion to his Commonwealth trilogy! Have a read of all three! (btw...the religion invented in the book - United Church - is my kinda church!)
Profile Image for Leftenant.
152 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2024
Well, I didn't really enjoy this one at all...a rare thing to say for the typically enjoyable Humanx series. The cover art nor the title don't make any sense.
Wordy and bland...3 intertwined plots (sorta, nothing really comes together until the last 20 pages or so). Wraps up the final pieces for the eventual Human/thranx partnership as well as the thrust of Commonwealth Church.
Human and bug terrorists planning to ruin the deal...a diplomat working to secure it & of course a side story about a joint archeological dig with the AAnn, thranx and humans. Once again, the AAnn are really just a straw-man for evil...I only have a few Pip & Flinx left and thus far, ADF has yet to really showcase just how evil they are.
Endless mind-numbing conversations and dual plots that were too similar...this was the slowest ADF read I've had yet. Couldn't wait to finish it and move on. Thumbs down.
Profile Image for Mitch Fountain.
120 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2024
The third installment in Foster's "Founding of the Commonwealth" trilogy. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to how these three books were conceived except perhaps to generate a payday for Foster. Having said that, the interactions, intrigues and general fuckery between the humans, thranx and Aann still carries enough raw creativity to carry them through. Swept under the rug with a rather slow ending was the discovery of literally billions of "frozen" inhabitants of a dead work found deep underground in a crypt. It look like he sort forgot about them when wrapping up the book. Perhaps there is some other ADF book there where they circle back to that storyline? Did they go into hiding to avoid that super being that Flinx wrestles with late in that series?
Profile Image for Patrick O'Rourke.
71 reviews
June 25, 2023
“Diuturnity's Dawn" is a science fiction novel that imagines a future of interstellar conflict and the challenges of diplomacy between different alien species. While the story is set in a fictional universe, there are undeniable parallels between the themes of the book and current events, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, despite the book being written over 20 years ago now.

The novel depicts a complicated web of interstellar diplomacy, with different alien species competing and cooperating with one another. The manipulation of power and the influence of vested interests are prevalent themes throughout the story. These themes are echoed in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where there is an intricate web of alliances, economic dependence, and historic tensions that drive the conflict.

One of the strengths of the book is the way it describes the delicate balancing act required to maintain peace between competing factions and star systems. The negotiations and shifting power dynamics among different species are reminiscent of the complex relationships between different countries and alliances in the current geopolitical climate.

"Diuturnity's Dawn" offers a unique perspective on the complexities of diplomacy and interstellar politics, and how these themes parallel real-world issues. The book provides an insightful analysis of the challenges involved in maintaining peace and negotiating agreements between different power structures. The story shows how a single misstep can lead to catastrophic war and the destruction of entire civilisations.
1,417 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2020
Several maxims come into play here: "Anything doing is worth doing well", "The ends justify the means", "Perseverance pays" are all evident in the experiences of Fanielle Anjou a minor human diplomat on Hivehom and her thranx counterpart Haflunormet. Meanwhile events are taking place on two planets promoting interspecies cooperation that will have a major impact on the final outcome.
The AAnn are well, the AAnn.
Profile Image for Jeremiah.
443 reviews
May 10, 2021
The thranx and the humans are about to get together into a more central alliance. Meanwhile, the lizard-like Aann plot to further divide them. Meanwhile a discovery on another planet of another species which has been dormant is discovered. Why did they hide themselves. This book series reminds me of star wars. Not so much the characters but the different alien species.
4,418 reviews37 followers
Read
October 13, 2021
Complex conclusion to the trilogy.

Alan Dean Foster finishs the prelude to the Humanx commonwealth. The background info that has been dribbled out in the course of years is now explained. Many people like the thranx even more than the vulcans. Sad to see some of the ones who died in the end.
Profile Image for Kimberly A. TenEyck.
38 reviews
January 10, 2024
I do enjoy this series. Its not a quick read, though. I love language, but there are some unnecessary words peppered throughout the books that trip you up and make reading it a chore occasionally. Perhaps a slightly less liberal use of obscure words would have caused me to give it a five star rating.
Profile Image for Robert Ruppert.
86 reviews
February 11, 2020
Good novel, tad weak on how the commonwealth was finally approved, some facts at cross purposes with early story. I will continue my charge through the Pip/Commonwealth novels until caught up. Frankly I think Alan's work to be up near the Asimov/Heinlein standards. Thanks
70 reviews
February 1, 2019
Good series

Another great series by adf. Well worth reading and I enjoyed it and it's informative. Should be read by all his legion of fans

Profile Image for Bookbear.
285 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2022
By accident I deleted my data for this book (I hate the UI of the mobile version of Goodreads).
I only remember, that I didn't like it.
Profile Image for Ellis Wasend.
74 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2024
Probably a 4.5 star, really good conclusion to this section of the series
119 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2024
Great HumanX story.

Great story, and great characters, awesome world building.
Different plots and destinies that merge in the end.
Highly recommended series.
Profile Image for Dan.
275 reviews
September 27, 2013
Very good, I have some misgiving about how the humnax commonwealth was basically founded on a lie though, I wonder if this will ever come back to bite them on the arse?

Overall this series is not for those looking for fast paced action etc. It's more for those that want background info on how this humanx commonwealth came about so in essence it is about inter-species politics so expect lots of bla bla bla.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
284 reviews26 followers
October 21, 2015
Totally brings together the United Church and the Founding of the Humanx Commonwealth, but still leaves questions, like what kind of Agents Fan'l, and her 2 co-conspirators are secretly a part of? Why not say they were members of the United Church? They certainly can't be part of the Melliorare Society, can they.
Profile Image for Kammera.
201 reviews1 follower
Read
August 28, 2011
This third book in his Commonwealth series is dragging on. A lot of dialogue over the same concepts-get on with it! About 3/4ths the way through. Okay All done! not as compelling as the first in the series.
Profile Image for B. Zedan.
Author 1 book8 followers
June 24, 2008
Dangit, Foster. Why you gotta make me want to own so many books, with all your solid and wonderful trilogies?

AND, there is rainforest in this one. SNAP.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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