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Evergence #1
The Prodigal Sun
In the first novel in a new series, Commander Morgan Roche of the Commonwealth of Empires is charged with escorting an artificial intelligence unit to her superiors, with the aid of a genetically engineered warrior who suffers from amnesia. Original.
393 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
16 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Sean Williams
277 books468 followers#1 New York Times bestselling Sean Williams lives with his family in Adelaide, South Australia. He’s written some books--forty-two at last count--including the Philip K. Dick-nominated Saturn Returns, several Star Wars novels and the Troubletwister series with Garth Nix. Twinmaker is a YA SF series that takes his love affair with the matter transmitter to a whole new level. You can find some related short stories over at Lightspeed Magazine and elsewhere. Thanks for reading.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 16, 2023
A well-conceived and executed high adventure in space. More than a space opera. Sort of The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress meets Ender's Game. A protagonist who is enough of an "every man" to keep the reader engaged, as opposed to super people fighting super people.
“Needless killing is never honorable, Commander.” “That at least I can agree with. Perhaps we only disagree on our definition of ‘need.’”
Appreciate that injuries don’t heal overnight. In fact accumulate. Some clunky phraseology: "topped and fell" and "temporarily if not permanently."
"No one stirred as she climbed out of the bunk and donned her survival suit."
Quibbles: The valise strap. Roche constantly changes clothes unimpeded by The Box’s unremovable strap on her wrist. “the most powerful engine one powered by petroleum. By thus keeping the population at a level barely approximating civilized.” Not on a world with no petroleum industry. “There was a slight dent where the bullet had struck, but otherwise it was undamaged.” If a bullet could dent it …
“Never feel so superior, or inferior, that you can afford to relinquish your most valuable weapon: deceit. A war is won only when at least one of the parties loses the ability to lie...”
September 11, 2015
A solid 3 and half star book, very nearly/just on the cusp of four stars to me. The plot is tight, fast-paced in a compact setting against a well developed, complex backdrop. Wasn't sure I would care for it at first, but it quickly began to rip along at a great pace. The characters were well drawn and gradually revealed along with the plot intricacies. Roche, Box, Cane (a mystery), Maii, and Haid are all well fleshed out. There are even details on Veden's background, offstage/out of commission for much of the action.
I felt that for the most part everything fell into place nicely by the end. It does exactly what the first book in a series should do: ends with a satisfying conclusion and leaves you wanting for more. Things look set up nicely for book two of the trilogy. (The Dying Lignt/Evergence II) should be well worth checking out!
I felt that for the most part everything fell into place nicely by the end. It does exactly what the first book in a series should do: ends with a satisfying conclusion and leaves you wanting for more. Things look set up nicely for book two of the trilogy. (The Dying Lignt/Evergence II) should be well worth checking out!
February 12, 2020
REVIEW: Moderately good escape/chase story. Confused but capable heroine, telepath, powerful AI*, unstoppable mystery dude. Book 1 of 3.
RATING: 3+ stars.
DEMERITS: The bad guys apparently trained in the Star Wars Stormtrooper Shooting School.
BONUS POINTS: Ending is not an infuriating total cliffhanger. Points to Book 2 (duh).
*Artificial Intelligence
RATING: 3+ stars.
DEMERITS: The bad guys apparently trained in the Star Wars Stormtrooper Shooting School.
BONUS POINTS: Ending is not an infuriating total cliffhanger. Points to Book 2 (duh).
*Artificial Intelligence
March 8, 2025
The pattern of consistently buying sub par books from the book fair continues
July 18, 2011
"The Prodigal Sun" was probably one of the most satisfying books I've read in a long time. Filled with action, adventure, intriguing ideas, mystery and suspense, this book is a definite page turner, reading much like a well made action-thriller movie.
Set in a far away future, human kind has colonised vast areas of the galaxy. The protagonist Morgan Roach - a military intelligence officer - is thrust into a situation with consequences reaching far beyond anything she imagined.
At first, I was apprehensive about learning a whole new universe and the unique interpretations of a futuristic human race. However, my fears were quickly quashed as the authors did a great job of introducing the vast universe - bringing forward bits of information and history on an as required basis. In addition to the governing bodies and a variety of alien species, the relevant history and cultures are slowly and subtly incorporated into the bulk of the story.
The characters are very interesting and despite their alien origins, they feel very real and very "human". The authors made an effort to explore their different personal histories giving them an identity and thereby providing a base for readers to actually relate to them and end up caring for the individual.
The book is well written with just the right about of action, intrigue, suspense intertwined with a few twists and mystery to keep you at the edge of your seat. Whilst the majority of the book is written in the perspective of the protagonist - Morgan, at various points and chapters the perspective changes into someone else completely different, giving some variety and adding more layers of complexity.
Even though the book is the first in a trilogy - to be followed by "The Dying Light", I felt completely satisfied at the conclusion with much of the questions answered and the left overs clearly intended to be reviewed in the sequels.
The only potential negative I can find is that The Prodigal Sun is relatively heavy on science fiction and space themes. Therefore, it probably requires a seasoned Sci Fi lover or at least a reader well versed in space and Sci Fi terminology and concepts of fully appreciate the environment and themes.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I would very much highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Sci Fi adventure book.
Set in a far away future, human kind has colonised vast areas of the galaxy. The protagonist Morgan Roach - a military intelligence officer - is thrust into a situation with consequences reaching far beyond anything she imagined.
At first, I was apprehensive about learning a whole new universe and the unique interpretations of a futuristic human race. However, my fears were quickly quashed as the authors did a great job of introducing the vast universe - bringing forward bits of information and history on an as required basis. In addition to the governing bodies and a variety of alien species, the relevant history and cultures are slowly and subtly incorporated into the bulk of the story.
The characters are very interesting and despite their alien origins, they feel very real and very "human". The authors made an effort to explore their different personal histories giving them an identity and thereby providing a base for readers to actually relate to them and end up caring for the individual.
The book is well written with just the right about of action, intrigue, suspense intertwined with a few twists and mystery to keep you at the edge of your seat. Whilst the majority of the book is written in the perspective of the protagonist - Morgan, at various points and chapters the perspective changes into someone else completely different, giving some variety and adding more layers of complexity.
Even though the book is the first in a trilogy - to be followed by "The Dying Light", I felt completely satisfied at the conclusion with much of the questions answered and the left overs clearly intended to be reviewed in the sequels.
The only potential negative I can find is that The Prodigal Sun is relatively heavy on science fiction and space themes. Therefore, it probably requires a seasoned Sci Fi lover or at least a reader well versed in space and Sci Fi terminology and concepts of fully appreciate the environment and themes.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I would very much highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Sci Fi adventure book.
October 5, 2009
Imagine humanity half a million years in the future among the stars? These two authors certainly have. This book came my way from a library book sale. Great condition too. This action-packed sci fi novel haqs just the right proportions of hard science and mystery to keep me interested. Definitely a good page turner.
August 20, 2023
Morgan Roche is an Intelligence officer for the Commonwealth of Empires and her current assignment is to deliver the latest in artificial intelligence to her superiors. The AI, a briefcase referred to as “Box”, is strapped to her wrist and she is able to communicate with it via implants. Roche’s superiors, in an effort to avoid detection, sent her on an indirect course that takes her near a system that is in some conflict with COE.
Roche’s ship is carrying criminals to a penal colony on Sciacca’s World. Enroute the ship picked up a capsule floating in space of unknown origin and purpose. The occupant of the capsule has been examined and Roche wants the opportunity to investigate further but is denied by the ship’s captain.
When Roche’s ship is threatened, a strange man appears at her door telling her that this is where he was told to come. Together they attempt to escape before the ship is destroyed.
This is the first in a trilogy that promises to provide plenty of entertainment for the reader. Those after the Box pursue Roche and her party constantly. They move from one difficult situation to another, providing never a dull moment. If you like action in your SF you will get it here.
Roche’s ship is carrying criminals to a penal colony on Sciacca’s World. Enroute the ship picked up a capsule floating in space of unknown origin and purpose. The occupant of the capsule has been examined and Roche wants the opportunity to investigate further but is denied by the ship’s captain.
When Roche’s ship is threatened, a strange man appears at her door telling her that this is where he was told to come. Together they attempt to escape before the ship is destroyed.
This is the first in a trilogy that promises to provide plenty of entertainment for the reader. Those after the Box pursue Roche and her party constantly. They move from one difficult situation to another, providing never a dull moment. If you like action in your SF you will get it here.
May 7, 2020
A good old fashioned space fiction. Our heroine has trouble in space and on the planet surface, and she doesn't know who she can trust. This is actually a good instance of "women written by men"; no admiring her body in the mirror, or any romantic attachments. She does have the annoying trait of entitlement, in that she thinks she has the right to be told everything, but I guess that is a flaw that makes her more real.
We are introduced to an empire with a 40,000 year history, which seems like an unrealistic timeline and we are introduced to a number of races all decended from the original humans.
The first book in a trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
We are introduced to an empire with a 40,000 year history, which seems like an unrealistic timeline and we are introduced to a number of races all decended from the original humans.
The first book in a trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
September 20, 2025
Second hand ex-library book, which may be difficult to find if I want to read the sequels, but thought it looked worth a shot. It is a bit of an action romp, with the different characters having different “super-powers” – kind of like a Guardians of the Galaxy perhaps – as they find each other entwined together in a wider multi-star-system plot that they have to nut their way out of. A good enough read for a fast-paced plot – but not all that I prefer in a sci-fi really.
October 30, 2017
3.5
There is a lot to like here; it's original and enjoyable, but goes a bit too far afield pursuing many different ideas choppily. I do recommend it, as it is both interesting and entertaining.
There is a lot to like here; it's original and enjoyable, but goes a bit too far afield pursuing many different ideas choppily. I do recommend it, as it is both interesting and entertaining.
December 13, 2018
I read this novel a few months ago and I remember it being really hard to put down! The characters are well written as was the scenes. The story line was very interesting.
January 23, 2020
An enjoyable hard SciFi with a few awkward passages that feel stilted to read but none the less the book travels at an exciting pace and entraps the reader in the mission.
December 30, 2021
Medium pace. Honestly, there's not much going on so it's kind of boring. I'm not saying it's bad, but I'm not saying it's good either, IT'S MIDDDD...though I won't read the rest of the series.
September 21, 2022
3.5* Complex and interesting world building. I had some issues with some of the plot twists, but I found it had engrossing characters and steady action. Looking forward to the next book.
May 12, 2015
No real flaws to speak of but no real merits either.
Not particularly well written, not particularly interesting. Very cliche in all aspects, from the universe to the plot.
The author was setting the scene for the follow-up adventures of a mighty adventures group but why bother with such lackluster beginning?
Maybe some space soap opera fans will enjoy this if the books will come in quick enough succession.
Not particularly well written, not particularly interesting. Very cliche in all aspects, from the universe to the plot.
The author was setting the scene for the follow-up adventures of a mighty adventures group but why bother with such lackluster beginning?
Maybe some space soap opera fans will enjoy this if the books will come in quick enough succession.
January 2, 2017
Good old style sf
This was an enjoyable read, with the ingredients of classic science fiction. It was quite refreshing to immerse myself in the familiar tropes of hyperspace, cyborgs, AIs and interstellar politics, viewed through the eyes of a slightly naive but capable protagonist who triumphs at the end with the help of a motley crew of allies. Obviously the story continues in the next volume, which I fortunately have at hand.
This was an enjoyable read, with the ingredients of classic science fiction. It was quite refreshing to immerse myself in the familiar tropes of hyperspace, cyborgs, AIs and interstellar politics, viewed through the eyes of a slightly naive but capable protagonist who triumphs at the end with the help of a motley crew of allies. Obviously the story continues in the next volume, which I fortunately have at hand.
September 22, 2014
Great first story and characters. I would have loved a little bit more back story on the main character and on the Military Intelligence group that she is a part of, and the other characters within it. I'm looking forward to reading subsequent books and seeing where the story and the character go.
May 12, 2014
Very good descripted environments, fun action sequences and great characters. Interesting storyline.
It felt a little slow in the beginning, but picked up the pace about half way through the book. Great ending setting up for the sequel.
Will read the following books.
It felt a little slow in the beginning, but picked up the pace about half way through the book. Great ending setting up for the sequel.
Will read the following books.
April 7, 2010
fun space opera.
April 16, 2009
Surprisingly good.
September 17, 2014
Solid SF. A bit too technical at times but a worthy read either way.
March 21, 2020
I'd say is classic fantasy tropes but in space.
It's set millions of years in the future, where the origins of humans is lost and they have evolved into different species or castes.
It's set millions of years in the future, where the origins of humans is lost and they have evolved into different species or castes.
July 31, 2011
This is a fantastic series. Great characters and character development and a strong female lead.
Want to read
April 2, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14475426
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14475426
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews