Abby Goldsmith's Reviews > Noumenon

Epic.

I wasn't sure I'd like this book due to the multi-generational aspect, where characters don't last long enough for the reader to get very emotionally invested. However, each portion of this tale included impactful moments and likable characters. There was an interesting sort of continuity from one generation to the next, particularly with the shipboard A.I. who is a continuous personality over many generations.

There's also a great sense of wonder, with exploring the potential alien star system (I won't reveal what they found there), and with returning to an alien far future on Earth (that was particularly well done).

I love this thoughtful exploration of how societies and civilizations would be impacted by FTL travel and mental networking. I rarely see the impact explored so deeply and so well.

I considered giving this four stars because I was side-eying the eugenics overtones and happy collectivist attitudes. It's hard to believe that a million people would cooperatively agree to go along with certain draconian imperatives, especially over multiple generations, even if they are genetically chosen and bred to do so. But in the end, the story was compelling enough for me to ignore the issues that made me raise my eyebrow. I went with the flow and really enjoyed it. There is an epic journey here, and a lot of awesome sci-fi ideas. It kept me hooked.