Eternity (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author) "The New Murchison Station cemetery held only thirty graves..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bear's popular novel Eon introduced The Way, an infinite tunnel in space-time opening on other universes. Following a nuclear holocaust on Earth and the 40-year-long Jart Wars against rapacious aliens, the entrances were sealed. That decision is reconsidered in this sequel. On the asteroid/spaceship Thistledown, scientist Olmy investigates the mental processes of the little-known Jarts while on Gaia, a Greek-dominated alternate Earth, young Rhita Vaskayza herself enters The Way. A partially recovered Earth witnesses the reappearance of The Way's designer, Pavel Mirsky, who now describes it as a tapeworm winding through the guts of the universe and urges that it be reopened so that it can be destroyed. This slow, visionary tale is less than compelling, but its portrait of the different responses of intricate, interlocking cultures is striking.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

A messenger from the end of time topples the precarious balance of power that exists between the Old Natives of Earth and their benefactors, the human members of the Hexamon who live inside the asteroid Thistledown. As political rivals, inhuman alien intelligences, and travelers from alternate worlds meet in a corridor of possibilities, the destiny of the world hinges on the fragility of human choice. Showcasing Bear's imagination and considerable storytelling talent, this sequel to Eon is highly recommended. JC
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Tor Science Fiction (October 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765357771
• ISBN-13: 978-0765357779
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #336,409 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eternity is in the great tradition of Asimove and Arthur C., April 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Eternity (Mass Market Paperback)

Eternity is one of those rare examples of contemporary science fiction that sustains interest as both a story and as science fiction. Its ancestors include the best works by Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. If you wander through the science fiction section of most book stores,an avalanche of second rate works penned under the inspiration of television or movie sequels dominates the racks. Bear's Eternity is a superb antidote to the latest Trekkie or Star Wars drivel. The story commands your interest from start to finish and raises the same kind of profound questions Clarke addressed in Childhood's End. When an author dares to be profound or ask ultimate questions in science fiction, he or she must be good or the effect is ludicrous, painful, and pathetic. Bear's work is insightful, compelling, and great fun.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Eternity disapoints after Eon - but still a good read., May 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Eternity (Mass Market Paperback)

After reading Eon, I could not wait to get my hands on the follow-up.. . and in some ways "Eternity" came through better than I hoped.

There are some really clever twists and plot threads in this novel, but in the end it fades away rather than fulfilling the promise of the first book. There is also some great writing through the first two thirds of this book, but you may feel the last third leaves you wanting more. Great ideas abound in this novel, but they never seem to reach the climax the reader anticipates.

There is plenty of room for yet another sequel, but the story seems to work hard to quickly tie up any loose ends, just in case Greg Bear decides not to go beyond Eternity. If you liked Eon, read this novel, but be prepared a different intensity level.

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivation, October 7, 2009

By	Arleen Stolzenberger "grannytyler" (Willingboro, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Got this book for my husband and didn't realize it was a series. However, my husband couldn't put it down. I immediately ordered more books by Mr. Bear. My husband has added him to his list of favorite authors.