The Grand Conjunction: Astropolis (Astropolis Series) (Paperback)

~ Sean Williams (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Six hundred thousand years after Imre Bergamasc's abdication, the Host rules the supposedly peaceful galaxy. But revolution is fomenting-and Imre's unexpected return may be all it takes to light the final fuse.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ace (April 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441017134
• ISBN-13: 978-0441017133
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #322,960 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Grand Conjuction (Astropolis), May 30, 2009

By	Robert M. Williams (Aurora, CO, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The finale of Sean Williams Astropolis? I assume so, there are a few loose ends at the end of this novel, but the main plot of this book does seem to find a conclusion. Whether you are a fan of Sean Williams, or just of sci-fi you will love this book (suggest you read the first two parts of Astropolis). As with most works of Sean Williams his story-telling is plain excelent, though his science in his books (This book) is not as "hard" as in some other sci-fi books, it is still unique and mind boggling and easy to follow for the non-major of physics. As stated before there are a few loose ends at the end of this story, but you get the feeling most of the "greater" problems will be solved, or it could be Williams' way to make an opening for another segment/part of Astroplois.
Will there be a part four of Astropolis? I honestly don't know, but very much hope this series could keep going, it is that great in my opinion.

4.0 out of 5 stars Australian SF Reader, May 5, 2009

By	Blue Tyson "- http://freesf.blogspot.com" - See all my reviews

Resexed rising redux.

Well over half a million years is a hell of a nap, too.

It is hard to know where to start with this novel. The start is a hardboiled investigation into the whereabouts of you know who. Complete with a detective named Mac Grimes. Presumably intended as an A. Bertram Chandler tribute, to go along with the strange Luminous antagonist, named for Greg Egan. These of course being the two Australian science fiction writers of greatest note, historically.

A complex and psychologically dense work. Some of Williams' space operatic counterparts could probably take a lesson or two in bloat trimming from this gentleman. Reynolds, Banks, Asher, etc. are all guilty of bloat, not so here.

With Imre's revival, or this particular flavour of Imre - there are so many running around they actually get alphabetical tags, Imre-F being the flavour of the moment - things are found to be different. Not too surprising after such an immense period of time.

Imre's offside Emlee is in charge. Freer is off doing his own thing. Render is still Render. Helwise's son opposes. The bigger shock is the adoption of the virus by many of his old friends. Along with how female Imre seems to be becoming, and not just any woman either. Who will she be, how do her friends relate now, to each other, and where does she fit in and feel about this, past master of the Galaxy?

The novel zooms out in effect, from a private investigation to an immense space conflict, and I need to read it again to writer about it in greater detail or coherence.

More than the above will reappear, too, with plenty of surprises.

Williams again, doesn't disappoint, even though I was a little dubious about the start, with what appeared to be a straightforward detective novel lurking around wanting to leap out of his brain and through his keyboard, however briefly. That would be my major criticism, that perhaps this part lasts a little long.

A fine novel.