The Evolutionary Void (with bonus short story If At First...) [Paperback]

Exposed as the Second Dreamer, Araminta has become the target of a galaxywide search by others equally determined to prevent—or facilitate—the pilgrimage into the Void. An indestructible microuniverse, the Void may contain paradise, but it is also a deadly threat. For the reality that exists inside its boundaries demands energy drawn from planets, stars, galaxies—from everything that lives.

Meanwhile, the story of Edeard, the Waterwalker, continues to unfold. With time running out, Inigo, the First Dreamer, must decide whether to release Edeard’s dangerous final dream. And Araminta must choose whether to run from her responsibilities or face them down, with no guarantee of success or survival. But all these choices may be for naught if the leader of a rival faction enters the Void. For it is not paradise she seeks there, but dominion.

“Spiced with plenty of action and intrigue.”—San Jose Mercury News

“Satisfying and powerful . . . space opera doesn’t get much more epic than Peter F. Hamilton, something proven in spades inThe Evolutionary Void.”—SFFWorld

“Dazzling with complex story lines, compelling characters, and universe-spanning drama.”—Publishers Weekly

Peter F. Hamiltonis the author of numerous novels, includingThe Temporal Void, The Dreaming Void, Judas Unchained, Pandora’s Star, Fallen Dragon,and the acclaimed epic Night’s Dawn trilogy (The Reality Dysfunction, The Neutronium Alchemist,andThe Naked God). He lives with his family in England.

ONE

The starship had no name; it didn't have a serial number or even a marque. Only one of its kind had ever been built. As no more would ever be required, no designation was needed; it was simply the ship.

It streaked through the substructure of spacetime at fifty-nine light-years an hour, the fastest anything built by humans had evel³¬