The Dreaming Void by Peter F Hamilton

"The Dreaming Void" by Peter F. Hamilton is the first of a trilogy and it's a gripping planetary epic. Set in the same universe as his "Commonwealth Series" the world-building is meticulous. The plot is complex and you may want to read his previous books first to get some background and a handle on the universe.
 
The year is 3589 and The Void, a black hole at the center of the Universe, is enlarging and consuming other worlds. It was actually constructed by aliens billions of years ago and the laws of physics are very different in this artifact. No one knows its purpose but Inigo, an astrophysicist studying the Void, claims to have visions of a perfect life within it. He shares them with billions of avid believers who want to make a pilgrimage there. Many oppose this claiming it will cause the Void to expand even more and Aaron, an assassin with no memory, is dispatched to stop it. Meanwhile Edeard, a young man living inside the Void, is challenging the corruption at its core. When Inigo disappears and a second dreamer materializes followers enter the void. Now it's a race against time to find Inigo before thousands of worlds are destroyed.
 
This story of a threat to humanity is original, captivating and huge in scope. There's plenty of action and political intrigue but the story unfolds slowly and the emphasis is on the numerous characters, both human and alien. The multiple plot lines can be confusing. This is not an easy read but well worth the effort. The story has a satisfying ending but leaves enough questions to whet your appetite for more.
 
Publisher: Del Rey (March 25, 2008)
ISBN: 978-0-345-49653-9
Hardcover Pages: 640
Price: $27.00