Heaven's Reach

This book is the big payoff for everybody who has read _Brightness Reef_ and _Infinity's Shore._ Brin definitely exits this Trilogy with a bang. My biggest complaint is that at 439 pages it seems a little short by Brin's standards. There definitely is material in here for much more detail. Then again, the overpowering desire to read this in the first sitting, might make more pages overly burdensome....Indeed, once I got going, I definitely wanted to race straight thought. Moreover, Brin's standard multiple perspective storytelling format becomes kind of frustrating. It doesn't take long before the fate of Streaker becomes the big story, and I desperately want to find out what happens next there, and then find out about the rest of the plotlines later. Still, the other plot lines definitely have their role in this story, and ad to the fantastic sense of wonder at the vastness of the universe that this book inspires.This book is definitely worth two reads, as a lot of Brin's subtelty will invariably get lost in the first reading. Moreover, for longtime fans of Uplift, they are plenty of wonderfully innovative answers to some of those burning questions, plenty to keep us satisfied until the next Uplift novel comes out 5-10 years from now.JDG

I, for one, was riveted by the concluding novel in the second Uplift trilogy: I couldn't put it down. While I would have liked another 50 pages at the end to explain what follows the conclusion, I can accept that there are things Brin would prefer to leave for later. Full disclosure always sounds better than it turns out, the best conclusions always leave something for the next installment - and we can be certain something is on the way.The wonderful thing about the whole Uplift Universe is that it is so vast and - necessarily - Brin cannot fully explore every subject or character to their utmost potential. Often he employs hints as to their underlying nature, or is content to leave mysteries for future novels. This is a worthy, essential entry in one of the greatest science fiction series ever - even better than Star Wars (particularly after The Phantom Menace)

David Brin does not disappoint. I've read a few of the other reviews-sure there are loose ends. You have to have something to build the next set of novels on. There is a lot of room for the Uplift universe to live on. And there is plenty of room to develop the existing charactors.As for the book itself, I couldn't put it down. David Brin is my favourite sci fi autor by far.To the reviewer who felt that something was missing, read Startide Rising. This novel relates the origins of the Streaker and her crew. It is probably the best of all of Brin's novel-but not by much. Sundiver sets up the whole Uplift concept while Uplift War refines it.Imagine the possibilities.

After re-reading all 6 uplift books, I can see why the books (starting with Startide Rising) have been optioned by a studio. This series is RIPE material for a movie. Watch out Star Wars, there is a new Space Opera in town! :-)

David Brin has produced another jewel to place on his crown. The Uplift Novels are some of the best SF ever written. Heaven's Reach however, was maddeningly short. This was the most eagerly awaited Uplift Novel of all for me, and the 6 month delay was almost unbearable. It was an excellent and entertaining read, but I'm an Uplift junkie and 447 pages was not a big enough score! I am not at all dissappointed with the story or how he chose to end it. I just think that it could have been richer. I can only think that The Transparent Society (editing and publishing) robbed Heaven's Reach of some of Brin's creative time. At least he promised, " Hang on. There's more to come. " That was the best sentance in the whole book for an Uplift junkie like me.PS: Take us all back there soon David. (and don't skimp on the Galactics) Live long and prosper. MHR