The Siege of Eternity

This is the second book in a three part series, but when I picked it up at a used book shop I didn't really know that was the case. It was only after I finished the book that I realized there had to be more to the story. Right up until the ending the book flows well and doesn't come up against any problematic plot devices from the first novel that it is unable to explain. That said, I would not have been surprised to see a giant To Be Continued at the end as it does finish quite abruptly. The overarching concept to the book (and the series) is that two species of aliens are warring across the galaxy in their quest to obtain access to the Eschaton. The Eschaton is best explained by the human concept of heaven. A place where everyone who has ever lived is reborn and never dies. It's unfortunate that this concept is not really explored much at all in this book. The Eschaton is mainly used here as the motivation behind the actions of the alien hostiles. The book starts with the return of several people from the investigation of an orbiting space station that was supposedly modified by aliens. The returning crew though has found nothing out of the ordinary. Then a strange transmission is received from the space station indicating that things aren't exactly what they seem to be. From there the story takes a series of twists and turns as various investigations ensue. The main thrust of the book is the desire to figure out what the motivations of the various aliens are, as well as to understand what has happened to the people who have returned from the station. The story is well paced and certainly has interesting tidbits that keep it moving along. To be sure this book would probably make more sense having read the first book, but Pohl does a good job of filling in the necessary blanks without spoiling that first part. That said, I will most likely pick up the first book before attempting the third book. This isn't an instant classic like some of Pohl's other work, but it has an entertaining pulp flavor to it that keeps you coming back to see what happens next.

Part of a true three novel trilogy Eschaton, including (The Other End of Time, The Siege of Eternity, The Far Shore of Time). This trio deals with first contact but Pohl couldn't let it be a simple aliens encounter, there are two different and of course warring alien alliances but that is as far as the "of course" goes. The leaders of earth first have to come to terms among themselves so they can choose correctly from slim, hidden and misleading evidences, which group of aliens is truthful and altruistic and which will conquer and enslave. Besides the wonderful Sci-Fi and multitude of sentient beings there is a good study of the human psyche in captivity. Also a twist in dealing with unwanted clones; not knowing which is the original, if there is an original, which clone gets the spouse and like conundrums. You have to stay alert to the fast pace and changing / multiplying cast. A very good read with interesting alien customs and biology's.

Although a sequel, I read Siege of Eternity as a stand alone novel -- and found it highly satisfying. Fredrik Pohl tells a good tale and creates a contemporary story that is both entertaining and thought provoking. As with his Gateway/Heechee novels, he has created aliens that tell us much about ourselves through their actions while providing a memorable tale of good solid science fiction. Highly recommended.

The Siege of Eternity doesn't quite live up to the expectations I had after reading The Other End of Time, as Pohl chooses to mostly ignore the eschaton issue which made the first novel so fascinating. However, the Siege of Eternity has a taut plotline that was somewhat lacking in the first. Eternity reads more like a techno-thriller than the contemplation on the nature of the universe and man's place therein. As a thriller, Eternity works very well. It is impossible to put the book down. Unfortunately once I finished tearing through the book I felt as if I had just eaten a boatload of popcorn. It tasted good going down but wasn't all that filling. The prospects for the final book in the trilogy don't look too good for a swing back in the direction of the first since the big cliffhanger at the end of the first is left completely unresolved. (In fact it isn't even touched) Which means that the third novel must include the introduction of the Horch and the obligatory big space battle between humans, Horch, and Scarecrows. All of which can't leave much room for philosophical contemplation. Here's to hoping Pohl decides to make it a tetralogy so he has space to return to his ruminations on the eschaton.