Instant New York Times bestseller "Breathes new life into the classic first encounter narrative. Paolini makes the experiences of his well-shaded explorers vivid and gripping through smart worldbuilding and believable stakes. James S.A. Corey fans will be especially riveted."-- Publishers Weekly , starred review "Breathes new life into the classic first encounter narrative. Paolini makes the experiences of his well-shaded explorers vivid and gripping through smart worldbuilding and believable stakes. James S.

A. Corey fans will be especially riveted."-- Publishers Weekly , starred review "This pulse-pounding science-fiction novel pits human curiosity and technology against alien tech deep in the cosmos. An excellent starting point for the series as a whole."-- Library Journal "Paolini understands that in the best character-driven science-fiction stories, the alien tech is never as interesting as the human relationships. Tense and gripping."-- Kirkus Reviews "Mounting tension, danger, and uncertainty. Shows Paolini's range as a storyteller.

"-- Booklist Praise for Christopher Paolini and the Fractalverse series: "Vibrant world building. A large cast of interesting and relatable characters. Sincere emotional depth. Highly recommended for fans of James A. Corey's The Expanse series and for fantasy fans willing to try space opera."-- Booklist , starred review "A powerful piece of SF, with intelligent writing and big ideas."--Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time "Fans of all kinds, one can be sure, will come to question, and stay to explore."-- The Wall Street Journal "Dazzles with otherworldly delights--and unearthly nightmares.

"-- Newsweek "An authentic work of great talent."-- New York Times Book Review "Paolini is a spellbinding fantasy writer."-- The Boston Globe "A breathtaking and unheard of success."-- USA Today "Christopher Paolini is a true rarity."-- The Washington Post "Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic."-- People.