Reynolds takes us hundreds of thousands of years into the future, when traversing the galaxy in suspended animation and living virtually forever is nothing uncommon for the fortunate few. He introduces truly unique alien species, constructs, and mindsets and ties it all together with memorable characters you come to cherish. And to cap it off he throws in some enormous conspiracies and a galactic scale detective story where the fate of humanity itself lies in the balance. Heady stuff. Highly recommended.