David Brin's Uplift novels are among the most thrilling, highly regarded works of contemporary science fiction. Beginning with Sundiver, Brin provides an intriguing exploration of humanity's future in the universe. For nearly a billion years, every known sentient species in the universe has been the result of genetic and cultural guidance--or "uplifting"--by a previously uplifted patron race. Then humans are discovered. Having already uplifted chimps and dolphins, humanity clearly qualifies as an intelligent species, but did they actually evolve their own intelligence, or did some mysterious patron race begin the process, then suddenly abandon Earth? The answer to this mystery might be as close as our own sun, but it will take a daring dive into its fiery interior to know for sure. Sundiver begins David Brin's thoughtful, exhilarating exploration of a future filled with an imaginative array of strange alien races, dazzling scientific achievements, and age-old enigmas. Narrator George Wilson gives a strong, enthusiastic voice to Brin's search for humanity's destiny in the cosmic order of life.
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"I went to re-read this a couple monthes ago! It had been quite a few years since the first time! I made it about 50 pages in before I had to set it aside! I think I've become a more discriminating audience since then! tee hee."
— Trixydan (4 out of 5 stars)
" Could not finish this book. Too boring. "
— Vicki, 2/8/2014" I love Brin's notion that all sentient races have to be "uplifted" by other sentient races, and that no one knows who uplifted humans, or even if they were uplifted at all or if they managed just through evolution and natural selection alone. Brin's not the world's best writer, but his ideas are entertaining and well worth reading. I wish this book had been more about answers and thought-provoking discussion and less a sort of glorified murder-mystery, but I enjoyed it anyway. "
— Brittany, 2/6/2014" I am very interested by the premise of a universe filled with many many intelligent species, because other species have gone around uplifting them from less intelligent species. Unfortunately, this book doesn't fulfill that promise, it only gives hints. At the same time, I expect his later books will more fully explore the concept. "
— Stephen, 2/1/2014" Great book. Some very interesting topics. I think I may have found a new author to enjoy! "
— Jared, 1/31/2014" David Brin is one of my favorite authors. I am glad he is a member at librarything.com "
— Mainrun, 1/27/2014" Great characters and a nicely convoluted plot, as well as typically wonderful worldbuilding. This is my third read of this story and I'm sure it won't be the last. "
— Taya, 1/24/2014" This is too much of a struggle to read so I'm putting it on hold for now. Hopefully I will finish it someday because it certainly had its moments. For one thing, I really like the idea of "uplifting" and the different alien races were interesting as well. That said, overall, as a story, I just couldn't get into it. "
— Kisholi, 1/16/2014" Interesting Plot with the patron client stuff and the many E.T's of the Galaxy. Found the reading style a bit difficult with too much of science mumbo-zumbo. More of a detective novel then a Sci-Fi. "
— Mayank, 1/16/2014" Five star idea, but only 3-3.5 stars for execution. This was Brin's first book, and suffers from a few typical first book issues. Still well worth reading, as this series just gets better with each book. "
— Todd, 12/20/2013" This book was okay. My first real dive into cheesy, multi-alien life form sci-fi. I found Brin's writing style somewhat awkward at times. Some of his characters were very well-rounded though. "
— Andrew, 12/6/2013" Old classic scifi, and it wasn't bad. Not mega into it, but I'm going to continue the trilogy. "
— Ben, 11/18/2013" I really enjoyed this story a lot - it kept me guessing right until the end. "
— Mark, 11/16/2013" This may be the first in Brin's Uplift Saga, but it is set in an earlier time than the books that follow it. It's an interesting semi-hard science ficttion book and provides some set-up for the rest of the Saga, but it also stands alone quite well. "
— Kathleen, 11/11/2013" Mystery in space "
— Katherine, 11/5/2013" Great little detective story and character study, mostly independent from the other Uplift books. "
— Jon, 10/25/2013" Alright Scifi, horrible mystery, a little hate to follow but with some good ideas and concepts. "
— Skye, 3/10/2013" boring. couldn't finish it "
— Gingerlr, 2/3/2013" Not the best in the series, but I recall it was diverting. "
— Ken-ichi, 1/31/2013" What was good about it? Brin has a great imagination, but was a pretty weak writer when he wrote this book. The idea was good, and the science was good. The human characters were weak, and some of the plot was weak. However, this book set the stage for one of the best sci-fi epics I have read. "
— Andrew, 1/14/2013" Wow, starts off scifi, shifts to mystery, then returns to scifi withan amazing bang. Loved the delicate balance between client/patron races as well as among alien races. Great pick, thanks Jojo! "
— Adam, 12/13/2012" Very good book. I would recommend it to anyone just getting started in sci-fi as it is not too overcomplicated yet a very good read. "
— Scythan, 9/16/2012" It's one of those core SF series that people talk about. There are other series I would recommend over these, but if you have some free time it's not a bad read. "
— Jon, 1/26/2012" A lot of science was way over my head, and since it was the 80's I'll have to forgive the not-fantastic writing at times, but the story was really good. "
— Brenda, 11/30/2011" 2 wks "
— M, 8/3/2011" Very good book. I would recommend it to anyone just getting started in sci-fi as it is not too overcomplicated yet a very good read. "
— Scythan, 6/10/2011" A classic detective style science fiction. Easy reading, original concept, cyberpunk like heroes. A self gratifying experience. "
— Dana, 5/7/2011" I always think of this as not my favorite of the Uplift books, yet I'm always drawn in, and enjoy it much more than many other SF books. "
— Joan, 4/22/2011" The descriptions of the sun were a little dry for me, and the mystery a little convoluted in spots, but overall I enjoyed the characters and the story. "
— Titus, 3/16/2011" It took me 2/3 of the way through the book to get into it, but I enjoyed the last 3rd a lot. "
— Mandy, 3/12/2011" Genre: Adult Science Fiction <br/>A great hard scifi mystery dealing with concepts such as patronage, evolution, and the affect that interaction with aliens would actually have. "
— Hyde, 2/22/2011" The later Uplift series books are all better than this one. You don't need to read this to enjoy the others. Skip it. "
— Chris, 1/2/2011" Interesting premise around sentience (aka "uplift"). Enjoyable read - main character was a bit too flawless to be believable - but sometimes it is nice to have an infallible hero. "
— CK, 1/1/2011" It began slowly, but was edge-of-your-seat exciting at the end. At times the style really reminded me of Asimov, especially his Lucky Starr series, but this was written more for adults. "
— Pcsalutations, 12/26/2010" Richly imagined and extremely well executed. I recommend the whole series. "
— Harry, 12/12/2010David Brin is a scientist, speaker, technical consultant, and winner of the Freedom of Speech Award. His novels—including Earth, The Postman, Startide Rising, and Kiln People—have been New York Times bestsellers, winning multiple Hugo, Nebula, and other awards. He lives near San Diego, California.
George K. Wilson is a working actor in stage, film, television, and commercials with almost one hundred audiobook narrations to his credit. He began in broadcast journalism with American Forces Radio and Television and is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He had a lead role in the cult film classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and appeared on television’s One Life to Live, Ryan’s Hope, and The Doctors and has been heard on voice-overs for The Guiding Light and The Cosby Show, as well as many television and radio commercials.