Thomas_Maurino

The Silent Period is an engaging read. I enjoyed it overall as it tackles an issue very much at the forefront of today's world. The novel's message is clear in conveying the effect social media has on people, how technology has changed our lives over the past quarter century (and not necessarily for the better), and how for many it has been detrimental. I would recommend the novel to any reader who is intrigued by social media and its psychological effects on its users. Although I have to say I was disappointed in the way it ended, but I understand that may owe to the way stories are told in this postmodern era where it often happens that the climax is left to the reader's imagination.

Daniel H. Wilson has woven a tale melding a story unique in its portrayal of humanity, technology, and science fiction with a dash of militarism thrown in for good measure.
It's a story of the world's past, present, and future. The past is told mainly through the eyes of Jim Hardgray who seeks answers to the unfolding events from his Cherokee ancestors while the future is shown through the intrepid Mikayla, and all the while Tawny, Jim Hardgray's daughter, struggles with what is happening in the here and now while attempting to reconcile her troubled past and dangerous future.

In Wilson's deft hands we are transported through time and space by means of natural and artificial intelligence, by the wisdom of the ancients and by the omniscient Man Downstairs.

All of that being said, I rated the book only three stars because I must admit that I am not the biggest fan of science fiction, but thought I would step out of my comfort zone with Hole in the Sky. Undoubtedly the book held my interest for the most part, but did bog down in parts, and perhaps at the very least, it will prompt me to try other novels in the genre in the future.