“Scientists, astronomers, and readers who love Williscroft’s earlier books and both the theoretical and practical issues of space exploration will love this detailed treatment that builds on the author’s earlier Oort chronicles.“

I’m a fan of Robert Williscroft’s science fiction and Keid,
A Lost Civilization is solid, hard-core sci-fi. You might call this book
“pure” science fiction. Scientists, astronomers, and readers who love
both the theoretical and practical issues of space exploration will love this
detailed treatment that builds on the author’s earlier Oort chronicles.

Anyone trying to jump into the Oort chronicles here, in
book #4, may find the early chapters a challenge and may reach the book’s end
without fully understanding all the technology and references. The author does
what he can to educate new readers, or more likely remind readers of the prior
books, of the detailed technology and universe references, but I would expect
fresh readers to struggle. But those who push through will be able to follow
the main story that develops even if full understanding of the backstories
doesn’t come. I highly recommend that readers who are drawn to this book go
back and start the series from the beginning.

The story picks up the adventures of Thorpe, leader of
the spaceship Andromeda, on route from a solar system near to Earth (by cosmic
standards) toward a distant spot in the universe that will no doubt find its
way into a future book. For now, the ship’s multi-species crew, along with
eThorpe and the rest of the uploaded virtual crew members, encounter a the-star
Keiv system, where they explore and find something amazing. Surrounding one of
the three stars is a structure, a Dyson Sphere, completely enclosing the star.
The massive sphere is being maintained by tiny nanobots, which prove to be a
threat and a challenge for Thorpe’s crew. When they peek inside the sphere,
they find a remnant of the ancient Oort civilization and a lot more. Without
spoiling anything, Thorpe and his crew confront a catastrophic crisis.

This story is all about the main plot and the technical
and philosophical challenges presented. I would have preferred some subplots to
bring the characters more to life and add more human complexity to the book.
There is a lot of moving from point A to point B. If you yearn for detailed exposition
and rich detail, you will find yourself in deep space without a suit. But if
you appreciate spartan, direct storytelling and like to wonder about what lies
beyond the edge of our solar system, you will be enthralled by the Oort
chronicles and you will, like me, be waiting impatiently for the next installment.