Review of ‘A Hole in the Sky’: Peter F. Hamilton’s Sci-Fi Epic with a Notable Flaw

Empty Hole
Peter F. Hamilton – Angry Robot

As an avid admirer of Peter F. Hamilton, I eagerly anticipated his latest release, Empty Hole, particularly because I’ve always been fascinated by the Ark story.

Centuries have elapsed since the ship’s voyage, and its crew has devolved into a medieval-like society, residing beneath the remnants of their ancestors’ advanced technology. We uncover the challenges they encountered, including issues with the planet they were meant to land on, and a rebellious uprising on board that stranded them in perilous circumstances. At the age of 65, inhabitants must be recycled for the ship. This unique premise captivates me completely.

All of this is framed from Hazel’s first-person viewpoint, a 16-year-old girl. A significant breach exists in the ship’s hull (hence the title), she battles intense headaches, and soon finds herself ensnared in a whirlwind of dramatic events. Yet she finds time to fret about boys and garments, which I couldn’t afford. Why would a girl focus on fashion when the survival of everyone in a spaceship is at stake, and she is constantly plagued by headaches?

As fans may know, Hamilton is a master storyteller renowned for his contributions to big science fiction. My personal favorites include Empty Space and the Dawn trilogy, as well as his intricate and thrilling Commonwealth Saga duology. His narratives are dynamic, wildly innovative, and filled with complexities that often leave me thrilled, even if I don’t fully grasp every detail.

I had reservations about Hamilton’s more recent works, like Exodus: Archimedes Engine, which ties into the upcoming video game, Exodus. I felt certain plotlines were included solely to promote the game, detracting from the reader’s enjoyment. However, I appreciate that these works may not target my demographic. It’s evident the seasoned author is seeking new challenges. (For those who enjoy video game adaptations, the second installment in the game series will be released later this year and the game is set to debut in 2027.)

All this reminds me of Empty Hole. Midway through, I realized it seemed somewhat juvenile, for want of a better term. Research revealed that this novel was initially released as an audio-only book in 2021, primarily categorized as “young adult” or targeted towards teenagers.

In a 2020 interview, Hamilton expressed, “Though young adults as protagonists define a particular publishing category, I hope this work will resonate with audiences of all ages.” Personally, I don’t believe that a youthful protagonist excludes the potential for an adult-oriented book. (I mention this as a writer of novels featuring teenage lead characters.) So, can readers of all ages enjoy this book?

The plot setup and twists are stellar, as expected from Hamilton. However, I wish he had toned down the “teenage” aspects. I don’t require an interlude where she holds her boyfriend’s hand while my hero is fleeing danger. I believe that making the protagonist face the reality of being recycled at 65 would have added significant weight.

Perhaps Hamilton will capture a fresh audience with this release. For instance, as a movie or TV scout, I could envision how Empty Hole would look great on screen. This title is the first in a trilogy, with sequels slated for release in June and December. As I highlighted in my preview of new science fiction releases for 2026, this rapid schedule is unusual, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds.

I also recommend Emily…

Pandora’s Star
Peter F. Hamilton – Pan Macmillan

If you’re yet to experience Hamilton’s classic works, there are various entry points into the remarkable worlds he has created. I recommend Pandora’s Star and its sequel, Judas Unchained, as excellent beginnings. If “epic space opera” resonates with you, these novels are likely a perfect match.

Emily H. Wilson is a former editor of New Scientist and author of Sumerian, a trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The final book in the series, Ninchevar, is currently available. You can find her at emilywilson.com, or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1.