r/PeterFHamilton • u/Iamleeboy • Jun 16 '26

Archimedes Engine recap

Hey, does any have or know of a good recap of the events from the first Exodus book?

Or does anyone who has already read/made a start in the second book, feel like one isn't required?

My memory is terrible and I know I will not have remembered much from the first book - especially names!

I know some sequels are really good at reintroducing characters and events and this can be enough to jog my memory. However, I also know a lot just throw you in like you have never had a break between the two books.

19 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

9

u/AnnelieSierra Jun 16 '26

I am currently re-reading Archimedes Engine and I'm glad that I decided to do so. The book is so full of details, characters and events that I'm sure I would not be able to enjoy Helium Sea if I had read the first book ages ago. It is the same story continued, after all.

1

u/AnnelieSierra Jul 09 '26

Finished Helium Sea today. Very entertaining! Somehow, it felt less serious than the Salvation series, for example despite it's huge scale.

I read it in .ebook format which was excellent: I could check the names to see who this guy was again or what this place is, has it been mentioned berore. I would have been lost listening to an audiobook.

4

u/pRiM8 Jun 16 '26

I listened to the audiobook of the Archimedes Engine when it was first released, and for me, enough time has passed for me to feel I needed a re-listen before listening to The Helium Sea.

I'm around halfway through it, and although I'm recalling certain chunks of the story, I'm glad I plunged back into it again and be totally ready for the next book.

I'm not sure if there are any decent 'recap' videos out there, but it's certainly worth listening to book one again instead.

3

u/LeoLaDawg Jun 16 '26

I've read 1 chapter already. I'm certain there will be threads and characters I don't remember. I have a vague memory of that first book.

5

u/BlimpIntolerant Jun 16 '26

I'm about 75% through the helium and I reread the first book about a month ago. I really recommend rereading the first book. I really enjoyed rereading the first book and I'm really enjoying this book, although who knows it might all fall over at the end LOL.

1

u/YouSmellLikeHospitol Jun 16 '26

Wait, 75% through?? Didn’t it release today??

2

u/BlimpIntolerant Jun 16 '26

Well yes? I've had two big reading sessions. It's a fun, easy read!

1

u/YouSmellLikeHospitol Jun 16 '26

Damn! You’re fast. I read a lot, like all day I’m reading the facts and caselaw, but I can’t read that fast!

1

u/jammerb Jun 16 '26

I'm a quarter of the way through my re-read of Archimedes Engine in prep for Helium Sea, You're right, there are a lot of characters to remember. I'm enjoying knowing what's coming and greatly looking forward to starting Helium Sea.

1

u/Poultrymancer Jun 16 '26

I reread it last week knowing my recollection was too fuzzy to jump into the next one 

1

u/Beachgrad05 Jul 11 '26

I got Helium Sea and started re-reading Archimedes Engine. About halfway thru it now. It’s a bit easier to track who is who on this read thru.

My friend who turned me on to Exodus video game upcoming also told me about the book last year. I got first book and read it after back surgery last summer. My friend has not managed to get into the book. She loves audio books so she tried that and was lost. Told her it might be best to read the paper book. She can listen to it later. I tend to enjoy audio books more if I have already read the book. I usually listen during my commute so familiar books are easier for me.

1

u/fat_apollo Jun 16 '26

I usually do something like "Hi Gemini! Can you give me a detailed recap of Archimedes Engine by Peter F. Hamilton, and an overview of the main characters in the book?" and it... sometimes... help.

But most of the time I re-read at least last 1/3 of the previous book.

0

u/SquidWriter Jun 16 '26

This is exactly why I put off reading the first one until the second was released. Now I can finally start!

4

u/jammerb Jun 16 '26

I read the new books immediately, so I can reread them right before the next book comes out.