Rating: 
Summary: A worthy sequel to Child of the River.
Review: Part of the magic of "Child of the River" was the gradual unfolding of the complexity of the planet Confluence: the sentient machines, the extraordinarily complex caste system of the society, the huge sweep of time across the culture. That there is a rollicking good tale running through the first two books now, makes McAuley's creation quite an accomplishment. Although these books are written as a trilogy, the typical beginning-middle-end of that form doesn't seem to be the prevailing idea here. This story is both expanding and contracting in unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable ways. The "Angel" character is a little preachy with her history, but McAuley is building a whole cosmology full of intrigue and creative, almost footloose ideas. In other words, it succeeds in doing what good science fiction can do, it takes us out of our own cultural and technological limits so that we can look back at them in a whole new way. "Ancients of Days" has me looking forward to the third book . . . .
Rating: 
Summary: Confluence comes to life like no world since Rama
Review: Read this book (and the first of the series) for the wonder of experiencing a unique world as it unfolds through the naive eyes of our reluctant hero-to-be Yama. The construct world of Confluence and the variety of societies and species of "men" and machines that inhabit it, brings to mind Rama on steroids. Yamas ongoing discoveries about his world and its history are the real story here. Which is lucky, since the plot is rather predictable (young naive man with odd powers is center of conflict between warring sides trying to control him.) The world of Confluence was so enjoyable, I would have given the books 5 stars if the so called plot had possessed ANY originality. So, if you require a riveting, page turning, read through the night plot you need to pass this series up. If you are a big science fiction/fantasy fan who enjoys new worlds and the time effects that turn facts into myths and legends you will enjoy a romp through Confluence with Yama.
Rating:
Summary: Confluence comes to life like no world since Rama
Review: Read this book (and the first of the series) for the wonder of experiencing a unique world as it unfolds through the naive eyes of our reluctant hero-to-be Yama. The construct world of Confluence and the variety of societies and species of "men" and machines that inhabit it, brings to mind Rama on steroids. Yamas ongoing discoveries about his world and its history are the real story here. Which is lucky, since the plot is rather predictable (young naive man with odd powers is center of conflict between warring sides trying to control him.) The world of Confluence was so enjoyable, I would have given the books 5 stars if the so called plot had possessed ANY originality. So, if you require a riveting, page turning, read through the night plot you need to pass this series up. If you are a big science fiction/fantasy fan who enjoys new worlds and the time effects that turn facts into myths and legends you will enjoy a romp through Confluence with Yama.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous, literal, "world-building"
Review: Reminiscent of Silverberg's Valentine series, this superb novel takes place on a long, narrow artificial world. The world is completely innundated with sophisticated machines, ranging in size from smaller than cells to large as whales. The planet itself is a machine, and the young protagonist, Yama, is a unique being who has the ability to control the machines. His powers make him a puppet in an on-going struggle for power. The action is fast and very exciting--at one point, I was yelling out loud! Great series, imaginative and beautifully written.
Rating:
Summary: Epic Stuff
Review: The Second Book of Confluence answers many of the questions from the first book while simultaneously setting up a cataclysmic finale. It is an excellent read, but only if one has read the first book. Comparisons have been made with Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun. They are unfounded. Granted their are similarities in the backdrop, but the nature, fel and pacing are utterly distinct. Yama is no Severian, and Yama is not alone. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and look forward to Shrine of Stars this September.
Rating:
Summary: Epic Stuff
Review: The Second Book of Confluence answers many of the questions from the first book while simultaneously setting up a cataclysmic finale. It is an excellent read, but only if one has read the first book. Comparisons have been made with Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun. They are unfounded. Granted their are similarities in the backdrop, but the nature, fel and pacing are utterly distinct. Yama is no Severian, and Yama is not alone. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and look forward to Shrine of Stars this September.
Rating: 
Summary: Doldrums on the Waters
Review: The story of Confluence flows like the great river..., unmitigated..., through three volumes. Like any larger story, it suffers from a slowing in the middle. The Act II doldrums, I have heard them called. In 'Child of the River', Yama and the world of Confluence are fresh and bright. In 'Ancients of Days', Yama and the world of Confluence are weather-worn and trodden. The path has been set, and now it must be followed. The beauty of Paul McAuley's writing still seeps from the pages in a way that forces you to yearn for the hardcover copy. Like the 'Puranas' - the Confluence version of the Bible, though greater and more aged - there is a kind of wonderment in just the words. But unlike 'Child of the River', there is a meticulous pondering in Book Two: a foraging for story. It is there, embedded within its philosopy on religion, thought, and science - in that order - that the simplicities of religion are easily expunged, the encouragement of questioning easily inititiated, but the psuedo(?)-constants of scientific fact more difficulty tackled; as being 'constants', they have arisen before... Is it possible to have a new idea? McAueley entertains, undoubtedly, and forces thought simultaneously. This alone makes for an engaging read. But amongst the beautiful imaginings and descriptions, the talents are hightened a great deal. So what are the faults? A little expectation of the unexpected not met. A little too much of the far-fetched 'omega-point-theory' mixed in with an otherwise previously unimagined outcome of universal life. And a little too little wind along the Great River. That said, one must not judge the parts as a whole. On to 'Shrine of Stars'
Rating:
Summary: McAuley Sucks Big Time
Review: Why? Because he can't write these Confluence books fast enough. Ever wonder where humanity or its descendants will be? Not 10, 100 or 1000 years from now - but 100000 years? Well wonder no more, because McAuley has created a whole new Universe, populated by wonderous machines and hybrid species. And they are hurtling thorugh space on a planet so artificial and with a geometry so unique that it takes your breath away. The scope of this book - technically and philosophically - outstanding. WHole heartedly reccomend this book. Take a river boat ride down the Ganges river someday, after you have read the book....
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