Forward is a genius and his own brand of hard sci-fi is technically amazing. I also like how developed the alien culture is in this novel (part of the Rocheworld series). I have not read any of the sequels. ( )

Forward is famous for writing the hardest of hard sf. Nothing in his books goes beyond what is possible under the laws of physics, and often the exposition of pure science overwhelms the story. However this lyrical and beautifully written novel transcends the nitty-gritty to soar through realms of near-poetry. Its simply a beautiful story of a one-way trip to a fantastic planetary system and the meeting with the intelligent life, so different from ours, that inhabits it. Superb piece of writing. This is how good sf should be. ( )

I just loved "Camelot 30K" by Forward and picked this up when I found it in London on a holiday. Forward is an outstanding scientist and naturally writes hard science fiction. At times his writing goes beyond "hard" and becomes bone dry (to the point of beeing boring). Therefore "Flight of the Dragonfly" stayed a while in my TBR pile before I worked up the courage to take it on.

It is an interesting book that will appeal greatly to the fans of hard Science Fiction. Not everything in the book is easy to follow and "Flight..." is not for everybody.

A strange planetary system has been found by probes. It is only 4.7 lightyears away and an expedition is beeing planned at the beginning of the book. The trip will take more than 20 years and is one way. We follow the crew on its voyage and in the early months of the exploration.

Recomended for fans of Forward or of hard Science Fiction. ( )