A team of Siganesinnen specialists investigates the mysterious Konstrukt der Ylanten, uncovering crucial secrets about NATHAN’s legacy, the enigmatic Ylanten, and the cosmic phenomenon known as the Brennendes Nichts. As tensions rise between key characters and revelations about ancient backup plans and memory storage emerge, the story propels the ongoing cycle forward with new intrigue and scientific speculation.
"Konstrukt der Ylanten" is the second book in a two-part series by the esteemed Perry Rhodan author Susan Schwartz (writing as Uschi Zietsch). While the first book served as more of a setup, this second installment really kicks the story into high gear and delivers an engrossing, revelation-filled science fiction adventure.
One of the strongest aspects praised by readers is the focus on the fascinating team of Siganesinnen - female specialists clearly beloved by fans. Schwartz does an excellent job further developing and endearing these characters to readers as they play a central role uncovering major discoveries within the strange construct of the Ylanten aliens. Their interactions, problem-solving, and sense of camaraderie make for a highly engaging narrative core.
The novel also pays off major story threads left dangling from the previous book, providing revelatory answers and progressing the overarching storylines in exciting ways. Chief among these are the startling reveals about the true nature of NATHAN and his connection to the cosmic being ES. Learning that NATHAN possesses an UBSEF constant, and that ES had put backup plans in place for when NATHAN eventually disappeared, upends expectations while opening up intriguing new mysteries to be explored. Schwartz masterfully lays these bombshell developments out in a compelling, page-turning fashion.
Readers specifically highlighted being hooked by the tease of Aurelia Bina and Cameron seemingly possessed by "demons" from the Burning Nothingness - a tantalizing storyline filled with ominous potential moving forward. The overall mixture of extraterrestrial wonder, universe-shaking revelations, and personal character storylines results in a thoroughly engaging reading experience that has many fans already eager for the next chapter.
While some felt the pacing dragged a little at times, the positives far outweighed any minor criticisms. Schwartz's talent for worldbuilding and introducing new cosmic concepts like the Burning Nothingness functioning as a potential "memory backup" creates a dense, fascinating universe that leaves readers wanting to peel back further layers of its reality. When combined with the endearing character ensemble and significant plot advancements, "Konstrukt der Ylanten" emerges as a highly satisfying continuation of this epic sci-fi book series.
Those familiar with the prodigious Perry Rhodan franchise will also appreciate the return of the supplemental "Perry Rhodan Journal" essays by Rüdiger Vaas, which explore factual scientific concepts in an informative and intellectually stimulating manner - in this case delving into the largest known structures in the observable universe.
For fans seeking an incredibly imaginative, mind-expanding reading experience filled with shocking reveals and the promise of even more cosmic drama and discoveries ahead, "Konstrukt der Ylanten" delivers in a big way. Susan Schwartz cements her mastery of the genre by crafting a riveting space opera tale that will not only engage diehard readers, but quite possibly convert new fans to the longstanding series as well.