The worlds that Peter F Hamilton creates in the Neutronium Alchemist series are utterly compelling, as are his storylines and ideas. However his great books are let down by two things - his dreadful characterisations and his juvenile obsession with sex. I thoroughly enjoy all his books, and race through them, only stopping occasionally to groan and roll my eyes when one of his space-bimbos drops her panties for the hero again, or the cheesy bad-guy utters one of his faux-menacing lines.Regardless, I would highly recommend the Neutronium Alchemist and all his other books. It's worth forcing yourself to ignore the poor characterisations, the books are so chock-full of interesting ideas and situations and gripping storylines.