The Great Unmaking

The Course of Empire Series, Book 3

By: Brian Nelson

Narrated by: Bradford Hastings

A propulsive, mind-expanding thriller—and the world-shaking conclusion to the Course of Empire trilogy—about bold scientific dreams turning into nightmares … or perhaps new beginnings …

After usurping control of the world’s most powerful military technology, General Chip Walden knows the endgame is near and tasks scientist Eric Hill with one final assignment. Helped by the love of his life, Jane Hunter, Hill is haunted by premonitions of a coming catastrophe as the technology he created takes on a life of its own.

As Hill attempts to avert disaster, FBI Special Agent Bud Brown seeks revenge for the murder of his fellow agents by eco-terrorist Riona Finley. But what no one realizes is that forces are at work that have already decided humanity’s fate. With the clock ticking toward an irrevocable apocalypse, it’s no longer a question of if the world can be saved, but who will be the chosen few that survive.

The Great Unmaking is the grand conclusion to Brian Nelson’s magisterial trilogy that James Rollins has called “a must-read adventure.”

©2023 Brian Nelson (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Excellent series…

I don’t write reviews, but felt compelled to after this book. Excellent storyline throughout the series. Astounding detail, and eerily convincing of what could lay ahead.

somewhat disappointed

felt that author ran out of steam with how the series ends, almost like those Twilight Zone stories where it is all a child's fever dream.

Incredible and Frightening Series

I loved this series. While I do enjoy some sci-fi, it not a terribly often genre I pursue and particularly those inclined toward military or political are very rare for me. This tale does have that, but oh my so much more. It was incredibly scary and I'm a true horror fan. However I found this series far more frightening than any other book I've read. Perhaps because I can see where much of the "sci-fi" mechanics, AI development, forced evolution, and many many other inventions in this series are very likely to become our reality in the next 5, 10, to 15 years. Others I can see being part of the norm in my children's, my grands, and my great grands life spans There were some which I thought were a bit out there, but then thought, I'm sure people 100-200 years ago could say exactly the same for many of what we now simply take for granted. I seriously hope our world can possibly gain some control over our selves and respect for others before this comes about. I do highly recommend this series.

Fantastic conclusion

A great story from the start of the first book “the last sword maker” to the middle book “the 5 tribes” and then finally concluded with the latest edition to the trilogy “the great unmaking” the the reading and performance was FANTASTIC and had me sitting in my car for upwards of 20 minutes at a time after pulling into my driveway. The characters were all well written and portrayed by the voice actor with consistency across all 3 books. My only disappointment is that there will not be a 4th book to the series! These books will remain in my library for a long time and are candidates for a re-read.

Great end to the trilogy!

Nelson’s trilogy exploring the amazing potential and danger of nanotechnology comes to an explosive conclusion! Can’t wait for the next trilogy!

favorite trilogy

I've read 300+ books and this is my favorite trilogy. The characters are well developed and the story line is bullet proof. A must read

great story and excellent narration

I thought as the story progressed from the first to the third book that the story got stronger and more engaging. Quite entertaining.
I docked a star from the story rating for the portrayal of dogs in the story as detrimental to our relationship with our environment (See Saan views and elements of the last book in the series). it adds nothing to the story, comes off as written by a grumpy dog hater or anti-pet peta-member.
The symbiotic relationship between dogs and people are as much a part of humanity as fire.

Great Series!!!

This story is wonderful!! I was hooked from the jump. The characters are fleshed out. The science and technology is based on facts. The narration is superbly done. A+! I just wish it was longer!!!!!

The most unique sci-fi I've ever read.

Many might be disappointed with this book, but the skill and craft behind it should be recognized and appreciated.
Ask yourself: would you trust a pre-teen girl with the god-like technology that could facilitate any strong desires?
This is a metaphor that mankind is nothing but a child handling technology beyond their understanding and control.

To address the nay-sayers about this book series, This doesn't follow the typical journey and have a happy ending that readers would like to enjoy. It does, however, follow through with consequences of decisions made earlier in the book. This third book aligns with flawed motivations of humans and the epic consequences that could result. This is a Frankenstein story, NOT "science run amok" but the REAL story of consequences of irresponsible handling of one's creation.

Characters - Of the several things that places this at another level than others, it is characters. All protagonist, villians, and side characters have dimension, competence, and motivation that a reader could sympathize with. Example, the villian is charismatic, smart, and justified in how he runs the organization. His ex-wife was an unintended collateral death, he considers it murder and has a very structured rational that gains huge political support to back his vendetta. If you weren't aware of the full circumstances, nor have knowledge of the other characters, you'd likely sympathize and might join his cause even though you figured out it was a vendetta.

Technology - The big difficulty with new technology is figuring out what might become of it. Remember "Graphene" and how it was going to help make a space elevator? There's plenty of graphene, no space elevator. What about an AI of light particles? It leaves the confines of a person with the primary mandate to help that person. Definitely would block any bullets shot at them because of the 'threat' of the person. But what about an argument with a loved one, would the AI do something to the loved one in a fit of rage? What would be the range of the AI? A few feet? Global?

This combination of human qualities and advanced technology is "why" the book goes the direction it does, and end as it does. "Would you trust a pre-teen girl with the god-like technology that could facilitate any strong desires?" An Air Force Colonel with technology that makes thermonuclear bombs seem like amateur hour, is just a child with god-like technology.
Honestly, that's exactly how it would be. People "in power" or "in authority" are not in that position because they are "the best" person for the role, Historically, the human race has notoriously bumbled through technology, using it for immediate gains and dealing with the consequences....afterward.

Good and Unexpected

Really enjoyed the series , and the ending surprised me; the story didn't follow a typical cliche pattern. Honestly it's a lot to unpack and I hope the author continues to make some stories in this universe he's created. Totes worth the credit, enjoy!