Perry Rhodan and his companions strive to piece together fragments of the superintelligence ES while facing opposition from various antagonistic groups, including a cosmic manipulator. Set in a galaxy 200 million light-years away, the story unfolds as alliances are tested and secrets are revealed in a race against time towards a cosmic showdown.

Reader Review Summary

"Die Steinerne Kreatur" is another gripping installment in the long-running Perry Rhodan science fiction series. Author Susan Schwartz delivers an excellent space opera adventure that expertly advances the overarching "Fragmente" story cycle towards its climactic finale.

One of the highlights is how well Schwartz builds upon the events of the previous book by Michael Marcus Thurner. She adeptly continues plot threads like the thrilling murder mystery surrounding the Yaqana deaths that hooked readers. Her skilled characterization, such as further developing John Wetterhahn after his introduction last book, allows a seamless transition that immerses readers back into the universe.

The escalating action and high stakes keep the pages turning at a brisk pace. Schwartz ratchets up the tension and urgency as our heroes race against time to reassemble the pieces of the superintelligence ES, all while facing threats from antagonistic forces like the ominous Kmossen. She masterfully juggles multiple storylines and factions jockeying for position leading into the cycle's endgame.

Longtime fans will relish the introduction of new intriguing elements like the mysterious Jülziish from the future and shadowy Schemen groups. While expanding the overall mythology, it wonderfully sets up potential revelations and payoffs in upcoming books. Schwartz leaves enough tantalizing crumbs to theorize about while never overshadowing the core narrative thrust.

The author's skilled prose and imagination truly shine when rendering cosmic concepts and mind-bending sci-fi ideas. She has a deft hand at world-building, vividly depicting strange aliens, advanced technologies, and far-flung planets in a way that amazes while always maintaining an internal plausibility. Her talents at balancing heady speculative fiction with more personal, grounded character moments is impressive.

With its propulsive plot, fascinating new mysteries, and ambitious exploration of time travel and higher dimensions, "Die Steinerne Kreatur" is sure to delight Perry Rhodan fans. Susan Schwartz has not only kept the quality bar high but elevated anticipation for how this iconic series will stick the landing in the climactic homestretch. This is a stellar addition that makes the wait for the conclusion feel interminable in the best way possible.