From there, scientists work like forensic detectives, deducing amazing conclusions from the tiniest scrap of evidence. Much of the first book involves the uncovering of this mystery. While the overall storyline is amazingly complex, Hogan does a good (at times, perhaps excessive) job of summarizing what has happened so far through character dialogue (or monologue) before taking that next important step in the process.
Of course, it is science *fiction*, so many of the conclusions that the scientists come up with are wildly implausible at first. While some of the "plot holes" are explained later, it was hard for me to believe some of the characters actually believed the theories they were espousing. Such is the life of a trained scientists reading science fiction, I suppose. This wouldn't have bothered me so much if the rest of the story hadn't been so amazingly plausible and real.
The second book adds a completely new level to the plot, as scientists find out much more about the history of the skeleton and his civilization as well as a new alien civilization, and it continues in the fine tradition of the first book. The third book sets a much different tone as, for the first time, genuine conflict and intrigue are introduced. While some may argue that the last half of the third book is an unwelcome departure from the "mystery" and into action, I have to admit that I didn't mind. Although I found a lot of it wildly implausible, it was entertaining.
I don't way to say any more about the plot, simply because this is the kind of story where the fun is uncovering the truth (which I hate to spoil). I will just say if you like books like Sagan's "Contact" or perhaps Brin's "Earth" (also with a rather implausible action sequence near the end), this series will be a find.
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