Don't get me wrong here, the books will probably be enjoyed by other people. This is hardcore science fiction, thought in depths that were at times quite out of reach for me. It's a good book, but the level of exposition here will probably put it out of most people's reach, especially those that are not theoretical physicists or seasoned science fiction readers, neither of which I fall into. My interest in science fiction has been far more human and while that elements shows up here, it's rare and far few in between entire chapters detailing the theoretical aspects of space flight and related evolutionary biology. I found myself skimming away entire sections of the book because I knew with full confidence none of it would be recalled ever again. If that's the case, do they really deserve a place in the book? I don't know. I read the other day that Ender's Game and its ilk are now classified as 'soft science-fiction'. My counter-argument is that fiction is meant to be about the people in it: regardless of the setting, people are always what compels readers. If characters aren't important, I might as well just pick up a non-fiction book about space. 
 Once again I re-iterate, I did not hate the book. I quite enjoyed some sections of it. What I wish was included more in Aurora though was hope. We live in dark times, at least from my perspective, and hope is a commodity we could always use in abundance. Hope is also what drives me to science fiction. I'm afraid hope is not something densely populating this work. If your looking for deep researched and thought out, realistic and exposition filled work on space travel, Aurora is your best bet.