Set in the near future, over three hundred years before Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained, Peter F. Hamilton's Misspent Youth is a gripping introduction to the world of the Commonwealth Saga.

Be careful what you wish for . . .

Jeff Baker is a legend. He's an internationally-renowned inventor and philanthropist extraordinaire, and at seventy-eight he's given the world much of his genius. So in 2040, when Europe can finally rejuvenate a human being after decades of research, Baker becomes first choice for the gift of youth. And after eighteen months in a German medical facility, Jeff returns home looking no more than twenty.

The successful rejuvenation feels like a miracle - until the glow starts to fade. Jeff's relationship with his ex-model wife changes drastically. He also sees his son Tim, and Tim's gorgeous girlfriend, in a whole new light. As his pensioner friends start to resent what Jeff has become, he becomes increasingly aware that the world is watching. For great gifts come at a price and he will be expected to contribute yet more brilliant research to justify his place in the history books.

'Peter F. Hamilton peoples his story with strong characters ... clever and sharply observant' SFSite.com

'Tim is so incredibly real ... Highly recommended' SFBook.com

'The world created by Peter is once again full of ideas' TheUnisphere.com