well written. lots of detail. but, if you like action novels, this book focuses on a different kind of detail: interpersonal relationships and the general backdrop of society in 10,000 yrs.

Let me say right off the bat that I really like Jack McDevitt and both of his series: "Hutch" Hutchins and the Chase Kolpath and Alex Benedict duo (in this series). I have tremendously enjoyed most of his other books (I wasn't wild about Ancient Shores, which doesn't belong to either of these series). Others describe the story well, so I won't go into that. McDevitt is up to his usual standard, which is pretty darn good.
My main complaint with this story is that it is very, very similar to a couple of his other books, including scenes that involve an uncomfortable meeting with the only known alien race, realistic but prolonged research phases of the story, scenes that involve narrow escapes from attempts on the main characters' lives, and a similar denger/trap when the last site or artifact is found. Also, I appreciate the fact that McDevitt's stories are built on human characters, and he never goes for the 'deus ex machina' conclusion, but rather his stories are driven by very human characters that read like people you know, or would like to know. However, this time around, McDevitt's far future feels a little TOO much like today, and I felt that way in this book more than many of his others, even though he actually offers an explanation for that similarity (there is an upper limit on the intelligence level that allows people to function well in society, once exceeded by too many members, the society begins to disintegrate).
I read a lot, and I often go several years before returning to an author and getting several of his/her books and reading them consecutively. I read more than half this book before I finally decided that I hadn't read it a couple of years ago. It was that similar to his other books.
I like the characters and the universe he's created, but I really felt that I hadn't read anything new when I finished this book.

This is not an objective review. I am a big McDevitt fan, and have read every novel penned by the author. Seeker is a solid novel in the same cut as his other previous works. This installment is the third book based on the two protagonists, Alex and Chase, from " A Talent for War," my personal favorite and the first book in the series. The book follows the same mystery/adventure template Mc Devitt fans enjoy and find in much of his work. While not as ground breaking as "A Talent for War," the book is still a fun and entertaining read. Consider the analogy of visiting your favorite restaurant and enjoying your favorite dish. It may not taste as delicious as the first time you had it, but it still hits the spot.

Part of the problem with McDevitt's previous works is there are too many recurring themes... especially of "saved at the last second by rope or net", and "colliding suns". Well, while we do get a big dose of "colliding suns" - it is done quite well; and the "saved at the last second by rope or net" trick is kept small enough to be hardly noticeable.

The main "artifact chasing" characters Chase Kolpath and Alex Benedict (last seen in POLARIS), are likeable.

The story is fast paced and easy to read - this is definately one of McDevitt's best offerings so far... and to think I'd almost given up on him, after seeing so many repetitive stories in recent years.