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The Grand Tour: Jupiter #1
Jupiter
Jupiter is a boundless ocean, ten times wider than the entire planet Earth. Heated from below by the planet's seething core, it is the widest, deepest, most fearsome ocean in the solar system.
Idealistic young American scientist Grant Archer joins a clandestine expedition to this awesome new world. But Grant does not share the ideals of the scientists he accompanies: he has been planted on their expedition by the New Morality, a religious group that wants to ferret out what the 'godless humanists' have discovered. His mission: to reassure the new religious leaders of Earth that Jupiter holds no intelligent life.
But unknown to the New Morality, Grant, though the son of a minister, is both a believer and a man who sees no reason why science and faith can not co-exist. He has come to the vast, planet-girdling ocean of Jupiter with an open mind, and he is about to tell his masters something that may shatter their conviction.
Idealistic young American scientist Grant Archer joins a clandestine expedition to this awesome new world. But Grant does not share the ideals of the scientists he accompanies: he has been planted on their expedition by the New Morality, a religious group that wants to ferret out what the 'godless humanists' have discovered. His mission: to reassure the new religious leaders of Earth that Jupiter holds no intelligent life.
But unknown to the New Morality, Grant, though the son of a minister, is both a believer and a man who sees no reason why science and faith can not co-exist. He has come to the vast, planet-girdling ocean of Jupiter with an open mind, and he is about to tell his masters something that may shatter their conviction.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2000
55 people are currently reading
1477 people want to read
About the author
Ben Bova
690 books1,042 followersBen Bova was born on November 8, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1953, while attending Temple University, he married Rosa Cucinotta, they had a son and a daughter. He would later divorce Rosa in 1974. In that same year he married Barbara Berson Rose.
Bova was an avid fencer and organized Avco Everett's fencing club. He was an environmentalist, but rejected Luddism.
Bova was a technical writer for Project Vanguard and later for Avco Everett in the 1960s when they did research in lasers and fluid dynamics. It was there that he met Arthur R. Kantrowitz later of the Foresight Institute.
In 1971 he became editor of Analog Science Fiction after John W. Campbell's death. After leaving Analog, he went on to edit Omni during 1978-1982.
In 1974 he wrote the screenplay for an episode of the children's science fiction television series Land of the Lost entitled "The Search".
Bova was the science advisor for the failed television series The Starlost, leaving in disgust after the airing of the first episode. His novel The Starcrossed was loosely based on his experiences and featured a thinly veiled characterization of his friend and colleague Harlan Ellison. He dedicated the novel to "Cordwainer Bird", the pen name Harlan Ellison uses when he does not want to be associated with a television or film project.
Bova was the President Emeritus of the National Space Society and a past President of Science-fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
Bova went back to school in the 1980s, earning an M.A. in communications in 1987 and a Ph.D. in 1996.
Bova has drawn on these meetings and experiences to create fact and fiction writings rich with references to spaceflight, lasers, artificial hearts, nanotechnology, environmentalism, fencing and martial arts, photography and artists.
Bova was the author of over a hundred and fifteen books, non-fiction as well as science fiction. In 2000, he was the Author Guest of Honor at the 58th World Science Fiction Convention (Chicon 2000).
Hollywood has started to take an interest in Bova's works once again, in addition to his wealth of knowledge about science and what the future may look like. In 2007, he was hired as a consultant by both Stuber/Parent Productions to provide insight into what the world is to look like in the near future for their upcoming film "Repossession Mambo" (released as "Repo Men") starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker and by Silver Pictures in which he provided consulting services on the feature adaptation of Richard Morgan's "Altered Carbon".
http://us.macmillan.com/author/benbova
Bova was an avid fencer and organized Avco Everett's fencing club. He was an environmentalist, but rejected Luddism.
Bova was a technical writer for Project Vanguard and later for Avco Everett in the 1960s when they did research in lasers and fluid dynamics. It was there that he met Arthur R. Kantrowitz later of the Foresight Institute.
In 1971 he became editor of Analog Science Fiction after John W. Campbell's death. After leaving Analog, he went on to edit Omni during 1978-1982.
In 1974 he wrote the screenplay for an episode of the children's science fiction television series Land of the Lost entitled "The Search".
Bova was the science advisor for the failed television series The Starlost, leaving in disgust after the airing of the first episode. His novel The Starcrossed was loosely based on his experiences and featured a thinly veiled characterization of his friend and colleague Harlan Ellison. He dedicated the novel to "Cordwainer Bird", the pen name Harlan Ellison uses when he does not want to be associated with a television or film project.
Bova was the President Emeritus of the National Space Society and a past President of Science-fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
Bova went back to school in the 1980s, earning an M.A. in communications in 1987 and a Ph.D. in 1996.
Bova has drawn on these meetings and experiences to create fact and fiction writings rich with references to spaceflight, lasers, artificial hearts, nanotechnology, environmentalism, fencing and martial arts, photography and artists.
Bova was the author of over a hundred and fifteen books, non-fiction as well as science fiction. In 2000, he was the Author Guest of Honor at the 58th World Science Fiction Convention (Chicon 2000).
Hollywood has started to take an interest in Bova's works once again, in addition to his wealth of knowledge about science and what the future may look like. In 2007, he was hired as a consultant by both Stuber/Parent Productions to provide insight into what the world is to look like in the near future for their upcoming film "Repossession Mambo" (released as "Repo Men") starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker and by Silver Pictures in which he provided consulting services on the feature adaptation of Richard Morgan's "Altered Carbon".
http://us.macmillan.com/author/benbova
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December 9, 2025
How would you react to the discovery of intelligent alien life?
John Campbell, arguably the best known editor in the history of science fiction, once demanded of his writers, "Write me a story about an organism that thinks as well as a man, but not like a man." Probably the best known successful response to that challenge was Stanley Weinbaum's pseudo-ostrich Tweel in THE MARTIAN ODYSSEY. It's only my opinion, of course, but I believe that Hal Clement's Mesklinites, the bizarre natives of a world of frozen methane and ammonia crushed with a gravity over 700 times that of earth also completed Campbell's imaginative challenge.
But, that was then and this is now. If John Campbell were still alive, I'm sure he would agree that Leviathan, Ben Bova's sentient colossus swimming the storm tossed globe-girdling oceans of Jupiter, a planet so massive that it is within an ace of self-igniting into a star, would also qualify as a winner in his alien life-form fiction sweepstakes.
As part of the continuing GRAND TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE series, JUPITER is certainly high falutin', rootin' tootin' space opera replete with all the high-tech gadgets, personalities, heroism and skulduggery that one would expect of any self-respecting member of this venerable sci-fi sub-genre. The basic plot idea is simple. It's the story of mankind's establishment of an experimental space station orbiting Jupiter, the development of research programs investigating Jupiter's large moons - Io, Ganymede, Europa, Callisto - and, ultimately, the first tentative exploration of the amorphous surface of Jupiter, the discovery of Jovian lifeforms and the realization that at least one of these species is sentient, intelligent and capable of communication. Bova has transformed a very basic scientific idea into an exciting plot-line with plenty of edge of the seat moments and lots of imaginative science that isn't entirely off the radar screen of credibility.
But, for me, what really pulls JUPITER into the 5-star range is Bova's portrayal of the ultra-right wing religious opposition to this basic scientific research and the philosophical discussion of humanity's conflicted reaction to, first, the possibility and, finally, the reality of sentient extra-terrestrial life.
Bova's GRAND TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE series is a continuing joy. Naturally, with such an extended series, some of the novels are much better or much worse than their siblings. MERCURY, for example, was much more soap opera than space opera. But JUPITER definitely fired on all cylinders and was an all out success. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
John Campbell, arguably the best known editor in the history of science fiction, once demanded of his writers, "Write me a story about an organism that thinks as well as a man, but not like a man." Probably the best known successful response to that challenge was Stanley Weinbaum's pseudo-ostrich Tweel in THE MARTIAN ODYSSEY. It's only my opinion, of course, but I believe that Hal Clement's Mesklinites, the bizarre natives of a world of frozen methane and ammonia crushed with a gravity over 700 times that of earth also completed Campbell's imaginative challenge.
But, that was then and this is now. If John Campbell were still alive, I'm sure he would agree that Leviathan, Ben Bova's sentient colossus swimming the storm tossed globe-girdling oceans of Jupiter, a planet so massive that it is within an ace of self-igniting into a star, would also qualify as a winner in his alien life-form fiction sweepstakes.
As part of the continuing GRAND TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE series, JUPITER is certainly high falutin', rootin' tootin' space opera replete with all the high-tech gadgets, personalities, heroism and skulduggery that one would expect of any self-respecting member of this venerable sci-fi sub-genre. The basic plot idea is simple. It's the story of mankind's establishment of an experimental space station orbiting Jupiter, the development of research programs investigating Jupiter's large moons - Io, Ganymede, Europa, Callisto - and, ultimately, the first tentative exploration of the amorphous surface of Jupiter, the discovery of Jovian lifeforms and the realization that at least one of these species is sentient, intelligent and capable of communication. Bova has transformed a very basic scientific idea into an exciting plot-line with plenty of edge of the seat moments and lots of imaginative science that isn't entirely off the radar screen of credibility.
But, for me, what really pulls JUPITER into the 5-star range is Bova's portrayal of the ultra-right wing religious opposition to this basic scientific research and the philosophical discussion of humanity's conflicted reaction to, first, the possibility and, finally, the reality of sentient extra-terrestrial life.
Bova's GRAND TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE series is a continuing joy. Naturally, with such an extended series, some of the novels are much better or much worse than their siblings. MERCURY, for example, was much more soap opera than space opera. But JUPITER definitely fired on all cylinders and was an all out success. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
October 14, 2023
I have read a few of Bova's other novels in his Grand Tour of the Solar System including VENUS, POWERSAT, and PRIVATEERS and have for the most part enjoyed these hard sci-fi looks at future explorations. I also have several others in the series waiting patiently to be read but finally got around to JUPITER which has been on my shelves for over ten years.
The protagonist of the story is Grant Archer who was studying astrophysics and wanted to get his doctorate by spending four years on the moon. But then he is called in by the "New Morality" and told to go to a research station orbiting Jupiter to spy on the scientists working there. The New Morality is against finding any form of intelligent alien life because it would be against scripture that "man was made in God's image." The scientists work may lead to such a discovery on Jupiter. So Grant has to forego his wishes and travel to Jupiter leaving his newly married wife behind on Earth. Once he gets there, he eventually gets pulled into the research and goes on a mission to the depths of Jupiter's endless atmosphere and down to its all-encompassing ocean where the mission indeed discovers life. But is it intelligent? And will Grant and the rest of the crew survive?
This was another enjoyable space romp from Bova. Bova brought in some science to make the story more believable including the use of a thick chemical liquid that the crew must breath and be immersed in during the mission to alleviate some of Jupiter's massive pressure. The crew is also directly connected to the space probe using bioimplants that enable them to control the ship using only their minds. The added peril of the "New Morality" also gave an added boost to the story and reminded me of today's far-right political agendas even though this was originally published in 2001. I would overall recommend this one and I'm hoping to get to more of Bova's series sometime soon.
The protagonist of the story is Grant Archer who was studying astrophysics and wanted to get his doctorate by spending four years on the moon. But then he is called in by the "New Morality" and told to go to a research station orbiting Jupiter to spy on the scientists working there. The New Morality is against finding any form of intelligent alien life because it would be against scripture that "man was made in God's image." The scientists work may lead to such a discovery on Jupiter. So Grant has to forego his wishes and travel to Jupiter leaving his newly married wife behind on Earth. Once he gets there, he eventually gets pulled into the research and goes on a mission to the depths of Jupiter's endless atmosphere and down to its all-encompassing ocean where the mission indeed discovers life. But is it intelligent? And will Grant and the rest of the crew survive?
This was another enjoyable space romp from Bova. Bova brought in some science to make the story more believable including the use of a thick chemical liquid that the crew must breath and be immersed in during the mission to alleviate some of Jupiter's massive pressure. The crew is also directly connected to the space probe using bioimplants that enable them to control the ship using only their minds. The added peril of the "New Morality" also gave an added boost to the story and reminded me of today's far-right political agendas even though this was originally published in 2001. I would overall recommend this one and I'm hoping to get to more of Bova's series sometime soon.
September 7, 2011
Ben Bova’s planetary exploration series continues with Jupiter. Bova is so identified with “hard” science-fiction that I remember being surprised that he would posit life on Mars in one of the earliest books in this space exploration series. Yet, I ended up fascinated with the way he did so. In Jupiter, he deals with the issue in an even more speculative (and interesting) way. The search for intelligent life on Jupiter is fascinating, as are the results of this interesting mission to probe the sub-zero ocean of Jupiter.
If you are unfamiliar with the series, the scientists (good guys) are constantly fighting a battle for survival (and funding) from the New Morality (bad guys) who believe that the scientists are trying to disprove God’s existence—much less God’s creation. Jupiter features a twist. The protagonist, Grant Archer, is the son of a Methodist pastor and he is asked to be a spy for the New Morality by taking an assignment aboard an orbital laboratory/space station above Jupiter. Needless to say, the bulk of the book deals with his struggle between faith and science. Both sides pretty well want him to see this as a dualism where one must decide one side or another. Archer demonstrates that this is a false dualism. Adding to the idea that this is a false dualism to which one must create a false dichotomy, Bova artfully uses scripture quotations throughout the novel to set up various key events. Indeed, there are even some verses from the Bible quoted in direct discourse, though these were merely presented as arguments among the characters—sometimes in context and sometimes quite out of context.
The truth is that Bova has captured this struggle for the essence of humanity quite perfectly. The world is becoming ever more polarized, as illustrated by the fact that even as I was reading this book, several of the candidates for a major party’s nomination for President (at this point) have either enacted, ordered, or voted for some kind of action that curbs scientific endeavor on the basis of satisfying fundamentalist fanatics. And the only candidate in that group who seems to have a healthy attitude toward both science and religion is woefully close to last place in the polls. Perhaps, more people should read Jupiter in order to help both sides find some rapprochement. On second thought, it seems highly likely that fanatics would simply opt to quit reading.
Jupiter is a novel with fascinating science mixed with speculation, story mixed with vignettes that frame the characters with background and motives, and an important message to the entire world about the importance of science. In Jupiter, Bova espouses the idea that religion and science can be compatible. Even if it wasn’t a terrific adventure, it would be worth reading just for that juxtaposition.
If you are unfamiliar with the series, the scientists (good guys) are constantly fighting a battle for survival (and funding) from the New Morality (bad guys) who believe that the scientists are trying to disprove God’s existence—much less God’s creation. Jupiter features a twist. The protagonist, Grant Archer, is the son of a Methodist pastor and he is asked to be a spy for the New Morality by taking an assignment aboard an orbital laboratory/space station above Jupiter. Needless to say, the bulk of the book deals with his struggle between faith and science. Both sides pretty well want him to see this as a dualism where one must decide one side or another. Archer demonstrates that this is a false dualism. Adding to the idea that this is a false dualism to which one must create a false dichotomy, Bova artfully uses scripture quotations throughout the novel to set up various key events. Indeed, there are even some verses from the Bible quoted in direct discourse, though these were merely presented as arguments among the characters—sometimes in context and sometimes quite out of context.
The truth is that Bova has captured this struggle for the essence of humanity quite perfectly. The world is becoming ever more polarized, as illustrated by the fact that even as I was reading this book, several of the candidates for a major party’s nomination for President (at this point) have either enacted, ordered, or voted for some kind of action that curbs scientific endeavor on the basis of satisfying fundamentalist fanatics. And the only candidate in that group who seems to have a healthy attitude toward both science and religion is woefully close to last place in the polls. Perhaps, more people should read Jupiter in order to help both sides find some rapprochement. On second thought, it seems highly likely that fanatics would simply opt to quit reading.
Jupiter is a novel with fascinating science mixed with speculation, story mixed with vignettes that frame the characters with background and motives, and an important message to the entire world about the importance of science. In Jupiter, Bova espouses the idea that religion and science can be compatible. Even if it wasn’t a terrific adventure, it would be worth reading just for that juxtaposition.
November 2, 2015
This was awkwardly fun. It's tempting to compare JUPITER and Arthur C. Clarke's classic Space Odyssey novels, which are about the same planet, right off the bat, but Ben Bova here created a novel that's both self-aware of Clarke's masterpiece and that manages not to repeat anything it says. JUPITER is bold, imaginative (and utterly improbable) science-fiction, but it's also fun in a very blunt way, which is utterly different from classic humorless and convoluted sci-fi novel. Ben Bova always cuts to the chase and doesn't shy away from the cliché if it can make his point quicker, yet it created quite the idiosyncratic pleasure in JUPITER. A novel brimming with a youthful and boundless energy.
June 7, 2024
Ben Bova just had a way with writing Science Fiction that really resonates with me, and this book continues that sentiment.
This book has some excellent thematic elements, particularly regarding the New Morality and the radicals in power, regarding the scientists and the legths they would go for exploration, and regarding the morals of being separated from your spouse for long periods of time. I thought it balanced all of these themes splendidly.
The concepts in this book are also fantastic. The way that Bova comes up with the "Leviathans" for Jupiter is absolutely fascinating, and the research the characters do is really fun to read.
This book doesn't have quite as an exciting storyline as Mars and Mars Life, but it does still propel forward well. I will say that the first 200 pages and the last 70 pages are most excellent. There is a portion in the middle for about 120 pages that isn't quite as interesting to me, where I thought the book dragged, but it was definitely saved by the ending.
Bova's worldbuilding is still some of my favorite in Science Fiction and he definitely adds some great elements here.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think it does an excellent job in most areas. It's not quite as good as Mars or Mars Life, but is definitely better than Return to Mars, and continues the work to solidify Ben Bova as one of my favorite authors. 8 out of 10.
This book has some excellent thematic elements, particularly regarding the New Morality and the radicals in power, regarding the scientists and the legths they would go for exploration, and regarding the morals of being separated from your spouse for long periods of time. I thought it balanced all of these themes splendidly.
The concepts in this book are also fantastic. The way that Bova comes up with the "Leviathans" for Jupiter is absolutely fascinating, and the research the characters do is really fun to read.
This book doesn't have quite as an exciting storyline as Mars and Mars Life, but it does still propel forward well. I will say that the first 200 pages and the last 70 pages are most excellent. There is a portion in the middle for about 120 pages that isn't quite as interesting to me, where I thought the book dragged, but it was definitely saved by the ending.
Bova's worldbuilding is still some of my favorite in Science Fiction and he definitely adds some great elements here.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think it does an excellent job in most areas. It's not quite as good as Mars or Mars Life, but is definitely better than Return to Mars, and continues the work to solidify Ben Bova as one of my favorite authors. 8 out of 10.
April 29, 2024
"The rash assertion that 'God made man in His own image' is ticking like a time bomb at the foundation of many faiths." Arthur C. Clarke
Ben Bova's Jupiter is part of his Grand Tour series which discusses the possible exploration and colonization of our solar system. I have read several of Bova's Grand Tour novels, and probably enjoyed Jupiter the most so far. It raises several controversial matters that may arise in our future related to the priorities of space travel and the possibility of discovering intelligent life that is different from humans. If a different species of intelligent life were found, would man's faith waiver, or would it be strengthened. I feel that is personal speculation for each individual, but, it most certainly would foster some philosophical and religious questions.
Jupiter, as all of Bova's novels, are not only entertaining, but they are also credible. Although at one time, the New York Times said that Bova was one of "the last of the great pulp writers," I believe Bova's predictions are based more on scientific accuracy, particularly considering his career, experience, and educational background. As far as the novel Jupiter is concerned, I believe the novel, including the character development, science, and technology are not only believable, but reasonable. I most certainly wouldn't expect to see this novel in a sensationalized pulp magazine or comic book. It most certainly wasn't like reading Star Wars or Edgar Rice Burroughs. But, that's just me.
In summary, I enjoyed the book very much, and the description of the planet, as far as what scientists knew at the time, was completely conceivable. The reader could tell that Bova had done his research on not only the planet, but the difficulties in entering its atmosphere and what man might discover there. In addition, he did an excellent job of describing the political, social, and religious environment, at the time, and what challenges potential explorers may face to even be allowed to visit the planet. Characters were not only believable, but well carved out, with differing personalities, hopes and fears. And the story itself was exciting and engaging.
I for one, would probably be terrified to experience the possibility of visiting such a hostile and violent world, but, as many of the golden science fiction writers described, there are those who would sacrifice almost anything for that chance. Many of the characters in the novel, were more akin to the valiant, but there were still a few that would have been terrified as myself. And by the way, the terror didn't include going out with your phaser and your light saber to fight the bad guy (thank you New York Times).
Finally, regardless of Bova's actual leanings toward atheism in his own life, he did fairly well, although still being a bit radical, in defining religion in the future. I find it strange how many who don't believe in a divine being see those who do. Bova was probably no different, but there were some characters that were more tolerant, as I would hope most of us are. As far as seeing that intelligent alien that looks nothing like a human? I would be celebrating.
Ben Bova's Jupiter is part of his Grand Tour series which discusses the possible exploration and colonization of our solar system. I have read several of Bova's Grand Tour novels, and probably enjoyed Jupiter the most so far. It raises several controversial matters that may arise in our future related to the priorities of space travel and the possibility of discovering intelligent life that is different from humans. If a different species of intelligent life were found, would man's faith waiver, or would it be strengthened. I feel that is personal speculation for each individual, but, it most certainly would foster some philosophical and religious questions.
Jupiter, as all of Bova's novels, are not only entertaining, but they are also credible. Although at one time, the New York Times said that Bova was one of "the last of the great pulp writers," I believe Bova's predictions are based more on scientific accuracy, particularly considering his career, experience, and educational background. As far as the novel Jupiter is concerned, I believe the novel, including the character development, science, and technology are not only believable, but reasonable. I most certainly wouldn't expect to see this novel in a sensationalized pulp magazine or comic book. It most certainly wasn't like reading Star Wars or Edgar Rice Burroughs. But, that's just me.
In summary, I enjoyed the book very much, and the description of the planet, as far as what scientists knew at the time, was completely conceivable. The reader could tell that Bova had done his research on not only the planet, but the difficulties in entering its atmosphere and what man might discover there. In addition, he did an excellent job of describing the political, social, and religious environment, at the time, and what challenges potential explorers may face to even be allowed to visit the planet. Characters were not only believable, but well carved out, with differing personalities, hopes and fears. And the story itself was exciting and engaging.
I for one, would probably be terrified to experience the possibility of visiting such a hostile and violent world, but, as many of the golden science fiction writers described, there are those who would sacrifice almost anything for that chance. Many of the characters in the novel, were more akin to the valiant, but there were still a few that would have been terrified as myself. And by the way, the terror didn't include going out with your phaser and your light saber to fight the bad guy (thank you New York Times).
Finally, regardless of Bova's actual leanings toward atheism in his own life, he did fairly well, although still being a bit radical, in defining religion in the future. I find it strange how many who don't believe in a divine being see those who do. Bova was probably no different, but there were some characters that were more tolerant, as I would hope most of us are. As far as seeing that intelligent alien that looks nothing like a human? I would be celebrating.
September 27, 2025
Jupiter by Ben Bova – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and yes, I’m biased!)
I’ll be honest up front: this is my kind of science-fiction. Big ideas. Distant planets. High stakes. Weird alien life. Political meddling. Moral dilemmas. If you hand me a book like that, I’m basically a cat with catnip. So yes, I’m biased, and Jupiter pushed all my buttons in the best way.
Ben Bova has a knack for writing “hard” SF that still feels like an adventure. He takes actual science and then stretches it just far enough to be breathtaking but still plausible. In Jupiter we get orbital labs, mind-controlled probes, liquid-breathing suits and the hint of sentient life swirling deep in the planet’s endless storm oceans. That’s the sort of speculative science that makes me grin like a kid.
What makes Jupiter more than just cool gadgets, though, are the themes Bova weaves through the story. The “New Morality” zealots spying on scientists, the question of what happens to your marriage when you’re separated for years in the name of exploration, and a protagonist caught between his faith and his training – Grant Archer isn’t just piloting a probe, he’s navigating a minefield of belief, ethics, and duty. It’s surprisingly relevant in 2025.
I’ll admit there’s a section in the middle that slowed down a bit for me – but the first 200 pages and the last 70 absolutely sing. The final descent into Jupiter’s atmosphere had me gripping the book like a rocket seat armrest. It’s classic Bova: science and speculation welded to a genuine sense of awe.
And of course, the leviathans. Bova’s depiction of potential Jovian life is one of those ideas that just sticks in your head. The way he makes you believe these things could actually be there is half the fun.
So yes, I’m handing out five stars. Jupiter is space-opera with brains, a moral debate dressed as an action adventure, and another strong entry in the Grand Tour series. If you like your SF full of storms, politics, and moral thunderstorms, this one will make you as giddy as it made me.
I’ll be honest up front: this is my kind of science-fiction. Big ideas. Distant planets. High stakes. Weird alien life. Political meddling. Moral dilemmas. If you hand me a book like that, I’m basically a cat with catnip. So yes, I’m biased, and Jupiter pushed all my buttons in the best way.
Ben Bova has a knack for writing “hard” SF that still feels like an adventure. He takes actual science and then stretches it just far enough to be breathtaking but still plausible. In Jupiter we get orbital labs, mind-controlled probes, liquid-breathing suits and the hint of sentient life swirling deep in the planet’s endless storm oceans. That’s the sort of speculative science that makes me grin like a kid.
What makes Jupiter more than just cool gadgets, though, are the themes Bova weaves through the story. The “New Morality” zealots spying on scientists, the question of what happens to your marriage when you’re separated for years in the name of exploration, and a protagonist caught between his faith and his training – Grant Archer isn’t just piloting a probe, he’s navigating a minefield of belief, ethics, and duty. It’s surprisingly relevant in 2025.
I’ll admit there’s a section in the middle that slowed down a bit for me – but the first 200 pages and the last 70 absolutely sing. The final descent into Jupiter’s atmosphere had me gripping the book like a rocket seat armrest. It’s classic Bova: science and speculation welded to a genuine sense of awe.
And of course, the leviathans. Bova’s depiction of potential Jovian life is one of those ideas that just sticks in your head. The way he makes you believe these things could actually be there is half the fun.
So yes, I’m handing out five stars. Jupiter is space-opera with brains, a moral debate dressed as an action adventure, and another strong entry in the Grand Tour series. If you like your SF full of storms, politics, and moral thunderstorms, this one will make you as giddy as it made me.
April 1, 2018
I originally skipped over this book in the chronological order and thought I had missed something by what happened in 'The Silent War'. Turns out what I was looking for wasn't here either. That's one of the problems reading books in chronological order rather than publication order. However, no harm done as this appears to be a stand alone, with little linking it the rest of the Grand Tour series. My best guess is that the info I was expecting to find here is in the book 'Saturn'.
The story of an expedition into the clouds/seas of Jupiter to look for new forms of life. There's an interesting cast of characters, but I did not find them all totally believable. The speculative science did not have me 100% convinced, although interesting and detailed enough to keep me entertained. Some minor plot threads didn't seem to go anywhere in this book, but it's obvious there is a sequel 'Leviathans of Jupiter', so some of those may be set ups.
Not one of my favorites of the series so far. Now I am going back to the chronological order to finish up the Asteroid Wars sub series with 'The Aftermath'.
The story of an expedition into the clouds/seas of Jupiter to look for new forms of life. There's an interesting cast of characters, but I did not find them all totally believable. The speculative science did not have me 100% convinced, although interesting and detailed enough to keep me entertained. Some minor plot threads didn't seem to go anywhere in this book, but it's obvious there is a sequel 'Leviathans of Jupiter', so some of those may be set ups.
Not one of my favorites of the series so far. Now I am going back to the chronological order to finish up the Asteroid Wars sub series with 'The Aftermath'.
July 5, 2019
After the first 8 books in The Grand Tour (Mars in particular), Jupiter feels a bit odd at the start. We're not building up to the eventual discovery of life--the fact that there's life on Jupiter is presented fait accompli in the first chapters. And not only life... intelligent life (or so is claimed). Jupiter isn't really about the discovery of life or even really about the idea of life on a research station around Jupiter.
What Jupiter is really about the conflict between religion and science as humanity continues to expand outwards into the solar system. The New Morality controls the politics of the Earth and is doing everything it can to control the solar system. In doing so, they send Grant Archer--a believer and an astrophysicist--to spy on what in the world is going on far out in the dark reaches of the solar system. There's conflict between science and religion, both on the large scale with the New Morality and the small scale within Grant himself, especially as he begins to settle in and befriend those living on Jupiter station.
The other core of the book is a mission into the oceans of Jupiter itself. It's a strange but plausible feeling bit of technology, wherein the explorers are immersed in perfluorocarbon (an oxygen-rich liquid they can breath while allowing for much higher pressures) with implanted electrodes that allow them to connect directly to their ship and feel what it 'feels'. We're getting further into the future and from the science of today, but everything still feels reasonable enough (even life in the clouds of Jupiter...) to put Jupiter square into the realm of near future hard sci fi. Overall, very cool.
The weakest parts of the story are a combination of side plots that don't really go anywhere and characters that seem to have no ability to say no. For the former, this could very well be the beginnings of what might bring uplifted gorillas or dolphins to the Grand Tour universe and I full expected them to be used on the mission at the very least... but nothing. In the case of the latter, there are several replacements to the very dangerous Jupiter atmospheric missions (which have already claimed lives) and... it doesn't seem like anyone chosen can say no. I don't really get it. It's just not even mentioned.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I do like the less political, more sciency stories of the Grand Tour (although none of them--this included--avoid politics entirely). I'm curious to see what will happen a handful of books from now when we get to Leviathans of Jupiter.
What Jupiter is really about the conflict between religion and science as humanity continues to expand outwards into the solar system. The New Morality controls the politics of the Earth and is doing everything it can to control the solar system. In doing so, they send Grant Archer--a believer and an astrophysicist--to spy on what in the world is going on far out in the dark reaches of the solar system. There's conflict between science and religion, both on the large scale with the New Morality and the small scale within Grant himself, especially as he begins to settle in and befriend those living on Jupiter station.
The other core of the book is a mission into the oceans of Jupiter itself. It's a strange but plausible feeling bit of technology, wherein the explorers are immersed in perfluorocarbon (an oxygen-rich liquid they can breath while allowing for much higher pressures) with implanted electrodes that allow them to connect directly to their ship and feel what it 'feels'. We're getting further into the future and from the science of today, but everything still feels reasonable enough (even life in the clouds of Jupiter...) to put Jupiter square into the realm of near future hard sci fi. Overall, very cool.
The weakest parts of the story are a combination of side plots that don't really go anywhere and characters that seem to have no ability to say no. For the former, this could very well be the beginnings of what might bring uplifted gorillas or dolphins to the Grand Tour universe and I full expected them to be used on the mission at the very least... but nothing. In the case of the latter, there are several replacements to the very dangerous Jupiter atmospheric missions (which have already claimed lives) and... it doesn't seem like anyone chosen can say no. I don't really get it. It's just not even mentioned.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I do like the less political, more sciency stories of the Grand Tour (although none of them--this included--avoid politics entirely). I'm curious to see what will happen a handful of books from now when we get to Leviathans of Jupiter.
August 22, 2021
This is definitely the best Grand Tour entry I've read so far. The exploration and discovery actually received a good bit of attention, the New Morality politics, irritating as always, was better balanced and actually had some menace. That said, it's a Bova book, and there were plenty of absurdly irritating characters, trite lines and a good amount of womanizing, and as usual for this author the actual focus on Jupiter as a planet was lacking.
Four Stars is definitely an overly-high rating for Jupiter in its own right, but compared to the other Planetary entries in the Grand Tour I'll grant it the handicap.
Four Stars is definitely an overly-high rating for Jupiter in its own right, but compared to the other Planetary entries in the Grand Tour I'll grant it the handicap.
August 26, 2012
Jupiter, by Ben Bova, was first published in 2001, and is part of Bova’s Grand Tour series, which deals with the exploration and colonization of the solar system by humans in the late 21st century. Grant Archer, a young astrophysicist grad student, is forced to accept his mandatory public service assignment at the scientific research station that orbits the planet Jupiter, where there is really no option to pursue his graduate study in astrophysics. He is even more unhappy that he was also chosen by the powerful New Morality to serve as a spy while at the Jupiter station because the scientists there are believed to be attempting to verify the existence of, and make contact with, a possibly intelligent life form on Jupiter. The New Morality sees any non-Earth life form (especially intelligent life form) as being a threat to their fundamentalist religious beliefs. In addition, Archer is married and his assignment to Jupiter will make it impossible for him to be with his wife for several years due to Jupiter’s great distance from Earth. Archer cannot refuse this assignment and he makes the year-long journey to the Jupiter station on a very slow cargo transport. Unexpectedly, he becomes a friend and colleague to the scientists on the Jupiter station, which makes him very uncomfortable with his orders to spy on them. Indeed, the scientists at the Jupiter station do believe they have encountered life forms in the extremely high-pressure environment of Jupiter’s planet-wide ocean. Furthermore, they are planning another mission into that dangerous environment to attempt to prove the existence of life on Jupiter and to learn more about that life. Archer ends up playing a very important role in this extremely dangerous mission. This book includes much plausible scientific information about Jupiter and its orbiting station, including fascinating descriptions of the planet, the station, and the craft used to carry the scientists into the Jupiter environment. It weaves a complex social and political climate on Earth and on the Jupiter station, while providing plenty of action and drama. It also includes very interesting, realistic, and likable (at least some are likable) characters in Archer and his colleagues. I really liked this book and I highly recommend it!
March 7, 2011
For some reason, I prefer SF that includes alien contact, interesting new ecosystems, and the like. This was my first book by Bova, and I picked it up due to the mention of alien contact. After this one, I'm looking forward to the new book Leviathans of Jupiter and hope to learn more about the leviathans and their world.
(Frankly, the space politics and tension between human beings, governments, and religions is much less interesting to me. I'm all about the 'Others'.)
Why do evil fanatics always have to be Christian or Muslim? Can't we have some variety? I will note that the main protagonist uses his faith in a way that I respect--and recognize. That was a nice contrast. I like the way Bova points out at the end that the fanatics are using faith as a mechanism for gaining power. Nice separation and clarification there. I noticed and appreciated that.
(Frankly, the space politics and tension between human beings, governments, and religions is much less interesting to me. I'm all about the 'Others'.)
Why do evil fanatics always have to be Christian or Muslim? Can't we have some variety? I will note that the main protagonist uses his faith in a way that I respect--and recognize. That was a nice contrast. I like the way Bova points out at the end that the fanatics are using faith as a mechanism for gaining power. Nice separation and clarification there. I noticed and appreciated that.
April 20, 2011
I read this book on a whim. Having been looking for Larry Niven in the bookstore, I was first distracted by the cover. Our own solar system has always been interesting to me, and so I read the back. It simply felt vague, so I opened the book and read the short prologue. Suddenly, my opinion had changed a bit. It was written well, and sounded like it had the potential to be a great book. I found that it was, and really enjoyed the imagery, the foreign feel of it, and the way Bova wrote the perspective of the Jovians was enrapturing. He did a great job personifying every character, both protagonists and antagonists. Nobody was simply an evil dictator, everybody had a why to their way, and that greatly helped to make this book stand out amongst a decades long genre.
December 17, 2009
The weakest effort I have read from Mr. Bova. It was actually a struggle to finish. The "side" stories really slow the pace of the book down and since the "characters" in these little stories don't have a personality to speak of, it is difficult to care about them. They just interupt the book. It starts out fine and if you are a Bova fan, you can easily get into his world but it fails to entertain as the book progresses.
March 9, 2009
5/10
Leviathan was interesting creature...
Leviathan was interesting creature...
October 7, 2015
Slow start but imaginative finale.
Read
November 16, 2020I put some of the earlier books in the Grand Tour series on hold at the library, and the first to come in was Jupiter. I'm not quite sure how Bova fits in the Earth he describes as overrun by vast flooding caused by global warming in New Earth with the vision of an Earth run by the New Morality he envisions here. It seems a coalition of fundamentalists from all religions has banded together in the common cause of enforcing moral behavior and decency upon the entire world, and these fanatics are now in charge of government at all levels. Their antipathy to science is extreme, and their fears that scientists might discover something that disproves creationism or the puts into doubt the existence of God seems to drive all of the conflict in this novel.
The whiny little "hero" of this story is Grant Archer, a grad student in astronomy who is required to serve his four years of Public Service on a space station orbiting Jupiter, while his wife serves hers on Earth. He is recruited by the New Morality to spy on the scientists already on the station, who are suspected of the sin of finding intelligent life on another planet. Bova regales us with a vast data dump of interesting information about Jupiter and its environs, which I assume is mostly factual, though he certainly departs from terra cognita and takes us on a journey of the imagination as we explore deeper than any probes sent to date. You know (if you've read much SF at all in your life) how this has to go, don't you? Archer goes over to the "dark side", joins the expedition, finds the aliens, and broadcasts the truth far and wide so that it cannot be suppressed.
Hmm, is this how Bova creates the downfall of the New Morality and the rise of the government seen in later books? The truth will set you free?
I know that a good science fiction story often requires the willing suspension of disbelief, and yet I have a few quibbles with some of the themes in this story. Bova is cheating a bit with a cardboard cutout "anti-science" villainous entity here (he does the same with an evil corporate CEO in Venus, which I just started reading).
First, I cannot imagine a situation so dire that all of the fundamentalists of the world's religions would ever agree to cooperate for much longer than it took to stab one another in the back. Their fundamental beliefs, though it might not appear so to unbelievers, are not compatible. Not gonna happen. Ever.
Second, Bova seems to think that ALL, shall we say "religionists" are against science, and probably responsible for all of the funding cuts that our country's space program has taken recently (though he does mention in Venus that all NASA funds must be spent on studying climate change, not planetary exploration). Obviously Mr. Bova hangs around (or most likely doesn't) with a whole different group of Jesus Freaks from the ones I hang around with. It would be the exciting topic of many a Sunday afternoon coffee shop discussion if intelligent life was discovered on Jupiter. Do you know how many Trekkies go to my church?
The whiny little "hero" of this story is Grant Archer, a grad student in astronomy who is required to serve his four years of Public Service on a space station orbiting Jupiter, while his wife serves hers on Earth. He is recruited by the New Morality to spy on the scientists already on the station, who are suspected of the sin of finding intelligent life on another planet. Bova regales us with a vast data dump of interesting information about Jupiter and its environs, which I assume is mostly factual, though he certainly departs from terra cognita and takes us on a journey of the imagination as we explore deeper than any probes sent to date. You know (if you've read much SF at all in your life) how this has to go, don't you? Archer goes over to the "dark side", joins the expedition, finds the aliens, and broadcasts the truth far and wide so that it cannot be suppressed.
Hmm, is this how Bova creates the downfall of the New Morality and the rise of the government seen in later books? The truth will set you free?
I know that a good science fiction story often requires the willing suspension of disbelief, and yet I have a few quibbles with some of the themes in this story. Bova is cheating a bit with a cardboard cutout "anti-science" villainous entity here (he does the same with an evil corporate CEO in Venus, which I just started reading).
First, I cannot imagine a situation so dire that all of the fundamentalists of the world's religions would ever agree to cooperate for much longer than it took to stab one another in the back. Their fundamental beliefs, though it might not appear so to unbelievers, are not compatible. Not gonna happen. Ever.
Second, Bova seems to think that ALL, shall we say "religionists" are against science, and probably responsible for all of the funding cuts that our country's space program has taken recently (though he does mention in Venus that all NASA funds must be spent on studying climate change, not planetary exploration). Obviously Mr. Bova hangs around (or most likely doesn't) with a whole different group of Jesus Freaks from the ones I hang around with. It would be the exciting topic of many a Sunday afternoon coffee shop discussion if intelligent life was discovered on Jupiter. Do you know how many Trekkies go to my church?
March 27, 2024
There are many extreme planetary environments in the solar system, it is difficult to imagine humans entering and surviving in them. That is not the case for Ben Bova. Using the latest scientific data about a planet, he manages to develop a plausible mechanism whereby humans can survive for at least short periods of time in the harshest of environments.
In the planetary part of the solar system, there is no harsher environment than the atmosphere of Jupiter. There are wild variations of temperature, extremely violent storms and extreme atmospheric pressures found nowhere else. Using a plausible liquid that humans could breath, feeding tubes attached to veins of the neck and electronic interfaces from humans to the ship, an expedition into the Jovian atmosphere is developed. Bova has done his homework, using the latest data regarding the environment of Jupiter, he develops a scientifically viable plan for humans to take a ship deep into the atmosphere of Jupiter.
Bova also sets the background environment where Earth is now ruled by a rigid theocracy called the New Morality that is in keeping with those of human history. The leaders are opposed to scientific advancement that they envision as inconsistent with their beliefs. It is of course hard to envision such a situation in an environment where humans have expanded out to the orbit of Jupiter. Yet, the presence of the theocratic leadership is also very well handled.
Grant Archer is a scientist that wants to study astrophysics from the far side of the Moon. He is also recently married, so his goal is to spend a rather sedate life working in science. However, he runs afoul of the New Morality and is given no choice but to go to the research station on Jupiter and act as a spy for the New Morality. There have been hints that there are advanced life forms on Jupiter, the discovery of which will upend much of the New Morality dogma.
The story of how Archer is converted from a reluctant spy into a participant in one of the greatest scientific endeavors of human history is one of triumph of fact over dogma. His actions at the end guarantee that the leaders of the New Morality will be unable to put the genie of scientific discovery back in the bottle. It is a great tale of the advancement of science overcoming great odds when being damped down by religious beliefs.
In the planetary part of the solar system, there is no harsher environment than the atmosphere of Jupiter. There are wild variations of temperature, extremely violent storms and extreme atmospheric pressures found nowhere else. Using a plausible liquid that humans could breath, feeding tubes attached to veins of the neck and electronic interfaces from humans to the ship, an expedition into the Jovian atmosphere is developed. Bova has done his homework, using the latest data regarding the environment of Jupiter, he develops a scientifically viable plan for humans to take a ship deep into the atmosphere of Jupiter.
Bova also sets the background environment where Earth is now ruled by a rigid theocracy called the New Morality that is in keeping with those of human history. The leaders are opposed to scientific advancement that they envision as inconsistent with their beliefs. It is of course hard to envision such a situation in an environment where humans have expanded out to the orbit of Jupiter. Yet, the presence of the theocratic leadership is also very well handled.
Grant Archer is a scientist that wants to study astrophysics from the far side of the Moon. He is also recently married, so his goal is to spend a rather sedate life working in science. However, he runs afoul of the New Morality and is given no choice but to go to the research station on Jupiter and act as a spy for the New Morality. There have been hints that there are advanced life forms on Jupiter, the discovery of which will upend much of the New Morality dogma.
The story of how Archer is converted from a reluctant spy into a participant in one of the greatest scientific endeavors of human history is one of triumph of fact over dogma. His actions at the end guarantee that the leaders of the New Morality will be unable to put the genie of scientific discovery back in the bottle. It is a great tale of the advancement of science overcoming great odds when being damped down by religious beliefs.
July 25, 2019
TITLE: Jupiter
AUTHOR: Ben Bova
GENRE: Science Fiction
PAGES: 432
For as long as I can remember, the planets of our solar system have always fascinated me. I think it started when man walked on the moon fifty years ago. Ever since then, I have looked up and wondered. With his “Grand Tour” series, Ben Bova has helped fuel my imagination and sense of wonder. There are twenty-two books in this series. Jupiter falls at number ten in the list.
So, let’s get to it. Jupiter tells the story of Grant Archer, a member of the New Morality and recent graduate student, recent husband, and recently assigned to the space station Gold for four years to spy on the scientists for New Morality. Something is going on up there and they want answers. The problem is Grant does not want to be so far away from his new bride for four years, add an addition year traveling there and then back, and he is staring down the barrel of six years apart.
When Grant gets to the station, he immediately falls under suspicion. New kid on the block and all. He meets the staff, makes some acquaintances, and in time falls into the somewhat good graces of the station’s director, the paranoid Dr. Wo. In time, Grant finds himself on the mission to go into the ocean of Jupiter to possibly find a new life form. But to do that, he must befriend a gorilla, and switch his field of study to fluid dynamics, rather than astro-physics, and fight feelings he is developing for one of the crew members.
Where this book excels, is I was taken to the station Gold, and viewed the planet Jupiter in all of its awesome fury. The attention to detail is enough that the dramatic sense of wonder and awe is present on every page without being beaten half to death with it. Mr. Bova also has the unique ability to make the politics surrounding the station as fascinating and exciting as the planet it revolves.
All in all Jupiter is a must read for any science fiction fan. Even if you are not a fan, this book has something for everyone.
5+out of 5 Bookmarks and one major BOOKGASM!
AUTHOR: Ben Bova
GENRE: Science Fiction
PAGES: 432
For as long as I can remember, the planets of our solar system have always fascinated me. I think it started when man walked on the moon fifty years ago. Ever since then, I have looked up and wondered. With his “Grand Tour” series, Ben Bova has helped fuel my imagination and sense of wonder. There are twenty-two books in this series. Jupiter falls at number ten in the list.
So, let’s get to it. Jupiter tells the story of Grant Archer, a member of the New Morality and recent graduate student, recent husband, and recently assigned to the space station Gold for four years to spy on the scientists for New Morality. Something is going on up there and they want answers. The problem is Grant does not want to be so far away from his new bride for four years, add an addition year traveling there and then back, and he is staring down the barrel of six years apart.
When Grant gets to the station, he immediately falls under suspicion. New kid on the block and all. He meets the staff, makes some acquaintances, and in time falls into the somewhat good graces of the station’s director, the paranoid Dr. Wo. In time, Grant finds himself on the mission to go into the ocean of Jupiter to possibly find a new life form. But to do that, he must befriend a gorilla, and switch his field of study to fluid dynamics, rather than astro-physics, and fight feelings he is developing for one of the crew members.
Where this book excels, is I was taken to the station Gold, and viewed the planet Jupiter in all of its awesome fury. The attention to detail is enough that the dramatic sense of wonder and awe is present on every page without being beaten half to death with it. Mr. Bova also has the unique ability to make the politics surrounding the station as fascinating and exciting as the planet it revolves.
All in all Jupiter is a must read for any science fiction fan. Even if you are not a fan, this book has something for everyone.
5+out of 5 Bookmarks and one major BOOKGASM!
July 19, 2023
I’m always pleasantly surprised by these Ben Bova science fiction books. They’re highly approachable, and I rarely see information that confuses me. His characterization of women is less than lustrous much of the time. And what feels like a serious hate for conservative Christianity gets tiresome. In fairness, he’s rather unenthusiastic about religion in general. Fortunately, his fixation with nanoparticles lessens in this book somewhat.
Grant Archer’s dad is a pastor in suburban Salem, Oregon as the book opens. Grant wants a degree in astronomy, and he wants to spend four years in public service on the moon working toward his degree. But the New Morality Coalition wants him to go to Jupiter where exists a space station. The coalition is sure scientists are engaging in godless behaviors secretly, and they want Grant Archer to figure out what’s going on and report back. He’s a believer, but Grant is a scientist, too, and it’s his love of science that wins.
In short, he learns that the Jupiter scientists have built a submersible that can both orbit the planet and descend into its poisonous oceans to search for life. Grant ultimately winds up on that mission whose job it is to determine for sure whether there is intelligent life somewhere in the planet’s oceans.
That journey into the ocean and the struggles that occur there comprise some of the most thrilling heart-hammering writing I’ve seen in a good while. You’ll be torn from wanting to skip, skip, skip ahead to see quickly how this all comes out if it does and experiencing that gut-wrenching hopelessness that comes as the author sets up a scenario in which all is lost. Admittedly, part of this felt a bit long and sloggy, but the last three hours or so were book player grippers. I haven’t experienced a vivid ride like that in a long, long time.
Grant Archer’s dad is a pastor in suburban Salem, Oregon as the book opens. Grant wants a degree in astronomy, and he wants to spend four years in public service on the moon working toward his degree. But the New Morality Coalition wants him to go to Jupiter where exists a space station. The coalition is sure scientists are engaging in godless behaviors secretly, and they want Grant Archer to figure out what’s going on and report back. He’s a believer, but Grant is a scientist, too, and it’s his love of science that wins.
In short, he learns that the Jupiter scientists have built a submersible that can both orbit the planet and descend into its poisonous oceans to search for life. Grant ultimately winds up on that mission whose job it is to determine for sure whether there is intelligent life somewhere in the planet’s oceans.
That journey into the ocean and the struggles that occur there comprise some of the most thrilling heart-hammering writing I’ve seen in a good while. You’ll be torn from wanting to skip, skip, skip ahead to see quickly how this all comes out if it does and experiencing that gut-wrenching hopelessness that comes as the author sets up a scenario in which all is lost. Admittedly, part of this felt a bit long and sloggy, but the last three hours or so were book player grippers. I haven’t experienced a vivid ride like that in a long, long time.
September 24, 2025
This one had all the ingredients I usually like in a sci-fi novel — a mysterious gas giant, a secret mission, scientific intrigue, and a main character on a personal quest for meaning. And while Jupiter definitely delivered on some of those fronts, it left me feeling a little underwhelmed overall.
The story follows Grant Archer, a young astrophysicist who’s sent to a research station orbiting Jupiter — supposedly to carry out scientific duties, but really to spy on the scientists there for a controlling religious government back on Earth. The setup has real potential: conflicting loyalties, the pull between faith and curiosity, and the tantalizing possibility of life in Jupiter’s massive, hostile atmosphere.
Bova is at his best when describing the science. You can tell he’s done the homework. The mechanics of the Jovian environment, the descent into the atmosphere, the speculative biology — it all feels grounded and carefully imagined. If you're the kind of reader who loves detailed tech and real physics in your fiction, there's a lot to enjoy here. The worldbuilding is classic hard sci-fi: slow, steady, and rational.
But that same approach is also where the book falters. The characters, including Grant, often feel like vehicles for ideas more than people. There's some effort to explore his internal conflict — between his religious upbringing and his growing scientific openness — but it's never fully fleshed out. The emotional stakes feel muted. Conversations are often stiff or overly expository, and the pacing drags in places where it could use a jolt of urgency or intimacy.
Plot-wise, it’s a slow burn. There are secrets and mysteries, but the narrative tension never quite matches the scale of the setting. I kept waiting for a moment that would surprise me or hit me emotionally, and while there were flashes of it — especially in the final third — it never fully delivered that “wow” moment.
Still, I wouldn’t call it a bad book. It’s solid, thoughtful, and very much in line with the classic sci-fi tradition. If you come to it for the ideas, for the grand scope and the scientific curiosity, you’ll likely be satisfied. But if you're looking for deeply drawn characters or a story that pushes the genre into new territory, it might feel a bit dated or dry.
The story follows Grant Archer, a young astrophysicist who’s sent to a research station orbiting Jupiter — supposedly to carry out scientific duties, but really to spy on the scientists there for a controlling religious government back on Earth. The setup has real potential: conflicting loyalties, the pull between faith and curiosity, and the tantalizing possibility of life in Jupiter’s massive, hostile atmosphere.
Bova is at his best when describing the science. You can tell he’s done the homework. The mechanics of the Jovian environment, the descent into the atmosphere, the speculative biology — it all feels grounded and carefully imagined. If you're the kind of reader who loves detailed tech and real physics in your fiction, there's a lot to enjoy here. The worldbuilding is classic hard sci-fi: slow, steady, and rational.
But that same approach is also where the book falters. The characters, including Grant, often feel like vehicles for ideas more than people. There's some effort to explore his internal conflict — between his religious upbringing and his growing scientific openness — but it's never fully fleshed out. The emotional stakes feel muted. Conversations are often stiff or overly expository, and the pacing drags in places where it could use a jolt of urgency or intimacy.
Plot-wise, it’s a slow burn. There are secrets and mysteries, but the narrative tension never quite matches the scale of the setting. I kept waiting for a moment that would surprise me or hit me emotionally, and while there were flashes of it — especially in the final third — it never fully delivered that “wow” moment.
Still, I wouldn’t call it a bad book. It’s solid, thoughtful, and very much in line with the classic sci-fi tradition. If you come to it for the ideas, for the grand scope and the scientific curiosity, you’ll likely be satisfied. But if you're looking for deeply drawn characters or a story that pushes the genre into new territory, it might feel a bit dated or dry.
June 23, 2025
Sadly, I had to DNF this at 60%
Approached it with mixed feelings. I absolutely love Mars by Ben Bova and also liked Venus. I was a bit skeptical about the alien lifeform (knew before there would be a lifeform found) since many of these stories turn our weird. This one did as well.
SPOILER ALERT:
- Huge Leviathans in an ocean on Jupiter are an outstandingly dumb idea
- Making up an ocean of water on Jupiter is an even dumber idea! In a hard sci-fi novel about our solar sytem I don't want the author to think up shit that doesn't exist. There is an ocean of liquid metallic hydrogen on Jupiter but not of water
- Way too little hard sci-fi in this one. I wanted to read a novel about Jupiter (like Venus and Mars) not about unlikeable weirdos on a space station
- The characters are invariably unlikeable idiots
- A gorilla on a space station with infused intellegence of a two year old is another very odd idea
This book is full of nonsense. I gave it two stars as there is some hard sci-fi about Jupiter and I was pretty interested in what's going on until around half of the book despite all this nonsense. There is a subplot about a possible traitor in their midst who wants to sabotage the exploration mission. It was the most interesting part.
Approached it with mixed feelings. I absolutely love Mars by Ben Bova and also liked Venus. I was a bit skeptical about the alien lifeform (knew before there would be a lifeform found) since many of these stories turn our weird. This one did as well.
SPOILER ALERT:
- Huge Leviathans in an ocean on Jupiter are an outstandingly dumb idea
- Making up an ocean of water on Jupiter is an even dumber idea! In a hard sci-fi novel about our solar sytem I don't want the author to think up shit that doesn't exist. There is an ocean of liquid metallic hydrogen on Jupiter but not of water
- Way too little hard sci-fi in this one. I wanted to read a novel about Jupiter (like Venus and Mars) not about unlikeable weirdos on a space station
- The characters are invariably unlikeable idiots
- A gorilla on a space station with infused intellegence of a two year old is another very odd idea
This book is full of nonsense. I gave it two stars as there is some hard sci-fi about Jupiter and I was pretty interested in what's going on until around half of the book despite all this nonsense. There is a subplot about a possible traitor in their midst who wants to sabotage the exploration mission. It was the most interesting part.
January 4, 2019
This was my first Ben Bova novel, and while I found it engaging enough to finish, it never managed to charm, enlighten, or entertain. The novel starts with the protagonist Grant Archer, a devout scientist, sent to a space station orbiting Jupiter. He is shipped there ostensibly to spy for the theocratic government of New Morality, but lured by the promise of advancing human knowledge, he very quickly turns Team Science.
Exploring the tensions between religion and science is not a new concept. (See: His Dark Materials, Angels & Demons, A Wrinkle in Time.) However, Bova doesn't plumb the tensions sufficiently enough for dramatic effect. Rather, his plotline requires multiple suspensions of disbelief. Grant and his peers on station flagrantly ignored basic safety precautions and, it seemed to me, had no rigor to their scientific approach.
If the science in a science fiction is weak, then the plotline or characterization must be excellent to compensate. Sadly, that was not the case here. I understand this is part of a series, but as far as an introduction to Bova and his work goes, based on this novel, please color me not-impressed.
Exploring the tensions between religion and science is not a new concept. (See: His Dark Materials, Angels & Demons, A Wrinkle in Time.) However, Bova doesn't plumb the tensions sufficiently enough for dramatic effect. Rather, his plotline requires multiple suspensions of disbelief. Grant and his peers on station flagrantly ignored basic safety precautions and, it seemed to me, had no rigor to their scientific approach.
If the science in a science fiction is weak, then the plotline or characterization must be excellent to compensate. Sadly, that was not the case here. I understand this is part of a series, but as far as an introduction to Bova and his work goes, based on this novel, please color me not-impressed.
December 12, 2020
On an Earth where four years of work service is mandatory (two years as a youth then two years at age 50) Grant Archer is an astrophysics student who has just married. To his dismay he is drafted into a position on orbital station Gold around Jupiter for four years straight and under instructions to report just what is going on there, as it seems a forbidden project may be underway. Once aboard Gold he finds that a mission deep inside Jupiter’s oceans has failed and a second is being organized before officials from earth arrive to shut it down. Its mission: find intelligent life which is supected after a glimpse of giant swimming creatures - Leviathans. To work at the crushing pressures at depth they must ‘breathe’ the oxygenated liquid PCFL and be chipped into the computer. Ben Bova has given us a taut investigative tale of immense lifeforms and political struggles against the religious zealotry of the ruling New Morality on Earth. But what happens if they actually find the Leviathans? And sometimes it’s possible to reconcile faith with science… Good stuff.
August 4, 2023
I've read three of the grand tour books so far by bova, and this is by far the best one in the bunch. The characters, the science, and the stakes. Bova's future prospects for humanity are exceedingly dark and tragic but this gives him the pallet to paint a shining hope for a coming golden age for humanity. The protagonist is a prudish, religious believer wholly under the thumb of the theocratic fascist state that runs the world sent to spy on the actions of the jupiter scientists. When you build a universe where life is everywhere, it's difficult to recreate the wonder and the implications of finding life, but somehow bova does it!
Because of the traditional structure of the story (it's built for the silver screen! dripping with hollywood set-pieces) I found myself one or two steps ahead of the twists-to-be, plodding along waiting for the characters to realize what Bova had obviously spelled out 50 pages prior. But that doesn't mean it's not a fun and wild ride! Definitely recommend.
Because of the traditional structure of the story (it's built for the silver screen! dripping with hollywood set-pieces) I found myself one or two steps ahead of the twists-to-be, plodding along waiting for the characters to realize what Bova had obviously spelled out 50 pages prior. But that doesn't mean it's not a fun and wild ride! Definitely recommend.
November 24, 2022
This book is one of a series of books on the planets by Ben Bova. This is the first one I have read. There are a number of elements that weave through this book: A struggle between science and religion as the religious establishment back on Earth is afraid that the discovery of life on other planets will challenge their belief in God and God choosing human beings to be the "chosen race" in the universe. And this struggle playing on within the life of Grant Archer who is a scientist and is the son of a Methodist minister and a "believer". He lives this struggle within him throughout the book and remains a seeker of truth" grounded in fact. Ben Bova creates a very will written story of exploration of Jupiter and the challenge of searching for sentient life. This is a quick read and it works of the level of story a deeper level of human participation in the life of the universe and the question of what place religion plays in fuelling our creativity and discovery.
March 3, 2023
Bova, Ben. Jupiter. Tor, 2000. Grand Tour 8.
Jupiter is the first of two books in Ben Bova’s Grand Tour series that are set in the Jovian system. The Americas are dominated by a fundamentalist sect called the New Morality that dominates the International Astronomical Agency that funds interplanetary exploration. Our protagonist, Grant Archer, is a graduate student in astrophysics doing his year of public service for the church on a station orbiting Jupiter, where none of the scientists are working in his field. Instead, they are working in secret to develop a shuttle to explore the oceans of Jupiter. The station is rife with intrigue. Grant has been ordered to spy on his fellow scientists. As usual in this series, Bova successfully integrates scientific speculation into a lively plot, but his prose style and character descriptions are less original than they should be. 4 stars.
Jupiter is the first of two books in Ben Bova’s Grand Tour series that are set in the Jovian system. The Americas are dominated by a fundamentalist sect called the New Morality that dominates the International Astronomical Agency that funds interplanetary exploration. Our protagonist, Grant Archer, is a graduate student in astrophysics doing his year of public service for the church on a station orbiting Jupiter, where none of the scientists are working in his field. Instead, they are working in secret to develop a shuttle to explore the oceans of Jupiter. The station is rife with intrigue. Grant has been ordered to spy on his fellow scientists. As usual in this series, Bova successfully integrates scientific speculation into a lively plot, but his prose style and character descriptions are less original than they should be. 4 stars.
July 13, 2017
Jeg elsker at læse om opdagelsesrejser i rummet og kontakt med ikke-jordiske væsner! Ben Bova gør det godt, og jeg kunne vældig godt lide hans idéer om tro vs. videnskab, hvordan vi kan modstå det enorme tryk nede i Jupiters hav (gassen fortættes til hav pga. trykket, jo tættere man kommer på Jupiters kerne - i hvert fald i denne bog). Af en eller anden grund troede jeg, at den var skrevet i 1950'erne - bestemt ikke i år 2000!!! Den virker langt ældre, både mht. videnskabelige fakta, kvindesynet, sprogbrug og beskrivelserne af de tekniske finesser, der er rundt omkring i historien. Dog virker historien noget langtrukken, og jeg var glad, da de endelig tog af sted til Jupiters hav, hvilket skete ret sent i bogen. De rumvæsner, som forfatteren har opfundet til lejligheden var originale og spændende at læse om. Så spændende, at jeg har besluttet at læse toeren også, den udkom i 2011.
December 23, 2017
Grant Archer has graduated as an astrophysicist and hopes to be assigned a post on the Farside of the Moon. However, the New Morality government of the USA has decided to send him to Jupiter as a spy in n the scientists there. But Grant becomes deeply involved with a team to the chagrin of those that placed him there. This team is on the verge of making a discovery that could change science, religion, and politics forever.
It’s interesting that the New Morality has analogues in today’s politics in Tony Abbott and his fellow far-right conservatives in Australia and in Trump’s Republicans in America. Let’s hope that the events of this story don’t eventuate in real life.
I found this book to be an engrossing read - good hard science, good characters, and a good story. Although it is part of Bova’s Grand Tour series, it stands alone as a story. I gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.
It’s interesting that the New Morality has analogues in today’s politics in Tony Abbott and his fellow far-right conservatives in Australia and in Trump’s Republicans in America. Let’s hope that the events of this story don’t eventuate in real life.
I found this book to be an engrossing read - good hard science, good characters, and a good story. Although it is part of Bova’s Grand Tour series, it stands alone as a story. I gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.
May 8, 2019
I've been reading Bova for many years (I started in the late 1980s) and he's an excellent writer, with ups and downs like anyone else - but this is one of his best books, which unfortunately I'm only reading now.
It talks about a lot of subjects that interest me, especially about the conflict between science and religion, and how the discovery of life (and advanced and intelligent life and totally different) would mean to Earth.
It fits into a large "arch" of Bova books called "Grand Tour of the Universe", but can be read separately, independent of the others, and (if you eventually read others) without the reading order harming the experience: I know this because I read several out of order before I start reading the whole "arch", which is what I'm doing now.
It talks about a lot of subjects that interest me, especially about the conflict between science and religion, and how the discovery of life (and advanced and intelligent life and totally different) would mean to Earth.
It fits into a large "arch" of Bova books called "Grand Tour of the Universe", but can be read separately, independent of the others, and (if you eventually read others) without the reading order harming the experience: I know this because I read several out of order before I start reading the whole "arch", which is what I'm doing now.
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