Translight

Galactic Alliance #1

by Doug Farren

Alternate-cover edition can be found here and here

Earth has developed a stardrive. The stars are now ours. Others, however, have gotten there before us and they have rules we must follow. Facing isolation within our own star system Earth bites the bullet, forms a united government, and joins the Consortium. Humans, however, have a knack for getting into trouble and it doesn't take long before things start to unravel both on Earth and in deep space.

This is the amazing story of Jay Kauffman (the creator of the stardrive), CAIN (his machine partner), and the human race as technology drives us farther than our cultural development has prepared us for. But, it's not just about humans. In the end, it seems as if we have something of our own to teach the more advanced cultures.

Genres: Science Fiction, Military Fiction

530 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2009

About the author

I've always wanted to be a writer. I used an old Royal typewriter in high school to start my first work of genius - I never completed it. Over the years, I started and never finished more stories than I can count--and then I discovered word processors. Editing was a snap and as my time in the Navy drew to a close I finished my first complete novel. Although it was never published, it served as the basis for the entire Galactic Alliance series.

The books I write can be read by all age-groups from the young to the very old.

Today, I'm a husband, father of two daughters, grandfather, and a science fiction writer. I currently work as a database administrator at a nuclear power plant in Northeastern Ohio. I am proud to have served 11 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear propulsion operator (nuke ET).

I am an avid reader of science fiction and science-related books and magazines and I prefer to write science fiction that is heavily based on science. Of course, it is science fiction so the science often has to be stretched. I have also written two fantasy novels.

I am constantly trying to improve my writing skills and I enjoy receiving feedback from my readers. One of my more vocal fans is now a close collaborator serving as my content editor in my most recent book. An author should always listen to those who read his or her books; it's the only way to know where improvements can be made.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very nice solid SiFi read. Not the best I have read but far from the worst. Good blend of read science theory and speculative future science. Nicely plotted and paced. The story seems to be flowing predictable lines but did have a few unexpected twists right up to the end. Very good SiFi story for a younger or new SiFi fan to read. I am interested to se where the series goes. Recommended

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and enjoyable read.

I chose this rating based upon what I believe could be the result of attaining FTL space travel, and a belief we are not alone in this galaxy. I think artificial intelligence might be the best way to make it happen. The story was believable and feasible and I enjoyed the character development. Overall, I would recommend this book for an enjoyable read.☺

[Marcus Lu-Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Science Fiction Book is an excellent example of what might happen if we came across extraterrestrial beings, and how humans would react to it. This book is a well-made one and I recommend this to anyone who likes science fiction novels

[Stefanos Kouzof · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mil sci-fi series worthy of E.E. "Doc" Smith's Lensman scale, with modern writing and interesting, quite above average plot. Highly recommended.

[Per Gunnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I generally liked this book. It was well written as far as I am concerned and it let the actual science, and the development of it, play an important part. It would have gotten at least one more star if it wasn't for the last part of the book and how the end played out which I didn't really like at all.

I will refrain from elaborate any details though since it would spoil the book for those that haven't read it but I can say that, when the beginning of the end came, it was soo bloody transparent that he computer entity CAIN was behind it and all through the last part I was really hoping that the author wouldn't bring the book to the end that I feared he would...but unfortunately he did.

Damned, it would have been at least a 4 star if he hadn't.

[Simon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good sci fi tale for 99% of the book, with a very weak ending. It might was well have ended 'and they all lived happily ever after'! Such a shame. However, it hasn't stopped me getting the next in the series straight away.

[Brian Huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line. Doesn't contain much character development though.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the cover design of this book. As it turns out, it was a well written novel, with a great story, that I enjoyed a lot.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh...

[M Hamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Peace!” the UAN representative shouted. “In the last century you Americans have started more wars in the name of peace than any other nation in history. You would never...”

[Ann Zdunczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

It took a machine to bring humanity together. Although many lives were lost it happened. Who knows what will happen next!