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Orbit One
Space fiction is no longer fiction in the same way that it used to be. There was an element of distance and strangeness about it a few years back. Now, fact has caught up and threatens to overtake. Science fiction today has become science prediction.
An atom is a miniature solar system in some respects. The clustering molecules resemble galaxies, colloids are, perhaps, tiny models of the whole creation. Man stands midway between the unbelievably small and the unbelievably huge. This is one of the allies of science fiction. We look down into the mysteries of the infinitesimal; we look up into the majesty of the macrocosm.
In all this vastness of stars and planets there must be other life. One day we shall make contact with that life. What will the aliens be like? How will human culture compete with non-human culture? Which will survive?
An atom is a miniature solar system in some respects. The clustering molecules resemble galaxies, colloids are, perhaps, tiny models of the whole creation. Man stands midway between the unbelievably small and the unbelievably huge. This is one of the allies of science fiction. We look down into the mysteries of the infinitesimal; we look up into the majesty of the macrocosm.
In all this vastness of stars and planets there must be other life. One day we shall make contact with that life. What will the aliens be like? How will human culture compete with non-human culture? Which will survive?
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First published January 1, 1962
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 4, 2015
I picked this up for the great cover, and the well written blurb... but this is tedious and predictable. The poor ending was offset by the happiness I felt from not having to read this book any more. I was particularly annoyed by the author refusing to invent anything new, and continually stating variations on "Many people were surprised that in the 30th century mankind still used hovercrafts / telephones / tractors".
The best bit is where the story stops for an advert for Cornish luck pixies - send 5p to an address in Cornwall, and you are practically guaranteed to win the pools, apparently.
The best bit is where the story stops for an advert for Cornish luck pixies - send 5p to an address in Cornwall, and you are practically guaranteed to win the pools, apparently.
March 11, 2025
This is not a good book. I'm all for independent sci-fi from unknown authors. But this is a poorly written, dull book. The last few chapters pick up the pace a bit, but then it just ends so abruptly.
Literally, the only good that came from reading this book was that it counted toward my Reading Challenge goal.
Literally, the only good that came from reading this book was that it counted toward my Reading Challenge goal.
September 8, 2020
Spoiler alert.
Super simple story easy read. What was surprising is the humans butchered the aliens in there sleep. Usually the humans are good guys. Lol
Super simple story easy read. What was surprising is the humans butchered the aliens in there sleep. Usually the humans are good guys. Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
Like pace of this book goes cuckoo and I’m living for the author obviously giving up in the last ten pages and just quickly explaining and resolving everything
August 30, 2016
Overall, ORBIT ONE is an enjoyable read. That being said, as the story progresses, it loses most of its intrigue. Sadly, the payoff is lackluster. Fans of 60s science fiction may appreciate the social commentary aspects, but not much more.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews