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Lunar Free State #1
The Moon and Beyond
The scientists and engineers at the Deep Space Research Institute are a pretty smart bunch. So smart, in fact, that they've figured out how gravity works. More importantly, they've figured out how to make it work as a propulsion system. Of course, they are going to tell the world about it. Eventually.
But first, they have a few things to do, like build a fleet of gravity-powered spacecraft and establish a permanent settlement on the Moon... assuming they can keep the U.S. government from figuring out what they are doing, shutting them down, and putting them all under arrest.
Welcome to the Lunar Free State...
But first, they have a few things to do, like build a fleet of gravity-powered spacecraft and establish a permanent settlement on the Moon... assuming they can keep the U.S. government from figuring out what they are doing, shutting them down, and putting them all under arrest.
Welcome to the Lunar Free State...
- GenresScience Fiction
427 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
320 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
John E. Siers
37 books34 followersJohn Siers is an Air Force veteran, currently retired from his old job as a software developer. He spends his time writing, and operates a little gunsmith business on the side.
John lives near Memphis, Tennessee with his wife, youngest son, dog, and two cats. Hobbies include astronomy, woodworking, hunting, and shooting sports. He has been writing Science Fiction for over twenty years, and published his first full-length novel, The Moon and Beyond in 2012. His second novel Someday the Stars was published in May,2013 and won the 2014 Darrell Award for Best SF Novel by a Midsouth Author.
John has since published four more novels in his Lunar Free State series and has also contributed two novels and several short stories to universes developed by other authors. He is currently working on the seventh Lunar Free State novel, and the series is now being translated into German for release on Amazon.de and is also being put out in audio book form on Audible.
John lives near Memphis, Tennessee with his wife, youngest son, dog, and two cats. Hobbies include astronomy, woodworking, hunting, and shooting sports. He has been writing Science Fiction for over twenty years, and published his first full-length novel, The Moon and Beyond in 2012. His second novel Someday the Stars was published in May,2013 and won the 2014 Darrell Award for Best SF Novel by a Midsouth Author.
John has since published four more novels in his Lunar Free State series and has also contributed two novels and several short stories to universes developed by other authors. He is currently working on the seventh Lunar Free State novel, and the series is now being translated into German for release on Amazon.de and is also being put out in audio book form on Audible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 30, 2013
I received a eARC of this novel, thanks to Mill City Press, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.
There was just something a little too unbelievable about this book. It purported to be drawn from a world where climate change science had been debunked by the downward curve in emissions from polluters (um, isn't that what the climate change scientists are recommending?); the Muslims had taken over the world (yet not one Muslim Character appears in the book); the USA has become a has-been ex-superpower, yet has amazing supercomputer technology ( funded by a failed economy and a cloistered government?); and there is some kind of beneficent artificial intelligence that seeks to preserve humanity, rather than rule or obliterate it ... Oh, and free, limitless power (derived from gravity) is available, secretly, and some like-minded (and open minded) Samaritans are going to escape by harnessing it, and resettle on the Moon, because they don't like the way the Earth turned out with all those pesky, intolerant, breeding types on it ... Kind of like survivalists in space suits?
Um. Perhaps the world-building might have been better established in a softer way ...,rather than a diatribe in the first Act.
Nope.
I like a subtler read.
There was just something a little too unbelievable about this book. It purported to be drawn from a world where climate change science had been debunked by the downward curve in emissions from polluters (um, isn't that what the climate change scientists are recommending?); the Muslims had taken over the world (yet not one Muslim Character appears in the book); the USA has become a has-been ex-superpower, yet has amazing supercomputer technology ( funded by a failed economy and a cloistered government?); and there is some kind of beneficent artificial intelligence that seeks to preserve humanity, rather than rule or obliterate it ... Oh, and free, limitless power (derived from gravity) is available, secretly, and some like-minded (and open minded) Samaritans are going to escape by harnessing it, and resettle on the Moon, because they don't like the way the Earth turned out with all those pesky, intolerant, breeding types on it ... Kind of like survivalists in space suits?
Um. Perhaps the world-building might have been better established in a softer way ...,rather than a diatribe in the first Act.
Nope.
I like a subtler read.
November 24, 2021
Rehash of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged
This moon version of Atlas Shrugged is better written than the original and has better characters, but it's still right-wing, eye-rolling propaganda. While there are many smart ideas in this story, one stupid idea is an AI that concluded, with flawed logic, that god exists. The thing none of the characters thought to ask this AI is, "Which god?"
This moon version of Atlas Shrugged is better written than the original and has better characters, but it's still right-wing, eye-rolling propaganda. While there are many smart ideas in this story, one stupid idea is an AI that concluded, with flawed logic, that god exists. The thing none of the characters thought to ask this AI is, "Which god?"
November 13, 2013
**I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads**
I will be honest, I first decided I wanted to read this book because it had the word "moon" in the title. I was a little worried about whether or not I would like it, as this was pretty much my first dose of science fiction (which is why it took me several weeks to read this book; I had to read much slower than normal to comprehend some of what was going on). However, that did not take away from my enjoyment of this novel. I could not wait to get to the book each night before bed and read at least one new chapter. There were a lot of technical terms that I did not understand because they either dealt with technology or the military, but I just trucked along and hoped it would not mess with my understanding of the story too much. My only complaint is that I wish some time frames had not been skipped over (sometimes months at a time passed between paragraphs), but that would have made the book much longer, and it was already over 400 pages. I cannot wait for the sequels!!
I will be honest, I first decided I wanted to read this book because it had the word "moon" in the title. I was a little worried about whether or not I would like it, as this was pretty much my first dose of science fiction (which is why it took me several weeks to read this book; I had to read much slower than normal to comprehend some of what was going on). However, that did not take away from my enjoyment of this novel. I could not wait to get to the book each night before bed and read at least one new chapter. There were a lot of technical terms that I did not understand because they either dealt with technology or the military, but I just trucked along and hoped it would not mess with my understanding of the story too much. My only complaint is that I wish some time frames had not been skipped over (sometimes months at a time passed between paragraphs), but that would have made the book much longer, and it was already over 400 pages. I cannot wait for the sequels!!
April 16, 2013
read the complete review at http://bulliesbooksmoney.blogspot.com...
A secret space mission’s goal is to not only fly to the moon but live on it. Now this is not just any secret government program but a secret program from the government. In this book not only do the people want to live on the moon but, they possess the technology to do it. This book does seem exciting and with a slow and steady pace nothing boom, just happens, and there is not a point where the writing is dull or tedious. The reasons for the program are strong ones and well-thought out which is why everyone joins in the program. There were a lot of surprises throughout the book which kept it entertaining. The book is written about the interesting parts and informative parts and does leave out a lot of time between each chapter. Each chapter was written in stages and storyline; gathering people, building the ‘moonships’, preparing for moving and settlement of the moon, and Earth vs. Moon. I did wonder about some things that happened between chapters but, not enough to stop reading or ponder on it.
A secret space mission’s goal is to not only fly to the moon but live on it. Now this is not just any secret government program but a secret program from the government. In this book not only do the people want to live on the moon but, they possess the technology to do it. This book does seem exciting and with a slow and steady pace nothing boom, just happens, and there is not a point where the writing is dull or tedious. The reasons for the program are strong ones and well-thought out which is why everyone joins in the program. There were a lot of surprises throughout the book which kept it entertaining. The book is written about the interesting parts and informative parts and does leave out a lot of time between each chapter. Each chapter was written in stages and storyline; gathering people, building the ‘moonships’, preparing for moving and settlement of the moon, and Earth vs. Moon. I did wonder about some things that happened between chapters but, not enough to stop reading or ponder on it.
January 13, 2013
The compliment I can best start with for The Moon and Beyond: Book I in The Saga of the Lunar Free State is...will Book II be out soon? Second best compliment...less than a third of the way through I was no longer just reading the book; I was "putting myself into the story" quite easily. That's always seemed a good personal indicator of how much I'm enjoying a book.
With the combination of believable science, realistic world scenarios and a group of authentic characters John E. Siers has laid the groundwork for a solid, and intriguing, science fiction series with The Moon and Beyond while (appreciatively) not leaving the reader at a cliffhanger standstill on the last page.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in The Saga of the Lunar Free State.
With the combination of believable science, realistic world scenarios and a group of authentic characters John E. Siers has laid the groundwork for a solid, and intriguing, science fiction series with The Moon and Beyond while (appreciatively) not leaving the reader at a cliffhanger standstill on the last page.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in The Saga of the Lunar Free State.
November 29, 2012
Of course I think this book is great... because I'm the guy who wrote it; but the real question is what do the REST of you think?
Here's a link to my author site: Welcome to the Lunar Free State
Here's a link to my author site: Welcome to the Lunar Free State
January 22, 2022
Siers, John E. The Moon and Beyond. Lunar Free State No. 1. Mill City Press, 2012.
The Moon and Beyond is an homage to Heinlein’s The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. One giveaway is an AI named Mike. A team of independent engineers and scientists in the American West figure out how gravity works, allowing them to ship large payloads to the Moon without being detected by the American military. By the time they are discovered, they have established a viable colony on the Moon. Its governance is a mashup of Heinleinian libertarianism and a Navy-like military hierarchy. Terrestrial governments want the new technology, and soon the story becomes less an homage to Heinlein than a straightforward military space opera. The action scenes are lively, but the story is weighed down by long passages of expository prose on familiar military and libertarian themes and by pedestrian characterization and dialogue. 3 stars.
The Moon and Beyond is an homage to Heinlein’s The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. One giveaway is an AI named Mike. A team of independent engineers and scientists in the American West figure out how gravity works, allowing them to ship large payloads to the Moon without being detected by the American military. By the time they are discovered, they have established a viable colony on the Moon. Its governance is a mashup of Heinleinian libertarianism and a Navy-like military hierarchy. Terrestrial governments want the new technology, and soon the story becomes less an homage to Heinlein than a straightforward military space opera. The action scenes are lively, but the story is weighed down by long passages of expository prose on familiar military and libertarian themes and by pedestrian characterization and dialogue. 3 stars.
June 19, 2013
Each time I was getting into the techno-fantasy - AI which could take over the world but doesn't, anti-gravity spaceships; technology which magically satisfies wishes without unintended side-effects - but then another message from Planet Wingnut would raise incredulity. Islamic takeover (but no Muslim characters - a dehumanised bloc). USA downfall (but can still make the best supercomputer in the world?!). Global warming denial. Viva junta! (The ideal society is a military dictatorship.) I read a review copy from the publisher.
January 12, 2022
Good ideas poor execution
I love the idea of a high tech group of people escaping the clutches of a stagnating earth to the moon to get a fresh start. Great foundation to build a story from!
My problems are with some of the science that is presented as being true in the real world. Maybe I am holding an author to scientists standards but lack of basic understanding was frustrating, and for speculative sci-fi knowing real science to build from is a must.
I love the idea of a high tech group of people escaping the clutches of a stagnating earth to the moon to get a fresh start. Great foundation to build a story from!
My problems are with some of the science that is presented as being true in the real world. Maybe I am holding an author to scientists standards but lack of basic understanding was frustrating, and for speculative sci-fi knowing real science to build from is a must.
February 24, 2013
I was delighted to receive this book as Goodreads giveaway! The author, John Siers, has penned another great science-fiction book about a deep space research institute that has their own personal agenda before letting the world know the secrets that they have un-locked. Great read
April 7, 2022
Echoes of “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”
I grew up on Heinlein, so my highest praise for any modern hard scifi story is that it reminds me of Heinlein in some way. This book would be high on my list of in that regard.
I grew up on Heinlein, so my highest praise for any modern hard scifi story is that it reminds me of Heinlein in some way. This book would be high on my list of in that regard.
July 10, 2022
Excellent! I really enjoyed this. On to the next one!
January 21, 2022
Been said before
If you like anti lib anti Muslim rants, enjoy. At least this guy spells and forms complete sentences. Not reading any more.
If you like anti lib anti Muslim rants, enjoy. At least this guy spells and forms complete sentences. Not reading any more.
October 11, 2014
This book grew on me slowly. It took me quite a while to warm up to the characters, mainly because the political diatribes kept intruding on the narrative. I have no idea if they're the author's political and social viewpoints, but although they formed the background to the story, they seemed very personal - almost as if the author was lobbying aggressively for those points of view. Once they took more of a back seat, I was able to engage with the characters more fully - and there were some really interesting ones - Lorna, Mike the AI, and Charlie Bender.
I'd probably describe the first half of the book as slow and full of the political stuff, and the second half as much faster and much more engaging. The story itself was good enough to keep me reading, however, and the promise shown by the characters kept me hoping that they'd do or say or feel something more. Although I normally enjoy multiple points of view, I think that the driving political/social agenda detracted from the character development, so this was more of an OK read rather than a great one for me.
I'd probably describe the first half of the book as slow and full of the political stuff, and the second half as much faster and much more engaging. The story itself was good enough to keep me reading, however, and the promise shown by the characters kept me hoping that they'd do or say or feel something more. Although I normally enjoy multiple points of view, I think that the driving political/social agenda detracted from the character development, so this was more of an OK read rather than a great one for me.
May 2, 2023
This was a very good start of a new (for me) series. The book blurb made me interested since it sounded like my kind of story but the book has actually been on my shelf for a while before I got around to read it.
I quite like the story which is essentially about a bunch of people that have figured out how to make a gravity drive but are fed up with our criminal political asshats and useless international organisations and decided to give a huge communication finger to all of them and start a new nation on the moon.
This first book follows these people while they complete their invention, builds the infrastructure and takes off for the moon. All while dodging corrupt politicians and three letter organisations.
One would have thought that would have been enough for the first book in the series but our friends have to defend their new lunar base against previously mentioned asshats (i.e. nations) when they finally figure out what has happened and respond in their usual we-cannot-have-something-that-the-government-does-not-control way.
When some of these governments are totalitarian dictatorships things of course goes south rather quickly and soon fissionable material are thrown around with predictable loss of control for the political morons that should never have been given control over anything more important than a TV-remote, if that.
I really liked this book. It is a humanity finally takes to the stars, or at least to the moon, with a healthy bashing of political assholes. Lots of likable good guys, lots of action, lots of heroism and fairly good science. Some liberties has been taken on the latter of course. It is science fiction after all, but it stays in the realm of semi-plausible.
The book is not perfect of course. For example it starts of with a prologue which is essentially like one of those really annoying scenes in a TV-show where we get to watch something dramatic first but that is really happening towards the end of the show. Do not like it in TV-shows and I do not like it in books.
Also, the author is quite happy to “skip forward”. Sometimes there is a sub-thread going and then suddenly the book skips forward and we are just presented with the conclusion. In several places I went “Nooo, it was just getting good!”. Sure the book is already 500+ pages but I would have been quite happy reading it as two books with the skipped over parts in them.
However this book stands out in another aspect. It does not at all cater for the lefties, the woke mob and their cancel culture. Rather the inverse. Today’s corrupt politicians, green nonsense, useless international organisations (UN I’m looking at you), Commiefornia, the depraved far left education (grooming) system all gets a good and well deserved bashing.
Although there are plenty of corrupt asshats and bad guys opposing our heroes the author also had the courage to pick some actual real life threats, the Communist Dictatorship of China as well as the Jihadists as the main baddies.
The book is written over teen years ago and at that time some of the scenarios was probably viewed by the author as apocalyptic but fictional scenarios or at least just an exaggeration . However, the scary thing is that with the far left and totalitarian policies and use of the state machine to suppress political opponents the senile sock puppet and his criminal handlers and bloated and corrupt organisations like UN, EC etc. are applying, we are already on our way to this bleak future, and in some cases almost there.
Normally I do not really care that much for politics in my book but with the unchecked rampage of the far left and their cancel culture I’m starting to feel that authors that do not bend over and dare to speak the truth has to be supported so, unless the author makes a 180 somewhere this is one series I will continue reading.
I quite like the story which is essentially about a bunch of people that have figured out how to make a gravity drive but are fed up with our criminal political asshats and useless international organisations and decided to give a huge communication finger to all of them and start a new nation on the moon.
This first book follows these people while they complete their invention, builds the infrastructure and takes off for the moon. All while dodging corrupt politicians and three letter organisations.
One would have thought that would have been enough for the first book in the series but our friends have to defend their new lunar base against previously mentioned asshats (i.e. nations) when they finally figure out what has happened and respond in their usual we-cannot-have-something-that-the-government-does-not-control way.
When some of these governments are totalitarian dictatorships things of course goes south rather quickly and soon fissionable material are thrown around with predictable loss of control for the political morons that should never have been given control over anything more important than a TV-remote, if that.
I really liked this book. It is a humanity finally takes to the stars, or at least to the moon, with a healthy bashing of political assholes. Lots of likable good guys, lots of action, lots of heroism and fairly good science. Some liberties has been taken on the latter of course. It is science fiction after all, but it stays in the realm of semi-plausible.
The book is not perfect of course. For example it starts of with a prologue which is essentially like one of those really annoying scenes in a TV-show where we get to watch something dramatic first but that is really happening towards the end of the show. Do not like it in TV-shows and I do not like it in books.
Also, the author is quite happy to “skip forward”. Sometimes there is a sub-thread going and then suddenly the book skips forward and we are just presented with the conclusion. In several places I went “Nooo, it was just getting good!”. Sure the book is already 500+ pages but I would have been quite happy reading it as two books with the skipped over parts in them.
However this book stands out in another aspect. It does not at all cater for the lefties, the woke mob and their cancel culture. Rather the inverse. Today’s corrupt politicians, green nonsense, useless international organisations (UN I’m looking at you), Commiefornia, the depraved far left education (grooming) system all gets a good and well deserved bashing.
Although there are plenty of corrupt asshats and bad guys opposing our heroes the author also had the courage to pick some actual real life threats, the Communist Dictatorship of China as well as the Jihadists as the main baddies.
The book is written over teen years ago and at that time some of the scenarios was probably viewed by the author as apocalyptic but fictional scenarios or at least just an exaggeration . However, the scary thing is that with the far left and totalitarian policies and use of the state machine to suppress political opponents the senile sock puppet and his criminal handlers and bloated and corrupt organisations like UN, EC etc. are applying, we are already on our way to this bleak future, and in some cases almost there.
Normally I do not really care that much for politics in my book but with the unchecked rampage of the far left and their cancel culture I’m starting to feel that authors that do not bend over and dare to speak the truth has to be supported so, unless the author makes a 180 somewhere this is one series I will continue reading.
June 13, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.25 of 5
Deep Space Research Institute is a covert operation that does its business right under the noses of the authorities and officially sanctioned space programs. The DSRI consists primarily of scientists who have developed a means of propulsion using gravity to provide thrust rather than tugging things back to the earth. Using this concept, the DSRI builds a fleet of space craft that are capable of leaving Earth and returning without damage and begins to set up a colony on the moon. When the United States government gets wind of the operation they try to shut it down, forcing the leaders of DSRI to make a hasty exit - to the moon.
The Lunar Free State - as the colonists declare themselves - declare their independence from the United States and any and every other country on Earth. They look for countries that will recognize their independence and be willing to begin trade and perhaps even share ambassadors. But as with any newly found country, hostilities run high and the price of freedom doesn't come without sacrifice.
Author John E. Siers has written an absolutely engrossing, believable, and exciting story.
Right from the start, Siers had me hooked. His research and explanation of what was happening was so spot on I checked my book three times because I thought I was reading a non-fiction account of the space race. Then, about half way through the book, Siers picks up the action and never really lets it drop. It subsides here and there, but it's otherwise an action-thriller to the end.
Siers must be a bit prescient... on multiple occasions he writes about politicians that seem to have come from the 2016 Presidential race. "...we should face the fact that the truth doesn’t matter to politicians or to the media. Only perceptions matter. Victory goes to the guy who puts the best spin on the story" he writes at one point and "It's a hoax so blatant tha most of the media dropped it after the first report" he adds later.
The characters are all pretty strong and mostly unique enough to be distinguishable from one another and the world-building is wonderful and authentic. But it's the concept and the thrill ride that really engages the reader. I wish I could be a member of the Lunar Free State, and I'd love to read the next book in the series!
Looking for a good book? The Moon and Beyond by John E. Siers is a thrilling sci-fi adventure sure to be loved by fans of the genre and could attract some YA readers as well.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Deep Space Research Institute is a covert operation that does its business right under the noses of the authorities and officially sanctioned space programs. The DSRI consists primarily of scientists who have developed a means of propulsion using gravity to provide thrust rather than tugging things back to the earth. Using this concept, the DSRI builds a fleet of space craft that are capable of leaving Earth and returning without damage and begins to set up a colony on the moon. When the United States government gets wind of the operation they try to shut it down, forcing the leaders of DSRI to make a hasty exit - to the moon.
The Lunar Free State - as the colonists declare themselves - declare their independence from the United States and any and every other country on Earth. They look for countries that will recognize their independence and be willing to begin trade and perhaps even share ambassadors. But as with any newly found country, hostilities run high and the price of freedom doesn't come without sacrifice.
Author John E. Siers has written an absolutely engrossing, believable, and exciting story.
Right from the start, Siers had me hooked. His research and explanation of what was happening was so spot on I checked my book three times because I thought I was reading a non-fiction account of the space race. Then, about half way through the book, Siers picks up the action and never really lets it drop. It subsides here and there, but it's otherwise an action-thriller to the end.
Siers must be a bit prescient... on multiple occasions he writes about politicians that seem to have come from the 2016 Presidential race. "...we should face the fact that the truth doesn’t matter to politicians or to the media. Only perceptions matter. Victory goes to the guy who puts the best spin on the story" he writes at one point and "It's a hoax so blatant tha most of the media dropped it after the first report" he adds later.
The characters are all pretty strong and mostly unique enough to be distinguishable from one another and the world-building is wonderful and authentic. But it's the concept and the thrill ride that really engages the reader. I wish I could be a member of the Lunar Free State, and I'd love to read the next book in the series!
Looking for a good book? The Moon and Beyond by John E. Siers is a thrilling sci-fi adventure sure to be loved by fans of the genre and could attract some YA readers as well.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2024
Some Good Ideas with a Strong Heinlein Vibe
The Moon and Beyond takes a new look at a plot as old as Rocket Ship Galileo. In the near future, Billionaire Ian Stevens' pet physicist has come up with an advanced space drive and is putting together a secret lunar colonization effort in the middle of the desert. The US/World government has gone full-tilt liberal and Ian just can't take it anymore. So he wants to gather up a few hundred of his best friends and leave the planet.
OK, he leans a bit heavy on the Libertarian side, but to his credit he works hard to make a rational case for why the ultra-progressive trends are unconscionable, and not to overstep the right-wing shift. Good SF should take a stab at looking at the underpinnings of society, economics, and ethics, and do it in an entertaining way, which is why Heinlein created a generation of libertarians.
This first book in the series takes us through the building of a lunar colony, the inevitable war against an Earth that can't allow anyone else to own the high ground, and the consequences of the Free Lunar State's destabilization of a planet on the brink of a nuclear bloodbath.
No book is worth reading if the characters aren't engaging, and Siers has done a good job of creating a cast you can root for. Honorable, courageous, principled, and pretty darn tolerant to boot, I wanted to find out what happened next for each of them. Especially whether or not absolute power was going to corrupt Ian Stevens completely. Or when.
Although the Kindle publication date is listed as 2021, I'm pretty sure it was written before Elon Musk came on the scene when it was easier to believe in the Boy Scout billionaire, but it's still interesting to see how the author thinks this plays out.
The Moon and Beyond takes a new look at a plot as old as Rocket Ship Galileo. In the near future, Billionaire Ian Stevens' pet physicist has come up with an advanced space drive and is putting together a secret lunar colonization effort in the middle of the desert. The US/World government has gone full-tilt liberal and Ian just can't take it anymore. So he wants to gather up a few hundred of his best friends and leave the planet.
OK, he leans a bit heavy on the Libertarian side, but to his credit he works hard to make a rational case for why the ultra-progressive trends are unconscionable, and not to overstep the right-wing shift. Good SF should take a stab at looking at the underpinnings of society, economics, and ethics, and do it in an entertaining way, which is why Heinlein created a generation of libertarians.
This first book in the series takes us through the building of a lunar colony, the inevitable war against an Earth that can't allow anyone else to own the high ground, and the consequences of the Free Lunar State's destabilization of a planet on the brink of a nuclear bloodbath.
No book is worth reading if the characters aren't engaging, and Siers has done a good job of creating a cast you can root for. Honorable, courageous, principled, and pretty darn tolerant to boot, I wanted to find out what happened next for each of them. Especially whether or not absolute power was going to corrupt Ian Stevens completely. Or when.
Although the Kindle publication date is listed as 2021, I'm pretty sure it was written before Elon Musk came on the scene when it was easier to believe in the Boy Scout billionaire, but it's still interesting to see how the author thinks this plays out.
October 29, 2021
Let me get the negatives out of the way; I think Siers could have chosen better options that the Mil-Corp style dictatorship and I was frustrated by the constant flip-flop between CEO and Commander. The fact is simply that it's his story and not mine and it is very well done.
I liked all the characters and felt there were interesting qualities and development in almost all of them. I've read several different authors with their versions of 'rogues take off to the moon to set up a new nation'. Yes there really are several stories with this theme. I think of all those I've read Siers does the best job of not only establishing technology but building a believable world. When you tack this onto his already good characters you have a real winner.
I liked the world that Siers built and the characters he filled it with. The icing on the cake for me was aliens that actually have alien ways of thinking. It is something that makes perfect sense but is missed by so many authors. An alien physiology from an alien world will almost definitely have alien ways of thought. Siers nails this one.
I liked all the characters and felt there were interesting qualities and development in almost all of them. I've read several different authors with their versions of 'rogues take off to the moon to set up a new nation'. Yes there really are several stories with this theme. I think of all those I've read Siers does the best job of not only establishing technology but building a believable world. When you tack this onto his already good characters you have a real winner.
I liked the world that Siers built and the characters he filled it with. The icing on the cake for me was aliens that actually have alien ways of thinking. It is something that makes perfect sense but is missed by so many authors. An alien physiology from an alien world will almost definitely have alien ways of thought. Siers nails this one.
April 7, 2022
It's interesting that there are reviews by liberals that dislike the book because of some political elements and reviews by conservatives that dislike the book because of other political elements. I still found the book interesting. The political background didn't bother me much - it's perhaps a bit heavy handed - as it's part of the setup for the story. I found the book well written. Give it a chance and it will pull you into an interesting world. I did enjoy the fan service ("the moon is harsh", "Mike", etc.), which is subtle enough to not affect the enjoyment of the story if you don't catch it the references. It's good enough that I paid full price for the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one. There's only one other series that I have done that for (Dresden Files).
August 19, 2021
Not for me
Well written and described but not my type of reading.
The writing is good a describing the characters is well done. I found that I did not enjoy a story that seemed a earth bound story as I normally enjoy a far of galaxy based story with beyond our galaxy as a base and the characters that are in mech suits of one sort or other.
Try it as you may enjoy it did yes it was not for me but at the moment I am at around enjoying 80% of all the books I try so give it a go you could enjoy it
Well written and described but not my type of reading.
The writing is good a describing the characters is well done. I found that I did not enjoy a story that seemed a earth bound story as I normally enjoy a far of galaxy based story with beyond our galaxy as a base and the characters that are in mech suits of one sort or other.
Try it as you may enjoy it did yes it was not for me but at the moment I am at around enjoying 80% of all the books I try so give it a go you could enjoy it
December 17, 2023
Great Read
Wow, what an amazing book. If you like science fiction, you swill want to read it. Started a little slow, but this aims to be a series of some epic proportions. Subsequently it requires a good foundation to give it some solid context. It kept me reasonably engaged until about 40 or 45 percent through. At that time I was overcome by a sense of adventure and expectation. After that it got harder and harder to put down. Can't recommend it enough. At least try a sample and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Wow, what an amazing book. If you like science fiction, you swill want to read it. Started a little slow, but this aims to be a series of some epic proportions. Subsequently it requires a good foundation to give it some solid context. It kept me reasonably engaged until about 40 or 45 percent through. At that time I was overcome by a sense of adventure and expectation. After that it got harder and harder to put down. Can't recommend it enough. At least try a sample and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
November 28, 2025
Nicely written, describing what would be a far more logical and desirable government than the venial system currently in place (especially in my home state, New Jersey). Sadly, I could very easily imagine the vile, self-centered way the world goes in this novel (although I'm surprised the Islamic Jihadists haven't been more active).
Some hard to accept scientific leaps, though. Science doesn't exist in a vacuum; scientists publish, talk to one another, and share a lot as they keep abreast in their fields.
Some hard to accept scientific leaps, though. Science doesn't exist in a vacuum; scientists publish, talk to one another, and share a lot as they keep abreast in their fields.
December 19, 2021
Living on the moon would really be interesting was my first thought after reading the first book in the series by John E. Siers. Cool science lessons explained in a way that the average reader can also understand and with minimal jargon, space fights and nuclear explosions this book is definitely one of the good sci-fi books of the year.
Waiting eagerly for part- II where I hope that they move further into deep space.
Waiting eagerly for part- II where I hope that they move further into deep space.
December 23, 2021
John Siers will guarantee blow me off as one of those "bleeding heart liberals of California." And he will most certainly accuse me of being one of those feminist liberals forcing equal rights for women. GHHEEZ. At least I found how the author felt about things in the first several pages. I don't need authors to have the same values as mine. But I also don't need to read the works of authors who are so blatantly anti things that mean something to me like the environment, human rights and so on.
November 11, 2022
Really good humans get into space book
I enjoyed this book, even if there were too many reminders of how poorly humans treat scientists in the name of ‘stupidity’. I could sadly easily see his happening in the real world...and would hope to have the chance to go with the lunar folks. I liked the characters, the action, and the technology descriptions. I recommend this book and am glad it is part of a series.
I enjoyed this book, even if there were too many reminders of how poorly humans treat scientists in the name of ‘stupidity’. I could sadly easily see his happening in the real world...and would hope to have the chance to go with the lunar folks. I liked the characters, the action, and the technology descriptions. I recommend this book and am glad it is part of a series.
March 23, 2022
An unusual -- but definitely no improbable -- twist to the future of Earth. The book is fairly long, but every word is important to the tale being told. This near-future story shows a rather grim twist on the politics of our world and particular of this United States of America. (Glad it's fiction!)
I am eager to read the further adventures of the characters I've come to know.
I am eager to read the further adventures of the characters I've come to know.
October 22, 2022
good book, good world building.
Very good book, slow in some spots but a great cast of characters. yes the book does have a right wing attitude but if you look at real world politics today it seems like that’s the way this world is going. The story is very interesting, wish the technology was just a wee bit more advanced but I am going on to read the next book.
Very good book, slow in some spots but a great cast of characters. yes the book does have a right wing attitude but if you look at real world politics today it seems like that’s the way this world is going. The story is very interesting, wish the technology was just a wee bit more advanced but I am going on to read the next book.
March 24, 2023
I love space science fiction but I quit reading this book somewhere in chapter eight for two main reasons: First, the science is mostly magic conjured by one "genius" scientist and a web-hacking AI that mines the stupid government for plans to build trivial things like a fusion reactor. Second, the characters continually serve as mouthpieces for right wing propaganda about the evils of big government. It's kind of like reading a book with a really thin storyline while listening to Fox News. What's not to love?
March 20, 2024
Excellent read
Plot has been used a bunch but this is still an excellent read. A small group develops a new space drive and sneaks off to the moon to start a colony much to the distress of major earth powers leading to a war between the Lunnies and earth. Lots of combat action and excitement. Well worth the time.
Plot has been used a bunch but this is still an excellent read. A small group develops a new space drive and sneaks off to the moon to start a colony much to the distress of major earth powers leading to a war between the Lunnies and earth. Lots of combat action and excitement. Well worth the time.
June 11, 2024
Good Read!
Very much enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of jumping to all the key times over span of years to tell a complete story. I love the concept of a lunar free state, especially with the alternate Earth being so close to our real one with overregulation, cancel culture and political landscape.
Very much enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of jumping to all the key times over span of years to tell a complete story. I love the concept of a lunar free state, especially with the alternate Earth being so close to our real one with overregulation, cancel culture and political landscape.
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