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War of the Second Iteration #2
Founders' Effect
As the survivors of the ill-fated probeship William Bartram try to rebuild their lives, the Commonwealth seeks an end to the long, bitter conflict between the Republic and the Leyra'an. But the leaders of the Republic, suspicious of the motives that drive their long-sundered kin and faced with unrest among their own people, resist the changes that must come for peace to exist. And all the while, forces unseen by either side are at work, determined to force both the Leyra'an and Humanity to walk the path of war.
- GenresScience Fiction
342 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2013
35 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Watson
20 books30 followersI am a writer living in the Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest, to which I relocated from my childhood home in Illinois. I have a B.S. in plant biology from the University of Arizona, and have in the past worked as a laboratory technician for that institution. Most recently I worked for Steward Observatory, as an inventory coordinator. Among other things, I am also a student of history, natural history, astronomy, and backyard horticulture.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 25, 2019
Three societies & key people in them evolve relationships from war to peace
This engrossing sci-fi novel is built with: 1) great world-building; 2) wonderfally varied, believable and interesting characters who change through their experiences and choices, and 3) a thorny, fascinating, ever-expanding plot.
It begins when a space-faring society makes First Contact with a second space-faring society created by an alien, intelligent species. Then the first society discovers the second society is in an unsteady truce with a third space-faring society, which is itself an unknown offshoot of the first society!
The histories of these societies, and the physical aspects within which they exist (star systems, planets, space stations and ships, human and Le'yeran physiology) are believable and interesting, as are their social conventions, beliefs, politics, governing structures and ways of life.
Add to this the believable, interesting characters of these societies who interact with each other and evolve through both ordinary and unusual experiences, relationships and choices.
These components create a fascinating story full of twists and turns throughout its soul-satisfying length. I feel as if I've taken a marvelous journey into the future. Thank you, Thomas Watson!
This engrossing sci-fi novel is built with: 1) great world-building; 2) wonderfally varied, believable and interesting characters who change through their experiences and choices, and 3) a thorny, fascinating, ever-expanding plot.
It begins when a space-faring society makes First Contact with a second space-faring society created by an alien, intelligent species. Then the first society discovers the second society is in an unsteady truce with a third space-faring society, which is itself an unknown offshoot of the first society!
The histories of these societies, and the physical aspects within which they exist (star systems, planets, space stations and ships, human and Le'yeran physiology) are believable and interesting, as are their social conventions, beliefs, politics, governing structures and ways of life.
Add to this the believable, interesting characters of these societies who interact with each other and evolve through both ordinary and unusual experiences, relationships and choices.
These components create a fascinating story full of twists and turns throughout its soul-satisfying length. I feel as if I've taken a marvelous journey into the future. Thank you, Thomas Watson!
December 17, 2020
A very powerful series with an important message
Science fiction writers make a very strong case for a challenging future for humanity. It seems that they see us expanding outward and carrying all our current problems and shortcomings with us. So many quasi-feudal imagined futures where the attitudes of our human past constrain and prevent our descendants from flourishing. In this series two offshoots of earth from different time periods meet in space. Two entirely different approaches to living collide. Then there the nonhuman beings that are there too. It is exciting to watch them try to come together.
Science fiction writers make a very strong case for a challenging future for humanity. It seems that they see us expanding outward and carrying all our current problems and shortcomings with us. So many quasi-feudal imagined futures where the attitudes of our human past constrain and prevent our descendants from flourishing. In this series two offshoots of earth from different time periods meet in space. Two entirely different approaches to living collide. Then there the nonhuman beings that are there too. It is exciting to watch them try to come together.
October 25, 2019
Science Fiction at it's best
I hate to pick up a book that sounds promising or has great reviews only to find the author's grasp of the English language is sorely lacking. To be able to read a really great story without the assault of ugly language or the second by second description of humanity's most private activities is no longer the norm but the exception, and exceptional is what this saga is.
I hate to pick up a book that sounds promising or has great reviews only to find the author's grasp of the English language is sorely lacking. To be able to read a really great story without the assault of ugly language or the second by second description of humanity's most private activities is no longer the norm but the exception, and exceptional is what this saga is.
May 4, 2022
Someone in the DMZ is posing as the Commonwealth and distributing their “cure” to the residents. Rather than eradicating Founder’s Disease, this so-called vaccine makes people sick. It’s a ruse by a rogue faction of the Republic to rally support against the government. Can pilot Robert McGregor and his friends find who’s at fault and stop them before civil war ensues? Another fast-paced space opera with appealing characters that will make readers want more.
March 20, 2024
I'm totally hooked on this series. Great characters and relationships. Watson presents the social issues of the period in fascinating detail. I still don't know why the series is called the "War of the Second Iteration," but I guess I'll find out at some point. I'm loving this series and all in to the very end.
November 11, 2020
A good read
An interesting story. An interesting world that keeps you engaged in it. It also keeps me buying more books in the series.
An interesting story. An interesting world that keeps you engaged in it. It also keeps me buying more books in the series.
March 7, 2016
I probably would not had been introduced to Thomas Watson's writings if it were not for a Goodreads giveaway. Oh my goodness, rich details, love the twists. Had me right from the first few pages. Founder's Effect, Book Two - It can easily stand on it's own. But, I a glad I read the The Luck of Han'anga Book One first to get the background story. You won't be disappointed with these two stories. I certainly hope Mr. Watson is writing another soon. I'll be watching.
March 2, 2014
An excellent continuation of the story with the focus moving to other characters and a deeper understanding of Thomas Watson's universe. For a while I had a hard time with the "niceness" of some of these characters until I realized that is part of the societal aspects of each of the groups.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews