The Galactic Now

The Assemblies of the Living #2

by Brent Clay

After first contact, humanity quickly learns that the galaxy is a place of ancient and far-reaching authorities. The Earth has not emerged as an autonomous peer into a community of sovereign worlds but as an involuntary entrant into a galactic society whose expectations and demands are not light.

John Riley, the physicist who inadvertently touched off first contact with his research into the properties of gravitation, now sees that the implications of his discoveries lead to more than technical frontiers. The galaxy, the nature of the Universe itself, is not what humanity has believed it to be.

562 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2023

About the author

Brent has been a technology practitioner his entire career. He was a software developer and later, Director of Information Technology Strategic Architecture for a major US wireless carrier for many years. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, he has lived in the area for most of his life. He is also a musician, his primary instrument being the saxophone. He is enamored with physics, electronics, space and astronomy, and endlessly fascinated with the art of the possible.

For updates on upcoming books and related events visit brentclay.com.

Reviews

[Tom Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe inspiring

This is clearly a work of extraordinary brilliance. Not just science fiction, this. It is philosophy, science, mathematics, and more. Fascinating to read, and will unveil more with each reading. An enriching experience that I presume will continue in subsequent releases. Hope I live long enough to see its entirety.

[Harry Steinmetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it’s a bit slow and ponderous, the author spends a long time explaining the science of his invention, this is a fantastic idea and very creative story. Not only is humankind not alone in the galaxy, but it’s got an overarching government and we have to comply with their norms. It’s the norms and the morality behind the structure that makes this a fascinating and compelling book. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Maurice Bizzarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Very well written. Extremely captivating story. Best sci-fi I've read in years since my first Asimov's story. Highly recommended. Look forward to more.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and intriguing second installment carries the first contact saga forward expanding the cast and deepening the characters we know from the first book. The story explicates on what the Remotes require and the ramifications to humanity.

Now hungry for the next episode of the series and the fruits of Brent Clay’s mind.

[El Presidente · Rating 2 out of 5]

My god its exhausting... there is a great story there but unfortunately the author is more interested in impressing you with his rambling, self-indulgent "deep thoughts" that could be summarized in about 5% of the used space. Really disappointing.

[Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man when is Book 3: On Beauty and Nihilism coming out???

[Ishmael Longstar · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book was more enjoyable.