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Alien Encounter: A Scientific Novel
It has been nearly 100 years since the Apollo moon landings, when Jack and Vladimir, two astronauts on a mission to Venus, discover a mysterious void related to indigenous life on the planet. Subsequently more voids are detected on Earth, Mars, Titan, and, quite ominously, inside a planetoid emerging from the Kuiper belt. Jack is sent to investigate the voids in the Solar System and intercept the planetoid - which, as becomes increasingly clear, is inhabited by alien life forms. Jack and his crew will have little time to understand their alien biochemistry, abilities, behavior patterns, resilience, and technology, but also how these life forms relate to the voids. Humankind's first encounter with these exotic life forms couldn't be more fateful, becoming a race against time to save life on Earth and to reveal the true nature of the voids, which seem to be intrinsically related to life and the universe itself. In this novel, the author combines many topics related to state-of-the-art research in the field of astrobiology with fictional elements to produce a thrilling page turner. This new version significantly develops the astrobiological denouement of the plot and features an extensive non-technical appendix where the underlying science is presented and discussed. From the reviews of the first edition ( Voids of Alien Encounter ) Here's a thrilling yarn in the best "hard SF" tradition of Asimov, James Hogan, and Ben Bova, written by a scientist who knows all about the possibilities of life in the solar system and beyond. Dirk Schulze-Makuch weaves into his book all the astrobiological themes he's worked on in recent years -- speculation about creatures in the atmosphere of Venus and on and under the surface of Mars and Titan -- together with some well-informed Eastern philosophy and a cracking good space battle. A great first novel from a rising talent. Highly recommended. David Darling, on amazon.com, 2009 The research interests of Dr. Schulze-Makuch, currently a professor at Washington State University, focus on evolutionary adaptation strategies of organisms in their natural environment, particularly extreme environments such as found on other planetary bodies. Dirk Schulze-Makuch is best known for his publications on extraterrestrial life, being coauthor of three books on the We Are Not Why We Have Already Found Extraterrestrial Life (2010), Cosmic How Life could Evolve on Other Worlds (2010), and Life in the Expectations and Constraints (2004). In 2011 he published with Paul Davies A One Way Mission to Colonizing the Red Planet and in 2012 with David Darling Megacatastrophes! Nine Strange Ways the World Could End .
- GenresScience FictionFiction
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2013
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 10, 2022
Really not my cup of tea. Spiritual SciFi, no thanks. The characters are paper thin, somewhat sexist and the progress is slow as molasses.
December 29, 2017
The frequent grammar errors are annoying. Also, I couldn't find any difference between this 'Scientific Novel' and regular Science Fiction. Actually, I've read (much) better SF which had a better grasp on the science (as far as I could tell of course). What I was expecting when I started this book was current science incorporated in an Alien Encounter theme: based on our best psychological/sociological reseach, what would really happen if we encountered aliens today? What plans would government agencies actually have?
Well, none of that. We get an Ender's Game-like novel which includes unnecessary spirituality (it's important you know, because!) and unnecessary (spiritual) torture which the author thinks might be good for a future astronaut because he 'knows them from various martial arts training programs and could thus plausibly be employed for such a longer[sic] and extremely challenging space mission'. This was quite disappointing.
The only good thing about this book in my opinion is it's premise, but that has been done (much better) before. Go read Ender's Game or something like that. It just feels like the author published the book himself because no publisher wanted it (and they would have been right), so shame on Springer!
Well, none of that. We get an Ender's Game-like novel which includes unnecessary spirituality (it's important you know, because!) and unnecessary (spiritual) torture which the author thinks might be good for a future astronaut because he 'knows them from various martial arts training programs and could thus plausibly be employed for such a longer[sic] and extremely challenging space mission'. This was quite disappointing.
The only good thing about this book in my opinion is it's premise, but that has been done (much better) before. Go read Ender's Game or something like that. It just feels like the author published the book himself because no publisher wanted it (and they would have been right), so shame on Springer!
August 15, 2017
I tried to like this book, but I couldn't get over the sexism I perceived in it. The main character is a manly man who sizes up his female colleagues based on their physical attractiveness (if he considers them attractive; female characters who are presumably less attractive don't merit much in the way of physical descriptions). I couldn't finish it.
April 22, 2018
This book is one of a series of "scientific novels" - science fiction written by working scientists. Like other books in this series, the bulk of the book is the novel and the last 5% or so is an explanation of the science used in the book. After that comes a good bibliography.
The novel is decent. In some ways my favorite part took place on Earth where a skeptical astronaut was put through a training program that included meditation, martial arts and sensory deprivation. As exhausting as it sounded, it seemed like a good way to spend six months of life and I'd consider it as a retreat - if time and money weren't objects.
Aside from the Venus sections and the whole concept of "voids" little of this book strained my suspension of disbelief. The characters weren't particularly vivid for me -- at times they seemed like roles rather than individuals, but the plot held my interest.
Part II - the science behind the novel was quite plausible. I'm slightly more willing to believe in Venusian microbes than when I started reading. The author's explanation for why aliens would be inclined to be hostile made sense though I think he misses other possibilities. Unless we're talking about hive intelligences, most intelligent aliens would have needed to learn how not to destroy themselves before proceeding to the stars. This "graduation" would likely make them less hostile.
As to the subject of "voids" the author freely admits this isn't completely science but a marriage of Buddhist thought to quantum mechanics.
Overall, a book worth reading, especially if you'd like to demonstrate how science fiction can be grounded in realistic science. Just be warned that it feels more like a teaching tool than a great science fiction novel.
The novel is decent. In some ways my favorite part took place on Earth where a skeptical astronaut was put through a training program that included meditation, martial arts and sensory deprivation. As exhausting as it sounded, it seemed like a good way to spend six months of life and I'd consider it as a retreat - if time and money weren't objects.
Aside from the Venus sections and the whole concept of "voids" little of this book strained my suspension of disbelief. The characters weren't particularly vivid for me -- at times they seemed like roles rather than individuals, but the plot held my interest.
Part II - the science behind the novel was quite plausible. I'm slightly more willing to believe in Venusian microbes than when I started reading. The author's explanation for why aliens would be inclined to be hostile made sense though I think he misses other possibilities. Unless we're talking about hive intelligences, most intelligent aliens would have needed to learn how not to destroy themselves before proceeding to the stars. This "graduation" would likely make them less hostile.
As to the subject of "voids" the author freely admits this isn't completely science but a marriage of Buddhist thought to quantum mechanics.
Overall, a book worth reading, especially if you'd like to demonstrate how science fiction can be grounded in realistic science. Just be warned that it feels more like a teaching tool than a great science fiction novel.
August 4, 2025
I sometimes find it difficult to engage in hard sci-fi because there’s a slight imbalance to plot progression vs scientific exposition, but I didn’t feel that way with Alien Encounter. It’s a quick read and takes you through an enjoyable (and deadly) mission that involves non-humanoid aliens!
I really liked that space exploration wasn’t only depicted as a surreal beauty or vast empty setting, but brutal, isolating, and epic. I also had never heard of Titan and the habitability possibilities on it before reading this novel, so it was nice to be exposed to something new and learn about Saturn’s icy moon. In terms of characters, I enjoyed the variety! Whereas we follow Jack, Carmen, and Vladimir for the most part, we’re not just stuck with one or two people conveniently running an entire mission on their own, but every main and side-character feels like they’re experienced and serve a purpose on the mission.
Overall, it’s a romp through space with interesting science, battle scenes (miss my favorite character, lol), and unique aliens. I finished it super quickly and had fun! I would be interested in a third edition of the novel where the copywriting quirks could be smoothed out, a sequel, or an entirely different mission altogether!
I really liked that space exploration wasn’t only depicted as a surreal beauty or vast empty setting, but brutal, isolating, and epic. I also had never heard of Titan and the habitability possibilities on it before reading this novel, so it was nice to be exposed to something new and learn about Saturn’s icy moon. In terms of characters, I enjoyed the variety! Whereas we follow Jack, Carmen, and Vladimir for the most part, we’re not just stuck with one or two people conveniently running an entire mission on their own, but every main and side-character feels like they’re experienced and serve a purpose on the mission.
Overall, it’s a romp through space with interesting science, battle scenes (miss my favorite character, lol), and unique aliens. I finished it super quickly and had fun! I would be interested in a third edition of the novel where the copywriting quirks could be smoothed out, a sequel, or an entirely different mission altogether!
August 21, 2025
Schulze-Makuch brings his considerable professional experience to bear in creating a dramatic and gripping storyline. We are never far, throughout the unfolding plot, from the insights of astrobiology, while scrupulous attention to the human interaction of principle characters Jack and Vladimir and the metaphysical questions raised by the "voids" is upheld throughout. A welcome addition to the realm of sci-fi fiction, and a timely reminder of the fragility of earth systems. Highly recommended!
October 31, 2023
Not sure what is worse, the poor character development, the limp plot or the slow pacing
March 6, 2017
Not so well written and different from the other books (that I have read so far) in the Springer Science & Fiction series, the science isn't that believable as well.
December 4, 2017
This was a seriously annoying book to read.
First, it's riddled with errors in English usage, spelling and grammar that make it seem like English is not the Author's first language, and just scream for the attention of a good editor. The constant barrage of mis-use, misspelling and poor phrasings made it impossible to maintain immersion.
But the story ideas were intriguing enough to keep me reading, despite the author's apparent ignorance of orbital mechanics.
And lastly, nothing gets resolved!
This book needs the attention of a good editor, a knowledgeable scientific advisor, and a plot resolution. I regret sticking with it, and wish I'd gone on to something else .
Edit 12/04/2017 to add spoiler tags. My apologies to all for forgetting them.
First, it's riddled with errors in English usage, spelling and grammar that make it seem like English is not the Author's first language, and just scream for the attention of a good editor. The constant barrage of mis-use, misspelling and poor phrasings made it impossible to maintain immersion.
But the story ideas were intriguing enough to keep me reading, despite the author's apparent ignorance of orbital mechanics.
And lastly, nothing gets resolved!
This book needs the attention of a good editor, a knowledgeable scientific advisor, and a plot resolution. I regret sticking with it, and wish I'd gone on to something else .
Edit 12/04/2017 to add spoiler tags. My apologies to all for forgetting them.
September 18, 2016
Impenetrable novella full of clunky dialogue, conspicuous exposition, inconsequential action and flat, lifeless characters. The author seemingly has no grasp of narrative perspective, hopping the POV between the two main characters of Jack and his Soviet-cliché counterpart Vladimir, nor of natural speech. As an example, here's a dynamic exchange between the two, upon discovering a mysterious signal and digging a hole to find its source.
"I bet my back will hurt tomorrow," he said, almost triumphantly. "Like I did some real good gardening work. This is fascinating, but I'm afraid that we will have to get back to the station. It doesn't look like we will solve this enigma today."
"Yes, you are right," Vladimir said, but Jack couldn't tell if his comrade was only tired or frustrated.
What drama!
In an effort to crowbar some emotional backstory into the story, Schulze-Makuch commits the notorious crime of characters telling each other what they already know, in an astonishing example of "As you know, Jack". Here Vladimir is telling Jack why Jack's wife wants a divorce:
"We discussed this before. You made the choice to become an astronaut rather than settling down into an established life with her."
In the end, an unreadable mess that otherwise might have contained some interesting ideas.
"I bet my back will hurt tomorrow," he said, almost triumphantly. "Like I did some real good gardening work. This is fascinating, but I'm afraid that we will have to get back to the station. It doesn't look like we will solve this enigma today."
"Yes, you are right," Vladimir said, but Jack couldn't tell if his comrade was only tired or frustrated.
What drama!
In an effort to crowbar some emotional backstory into the story, Schulze-Makuch commits the notorious crime of characters telling each other what they already know, in an astonishing example of "As you know, Jack". Here Vladimir is telling Jack why Jack's wife wants a divorce:
"We discussed this before. You made the choice to become an astronaut rather than settling down into an established life with her."
In the end, an unreadable mess that otherwise might have contained some interesting ideas.
October 5, 2016
Od knihy, ktorú som si kúpil cez Humble Bundle, som toho veľa neočakával a ako taká ma príjemne prekvapila. Ide už o druhú sci-fi knihu písanú vedcom, čo som čítal a s oboma som bol nadmieru spokojný. Áno bestsellerový autor, by pravdepodobne aj túto knihu dokázal napísať miestami s lepšími dialógmi, opismi, alebo postavami, ale aj napriek tomu ide o veľmi príjemnú knihu o možnom stretnutí s mimozemskou civilizáciou odlišnej od tej našej. Pri väčšine špekulácií sa autor opiera, alebo sa snaží sa opierať o rôzne vedecké teórie, či poznatky, ktoré rozpísal v dodatkových kapitolách knihy.
October 20, 2016
The ideas and plot are interesting and compelled me to at least skim my way through the novel. The dialogue is extremely clunky, perhaps because the author originates from Germany and may not be a native English speaker. Parts of the writing read like a translation, and other parts suffer from poor copy editing. I wouldn't recommend this book to a friend unless I knew they had a very specific interest in this type of novel, but I'd be interested in other work by the author if he teamed up with another author or editor who could help smooth out his writing.
December 26, 2016
This would have been much more fun if the back half wasn't riddled with typos.
May 2, 2017
82 percent of the way through, the delicate balance of interesting story vs. stilted writing and grammatical and textual errors is entirely upended when a surge of apathy seems to overtake everyone who worked on this book, editor and author alike. I decided to join them in giving up. I will live the rest of my life not knowing the secrets of the void...and it doesn't bother me one bit.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews