The Intrepid: Dawn Of The Interstellar Age

by Arnie Benn

Winner, Literary Titan Book Award (2023)
Gold Medal, FAPA President's Book Award (2023)

When crews on the first two interstellar missions confront the same confounding mystery, their dispute over what it means could alter the trajectory of the entire human race.

Thirty years after the last war, in a world of plentiful energy, Lunar and Mars bases, and a global federation of nations, an international crew of exceptional men and women sets out to explore the closest potentially habitable planet in the Alpha Centauri star system.

The stakes become elevated by the unexplained presence of another ship from the solar system, a ship with weapons. When the two crews interpret a perplexing find on the surface quite differently, it brings them into a conflict that threatens to lead to a nuclear showdown — with consequences more far-reaching than they could have imagined.

They may be over 4 light years from Earth, but the implications could not hit closer to home.
And they are too far away for two-way communication.

More than just another space saga, this wild, hard sci-fi ensemble drama (with a touch of romance) digs deep into human nature and the animal instinct that keeps us from elevating our existence. The only question left — is humanity doomed to repeat its mistakes, or are we ready to take the next crucial step?


FEATURING an extensive Glossary Of Scientific Terms

Genres: Science Fiction

486 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2023

About the author

I was raised in Kimberley, South Africa. Our family moved to the United States in 1990 to pursue the promise of America and the opportunities she embodies. Although the specific details of my life may appear different from your own at the superficial level, beneath the surface I am just like you. I am an Earthling. I hope for meaning, health, and enough resources for me and mine to endure in relative comfort and safety. I also hope to make a worthy contribution to humanity with my life energy.

I have degrees in chemistry and music, and a deep interest in and a love for both the sciences and the arts. I believe no accurate understanding of the world can be attained without looking into many different areas of study, since the world contains them all, intermingled, interwoven, sometimes indistinguishable. I place my trust in logic and the scientific method because people, myself included, tend to stray from objectivity without too much provocation. I am also proud to be a founding member of The Quantum Bicycle Society (www.Quicycle.com), a science think tank dedicated to furthering pure science, and I am gratified that my writing can also provide an avenue for sharing some of the latest scientific innovations. (See "The Intrepid: Dawn Of The Interstellar Age.")

As an Earthling, I aspire toward a consciousness and an identity that connects all people. There are no border lines on the planet when viewed from space! Of course, our nature works against us on this front. So we have a little work to do. I try to remain above the ugliness of political group-think, but at those times when a lapse in focus allows my consciousness to be muddied by it... I aspire to be a passionate Centrist, though I sometimes fail — on some issues to the Left and on other issues to the Right.

I have worked in the technology, internet, entertainment, and education sectors. My professional experience includes producing and directing film and television content, online branding and marketing, consulting for a 2008 U.S. Presidential campaign, serial internet entrepreneurship, as well as science and mathematics teaching. I also occasionally derive satisfaction from my other organic calling — musical composition.

While I may not claim authority in any one area, I am just as astute a scholar of the human condition as anyone, since the only way we can know anyone else is by comparing what we see around us to how we know ourselves. And the one inescapable truth I see is that we humans are all the same... in the things that motivate our thoughts and actions, and in how they typically manifest in us and in our relationships.

In seeing this, I am moved to share it because I believe the only thing standing in our way of creating the world we desire and wish for is the dysfunction caused by our own survival instinct. And we do not want to see or acknowledge this because its stark truth undermines our own sense of sophistication and superiority. But we must see it, and that means elevating our emotional intelligence and wisdom. I believe that is the only thing that can save us from hurting ourselves, hurting each other, and hurting the planet. It is the evolution of consciousness that should occupy our focus as a human civilization, and that requires greater mastery over our biology than we are currently demonstrating.

It is in order to share these ideas that I am writing, in both the fiction and non-fiction genres.

We can be better, but we need to get out of our own way.

Thank you for joining me on part of this journey.

Reviews

[Daniel Villines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arnie Benn writes to define humanity in the present, and in parallel, attempts to guide humanity into its future. This approach is the best kind of science fiction, and based on my searchings through the genre, it is surprisingly very rare; or at least rarely done well.

The story takes place only a handful of decades from our present time, and it centers upon our first journey to our nearest star, Proxima Centauri. We’ve newly unlocked the secret to near-light-speed travel. The members of this exploration team are from all over the world. Each has their own strengths and unique characteristics, but they all fit together in the spirit of discovery. The science of this novel is based in truth, which gives Benn a firm foundation from which to extrapolate the future.

But the true gold of this novel is its dissection of humanity and its motivations that may never change. Benn uses his adventure to highlight our tendency to act from fear first, and shows that only a deliberate effort will allow reason to be placed over fear. Benn also asserts that corruption is the destroyer of societies. It lives with fear, feeding off of it, and manifesting itself as the crudest form of selfish survival. Corruption will sacrifice the many for the needs of the one, and not even realize it.

Stylistically, a few minor issues are present. The story peaks at its midpoint and never truly ramps back up to a spectacular ending. Also, the large number of characters makes each of them less than memorable. There are a few that stand out, but others are only defined by their name and function. Fewer characters with Benn’s writing would have been extraordinary.

For a debut novel, Intrepid is amazing, issues and all. Benn’s style is filled with respect for his world. Intrepid assumes a serious and realistic tone that intends to engage and convince its readers of its truth, rather than putting forth a series of cheap thrills and over-played action. It is the best science fiction novel that I have read in a very long time, and its time for Benn to write his second book.

[Joseph Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humanity finally develops the technology to travel to other star systems. Three different star ships head out independently to investigate a potentially earth like planet in the proxima centauri system. The clash between them mirrors the same human conflicts driven by fear and greed on earth. What awaits them is beyond d anything they could have imagined . At times, the characters and dialogue felt too artificial and formulaic, but character development finally unfolds over the course of his long book. The science, however, is glorious and exquisitely researched. I appreciated the cast of characters in the appendix complete with suggested photos. It really helped to keep track of the intricate interplay between them. The ending and resolution are magnificent. A hopeful message for our troubled times.

[Tristan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A space mystery that poses a dilemma will expose both the good and bad in all of us. The descriptions of science concepts made visual were truly unique, and the integration of hard science fosters an authenticity to the world. With a great ensemble cast of characters that are thoughtfully balanced to offer understanding and insight into motivations, creates an absorbing story that blends both confrontational and aspirational natures on our first journey to the stars.

[Rochelle Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story with plenty of real science!

The storyline is believable. While there's quite a bit of science discussion between the characters, it doesn't get bogged down or boring. In fact IL
Learned a lot and it wasn't painful. I'm hoping there's a sequel and soon. This is a tough act to follow.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. Liked the "hard science" approach to interstellar travel. Great characters. Plot OK. Somewhat forced at times but didn't detract from the great story. A new author for me that I will be reading more of.

[JWeiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story with lots of technology

Good story that had a lot of technical information. It was a bit dry at time but then some action or suspense was mixed in. There was a bit of a look back about 3/4 through that confused me a bit but made sense as the story progressed. Lots of background in the appendix.

[FHPM · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like hard science plus a great story.

I got more and more intrigued by this story as it progressed. I also enjoyed the slow build up and character development.. Waiting for the next installment..

[Gregory D · Rating 4 out of 5]

my review

This is a pretty good book. Not the normal type of sci Fi that I’m used to, but good nevertheless. It can be pretty technical at times.

[bob rausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an interesting story with twists.

The plot started slowly but then there were more things going on and the story developed into a very interesting plot. Recommend you give it a try.

[Alex Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very grateful to the author for introducing me to a number of scientific concepts of which I was completely unaware, despite having an avid interest in physics. Matter as the constrained rotation of photons? Wow. Awesome stuff

[Matt Fryar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first crew to man an interstellar spacecraft discovers more than they expected when they arrive at Earth’s nearest neighboring star. Between dealing with some unexpected guests to bravely exploring a new planet orbiting a new star, the crew quickly finds that humanity still has a lot to learn.

This was a really good story! Near-future space travel… That’s fun! The execution, though, was lacking. The characters were only surface level, and the book was about 125 pages too long.

[Jerry Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realist Space Adventure

I enjoyed the character development the author used as part of the story. The design of the space craft and landers were plausible, however for all the technical detail provided where did all the power come from to operate the space and landers?

[Tim Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believable tech, supporting science

Liked the balance between future tech and human nature in the tradition of close encounters of the third kind. Give us more!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idea is interesting, characters are not

The characters are the most disappointing part of this book. Very unconvincing as top scientists, irrational in response to challenges and danger, and they like to blab on about WWIII and the causes and the results of the war. It becomes more of getting the certain perspective about us now, and not important background for the story line of the book.
One thing the began my frustration was the desire of one character to develop a teaching Unit for girls on earth because they fall behind in STEM. The crew of the good ships are equally men and women, all the women were officers or leaders in the War, and its the last part of the 21st century, not 2020's.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age, acclaimed author Arnie Benn masterfully constructs a narrative revolving around a team of astronauts voyaging on a multi-year mission to explore Earth’s closest potentially habitable planet. The plot intensifies as a secondary spacecraft is dispatched to lend a hand, culminating in escalating tensions amongst the crews as they encounter an enigmatic third ship near their intended destination. Upon landing and initiating their reconnaissance, they uncover perils that are not only natural but, to their profound astonishment, man-made, presenting challenges with the potential to unravel decades of peace on Earth.

From the outset, Benn goes to great lengths to emphasize the hard science fiction essence of his novel, as evident in his introductory note and the appendix. He takes pride in ensuring that the technology and scientific principles elucidated in his work have a plausible foundation, even going as far as including a comprehensive glossary of scientific terminology. Essential concepts are smoothly incorporated into dialogues, while additional complex details are artfully presented as optional reading for curious minds.

Benn meticulously devotes considerable time to his characters aboard their ships before catapulting us into the crux of the story. Although this deliberate pace initially might seem unhurried, it serves as an effective tool to foster a deep connection with the characters, ensuring the reader’s vested interest when the main storyline unfurls. The narrative’s pivotal moment, a startling discovery within a shell-like formation at the planet’s North Pole, is flawlessly delivered, validating the slow-burn storytelling method leading up to this point.

The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age is a gripping hard science fiction novel that hits home with the plausibility factor. With exciting adventure and a mystery to solve, this story is more than your average space saga; it is a drama-filled look at what the future could hold for humans should we fail to learn from past mistakes.

[Thibaldo Manrique · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was OK, but it could have been a lot more.

Although if was an interesting premise and intriguing characters, for me, it simply does not get to the point of a good book. There was a lot of science in it. Some good, some not so good. I guess the author needed to embellish the science to serve the story, but it tried to "sound" like real science when being transparently wrong. I imagine it got through in a revision, but... moving on. The interpersonal conflicts were abundant, as needed for the modern novel, but a few were contrived and others had what I can only describe as a Disney ending. Not just happy, Disney happy. Some of the deaths were written so we would feel bad for the survivors, not the dead person. I found it transparent and not very entertaining. Capable military personnel shouldn't fall to their deaths because they were distracted talking to a friend. My opinion and possibly a bias, but there it is. Readable. Good for a long trip or something, but I won't be reading any follow-up or sequel. One of these is enough.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am usually a good audience for near-future space exploration stories, and if you want to throw in a first-contact plotline, I am down. But The Intrepid never hooked me. The style was a snooze with dialogue that did not fit the characters.
Consider the first paragraph of the second chapter: “The ship’s medical doctor, Joanne-Leigh Elias, is sitting up in her hibersleep pod, gaining her bearings. Emerging from the grogginess of hibersleep, the 35 year-old Australian physician and geneticist finds herself thinking about, of all things, the first boy she kissed — the first boy she really kissed. Nicky Altshuler.” Are bearings something you gain? Do we need the doc’s whole resumé at this point? Her first kiss, really? Does Nicky’s name deserve to be an entire sentence? And there is a missing hyphen.

[Martin Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review copy from Voracious Readers. I LOVED THIS!!!! OK, on one hand we have a interstellar exploration story... solid characters who you want to succeed. Then the surprise of another earth ship appearing..... then another..... can they work together or will old emnities prevent co-operation..... then there is solid evidence of another civilisation ..... and THEN it gets REALLY interesting!

The science side of it is explained where needed and glossed over when not, but a full quarter of this book is the glossary of science.

It ends on a platform ready for the next book in the series. Which I for one will be looking out for! Great job!

[Rex Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs work

What started out as a promising Sci-Fi tale with an interesting premise devolved into three things:
1-A means for an author to show off his science knowledge through overdrawn “educational” conversations between unnecessary characters
2-Overuse of Deus Ex Machina or, in this case, “Alien Ex Machina”
3- Some thinly devise and developed plot lines that interrupted main plot lines from effectively developing.

The first third of this book had a lot of promise. The middle third got really bogged down in Ben’s need to show off. The last third just rushed everything to a set up for another book.

Conclusion: I read it. Not waiting for volume two.

[Jeff Tix · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good foundation for more books.

This went on for quite awhile in order to establish a premise, one that could not have been simply laid in front of you. Read the book, then decide if you want to continue. I will decide later if I want to continue. At this moment, I need a break from a very tedious effort to lay a foundation for the right people this series is meant to delight. I’m just not sure I am among those people.

[Bob Ciminel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Science in an Operatic Setting

Coming from a technology background (50+ years in commercial nuclear power) I appreciated the science portrayed in this story. I don’t believe we will ever attain velocities of 99.89% of light but we will go faster than we are now. My only complaint, and this applies to many authors and editors, is the use of “further” when they mean “farther.” It is a pet peeve.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book I got it from Voracious Readers and I do not read science fiction books but this one was interesting with all the science theory put in to story which I loved about it very entertaining and suspense mystery a little scary kept me wanting to read more about the planets

[Frank Hofer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shockingly Bad Writing

Ten percent in and I’m done with this mess. Introduce a character then give the history of the world up to this point, or describe impossible genetic engineering, or …. You get the idea. The writing style is clunky with no flow whatsoever. The characters are cliche and the plotting is not there.

Run away.

[Rich Buickerood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very heavy into space travel related science and mental telepathy, most of which was quite a tedious read. The story itself was very interesting, but I wasn’t prepared for it to just suddenly end.

[Joy Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept

The astronauts were interesting and concept good.book was too wordy for me. Read it as long as I did hoping to find some other things out but was disappointed.

[George Losey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would never buy another book from an author who ends without a resolution hoping that you would buy his next.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

well Developed

Well developed storyline, good characters keeps interest with several different plot, twists one of those books you don’t want to end

[Thomas Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best recommendation I can give is... Hurry with the Sequel! There are so many directions that this could take that I'd like to read about. Good work Mr. Benn!

[Chris Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept was great and well thought out. The story was uneven and at times hard to follow with too many characters.