What do you think?
Rate this book
Saucer #3
Saucer: Savage Planet
Full of UFO's, futuristic technology, edge-of-your-seat flying scenes and unforgettable characters, human and otherwise, Stephen Coonts' Savage Planet is classic storytelling at its best . . . and pure, unadulterated fun. Aliens are coming! A year after young engineering student Rip Cantrell discovered the first flying saucer buried deep in the sands of the Sahara, another saucer is brought up from the bottom of the Atlantic. The recovery is funded by a pharmaceutical executive who believes that the saucer holds the key to an anti-aging drug formula that space travelers would need to voyage between galaxies. But one of his technicians, Adam Solo, an alien marooned on Earth for a thousand years, steals the saucer, hoping to summon a starship to rescue him. Unfortunately, the stolen saucer has damaged communications gear.Solo goes to Rip Cantrell and his partner, ex-Air Force test pilot Charlotte "Charley" Pine, and Rip's uncle Egg, for help in summoning a starship. Meanwhile, as a terrified world fearful of space invaders approaches meltdown, big pharma moguls and their thugs are hot on the trail of the foursome.In a world turned upside down, it may be the arriving aliens who offer limitless possibilities. Rip and Charley face an incredible Do they dare leave the safety of earth to travel into the great wilderness of the universe?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
78 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Coonts
181 books756 followersStephen Coonts (born July 19, 1946) is an American thriller and suspense novelist.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 9, 2021
The last of the 3 Saucer books. I liked the parts with Rip, Egg, and Charlie along with alien Adam Solo. Really didn't care about the parts with the White House and the President. Good ending.
March 6, 2016
I am always in the mood for a good sci-fi book. Sadly, I did not find that in this book. Although I would not classify this book as just sci-fi. It also has the makings of a good thriller story. Yet, I found nothing interesting about the story or the characters. Maybe if I had read the first book I would have developed that character background and relationship better. What my problem was with this book is that a lot of the times the conversations between the characters did not seem to go anywhere. When I can't get into the story and get a good image of what the world and people look like then the conversations are just talking. However I am thinking that I might feel a little differently about this book had I listened to the audio version as there was a little glimmer of hope in the story that I could have gotten into if again I had felt a stronger character connection.
May 17, 2014
"Saucer Savage Planet' is the third book in a fast-paced science fiction series that begins when the Roswell saucer buried at the bottom of the Atlantic is stolen by Adam Solo, a marooned alien whose objective is to summon a starship, but regrettably the communications system has been damaged. He turns for help to Rip Cantrell, Charlotte (Charley) Pine and Arthur (Egg) Cantrell the guardians of a second saucer recovered from the sands of the Sahara. In a world that's terrified of an alien invasion they begin an adventure that has the four escaping from the government's military, pharma moguls and mafia thugs.
In a plot that has aliens invading earth for years to implant DNA in living creatures, the roller coaster ride never stops from the first page to the last. Woven into a story where big pharmaceutical corporations are willing to pursue advanced knowledge at any cost, there are strong messages about the moral, political and ethical issues surrounding the exploitation of miracle drugs that could cure disease and stop aging. In a story that introduces computers that store memories and high-flying saucers with advanced weaponry the entertainment and drama never stops.
The characters are well-developed and realistic with all their strengths and flaws. Adam Solo, an acute observer, warrior and leader is truthful and honest about his years surviving on a planet where wars have been savage, violent and brutal. Having experienced the adventure of countless lifetimes, and having left many love ones behind, Adam is pragmatic and frank about his future. Rip Cantrell, the engineering student who unearthed the saucer in the Sahara desert is resourceful, clever and confident, an adventurer at heart like his lover Charley Pine, a former U.S. test pilot who's brave and compassionate. Egg Cantrell, Rip's uncle an engineer and inventor is highly intelligent and realistic; a man who stands firmly on his moral principles.
At the highest levels of government, leaders are apprehensive and troubled by a general public's outcry for the alien wonder drugs, and are terrified by their ominous visit. The President , a man facing an election in a year is fearful, manipulative and calculating as he attempts to control the forces that threaten his authority. P.J. O'Reilly, his chief of staff is a petty tyrant, arrogant and demeaning, kowtowing to important people. Petty Officer Hennessey, a young man with a lot of common sense is the President's crutch in the crisis. He's supportive, optimistic and outspoken.
In this story even antagonists like the self-absorbed, money-hungry sociopaths and oversexed mega Pharmaceutical Corporation CEOs, Dr. Harrison Douglas and Johnny Murkowsky add power and intensity, their goal not to help the world as much as to become a dominating force and billionaires.
"Saucer Savage Planet" is an exciting adventure with memorable characters and a fascinating, unique plot that climaxes in a satisfying and forward looking ending. I highly recommend it to all those who love a good science fiction story.
In a plot that has aliens invading earth for years to implant DNA in living creatures, the roller coaster ride never stops from the first page to the last. Woven into a story where big pharmaceutical corporations are willing to pursue advanced knowledge at any cost, there are strong messages about the moral, political and ethical issues surrounding the exploitation of miracle drugs that could cure disease and stop aging. In a story that introduces computers that store memories and high-flying saucers with advanced weaponry the entertainment and drama never stops.
The characters are well-developed and realistic with all their strengths and flaws. Adam Solo, an acute observer, warrior and leader is truthful and honest about his years surviving on a planet where wars have been savage, violent and brutal. Having experienced the adventure of countless lifetimes, and having left many love ones behind, Adam is pragmatic and frank about his future. Rip Cantrell, the engineering student who unearthed the saucer in the Sahara desert is resourceful, clever and confident, an adventurer at heart like his lover Charley Pine, a former U.S. test pilot who's brave and compassionate. Egg Cantrell, Rip's uncle an engineer and inventor is highly intelligent and realistic; a man who stands firmly on his moral principles.
At the highest levels of government, leaders are apprehensive and troubled by a general public's outcry for the alien wonder drugs, and are terrified by their ominous visit. The President , a man facing an election in a year is fearful, manipulative and calculating as he attempts to control the forces that threaten his authority. P.J. O'Reilly, his chief of staff is a petty tyrant, arrogant and demeaning, kowtowing to important people. Petty Officer Hennessey, a young man with a lot of common sense is the President's crutch in the crisis. He's supportive, optimistic and outspoken.
In this story even antagonists like the self-absorbed, money-hungry sociopaths and oversexed mega Pharmaceutical Corporation CEOs, Dr. Harrison Douglas and Johnny Murkowsky add power and intensity, their goal not to help the world as much as to become a dominating force and billionaires.
"Saucer Savage Planet" is an exciting adventure with memorable characters and a fascinating, unique plot that climaxes in a satisfying and forward looking ending. I highly recommend it to all those who love a good science fiction story.
April 5, 2024
Another great adventure. So fun......
April 10, 2014
Saucer: Savage Planet by Stephen Coonts concludes the series originally began with Saucer (2003) and Saucer: The Conquest (2006) and is recommended for those who need closure.
Rip Cantrell, discovers a flying saucer buried in the Sahara desert with help from Charlotte Pine and his uncle Arthur “Egg” Cantrell. Only a year later a second saucer is discovered buried in the Great Barrier Reef. Pharmaceutical baron Harrison Douglas is behind the funding for the recovery efforts because he believes he can reap financial gain from products made based on the alien science. Douglas gets a hold of the Roswell saucer which was originally at Area 51. Then Adam Solo, a technician who is actually an alien-in hiding and working for Douglas, steals the saucer.
Solo hopes to find a way to call for help but with the communications device damaged, he connects with Rip and the gang hoping the saucer he found can help him get home. In the meantime everyone is after them.
Those who read and enjoyed the previous two books may want to pick up this third installment just for the conclusion of the series. It's an easy read and the pace is fast enough to keep you entertained. While this final book was the weakest of the three, it is fun escapism. For me this is an airplane book - certainly worth reading but I wouldn't pull my hair out in grief if I misplaced my copy in my travels. I do like the closure, though it was a long time coming...
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for review purposes.
Rip Cantrell, discovers a flying saucer buried in the Sahara desert with help from Charlotte Pine and his uncle Arthur “Egg” Cantrell. Only a year later a second saucer is discovered buried in the Great Barrier Reef. Pharmaceutical baron Harrison Douglas is behind the funding for the recovery efforts because he believes he can reap financial gain from products made based on the alien science. Douglas gets a hold of the Roswell saucer which was originally at Area 51. Then Adam Solo, a technician who is actually an alien-in hiding and working for Douglas, steals the saucer.
Solo hopes to find a way to call for help but with the communications device damaged, he connects with Rip and the gang hoping the saucer he found can help him get home. In the meantime everyone is after them.
Those who read and enjoyed the previous two books may want to pick up this third installment just for the conclusion of the series. It's an easy read and the pace is fast enough to keep you entertained. While this final book was the weakest of the three, it is fun escapism. For me this is an airplane book - certainly worth reading but I wouldn't pull my hair out in grief if I misplaced my copy in my travels. I do like the closure, though it was a long time coming...
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for review purposes.
April 10, 2014
About a decade ago Stephen Coonts told about a flying Saucer (paper), 140,000 years old, discovered in the Sahara. Rip Cantrell discovered it, got it working, and with test-pilot Charlotte Pine gets away from an evil rich man. In Saucer: The Conquest another saucer in Area 51 is stolen by a bad man and ended up deep in the pacific. Now in Saucer: Savage Planet (paper from St. Martin's Griffin ) we are introduced to a 1300 year-old pilot marooned on Earth and looking quite human. The whole world wants the medicine that keeps him from aging, some actually trying to capture him. Other aliens are on the way. This is the conclusion of a fun series. It’s a bit light, but still fun.Review printed by the Philadelphia Weekly Press.
July 23, 2014
I think this book wanted to be funny, but somehow did not tickle my funny bone. Characters were all cardboard cutouts and probably dependent upon development that occurred in earlier books in the series, none of which I've read. The aliens were just regular guys, hardly alien, and there was no sense of wonder. The goofy interplay between the president, politicians, and drug czars was simply too weird to be funny, and in no way was I able to suspend my disbelief in order to enjoy the story. I've liked some other early Coonts books, but this one was a waste of time.
March 28, 2015
Listened to on CD. Was pretty good. Never read the the first one but got caught up pretty quick. There was a little unrealistic stuff with the President, but on the whole was a good story. Nice interpretation of the Roswell incident.
May 4, 2014
Learned that senescence is about the aging process.
September 23, 2014
Overall, not a bad read. Quick pace, good characters. I liked it!
December 29, 2021
Stephen Coonts is maybe best known for his military hardware battle scenes beginning in the Viet Nam War and going to the turn of the century. These strong stories begin with flyer Jake Grafton and move on to include the CIA as Grafton rises in rank and needs intelligence he can count on before he can act.
This In this third of three, Adam Solo, an alien marooned on earth for hundreds of years steals a flying saucer, the only sci-fi tech on earth. He hopes to summon a starship for rescue, but he needs help. He turns to an ex-Air Force test pilot and a young engineer. These three plus the engineer’s uncle try to hold out until the hoped-for rescue arrives.
Two lost saucers have already been unearthed, one in Roswell. They have triggered a explosion of technology in materials and related industries, however their computers were both destroyed providing little of knowledge in their contents. Two major pharmaceutical giants are both after the last saucer and its computers believing they contain secret formulae for age enhancement and anti-aging. The two pharma giants have access to huge amounts of cash and are quite willing to kill to get the hardware. Everybody wants to live longer and is prepared to pay handsomely for the opportunity.
The President of the USA is swamped with requests from congress for the anti-aging drugs. Congress is being pressured by voters to ensure that the drugs go to the US first, preferably them first. Heads of state all over the world are sending signals to the summoned starship informing the travelers that their country is the most welcoming and should be the first visited. Meanwhile the President’s Chief of Staff is manipulating the entire administration and the President has a difficult time finding a common-sense approach to his problems. He selects a Petty Officer from his ceremonial guard. Shortly he starts drinking with the Petty Officer.
The starship arrives in Washington and the aliens’ favoured hostess is the President’s eight-year-old granddaughter (referred to as the ‘First Granddaughter’). It would be hard to describe the finish without spoiling too much.
If you are looking for classic Coonts, or if you purchased based on the cover picture that shows helicopters and jets firing missiles at saucers, you will be sadly disappointed. This book is a well done mild sci-fi. It is also a not so well-done spoof, quite funny in a few places if you are looking for a humorous book. Unfortunately, it is too spoof-like to be suspenseful.
Coonts is no longer targeting his “Intruder” market! One Star
This In this third of three, Adam Solo, an alien marooned on earth for hundreds of years steals a flying saucer, the only sci-fi tech on earth. He hopes to summon a starship for rescue, but he needs help. He turns to an ex-Air Force test pilot and a young engineer. These three plus the engineer’s uncle try to hold out until the hoped-for rescue arrives.
Two lost saucers have already been unearthed, one in Roswell. They have triggered a explosion of technology in materials and related industries, however their computers were both destroyed providing little of knowledge in their contents. Two major pharmaceutical giants are both after the last saucer and its computers believing they contain secret formulae for age enhancement and anti-aging. The two pharma giants have access to huge amounts of cash and are quite willing to kill to get the hardware. Everybody wants to live longer and is prepared to pay handsomely for the opportunity.
The President of the USA is swamped with requests from congress for the anti-aging drugs. Congress is being pressured by voters to ensure that the drugs go to the US first, preferably them first. Heads of state all over the world are sending signals to the summoned starship informing the travelers that their country is the most welcoming and should be the first visited. Meanwhile the President’s Chief of Staff is manipulating the entire administration and the President has a difficult time finding a common-sense approach to his problems. He selects a Petty Officer from his ceremonial guard. Shortly he starts drinking with the Petty Officer.
The starship arrives in Washington and the aliens’ favoured hostess is the President’s eight-year-old granddaughter (referred to as the ‘First Granddaughter’). It would be hard to describe the finish without spoiling too much.
If you are looking for classic Coonts, or if you purchased based on the cover picture that shows helicopters and jets firing missiles at saucers, you will be sadly disappointed. This book is a well done mild sci-fi. It is also a not so well-done spoof, quite funny in a few places if you are looking for a humorous book. Unfortunately, it is too spoof-like to be suspenseful.
Coonts is no longer targeting his “Intruder” market! One Star
June 25, 2017
While I enjoyed the story it was also frustrating as it had so many inconsistencies both within the story and with science. Adam Solo has a long history of escaping tight spots and twice in the story has a campfire going that allows searches to locate them and to start an attack. He had two saucers at his disposal and yet was unable to hide for a week and was unable to defend himself each time he was discovered?
January 10, 2020
I read the two previous books back when they first came out and I think the series/trilogy last some steam. Typically these types of books aren't something I would typically read, but I was at someone's house with lack of reading material and I read the first one and surprisingly enjoyed it. I then found the 2nd one and was like okay this is pretty good.
It took awhile for this third one to come out and it took me awhile to even know it existed. This last book wasn't terrible. I really liked the edition of Adam Solo and found him highly interesting, but after that, I'd say there isn't much to celebrate. The main characters weren't as enjoyable as the previous books and even if this was a good book, I didn't enjoy it as I did the previous two.
It took awhile for this third one to come out and it took me awhile to even know it existed. This last book wasn't terrible. I really liked the edition of Adam Solo and found him highly interesting, but after that, I'd say there isn't much to celebrate. The main characters weren't as enjoyable as the previous books and even if this was a good book, I didn't enjoy it as I did the previous two.
March 8, 2020
Imagine my surprize when I came across this copy of Saucer Savage Planet! The first two books were of the "unable to put them down" genre and this was no different! Our favourite characters Rip, Charley and Egg are there as well as the haphazard President plus a few new ones! The crew goes about and save the world from Big Pharma who has decided there must be some mighty good stuff in the saucer computers and will do anything to get at it. They meet up with Adam Solo (no relation to Napoleon) who is a long lived survivor of being marooned here on earth roughly 1400 years ago. A distress call is sent out and a rescue is underway which will lead to First Contact meanwhile, the adventure continues!
February 16, 2022
This was the final book in the trilogy. Definitely better than the second book. Answers some questions however still a bit of mystery remains. I deducted one star because of the ending. I don’t think it was well thought out to leave on the starship and start your family on the ship with no thought for your child’s future. There are no other children for your child to grow up with or start a family with of their own. I suppose they could start taking the magic drug that keeps them alive forever… But it seemed like they ruled that out on earth so they plan on living the rest of their lives on that starship. They were restless enough on earth without another project. I think they will go insane
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2019
I'm a long-time fan of great science fiction but this one isn't great. The audiobook was lightly entertaining but not deeply engaging. Many characters were one-dimensional and even stereotypical representations . On plus side I got pretty good laughs at the absurdity of some situations and behavior, though I'm not sure these were intended to be funny or not. And some of the premises did allow for serious thought about historical human behavior and unusual "what if" situations.
I picked this off the library shelf on a random impulse just to see what it would bring and don't regret trying it.
I picked this off the library shelf on a random impulse just to see what it would bring and don't regret trying it.
February 12, 2023
No gifts keep giving to science fiction like Area 51 and UFO sightings. Stephen Coonts’s Saucer series shamelessly exploits all the tropes. Yes, some of the saucers look like saucers. And, yes, we had one in Area 51 and another one buried in the Sahara. Yes, there are ancient aliens—with the Vikings, no less. Yes, some of the aliens look like humans. Our heroes have macho familiar names like Rip Cantrell and Adam Solo. The love interest is a jet pilot nicknamed Charley. There is a lovable old scientist nicknamed Egg. Savage Planet, big hint, set entirely on Earth, is the best of the lot and fulfills all the expectations built into the genre. 3.5 stars.
February 19, 2018
I found this a very easy read. I do love stories about aliens. This one brought in the story of a new saucer found and the one at Area 51. I think it was pretty tame as far as sci fi stories go but still quite enjoyable. Some interesting ideas about how it could go with aliens different from most movies you see.
April 23, 2020
3.5 stars
Good close to the trilogy. I enjoyed it overall despite a few stupidities.
Evil Christian. Those of us playing liberal trope bingo didn't accomplish too much with this book, but there are a few call outs.
I don't think Charlie, Trip & Egg have done anything to deserve the praise heaped onto them by Solo in his message to the captain.
Good close to the trilogy. I enjoyed it overall despite a few stupidities.
Evil Christian. Those of us playing liberal trope bingo didn't accomplish too much with this book, but there are a few call outs.
I don't think Charlie, Trip & Egg have done anything to deserve the praise heaped onto them by Solo in his message to the captain.
March 18, 2024
I enjoyed this silly little book with its cardboard characters and easy to follow plot. This was the last book in a series that I have not read. I had lots of questions, many of which I don't feel reading the first two books would answer, so decided just to go with the flow and enjoy the story presented to me. A fun escapism read.
May 4, 2024
So this series was the first books I ever reads by this author and I literally got hooked by this story line...and really enjoyed the relationships with the characters in the story... How ever I really feel like the story didn't end well.. What happens to Charlie and Rip? Where do they end up? So many questions left unanswered. But it was a great story.
June 29, 2018
Great Series from Coonts
Pleasantly surprised with sinus infection from Stephen Coonts. Great characteristics, good storyline, entertaining read. Some interesting theories too. I think anyone would enjoy reading these books I know I did.
Pleasantly surprised with sinus infection from Stephen Coonts. Great characteristics, good storyline, entertaining read. Some interesting theories too. I think anyone would enjoy reading these books I know I did.
April 1, 2019
I filed this book under comedy, because it barely fits science fiction.
Coonts opinion of Congress, the President and the lackeys around him comes through loud and clear (Senator BloHardt). His disdain for evangelical preachers and the press are also very apparent.
Coonts opinion of Congress, the President and the lackeys around him comes through loud and clear (Senator BloHardt). His disdain for evangelical preachers and the press are also very apparent.
December 26, 2019
Great read. The characters are realistic, the plot includes aliens who were marooned on earth over 1,000 years ago and are finally going to be rescued. Hope to see additional books with Egg, Rip, and Charley Cantrell.
April 2, 2020
As I've said before I like this style of book. The third book adds the owners of the saucer. It also very lightly continues the discussion of the consequences of having advanced technology explained and given to you.
April 19, 2020
After this read it puts a very satisfying conclusion to this 3 book series. It was a pleasant read through all of them. Nothing too fantastic or sciencey. Good character building and course a very happy ending for all.
August 15, 2021
Saucer
I love this author's work. It is the kind of book that once it gets in your hands, it does not leave u til it is time to write the review. Looking forward to reading Book three.
I love this author's work. It is the kind of book that once it gets in your hands, it does not leave u til it is time to write the review. Looking forward to reading Book three.
March 18, 2022
This was the third in a trilogy and it was easy enough to figure out what was going on but I think reading the other books might have helped a little . Overall it was enjoyable and kept me entertained on my lunchtime reading breaks.
July 21, 2017
Fair as a YA book. Poor for adults
September 21, 2017
Fantastic
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews