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Blue Sunrise: A Riveting Character-driven Hard Sci-fi Adventure
Blue Sunrise is a richly woven tale of a drug addict dealing with his inner demons, a Mars expedition unaware of unknown perils, and an alien race trying to save itself from total annihilation. An engrossing well thought out plot with twist and turns that will lead the reader on an unexpected journey. This book has superb character development and you will find it hard to put down. Blue Sunrise is a phenomenal masterpiece that is splendidly written. It is a future classic worthy of being read, reread and savored.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
431 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2011
859 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 7, 2023
Best Science Fiction I have read in 50 years!
I am approaching my 70’s and have always been an avid reader. For the last few years I have grown tired of the present science fiction genre due to the repetitive nature in the Authors’ themes.
I chose this title at random and was immediately captivated! What a wonderful blend of stories from the cosmos. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone with a thirst for a refreshing re-birth of their interest in finding a delightful new Science Fiction Writer to feed our thoughts and imaginations.
I am approaching my 70’s and have always been an avid reader. For the last few years I have grown tired of the present science fiction genre due to the repetitive nature in the Authors’ themes.
I chose this title at random and was immediately captivated! What a wonderful blend of stories from the cosmos. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone with a thirst for a refreshing re-birth of their interest in finding a delightful new Science Fiction Writer to feed our thoughts and imaginations.
December 17, 2023
This book was going along fine, ok sci fi…until chapter 5. Trees? Are you kidding me? I do not like sci fi merged with ‘fantasy’. They are actually two very distinct genres. Ugh.
January 2, 2024
A great combination of elements
This one very nearly got five stars from me, and if Amazon had a half star capability, I would give it 4.5 stars.
In the desired sci-fi way, the book defines some aliens, and puts humans in their path, setting up a “What’s going to happen” question. The way this is done is skillful, and riveting.
First, in alien definition the author creates two different species that are as different as night and day, yet both intelligent, slightly antagonistic, very intertwined and thus stuck with each other. Aliens are creatively built, and are used to explore interesting philosophical questions about the nature of existence. The author also builds a little tension between the two races, who are ostensibly supposed to get along with each other.
Second, the encounter of what will happen when the two races collide with humans stays a mystery just long enough, and develops the outcome at a great pace. Once the secret is revealed, there’s plenty of action and the humans involved for the most part do smart things. There’s one place in the story where entirety of the earth is described as acting with more unity than I think they would in the situation in real life, but that is about the only sin the book commits. Well, that and not making clear where the author sits on whether he thinks religion is helpful / good, or holds it with disdain. Maybe it is not his obligation to do so, though I think he could have used ”religion is good” for good value in the story.
I actually only found this book because I received an advance review copy of the sequel, so I scrambled to read the first book before the sequel. Given the quality of this first book, I am now anxious to go & read the second, and provide my review for it.
This one very nearly got five stars from me, and if Amazon had a half star capability, I would give it 4.5 stars.
In the desired sci-fi way, the book defines some aliens, and puts humans in their path, setting up a “What’s going to happen” question. The way this is done is skillful, and riveting.
First, in alien definition the author creates two different species that are as different as night and day, yet both intelligent, slightly antagonistic, very intertwined and thus stuck with each other. Aliens are creatively built, and are used to explore interesting philosophical questions about the nature of existence. The author also builds a little tension between the two races, who are ostensibly supposed to get along with each other.
Second, the encounter of what will happen when the two races collide with humans stays a mystery just long enough, and develops the outcome at a great pace. Once the secret is revealed, there’s plenty of action and the humans involved for the most part do smart things. There’s one place in the story where entirety of the earth is described as acting with more unity than I think they would in the situation in real life, but that is about the only sin the book commits. Well, that and not making clear where the author sits on whether he thinks religion is helpful / good, or holds it with disdain. Maybe it is not his obligation to do so, though I think he could have used ”religion is good” for good value in the story.
I actually only found this book because I received an advance review copy of the sequel, so I scrambled to read the first book before the sequel. Given the quality of this first book, I am now anxious to go & read the second, and provide my review for it.
October 1, 2024
This was one of the most terrifying, original, and gripping science fiction books I have read in a long time. A race of truly predatory, aggressive and nasty-minded creatures, the Koombar, (sadly, with such recognizable human traits, albeit the worst ones) set about destroying any sentient species in the galaxy that could present a threat, maybe, if ever. The Koombar use the technology and science created by the Trees, a species that live on the same planet but have vastly different ethics and are peaceful. They have detected Earth and act as they always have. Meanwhile, on Earth, we are mining the moon and have sent a group of scientists to establish a livable base on Mars. The story is told from three POVs, and I could hardly wait to read from each of them, although usually I find one of multiple POVs boring. The story is relentless, and the suspense of each storyline kept me riveted to the page. Such a good story. Great characters, superb pacing, and a total heart-stopper of a plot. Am picking up the next volume in this duology now!
May 1, 2025
Meh
I quickly got interested in this book but then it got a little too involved with minor things and i had to force myself to finish it. The one thing i really dislike is that it's supposed to be set in 2061 but it just feels to me that it's not futuristic at all. The only thing that makes it so is the people on Mars and the moon. There was far too much time spent on these trees and the Koombar, and even at the end i have absolutely no idea what their role was in the story. Not to mention we have what i think is a dog or maybe a hyena as an alien? And they drive cars? It just doesn't seem very alien to me. How did they get a car when they've never been to earth? And the tiny shrimp having computers really threw me off as well. And then I'm expected to believe that a guy was able to zoom to earth in a matter of minutes to save everyone? The majority of it just came off as unbelievable and too far fetched for me
I quickly got interested in this book but then it got a little too involved with minor things and i had to force myself to finish it. The one thing i really dislike is that it's supposed to be set in 2061 but it just feels to me that it's not futuristic at all. The only thing that makes it so is the people on Mars and the moon. There was far too much time spent on these trees and the Koombar, and even at the end i have absolutely no idea what their role was in the story. Not to mention we have what i think is a dog or maybe a hyena as an alien? And they drive cars? It just doesn't seem very alien to me. How did they get a car when they've never been to earth? And the tiny shrimp having computers really threw me off as well. And then I'm expected to believe that a guy was able to zoom to earth in a matter of minutes to save everyone? The majority of it just came off as unbelievable and too far fetched for me
January 30, 2025
Frighteningly Good
Hard SF, a paranoid and aggressive race send anti-matter-powered missiles to destroy Earth - simply on principle to avoid any nebulous future threat. Furious, almost suicidal improvisation ensues to fool the semi-intelligent missiles into focussing on another target. An unlikely hero takes steps to ensure his children's survival.
This is very well-written, imaginative and, given its initial premise, scarily credible. My only criticism is that someone who can come up with something as clever and convincing as this should know the difference between discrete and discreet and shoo-in vs shoe-in. This happens so early in the book that I almost stopped reading thinking it was going to be yet another semi-illiterate Kindle Unlimited potboiler. For God's sake, KU, get some decent proofreaders!!!
Hard SF, a paranoid and aggressive race send anti-matter-powered missiles to destroy Earth - simply on principle to avoid any nebulous future threat. Furious, almost suicidal improvisation ensues to fool the semi-intelligent missiles into focussing on another target. An unlikely hero takes steps to ensure his children's survival.
This is very well-written, imaginative and, given its initial premise, scarily credible. My only criticism is that someone who can come up with something as clever and convincing as this should know the difference between discrete and discreet and shoo-in vs shoe-in. This happens so early in the book that I almost stopped reading thinking it was going to be yet another semi-illiterate Kindle Unlimited potboiler. For God's sake, KU, get some decent proofreaders!!!
January 19, 2023
Interstellar Conflict
An expedition to Mars, interstellar conflict, aliens who are so advanced genetically they are hellbent on extinguishing all life forms that do not conform to their standards. This book is written in the older Sci fi style, the grit of outer space living, the inevitable struggle of various powers for domination of all and then the relationships that either are built up or betrayed. I found this to be a very well written book that grabbed my attention with the author's prosaic writing style and command of scientific research. A great book to captivate you.
An expedition to Mars, interstellar conflict, aliens who are so advanced genetically they are hellbent on extinguishing all life forms that do not conform to their standards. This book is written in the older Sci fi style, the grit of outer space living, the inevitable struggle of various powers for domination of all and then the relationships that either are built up or betrayed. I found this to be a very well written book that grabbed my attention with the author's prosaic writing style and command of scientific research. A great book to captivate you.
June 4, 2025
Wow!
What a finish! It was a little slow to start, but only because there was a lot of character development to be done. It was well worth the wait.
Add to that the fact that the author does a great job of blending history, science and science fiction, weaving in the exact amount of action to keep the story riveting. I couldn't put it down but had to at times. (You know, work and all). I haven't read many lately that have kept my interest like this.
Looking forward to reading the next book.
What a finish! It was a little slow to start, but only because there was a lot of character development to be done. It was well worth the wait.
Add to that the fact that the author does a great job of blending history, science and science fiction, weaving in the exact amount of action to keep the story riveting. I couldn't put it down but had to at times. (You know, work and all). I haven't read many lately that have kept my interest like this.
Looking forward to reading the next book.
August 11, 2025
A good, solid story. Several interesting, well developed subplots- the Mars Mission, the two very different species on a faraway planet, a guy trying to escape his past by working on the Moon. Minimal relationships, no sex. It felt like I was watching the characters from a distance.
I did find the explanation of how evolution resulted in two species with diametrically opposed moral systems quite interesting. Also raises the same question as The Three Body Problem: Should the presence of an intelligent civilization on another planet always be perceived as a threat?
I did find the explanation of how evolution resulted in two species with diametrically opposed moral systems quite interesting. Also raises the same question as The Three Body Problem: Should the presence of an intelligent civilization on another planet always be perceived as a threat?
June 7, 2025
This was not a fast read. Had to take my time and think about things along the way. Definitely Science Fiction, heavy on the science. But it also has another layer, not really brought to fruition in this first book, will be interesting to see that development in book two. The characters were mostly well developed, some on the Moon, some on Mars and of course those on Earth. There was a lot to keep track of. Give it a go, I have second book on my TBR list.
June 15, 2023
I read a lot. I have written some scathing reviews for ebooks that deserve it.
This is actually a good, Kindle Unlimited, science fiction novel. The science is plausible. The characters range from likeable to cringe. The plot is tense, but believable. The ending is satisfying. No spelling or grammar errors that I noticed. I will definitely read whatever else this author produces.
This is actually a good, Kindle Unlimited, science fiction novel. The science is plausible. The characters range from likeable to cringe. The plot is tense, but believable. The ending is satisfying. No spelling or grammar errors that I noticed. I will definitely read whatever else this author produces.
February 27, 2025
Mostly good
It tells four stories, which for most of the book are unrelated. I found one to be dull and skipped those chapters. The others were interesting, but I prefer a book to stick with one story and set of characters, rather than switch from one story to another every chapter or two.
It tells four stories, which for most of the book are unrelated. I found one to be dull and skipped those chapters. The others were interesting, but I prefer a book to stick with one story and set of characters, rather than switch from one story to another every chapter or two.
August 2, 2025
Strange but give it a shot
I have to say it was hard work getting thru the first hundred pages or so. Somewhat confusing. But, its worth the effort. The worlds created in these books are so strange and alien and fascinating. Gets a little preachy at times but some good violence evens that out.
I have to say it was hard work getting thru the first hundred pages or so. Somewhat confusing. But, its worth the effort. The worlds created in these books are so strange and alien and fascinating. Gets a little preachy at times but some good violence evens that out.
October 3, 2022
Bought this book on a whim and it turned out to be one of the most suspenseful, thrilling sci-fi books I’ve read in a long while. It literally had me pulling my hair as I read on unable to stop. I wish this author would write more!
February 12, 2023
What a delightful surprise
Incredibly well written! I look forward to more from this author....Everything about this book is marvelous. A fresh unique story that is character driven with a plot that dances to an unexpected ending.
Don't skip this one!!!
Incredibly well written! I look forward to more from this author....Everything about this book is marvelous. A fresh unique story that is character driven with a plot that dances to an unexpected ending.
Don't skip this one!!!
May 8, 2023
excellent story about the human condition
This is an “almost apocalyptic” story about science, human strengths and weaknesses. It was very entertaining and technologically interesting. I strongly recommend the book.
This is an “almost apocalyptic” story about science, human strengths and weaknesses. It was very entertaining and technologically interesting. I strongly recommend the book.
August 2, 2024
I abandoned this book - I normally read a lot of science function but this one just bores me and when I reached the chapter about the trees - uh I was done. Time to move on to the other books on my reading list …
August 22, 2024
Something new
This story is amazing and very cleverly thought out. The concepts are believable in contemplation of the possible answers to endless questions about mysteries in our solar system. Thsnk you. It was very well done.
This story is amazing and very cleverly thought out. The concepts are believable in contemplation of the possible answers to endless questions about mysteries in our solar system. Thsnk you. It was very well done.
October 9, 2024
WOW. Loved it. Amazing novel on all levels. Slow start developing the story lines then kicked it into overdrive. Amazing new unique ideas. Intelligent trees! Great smart characters. Gregg weaves them all together in a very satisfying read. Blue Sunset next for me.
January 4, 2025
There were some really good ideas in this scifi book, though the 'trees' episodes slid into fantasy. Stick with them though. They're important. I kept feeling I'd love to see this as a film. As a book, however, it needs closer proofreading.
February 19, 2025
Timeline of millions of years
This is the kind of science fiction I most appreciate: heavy on the near science. Earth is exploring Mars and working the Moon. Then something alien appears. People in all three places watch the arrivals.
This is the kind of science fiction I most appreciate: heavy on the near science. Earth is exploring Mars and working the Moon. Then something alien appears. People in all three places watch the arrivals.
February 25, 2025
Brilliant story that I'm looking forward to seeing developed in the sequel. Characters are good as is the overarching storyline. It has a hint of those vast space operas that the likes of Peter F Hamilton write.
April 21, 2025
Outstanding science fiction
Outstanding science fiction. One of the very best scifi books I've have read in over 50 years. Up there with the very best. I'm hoping the next one in the series are as good. This should be up for a Hugo award. 10/10
Outstanding science fiction. One of the very best scifi books I've have read in over 50 years. Up there with the very best. I'm hoping the next one in the series are as good. This should be up for a Hugo award. 10/10
April 23, 2025
Blue Sunrise
This book was a bit slow to develop. It took a while to figure out what was going on. There isn’t a lot of exciting action. But I think there may be some interesting ideas.
This book was a bit slow to develop. It took a while to figure out what was going on. There isn’t a lot of exciting action. But I think there may be some interesting ideas.
June 5, 2025
A little slow getting going, but about 1/2 way through the second book I couldn’t put it down. There are interesting parallels to our current political and ecological predicaments. If we could only live in Harmony! 😉
June 29, 2025
Blue Sunrise
I don't often give 5 stars, but this story was so entertaining and suspenseful that I feel it deserves them. Well written, it just makes it hard to put down. Well done, Mr. Overman!
I don't often give 5 stars, but this story was so entertaining and suspenseful that I feel it deserves them. Well written, it just makes it hard to put down. Well done, Mr. Overman!
Read
July 1, 2025I thought this was an excellent read, interesting characters and world, and I even enjoyed the scientific exposition. I was somewhat let down by the plot in the end, but I still enjoyed read, and would recommend.
August 20, 2025
Quite an achievement
This book covers so much that it is hard to define. From Earth to the Moon to Mars to far from The Solar System. A fine tale of hard science fiction and the achievement of human kind in facing the unknown.
This book covers so much that it is hard to define. From Earth to the Moon to Mars to far from The Solar System. A fine tale of hard science fiction and the achievement of human kind in facing the unknown.
September 4, 2025
Fascinating read of what's not there.
I found it difficult a initially to pick up the thread but then got wrapped up in the story. The nasty koombar, the trees and lastly the humans. Loved lost and futures to be made. Enjoyed the read for those who like galatic reading.
I found it difficult a initially to pick up the thread but then got wrapped up in the story. The nasty koombar, the trees and lastly the humans. Loved lost and futures to be made. Enjoyed the read for those who like galatic reading.
September 9, 2025
Excellent space opera. Charters are true to life except the aliens that are crazy. Science that is understandable to a certain degree. Overall great book, although by the middle of it I wanted to find the aliens and blow them out of the galaxy. Reading Sunset now just as good as the Sunrise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews