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The Wrong Button
Jerry Anderson was an astronaut faced with an impossible choice: die of asphyxiation in a few hours or see if the alien pod he was transporting really was an escape pod and find out if it could actually save him.
When he enters it, he finds that the controls are unreadable, lacking anything to go on, and rapidly running out of air. He presses the blinking green button.
The next thing he knows, he isn’t human anymore, and he finds himself on a seashore, next to some birds feasting on a body that looks very similar to his new body.
He is alive, but staying alive will be a challenge, and he will be able to communicate with the locals, assuming the next ones he finds dont kill him on sight.
When he enters it, he finds that the controls are unreadable, lacking anything to go on, and rapidly running out of air. He presses the blinking green button.
The next thing he knows, he isn’t human anymore, and he finds himself on a seashore, next to some birds feasting on a body that looks very similar to his new body.
He is alive, but staying alive will be a challenge, and he will be able to communicate with the locals, assuming the next ones he finds dont kill him on sight.
- GenresScience Fiction
230 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2024
387 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
David Collins
30 books24 followersI am a retired software engineer who has worked on various medical/robotic hardware, oceanographic mapping, telecommunications, and submarine communication systems. He currently resides in New Hampshire and has decided to try writing some science fiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 21, 2025
Entertaining space opera listening 🎵🤓
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account
They are on a space ship with an alien escape pod in the cargo hole. They are hit by something large. He gets into the pod and hits a button. 400 plus years later he lands on a planet and the fun begins.
I would highly recommend this novel and author to readers of space opera adventure novels 🙄👒 2025 😏😯
This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account
They are on a space ship with an alien escape pod in the cargo hole. They are hit by something large. He gets into the pod and hits a button. 400 plus years later he lands on a planet and the fun begins.
I would highly recommend this novel and author to readers of space opera adventure novels 🙄👒 2025 😏😯
November 12, 2024
Very good!
June 24, 2024
good premise, poor execution
Woefully inadequate character development. Anemic world building. Little romantic elements are more infantile male fantasy polygamy than actual romance. Antagonists are insufficient for interesting plotting. Underperformance in almost every aspect.
Woefully inadequate character development. Anemic world building. Little romantic elements are more infantile male fantasy polygamy than actual romance. Antagonists are insufficient for interesting plotting. Underperformance in almost every aspect.
July 22, 2024
I'm not sure who this is for.
It's a harem book, and a pretty bad example of the genre. The protagonist has two women propose marriage to him on page *45*. No build up beyond one of the two indicating she thought he was hot 10 pages earlier. No romance, just wham, straight to group marriage.
Readers of harem books, particularly ones that don't bother establishing any kind of emotional relationship, want descriptions of sex. There's none of that, just "we had enjoyable nighttime activities." The author is disappointing both readers of "guy has lots of sex with hot women" audience and the rest of us who like actual relationships. It's like this group marriage is just a way for the author to keep score.
This appeared to be a book about a guy with modern scientific knowledge dropping into an early industrial society. Those are always fun, though this one is badly written. Modern engineering knowledge doesn't transfer to practical knowledge of steam engines. I could draw you a diagram of the internals of a steam locomotive, but understanding the general principles doesn't mean I think I could build one. It's specialized knowledge.
That rapidly goes out the window when his abductor / helper alien lifeboat informs him it's repairing a full sized alien spacecraft, complete with FTL drive. Oh, and he makes ansible contact with authorities on Earth at the same time. Clearly the it isn't, after all, a "lone protagonist struggles to make his way in a primitive society with only his advanced knowledge to help him" book, either.
I'm not sure what direction it took from there, because that's where I stopped reading.
It's a harem book, and a pretty bad example of the genre. The protagonist has two women propose marriage to him on page *45*. No build up beyond one of the two indicating she thought he was hot 10 pages earlier. No romance, just wham, straight to group marriage.
Readers of harem books, particularly ones that don't bother establishing any kind of emotional relationship, want descriptions of sex. There's none of that, just "we had enjoyable nighttime activities." The author is disappointing both readers of "guy has lots of sex with hot women" audience and the rest of us who like actual relationships. It's like this group marriage is just a way for the author to keep score.
This appeared to be a book about a guy with modern scientific knowledge dropping into an early industrial society. Those are always fun, though this one is badly written. Modern engineering knowledge doesn't transfer to practical knowledge of steam engines. I could draw you a diagram of the internals of a steam locomotive, but understanding the general principles doesn't mean I think I could build one. It's specialized knowledge.
That rapidly goes out the window when his abductor / helper alien lifeboat informs him it's repairing a full sized alien spacecraft, complete with FTL drive. Oh, and he makes ansible contact with authorities on Earth at the same time. Clearly the it isn't, after all, a "lone protagonist struggles to make his way in a primitive society with only his advanced knowledge to help him" book, either.
I'm not sure what direction it took from there, because that's where I stopped reading.
March 7, 2025
Cute story
I actually enjoyed the story, but I was getting bored with the repetitive contrived situations. There were a lot of wrong words, and the grammar was atrocious in places. I also saw Frack used in three different and contradictory ways such that I began to wonder what the intended meaning actually was. The book is called the wrong button, but he's the only survivor with his oxygen running out so he decides to take a chance and operate an alien artifact. He's given the choice of four buttons. Three are steady red and one is flashing green. The flashing green is a signal for a survival pod to put him in stasis, and attempt to transport him back to the builder's home world. Problem being that the pod doesn't have FTL, so it runs out of fuel on the way necessitating his being dumped on some world on the easy. To adapt, the pod does a medical procedure to convert his body to conform with the locals. With that as a beginning, we proceed to hop through various adventures learning the local customs, and becoming a significant member of society. Oh, he also picks up three wives at the very beginning, and they become his "living dictionaries", or better "encyclopedias." They are also quite physically active.
I actually enjoyed the story, but I was getting bored with the repetitive contrived situations. There were a lot of wrong words, and the grammar was atrocious in places. I also saw Frack used in three different and contradictory ways such that I began to wonder what the intended meaning actually was. The book is called the wrong button, but he's the only survivor with his oxygen running out so he decides to take a chance and operate an alien artifact. He's given the choice of four buttons. Three are steady red and one is flashing green. The flashing green is a signal for a survival pod to put him in stasis, and attempt to transport him back to the builder's home world. Problem being that the pod doesn't have FTL, so it runs out of fuel on the way necessitating his being dumped on some world on the easy. To adapt, the pod does a medical procedure to convert his body to conform with the locals. With that as a beginning, we proceed to hop through various adventures learning the local customs, and becoming a significant member of society. Oh, he also picks up three wives at the very beginning, and they become his "living dictionaries", or better "encyclopedias." They are also quite physically active.
July 14, 2024
The Wrong Button is an old-school science-fantasy planetary romance. In other words, it is heavy on adventure and romance and light on science. A spacecraft in the asteroid belt has recovered an alien artifact suspected of being an escape pod. When a collision kills two of the crew, the survivor gets into the pod, punches one of two buttons, and is transported to a planet in a distant star system. He wakes on the beach in an alien body and, after a while, contacts some local shipwreck survivors. Adventure and romance ensue.
It is the kind of story one used to find in the pulps. Suspend your disbelief and go along for the ride.
It is the kind of story one used to find in the pulps. Suspend your disbelief and go along for the ride.
August 26, 2024
rather enjoyable adventure
The MC, as a last resort, presses a green blinking button in an alien emergency pod with unforeseen consequences. Of course if he didnt get into the pod, his life expectancy would be a few hours at most. Turned out ok, he was iseked to another world where he met some other shipwrecked women, 2 of which soon became his wives. Fortunately the alien ship was able to effect repairs. While in a strange land, he didn’t have to fight for his life at every turn, so it worked out ok. My impression was that the natives were a rather reasonable culture who didn’t see stranger-danger and he was able to adapt without violence, for the most part.
The MC, as a last resort, presses a green blinking button in an alien emergency pod with unforeseen consequences. Of course if he didnt get into the pod, his life expectancy would be a few hours at most. Turned out ok, he was iseked to another world where he met some other shipwrecked women, 2 of which soon became his wives. Fortunately the alien ship was able to effect repairs. While in a strange land, he didn’t have to fight for his life at every turn, so it worked out ok. My impression was that the natives were a rather reasonable culture who didn’t see stranger-danger and he was able to adapt without violence, for the most part.
August 3, 2024
tale of a guy setting up a harem
I’m predisposed to like most Science Fiction, however, this one left me wanting a more interesting storyline. Basically, it’s a tale about a guy who lives out the fantasy of having women instantly want to join his harem, have a super computer spaceship solve all his problems, and become the hero of the day. Not a lot of character development or real relationships between men and women, but probably a fun read for some.
Some problems with editing, even in the first few pages.
I’m predisposed to like most Science Fiction, however, this one left me wanting a more interesting storyline. Basically, it’s a tale about a guy who lives out the fantasy of having women instantly want to join his harem, have a super computer spaceship solve all his problems, and become the hero of the day. Not a lot of character development or real relationships between men and women, but probably a fun read for some.
Some problems with editing, even in the first few pages.
January 13, 2026
I gave up DNF @47%
The story started out really good, then just totally went to shit. We have an rocket engineer of some sort dropped into a primitive society. How will he survive? Can he get a job? Sell "inventions"? Astound the natives with his intellect? Nah, we'll just Deux Ex Machina an AI ship with a replicator into existence and magically "train" his three "wives" into 24th century intelligence. Wait, three wives? Yeah, they just also magically appear in his life.
This is when I knew the story was going no where and gave up reading it.
The story started out really good, then just totally went to shit. We have an rocket engineer of some sort dropped into a primitive society. How will he survive? Can he get a job? Sell "inventions"? Astound the natives with his intellect? Nah, we'll just Deux Ex Machina an AI ship with a replicator into existence and magically "train" his three "wives" into 24th century intelligence. Wait, three wives? Yeah, they just also magically appear in his life.
This is when I knew the story was going no where and gave up reading it.
May 19, 2025
A fun read
I have just discovered David Collins and am delighted with his ability to write the most interesting situations for his characters. He made his somewhat complex situations flow into a coherent story and kept my attention throughout. His science understanding for science fiction was solid. Proof reading was good, I found no annoying errors. I recommend this book to any science fiction fan.
I have just discovered David Collins and am delighted with his ability to write the most interesting situations for his characters. He made his somewhat complex situations flow into a coherent story and kept my attention throughout. His science understanding for science fiction was solid. Proof reading was good, I found no annoying errors. I recommend this book to any science fiction fan.
June 15, 2025
Exceptional
New ideas of what space trash could do for you!! Jerry is an Astronaut that is transporting a part of a found space wreck when an accident Force's him to use it! It takes him to a new world, where a lot of it's technology seems magic to the peoples there the characters all are well written and for the most very likeable a story thay keeps you reading to see what happens next!
New ideas of what space trash could do for you!! Jerry is an Astronaut that is transporting a part of a found space wreck when an accident Force's him to use it! It takes him to a new world, where a lot of it's technology seems magic to the peoples there the characters all are well written and for the most very likeable a story thay keeps you reading to see what happens next!
July 7, 2024
Surprisingly good
Author I was unfamiliar with, not much info in description... Desperately needs editing (nothing too bad!) but well written with good characters. Earth-related parts should probably be expanded on, alien parts just about right. Jerry should probably be a bit more cautious/paranoid... Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Author I was unfamiliar with, not much info in description... Desperately needs editing (nothing too bad!) but well written with good characters. Earth-related parts should probably be expanded on, alien parts just about right. Jerry should probably be a bit more cautious/paranoid... Looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 26, 2024
Just not good
Totally unbelievable, the harem and the easy way he got to do things in a world that was not his no strife no aliens trying to kill him. The AI could not be brought to the level in such a short time. Then they could go to different worlds but they did not, Why? Just not a good book no matter what the reviews say!!
Totally unbelievable, the harem and the easy way he got to do things in a world that was not his no strife no aliens trying to kill him. The AI could not be brought to the level in such a short time. Then they could go to different worlds but they did not, Why? Just not a good book no matter what the reviews say!!
July 30, 2024
Slow, meandering, simple unexciting story.
The whole story becomes very over explained, every conversation is an expose.
There is no excitement to the story, it meanders along following a tedious logical plot line. The characters were not very memorable and boring overall. It's a simple read That's rather forgettable.
The whole story becomes very over explained, every conversation is an expose.
There is no excitement to the story, it meanders along following a tedious logical plot line. The characters were not very memorable and boring overall. It's a simple read That's rather forgettable.
August 15, 2024
Hmmm...
Well this flies the gambit of both good and bad. As a slice of life novel it lacks a bad guy, even though we take precautions we never get a bad guy. Why do we need a crew if we just fly around and explore. This would have been great for trading. And I must have missed were all the money came from. And why all the wives? This really isn't a harem novel.
Well this flies the gambit of both good and bad. As a slice of life novel it lacks a bad guy, even though we take precautions we never get a bad guy. Why do we need a crew if we just fly around and explore. This would have been great for trading. And I must have missed were all the money came from. And why all the wives? This really isn't a harem novel.
August 19, 2024
Adaptive Evolution
Jerry was an astronaut whose ship ran afoul of conditions. He was forced to use an alien escape pod the crew had recovered, but accidentally programmed it to go several light years away. The pod adapted his biology to match the local sentiments and the adventure begins.
Jerry was an astronaut whose ship ran afoul of conditions. He was forced to use an alien escape pod the crew had recovered, but accidentally programmed it to go several light years away. The pod adapted his biology to match the local sentiments and the adventure begins.
October 14, 2024
The right way
I read a lot of SF and alternative history works. This was the best, most fun of the last 5 that I have read. Some of the dialog was a bit "out of place", such as " crickey". I hope the next book in the series is available soon. Thanks, David, for such an entertaining read.
I read a lot of SF and alternative history works. This was the best, most fun of the last 5 that I have read. Some of the dialog was a bit "out of place", such as " crickey". I hope the next book in the series is available soon. Thanks, David, for such an entertaining read.
June 8, 2025
The Delightfully Wrong Button
[Keeping to my minimalist reviews...]
this is a wonderful, delightful read. There are very few villains to balance the load of heroes who bond with Jerry Anderson. [Not related to Mister Anderson.]
For making the wrong choice, Anderson has an incredibly excellent adveture.
Read it; you'll like it.
I look forward to the Right Button.
[Keeping to my minimalist reviews...]
this is a wonderful, delightful read. There are very few villains to balance the load of heroes who bond with Jerry Anderson. [Not related to Mister Anderson.]
For making the wrong choice, Anderson has an incredibly excellent adveture.
Read it; you'll like it.
I look forward to the Right Button.
May 24, 2024
Great story - Enjoyed it!
Interesting Sci-Fi storytelling, Light story, nothing too disturbing.
Plenty of action, didn't notice any slow spots in the book.
Nice to know a sequel is planned!
Interesting Sci-Fi storytelling, Light story, nothing too disturbing.
Plenty of action, didn't notice any slow spots in the book.
Nice to know a sequel is planned!
July 6, 2024
Good changes to coming of age story
Very creative and surprisingly in depth evaluation of the magic of technology that we can't understand combined with distances that are victory very difficult to comprehend. Recommended
Very creative and surprisingly in depth evaluation of the magic of technology that we can't understand combined with distances that are victory very difficult to comprehend. Recommended
July 18, 2024
A solid 4 stars
I've always found (3 books so far) the dialogue in his books to be slightly awkward & stilted. However, I keep coming back for more. His books are just plain fun; mostly uncomplicated sci-fi adventures, always with an interesting premise.
I've always found (3 books so far) the dialogue in his books to be slightly awkward & stilted. However, I keep coming back for more. His books are just plain fun; mostly uncomplicated sci-fi adventures, always with an interesting premise.
July 21, 2024
Fun adventure story, a bit cheesy in the way the romances develop, reminds me of '70s sci-fi in that regard. The world building has promise, the author provides a number of plot to follow up with other alien species in possible future books.
August 15, 2024
Fun and entertaining!
I really like this author! That said, this is a fun adventure story, with quirky characters, and a cute sense of humor throughout.
I can’t wait to see where the author takes them next!
I really like this author! That said, this is a fun adventure story, with quirky characters, and a cute sense of humor throughout.
I can’t wait to see where the author takes them next!
August 18, 2024
Humorous adventures on a new planet
Learning he can't go back since hundreds of years had passed, our hero makes a life for himself on a new planet. He ends up bonding with three natives.
Learning he can't go back since hundreds of years had passed, our hero makes a life for himself on a new planet. He ends up bonding with three natives.
August 20, 2024
This book was well written and very enjoyable.
I gave it four stars instead of five due to a lack of character development and virtually no backstory.
Apart from those two critiques I will say the book was well worth reading and I will happily read future releases from this author.
I gave it four stars instead of five due to a lack of character development and virtually no backstory.
Apart from those two critiques I will say the book was well worth reading and I will happily read future releases from this author.
August 21, 2024
Interesting
An easy read. Not very complex.
The story is good as are the characters, and everything falls in place without much challenge.
Good as a break between denser novels with more complex storylines to follow.
An easy read. Not very complex.
The story is good as are the characters, and everything falls in place without much challenge.
Good as a break between denser novels with more complex storylines to follow.
September 3, 2024
A very good story
The interactions between the astronaut an the alien computer/ AI are the most interesting to me although the explanation of a different society comes in a close second.
The interactions between the astronaut an the alien computer/ AI are the most interesting to me although the explanation of a different society comes in a close second.
September 24, 2024
Enjoyed it immensely
Another fine book by David Collins. The premise of this book seemed pretty simple and turned out to be quiet wild. An astronaut out of air in an alien life pod. The green flashing button is pushed and...
Another fine book by David Collins. The premise of this book seemed pretty simple and turned out to be quiet wild. An astronaut out of air in an alien life pod. The green flashing button is pushed and...
April 1, 2025
Different take
This book was entertaining and the ideas of blending into each planet’s species through genetic manipulation was novel. The concept behind the book was actually a believable possibility
This book was entertaining and the ideas of blending into each planet’s species through genetic manipulation was novel. The concept behind the book was actually a believable possibility
July 28, 2024
an excellent and very enjoyable book
This book is a nice change-up from those on the shelf with heroes that have a chip on their shoulder. I recommend this book.
Oh, a great title!
This book is a nice change-up from those on the shelf with heroes that have a chip on their shoulder. I recommend this book.
Oh, a great title!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews