What do you think?
Rate this book
Saiph #1
Discovery of the Saiph
In times of trial, heroes are forged in the heat of battle
A science fiction tale of the age old themes of combat and war in the futuristic setting of human interstellar travel outside the Solar System, alien technology and weaponry combined with gritty, realistic combat scenes
The author draws on his military combat experience to draw the reader into exciting alien worlds and delves into technology that could almost be Science Fact.
There is but one conclusion... that mankind overcomes it's alien foes... isn't there?
The Terran Republic draws the lines of conflict - it must protect Earth ..... and it's allies
Dr Jeff Moore, the unassuming squat, brown haired theoretical physicist, unlocks the Galaxy with his unintentional invention of the Gravity Drive whilst carrying out research on the Vega Star Probe, intended to provide Earth with colonies outside its own Solar System.
Ancient Alien Civilisation
This remarkable development leads to the construction of the new Vanguard Survey starship.The Terran Defence Force (TDF) Marco Polo is Captained by David Catney, he leads interstellar exploration outside Earths Solar System and leads humans to the ultimate Discovery of an ancient, dead, civilisation.
Alien technology is submerged deep within an extinct planet and it leads to the shocking discovery... man is not alone.
The Drake Equation may be... finally... unequivocally?... Proven?
Military Space Fleet
As the military space fleet of the Terran Republic, explores newly discovered planets in space, mandated by politicians, aided by alien technology, the Captains find both friends... and an enemy... an enemy they must repel
The Politicians and the military are obligated to work together towards their objective.
To hold the line. Defend the earth. No matter the cost
A science fiction tale of the age old themes of combat and war in the futuristic setting of human interstellar travel outside the Solar System, alien technology and weaponry combined with gritty, realistic combat scenes
The author draws on his military combat experience to draw the reader into exciting alien worlds and delves into technology that could almost be Science Fact.
There is but one conclusion... that mankind overcomes it's alien foes... isn't there?
The Terran Republic draws the lines of conflict - it must protect Earth ..... and it's allies
Dr Jeff Moore, the unassuming squat, brown haired theoretical physicist, unlocks the Galaxy with his unintentional invention of the Gravity Drive whilst carrying out research on the Vega Star Probe, intended to provide Earth with colonies outside its own Solar System.
Ancient Alien Civilisation
This remarkable development leads to the construction of the new Vanguard Survey starship.The Terran Defence Force (TDF) Marco Polo is Captained by David Catney, he leads interstellar exploration outside Earths Solar System and leads humans to the ultimate Discovery of an ancient, dead, civilisation.
Alien technology is submerged deep within an extinct planet and it leads to the shocking discovery... man is not alone.
The Drake Equation may be... finally... unequivocally?... Proven?
Military Space Fleet
As the military space fleet of the Terran Republic, explores newly discovered planets in space, mandated by politicians, aided by alien technology, the Captains find both friends... and an enemy... an enemy they must repel
The Politicians and the military are obligated to work together towards their objective.
To hold the line. Defend the earth. No matter the cost
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
206 people are currently reading
1336 people want to read
About the author
P.P. Corcoran
19 books79 followersPaul P Corcoran is an Amazon bestselling author who writes fast-paced military SF/space opera because he gets to mix his two loves; shoot em ups and science. A native of Scotland, he now lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dog.
To be the first to know about new releases, and get a FREE short story, sign up to his email list at www.ppcorcoran.com/subscribe
Paul loves to hear from readers. Join him on Facebook at
http://facebook.com/PaulCorcoranAuthor
or you can visit him at http://ppcorcoran.com
To be the first to know about new releases, and get a FREE short story, sign up to his email list at www.ppcorcoran.com/subscribe
Paul loves to hear from readers. Join him on Facebook at
http://facebook.com/PaulCorcoranAuthor
or you can visit him at http://ppcorcoran.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 26, 2014
The Drake Equation......
The Drake Equation......
A really good sci-fi tale comprising political, military, and individual action involving interstellar war. A lot of action with a minimum of political skullduggdery(I could wish that some of our present elected officials could behave so well!) and a strong, reasoned approach to grave emergency. Well worth reading.
The Drake Equation......
A really good sci-fi tale comprising political, military, and individual action involving interstellar war. A lot of action with a minimum of political skullduggdery(I could wish that some of our present elected officials could behave so well!) and a strong, reasoned approach to grave emergency. Well worth reading.
February 27, 2019
“Your overriding priority is not the discovery of new life; it is the preservation of life on Earth. If, for whatever reason, something does not seem right to you, Captain, you turn tail and head for home.”
Excellent hard science fiction. A not-too-implausible future of mankind discovering we’re not alone and someone else would like to be alone--even if it requires annihilating everyone else. Despite covering an expanse of time and territory, Corcoran develops the personalities of key players to give them depth, even if it is stereotypical.
“The logistics behind establishing a colony are massive, never mind the expense.”
Lots of contacts with previously unknown peoples. Disappointing that first being-to-being contact always occurs off stage while the first ship-to-ship engagement is detailed. The colonization, hardware development and construction, and science breakthroughs are too easy, but propels the story.
“It would be my recommendation that only the deployment of one battleship force would be required in this particular scenario.” Into first combat against an enemy with unknown capabilities? “Only six ships were dispatched to ensure its destruction. That had obviously been a mistake.”
Technical quibbles: “Marco Polo carried the standard twenty [courier rockets]. (Prototype ship on first mission has a “standard” load?) “The keypad is designed for five fingers.” What’s that look like? Telephone key pad? No. Calculator? No. Qwerty keyboard. Not really. Yet this is a big deal for the plot. “Keep us in [the planet’s] shadow as long as possible, putting us above the elliptical plane.” One or the other, but not both. Once you leave the elliptic, you move out from behind an object in the elliptic. “Extra guests for dinner” assumes your food is compatible with the biology of these aliens you just met.
“Penny for them, John?” “Jesus Alec! Are you sure you’re not part ninja?” “No, just very sneaky.”
Typographic quibbles: “broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waste,” “You could literally hear the jaws of the people gathered around the table hit the floor” (really?), “I suppose your right,” “Witsell look as apprehensive as Radford,” “cross deck its information directly to the Viper units,” “Every little would help, thanks.” None of these are particularly bad, but they break the spell of the story, causing readers to stop an consider what Corcoran meant.
“If I have to speak to you again about this matter it will be in person and my voice will be the last human voice you hear, because for the rest of your living, breathing days all you will hear is the sound of penguins mating.” “Motivating the troops again then, sir?”
“Let out a breath that she didn’t know that she had been holding.” Some form of this sentence occurs at least once in most science fiction and fantasy stories. Original decades ago, it’s a cliché now.
“Maybe it’s time to tell the people what we face and see if we really are ready to put the greater good before good of the individual.”
Excellent hard science fiction. A not-too-implausible future of mankind discovering we’re not alone and someone else would like to be alone--even if it requires annihilating everyone else. Despite covering an expanse of time and territory, Corcoran develops the personalities of key players to give them depth, even if it is stereotypical.
“The logistics behind establishing a colony are massive, never mind the expense.”
Lots of contacts with previously unknown peoples. Disappointing that first being-to-being contact always occurs off stage while the first ship-to-ship engagement is detailed. The colonization, hardware development and construction, and science breakthroughs are too easy, but propels the story.
“It would be my recommendation that only the deployment of one battleship force would be required in this particular scenario.” Into first combat against an enemy with unknown capabilities? “Only six ships were dispatched to ensure its destruction. That had obviously been a mistake.”
Technical quibbles: “Marco Polo carried the standard twenty [courier rockets]. (Prototype ship on first mission has a “standard” load?) “The keypad is designed for five fingers.” What’s that look like? Telephone key pad? No. Calculator? No. Qwerty keyboard. Not really. Yet this is a big deal for the plot. “Keep us in [the planet’s] shadow as long as possible, putting us above the elliptical plane.” One or the other, but not both. Once you leave the elliptic, you move out from behind an object in the elliptic. “Extra guests for dinner” assumes your food is compatible with the biology of these aliens you just met.
“Penny for them, John?” “Jesus Alec! Are you sure you’re not part ninja?” “No, just very sneaky.”
Typographic quibbles: “broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waste,” “You could literally hear the jaws of the people gathered around the table hit the floor” (really?), “I suppose your right,” “Witsell look as apprehensive as Radford,” “cross deck its information directly to the Viper units,” “Every little would help, thanks.” None of these are particularly bad, but they break the spell of the story, causing readers to stop an consider what Corcoran meant.
“If I have to speak to you again about this matter it will be in person and my voice will be the last human voice you hear, because for the rest of your living, breathing days all you will hear is the sound of penguins mating.” “Motivating the troops again then, sir?”
“Let out a breath that she didn’t know that she had been holding.” Some form of this sentence occurs at least once in most science fiction and fantasy stories. Original decades ago, it’s a cliché now.
“Maybe it’s time to tell the people what we face and see if we really are ready to put the greater good before good of the individual.”
October 21, 2014
Written as if reliving the key events in the next challenge for mankind, the story unfolds quickly allowing the reader to feel how this could be our Earth 's predicament in a couple hundred years. However this really focuses on the events and provides little depth for the characters beyond their names... and that's how it lost me.
got about 48% in and called it so I can move on to something more character oriented and engaging
got about 48% in and called it so I can move on to something more character oriented and engaging
May 6, 2014
VERY NICELY DONE!
I truly enjoyed reading Corcoran's Discovery of the Saiph. the plotline is wonderfully polished and the writing is crisp and moves smoothly, making for excellent reading pleasure.
I truly enjoyed reading Corcoran's Discovery of the Saiph. the plotline is wonderfully polished and the writing is crisp and moves smoothly, making for excellent reading pleasure.
April 4, 2015
A great first installment to an imaginative space opera. Can't wait for the next book!
July 18, 2019
Readable with a lot of action, but I just don’t care what happens to the characters so I won’t be reading the sequel.
July 21, 2015
The technology while still magic (especially the drive system) is realistic if that makes sense? You don’t have huge, monstrous ship battles here with hundreds and hundreds of different ships and thousands of missiles flying all over the place.
Battles are more tactical in scope and size and it helps to bring you closer to the action and the damage on individual vessels. Massive space battles are fun on a computer but sometimes they can become tedious to read about as you don’t generally care about how many ships died on each side – or at least I don’t – and end up flipping forward to read the final tallies of the damage at the end.
This is a fault with Weber in his series the Shiva Option although in that book its done quite well and also Saxon in the Escape to Earth Series where its done not quite as well. The difference I think between the two is that Weber makes you feel the pain of building all those massive armada’s and fleets as well as the people that fly them, whereas in the Escape to Earth series its simply a matter of reprogramming your “fabbers” and they churn out the desired components day and night!
Read my full review on Zone Six for lots more information.
Battles are more tactical in scope and size and it helps to bring you closer to the action and the damage on individual vessels. Massive space battles are fun on a computer but sometimes they can become tedious to read about as you don’t generally care about how many ships died on each side – or at least I don’t – and end up flipping forward to read the final tallies of the damage at the end.
This is a fault with Weber in his series the Shiva Option although in that book its done quite well and also Saxon in the Escape to Earth Series where its done not quite as well. The difference I think between the two is that Weber makes you feel the pain of building all those massive armada’s and fleets as well as the people that fly them, whereas in the Escape to Earth series its simply a matter of reprogramming your “fabbers” and they churn out the desired components day and night!
Read my full review on Zone Six for lots more information.
April 15, 2015
I admit I'm addicted to Kindle Unlimited. With my reading speed I can easily cover a book every day (assuming my wife or my dog or my work has no other plans with me). Since this work was on my recommended to you list I got it.
Fast paced, they said. Thrilling story. I did not encounter either. Generally speaking - it doesn't have a main character. Or I did not find one. Those characters that appear in the book are shallow stereotypes. The fast pacing part of the marketing mumble probably meant the timeline - first interstellar travel here, five years later a minor galactic power. Probably to fast a pace, at least for me. There is a lot of stuff which I consider unbelievable, especially the human interaction.
All things considered - it never touched me, I never felt like participating in the story or even caring. It was ok-ish done but an emotional flatline.
The idea itself wasn't too bad, just the execution (pun intended). No spoilers in this review, as you may have noticed, but then there were no surprises coming along either.
Still, I'll look into the sequel in a couple of weeks. Just to see how it works out in the end...
Fast paced, they said. Thrilling story. I did not encounter either. Generally speaking - it doesn't have a main character. Or I did not find one. Those characters that appear in the book are shallow stereotypes. The fast pacing part of the marketing mumble probably meant the timeline - first interstellar travel here, five years later a minor galactic power. Probably to fast a pace, at least for me. There is a lot of stuff which I consider unbelievable, especially the human interaction.
All things considered - it never touched me, I never felt like participating in the story or even caring. It was ok-ish done but an emotional flatline.
The idea itself wasn't too bad, just the execution (pun intended). No spoilers in this review, as you may have noticed, but then there were no surprises coming along either.
Still, I'll look into the sequel in a couple of weeks. Just to see how it works out in the end...
January 16, 2015
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. I would read a little & put it down. I just stayed so confused!!
May 30, 2015
Excellent space opera. Check it out.
August 24, 2015
A good read into the beginnings of interstellar transport.
May 6, 2018
I picked this book up because I love military sci-fi and Corcoran incorporates his own experience in the military with his books.
That being said, I had to take a break from this book about half way through. I realized I wasn't enjoying it when they were having their first battle against the Others (enemy alien race) and I was bored. I took a long break from reading it, came back to it and then finished it. For me it didn't really pick up until the alliances with other species came into play. When it was just humans versus others, I didn't really care. It wasn't until we teamed up with other friendly races that I actually started caring.
Part of the problem, for me, is the lack of character depth. I'm not saying the characters were one dimensional, I'm saying that we don't get to know the characters well enough to really care about them. A lot of times it felt like just saying someone's name and occupation was supposed to be enough to make me care about them. Other times it felt like there were so many names, ranks and occupations that it was hard to keep characters straight.
Once the other races came into play, though, I was fully engaged. I'm not fully sure I know why other than that it felt like it was no longer just "us versus them". It finally felt like there were actually other worlds to learn about, other cultures to learn from, and more.
I really appreciated Corcoran's sense of humor that came into play at good moments. I loved the contrasting ideas about "appropriate greetings" between the cultures. I really liked that economics and population were factors. There were plenty of technical aspects of expansion, exploration and war that were addressed that made it feel more real. My only problem is a lack of connection to the characters.
Overall, I can really only give this book a 2.5. I had to make myself finish it and it didn't pick up until late. I doubt I'll pick up any more books in this series.
That being said, I had to take a break from this book about half way through. I realized I wasn't enjoying it when they were having their first battle against the Others (enemy alien race) and I was bored. I took a long break from reading it, came back to it and then finished it. For me it didn't really pick up until the alliances with other species came into play. When it was just humans versus others, I didn't really care. It wasn't until we teamed up with other friendly races that I actually started caring.
Part of the problem, for me, is the lack of character depth. I'm not saying the characters were one dimensional, I'm saying that we don't get to know the characters well enough to really care about them. A lot of times it felt like just saying someone's name and occupation was supposed to be enough to make me care about them. Other times it felt like there were so many names, ranks and occupations that it was hard to keep characters straight.
Once the other races came into play, though, I was fully engaged. I'm not fully sure I know why other than that it felt like it was no longer just "us versus them". It finally felt like there were actually other worlds to learn about, other cultures to learn from, and more.
I really appreciated Corcoran's sense of humor that came into play at good moments. I loved the contrasting ideas about "appropriate greetings" between the cultures. I really liked that economics and population were factors. There were plenty of technical aspects of expansion, exploration and war that were addressed that made it feel more real. My only problem is a lack of connection to the characters.
Overall, I can really only give this book a 2.5. I had to make myself finish it and it didn't pick up until late. I doubt I'll pick up any more books in this series.
July 7, 2018
A struggle
It wasn’t really a bad book. The story line was interesting and the characters fleshed out nicely. Problem was, the book just seemed to drag on and on. At one point I just put it down because I was just plain getting tired of reading it. On a lighter and probably a somewhat anal note: one thing that really bugged me was that you’d think Corcoran had to pay for commas. There were hundreds of instances where a comma should have been used and wasn’t. I know I’m being kinda picky but a lot of times I had to back up to figure out what the sentence meant. Thought I could just ignore it but kept telling myself “Should’ve used a comma there” and with that happening almost every other sentence it really kept me from enjoying the book as much as I could have.
It wasn’t really a bad book. The story line was interesting and the characters fleshed out nicely. Problem was, the book just seemed to drag on and on. At one point I just put it down because I was just plain getting tired of reading it. On a lighter and probably a somewhat anal note: one thing that really bugged me was that you’d think Corcoran had to pay for commas. There were hundreds of instances where a comma should have been used and wasn’t. I know I’m being kinda picky but a lot of times I had to back up to figure out what the sentence meant. Thought I could just ignore it but kept telling myself “Should’ve used a comma there” and with that happening almost every other sentence it really kept me from enjoying the book as much as I could have.
September 21, 2017
This is a compelling military-based science fiction tale that will get you thinking, and the scenarios and future technology are not too far-fetched to make you cry foul. The author does a good job of getting you to relate to his characters, and the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger that makes you want to continue the series: I have the second book of the series in line to read.
I originally picked this up for 99 cents vs. its normal price of $3.99 during a Kindle promotion – if you like military-based science fiction, you will certainly get more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
I originally picked this up for 99 cents vs. its normal price of $3.99 during a Kindle promotion – if you like military-based science fiction, you will certainly get more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
February 15, 2020
Whoosh! I bumped into sentence fragments and 'baited breath' early on and kept on churning. Finally gave up 10% in, as I kept thudding into cliche after cliche, for example; "Standing 180 centimeters tall, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waste (seriously, it's spelled 'waste'), blond, close cropped hair and chiseled jaw with grey eyes the color of the North Sea ..." to describe an Admiral of the Terran Defense Force. Not to mention 'chiseled' is US English, while 'grey' is usually British. Yes, details I know, but where were the editing and consistency here?
July 26, 2018
This first issue of a new series compared favorably with David Weber's works.
Action and adventure galore. This story has no main protagonist but follows the entire planet as it's people find their history and expand in space. On the way they find an enemy, but they also find two allies and a possible third. Excellent work, and I look forward to acquiring the rest of the series.
Action and adventure galore. This story has no main protagonist but follows the entire planet as it's people find their history and expand in space. On the way they find an enemy, but they also find two allies and a possible third. Excellent work, and I look forward to acquiring the rest of the series.
December 8, 2019
An interesting take on a real question
I have just completed this book for a second time and enjoyed it possibly More than the first time. While the discovery of the 'databases' of knowledge from our alleged benefactors the author describes a universe maybe a little too easy to believe, with technology easily adapted to the existing state of the art,.and allies maybe too easily .
Overall though an easily accessible read which enough excitement to bring you back for more.
I have just completed this book for a second time and enjoyed it possibly More than the first time. While the discovery of the 'databases' of knowledge from our alleged benefactors the author describes a universe maybe a little too easy to believe, with technology easily adapted to the existing state of the art,.and allies maybe too easily .
Overall though an easily accessible read which enough excitement to bring you back for more.
June 9, 2017
I got this book as part of a collection and started reading it with a thought I wouldn't like it. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that I couldn't put it down and I loved the build up until the end of it. I had to get the next two books just so I could find out what happened.
August 24, 2017
Paranoia extraordinaire
A group that is so paranoid that they would commit suicide on the very slightest chance that they might contact a dangerous alien race cable of destroying humanity? Goodbye
A group that is so paranoid that they would commit suicide on the very slightest chance that they might contact a dangerous alien race cable of destroying humanity? Goodbye
July 31, 2018
Full of space military and strategy
This story keeps building and expanding in scope right up to the end. New species are found some are allies but one isn't. There is plenty of mystery all around to make one want to read the next book in the series.
This story keeps building and expanding in scope right up to the end. New species are found some are allies but one isn't. There is plenty of mystery all around to make one want to read the next book in the series.
August 6, 2019
I really like this series! My only complaint is too much detail into the science and background of the technology in the series. The storyline is fantastic, writing is solid, great dialog and action, overall very well done. It's a hard to put down series! I definitely recommend checking it out!
December 5, 2019
Good story with zero character development...
And there is one big fat plagiarism - scene of marine drop on Delta Pavlonis is stolen almost word to word from first chapter (drop on 'skinnies' world) of Heinlein's 'Starship Troopers'. Shame!
And there is one big fat plagiarism - scene of marine drop on Delta Pavlonis is stolen almost word to word from first chapter (drop on 'skinnies' world) of Heinlein's 'Starship Troopers'. Shame!
December 2, 2022
The series has too much inner thoughts and too little action, and terminates in less than a hundred pages, like the author got bored and finished the baddies in a rush. A pity, since the first book looked promising.
January 12, 2024
It’s ok
Fast paced story board of a book. No nuance, character development, or intrigue. Event, milestone, action.
A book written by and for people who love the command and conquer computer games. If you know you know
Fast paced story board of a book. No nuance, character development, or intrigue. Event, milestone, action.
A book written by and for people who love the command and conquer computer games. If you know you know
August 4, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book it is a very entertaining story and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series
I enjoyed reading this book it is a very entertaining story and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series
August 21, 2017
The plot is completely devoid of character development. I got through 60% of the book, and the story seems aimless.
September 10, 2017
excellent space war story.
This is one of four in the series (# 4 not out yet)
This is one of four in the series (# 4 not out yet)
July 14, 2018
Horrible grammar
Punctuation and grammar in this book are horrible.
Lent means you let someone borrow something not that someone leaned over.
Punctuation and grammar in this book are horrible.
Lent means you let someone borrow something not that someone leaned over.
August 15, 2018
Loved the story
I liked the way the cheracters were created . I would like more background info on the Admirals. I recommend this series.....
I liked the way the cheracters were created . I would like more background info on the Admirals. I recommend this series.....
May 11, 2019
Military scifi
This is an excellent book if you enjoy military science fiction. Lots of action and not too much romance. I look forward to reading the sequels.
This is an excellent book if you enjoy military science fiction. Lots of action and not too much romance. I look forward to reading the sequels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews