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Ground Control to Major Thomas
To do what is right, sometimes you’ve got to break the law.
Earth, 2095. War, overpopulation, and climate collapse have pushed the planet to the edge. The United Exploration Initiative is humanity’s last hope—one mission reaching toward alien contact, the other forging life across the solar system. Darnell and Lexi are Void-Striders on the front lines, mining metals from dead space to keep the dream alive.
Darnell is a faith-driven Texan with demolition skills. Lexi is a sharp-tongued pilot with a checkered past. Together they scrape by—until another crew captures 16-PSYCE, a golden asteroid worth trillions, and crashes the market. Broke, running out of time, and stuck on a dying ship, they’re offered a job too good to be steal a legendary electric car drifting through deep space. The payout? More than they’ve ever dreamed.
But nothing’s ever simple in the void. Corrupt governments, religious zealots, opportunistic pirates—they all want the prize. As chaos unfolds, Darnell, Lexi, and their ragtag crew must decide whether to play by the rules… or rewrite them. Because sometimes, doing what’s right means breaking everything.
Ground Control to Major Thomas is a stand-alone novel set in the backdrop of the Foundry universe, focusing less on the alien encounter and more on those left behind after the FICSE mission departed. Reading this book does not require you to have read the others in the series, though it is a great complement.
Earth, 2095. War, overpopulation, and climate collapse have pushed the planet to the edge. The United Exploration Initiative is humanity’s last hope—one mission reaching toward alien contact, the other forging life across the solar system. Darnell and Lexi are Void-Striders on the front lines, mining metals from dead space to keep the dream alive.
Darnell is a faith-driven Texan with demolition skills. Lexi is a sharp-tongued pilot with a checkered past. Together they scrape by—until another crew captures 16-PSYCE, a golden asteroid worth trillions, and crashes the market. Broke, running out of time, and stuck on a dying ship, they’re offered a job too good to be steal a legendary electric car drifting through deep space. The payout? More than they’ve ever dreamed.
But nothing’s ever simple in the void. Corrupt governments, religious zealots, opportunistic pirates—they all want the prize. As chaos unfolds, Darnell, Lexi, and their ragtag crew must decide whether to play by the rules… or rewrite them. Because sometimes, doing what’s right means breaking everything.
Ground Control to Major Thomas is a stand-alone novel set in the backdrop of the Foundry universe, focusing less on the alien encounter and more on those left behind after the FICSE mission departed. Reading this book does not require you to have read the others in the series, though it is a great complement.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2025
50 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin
11 books41 followersJ. Fitzpatrick Mauldin is a science fiction and fantasy writer based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lives with his bibliophilic wife and two daughters. Destined to be a nerd by birth, the product of a science, history, and engineering obsessed father and grandfather, he had no other option than to let his creative juices flow onto paper. Not a single genre writer, he explores many facets and sub genres of SFF such as cheesy horror, sci-fi satire, flintlock fantasy, and speculative fiction. Like many authors, genre niches are not what tend to arouse inspiration in him, but rather, what a character can do within a compelling setting. He seeks to explore grand events and extraordinary times while plumbing the depths of the human condition from life unto death—and beyond.
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April 16, 2025Book Review: Ground Control to Major Thomas by J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin
In Ground Control to Major Thomas, J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin delivers a compelling narrative that intricately intertwines themes of ambition, personal discovery, and the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of space exploration. This novel not only captures the imagination but also serves as a reflection on human resilience and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.
Overview and Structure
The story follows the journey of its protagonist, Major Thomas, who embarks on a metaphorical and literal voyage into the unknown. Mauldin constructs a multifaceted plot that oscillates between the protagonist’s aspirations and the challenges posed by both external circumstances and internal conflicts. The book is structured in a way that allows readers to experience Major Thomas’s evolution, moving from a place of uncertainty to one of self-actualization.
Thematic Exploration
One of the book’s central themes is the exploration of identity and purpose. Through Major Thomas’s experiences, Mauldin poignantly addresses the struggles associated with personal and professional expectations, as well as the societal pressures that often dictate one’s path. The author artfully portrays how these pressures can either stifle ambition or fuel personal growth, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys toward self-discovery.
Another significant theme is the concept of connection—both with oneself and with others. Mauldin emphasizes the importance of relationships in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Through nuanced character interactions and dialogues, readers witness how support systems can play a crucial role in navigating life’s challenges, reinforcing the notion that no journey is undertaken in isolation.
Character Development
Mauldin excels in character development, presenting Major Thomas as a relatable and complex figure. The protagonist’s vulnerabilities, aspirations, and transformations are portrayed with authenticity, allowing readers to empathize with his struggles. Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, contributing to the narrative’s depth and richness. Their interactions with Major Thomas illustrate various perspectives on ambition and success, enhancing the overall exploration of the book’s themes.
Writing Style and Accessibility
The writing style in Ground Control to Major Thomas is both engaging and evocative. Mauldin employs vivid imagery and insightful prose, which not only captures the nuances of space exploration but also reflects the emotional landscapes of the characters. This combination of technical description and emotional depth makes the narrative accessible to a wide audience, appealing to both readers with an interest in science fiction and those seeking a profound exploration of the human experience.
Conclusion
Ground Control to Major Thomas is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that challenges conventional notions of success and self-identity. J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin’s ability to weave together the themes of ambition, connection, and personal growth within a framework of imaginative storytelling sets this novel apart as an enriching contribution to contemporary literature.
In conclusion, Mauldin’s work is highly recommended for readers seeking a narrative that not only entertains but also offers meaningful reflections on the complexities of life and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Whether viewed through the lens of personal ambition or the metaphor of space exploration, Ground Control to Major Thomas invites readers to contemplate their own journeys and the connections that shape them.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!
In Ground Control to Major Thomas, J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin delivers a compelling narrative that intricately intertwines themes of ambition, personal discovery, and the complexities of contemporary life through the lens of space exploration. This novel not only captures the imagination but also serves as a reflection on human resilience and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.
Overview and Structure
The story follows the journey of its protagonist, Major Thomas, who embarks on a metaphorical and literal voyage into the unknown. Mauldin constructs a multifaceted plot that oscillates between the protagonist’s aspirations and the challenges posed by both external circumstances and internal conflicts. The book is structured in a way that allows readers to experience Major Thomas’s evolution, moving from a place of uncertainty to one of self-actualization.
Thematic Exploration
One of the book’s central themes is the exploration of identity and purpose. Through Major Thomas’s experiences, Mauldin poignantly addresses the struggles associated with personal and professional expectations, as well as the societal pressures that often dictate one’s path. The author artfully portrays how these pressures can either stifle ambition or fuel personal growth, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys toward self-discovery.
Another significant theme is the concept of connection—both with oneself and with others. Mauldin emphasizes the importance of relationships in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. Through nuanced character interactions and dialogues, readers witness how support systems can play a crucial role in navigating life’s challenges, reinforcing the notion that no journey is undertaken in isolation.
Character Development
Mauldin excels in character development, presenting Major Thomas as a relatable and complex figure. The protagonist’s vulnerabilities, aspirations, and transformations are portrayed with authenticity, allowing readers to empathize with his struggles. Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, contributing to the narrative’s depth and richness. Their interactions with Major Thomas illustrate various perspectives on ambition and success, enhancing the overall exploration of the book’s themes.
Writing Style and Accessibility
The writing style in Ground Control to Major Thomas is both engaging and evocative. Mauldin employs vivid imagery and insightful prose, which not only captures the nuances of space exploration but also reflects the emotional landscapes of the characters. This combination of technical description and emotional depth makes the narrative accessible to a wide audience, appealing to both readers with an interest in science fiction and those seeking a profound exploration of the human experience.
Conclusion
Ground Control to Major Thomas is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that challenges conventional notions of success and self-identity. J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin’s ability to weave together the themes of ambition, connection, and personal growth within a framework of imaginative storytelling sets this novel apart as an enriching contribution to contemporary literature.
In conclusion, Mauldin’s work is highly recommended for readers seeking a narrative that not only entertains but also offers meaningful reflections on the complexities of life and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Whether viewed through the lens of personal ambition or the metaphor of space exploration, Ground Control to Major Thomas invites readers to contemplate their own journeys and the connections that shape them.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book!
May 15, 2025
This was a seriously good book. When I saw the title I expected a spoof or comedy, but this book takes itself and work as space miners seriously. It also has a dry wit that I really like. Oh ya, and it is a spoof, especially targeting big money, big politics, and big movements that say they want to help the common man but are really doing just a great job of filling their egos and pockets. Any similarities to real people are strictly intentional! The author tells a good story the keeps you wanting to read. There are small flaws, such as using certain allusions over and over. Throughout the book characters “pinch their nose” about 10 times. There are other examples but who cares! As for strengths, kudos to the author for not feeling like he has to spell out every detail. There is the Foundry, briefly mentioned but not explained (apparently that will happen in future novels). Then there is the doctor, Logan, who is always referred to as “they”, again with no explanation. I appreciate not having my hand held. Leaving some room for speculation is a sign of maturity.
Definitely worth your time
Definitely worth your time
February 20, 2025
Absolutely wonderful companion book to The Foundry series... It can be read stand alone or alongside.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews