Salt of the Earth

by Alan D. Hansen

Young, visionary scientist, Marshall Salt believes humanity’s future lies in the asteroid belt. With his closest friends, he has developed groundbreaking technology capable of extracting untold wealth from the cosmos.

Their ambitions come with a staggering price tag - tens of billions of dollars. To fund their dream, Marshall must turn to the last person he ever wanted to his estranged father and reclusive billionaire, Arthur Salt.

As they uncover the ambitions of global power players like the Manifest Destiny Cartel, the Cibola project becomes a battlefield for control over humanity’s future in space. Meanwhile, Arthur Salt wages his own war back on Earth, navigating political manipulation, financial ruin, and legal battles - all while seeking redemption and connection with his son.

Alan D. Hansen's SALT OF THE EARTH is a gripping sci-fi epic that blends cutting-edge technology and adventure with a deeply human story of family and reconciliation.

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2024

Reviews

[Tremaine Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible mix of space adventure and human drama. The technology and world-building are fascinating, but what truly shines is the relationship between Marshall and Arthur Salt. It’s a story about reconciliation, ambition, and humanity’s future. Highly recommended!

[Trisha Herzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth masterfully combines hard science fiction with deeply personal themes. Marshall Salt’s daring vision for humanity’s future is inspiring, while the father-son dynamics between Marshall and Arthur tug at the heartstrings. The world-building is top-notch, making the stakes feel real and immediate. Hansen balances the technical aspects with emotional depth, creating a gripping narrative that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. A must-read for fans of space exploration and character-driven stories.

[Bette Considine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan D. Hansen delivers a powerful tale of ambition and redemption. The vivid descriptions of space technology and the asteroid belt are captivating, but it’s the characters that truly shine. Marshall Salt’s determination and his father’s journey toward redemption are beautifully intertwined, making this more than just a sci-fi novel—it’s a story about humanity’s potential, both in the cosmos and in our relationships.

[MICHAEL BALLARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could we really mine asteroids and bring metals back to Earth?

Three long time friends undertake to do just that. An exciting story about going out there and bringing back enough wealth to !Aker it worthwhile. Also, some of the business, finance, and other deal making to make it all possible. Add a few industrial spies, saboteurs, drug cartels, and Yakuza, all of who want to control the results or, possibly, ensure that there are no results.

[Aurelio Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a rollercoaster of ambition, family conflict, and corporate intrigue. Hansen’s portrayal of asteroid mining feels grounded in real science, while the interpersonal dynamics give it a relatable human touch. The tension between Marshall and Arthur adds a layer of complexity that sets this story apart. If you enjoy smart sci-fi with emotional weight, this is for you.

[Saige Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth isn’t just about space; it’s about power, ambition, and reconciliation. Hansen’s depiction of the Manifest Destiny Cartel is chillingly realistic, while the family drama adds depth to the story. This book raises big questions about humanity’s future and the cost of progress, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves thoughtful science fiction.

[Thalia Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel has everything: cutting-edge science, corporate intrigue, and a father-son relationship that feels raw and authentic. The pacing is excellent, with enough twists to keep you hooked. Hansen’s writing immerses you in the story, making the asteroid belt feel both awe-inspiring and treacherous. Highly recommended for fans of The Martian or Interstellar.

[Maynard Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hansen’s storytelling is exceptional, blending the thrill of space exploration with the poignancy of family dynamics. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with high stakes and unexpected turns. The interplay between Marshall and Arthur Salt is particularly moving, making this a standout sci-fi novel.

[Gage Schaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth is not just a story about mining asteroids; it’s about mining the depths of human relationships. The themes of redemption, ambition, and trust are beautifully woven into a high-stakes sci-fi narrative. Hansen’s writing is both intelligent and emotionally resonant, making this a truly unforgettable read.

[Lukas Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan D. Hansen has crafted a novel that’s as much about the human spirit as it is about space exploration. Marshall Salt’s vision for the future is awe-inspiring, but the heart of the story lies in his strained relationship with his father. The blend of hard sci-fi and emotional storytelling makes this a must-read for fans of both genres.

[Tess Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth" is a captivating blend of cutting-edge science fiction and heartfelt storytelling. Alan D. Hansen weaves a compelling tale of ambition, family, and redemption. The asteroid mining concept feels both futuristic and plausible, while the father-son dynamic adds emotional depth. A must-read for sci-fi fans seeking more than just action.

[Norval Stoltenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth tackles big themes—space exploration, corporate greed, and family reconciliation—with skill and nuance. The science feels plausible, the characters are relatable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

[Melissa Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan D. Hansen creates a vivid picture of humanity’s potential in space. The Cibola project is thrilling, but the family dynamics keep it grounded. The father-son journey adds a deeply emotional layer to this sci-fi epic. Truly memorable.

[Jairo Schaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth" combines visionary technology with a heartfelt narrative. The asteroid mining project is fascinating, and the tension with global power players adds excitement. The Salt family story is deeply moving. A great balance of action and emotion.

[Deja Keebler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from page one. The technology and space exploration are groundbreaking, but the story is really about people and relationships. The father-son dynamic between Marshall and Arthur is beautifully written. A must-read for sci-fi fans!

[Destini Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salt of the Earth" is a brilliant mix of futuristic science and personal struggles. Marshall’s vision for humanity is inspiring, and Arthur’s redemption arc is touching. It’s rare to find a sci-fi book with so much heart.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story but needs an editor

I enjoyed the story but was very distracted by the typos, incorrect use of quotation marks and the excessive description about every single person’s clothes, every time they were mentioned.

[Trent · Rating 1 out of 5]

I recommend avoiding this book, the current rating is not reflective of its actual quality. Poor understanding of orbital mechanics amongst other issues that make 'hard sci fi' a stretch, very little description or imagination, shallow unlikeable characters.

[Sue Ricketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not o far ahead lkey

Although a little to perfctly, humans find way to travel to the asteroid belt to mine its riches. Interested in the next part of the tale.