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Planetfall #1
Planetfall
You can never go home. That had always been understood, so when Major Thomas Birch and his bedraggled crew limped back hundreds of years later it was clear that something had gone wrong.
In fact nothing had gone right. Their mission of hope had been hopeless from the start. The new world they had tried to create had nearly destroyed them, and when their commander, Colonel Ratliff, had disappeared Birch had done the only thing he could. He had taken command and taken them home.
Failure had not been an option. It had been inevitable.
They had given up so much for this mission. Their lives were over. Everything they loved had died long ago. They had done it to serve others, for the common good, or so it was said. Major Birch had his reasons. Everyone had their reasons. Nobody volunteered to be frozen and blasted into space without a reason.
But now they were going home. Hardly knowing what to expect, they returned to find Base Two abandoned, a desolate outpost crumbling back into the Martian soil it had risen from. And now earth wasn’t answering. Was anyone left, or in this vast universe were they now truly alone?
Stumbling from a failed past into an uncertain future the crew of the Hypnos III find that sometimes the only thing worse than what you run from is the thing you run to.
In fact nothing had gone right. Their mission of hope had been hopeless from the start. The new world they had tried to create had nearly destroyed them, and when their commander, Colonel Ratliff, had disappeared Birch had done the only thing he could. He had taken command and taken them home.
Failure had not been an option. It had been inevitable.
They had given up so much for this mission. Their lives were over. Everything they loved had died long ago. They had done it to serve others, for the common good, or so it was said. Major Birch had his reasons. Everyone had their reasons. Nobody volunteered to be frozen and blasted into space without a reason.
But now they were going home. Hardly knowing what to expect, they returned to find Base Two abandoned, a desolate outpost crumbling back into the Martian soil it had risen from. And now earth wasn’t answering. Was anyone left, or in this vast universe were they now truly alone?
Stumbling from a failed past into an uncertain future the crew of the Hypnos III find that sometimes the only thing worse than what you run from is the thing you run to.
- GenresScience FictionThriller
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2014
14 people are currently reading
2569 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 25, 2022
*I received a digital copy of 'Planetfall' from L.E.Howel in return for an honest review.*
Major Thomas Birch and his crew can never go home, that was clearly understood when they were accepted on the Hypnos space mission. When their mission to enable colonisation of a planet fails, Birch decides that their only option is to return to earth,which in itself proves to be an extremely dangerous manoeuvre. In earth terms it is now hundreds of years since their departure, so understandably they have no idea what they will find. As it turns out, it is nothing like the place they knew. This novel takes you on a journey through space, geopolitics, post apocalyptic living, humanity at all levels, both good and decidedly bad, and much more. Sci-fi is not usually my favourite genre, but I have to say this author had me in the palm of his hand. This is his debut novel and what a stunner! I was gripped from page one right through to its conclusion. Definately someone to watch out for. Can't wait for the follow up. Thank you so much to the author for my free copy.
Major Thomas Birch and his crew can never go home, that was clearly understood when they were accepted on the Hypnos space mission. When their mission to enable colonisation of a planet fails, Birch decides that their only option is to return to earth,which in itself proves to be an extremely dangerous manoeuvre. In earth terms it is now hundreds of years since their departure, so understandably they have no idea what they will find. As it turns out, it is nothing like the place they knew. This novel takes you on a journey through space, geopolitics, post apocalyptic living, humanity at all levels, both good and decidedly bad, and much more. Sci-fi is not usually my favourite genre, but I have to say this author had me in the palm of his hand. This is his debut novel and what a stunner! I was gripped from page one right through to its conclusion. Definately someone to watch out for. Can't wait for the follow up. Thank you so much to the author for my free copy.
March 11, 2017
On a space ship somewhere in the blackness of space, rectangular shapes are resting against the walls in a small quiet room, when a green dot begins to glow on each panel of the five containers. Before long different lights are activated and as steam arises the lids slowly open. Cautiously the travellers emerge from hundreds of years sleep from deep space travelling as the ship drew closer to their target, Base Two the planet Mars. Upon reaching their stations, Major Thomas Birch was anxious to make contact and after several tries with no response, a probe was launched to the surface. What it found was considerable industrial development and infrastructure, but no indication of any life. When Birch realizes there was nothing on Mars for them to waste their last precious fuel, he makes the decision to return to Earth not knowing after all this time what they will find. L.E. Howel has written an engaging sci-fi book, full of heart pounding action along with an intricate story line.
February 25, 2017
It is said you can never go home, and for several brave men and women who take to space, knowing they will never see their loved ones or their home planet again, this adage proves far too true, but not in the way they imagined. Sent as part of a mission to build a new colony on another planet, the members of the Hypnos III meet with failure and after years in a frozen stasis Major Thomas Birch gives the order to head back to a future Earth that far surpasses their worst nightmares and it all started with their re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Life as they knew it is gone, cities are ruined hulks standing like sentries over the dead, giving up no secrets to reveal the devastation that occurred. The planet has been decimated by two factions, the government, a weak power that uses divisiveness and might in a losing battle against a feral group of militants who oppose everything the government stands for. Coming “home” as strangers, as part of a past long forgotten, these brave men and women will fight for their lives against all odds, only to wonder if they are fighting on the right side or if they are being used as pawns in a game where nobody wins.
L.E. Howel’s PLANETFALL depicts a bleak and terrifying future for the planet Earth as humanity once again, turns a world willing to give its all for their existence into a squirming cesspool of war and death. I felt I was part of the science fiction of days gone by, where the unknowns of the future play out with deadly abandon and our heroes are like dinosaurs in a land they no longer belong to with only their own keen sense of survival and ingenuity can keep them alive. Will they find their place in this new society or will they welcome the possible death that awaits them in the shadows?
Pure science fiction at its best! No over the top monsters, machines or heroes, only people with grit, the will to survive and a quest for the truth, hard to think those traits could be lost in the world they have come home to. Start to finish, engaging, riveting and fast-paced reading that peaks the imagination!
I received this copy from L.E. Howel in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Planetfall - Book 1
Publication Date: February 22, 2014
Publisher: L.E. Howel
Genre: Science Fiction
Print Length: 360 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Life as they knew it is gone, cities are ruined hulks standing like sentries over the dead, giving up no secrets to reveal the devastation that occurred. The planet has been decimated by two factions, the government, a weak power that uses divisiveness and might in a losing battle against a feral group of militants who oppose everything the government stands for. Coming “home” as strangers, as part of a past long forgotten, these brave men and women will fight for their lives against all odds, only to wonder if they are fighting on the right side or if they are being used as pawns in a game where nobody wins.
L.E. Howel’s PLANETFALL depicts a bleak and terrifying future for the planet Earth as humanity once again, turns a world willing to give its all for their existence into a squirming cesspool of war and death. I felt I was part of the science fiction of days gone by, where the unknowns of the future play out with deadly abandon and our heroes are like dinosaurs in a land they no longer belong to with only their own keen sense of survival and ingenuity can keep them alive. Will they find their place in this new society or will they welcome the possible death that awaits them in the shadows?
Pure science fiction at its best! No over the top monsters, machines or heroes, only people with grit, the will to survive and a quest for the truth, hard to think those traits could be lost in the world they have come home to. Start to finish, engaging, riveting and fast-paced reading that peaks the imagination!
I received this copy from L.E. Howel in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Planetfall - Book 1
Publication Date: February 22, 2014
Publisher: L.E. Howel
Genre: Science Fiction
Print Length: 360 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 19, 2014
I received an e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that grips you from the very first page. It has everything from a riveting twisting plot line that keeps the reader holding their breath every step of the way to the ultimate truth of how time betrays all in ways never considered before. The characters are extremely believable in their rigid discipline and dedication to their work and, once the full extent of the betrayal becomes apparent, this dedication is used to regain the freedom they had lost at the hands of the people who claimed to be protecting them. Each twist in the plot gives just a little more enlightenment but not enough to spoil the kicker at the end.
It is a very fast paced and gripping read that will keep every reader hooked to the end with not a few surprises along the way. As a sci-fi thriller it is an exceptional and easy read and gives us enough detail in the practical side of space flight and colonization but not so much that the story is lost. A must read for any sci-fi fans and also the fans of thrillers who like that little extra to the story
This is one of those books that grips you from the very first page. It has everything from a riveting twisting plot line that keeps the reader holding their breath every step of the way to the ultimate truth of how time betrays all in ways never considered before. The characters are extremely believable in their rigid discipline and dedication to their work and, once the full extent of the betrayal becomes apparent, this dedication is used to regain the freedom they had lost at the hands of the people who claimed to be protecting them. Each twist in the plot gives just a little more enlightenment but not enough to spoil the kicker at the end.
It is a very fast paced and gripping read that will keep every reader hooked to the end with not a few surprises along the way. As a sci-fi thriller it is an exceptional and easy read and gives us enough detail in the practical side of space flight and colonization but not so much that the story is lost. A must read for any sci-fi fans and also the fans of thrillers who like that little extra to the story
October 14, 2014
I was lucky, I was sent an ebook copy, of Planetfall by L.E.Howell, for an honest review, so here goes, Birch and his crew, have been to Mars, and after being frozen for years, have finally woken, ready to back home to Earth, They know, that Earth would not be the same, and how right they were..
After a wobbly start, they make it to Earth.Birch wakes, alone, no crew, just a beach, blue skies, the sea and hot sun,, Birch knows he has to find his crew, but before that, he needs water,, and fast,
This book has it all, Spaceships, Time travel. sub humans, tough men, and even tougher women! I loved it,not read a Science Fiction, for a long time, and now after reading this, I have a taste for more, so looking forward to the second one, The first lines in the book, are: In the space of our imagination,there is adventure, there is hope, but above all else, there is the promise of a brighter future,,what a way to start a great book!!
After a wobbly start, they make it to Earth.Birch wakes, alone, no crew, just a beach, blue skies, the sea and hot sun,, Birch knows he has to find his crew, but before that, he needs water,, and fast,
This book has it all, Spaceships, Time travel. sub humans, tough men, and even tougher women! I loved it,not read a Science Fiction, for a long time, and now after reading this, I have a taste for more, so looking forward to the second one, The first lines in the book, are: In the space of our imagination,there is adventure, there is hope, but above all else, there is the promise of a brighter future,,what a way to start a great book!!
December 1, 2014
Old school sci fi
This was a throwback sci fi novel in the vein of H.G. Wells Time Machine. When their mission to find a new planet fails, the crew of the Hypnos returns to Earth to find a world very changed from the one they knew. Humanity has divided between the feral Alphas and the last vestiges of government lead by the mysterious president. Fans of Clarke and Asimov will enjoy this story
This was a throwback sci fi novel in the vein of H.G. Wells Time Machine. When their mission to find a new planet fails, the crew of the Hypnos returns to Earth to find a world very changed from the one they knew. Humanity has divided between the feral Alphas and the last vestiges of government lead by the mysterious president. Fans of Clarke and Asimov will enjoy this story
March 31, 2015
Planetfall by L.E. Bowel is a futuristic science fiction story. Their origional mission was to find compatible planets to seed them with seedlings to make better oxygen and food crops. The mission was unsuccessful. The put in coordinates for earth and entered cybergenic chambers. Birch is captain by default. The land on earth and Birch finds himself in a tropical seeding. He could have sworn they were landing in Washington state. He broke his leg. This was all an illusion. Birch meets the captain of the earth group and Edwards, the AD man. - similar to CIA or FBI. They are to lead the survivors to Washington DC. On the way they are attacked by the ARE primitive earthlings who are short, fast, agile and violent. Normally they stay in clusters of 4 or 5. For some reason they have massed into 100s. Birch and 2 others got separated from Edwards group. Read for yourself what happens next.
July 28, 2015
Won this book from goodreads! Excellent read! I don't often read Scifi but this book had my full attention from page one! At times it seemed a little dark, humanity at it's lowest... Loved the story line, characters and it kept me involved in the story right to the end. An ending that I was not really expecting. Well done L.E. Howel! Looking forward to your next book.
January 14, 2016
I got a Kindle copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It took me a while to finish reading it because of my work obligations but the story really intrigued me. There's everything: spaceships, time traveling, adventure... I would definitely like to read the sequel and find out what happened next.
January 11, 2016
Well it didn't end up being what I had thought. I am not going to lie. I am disappointed. It could have been so much more. The "sell" should have come sooner and I am not impressed with the Wizard of Oz ending. Really the man behind the curtain. It was just shallow. All of it. Bummer. I was looking forward to a solid sci-fi story.
January 6, 2017
It was a good book. I found that the author had a good imagination. I hope to read more books by this author.
December 2, 2014
I recieved a copy of the electronic version of Planetfall from L.E. Howel. I was intrigued by the description of the story. It has elements of several science fiction themes running through the book and it leaves openings for several additional stories set in the same world.
A group of astronauts return to Earth after a failed colonization effort. They have been in suspended animation for an unknown length of time and return to silence from Earth. Their ship is failing and they must land or die. This starts an adventure that leads to the discovery of 2 different factions fighting over the astronauts and to a journey of discovery across a devastated America that is now a wilderness.
There are several plot twists that keep the reader interested.
I did find myself thinking about what happened on the mission and wondering what destroyed the world. These questions are somewhat addressed and I think they will be more examined in other books. I enjoyed this book and without giving away a major plot twist I was reminded of an episode of the Twilight Zone that I kicked myself for not having seen it coming.
I look forward to the next story in this series. Nice job L.E. Howell.
A group of astronauts return to Earth after a failed colonization effort. They have been in suspended animation for an unknown length of time and return to silence from Earth. Their ship is failing and they must land or die. This starts an adventure that leads to the discovery of 2 different factions fighting over the astronauts and to a journey of discovery across a devastated America that is now a wilderness.
There are several plot twists that keep the reader interested.
I did find myself thinking about what happened on the mission and wondering what destroyed the world. These questions are somewhat addressed and I think they will be more examined in other books. I enjoyed this book and without giving away a major plot twist I was reminded of an episode of the Twilight Zone that I kicked myself for not having seen it coming.
I look forward to the next story in this series. Nice job L.E. Howell.
April 10, 2014
I enjoyed this book; it takes you on an interesting journey. Each situation leads to some answered questions, and some more questions posed. I found the main character, with all his strengths and flaws, and the other characters to be very believable, and quite addictive. The book is very well written, easy to read without being too simplistic or too cerebral- just the right balance. We learn from reading L E Howel's interview that this is Book 1 of a trilogy, Bring on Part 2. I will be waiting eagerly.
November 19, 2015
This is a wonderful book. The foreshadowing is nicely done, because it leat me wondering until the end. When you read it, you'll know what I mean.
The story is interesting and characters defined. The main characer Birch grows and changes as do some of the others. There are a few grammatical issues, but they don't detract from the story.
This will keep you thinking and guessing until the end. It will alook have you pondering the human condition.
One of the best I've read in 2014.
The story is interesting and characters defined. The main characer Birch grows and changes as do some of the others. There are a few grammatical issues, but they don't detract from the story.
This will keep you thinking and guessing until the end. It will alook have you pondering the human condition.
One of the best I've read in 2014.
October 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I really did.
The story is gripping, the writing is natural, but the characters are a little flat for my liking - there's not really anyone to love or hate. I wasn't bothered about them at all. I just wanted more of the story!
The story left a few things not quite cleared up for me. Hopefully those loose ends will be tied up, and the characters developed a little more in future books.
This is a writer to watch out for.
The story is gripping, the writing is natural, but the characters are a little flat for my liking - there's not really anyone to love or hate. I wasn't bothered about them at all. I just wanted more of the story!
The story left a few things not quite cleared up for me. Hopefully those loose ends will be tied up, and the characters developed a little more in future books.
This is a writer to watch out for.
August 11, 2014
I won this book on Good reads.
It was stunning from the first paragraph.
The words made a movie in my mind and the people were authentic.
It is full of action, mystery and I loved the ending. I had an idea of what was going on but it still surprised me a bit.
One of the best Scifi books I've read in a while.
It was stunning from the first paragraph.
The words made a movie in my mind and the people were authentic.
It is full of action, mystery and I loved the ending. I had an idea of what was going on but it still surprised me a bit.
One of the best Scifi books I've read in a while.
October 19, 2014
I would like to thank L E Howel for sending me a copy of Planetfall. I am always up for trying something new and this book didn't disappoint. There isn't much that I can add that hasn't already been said, but I do recommend to give this book a try. I will now look forward to reading more from this author.
June 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down and even when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it and what was going to happen next! Very intriguing and well written. I wish it would have been longer!
February 11, 2015
I won this book in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed reading this book, as it's not normally my genre. I would recommend to all who enjoy a good science fiction read.
I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed reading this book, as it's not normally my genre. I would recommend to all who enjoy a good science fiction read.
September 22, 2015
I had to stop after every couple of chapters and simply ponder what I had read. The descriptions are quite vivid, the story flows nicely and I still can't tell if I like or despise the main character. Towards the end I thought I had it all figured out, but I ended up being surprised. This was a really good read and I'm looking forward to reading what comes next in this series.
August 18, 2014
I began reading this novel with trepidation. Modern science fiction, with few exceptions, has been disappointing and stagnate for quite some time. Too often the characters are one-note archetypes plugged into their respective roles to push along a contrived plot with no room for growth or personality. Yes the plots can be interesting but if you can't relate to the characters then there is no real depth to the book.
L.E. Howel seems to have taken this to heart. The characters the author imagines are impeccably real. They are beautifully written, making it easy to empathize with them and fully appreciate their dilemmas. Because these characters aren't soulless archetypes, sometimes I found myself questioning their responses to events only to find 20 pages later that it totally made sense as another facet of that character's personality was revealed. And, thank God, there wasn't endless exposition to get me there! This is a thinking person's author and that is refreshing in this day and age where everything seems to be handed to you in fiction.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thinking through a novel and solving puzzles. If you enjoyed Lost (the plots have absolutely nothing in common but they share a character-driven narrative rather than a plot-driven one) then you will probably enjoy this novel. I eagerly await the author's next work but until then I will probably read this novel again as I'm sure there's a few things I missed in the first pass!
L.E. Howel seems to have taken this to heart. The characters the author imagines are impeccably real. They are beautifully written, making it easy to empathize with them and fully appreciate their dilemmas. Because these characters aren't soulless archetypes, sometimes I found myself questioning their responses to events only to find 20 pages later that it totally made sense as another facet of that character's personality was revealed. And, thank God, there wasn't endless exposition to get me there! This is a thinking person's author and that is refreshing in this day and age where everything seems to be handed to you in fiction.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thinking through a novel and solving puzzles. If you enjoyed Lost (the plots have absolutely nothing in common but they share a character-driven narrative rather than a plot-driven one) then you will probably enjoy this novel. I eagerly await the author's next work but until then I will probably read this novel again as I'm sure there's a few things I missed in the first pass!
March 4, 2015
Colonel Ratliff and a volunteer crew were blasted into space in Hypnos III in order to set up a distant planet for colonization. They were in a frozen state in order to survive the journey of hundreds of years. The journey was a failure. When they tried to contact earth for orders
no one answered. After a heated debate it was decided that they would return to earth. When they returned it was nothing like the earth that they had left behind. It was scary. It was hostile. It was deadly. Because they weren't left with a lot of choices, they decided to see if they could find out anything about what happened to their planet between the time they left and the time they returned. Some of them died in their desire to find answers. What the rest of them found wasn't entirely an answer to their question but they knew that they needed to find safety even if it meant abandoning their earth. I found lessons to be learned by us if we don't want to earth and humanity to end up as they did in the story. I stayed up way to late to read just one more chapter,or maybe just two ---. If you enjoy science fiction novels that aren't full of names you can't pronounce and plots that are way to far fetched, then you will love this book. You can pronounce all the words and, unfortunately, the plot just might happen if we don't pay attention to what we are doing to the environment and ourselves.
I received an e-book copy of this book from the author.
no one answered. After a heated debate it was decided that they would return to earth. When they returned it was nothing like the earth that they had left behind. It was scary. It was hostile. It was deadly. Because they weren't left with a lot of choices, they decided to see if they could find out anything about what happened to their planet between the time they left and the time they returned. Some of them died in their desire to find answers. What the rest of them found wasn't entirely an answer to their question but they knew that they needed to find safety even if it meant abandoning their earth. I found lessons to be learned by us if we don't want to earth and humanity to end up as they did in the story. I stayed up way to late to read just one more chapter,or maybe just two ---. If you enjoy science fiction novels that aren't full of names you can't pronounce and plots that are way to far fetched, then you will love this book. You can pronounce all the words and, unfortunately, the plot just might happen if we don't pay attention to what we are doing to the environment and ourselves.
I received an e-book copy of this book from the author.
December 24, 2014
*free copy received from author in exchange for an honest review*
I found Planetfall to be quite an engaging read. The plot was well thought out. The story line, though I would have preferred a bit more action, was great. The author kept me guessing throughout the whole story. Some might think it was too confusing, but I thought it completely drew me into the story.
The main distractions keeping me from rating this five stars has to do with editing. At some points I thought how the author phrased certain sentences, though grammatically correct, were a little confusing. There was a couple of times where words were left out a wrong word was used. The most glaring instance of this to me was when the author used "isle" instead of "aisle" when talking about a store.
Overall I think the author developed their characters well and did a great job in exploring philosophy and human nature in this story. I would highly recommend Planetfall to all fans of speculative fiction and fans of dystopian societies.
I found Planetfall to be quite an engaging read. The plot was well thought out. The story line, though I would have preferred a bit more action, was great. The author kept me guessing throughout the whole story. Some might think it was too confusing, but I thought it completely drew me into the story.
The main distractions keeping me from rating this five stars has to do with editing. At some points I thought how the author phrased certain sentences, though grammatically correct, were a little confusing. There was a couple of times where words were left out a wrong word was used. The most glaring instance of this to me was when the author used "isle" instead of "aisle" when talking about a store.
Overall I think the author developed their characters well and did a great job in exploring philosophy and human nature in this story. I would highly recommend Planetfall to all fans of speculative fiction and fans of dystopian societies.
September 3, 2015
*I recieved this book as a present from the author. I've read the Kindle version. The author didn't ask for a review, but I thought it was the right thing to do.*
I thought the book was terrific! Timetravel with a mix of action, adventure and a bit of psychology in it. Some of the characters were given background information, which made them more likeable and understanding, though some of the characters are still a mystery to me. You'll get to know the characters more the more you read, which actually made me change my opinion of someone.
I already had a lot of questions at the beginning of the story and most of them are answered, but I still have a few left. I hope they'll get answered in the second book.
The cliffhanger at the end didn't suprise me and seemed to fit. Even though I dislike cliffhangers, because I always want to read more!
Anyway, I can't wait until next year! Hopefully, Fallback will be as exciting as the first book, or maybe even more exciting than the first one~. :D
(Please forgive me for any mistakes in my review! English isn't my native language!)
I thought the book was terrific! Timetravel with a mix of action, adventure and a bit of psychology in it. Some of the characters were given background information, which made them more likeable and understanding, though some of the characters are still a mystery to me. You'll get to know the characters more the more you read, which actually made me change my opinion of someone.
I already had a lot of questions at the beginning of the story and most of them are answered, but I still have a few left. I hope they'll get answered in the second book.
The cliffhanger at the end didn't suprise me and seemed to fit. Even though I dislike cliffhangers, because I always want to read more!
Anyway, I can't wait until next year! Hopefully, Fallback will be as exciting as the first book, or maybe even more exciting than the first one~. :D
(Please forgive me for any mistakes in my review! English isn't my native language!)
April 15, 2014
Sometime you don't know what to expect when reading something from a brand new author, but this is an excellent first book!
In 'Planetfall', author L.E. Howel has orchestrated a masterpiece! This book falls across a few different genres, such as time travel, space travel, science fiction, past and future lives, militaria, geopolitics; along with a touch of pre and post apocalyptic-ism. Overall giving it a broad spectrum reader audience appeal!
Several plot twists, about face, and surprises, but a common theme connecting the dots as you travel a soul-searching, sometimes heart wrenching, journey with the characters. Even the ending won't disappoint, as it leaves you hungry for more, ready to explore future writings by this talented author.
In 'Planetfall', author L.E. Howel has orchestrated a masterpiece! This book falls across a few different genres, such as time travel, space travel, science fiction, past and future lives, militaria, geopolitics; along with a touch of pre and post apocalyptic-ism. Overall giving it a broad spectrum reader audience appeal!
Several plot twists, about face, and surprises, but a common theme connecting the dots as you travel a soul-searching, sometimes heart wrenching, journey with the characters. Even the ending won't disappoint, as it leaves you hungry for more, ready to explore future writings by this talented author.
December 3, 2014
A really good, fast paced page turner of a book that gives you a scary look at one possible future of America and leaves you with the haunting question what if what you are running to is worse than what you run from?
January 2, 2016
I received an e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book shows a reason why you can can go home. Major Thomas Birch and his crew were sent on a mission with the understanding that they could not come home. The mission to colonization a planet failed. Major Birch decides to return home.In earth time, it has been a few hundred years in earth term so they do not know what they will find. Nothing is the same of course. It is a story that keeps your attention , It is one of the best science fiction books that I have read in the best year. The characters are developed and it flows well.
This book shows a reason why you can can go home. Major Thomas Birch and his crew were sent on a mission with the understanding that they could not come home. The mission to colonization a planet failed. Major Birch decides to return home.In earth time, it has been a few hundred years in earth term so they do not know what they will find. Nothing is the same of course. It is a story that keeps your attention , It is one of the best science fiction books that I have read in the best year. The characters are developed and it flows well.
December 1, 2014
Old school sci fi
This was a throwback sci fi novel in the vein of H.G. Wells Time Machine. When their mission to find a new planet fails, the crew of the Hypnos returns to Earth to find a world very changed from the one they knew. Humanity has divided between the feral Alphas and the last vestiges of government lead by the mysterious president. Fans of Clarke and Asimov will enjoy this story
This was a throwback sci fi novel in the vein of H.G. Wells Time Machine. When their mission to find a new planet fails, the crew of the Hypnos returns to Earth to find a world very changed from the one they knew. Humanity has divided between the feral Alphas and the last vestiges of government lead by the mysterious president. Fans of Clarke and Asimov will enjoy this story
September 12, 2015
First of all I would like to thank L. E. Howell and Goodreads for the opportunity to read and review this book!! ***SPOILER ALERTS***
I really enjoyed the story and saw no significant issue with the plot and how the story played out. It was well written with only 3 or 4 minor grammar issues where a word in the sentence was omitted. Still easily readable without being annoying. I look forward to reading book two!!
As to why I gave it 4 stars... I am very much character driven when I read and have to like the main characters to enjoy the book. Major Thomas Birch... just a complete pompous ass for most of the book. His lack of forethought and inability to be sympathetic to those around him during the first half of the book just made me think he was getting everything he deserved. However by the end of the book I at least felt some sympathy for him and hope he may be a decent character in book two.
Edwards.... very sympathetic for how he felt in the beginning but annoying at the end and I just wanted to slap the crap out of him.
Jane minor character... very irritating at first.... but ok by the end.
Lauren.... not much personality in this book... hopefully will be developed next book.
Karla... Favorite character of the book but she died in such an anticlimactic way... just pissed me off. isn't that the sign of a good book though.. one which will stir up emotions!
Also I must say I loved the blurbs on freedom versus choice stuck in there while Birch was talking to President Michaels. Way to smoothly work them into the story while being able to parallel what is happening in real life. Excellent!!!
Overall an excellent book!
Thanks again for the opportunity!!
I really enjoyed the story and saw no significant issue with the plot and how the story played out. It was well written with only 3 or 4 minor grammar issues where a word in the sentence was omitted. Still easily readable without being annoying. I look forward to reading book two!!
As to why I gave it 4 stars... I am very much character driven when I read and have to like the main characters to enjoy the book. Major Thomas Birch... just a complete pompous ass for most of the book. His lack of forethought and inability to be sympathetic to those around him during the first half of the book just made me think he was getting everything he deserved. However by the end of the book I at least felt some sympathy for him and hope he may be a decent character in book two.
Edwards.... very sympathetic for how he felt in the beginning but annoying at the end and I just wanted to slap the crap out of him.
Jane minor character... very irritating at first.... but ok by the end.
Lauren.... not much personality in this book... hopefully will be developed next book.
Karla... Favorite character of the book but she died in such an anticlimactic way... just pissed me off. isn't that the sign of a good book though.. one which will stir up emotions!
Also I must say I loved the blurbs on freedom versus choice stuck in there while Birch was talking to President Michaels. Way to smoothly work them into the story while being able to parallel what is happening in real life. Excellent!!!
Overall an excellent book!
Thanks again for the opportunity!!
November 9, 2014
I received this book from L.E. Howel even though I didn't win it. It was very nice of him to send me a hard copy since I don't have an e-reader. I can't wait to read it, and thank you, L.E. Howel, for being so generous.
I loved this book. It was very scary in parts, but not the horror type scary. When the next book comes out, I want to read it. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a story of astronauts sent to find another planet to colonize. They have been in a cryogenic sleep for about a hundred years. Has Earth changed? What will the find if and when they land? Read this book to find out what the future could hold for us all.
I loved this book. It was very scary in parts, but not the horror type scary. When the next book comes out, I want to read it. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a story of astronauts sent to find another planet to colonize. They have been in a cryogenic sleep for about a hundred years. Has Earth changed? What will the find if and when they land? Read this book to find out what the future could hold for us all.
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