The Extrapolated Man

by Doug Franklin

A wrecked starship. A dead man’s mind. In a desperate race across Mars, Maggie must unravel their secrets before the Tharks erase them forever.

Commander Gray of the United Colonies Space Force died when his experimental ship crashed on Mars, but a backup of his mind survived.

When Maggie discovers the wreck a century later, she becomes the target of a psychopathic rival intent on stealing the ship, and a hive of weaponized lifeforms bent on erasing the backup.

It is only after she restores Gray's backup in the body of a battered warbot that she learns his deadly secret: his ship was capable of traveling faster than light, which makes it an incredibly valuable and terribly dangerous prize, for a starship is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction.

"Franklin’s space drama is vast in scope and in its efforts to create a new world with all new life forms and language. The premise is irresistible, and the narrative’s alternating perspectives across very different time periods on the Mars colonies work well." – Kirkus Reviews

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2024

About the author

Doug Franklin lives in Alaska with the stunning Chugach Range as his backyard and the blue waters of Resurrection Bay just a couple hours down the highway. When he is not out exploring the wilderness with his dogs, he can be found at his workbench writing science fiction and building things that fly. His writing combines the gritty details of lived adventure with the scientific rigor of a degree from MIT to deliver compelling hard science fiction with a cinematic flare.

Reviews

[Brandon Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, a classic sci-fi adventure!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug has created an immersive world where one can feel the environment and wander in a sense of splendor and wonderment; of science, space and the characters and technology he has created. This is a book that must be savored chapter by chapter like a fine wine. His character and world building are exquisite and the dialogue impressive. This is true sci-fi through and through. I would love to see this on the big screen to fully visualize and inhabit the world Doug has created. A must read and a great ride!

[Daniel Hansson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it, and it really had some interesting aspects... but for me it fell flat, mostly due to the over-fantasised techno mumbojumbo that threw me off. Not that I don't like these things, if done properly... and despite this being scifi, it just made everything utterly nonsensical and unbelievable. So, unfortunately, not my cup of tea.

[Duane Bindschadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sprawling epic in some of the best traditions of space opera, The Extrapolated Man manages the daunting task of world-building while telling a compelling story peopled by characters who feel genuine. As I read, I found myself wanting to know more about them, about their individual backstories, or about this particular universe. And as a scientist and engineer myself (and long-time devotee of SF) I was repeatedly impressed with the adherence to basic tenets of physics and thoughtful nature of the ideas about 4-space. Yes, as with any work of fiction, some suspension of disbelief is required. But there is deep understanding of the space environment and its constraints that underlies the descriptions of space travel and (in particular) the challenges of warfare in space.

All in all, this a fun book to read, with a great story, memorable characters, and a well-constructed universe. Highly recommended.

[Jason Braid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was well written but my advice is to read the glossary before you start.
Author definitely takes the approach of "it is better to show than explain" in relation to the world building and pieces of knowledge that you require to actually understand what is going on.
I found it quite confusing, especially towards the end, as the story is carried out in flashbacks to the life of the main protagonist, and his 'reincarnation' to the current day.
Would only recommend to sci-fi fans who have a) patience b) make notes as they go along

[Stan Halfacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and captivating read. The author did a fantastic job of painting vivid and detailed situations and scenes with his narrative, while keeping me on the edge of my seat most of the time. I can't wait for his next book!

[Jason Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I really appreciate a good story and this delivered. I am looking forward to reading the next one. Well done, sir.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

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