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Pangaea: Eden's Planet
Seven astronauts en route to Mars encounter a time warp in space that disables their ship. Crash landing on Earth, they discover an alien planet sixty million years before the dinosaurs. Pangaea, the super continent, is filled with danger and terror, as they must survive against fierce reptiles that ruled the Earth 250 million years in the past!
182 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Tom Johnson
88 booksTom Johnson was a voracious reader from childhood beginning with the Golden Age comic books to classic literature. Exciting adventure stories entertained him until he discovered science fiction and hardboiled detective mysteries. By his early twenties, he discovered The Shadow and Doc Savage pulp reprints in paperbacks, and was hooked on the fast-paced action novel. This led to collecting and research, which eventually interested him in writing. Today, he still loves an exciting action novel over movies and television. Tom and his wife, Ginger Johnson have received numerous awards in the field for their work in keeping the old stories in the spotlight for new readers seeking escape in a thrilling adventure novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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March 9, 2016Pangea: Eden’s Planet was my introduction to Golden Era style pulp fiction. Mr. Johnson does a wonderful job of creating an engaging and creative plot which moves quickly without interruption. Dialogue is used well in characterization and conflict development. The story genuinely feels like a 1950s science fiction story building suspense and surprise right up to the end. Mr. Johnson’s military experience and avid interest in pulp fiction lend well to his ability to write a tangible and captivating story line of a post-apocalyptic sci-fi world. The tale moves swiftly with a fast acting plot, but also touches on some essential questions for the modern era and technology while tackling hope and human nature in a world of survival of the fittest. A story as much about beginnings as endings, Pangea: Eden’s Planet is worth the read!
October 1, 2019
A real treat for fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic style of sci-fi, action, & adventure
For anyone who remembers Edgar Rice Burroughs’ action-packed, monster-filled sci-fi stories and adventures, often set on Mars or some lost continent, Tom Johnson’s ‘Pangaea’ will transport you right back to them. It starts off much like a more traditional science fiction story, i.e. the background to, preparations, and launch of mankind’s first manned spaceship to Mars. Needless to say, things go wrong, and the presumed trip to Mars quickly transforms into a very different story. Although there is no alien planet as such, or indeed the dinosaurs one might expect judging from the cover, the world and time in which the seven-strong crew find themselves couldn’t be more different from the one they’re used to or had hoped to find on Mars. The author doesn’t shy away from violent death on a hostile world, and it isn’t long before the casualties start to mount up. There’s very little in the way of far-fetched theories or science to justify or explain what happens, preferring instead to plunge the reader headlong into a struggle for survival in as strange an environment as can be imagined. Amid their efforts, there’s lots of banter between the crew members, and, without being explicit in any way, the author conveys a degree of sexual tension between at least two of the characters, and the emergence of an underlying love story.
The style of writing could almost be from another era, and as I’ve suggested, pays homage to the likes of Edgar Rice Burroughs, but throwing in elements of Jurassic Park and touching on time-travel. Rather than being hard sci-fi, this is more a space survival drama with a touch of romance. Towards the end of the story, more of the pieces fall into place, though the ending will still come as a surprise to most readers I think, touching on more philosophical themes of purpose, destiny, and fate. I’m not sure this will be to every science fiction fan’s taste, particularly those more inclined to cutting edge high-tech themes and deep, complex characters, but for fans of good solid and storytelling, it won’t disappoint. Overall, I liked and thoroughly enjoyed it: there was lots going on to keep me engaged, touches of humour, and the conclusion and epilogue rounded up the story extremely well.
For anyone who remembers Edgar Rice Burroughs’ action-packed, monster-filled sci-fi stories and adventures, often set on Mars or some lost continent, Tom Johnson’s ‘Pangaea’ will transport you right back to them. It starts off much like a more traditional science fiction story, i.e. the background to, preparations, and launch of mankind’s first manned spaceship to Mars. Needless to say, things go wrong, and the presumed trip to Mars quickly transforms into a very different story. Although there is no alien planet as such, or indeed the dinosaurs one might expect judging from the cover, the world and time in which the seven-strong crew find themselves couldn’t be more different from the one they’re used to or had hoped to find on Mars. The author doesn’t shy away from violent death on a hostile world, and it isn’t long before the casualties start to mount up. There’s very little in the way of far-fetched theories or science to justify or explain what happens, preferring instead to plunge the reader headlong into a struggle for survival in as strange an environment as can be imagined. Amid their efforts, there’s lots of banter between the crew members, and, without being explicit in any way, the author conveys a degree of sexual tension between at least two of the characters, and the emergence of an underlying love story.
The style of writing could almost be from another era, and as I’ve suggested, pays homage to the likes of Edgar Rice Burroughs, but throwing in elements of Jurassic Park and touching on time-travel. Rather than being hard sci-fi, this is more a space survival drama with a touch of romance. Towards the end of the story, more of the pieces fall into place, though the ending will still come as a surprise to most readers I think, touching on more philosophical themes of purpose, destiny, and fate. I’m not sure this will be to every science fiction fan’s taste, particularly those more inclined to cutting edge high-tech themes and deep, complex characters, but for fans of good solid and storytelling, it won’t disappoint. Overall, I liked and thoroughly enjoyed it: there was lots going on to keep me engaged, touches of humour, and the conclusion and epilogue rounded up the story extremely well.
February 1, 2016
This is a spell-binding and thought-provoking novel from master storyteller Tom Johnson. When I did manage to pull it from my eyes, I couldn’t wait to get back to see what happened next. A deeply immersive and fully captivating story, it held my attention the entire reading. I love his writing style.
When I first started the story, I thought I was reading the prologue to “The Martian,” then as time went on, I found myself swept back in time with the NASA crew of the Galileo Two to the primordial days of Pangaea (no spoilers: I’ll let you research that). Stranded there, the crew begins to drop out of the story, one-by-one, as the creatures and hazards of their new world overcome them. Do any of them make it through? Again, no spoilers but it is Eden's Planet.
Tom has created well-developed characters that you’ll grow to love, or possibly hate. I love an author that writes ‘what he knows’ and Tom knows. His book is the epitome of that. I highly recommend Pangaea: Eden’s Planet for all readers wanting to escape vicariously the bonds of Earth. Just be careful what you wish for. It’s scary out there.
When I first started the story, I thought I was reading the prologue to “The Martian,” then as time went on, I found myself swept back in time with the NASA crew of the Galileo Two to the primordial days of Pangaea (no spoilers: I’ll let you research that). Stranded there, the crew begins to drop out of the story, one-by-one, as the creatures and hazards of their new world overcome them. Do any of them make it through? Again, no spoilers but it is Eden's Planet.
Tom has created well-developed characters that you’ll grow to love, or possibly hate. I love an author that writes ‘what he knows’ and Tom knows. His book is the epitome of that. I highly recommend Pangaea: Eden’s Planet for all readers wanting to escape vicariously the bonds of Earth. Just be careful what you wish for. It’s scary out there.
February 22, 2018
I loved this story and the interesting twists. What starts off as a mission to Mars in the year 2023 ends up turning out to be something very different. The crew find themselves in a very dangerous world. The five-year plan ends up in complete chaos.
The imagination of this author knows no boundaries as he describes the environment and every danger that the crew face. No holds are barred as they face very real danger. What I particularly liked was the very end of the story and how it manages to turn everything about face. I won't reveal any of the plot, you will have to read the story for yourself to find the ingenious way it pans out.
The imagination of this author knows no boundaries as he describes the environment and every danger that the crew face. No holds are barred as they face very real danger. What I particularly liked was the very end of the story and how it manages to turn everything about face. I won't reveal any of the plot, you will have to read the story for yourself to find the ingenious way it pans out.
June 4, 2018
This was a very interesting story.
I was gifted this novel. The author has weaved a scifi spaceship with a fictional evolution quite well. Haven't read anything like it. I won't give away any spoilers but will mention a few things. Time travel indeed. A group of people, each get sidetracked in another dimension, now in a fictional evolution, billions of years during the time of dinosaurs. To survive, they must learn to exist and defend themselves before they're all annihilated. For me, the story really picks up about halfway through. Blood soaks the strange planet of Pangaea and tragedy ensues.... again, no spoilers. It does have a bit of a twist at the end.
I was gifted this novel. The author has weaved a scifi spaceship with a fictional evolution quite well. Haven't read anything like it. I won't give away any spoilers but will mention a few things. Time travel indeed. A group of people, each get sidetracked in another dimension, now in a fictional evolution, billions of years during the time of dinosaurs. To survive, they must learn to exist and defend themselves before they're all annihilated. For me, the story really picks up about halfway through. Blood soaks the strange planet of Pangaea and tragedy ensues.... again, no spoilers. It does have a bit of a twist at the end.
May 1, 2018
The third person omnicient P.O.V. is always a little off-putting for me, but Tom Johnson crafts the story well and really does a nice job of pulling this viewpoint off. While there were a few logic problems, they weren't so severe that I couldn't buy in to this excellent plot and story line. The only thing I couldn't overlook was the use of varied dialog tags, some which were distracting, actually pulling me out of the story.
See my full reviw on my blog: https://wp.me/pVw40-3u6
See my full reviw on my blog: https://wp.me/pVw40-3u6
October 26, 2017
Quick read. Features young African American military leader as the new Eve. she and her crew of six are lost on Earth millions of years ago, before there were dinosaurs. Interesting take on a space drama meets the Scriptures. I received a copy of the book from the author.
October 8, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. The world coming to an end resulting with a mission to Mars may not be considered an exceptional idea, but the events that occurred soon after takeoff causes a series of unforeseen dangers and disasters which could be seen as creatively combining science and biblical history in a unique way.
I did experience inner turmoil with the portrayal of the characters. The seven people chosen for the mission were highly intelligent and thoroughly trained, yet many of the actions and conversations led readers to believe the opposite. As well as lacking common sense, I had a difficult time understanding Col Peterson’s behavior. I caught the underlying sexual tension, but the mood swings gave me a “bi-polar” impression.
I was amazed at the different creatures the crew came across. The detailed descriptions of each reptile-like animal made experiencing the exploration enjoyable. I watched as the crew learned about their new surroundings. I was hopeful each time they made an advancement toward survival.
Even though there were more than a few awkward and confusing interactions, I still felt the need to finish the book. I had to know their purpose. I had to know why the crew was sent to that particular time. The ending was unexpected. I didn’t learn the meaning of life, per se, but I did learn about life.
I did experience inner turmoil with the portrayal of the characters. The seven people chosen for the mission were highly intelligent and thoroughly trained, yet many of the actions and conversations led readers to believe the opposite. As well as lacking common sense, I had a difficult time understanding Col Peterson’s behavior. I caught the underlying sexual tension, but the mood swings gave me a “bi-polar” impression.
I was amazed at the different creatures the crew came across. The detailed descriptions of each reptile-like animal made experiencing the exploration enjoyable. I watched as the crew learned about their new surroundings. I was hopeful each time they made an advancement toward survival.
Even though there were more than a few awkward and confusing interactions, I still felt the need to finish the book. I had to know their purpose. I had to know why the crew was sent to that particular time. The ending was unexpected. I didn’t learn the meaning of life, per se, but I did learn about life.
February 1, 2016
This is a spell-binding and thought-provoking novel from master storyteller Tom Johnson. When I did manage to pull it from my eyes, I couldn’t wait to get back to see what happened next. A deeply immersive and fully captivating story, it held my attention the entire reading. I love his writing style.
When I first started the story, I thought I was reading the prologue to “The Martian,” then as time went on, I found myself swept back in time with the NASA crew of the Galileo Two to the primordial days of Pangaea (no spoilers: I’ll let you research that). Stranded there, the crew begins to drop out of the story, one-by-one, as the creatures and hazards of their new world overcome them. Do any of them make it through? Again, no spoilers, but remember Eden's Planet.
Tom has created well-developed characters that you’ll grow to love, or possibly hate. I love an author that writes ‘what he knows’ and Tom knows. His book is the epitome of that. I highly recommend Pangaea: Eden’s Planet for all readers wanting to escape vicariously the bonds of Earth. Just be careful what you wish for. It’s scary out there.
When I first started the story, I thought I was reading the prologue to “The Martian,” then as time went on, I found myself swept back in time with the NASA crew of the Galileo Two to the primordial days of Pangaea (no spoilers: I’ll let you research that). Stranded there, the crew begins to drop out of the story, one-by-one, as the creatures and hazards of their new world overcome them. Do any of them make it through? Again, no spoilers, but remember Eden's Planet.
Tom has created well-developed characters that you’ll grow to love, or possibly hate. I love an author that writes ‘what he knows’ and Tom knows. His book is the epitome of that. I highly recommend Pangaea: Eden’s Planet for all readers wanting to escape vicariously the bonds of Earth. Just be careful what you wish for. It’s scary out there.
May 2, 2014
Four Stars:
This is a well written sci-fi with a romantic twist. Pangaea: Eden's Planet can greatly appeal to those who may not normally read sci-fi. A NASA crew in our near future heads for a trip to Mars but soon finds themselves diverted to a strange world--a world 250 million years in the past. The story line is well written, the characters interact with distinct personalities, and although a sci-fi, it is not bogged down with technical terms that could distract or confuse some readers. The flow is good, there are no grammar mistakes or typos, and there are no obvious repetitive words or statements. With great lines such as, "his face a mask of excruciating pain", the reader is able to imagine the scene without endless pages of description. This is certainly an entertaining read that I read in one day due to my enjoyment of it.
June 12, 2014
Do you remember going to the movies on Saturday to see your favorite hero? Excited beyond words, getting your popcorn, finding just the right seat anxious to see what happens next. I do. Tom Johnson balances evolution against creationism... tit for tat with his tale filled with the wonders of technology, time, space travel and the images of a world in its violent beginning. This story has all action and adventure that those Saturday morning trips to the movies promised but without the popcorn and sticky floors. I KNEW where this story was going right up until the hero I identified with was devoured like a stray cat by a wild dog. It's very clear Mr. Johnson is a student of paleontology and uses this information to create a wild and believable world that asks "Could you survive?"... I used to think so... now I'm not so sure.
March 19, 2019
What has Eden, with its biblical allusion, to do with a desperate NASA mission to Mars? It depends where, and WHEN, the crew, headed by Colonel Evelyn Peterson, actually land. Well-written with vivid descriptions and easy to read, this is a glorious mix of sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, and romance. Saying more would include spoilers, so I’ll simply add five stars.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews