The Third Artifact

The Artifact #3

by David Collins

An ancient derelict yields some unexpected small surprises, and the crew acquires some unusual new crew members.

Mee Keralatazaku, the rather troublesome ruler of the planet Kanpripticon, has them take her to a very strange and secretive location.

When they return, all hell breaks loose as the Kipitz try to kill Mee Keralatazaku and everyone else on Kanpripticon.

She, who must not be annoyed, is now very, very angry.

Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure

Audible Audio

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

I am a retired software engineer who has worked on various medical/robotic hardware, oceanographic mapping, telecommunications, and submarine communication systems. He currently resides in New Hampshire and has decided to try writing some science fiction books.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good!!

[William S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artifact hunters

I guess, to be consistent with the title, our adventurers go out searching for an artifact, and find one. It is integrated into the ship, and utilized to substantiate its usefulness. Boring. We're introduced to the munchkins that are alleged to be an early offshoot of our own genetic background. They remind me of the flying monkeys that worked for the wicked witch of the west. We've gotten some in depth explanations of how the gyroscopic gravity works such that the inner floor has more "gravity" than the outer floor. Seems backward to me. We've also got the ultimate male fantasy for Dylan. We've produced multiple copies of Mee/Meer, and it appears he's going to be responsible for keeping these temperamental, and voraciously female sexpots satisfied. Oh, and let's not forget the genetically engineered babies.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two books were fun and enjoyable. The concept is completely unbelievable but that’s ok it’s the character Chloe just becomes absolutely insufferable through the book ruining the whole reading experience. I enjoyed the Mee storylines and those parts of the books. I just couldn’t get past Chloe. Nobody can be that irritating and not accidentally fall out of an airlock. Even parts of the book where somebody is chastised for speaking out during a scene by the captain for adding no value, a paragraph later Chloe does the same thing adding even less value and no comment.

I’d love to continue the series but just can’t deal with the captains ridiculous wife.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is the bomb, to use an outdated adjective. There is a mixture of comedy, tragedy, hijinks, and butt stomping. There is also the description of relationships, both human and inter species and lots of laughter, both human and alien. The characters, all of them, are portrayed vividly. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is basically stopping a score of aliens who are too stupid to leave the "Ender of Wars" alone. I definitely highly recommend this book and the entire series. I have enjoyed it immensely, so far!

[Ken Winell · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd times a charm

I have finished all three Artifact books rather quickly- which says a lot. In a previous review, I said it reminded me of Bobs Saucer Repair series by Jerry Boyd, (who tragically passed away in Nov). The series has expanded its character development, while still introducing new characters (like the munchkins) and of course Mee/Meera as the supreme ruler(s). A good read for sure.

[Roddy Howsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure I'll continue with the series.

For the most part, I've enjoyed the saga, but the quality of the writing leaves much to be desired. At least, get a decent editor and a better proofreader. Another thing, the dialogue and the action are sometimes convoluted and hard to follow.

[x x x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to family complexities

The complexities of reproduction for various alien species you definitely lead to some interesting situational comedy moments. The loneliness of the supreme leader will also lead to some comedic moments, and the reputation of Captain Ben will serve to join them together into community coal 0

[James B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

the artifact 1-3

Just finished the three current books by David Collin’s and found them to be very interesting I look forward to #4. Mr Collin’s is new author for me and I hope to read many more of his books. He has a very pleasing point of view. The first three Artifact book were enjoyable.

[Bill Lents · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear and friendships survive.....

The story continues and keeps the action and characters in check. Pleased that the action and the characters do not change from the original story. New additional characters keep the story fresh and surprises keep me reading. Enjoying the adventure.

[Andrew Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great book. Following the adventures of the main cast like that, they do not add a lot of side characters. I continue on general theme of exploration, finding strange and cool. Thanks in space. I like the fact that they added the family aspect, and what it would be like to have kids in space

[hlbonnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ !!!

I liked everything about this book ! Fun to read and very entertaining . Good tech to engage you in in this situation and keep you reading ! I did not want to put it down. Looking forward to the next book . Thanks you for writing this series!!! Keep it coming please 👍👍👍 😁 !

[S Seaberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Yep, A True Space Opera. Lots of interesting things happening. The reader is taken for a fun ride mixing exploration with spaceship action. The storyline continues and I’m looking forward to book 4.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun sci fi adventure

I'm enjoying this series. Some bad stuff happens, but it's mostly to bad people who deserve it. There is adventure, humor, friendship, snarky AIs, interesting nonhumans, a bit of romance, and general goodness. I'm looking forward to book 4.

[RUDOLPH C TENCH JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

It's kind of improbable him many accidental discoveries happen in this book Strains the suspension of disbelief you need for good fiction. Still a very enjoyable read.

[Gary Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

And how wonderful to read good sci-fi that's all good action with none of the blood and guts, death and destruction of the typical sci-fi. So of course I'll buy the next one.🙂

[Paul Verbanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

It's not often I find a series that I specifically make time to read. Perfunctory, great character development. Great adventures. Don't keep me waiting too long for 4 and 5.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the series

Ben, Chloe, Mark, and the rest of the crew continue their adventures in this well written story. Set mostly aboard their ship the plot has several surprises including bad guys and space rescues. A great read.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoying the story

This is a good continuation of the story. The surrender of the whole species of aliens is a little strain on the idea of “she who must not be annoyed. But I can go with the flow.

[Craig Becker · Rating 1 out of 5]

forth grade at best

These things are flat. Fairly repetitive and drifting. No real anything really. It’s rather techno fantasy. FTL and goblins that cut their ears off, could really use an editor and a language update.

[Gilbert Apps · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story, but a bit jerky. The artifacts in the title, seem to have little connection to the story. The series is now up to #5. I will read the last two, but hope to find out what the Artifact has to do with it.

[David Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wtf!!!

Holy cow! More changes than a teenager in a clothing booth! I love this series. The character development and action of just plane old life stuff has a whirlwind of things happening. How can you stop reading? Lol. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Kerry Heaney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me.

This is book 3, and I haven't read the other 2. MAYBE I missed something vital, and maybe this story is meant for someone younger. I found it read like a translation to English and the storyline both simplistic and complicated at the same time.

[Laura Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Space exploration fun

A young man orders a part online to put it on the cover of his science fiction book. It turns out to be an alien communication device. Wild space exploration ensues. This is a fun series and I am greatly enjoying it.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the 4th book!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hoot

Light hearted story. This third book in the series is just as good as the first two. I look forward to the next book.

[Brent Hulsebus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a blast reading the Artifact series

David Collins does a superb job of keeping the story interesting and entertaining. Aliens and humans are real!
Highly recommend!

[Britton Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun quick read. Enfoy!

Leaves you wanting to follow the chars in the next book. I need nine more words but now only one.

[John T Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff

This was a good read. Definitely enjoyed the book. This is a good series with a well developed story line. It is worth reading

[Ernest Dorsett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book

I really enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[bob rausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun series

Very enjoyable to read a series where the plot is so different from the run of the mill
First encounter stories. Loved the characters and the fun way they reacted.