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Ell Donsaii #19
Antigravity
Antigravity (an Ell Donsaii story #19)
This is the nineteenth book in a series of near-future hard-science fiction Thrillers. Their heroine, Ell Donsaii, has a nerve mutation that’s made her a genius and provided her with astonishing athletic abilities. Her intelligence has allowed her to revolutionize our world with numerous inventions, including instantaneous communications and trans-dimensional portals that deliver fuel, water, food, energy, and people all around the solar system.
Antigravity is about a new invention that Ell and her husband, Shan, come up with. It enables the creation of tractor and pressor fields, allowing one to lift off into the sky, similarly to antigravity. At first, it doesn’t seem like there will be a lot of uses for it, but as time passes, they keep finding more and more things they can do with it.
Meanwhile, Zage decides he needs help running his company, Gordito. Ell helps him incorporate as Gordito Labs, aiming to “continue cutting-edge bioresearch to the benefit of mankind.”
Ell’s twins, Caii and Raii, continue their painting and caring for their adopted sister. When they can get their parents to take them, they love touring Italy's famous art.
But Vesuvius, the volcano that buried Pompeii, is about to erupt again.
Can Ell and her company help?
This is the nineteenth book in a series of near-future hard-science fiction Thrillers. Their heroine, Ell Donsaii, has a nerve mutation that’s made her a genius and provided her with astonishing athletic abilities. Her intelligence has allowed her to revolutionize our world with numerous inventions, including instantaneous communications and trans-dimensional portals that deliver fuel, water, food, energy, and people all around the solar system.
Antigravity is about a new invention that Ell and her husband, Shan, come up with. It enables the creation of tractor and pressor fields, allowing one to lift off into the sky, similarly to antigravity. At first, it doesn’t seem like there will be a lot of uses for it, but as time passes, they keep finding more and more things they can do with it.
Meanwhile, Zage decides he needs help running his company, Gordito. Ell helps him incorporate as Gordito Labs, aiming to “continue cutting-edge bioresearch to the benefit of mankind.”
Ell’s twins, Caii and Raii, continue their painting and caring for their adopted sister. When they can get their parents to take them, they love touring Italy's famous art.
But Vesuvius, the volcano that buried Pompeii, is about to erupt again.
Can Ell and her company help?
- GenresScience Fiction
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2025
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
64 books693 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 22, 2025
Shen becomes an inventor.
August 2, 2025
Ell never disappoints, and neither does Dahners.
I’ve read a lot of sci-fi, but there’s something about the Ell Donsaii series that continues to feel fresh, even by book 19. Antigravity manages to explore wildly imaginative concepts (tractor and pressor fields? YES, please) without ever losing its grounding in characters you genuinely care about.
What I love about this series, and this book in particular, is that it doesn't rely on dystopia to make a point. Instead, Dahners leans into optimism, scientific wonder, and the actual benefits of innovation. And Ell? Still as brilliant, athletic, and quietly heroic as ever.
The family dynamics (especially with Caii and Raii) were a warm contrast to the tech-heavy narrative.
Zage’s evolution with Gordito Labs added a great subplot that didn’t feel like filler, it pushed the world forward.
And yes, Vesuvius. That twist gave the book a real-world urgency that worked surprisingly well.
Dahners is 19 books in, and he’s still building. That alone deserves applause. But the fact that the writing is still sharp, the ideas still compelling, and the characters still growing? That’s what makes this a 5-star read.
Highly recommend it, especially if you believe sci-fi can be both brainy and hopeful.
I’ve read a lot of sci-fi, but there’s something about the Ell Donsaii series that continues to feel fresh, even by book 19. Antigravity manages to explore wildly imaginative concepts (tractor and pressor fields? YES, please) without ever losing its grounding in characters you genuinely care about.
What I love about this series, and this book in particular, is that it doesn't rely on dystopia to make a point. Instead, Dahners leans into optimism, scientific wonder, and the actual benefits of innovation. And Ell? Still as brilliant, athletic, and quietly heroic as ever.
The family dynamics (especially with Caii and Raii) were a warm contrast to the tech-heavy narrative.
Zage’s evolution with Gordito Labs added a great subplot that didn’t feel like filler, it pushed the world forward.
And yes, Vesuvius. That twist gave the book a real-world urgency that worked surprisingly well.
Dahners is 19 books in, and he’s still building. That alone deserves applause. But the fact that the writing is still sharp, the ideas still compelling, and the characters still growing? That’s what makes this a 5-star read.
Highly recommend it, especially if you believe sci-fi can be both brainy and hopeful.
May 16, 2025
We are now deep into this series and long past the point where most authors would not be able to keep things fresh and interesting. Not Laurence Dahners. Somehow he keeps finding new ways to challenge and develop his existing characters while adding new ones that are equally string. There certainly the case here with a novel that’s totally fun and attention grabbing. Kept me up most of the night to finish as I simply could not put it down. Perfect indicator of a great novel and easy to highly recommend. One caveat: while, yes, you can start with this novel easily enough, if you’re new to the series you’re missing out not reading its predecessors and I strongly recommend starting with book 1. It’s a fantastic series that is on my “drop other books to read this” list whenever a new installment comes. Total addictive fun.
May 15, 2025
Predictably Brilliant!
I love this series from start to finish (so far!). It gives us the chance to see the type of future that humanity could have in several ways if led by benevolent inventions. Why? Because frankly humanity’s own worst enemy is usually itself.
There are several amusing tongue in cheek scenes in this book that discuss intelligence and other people’s reactions to it. Obviously going by the title this book focuses on developments relating to gravity : antigravity technology from the Kinrais/ Donsaii duet. If this is the first book in the series you’ve come across then trust me it’s well worth starting from book 1, it’s an epic journey. Now cue my sad face because there’s presumably a very long wait until the next one.
I love this series from start to finish (so far!). It gives us the chance to see the type of future that humanity could have in several ways if led by benevolent inventions. Why? Because frankly humanity’s own worst enemy is usually itself.
There are several amusing tongue in cheek scenes in this book that discuss intelligence and other people’s reactions to it. Obviously going by the title this book focuses on developments relating to gravity : antigravity technology from the Kinrais/ Donsaii duet. If this is the first book in the series you’ve come across then trust me it’s well worth starting from book 1, it’s an epic journey. Now cue my sad face because there’s presumably a very long wait until the next one.
June 13, 2025
Finally here, still awesome!
Waiting for this book seemingly for ages since I binge-read 1-18, then all of Dahners' other series, and the couple of new books as he cycles through writing new tomes for each...
There's something deceptively simple in the way the author takes one small idea and thinks through all the ramifications, which makes his books easy to read. For much of the sci-fi and fantasy genres, you have to suspend a fair amount of disbelief. With Dahners' books, once you accept a single idea, there's no more disbelief to suspend.
I was happy to encounter a hat-tip to Dahners in another book by Ken Pence, so it's not just me as a reader - other authors think so too!
Waiting for this book seemingly for ages since I binge-read 1-18, then all of Dahners' other series, and the couple of new books as he cycles through writing new tomes for each...
There's something deceptively simple in the way the author takes one small idea and thinks through all the ramifications, which makes his books easy to read. For much of the sci-fi and fantasy genres, you have to suspend a fair amount of disbelief. With Dahners' books, once you accept a single idea, there's no more disbelief to suspend.
I was happy to encounter a hat-tip to Dahners in another book by Ken Pence, so it's not just me as a reader - other authors think so too!
November 6, 2025
Very sad to write this review but after so many great books in the Ell Donsaii universe this is the first one to not just fall to the bottom of the list but to be essentially not worth reading. Not sure who the main character in the book was. No discernable story, just a collection of vignettes about the various people working on various projects within the Donsaii empire. Lots of quick switches back and forth between those vignettes which was difficult to follow since the book format did not make those switches obvious. Add in lots of discussion about how to keep so much about her son secret and that's about it for the book. None the less I'll hope for the best and very likely pick up the next book in the series if and when it comes out.
May 17, 2025
Great follow on
Just finished number 19 and so much is happening with Zage and the twins you'd think it would get old - not. Zage is enamored with a tech (he's 13 so it's just a good setup for the next story. No kidnappings - yahoo. The twins freak out everyone with their painting and everyone has to move, think, and pretend to be less than they are. Italy is prominent (love art in Florence). Ell helps translate Sean's math into antigravity - plenty of room for more action. Only thing I hated - too short. Waiting for the next Germ Theory Europe or another Ell book. This was fun cover to cover.
Just finished number 19 and so much is happening with Zage and the twins you'd think it would get old - not. Zage is enamored with a tech (he's 13 so it's just a good setup for the next story. No kidnappings - yahoo. The twins freak out everyone with their painting and everyone has to move, think, and pretend to be less than they are. Italy is prominent (love art in Florence). Ell helps translate Sean's math into antigravity - plenty of room for more action. Only thing I hated - too short. Waiting for the next Germ Theory Europe or another Ell book. This was fun cover to cover.
May 17, 2025
Let’s put the ELL back in Ell.
I’d say that the author is now bored with his character. There is very little happening with Ell. It’s all focused on the children and she’s a distant 4th in this plot even though the story and the title are ostensibly about her. Seriously, moms can be all that and more and still present in their own lives.
Before there was a more potent mix of science and adventure. The evolution of the stories was towards space exploration. I liked the previous mix of government intrigue, exploration and an occasional kidnapping. Let’s make Ell the focus again and give her kids their own spinoff series.
I’d say that the author is now bored with his character. There is very little happening with Ell. It’s all focused on the children and she’s a distant 4th in this plot even though the story and the title are ostensibly about her. Seriously, moms can be all that and more and still present in their own lives.
Before there was a more potent mix of science and adventure. The evolution of the stories was towards space exploration. I liked the previous mix of government intrigue, exploration and an occasional kidnapping. Let’s make Ell the focus again and give her kids their own spinoff series.
May 22, 2025
So what is the Donsaii family up to? Let’s see. The six-year-olds are making it big in the art market. Teenaged Zage is running a biotech corporation with the help of his cartoon AI. And Ell and her husband have invented an antigravity device but have a hard time figuring out what to do with it since they have already invented teleportation. Never fear. They will come up with something.
Someday, a creative podcaster or filmmaker will discover Ell and her three-sigmas-out-from-the-mean kids. Hasten the day.
Someday, a creative podcaster or filmmaker will discover Ell and her three-sigmas-out-from-the-mean kids. Hasten the day.
May 23, 2025
I love this science fiction series!
This is speculative fiction at its best. It genuinely looks at what an invention would really do. Yes, we've looked at what this stuff would do in other science fiction series, but it's a kind of a given that they have this technology because the story is set 300 years in our future or whatever. What are the intermediate steps? What sort of disruptions would they provide? How would humans deal with the disruptions? This is all very fun and fascinating. My only problem with the series is that I have to wait on the next book.
This is speculative fiction at its best. It genuinely looks at what an invention would really do. Yes, we've looked at what this stuff would do in other science fiction series, but it's a kind of a given that they have this technology because the story is set 300 years in our future or whatever. What are the intermediate steps? What sort of disruptions would they provide? How would humans deal with the disruptions? This is all very fun and fascinating. My only problem with the series is that I have to wait on the next book.
May 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this new installment of the Donsii saga! There was new tech, and maybe it would have been nice to see a bit more developmental struggle with cooperation between Shan and Ell, but that is very minor. I loved the slice of life narrative that included a lot of major and minor characters from the past books. However, like some of the other reviews I would love to see a very Zage or twins centric book or books, or one with Zage and the twins working together.
May 16, 2025
Another Dahners masterwork
Advancing many of the arcs begun in earlier books, this volume concentrates on the younger Dorsaii while introducing a brilliant take on a classic sci-fi meme (antigrav) and a volcanic villain. Unlike many series that continue far beyond their story's expiration date, Dahners' sequels retain the excellent characterization and innovative plots that have his readers eagerly awaiting the next book.
Advancing many of the arcs begun in earlier books, this volume concentrates on the younger Dorsaii while introducing a brilliant take on a classic sci-fi meme (antigrav) and a volcanic villain. Unlike many series that continue far beyond their story's expiration date, Dahners' sequels retain the excellent characterization and innovative plots that have his readers eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 16, 2025
Another great ELL Donsaii story!
I really enjoyed the interpersonal interactions and relationships in this story. Of course the new antigravity technology was great too!
It was really fun to see all the children in the story growing up and also growing more into their own special skills and gifts. I also loved all the giving and generosity shown by the ELL Donsaii family. Read this book NOW, you WILL be very glad that you did! :)
I really enjoyed the interpersonal interactions and relationships in this story. Of course the new antigravity technology was great too!
It was really fun to see all the children in the story growing up and also growing more into their own special skills and gifts. I also loved all the giving and generosity shown by the ELL Donsaii family. Read this book NOW, you WILL be very glad that you did! :)
May 19, 2025
Nice quick read. Seems the author realized Zage's crushes and the crush slightly reciprocating were very weird and didn't need to be elaborated more which is great. They have instead made it about just what they are which are crushes that don't mean anything.
The book features new tech which gets a quick mention but nothing else really. I felt that while things happened in this book it was not as exciting as some of the previous ones.
The book features new tech which gets a quick mention but nothing else really. I felt that while things happened in this book it was not as exciting as some of the previous ones.
May 21, 2025
Another Ell Donsaii Treat!
Yet another delightful Laurence Dahner Ell Donsaii novel! This story concentrated on the exploration of a new antigravity technology & the further growth of the personalities of the Donsaii children. I still believe that although Dahners is a prolific writer, I wish he would open his numerous series to other writers because it it torture to wait for the publication of each book. Thank you Mr. Dahners & please keep them coming!
Yet another delightful Laurence Dahner Ell Donsaii novel! This story concentrated on the exploration of a new antigravity technology & the further growth of the personalities of the Donsaii children. I still believe that although Dahners is a prolific writer, I wish he would open his numerous series to other writers because it it torture to wait for the publication of each book. Thank you Mr. Dahners & please keep them coming!
May 16, 2025
Wonderful addition to the series!
A wonderful return to the world of Ell Donsaii. A great story featuring many of the characters we've seen before and some new ones. Very interesting episode for the great climax. Hope Mister Dahners will get the next 1 out soon. So enjoyed the reading that I finished it within 12 hours of my download.
A wonderful return to the world of Ell Donsaii. A great story featuring many of the characters we've seen before and some new ones. Very interesting episode for the great climax. Hope Mister Dahners will get the next 1 out soon. So enjoyed the reading that I finished it within 12 hours of my download.
May 16, 2025
My best yet!
Wow what a storyteller you are. Absolutely love this series and the way you bring everything together. I cannot say what a joy it is to get one on your books in my hands. It makes any day brighter and thank you so much for this wonderful series. Loving every single word!!
Wow what a storyteller you are. Absolutely love this series and the way you bring everything together. I cannot say what a joy it is to get one on your books in my hands. It makes any day brighter and thank you so much for this wonderful series. Loving every single word!!
May 16, 2025
Another great story in the Donsaii saga
I had just completed reading the entire collection when I realized that they available books and the series had just gone from 18 to 19. So extremely happy to be able to add book 19 to my collection. What a fun story and I love being able to keep up with Zage and the girls progress. I hope to see book 20 in the near future.
I had just completed reading the entire collection when I realized that they available books and the series had just gone from 18 to 19. So extremely happy to be able to add book 19 to my collection. What a fun story and I love being able to keep up with Zage and the girls progress. I hope to see book 20 in the near future.
May 19, 2025
More good stuff!
Well, well what could possibly be next? The only thing I can think of is time travel. The author will have to come up with good hard science for the math part of it. Pretty sure AG will be part of it. I was sure that Carley would take the radiation gene and age slower for Zage to catch up with her.
Well, well what could possibly be next? The only thing I can think of is time travel. The author will have to come up with good hard science for the math part of it. Pretty sure AG will be part of it. I was sure that Carley would take the radiation gene and age slower for Zage to catch up with her.
May 22, 2025
Another fantastic read...
As soon as I finished this book I immediately wished for the next one. The technology seems believable as well as the uses it creates. Like Jules Vern, the ideas expressed in Mr. Dahners books will inspire future inventors to make them real. I sincerely hope Book #20 will be out soon!
As soon as I finished this book I immediately wished for the next one. The technology seems believable as well as the uses it creates. Like Jules Vern, the ideas expressed in Mr. Dahners books will inspire future inventors to make them real. I sincerely hope Book #20 will be out soon!
May 24, 2025
Another great book, very fun to read...
His books are just fun. He is not an award winning writer, but just fun to read. The characters, especially the children are interesting and enjoyable. One must suspend belief to get the most impact from them, but it is easy with such positive refreshing characters
His books are just fun. He is not an award winning writer, but just fun to read. The characters, especially the children are interesting and enjoyable. One must suspend belief to get the most impact from them, but it is easy with such positive refreshing characters
July 12, 2025
By now we know what were getting. Despite the family's expansion, the stories all orbit each other tightly and make for an easy to follow plot.
I was surprised at the lack of world-shaking application for the new physics defying technology. I think it's a smart move to ensure the world building doesn't grow beyond understanding.
I was surprised at the lack of world-shaking application for the new physics defying technology. I think it's a smart move to ensure the world building doesn't grow beyond understanding.
July 17, 2025
I read the series straight through. When I started the first book in the series, I almost didn’t get past my ‘if I am losing interest, stop’. I am glad I continued. It was sci-fi, detective drama, science, with thought provoking situations in a positive, forward thinking way. The main character is altruistic to a fault. If there is a book #20 in the series, I want it.
May 15, 2025
Another excellent installment.
I always enjoy reading this author's books. With so much history over the 19 volumes, there is the opportunity of so many spin-offs, especially as the siblings grow. Please don't let us wait too long for #20.
I always enjoy reading this author's books. With so much history over the 19 volumes, there is the opportunity of so many spin-offs, especially as the siblings grow. Please don't let us wait too long for #20.
May 16, 2025
Love being back in the Donsaii world
Love being back in the Donsaii world, and see research, love, responsibility and art flow...it always feels like I am reading a classic sci fi story.
Love being back in the Donsaii world, and see research, love, responsibility and art flow...it always feels like I am reading a classic sci fi story.
May 16, 2025
Like a drink of cold water
I always look forward to falling back into Ell Donsaii's world when life on the outside is rough. Laurence is onebof my favorite what if authors and Antigravity did not disappoint.
I always look forward to falling back into Ell Donsaii's world when life on the outside is rough. Laurence is onebof my favorite what if authors and Antigravity did not disappoint.
May 16, 2025
Another Great Tale by LD
Laurence once again accomplishes a great story of the most remarkable of families. While not my favorite, it is still well done and introduces yet another “impossible “ technology. Bravo LD!
Laurence once again accomplishes a great story of the most remarkable of families. While not my favorite, it is still well done and introduces yet another “impossible “ technology. Bravo LD!
May 17, 2025
Wonderful
I am amazed by Mr Dahners ability to keep this series fresh with so many installments. But this book is every bit as good as the earlier ones. I loved it. My only regret is that I now have to wait for him to write another for me to enjoy.
I am amazed by Mr Dahners ability to keep this series fresh with so many installments. But this book is every bit as good as the earlier ones. I loved it. My only regret is that I now have to wait for him to write another for me to enjoy.
May 19, 2025
This series continues to stretch your imagination with it’s character and environment development
Sustaining a series can be difficult even awkward, Dahners does it almost. The twins are a delight and a challenge even for Ell
Sustaining a series can be difficult even awkward, Dahners does it almost. The twins are a delight and a challenge even for Ell
May 19, 2025
Keep them coming
I've been waiting for awhile for a sequel to come out for any series. This is an excellent story addition to the Ell Donsaii series. Thank you. I enjoyed it very much.
I've been waiting for awhile for a sequel to come out for any series. This is an excellent story addition to the Ell Donsaii series. Thank you. I enjoyed it very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews