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Brane Child
The Brane Skip device designed in the twenty-second century is intended to move a spaceship between the membranes of reality in order to get around the universal speed 'Thou shall not go faster than light'. The theory behind the device is unproven, the technology experimental, but if there are side paths through the universe of normal space, there should be short cuts where speed limits simply don't apply.
The unmanned tests of the Brane Skip are inconclusive. The probes wink out and then back into existence, but all they record in between is a mysterious gray haze. No one knows where they go. But they must go somewhere. The automated systems can't say. It's time to send volunteers.
The Brane Skip seems like magic to Lisa Chang, the young engineer in command the first crewed test flight, and Chang doesn't believe in magic. But she does believe in the mission. Humanity must explore space in order to survive and prosper, and she feels honored to be among the first to go where no one has gone before. She does not know what will happen when the Brane Skip device engages. She thinks it will do nothing. She fears it will explode. What she does not expect is popping out adrift in space and on a collision course with a fantasy version of Earth, complete with dragons, orcs, and wizards.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens.
The unmanned tests of the Brane Skip are inconclusive. The probes wink out and then back into existence, but all they record in between is a mysterious gray haze. No one knows where they go. But they must go somewhere. The automated systems can't say. It's time to send volunteers.
The Brane Skip seems like magic to Lisa Chang, the young engineer in command the first crewed test flight, and Chang doesn't believe in magic. But she does believe in the mission. Humanity must explore space in order to survive and prosper, and she feels honored to be among the first to go where no one has gone before. She does not know what will happen when the Brane Skip device engages. She thinks it will do nothing. She fears it will explode. What she does not expect is popping out adrift in space and on a collision course with a fantasy version of Earth, complete with dragons, orcs, and wizards.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what happens.
- GenresScience Fiction
ebook
First published December 20, 2014
46 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Morrese
11 books57 followersD.L. Morrese was an uninspired student in high school, but went on to college because he figured a degree might help him get a job indoors with no heavy lifting. He rather enjoyed college and did fairly well, despite working full time as a short-order cook. He eventually earned degrees in philosophy and government and went on to grad school where he studied behavioral science. Then, somewhat to his surprise, he landed an office job (the kind with decent pay, health insurance, and even a pension). This wasn't his dream job, but he earned a few promotions, which allowed him to save enough money for a frugal early retirement and enough free time to pursue his current hobby as a science fiction writer. He now lives outside Orlando, Florida. You can find out more about him at his website: http://dlmorrese.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 4, 2015
The author, D.L. Morrese, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
Brane Child: A Science Fiction Counter-Fantasy has a cheeky self-awareness that is just a lot of fun to read. This is a fish-out-of-water story of scientists landing in a world they can hardly believe. Morrese shows a keen skill and a balancing humor with a solid sci-fi plotting and juxtaposed worlds. Chang and crew are planning to be bored, hoping they don’t die and thinking they’ll land on Earth without event so where did the dragon come from?
Lisa Chang is shown in a roll that punches character from the start. She was assigned to the Brane Child project and is prepared to embrace the challenge. No one is quite sure what the Brane Skip device is, but they know what they think it should do, and Chang is the type to see it through.
Milton is the fantasy world emissary to Chang and her crew, hoping they’re peaceful and at the same time obtaining information for the King. Milton is living a fairly average life in a land occasionally attacked by Orcs with impulse control problems. He’s lived through vampires, zombies and varied other not so desirable characters (though some of the younger girls loved the way the vampires sparkled). The programming language “Assuming Brane Existence; Preparing to Jump to Conclusion Point” cannot help but bring to mind the “Improbability Drive” of Adams “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” though as a homage instead of a copy. That similarity of flavor primed the pump for the brilliance that was to come. This is an author who injects meaning while maintaining a strong entertainment value.
Brane Child: A Science Fiction Counter-Fantasy has a cheeky self-awareness that is just a lot of fun to read. This is a fish-out-of-water story of scientists landing in a world they can hardly believe. Morrese shows a keen skill and a balancing humor with a solid sci-fi plotting and juxtaposed worlds. Chang and crew are planning to be bored, hoping they don’t die and thinking they’ll land on Earth without event so where did the dragon come from?
Lisa Chang is shown in a roll that punches character from the start. She was assigned to the Brane Child project and is prepared to embrace the challenge. No one is quite sure what the Brane Skip device is, but they know what they think it should do, and Chang is the type to see it through.
Milton is the fantasy world emissary to Chang and her crew, hoping they’re peaceful and at the same time obtaining information for the King. Milton is living a fairly average life in a land occasionally attacked by Orcs with impulse control problems. He’s lived through vampires, zombies and varied other not so desirable characters (though some of the younger girls loved the way the vampires sparkled). The programming language “Assuming Brane Existence; Preparing to Jump to Conclusion Point” cannot help but bring to mind the “Improbability Drive” of Adams “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” though as a homage instead of a copy. That similarity of flavor primed the pump for the brilliance that was to come. This is an author who injects meaning while maintaining a strong entertainment value.
May 31, 2017
An amusing read
The story moved along nicely and I enjoyed the read.
Enjoyed the characters and the unusual plot. The ending is clever!
The story moved along nicely and I enjoyed the read.
Enjoyed the characters and the unusual plot. The ending is clever!
October 25, 2019
Completely different
Thought provoking and funny. Nice characters doing the right thing. Believable unbelivabilty. Will buy the next part today. Read and enjoy.
Thought provoking and funny. Nice characters doing the right thing. Believable unbelivabilty. Will buy the next part today. Read and enjoy.
November 10, 2022
Loved the ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 15, 2023I forget whether I started reading this and gave up- and deleted it from goodreads, or haven’t started yet..- 12-15-23
October 4, 2016
The Brane Child Series is about a spaceship crew testing a new Brane Skip technology for speeding up space travel enough to provide a way for humanity to overcome the light-speed barrier. The commander Lisa Chang has no idea what will happen when they press the button to engage the skip, but she never imagined that they would be cast adrift in space on a collision course with a fantasy version of Earth, complete with dragons, orcs, and wizards.
The uniqueness of this (and other of Morrese's books) is the combination of science fiction and very traditional fantasy. Book one, Brane Child, begins with science fiction, an introduction to the characters on board the spaceship and an explanation of the well-thought out and fascinating metaphysics behind the Brane Skip technology. After the skip, however, we are plummeted, along with the crew, into a version of medieveal earth populated with traditional fantasy characters. The world is described so well that you feel you're there, right down to the filth littering the streets. The crew have to find a way to repair their ship and get home, and the story is, of course, about all the things that get in their way and how they deal with them.
As with all Morrese's books, this is extremely well-written; he's a reliable author guaranteed to bring you a professional product.
The uniqueness of this (and other of Morrese's books) is the combination of science fiction and very traditional fantasy. Book one, Brane Child, begins with science fiction, an introduction to the characters on board the spaceship and an explanation of the well-thought out and fascinating metaphysics behind the Brane Skip technology. After the skip, however, we are plummeted, along with the crew, into a version of medieveal earth populated with traditional fantasy characters. The world is described so well that you feel you're there, right down to the filth littering the streets. The crew have to find a way to repair their ship and get home, and the story is, of course, about all the things that get in their way and how they deal with them.
As with all Morrese's books, this is extremely well-written; he's a reliable author guaranteed to bring you a professional product.
October 21, 2015
Brane Child is Dungeons and Dragons meets Star Trek. It’s tongue-in-cheek fun that any fan of science fiction or fantasy would love. Numerous aspects from some favorite/popular TV shows and books make-up a big part of the story.
Brane Child is like watching an old episode from a beloved TV show. You know how it’s going to end but you like the journey and seeing familiar faces and places.
The story follows Lisa Chang and her crew of three as they embark on the first manned mission to test a new device called the Brane Skip device, aka the BS device. “It could effectively allow mankind to ignore the universal speed limit by skipping a ship and its crew between theoretical membranes that formed different layers of reality.” The science is never really explained in detail, which is good because unknown technology is always more fun.
The other tests of the device were done by animals and when the ship got to its destination all that could be seen or register on the sensors was a grey cloud surrounding the ship. “They found nothing else. No gasses, no stars, no radiation of any type. All external readings indicated nothing but an ineffable gray haze. It suggested a place that was not a place, not empty vacuum, but void, where perhaps even the fabric of space-time itself did not exist.”
As soon as I read this paragraph I knew exactly what would happen when the BS device was engaged. The same thing happened in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I had just seen this episode, Remember Me (Season 4, Episode 5) a few days before on BBC America.
Knowing so early on how the device worked did not ruin the book for me because sometimes reading a book isn’t about the destination it’s about the journey (especially when the book is all about the destination)! I did find it a little annoying that the characters didn’t figure it out until the end but that was just a small part of the story.
After they activate the BS device and jump they find themselves looking at a planet that looks strangely like Earth. As they try to land flying dragons start to attack the ship. Unfortunately, this is the only time the dragons make an appearance. They come across a castle with humans fighting Orcs. Our confused antagonists land, squishing a few Orcs but mostly scaring the beasts away.
During the landing it is discovered that the BS device is damaged and to fix it they need some palladium to recreate the broken piece. Of course, their sensors don’t detect anything to far from the castle so they have to rely on the castle inhabitants. The Brane Child crew makes a deal with the King: they will get rid of the Orcs who are being led by an evil mastermind and as payment they will get enough palladium to repair the Brane Skip device.
From there until the end it is fun watching the crew learn about the new world and fight creatures with magic they don’t actually believe in.
I liked it but not enough to want to read the next book in the series. I felt as though the end was enough of a conclusion for me.
Brane Child is like watching an old episode from a beloved TV show. You know how it’s going to end but you like the journey and seeing familiar faces and places.
The story follows Lisa Chang and her crew of three as they embark on the first manned mission to test a new device called the Brane Skip device, aka the BS device. “It could effectively allow mankind to ignore the universal speed limit by skipping a ship and its crew between theoretical membranes that formed different layers of reality.” The science is never really explained in detail, which is good because unknown technology is always more fun.
The other tests of the device were done by animals and when the ship got to its destination all that could be seen or register on the sensors was a grey cloud surrounding the ship. “They found nothing else. No gasses, no stars, no radiation of any type. All external readings indicated nothing but an ineffable gray haze. It suggested a place that was not a place, not empty vacuum, but void, where perhaps even the fabric of space-time itself did not exist.”
As soon as I read this paragraph I knew exactly what would happen when the BS device was engaged. The same thing happened in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I had just seen this episode, Remember Me (Season 4, Episode 5) a few days before on BBC America.
Knowing so early on how the device worked did not ruin the book for me because sometimes reading a book isn’t about the destination it’s about the journey (especially when the book is all about the destination)! I did find it a little annoying that the characters didn’t figure it out until the end but that was just a small part of the story.
After they activate the BS device and jump they find themselves looking at a planet that looks strangely like Earth. As they try to land flying dragons start to attack the ship. Unfortunately, this is the only time the dragons make an appearance. They come across a castle with humans fighting Orcs. Our confused antagonists land, squishing a few Orcs but mostly scaring the beasts away.
During the landing it is discovered that the BS device is damaged and to fix it they need some palladium to recreate the broken piece. Of course, their sensors don’t detect anything to far from the castle so they have to rely on the castle inhabitants. The Brane Child crew makes a deal with the King: they will get rid of the Orcs who are being led by an evil mastermind and as payment they will get enough palladium to repair the Brane Skip device.
From there until the end it is fun watching the crew learn about the new world and fight creatures with magic they don’t actually believe in.
I liked it but not enough to want to read the next book in the series. I felt as though the end was enough of a conclusion for me.
February 8, 2016
I read this at least partly because I discovered, purely by chance, an advertising clip on YouTube. It wasn't exactly slick and professional, but it was amusing, so I tried the book.
And found the approach was appropriate! The book isn't exactly sophisticated literature - but it is well written, it holds the readers interest (particularly if the reader is an old D&D player) and it includes some nice references to other literature in the F/SF field - and above all, it is amusing. Not many 'laugh-out-loud' moments (not any, I don't think) but an awful lot of grins! I was smiling pretty well all the way through.
This is very much a book for those who are looking for a light, easy read, and are already very much part of the F/SF world, familiar with the traditions and concepts in common use. 4 Stars.
And found the approach was appropriate! The book isn't exactly sophisticated literature - but it is well written, it holds the readers interest (particularly if the reader is an old D&D player) and it includes some nice references to other literature in the F/SF field - and above all, it is amusing. Not many 'laugh-out-loud' moments (not any, I don't think) but an awful lot of grins! I was smiling pretty well all the way through.
This is very much a book for those who are looking for a light, easy read, and are already very much part of the F/SF world, familiar with the traditions and concepts in common use. 4 Stars.
September 21, 2016
I found myself really getting into this story. It doesn't go heavily into much of the quantum stuff, which is perhaps a shame: on the other hand so many other books explore it that I do feel I've as much of a grasp on it as a lay person can have. This story just flowed nicely, was engaging but not a difficult read and appealed to me with an almost Becky Chambers vibe.
Read
December 4, 2014A promotional video for this book is on YouTube. Check it out.
http://youtu.be/VYNCkBP7J20
http://youtu.be/VYNCkBP7J20
April 17, 2017
World Building
I’m going to start with the fact that this was a hilarious blend of the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Role Play genres. Starting out, you’re in hard science, and the world develops along expected lines – research, experiments, scientists and other such. Within a few chapters, however, you find yourself shifting gears as you enter a medieval world with it’s own rules. That’s where the role play games come in – a little more scientific than true fantasy, but definitely not actual history.The setting for both the science world and the fantasy world are built up layer by layer, making it fun to explore each of them further and further as the story unfolds.
Character Development
As carefully as the settings are built up, the characters follow the same idea. Each one is introduced, a little history is provided for them, so the reader can keep track of who’s who in the story, then the real development work begins. Each has a nice depth to them, and their own unique view point that gets a chance to shine through to highlight different pieces of the tale. The only one I found myself a little confused with, starting out, was the Doctor. I though he was a psychiatrist, not a medical doctor at first. Was a bit of a shock when that clarified, but added to the overall value to the tale.
Pacing
Morrese handles the steady build up of tension throughout the story very well. A few small “pops” here and there to highlight important pieces, or to add humor value to the setting, which made the overall story more memorable and enjoyable.When I finished, I knew I’d had a satisfied read. In fact, I started this one late, and really didn’t want to put it down when I realized just HOW late it was – I had that much fun with it.
I’m going to start with the fact that this was a hilarious blend of the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Role Play genres. Starting out, you’re in hard science, and the world develops along expected lines – research, experiments, scientists and other such. Within a few chapters, however, you find yourself shifting gears as you enter a medieval world with it’s own rules. That’s where the role play games come in – a little more scientific than true fantasy, but definitely not actual history.The setting for both the science world and the fantasy world are built up layer by layer, making it fun to explore each of them further and further as the story unfolds.
Character Development
As carefully as the settings are built up, the characters follow the same idea. Each one is introduced, a little history is provided for them, so the reader can keep track of who’s who in the story, then the real development work begins. Each has a nice depth to them, and their own unique view point that gets a chance to shine through to highlight different pieces of the tale. The only one I found myself a little confused with, starting out, was the Doctor. I though he was a psychiatrist, not a medical doctor at first. Was a bit of a shock when that clarified, but added to the overall value to the tale.
Pacing
Morrese handles the steady build up of tension throughout the story very well. A few small “pops” here and there to highlight important pieces, or to add humor value to the setting, which made the overall story more memorable and enjoyable.When I finished, I knew I’d had a satisfied read. In fact, I started this one late, and really didn’t want to put it down when I realized just HOW late it was – I had that much fun with it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews