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Foothold #1
Foothold
Fifty years in the future, mankind’s first starship is being prepared for launch.
Eight people have survived the most rigorous crew selection process in history. Now they are ready to depart, but a last minute substitution has broken hearts and set the scene for a future surprise.
Meanwhile, a shadowy figure watches in the background, planning, and waiting.
The future is far from certain.
Eight people have survived the most rigorous crew selection process in history. Now they are ready to depart, but a last minute substitution has broken hearts and set the scene for a future surprise.
Meanwhile, a shadowy figure watches in the background, planning, and waiting.
The future is far from certain.
- GenresScience Fiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2014
285 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Ingram
8 books18 followersDennis Ingram was born in 1963 and developed an insatiable appetite for anything relating to rockets and space, and needless to say followed the Apollo program with a passion.
He read every science fiction book in his local library, growing up on a diet of Andre Norton, E. E. 'Doc' Smith, Clifford D. Simak, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark and other iconic science fiction authors.
He wrote science fiction stories in school notebooks when he was a boy, but as he grew up he put those away and switched to writing in computer languages instead. He kept reading though, hundreds and hundreds of books, especially science fiction, and never stopped dreaming. One day, he started to write those dreams down.
He read every science fiction book in his local library, growing up on a diet of Andre Norton, E. E. 'Doc' Smith, Clifford D. Simak, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark and other iconic science fiction authors.
He wrote science fiction stories in school notebooks when he was a boy, but as he grew up he put those away and switched to writing in computer languages instead. He kept reading though, hundreds and hundreds of books, especially science fiction, and never stopped dreaming. One day, he started to write those dreams down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 13, 2018
Foothold tells the story of mankind's first settlement of another star system. It contains a fair amount of space science but not to the same degree as The Martian. I enjoyed it enough to buy the next in the series.
June 27, 2025
a fascinating tale of exploration and colonization
Well written, decent character development, and the story moves along at a good pace. A bit of a different take on the strategy for a long duration space flight: instead of low-metabolism hibernation they had “stasis chambers”, where a quantum field would suspend the passage of time on any matter within the field.
There were a few challenges for the small crew of eight scientists, everything went pretty smoothly, almost too smoothly as it would have created more tension and drama if things weren’t so easy.
The world they end up on is amazing: very earth-like but absolutely no signs of life. Later they find some fossil evidence of microbial life, which to me is kind of alarming: apparently there was life before, but something must have sterilized the planet. So a mystery to be solved.
While the story resolved pretty well, it is clear change will be coming to this new world.
Well written, decent character development, and the story moves along at a good pace. A bit of a different take on the strategy for a long duration space flight: instead of low-metabolism hibernation they had “stasis chambers”, where a quantum field would suspend the passage of time on any matter within the field.
There were a few challenges for the small crew of eight scientists, everything went pretty smoothly, almost too smoothly as it would have created more tension and drama if things weren’t so easy.
The world they end up on is amazing: very earth-like but absolutely no signs of life. Later they find some fossil evidence of microbial life, which to me is kind of alarming: apparently there was life before, but something must have sterilized the planet. So a mystery to be solved.
While the story resolved pretty well, it is clear change will be coming to this new world.
March 15, 2017
Really enjoyed this one.
It has just enough intrigue to go along with it being a really good interstellar vonage and colonization book. I really enjoyed this as there wasn't a ton of conflict between man as it was more man vs nature. The next in the series does appear that it could be a little more Man vs Man.
It did get a little long in a few parts and there seems to be some plot holes (I normally don't catch them) but there were a few small things here and there that even I caught. Also things seem to happen really fast but at the end of the day good book. Looking forward to the next in the series.
It has just enough intrigue to go along with it being a really good interstellar vonage and colonization book. I really enjoyed this as there wasn't a ton of conflict between man as it was more man vs nature. The next in the series does appear that it could be a little more Man vs Man.
It did get a little long in a few parts and there seems to be some plot holes (I normally don't catch them) but there were a few small things here and there that even I caught. Also things seem to happen really fast but at the end of the day good book. Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 28, 2018
Better name is Hope
This is a wonderful story of living far away from earth. The intrepid adventures of a set of eight Travellers making their way to a planet in a faraway solar system. This side story that seems to be here it’s not particularly interesting at least to me. The story would be better off told from the story of the survivors of that long long journey to get to the new world of Haven. I suppose the side story shows the greed and arrogance of humans as opposed to the better qualities that make us human. Still a great read and one that should definitely be undertaken.
This is a wonderful story of living far away from earth. The intrepid adventures of a set of eight Travellers making their way to a planet in a faraway solar system. This side story that seems to be here it’s not particularly interesting at least to me. The story would be better off told from the story of the survivors of that long long journey to get to the new world of Haven. I suppose the side story shows the greed and arrogance of humans as opposed to the better qualities that make us human. Still a great read and one that should definitely be undertaken.
December 31, 2023
This is the story of the first interstellar colonization flight to the Tau Ceti system. The spaceship has a crew of eight and takes about 45 years to get there. During the flight, they use a form of suspended animation called stasis, which quantum mechanically freezes time. After they arrive, the novel details the construction of their colony. Such details put this novel in the hard science fiction category, and indeed, I felt like the novel's strength was its description of the engineering, geology, and materials science.
January 30, 2018
Loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat when things on the ship started to go wrong. Hole in the side, people crossing the line, it all seemed so volatile and at the same time knowing that others from Earth have their own issues the crew is able to put their differences aside and create the settlement they were sent to create. I also found it endearing the way they chose the name of their new home and the locations there. Great story and can't wait to see what happens next.
November 30, 2018
The starship Hope travels about 40 years to colonize a planet in the Tau Ceti system. This is a good old fashioned "hard sci fi" novel - old fashioned as in classic sci fi, but up to date with scientific technology. The book is easy to read (not a lot of techno babble) and the author keeps the story moving at a good pace with enough surprises to keep things interesting.
December 26, 2019
Ultimately A Bit Boring.
I just didn't care for either the story or the character much. All problems, great or small, are easily solved and the establishment of the colony seems way too simple. I mean these eight people can seeming solve anything! Four sequels? None for me, thanks.
I just didn't care for either the story or the character much. All problems, great or small, are easily solved and the establishment of the colony seems way too simple. I mean these eight people can seeming solve anything! Four sequels? None for me, thanks.
April 30, 2020
Outstanding Storyline
Excellent storyline with good science fiction, but not too deep in black holes and time warps and relatively nonsense. Characters are well developed and believable with good interaction and even a little romance to make for good reading. Space travel is well explained using stasis and believable velocity below the speed of light, which is more realistic.
Excellent storyline with good science fiction, but not too deep in black holes and time warps and relatively nonsense. Characters are well developed and believable with good interaction and even a little romance to make for good reading. Space travel is well explained using stasis and believable velocity below the speed of light, which is more realistic.
June 14, 2017
This was rather enjoyable, interstellar travel, establishing a colony and surviving. Had good elements from the movie Passengers, survival and science of Martian (and potatoes), and a bit of Interstellar.
June 22, 2017
I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this but it turned out to be so much better than I would have thought. I'm not much for harder sci-fi, but this hit just the right balance of technical detail and storytelling. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the installments in this series.
December 2, 2017
What a nice surprise!
This is a gem amongst the sci fi offerings on kindle unlimited.
Well written, imaginative but tempered by realistic near future tech expectations.
I look forward to the next episode.
This is a gem amongst the sci fi offerings on kindle unlimited.
Well written, imaginative but tempered by realistic near future tech expectations.
I look forward to the next episode.
January 16, 2019
Good story
This was a good exploration story. Change in pace from the usual sci-fi books, the author relied on on science and what could go wrong to build tension. Positive story that integrates some unfinished arcs to future books.
This was a good exploration story. Change in pace from the usual sci-fi books, the author relied on on science and what could go wrong to build tension. Positive story that integrates some unfinished arcs to future books.
June 2, 2019
First Rate Sci-fi.
Earth astronauts set out for distant Tau Ceti with stasis Chambers to sleep all the way- 39 years. The astronauts become early pioneers and learn to alter their new home to support humans. Enjoyable story with a touch of romance. thanks
Earth astronauts set out for distant Tau Ceti with stasis Chambers to sleep all the way- 39 years. The astronauts become early pioneers and learn to alter their new home to support humans. Enjoyable story with a touch of romance. thanks
July 9, 2019
Riveting
I have to rank Foothold as one of the very best of the 300 Sci Fi books I've read. The story is unique and the writing keeps the reader absorbed. Bravo! Now onto the next.
I have to rank Foothold as one of the very best of the 300 Sci Fi books I've read. The story is unique and the writing keeps the reader absorbed. Bravo! Now onto the next.
January 2, 2020
Something Different.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Sending 8 people through space to a new world to establish a colony. Stuff went wrong but it also went right. I am ready to read book 2 to see where the story goes.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Sending 8 people through space to a new world to establish a colony. Stuff went wrong but it also went right. I am ready to read book 2 to see where the story goes.
October 5, 2024
Great read
I think anybody who likes sci-fi would like this book. An interesting look at what it might be like to start life on another planet. Can't wait to see what's in-store in book 2.
I think anybody who likes sci-fi would like this book. An interesting look at what it might be like to start life on another planet. Can't wait to see what's in-store in book 2.
July 11, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed this book. It is a good and hopeful story. I thought the final chapters were a little drug out but it is probably needed for subsequent books
I enjoyed this book. It is a good and hopeful story. I thought the final chapters were a little drug out but it is probably needed for subsequent books
August 4, 2018
Enjoying it so far.
October 31, 2018
Loved it, clean, fresh adventure. All the characters were likeable and you wanted the team to succeed.
June 9, 2019
Amazing
Amazing adventures of a group of humans heading to a distant galaxy searching for a new planet to terraform and colonize. Wonderful characters and imaginative story.
Amazing adventures of a group of humans heading to a distant galaxy searching for a new planet to terraform and colonize. Wonderful characters and imaginative story.
June 14, 2019
Interesting
A very detailed and interesting account of courageous astronauts taking on a new planet and transforming part of it to make it livable.
A very detailed and interesting account of courageous astronauts taking on a new planet and transforming part of it to make it livable.
June 22, 2019
It was an interesting story with a sequel to follow. I enjoyed the characters.
January 28, 2020
Excellent
Was this your first book? Very impressive! I've purchased the next in the series... Need I say more to encourage you to keep writing and others to keep buying?
Was this your first book? Very impressive! I've purchased the next in the series... Need I say more to encourage you to keep writing and others to keep buying?
July 31, 2020
A good straight forward SF story with the right amount of characters and an easy to follow story line. Loved it and have purchased the follow on books onkindlle.
September 17, 2021
GREAT READ It takes life on new planet to a new meaning
January 1, 2022
Good read
Intriguing story and interesting characters. Looking forward to continuing the journey. On to book two and hopefully further. I would recommend.
Intriguing story and interesting characters. Looking forward to continuing the journey. On to book two and hopefully further. I would recommend.
January 9, 2024
Exciting
Well plotted,l, with an excellent pace. Populated with complex, realistic characters.
I find myself eager to learn what happened next.
Well plotted,l, with an excellent pace. Populated with complex, realistic characters.
I find myself eager to learn what happened next.
March 17, 2017
Can't wate to get the next book
Very well written, I would want to go with this team to colonize. Every thing though of and planned for.
Very well written, I would want to go with this team to colonize. Every thing though of and planned for.
November 14, 2016
The year 2063, the population of earth was not leveling off due to people living around 150 years. Mars had already been colonized and the governments of the world built the Hope, mankind's first true starship. They had been training 16 people, 8 men and 8 women who were chosen for their genes to pair up and start a new planet. Only a group of 8 would be going in The Hope and the others were backups. David and his matched partner Joyce were backup for the mission and were madly in love.
Before the trip even started, David was torn away from Joyce because the Russian Captain Vasily had a heart attack, and instead of postponing the trip David was flown by shuttle up to The Hope and he met Grace, who would be his new partner.
They traveled for more than 39 years, occasionally coming out of stasis chambers to check that they were still on course. During one of these exits they found the reactor core had blown out part of the ship and they did the best they could to patch wires from the inside so they could reach a far out solar system and find a planet with similar atmosphere to earth. David and Grace were sexually compatible and had sex frequently when they were out of stasis.
They finally find a suitable planet and name it serendipity. when they drop the pods, they almost lost their reactor when it veered off course when some thrusters did not engage. They built their first colony in a cave created by a crater and named it Haven.
John, who is very cocky impregnated Nigel's mate Natalie while still on board the Hope, which caused John to get punched in the nose by Nigel and given a black eye by his mate. Natalie had to tell Nigel the truth because he is the one who has to make sure their will be no inbreeding in later generations.
The planet was high in carbon dioxide and the plants were growing rapidly and they created a garden with grass, bushes and trees. They are trying to create oxygen so they don't have to wear breathing masks. They create a lake with waterfall, and artificial rain, water being pumped through tubing with holes. They finally get enough oxygen so they can live without masks Natalie goes into labor immediately, she was preventing herself from giving birth until Haven was finished. Grace pulls David to her the day Elizabeth is born and puts his hand on the right side of her stomach in , he is confused and she says Joyce and grabs his left hand and puts it on her left side and she says and Vasily.
What they don't know is the entire time they were in space they were being fed phony information from Edward Harper. the businessman who paid to get the mission under way. He is secretly coming to their new planet on a giant ship called Inspiration with over 110 people including Joyce and Vasily who married and had children David and Grace in honor of their former mates. Joyce and Vasily are his work horses and constantly puts them in and out of stasis. The story is the first in the series.
Before the trip even started, David was torn away from Joyce because the Russian Captain Vasily had a heart attack, and instead of postponing the trip David was flown by shuttle up to The Hope and he met Grace, who would be his new partner.
They traveled for more than 39 years, occasionally coming out of stasis chambers to check that they were still on course. During one of these exits they found the reactor core had blown out part of the ship and they did the best they could to patch wires from the inside so they could reach a far out solar system and find a planet with similar atmosphere to earth. David and Grace were sexually compatible and had sex frequently when they were out of stasis.
They finally find a suitable planet and name it serendipity. when they drop the pods, they almost lost their reactor when it veered off course when some thrusters did not engage. They built their first colony in a cave created by a crater and named it Haven.
John, who is very cocky impregnated Nigel's mate Natalie while still on board the Hope, which caused John to get punched in the nose by Nigel and given a black eye by his mate. Natalie had to tell Nigel the truth because he is the one who has to make sure their will be no inbreeding in later generations.
The planet was high in carbon dioxide and the plants were growing rapidly and they created a garden with grass, bushes and trees. They are trying to create oxygen so they don't have to wear breathing masks. They create a lake with waterfall, and artificial rain, water being pumped through tubing with holes. They finally get enough oxygen so they can live without masks Natalie goes into labor immediately, she was preventing herself from giving birth until Haven was finished. Grace pulls David to her the day Elizabeth is born and puts his hand on the right side of her stomach in , he is confused and she says Joyce and grabs his left hand and puts it on her left side and she says and Vasily.
What they don't know is the entire time they were in space they were being fed phony information from Edward Harper. the businessman who paid to get the mission under way. He is secretly coming to their new planet on a giant ship called Inspiration with over 110 people including Joyce and Vasily who married and had children David and Grace in honor of their former mates. Joyce and Vasily are his work horses and constantly puts them in and out of stasis. The story is the first in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews