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Zero-I: Falling Up Series Book 2
Zero-I is about controlling, inducing and nullifying inertia. By doing so, it flips Newton's third law of motion, the principles of thermodynamics, the physics of causality, and Einstein's theory of relativity. Imagine a craft the size of a cargo helicopter, no external propulsion or wings, as agile as a dragonfly because inertia holds no sway in it.
The main character is an ex-fighter jet jock who, at the beginning of the story, thinks anything slower than Mach 1 is boring. He drives a Camaro muscle car as his ground-bound proxy for speed. Read how and why his opinion of what is fast changes.
It's a story of joy, discovery, love, humour, exploration, treachery and desperation. They develop a revolutionary propulsion technology, and along with that, they find a clean, unlimited energy source. Who wouldn't want that? Only those invested in existing energy solutions. They will go to any extreme to oppose it, including murder. The results are catastrophic.
Suitable for ages 16 to 116.
The main character is an ex-fighter jet jock who, at the beginning of the story, thinks anything slower than Mach 1 is boring. He drives a Camaro muscle car as his ground-bound proxy for speed. Read how and why his opinion of what is fast changes.
It's a story of joy, discovery, love, humour, exploration, treachery and desperation. They develop a revolutionary propulsion technology, and along with that, they find a clean, unlimited energy source. Who wouldn't want that? Only those invested in existing energy solutions. They will go to any extreme to oppose it, including murder. The results are catastrophic.
Suitable for ages 16 to 116.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Rodger E. Carty
2 books12 followersI write hopeful science fiction that turns physics on its head. Character-based stories with heart and a sense of joy and awe.
I'd been wanting to write most of my adult life. I wasn't sure how to go about it, and whether I could even write something well enough someone would want to read it. I finally took a correspondence course in the ‘90s. At the end of that, they recommended I submit a short story to a Canada-wide contest. I was one of 66 entries out of 800 to make it to the second round of the Writing for Children's Competition. Their letter (which I still have) was very encouraging. That contest was in '99. The story later became chapter 1 of Falling Up, revised and expanded. This shows that by the time I wrote it, I'd been thinking about the story for more than 30 years. I was thinking about the story, wanting to write, even dreaming about it. Some of those dreams became scenes in the book. I call writing my dream job.
It took a heart attack and bypass surgery for me to finally say it's now or never. I wrote Falling Up the year I turned 70. I'd been saying that I planned on being a late bloomer—it's the only chance I've got! Well, I guess I fulfilled that prediction.
Because I like to make people laugh, you will oftentimes find humour interjected in my stories. When I’m not writing, I love to throw frisbee with friends.
I'd been wanting to write most of my adult life. I wasn't sure how to go about it, and whether I could even write something well enough someone would want to read it. I finally took a correspondence course in the ‘90s. At the end of that, they recommended I submit a short story to a Canada-wide contest. I was one of 66 entries out of 800 to make it to the second round of the Writing for Children's Competition. Their letter (which I still have) was very encouraging. That contest was in '99. The story later became chapter 1 of Falling Up, revised and expanded. This shows that by the time I wrote it, I'd been thinking about the story for more than 30 years. I was thinking about the story, wanting to write, even dreaming about it. Some of those dreams became scenes in the book. I call writing my dream job.
It took a heart attack and bypass surgery for me to finally say it's now or never. I wrote Falling Up the year I turned 70. I'd been saying that I planned on being a late bloomer—it's the only chance I've got! Well, I guess I fulfilled that prediction.
Because I like to make people laugh, you will oftentimes find humour interjected in my stories. When I’m not writing, I love to throw frisbee with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 15, 2026
Zero-I: Falling Up Series Book 2 is an exciting and imaginative science fiction adventure that kept me engaged from beginning to end. Rodger E. Carty combines high-concept scientific ideas with fast-paced storytelling, creating a novel that feels both thought-provoking and entertaining.
The concept of controlling and manipulating inertia is fascinating, and the author explores its possibilities in a way that sparks the imagination. I especially enjoyed following the main character's journey from a speed-obsessed fighter pilot to someone whose understanding of motion, technology, and human potential evolves dramatically throughout the story.
Beyond the science, the book delivers a compelling mix of discovery, humor, romance, suspense, and conflict. The development of revolutionary propulsion and limitless clean energy technologies raises important questions about innovation, power, and the resistance that often comes from those with vested interests. The escalating tension and high-stakes consequences kept me turning pages.
If you enjoy science fiction that blends bold ideas with action, adventure, and memorable characters, Zero-I is well worth reading. A creative and ambitious sequel that expands the world of the Falling Up series in exciting ways.
The concept of controlling and manipulating inertia is fascinating, and the author explores its possibilities in a way that sparks the imagination. I especially enjoyed following the main character's journey from a speed-obsessed fighter pilot to someone whose understanding of motion, technology, and human potential evolves dramatically throughout the story.
Beyond the science, the book delivers a compelling mix of discovery, humor, romance, suspense, and conflict. The development of revolutionary propulsion and limitless clean energy technologies raises important questions about innovation, power, and the resistance that often comes from those with vested interests. The escalating tension and high-stakes consequences kept me turning pages.
If you enjoy science fiction that blends bold ideas with action, adventure, and memorable characters, Zero-I is well worth reading. A creative and ambitious sequel that expands the world of the Falling Up series in exciting ways.
July 6, 2026
I wasn't sure what to expect going into the second book of the Falling Up series, but this one hit a nice balance between hard science-fiction concepts and genuine character work, which isn't easy to pull off.
The premise of manipulating inertia itself is a fun one, and Carty clearly put thought into the implications, watching this ex-fighter pilot who once thought anything under Mach 1 was boring have his whole understanding of "fast" turned upside down was oddly satisfying to read. His Camaro obsession early on is a small touch, but it does a lot of work establishing who he is before the technology changes everything.
Where the book really surprised me was the shift into treachery and corporate opposition once the energy implications become clear. It adds a grounded, almost cynical layer to what starts as a joyride of a story, and the stakes escalate in a way that felt earned rather than forced.
If I have a critique, it's that some of the science exposition runs a little long in places, which occasionally slows the momentum the story otherwise builds so well. Still, a solid, inventive read for fans of hard sci-fi with heart.
The premise of manipulating inertia itself is a fun one, and Carty clearly put thought into the implications, watching this ex-fighter pilot who once thought anything under Mach 1 was boring have his whole understanding of "fast" turned upside down was oddly satisfying to read. His Camaro obsession early on is a small touch, but it does a lot of work establishing who he is before the technology changes everything.
Where the book really surprised me was the shift into treachery and corporate opposition once the energy implications become clear. It adds a grounded, almost cynical layer to what starts as a joyride of a story, and the stakes escalate in a way that felt earned rather than forced.
If I have a critique, it's that some of the science exposition runs a little long in places, which occasionally slows the momentum the story otherwise builds so well. Still, a solid, inventive read for fans of hard sci-fi with heart.
August 17, 2026
Zero-I: Falling Up Series Book 2 is a wonderfully imaginative science-fiction adventure built around a fascinating idea: what happens when inertia itself can be controlled, induced, or nullified? The concept immediately grabbed my attention, and the story takes that intriguing scientific premise in some very exciting directions.
I particularly enjoyed the combination of high-tech exploration, discovery, humor, romance, and danger. The protagonist's relationship with speed provides a fun perspective, while the revolutionary propulsion technology and unlimited clean energy raise the stakes considerably. The conflict surrounding such a world-changing discovery gives the story a strong sense of urgency.
What really makes this appealing is that it isn't just about technology and physics—it also has heart. The themes of curiosity, courage, love, betrayal, and perseverance give the adventure an emotional dimension that makes the characters and their journey more engaging.
A creative and ambitious science-fiction story that turns familiar ideas about physics upside down while delivering plenty of excitement and wonder.
I particularly enjoyed the combination of high-tech exploration, discovery, humor, romance, and danger. The protagonist's relationship with speed provides a fun perspective, while the revolutionary propulsion technology and unlimited clean energy raise the stakes considerably. The conflict surrounding such a world-changing discovery gives the story a strong sense of urgency.
What really makes this appealing is that it isn't just about technology and physics—it also has heart. The themes of curiosity, courage, love, betrayal, and perseverance give the adventure an emotional dimension that makes the characters and their journey more engaging.
A creative and ambitious science-fiction story that turns familiar ideas about physics upside down while delivering plenty of excitement and wonder.
July 12, 2026
I wasn't expecting this book to pull me in as quickly as it did, but once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The story is packed with emotion, suspense, and just the right amount of unexpected twists to keep me turning the pages. What stood out the most for me was how real the characters felt. Their struggles, choices, and growth made it easy to connect with them, and I found myself genuinely invested in what would happen next. The pacing was excellent. There was never a dull moment, and every chapter left me wanting more. Rodger has a great way of blending heartfelt moments with tension, creating a story that's both entertaining and emotionally engaging. If you're looking for a book that keeps you hooked from beginning to end and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you've finished, Zero-I: Falling Up is definitely worth reading.
July 14, 2026
This book offers a captivating mix of scientific imagination, adventure, and big “what if” ideas. The concept of a technology that could challenge everything we understand about the laws of physics immediately drew me in. What makes the story stand out, though, is that it doesn’t stop at the science—it dives into the larger impact such a discovery could have on society, politics, and the economy.
The author does a great job exploring the ripple effects of groundbreaking technology while still delivering an entertaining and engaging story. Thought-provoking, imaginative, and filled with intriguing possibilities, this is a novel that kept me invested from start to finish and left me thinking about the possibilities long after I finished reading.
The author does a great job exploring the ripple effects of groundbreaking technology while still delivering an entertaining and engaging story. Thought-provoking, imaginative, and filled with intriguing possibilities, this is a novel that kept me invested from start to finish and left me thinking about the possibilities long after I finished reading.
July 17, 2026
I picked this up because the concept sounded interesting, but I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. Zero-I blends science, suspense, and action in a way that kept me turning the pages. Even when the physics got complex, it never felt overwhelming because it was woven naturally into the story. The mix of cutting edge technology, corporate conspiracy, and personal stakes made the plot feel exciting from start to finish. If you enjoy science fiction that makes you think while still delivering plenty of thrills, I'd definitely recommend this one. It was an entertaining and memorable read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews