What do you think?
Rate this book
Progeny #2
Circle is Closed
NOTE; This is a short story version of "Progeny's Descendants"
A long time in humanity’s future they want to return home; to Earth. It has changed, for-the-good, but due to genetic engineering, they find something else living there. A different kind of First Contact occurs an Alien Invasion occurs with a different perspective. Humanity left Earth a long time ago. They treated their home planet poorly, and the deteriorating environment forced them to leave. They traveled 189 light years to a faraway world and named it Horizon, respecting the new lives they intended to build. Fortunately, they learned their lessons and treated their new world much better. After over 1,300 years away from Earth, they still revered her and taught their children her beauty. They knew that someday they would return, They hoped that Earth had healed and she would welcome them back. They finally developed faster than light travel and the first place they wanted to visit was the home planet of the human race. When a small crew made the trip, they found that Earth had healed and was healthy, but they also found changes that surprised them. When they left to return to Horizon, they had more questions than when they left.
A long time in humanity’s future they want to return home; to Earth. It has changed, for-the-good, but due to genetic engineering, they find something else living there. A different kind of First Contact occurs an Alien Invasion occurs with a different perspective. Humanity left Earth a long time ago. They treated their home planet poorly, and the deteriorating environment forced them to leave. They traveled 189 light years to a faraway world and named it Horizon, respecting the new lives they intended to build. Fortunately, they learned their lessons and treated their new world much better. After over 1,300 years away from Earth, they still revered her and taught their children her beauty. They knew that someday they would return, They hoped that Earth had healed and she would welcome them back. They finally developed faster than light travel and the first place they wanted to visit was the home planet of the human race. When a small crew made the trip, they found that Earth had healed and was healthy, but they also found changes that surprised them. When they left to return to Horizon, they had more questions than when they left.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2015
About the author
Ray Jay Perreault
54 books141 followersI’m a retired Aeronautical Engineer who is trying to bring a different style to science fiction writing. I’ve always loved science fiction and I’m trying to write with deeper characters and create stories and situations that a reader can feel part of. The be honest I love a hero that has amazing weapons, takes on hundreds of aliens and can survive anything, but I also want to read a situation and be able to relate to it. An extrapolation of what might really happen with a little less stretch in my imagination.
I’ve been fortunate and I flew in the US Air Force for 10 years, during which time I flew C-130’s and visited 27 countries, then I flew T-38's and trained the best pilots in the world, as well as the first female US Air Force pilots. I then was fortunate to spend 28 years in a major aerospace firm and worked on some of the best programs in the world including the F-23, F-35, B-2, Global Hawk and many I can’t tell you about….
I hope I can bring my real life experiences into my writing so you can appreciate my work.
I’ve been fortunate and I flew in the US Air Force for 10 years, during which time I flew C-130’s and visited 27 countries, then I flew T-38's and trained the best pilots in the world, as well as the first female US Air Force pilots. I then was fortunate to spend 28 years in a major aerospace firm and worked on some of the best programs in the world including the F-23, F-35, B-2, Global Hawk and many I can’t tell you about….
I hope I can bring my real life experiences into my writing so you can appreciate my work.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 10, 2016
Humans are finally ready for spaceship travel using FTL, and they are planning to visit earth and see if it has recovered from the disasters that have declared it unlivable. They get to pay a quick visit and find that what something they left behind has grown and thrived upon Earth.
This book is the answer to Progeny, by the same author, and it shows the other side we missed in his previous book. Both can be read independently but having the information from Progeny adds a deeper dimension to this one.
The story, though, does not end here, and I hope Perreault will provide a continuation, since this is a very promising plot. Overall I liked the book , although It feels quite short and just as a bridge to the really important action.
The narrator does a good job but I would have appreciated a bit more variation. About the audio production, I would like to mention the very loud beeps from the ship's computer that suddenly startled me. Something a bit lower and more subtle would have been better.
This book is the answer to Progeny, by the same author, and it shows the other side we missed in his previous book. Both can be read independently but having the information from Progeny adds a deeper dimension to this one.
The story, though, does not end here, and I hope Perreault will provide a continuation, since this is a very promising plot. Overall I liked the book , although It feels quite short and just as a bridge to the really important action.
The narrator does a good job but I would have appreciated a bit more variation. About the audio production, I would like to mention the very loud beeps from the ship's computer that suddenly startled me. Something a bit lower and more subtle would have been better.
November 6, 2019
Humanity managed to completely wreck Earth's environment, making it unfit for human survival. With no other real choices, a surviving remnant of the human race set out for a distant system where they seem to have a good chance of finding a habitable planet--and they succeed.
It's a very good planet, and they've learned their lesson, and have treated it well. But it's not Earth. Even after the multigenerational trip to the planet they call Horizon, and more than a thousand years there, they still feel committed to returning home to Earth, to see if it has recovered, in the hope of resettling it.
That's the background. This short story is about the first trip back to Earth after they develop a usable FTL drive, and the surprise they get when they arrive. It's a half-hour listen, and it's enjoyable and interesting.
Recommended.
I bought this audio short story.
It's a very good planet, and they've learned their lesson, and have treated it well. But it's not Earth. Even after the multigenerational trip to the planet they call Horizon, and more than a thousand years there, they still feel committed to returning home to Earth, to see if it has recovered, in the hope of resettling it.
That's the background. This short story is about the first trip back to Earth after they develop a usable FTL drive, and the surprise they get when they arrive. It's a half-hour listen, and it's enjoyable and interesting.
Recommended.
I bought this audio short story.
January 16, 2019
I got what I asked for
I received this story from an authors giveaway.
Now, to the delicate task of filleting my mind (as opposed to brain).
I can see why the author said what they did in the notes - nevertheless this short will as they say - leave you wanting more, a lot more.
Your appetite will be whetted from the first page as the odors from a buffet. As you progress you get to see more and ponder what tastes await - when suddenly you find yourself back outside - a little dazed by the speed.
The author lays a great footing for a meatier tome (which I believe has been done) that deals with the hundreds of questions as to how the story is played out.
The greatest question that is posed is "if humanity left earth for a long period of time - and we returned, what of the homecoming"?
Now I've got to go and get the novel to read!
I received this story from an authors giveaway.
Now, to the delicate task of filleting my mind (as opposed to brain).
I can see why the author said what they did in the notes - nevertheless this short will as they say - leave you wanting more, a lot more.
Your appetite will be whetted from the first page as the odors from a buffet. As you progress you get to see more and ponder what tastes await - when suddenly you find yourself back outside - a little dazed by the speed.
The author lays a great footing for a meatier tome (which I believe has been done) that deals with the hundreds of questions as to how the story is played out.
The greatest question that is posed is "if humanity left earth for a long period of time - and we returned, what of the homecoming"?
Now I've got to go and get the novel to read!
March 6, 2017
Some on Kindle Unlimited bit more surprised than used to, read a LOT and in a lot of genres, lot of things going on in this story, and the writer told it well. Also just read SIMPOC by same writer, Gemini, and Science Fiction Anthology: Vol1 which has "Progeny" "The Greatest Host" "Circle is Closed" ‘Good Morning…’ Same genre basically but definite differences in each type of book somehow.
September 10, 2021
Having read Progeny (Book 1) I couldn’t resist reading Book 2, which follows those who left Earth in Generation Ships and reached their new home, Horizon.
1000 years later, humans want to return to Earth and see if it has recovered from humanity’s abuse.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
1000 years later, humans want to return to Earth and see if it has recovered from humanity’s abuse.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
October 15, 2018
Great story
This is a great short story but it would be an excellent book. Did they make it to earth? If they did what did they find?
This is a great short story but it would be an excellent book. Did they make it to earth? If they did what did they find?
January 2, 2019
Brain candy
A good 'what if' bit of science fiction, if a little simplistic. Still, as an introduction to a longer story or series it's adequate enough
A good 'what if' bit of science fiction, if a little simplistic. Still, as an introduction to a longer story or series it's adequate enough
September 5, 2016
Note: While this is Book 2 in the series, it works fine as a stand alone story.
Commander Leopold Harnessy is leading a mission to test a new FLT (Faster Than Light) technology. The humans of planet Horizon hope to find old Earth and perhaps resettle her but first a test ship must be sent to see if the new tech works. If it does, then larger ships could be sent the same way. The Horizon humans left Earth many, many generations ago but they still revere her. Now, they wish to reclaim that heritage.
Harnessy must leave his family on Horizon as he undertakes this possibly dangerous mission. His daughter Rose asks him a serious question about Earth during the send off ceremony. Harnessy hopes to find the answer to it and many other questions. When Harnessy & crew arrive at Earth, she is healed of all the environmental damage that forced humans to leave her so long ago. However, Harnessy and his shipmates are met with a surprise.
The author did a great job for such a short story. There’s plenty to consider in this compact tale. I was quickly drawn into the tale. There’s some big questions the main character has to consider, both before he leaves Horizon and once he gets to Earth. While the story moves swiftly along, it has depth.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: Christopher M. Allport tossed in some real ship sounds for when the ship AI is answering questions or announcing something. Each character was distinct and the the female voices were realistic. He also performed an old lady and a little girl with success.
Commander Leopold Harnessy is leading a mission to test a new FLT (Faster Than Light) technology. The humans of planet Horizon hope to find old Earth and perhaps resettle her but first a test ship must be sent to see if the new tech works. If it does, then larger ships could be sent the same way. The Horizon humans left Earth many, many generations ago but they still revere her. Now, they wish to reclaim that heritage.
Harnessy must leave his family on Horizon as he undertakes this possibly dangerous mission. His daughter Rose asks him a serious question about Earth during the send off ceremony. Harnessy hopes to find the answer to it and many other questions. When Harnessy & crew arrive at Earth, she is healed of all the environmental damage that forced humans to leave her so long ago. However, Harnessy and his shipmates are met with a surprise.
The author did a great job for such a short story. There’s plenty to consider in this compact tale. I was quickly drawn into the tale. There’s some big questions the main character has to consider, both before he leaves Horizon and once he gets to Earth. While the story moves swiftly along, it has depth.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: Christopher M. Allport tossed in some real ship sounds for when the ship AI is answering questions or announcing something. Each character was distinct and the the female voices were realistic. He also performed an old lady and a little girl with success.
February 16, 2017
Amazing read by a great author. This is great being read by itself or after Progeny, as it explains a bit more what happens. Reviewed because it was too wonderful not to let everyone know.
February 29, 2016
My rating: 4.5 stars
Audiobook narrator Christopher M. Allport rating: 4 stars
What. A. Tease! How can you end a book like this, Ray?!? This was a really fun short story that is the second book of the Progeny series (though they can completely be read as stand-alone editions). I enjoyed the first one but this one kept me interested the entire way. I suppose I really like books that are about space or take place in outer space so that helps.
I thought the brief character build up was great and the science behind the space travel was very interesting. I did not fully grasp why they were only allowed a 24-hour window into their endeavor but I suppose (in the world that they were in) that they could always come back?
The narration was great and it even included some sound effects which really fit well in the book. I suppose this is supposed to be directly related to the beings of the book Progeny but I really hope there is another book in this series to tie it all together! Again, I liked the bio at the end of Ray Jay.
I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
Audiobook narrator Christopher M. Allport rating: 4 stars
What. A. Tease! How can you end a book like this, Ray?!? This was a really fun short story that is the second book of the Progeny series (though they can completely be read as stand-alone editions). I enjoyed the first one but this one kept me interested the entire way. I suppose I really like books that are about space or take place in outer space so that helps.
I thought the brief character build up was great and the science behind the space travel was very interesting. I did not fully grasp why they were only allowed a 24-hour window into their endeavor but I suppose (in the world that they were in) that they could always come back?
The narration was great and it even included some sound effects which really fit well in the book. I suppose this is supposed to be directly related to the beings of the book Progeny but I really hope there is another book in this series to tie it all together! Again, I liked the bio at the end of Ray Jay.
I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
This story started off somewhat slowly with history and science talk. I don't think I would have minded so much if I had been pulled into the story first, but because I wasn't, I had a pretty difficult time staying focused listening in the beginning. It seemed like I had just started really listening when the story ended, quite abruptly as the first real action in the story starts to take place. At that point, I got online and tried to figure out if this story was meant to be listened to in serial fashion... if so, I'm not sure there's enough action in this short story for that delivery method. I'd be more apt to try a full length novel by the author than to try more of his shorts.
I really did enjoy the way the story was told and the sound effects in the audio. I believe the author and narrator fit well together.
I received this free from the author for honest review.
I really did enjoy the way the story was told and the sound effects in the audio. I believe the author and narrator fit well together.
I received this free from the author for honest review.
February 25, 2016
This very short story that has potential. Earth was decimated centuries ago and the human population relocated many light years away, planning sometime in the future to return. That future is now, and after designing a means to traverse the distance quickly, they send out a reconnaissance team that are surprised by what they discover.
A bit too short and technical for my liking but the story concept is very interesting and has potential. It felt like the introduction to a much longer story rather than a complete story in its self, but perhaps it is the authors style that he reveals his story in short snippets rather than in a longer tale. The narration fit the story well but I did find that the beeps and bells were more distracting than enhancing. I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A bit too short and technical for my liking but the story concept is very interesting and has potential. It felt like the introduction to a much longer story rather than a complete story in its self, but perhaps it is the authors style that he reveals his story in short snippets rather than in a longer tale. The narration fit the story well but I did find that the beeps and bells were more distracting than enhancing. I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2016
Humans Can Learn
What a powerful 24 minute view into a story that links in with Progeny. I cannot wait to read the completed series.
It is wonderful to see that humans can learn from their mistakes, I hope this continues as the story progresses but figure there will be some strive, otherwise the story will be downright boring.
Narrator Christopher M. Allport again knocks the narration out of the park.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
What a powerful 24 minute view into a story that links in with Progeny. I cannot wait to read the completed series.
It is wonderful to see that humans can learn from their mistakes, I hope this continues as the story progresses but figure there will be some strive, otherwise the story will be downright boring.
Narrator Christopher M. Allport again knocks the narration out of the park.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
February 25, 2016
I got a copy of this gem from Author for a honest review.
It was amazing as long as it lasted. Leaves you on a cliffhanger, or maybe a spinning totem where you need heavy imagination. A note to author, You just cant drag us into something this amazing and leave us hanging.
A bit of lovecraftian horror minus the gritty detailed elder ones, in a Interstellar sci fi short with a Planetfall premise. Give it a go. I really hope, this gets developed into a full on novel.
It was amazing as long as it lasted. Leaves you on a cliffhanger, or maybe a spinning totem where you need heavy imagination. A note to author, You just cant drag us into something this amazing and leave us hanging.
A bit of lovecraftian horror minus the gritty detailed elder ones, in a Interstellar sci fi short with a Planetfall premise. Give it a go. I really hope, this gets developed into a full on novel.
March 14, 2016
The writing was okay, but this wasn't even a short story, more like a quarter of a story.
In the audiobook there was a crazy loud beep right before the ship's computer started speaking. The first time it happened I almost had a heart attack.
In the audiobook there was a crazy loud beep right before the ship's computer started speaking. The first time it happened I almost had a heart attack.
March 22, 2017
Excellent short story! Unfortunately this ends on a cliffhanger but the story is great so far. looking forward to the rest of the story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews