Основатель

Fenrille #1

by Christopher Rowley, Кристофер Раули

Мировое правительство Земли, объявившее себя единственным арбитром всех дел человечества, проводит странную политику по отношению к космическим колониям и их обитателям.

Единственный шанс избежать грядущих войн — это побег из Солнечной системы далеко за ее пределы. Единственный шанс Фанданов — это проект, без которого клан Фанданов падет вместе с другими гордыми кланами космоса, рассыплется в губительной войне. И только Дэйн Фандан — наследник главы клана принца Фандана, может стать тем, кто соединит поколения и построит великий корабль — «Основатель». Но и в самом клане есть предатели...

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera

Unknown Binding

First published November 13, 1989

About the author

Christopher Rowley is a prolific writer of both science fiction and fantasy novels. He was born in 1948 in Lynn, Massachusetts to an American mother and an English father. Educated for the most part at Brentwood School, Essex, England, he became a London-based journalist in the 1970s. In 1977 he moved to New York City and began work on The War For Eternity, his first science fiction novel. He currently lives in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun, if brutal read! Rowley writes with terse, clear prose that reminded me of Crichton. More opera than hard science fiction, the book is a prequel to the Fenrille series, mapping out the journey and arrival of the ship to Fenrille fleeing from Earth's solar system. Could be cliche, but Rowley pulls it off with aplomb.
Edit: reread 12-20. Rowley has a knack for creating real albeit brutal worlds. This starts off in the habitats around Uranus-- the last 'free' parts of space. Earth is ruled 'collectively' so to speak with one government for its many billions, slowly suffocating in the toxic greenhouse. In space are millions who live in habitats, but Earth is slowly asserting itself and demanding heavy taxes.

Edward Fundan is a living legend-- the owner of Fundan enterprises, a leading builder of habitats and all things space. His dream is to leave Earth in a giant space ship that is partially constructed, with new tech to go FTL. His only hope to finish the massive project is his grandson Dane, who quickly assumes the main POV. After Edward is assassinated, his grandson is left to finish the project, but unfortunately, Edward's will is contested and Dane is short of cash. He makes a deal with the devil so to speak with a rich Muslim family to help fund the ship and ensuing mission. After many trials and tribulations, the ship finally sails, but Dane has the ship stolen and is reduced to passenger status, and then less than that...

This is part a Generation ship (albeit only one) and also a first contact novel, and while it could be cliche, Rowley does and very nice job. The tempo slowly builds to a frenetic conclusion, which seems to be his style. Also, as usual, the human condition is laid bare, with its hopes and cruelties. Gripping read from start to finish. 4 solid stars.

[Blogul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this feels so dated (written in 1989, but feels like 60s space opera) that i got bored and dnf.

[Lee Holodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool dynamic on ship. Freaky in cool way on planet

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #1 of a loose four book sequence (The Founder, To A Highland Nation, The War for Eternity, The Black Ship), but written as a prequel. Good, solid series. Each book is different, but weave together with great effect.

[S. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome colonizing of alien worlds book. A must read.