What do you think?
Rate this book
The Starchild Trilogy #2
The Starchild Compact
"The Starchild Compact" is an epic tale of beginnings, roots, what might have been, and what might be. It is an adventure of heroic proportions, commencing 500 light years away, arriving here just a few years from now, and ending in the distant expanses of the Universe.
Jon Stock takes his international exploration team to Saturn's moon, Iapetus, that earth scientists have determined may be an artifact. Following launch, they discover Saeed Ismail, a Jihadist stowaway, who hopes to sabotage the mission.
They arrive at Iapetus, determine it is a derelict starship, and eventually meet with the Founders, descendants of the starship builders. Their revelations impact the entire Solar System with momentous implications going backward and forward in time, paving the way for a joint push to the distant reaches of the Galaxy.
Jon Stock takes his international exploration team to Saturn's moon, Iapetus, that earth scientists have determined may be an artifact. Following launch, they discover Saeed Ismail, a Jihadist stowaway, who hopes to sabotage the mission.
They arrive at Iapetus, determine it is a derelict starship, and eventually meet with the Founders, descendants of the starship builders. Their revelations impact the entire Solar System with momentous implications going backward and forward in time, paving the way for a joint push to the distant reaches of the Galaxy.
396 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2014
10 people are currently reading
6810 people want to read
About the author
Robert G. Williscroft
48 books83 followersDr. Robert G. Williscroft is a retired submarine officer, deep-sea and saturation diver, scientist, author, and a lifelong adventurer. He spent twenty-two months underwater, a year in the equatorial Pacific, three years in the Arctic ice pack, and a year at the Geographic South Pole. He holds degrees in Marine Physics and Meteorology and a doctorate for developing a system to protect scuba divers in contaminated water. A prolific author of both non-fiction, submarine technothrillers, and hard science fiction, he lives in Centennial, Colorado.
Dr. Williscroft is a member of Colorado Author’s League, Independent Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Authors, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, Libertarian Futurist Society, Los Angeles Adventurers’ Club, Mensa, Military Officer’s Association, U.S. Sub Vets, American Legion, and the NRA, and now spends most of his time writing his next book, speaking to various regional groups, and hanging out with the girl of his dreams, Jill, and her two cats.
Dr. Williscroft is a member of Colorado Author’s League, Independent Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Authors, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, Libertarian Futurist Society, Los Angeles Adventurers’ Club, Mensa, Military Officer’s Association, U.S. Sub Vets, American Legion, and the NRA, and now spends most of his time writing his next book, speaking to various regional groups, and hanging out with the girl of his dreams, Jill, and her two cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 24, 2017
***THIS BOOK WAS RECEIVED FROM A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY***
With the popularity of The Martian bringing hard science into the realm of science fiction, there has been a bit of a resurgence of including accurate science in near-term speculative fiction. On the one hand, the book must remain readable to a wide audience, so the science shouldn't bog down too much of the exposition. On the other hand, if some of the science is not explained, it can leave less scientifically educated readers in the dark about why certain aspects of the plot are the way they are. The Starchild Compact manages to succeed at balancing these two elements while also introducing some strictly non-scientific plot development.
First, let me address the science presented in this book. Knowing enough about general relativity and current space travel technologies, Robert G. Williscroft certainly knows his stuff. The challenges and hurdles to travel to the gas giants of our solar system, as well as at relativistic speeds, were clearly presented, even if the science was redundantly repeated every time it came up. After a while, I kept thinking to myself, "I get it, move on!" Unfortunately, another aspect of the hard science that I could not ignore was the objectification of women. Almost all of the female characters were shallowly developed, merely being horny, sex-crazed eye candy for the rest of the male crew members. I didn't even know why they were on board until much later in the plot. In this way, I felt The Starchild Compact was heavily borrowing from the more pulp-like sci-fi of the 1950's instead of allowing the women to be equal partners in the expedition.
Secondly, the entertainment value of this book was fairly good. Even if the antagonists were unflattering stereotypes, it was satisfying to see justice finally prevail against them (even if it could have happened numerous times during the plot). There were a few slow spots in the plot from time-to-time, but overall it was an interesting read and presented a fascinating "what if" scenario. At the very least, because the science was correct, it could fall into the realm of the plausible (even if it's a very loose "plausible").
A hard science fiction story that successfully balances science and plot, I give The Starchild Compact 3.5 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
With the popularity of The Martian bringing hard science into the realm of science fiction, there has been a bit of a resurgence of including accurate science in near-term speculative fiction. On the one hand, the book must remain readable to a wide audience, so the science shouldn't bog down too much of the exposition. On the other hand, if some of the science is not explained, it can leave less scientifically educated readers in the dark about why certain aspects of the plot are the way they are. The Starchild Compact manages to succeed at balancing these two elements while also introducing some strictly non-scientific plot development.
First, let me address the science presented in this book. Knowing enough about general relativity and current space travel technologies, Robert G. Williscroft certainly knows his stuff. The challenges and hurdles to travel to the gas giants of our solar system, as well as at relativistic speeds, were clearly presented, even if the science was redundantly repeated every time it came up. After a while, I kept thinking to myself, "I get it, move on!" Unfortunately, another aspect of the hard science that I could not ignore was the objectification of women. Almost all of the female characters were shallowly developed, merely being horny, sex-crazed eye candy for the rest of the male crew members. I didn't even know why they were on board until much later in the plot. In this way, I felt The Starchild Compact was heavily borrowing from the more pulp-like sci-fi of the 1950's instead of allowing the women to be equal partners in the expedition.
Secondly, the entertainment value of this book was fairly good. Even if the antagonists were unflattering stereotypes, it was satisfying to see justice finally prevail against them (even if it could have happened numerous times during the plot). There were a few slow spots in the plot from time-to-time, but overall it was an interesting read and presented a fascinating "what if" scenario. At the very least, because the science was correct, it could fall into the realm of the plausible (even if it's a very loose "plausible").
A hard science fiction story that successfully balances science and plot, I give The Starchild Compact 3.5 stars out of 5.
For more reviews of books and movies like this, please visit www.benjamin-m-weilert.com
June 9, 2017
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I thought that Williscroft couldn't get any better and then I listened to this. The Starchild Compact was amazing! It was enticing and detailed and it was everything science fiction should be! What was amazing about Williscroft was that he explored other aspects that are often forgotten about by other writers - the behind the scenes people, the aspect of religion in science and space and the book felt like an exploration in itself. This was just amazing.
I thought that Williscroft couldn't get any better and then I listened to this. The Starchild Compact was amazing! It was enticing and detailed and it was everything science fiction should be! What was amazing about Williscroft was that he explored other aspects that are often forgotten about by other writers - the behind the scenes people, the aspect of religion in science and space and the book felt like an exploration in itself. This was just amazing.
October 14, 2016
Is Iapetus, one of Saturn’s moons, an artifact, a “derelict starship” or just a moon? In his Foreword, the author says he was motivated by certain geographical features, such as a twenty km high and wide equatorial ridge to research Iapetus and write this “hard science fiction novel” which “contains a lot of meticulously researched science.” Yes, it does, and the result is what readers often find in the best hard science fiction: a story presented so convincingly and well that it blurs the line between fiction and fact. At times I felt the sixty-six meter long Cassini II spacecraft was real, an impression enhanced not just by the wealth of onboard detail but by illustrations, such as the one on page 16. Clearly, Williscroft thought out the ship’s construction and design very carefully.
But the novel is about more than a spacecraft and a ten-member crew (one of whom is a fanatical Shia stowaway) which travels for months to Iapetus to investigate its fascinating mystery. The author juxtaposes the spacecraft and Iapetus with national and international events back home, showing how different cultures react to the stunning discoveries the crew makes (especially Islam and the Caliphate). And there is much more. I don’t want to be guilty of a spoiler, so suffice it to say that by the end of The Starchild Compact, the fate and destiny of the human race itself are involved, with an allusion to Arthur C. Clarke’s Starchild. As in Slingshot, the first book in the series, the novel’s conclusion is exactly right. Steeped in irony, it reminds us that while humanity constantly grows and changes, in many ways we remain just the same.
One of Williscroft’s achievements is that he creates thirty different characters and somehow succeeds in helping us to keep them straight. This is especially true with Cassini II’s crew. From time to time he works in brief reminders of who they are by referring to their role, appearance, and distinctive way of speaking. Of necessity, with so many characters and an emphasis on hard science, the author can’t go deeply into characterization. I do wish though we could know more about Jon Stock, the ship’s captain. He’s described as an Alpha male, and all we basically know about him is that he’s confident and damn good at his job, invariably winning the respect of others. But does he have any inner conflict or emotional problem? If he did, this drama might be even better.
Two more quibbles. When we meet the Founders, we’re given a long info dump of names and physical descriptions. These are difficult to absorb and halt the action. And then there are a few “As you know, Bob” moments when a character tells his friends what they already know—words directed not so much at them as the readers who DON'T know. Less reliance on this one method would have helped.
The novel’s cover, which depicts Cassini II nearing Iapetus with its ringed mother-planet Saturn floating behind it against a backdrop of stars captures some of the majesty and magnitude of this ambitious novel. The author includes so many different elements and brings them together in a cosmic fashion. This is what some of the best science fiction attempts to do, and the author succeeds in his mission.
But the novel is about more than a spacecraft and a ten-member crew (one of whom is a fanatical Shia stowaway) which travels for months to Iapetus to investigate its fascinating mystery. The author juxtaposes the spacecraft and Iapetus with national and international events back home, showing how different cultures react to the stunning discoveries the crew makes (especially Islam and the Caliphate). And there is much more. I don’t want to be guilty of a spoiler, so suffice it to say that by the end of The Starchild Compact, the fate and destiny of the human race itself are involved, with an allusion to Arthur C. Clarke’s Starchild. As in Slingshot, the first book in the series, the novel’s conclusion is exactly right. Steeped in irony, it reminds us that while humanity constantly grows and changes, in many ways we remain just the same.
One of Williscroft’s achievements is that he creates thirty different characters and somehow succeeds in helping us to keep them straight. This is especially true with Cassini II’s crew. From time to time he works in brief reminders of who they are by referring to their role, appearance, and distinctive way of speaking. Of necessity, with so many characters and an emphasis on hard science, the author can’t go deeply into characterization. I do wish though we could know more about Jon Stock, the ship’s captain. He’s described as an Alpha male, and all we basically know about him is that he’s confident and damn good at his job, invariably winning the respect of others. But does he have any inner conflict or emotional problem? If he did, this drama might be even better.
Two more quibbles. When we meet the Founders, we’re given a long info dump of names and physical descriptions. These are difficult to absorb and halt the action. And then there are a few “As you know, Bob” moments when a character tells his friends what they already know—words directed not so much at them as the readers who DON'T know. Less reliance on this one method would have helped.
The novel’s cover, which depicts Cassini II nearing Iapetus with its ringed mother-planet Saturn floating behind it against a backdrop of stars captures some of the majesty and magnitude of this ambitious novel. The author includes so many different elements and brings them together in a cosmic fashion. This is what some of the best science fiction attempts to do, and the author succeeds in his mission.
May 22, 2019
I began reading Sci-Fi young, drawn to the genre by Le Guin. Her universe building was amazing, enthralling. While more dense and far more science-based, Williscroft similarly creates a believable and mentally tangible reality in his Starchild Trilogy.
That being said, this installment, the second in the series, is way more than just the continuation of the first book. It is not, in fact, a continuation at all. It is it's own tightly-crafted bundle of science and fiction. The Starchild Compact could easily stand alone and does, in my experience. A new setting, new (and sexy) characters, and new science all pulled me into this engaging novel. Just as with the first book, Williscroft successfully set his scene, flawlessly laid out the science, and proceeded to weave a story full of intrigue, mystery, and even social commentary relevant to our world today.
In my opinion, The Starchild Compact surpassed the first novel, Slingshot, in its entertainment value. I cant wait to read the next one.
That being said, this installment, the second in the series, is way more than just the continuation of the first book. It is not, in fact, a continuation at all. It is it's own tightly-crafted bundle of science and fiction. The Starchild Compact could easily stand alone and does, in my experience. A new setting, new (and sexy) characters, and new science all pulled me into this engaging novel. Just as with the first book, Williscroft successfully set his scene, flawlessly laid out the science, and proceeded to weave a story full of intrigue, mystery, and even social commentary relevant to our world today.
In my opinion, The Starchild Compact surpassed the first novel, Slingshot, in its entertainment value. I cant wait to read the next one.
May 20, 2015
Are we alone in the universe is a question pondered by many. Some say yes, some say no. I think we would be arrogant to assume that we are, and stupid to think we are not. But I also think that it is unlikely that we will find it on our doorstep. Williscroft has produced a scenario where, indeed it might be on our doorstep, all that is required is the want or maybe need to find it.
Even NASA agrees that Saturn has an unusual moon, we call it Iapetus. Williscroft puts forward the concept that Iapetus is not a natural moon, rather it is an artifact from a distant place.
Throw in some politics, and a good dose of science and you end up with The Starchild Compact. I found the book excellent, it is very thought provoking. It is not about little green men saying 'Meep Meep', it is about the human condition and how we might react to discovering that we are not alone.
I like this book a whole lot. Books that make you think will never go out of fashion.
Even NASA agrees that Saturn has an unusual moon, we call it Iapetus. Williscroft puts forward the concept that Iapetus is not a natural moon, rather it is an artifact from a distant place.
Throw in some politics, and a good dose of science and you end up with The Starchild Compact. I found the book excellent, it is very thought provoking. It is not about little green men saying 'Meep Meep', it is about the human condition and how we might react to discovering that we are not alone.
I like this book a whole lot. Books that make you think will never go out of fashion.
December 17, 2014
In the not-too-distant future, a spacecraft is headed towards Saturn on a mission to investigate the moon of Iapetus is an artifact, while a terrorist stows away on board hoping to destroy the science that contravenes the tenets of his religion. All this builds up the tension and suspense in this fascinating science fiction novel.
Robert Williscroft, author of Operation Ivy Bells, brings his style of intelligent, well-researched writing to the world of science fiction. Just like his last book, I found myself learning through the entire story. Williscroft discusses real science that is in development to be used in future space travel. Moreover, the story includes the fascinating inclusion of physics such as Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity involving the passage of time for objects traveling at different speeds.
A crew of highly trained men and women from different countries is sent off on their mission when they discover that the ship is carrying 80.93 kg more mass than it should. While attempting to solve this mystery they encounter a solar radiation storm and difficulty with their ship before arriving at Iapetus where they make a discovery that will forever change the course of mankind.
Quite frankly, it’s hard to describe this story further without giving away spoilers. But I can say that I loved how the crew and the stowaway characters are written and developed throughout the story. Each part of this book solves and unfolds another mystery, making the book incredibly hard to put down. I marveled at the author’s imagination in conjuring up this story. I highly recommend this book!
Robert Williscroft, author of Operation Ivy Bells, brings his style of intelligent, well-researched writing to the world of science fiction. Just like his last book, I found myself learning through the entire story. Williscroft discusses real science that is in development to be used in future space travel. Moreover, the story includes the fascinating inclusion of physics such as Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity involving the passage of time for objects traveling at different speeds.
A crew of highly trained men and women from different countries is sent off on their mission when they discover that the ship is carrying 80.93 kg more mass than it should. While attempting to solve this mystery they encounter a solar radiation storm and difficulty with their ship before arriving at Iapetus where they make a discovery that will forever change the course of mankind.
Quite frankly, it’s hard to describe this story further without giving away spoilers. But I can say that I loved how the crew and the stowaway characters are written and developed throughout the story. Each part of this book solves and unfolds another mystery, making the book incredibly hard to put down. I marveled at the author’s imagination in conjuring up this story. I highly recommend this book!
October 21, 2017
The universe is filled with cosmic oddities, and some of these are right in our own celestial backyard. For example, consider the moons of Saturn. Titan has a landscape composed of heavy hydrocarbons, where it rains liquid methane. The third largest moon orbiting this gas giant, named Iapetus, appears to be a standard rocky orb, but has a peculiarly regular belt of 20-kilometer-high mountains girdling its equator. Additionally, the surface is marked by a pattern of regular hexagons, some of which appear to have collapsed into the moon. And the density, 1.09 grams per cubic centimeter, is very nearly the density of water, and far to low for rock.
So, what is the true nature of Iapetus? Is it just another example of extreme, but natural, cosmic geology? Or could the moon be artificial, a vessel perhaps?
Author Robert Williscroft treats us to his tantalizing interpretation in The Starchild Compact. An international crew travels the vast distance from Earth to Saturn to investigate Iapetus. What they discover is a hollow sphere, incorporating technology so advanced, at first it is unrecognizable as technology to the crew members. If you are imagining parallels to Arthur C. Clarke, you are on track, as this is a well-deserved comparison.
The plot includes a dangerous stowaway, intent on murdering the crew. But this is hard science fiction at its best, and Williscroft demonstrates not only his ability to seamlessly blend real science into the story, but also takes the reader in unexpected directions, tackling questions of theology and human behavior.
The Starchild Compact should be at the front of the reading list for any sci-fi fan!
So, what is the true nature of Iapetus? Is it just another example of extreme, but natural, cosmic geology? Or could the moon be artificial, a vessel perhaps?
Author Robert Williscroft treats us to his tantalizing interpretation in The Starchild Compact. An international crew travels the vast distance from Earth to Saturn to investigate Iapetus. What they discover is a hollow sphere, incorporating technology so advanced, at first it is unrecognizable as technology to the crew members. If you are imagining parallels to Arthur C. Clarke, you are on track, as this is a well-deserved comparison.
The plot includes a dangerous stowaway, intent on murdering the crew. But this is hard science fiction at its best, and Williscroft demonstrates not only his ability to seamlessly blend real science into the story, but also takes the reader in unexpected directions, tackling questions of theology and human behavior.
The Starchild Compact should be at the front of the reading list for any sci-fi fan!
December 17, 2014
The Starchild Compact is a compelling read from the first page. Robert has written a fantastically engrossing space mystery that takes place in our own backyard. This book brought me moments of wonder that I had experienced when I originally read Clarke's Rendezvous with Rama. This does what science fiction is supposed to do: capture our attention, speculate about the wild possibilities, and take us just beyond our previous imaginations. This book is not all spectacle, either. Robert tackles some of the more personal issues of space travel that often go overlooked, with a particular eye towards the role of religion in that exploration. It is a masterful hand that can manage the personal and cultural response to the wonders of space and still present those wonders as pure delight. Robert has done that in The Starchild Compact. From the beginning to the end, this is a must read.
March 2, 2017
The Cassini II (66-meter-long x 12-meter-wide cylinder, 3 modules) crew: Jon, Ginger, Michele Dr. Bhuta, Elke, Dmitri, Ari, Chen & Noel; just to name a few were all getting to know one another. Quite the cultural diverse group/
Next, they were assigned their separate male & female sleeping quarters & given their job assignments.
20 days had gone by with no crew/ship mishaps.
Ari Rawlston (41, Israel, Mission Specialist, Chief VASIMR Engineer/Computer, Tech, Institute of Technology; Engineer; later crew member of Starchild) & Noel Goddard (45, Mission Specialist & Space Structural Engineer/Backup VASIMR Engineer; Princeton U. MS; Engineering, later retired to Canada private research personal lab) are to perform the EVA inspection so any problems can be addressed ASAP.
Captain Jon Stock (50, American veteran Mars expedition, U.S. Naval Academy, Cal Tech PhD Systems Engineering, former Captain of Starchild) was having quite the conversation with Saeed Esmail (30, Stowaway, Persian Caliphate; Fanatical Shia, (Muslim) Russian Federation-built Mirs Complex).
Jon had informed Rod Zakes (47, Mission Director; later Iapetus Federation Ambassador to Earth; even later President of the Iapetus Federation, served on the 1st. Mars mission with Jon Stock, Duke; Aerospace Engineering) about his discussion with Saeed.
What was the crew of the Merkavah (starship) mission?
Who are the Founders?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written sci-fi book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great sci-fi movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not my normal rad but I like it. That said I will still rate it 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Starman Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Next, they were assigned their separate male & female sleeping quarters & given their job assignments.
20 days had gone by with no crew/ship mishaps.
Ari Rawlston (41, Israel, Mission Specialist, Chief VASIMR Engineer/Computer, Tech, Institute of Technology; Engineer; later crew member of Starchild) & Noel Goddard (45, Mission Specialist & Space Structural Engineer/Backup VASIMR Engineer; Princeton U. MS; Engineering, later retired to Canada private research personal lab) are to perform the EVA inspection so any problems can be addressed ASAP.
Captain Jon Stock (50, American veteran Mars expedition, U.S. Naval Academy, Cal Tech PhD Systems Engineering, former Captain of Starchild) was having quite the conversation with Saeed Esmail (30, Stowaway, Persian Caliphate; Fanatical Shia, (Muslim) Russian Federation-built Mirs Complex).
Jon had informed Rod Zakes (47, Mission Director; later Iapetus Federation Ambassador to Earth; even later President of the Iapetus Federation, served on the 1st. Mars mission with Jon Stock, Duke; Aerospace Engineering) about his discussion with Saeed.
What was the crew of the Merkavah (starship) mission?
Who are the Founders?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written sci-fi book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great sci-fi movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not my normal rad but I like it. That said I will still rate it 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Starman Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 4, 2016
Excellent except for the epilogue
January 12, 2019
While Sci-Fi isn’t my go-to genre, I thoroughly enjoyed Williscroft’s The Starchild Trilogy Book 2. I haven’t yet read the first story in the series, but even so, I didn’t feel like I had missed anything by starting with book 2. The Starchild Compact: A Novel of Interplanetary Exploration is an engrossing, intriguing, and well-written story.
There are many characters in the story to keep it interesting, including the ship’s crew who are traveling to Jupiter’s moon Iapetus, the mission control folks on Earth, and the members of the Founders. The author’s descriptions of the physical appearances, speech patterns, and unique characterizations helped me easily differentiate between the many characters.
The story is highly believable and I enjoyed learning scientific tidbits throughout the journey. The book starts with a multinational crew led by former Mars mission commander Jon Stock. The crew is investigating anomalies on Jupiter’s moon Iapetus. A density too low to make it a rocky moon combined with strange hexagonal patterns covering its surface prompt Earth command to send a mission team. This team’s role is to explore and determine if this moon is a cosmic anomaly or if it’s something more, perhaps a fabricated vessel. A crazed Shia stowaway gets on board and makes for interesting interactions between the crew members as they grapple with how to handle this saboteur.
Back on Earth, there is much geo political maneuvering as more and more information about Iapetus is uncovered. The national manipulations and reactions made me feel like this was actually happening today.
Once the Founders made themselves known and shared their stories, I was fascinated with the way their history played into Earth’s history. Biblical stories come alive along with the history of humankind. The ultimate lessons—we are not alone; and even more importantly, as humanity grows and evolves over the millennium, the more we become the same.
There are many characters in the story to keep it interesting, including the ship’s crew who are traveling to Jupiter’s moon Iapetus, the mission control folks on Earth, and the members of the Founders. The author’s descriptions of the physical appearances, speech patterns, and unique characterizations helped me easily differentiate between the many characters.
The story is highly believable and I enjoyed learning scientific tidbits throughout the journey. The book starts with a multinational crew led by former Mars mission commander Jon Stock. The crew is investigating anomalies on Jupiter’s moon Iapetus. A density too low to make it a rocky moon combined with strange hexagonal patterns covering its surface prompt Earth command to send a mission team. This team’s role is to explore and determine if this moon is a cosmic anomaly or if it’s something more, perhaps a fabricated vessel. A crazed Shia stowaway gets on board and makes for interesting interactions between the crew members as they grapple with how to handle this saboteur.
Back on Earth, there is much geo political maneuvering as more and more information about Iapetus is uncovered. The national manipulations and reactions made me feel like this was actually happening today.
Once the Founders made themselves known and shared their stories, I was fascinated with the way their history played into Earth’s history. Biblical stories come alive along with the history of humankind. The ultimate lessons—we are not alone; and even more importantly, as humanity grows and evolves over the millennium, the more we become the same.
October 13, 2016
There is possibly alien construction on Iapetus. This book describes the initial voyage out to find out the truth. But the ship has a stowaway - a radical terrorist who is planning to destroy the mission. Will the crew find him? Will they make it to Iapetus?
While the book starts describing a mission to Iapetus - a place where there could be alien construction - it quickly takes the whole hard science approach to a new level. The book was well written. A little dry at first, but quickly you got past that section and on to the action.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
While the book starts describing a mission to Iapetus - a place where there could be alien construction - it quickly takes the whole hard science approach to a new level. The book was well written. A little dry at first, but quickly you got past that section and on to the action.
*I got this book through GoodRead's Giveaways - an excellent source of interesting books!
January 14, 2015
The Starchild Compact is a “hard Science Fiction” book definitely worth reading! It raises many interesting questions and its plot is definitely not readily apparent. I doubt anyone will anticipate the ending.
I have been a lover of science fiction for many years and I would place this book in the top 10% of the thousands of SciFi books I've read over the years.
The plot is ingeniously contrived and while the book is not “perfect,” it is very close to it. I found one minor “typo” a spell check would not catch and from a scientific standpoint one questionable time calculation, out of many discussions and observations.
I sincerely hope someday a ship is sent to investigate this same moon of Saturn within my lifetime. It has many visibly strange characteristics which I can't see being easily explained! This book offers a possible explanation.
I give it 4.5 Stars, rounding to 5!
James T. Stewart
I have been a lover of science fiction for many years and I would place this book in the top 10% of the thousands of SciFi books I've read over the years.
The plot is ingeniously contrived and while the book is not “perfect,” it is very close to it. I found one minor “typo” a spell check would not catch and from a scientific standpoint one questionable time calculation, out of many discussions and observations.
I sincerely hope someday a ship is sent to investigate this same moon of Saturn within my lifetime. It has many visibly strange characteristics which I can't see being easily explained! This book offers a possible explanation.
I give it 4.5 Stars, rounding to 5!
James T. Stewart
May 20, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Talk to me, John old buddy, talk to me.""
A very long listen, at almost fifteen hours, this would have been better divided into two books: the journey to, arrival at and exploration of Iapetus in the first book, terminating at the point where the crew is transported to an unknown destination in the clear sided pod crafts, and the subsequent third or so of the book, possibly with a further 'return' as an H.G.Wells glimpse into the future added.to round it off. It would certainly have made the starring award much simpler.
The first 'book' as detailed above, if a little juvenile boys' wet dream in it's approach to the female astronauts aboard the craft sent to determine the nature of Iatecus, is still fascinating in the facts given. There are excitements aplenty, too, as long as the reader isn't looking for fast action battles. The second part, however, is mostly jingoistic rubbish, with good guys squaring up to save the world, at the same time denegrating an entire religious movement and it's millions of adherents worldwide. Such a pity. I salute the narrator for being able to read to the end of this inflammatory rubbish without bursting into sobs or hysterical laughter. Instead, Trenton Bennett continued his steady narration without undue verbal excitement, actually breathing life into the otherwise rather two dimensional characters portrayed. Had I been reading, rather than listening, to this book, I doubt if I would have managed to reach the end. It was only the narration which kept me going.
I received my copy of The Starships Compact, as a gift from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. My thanks for that. I did enjoy, with small reservations, the initial part, itself alone longer than many other books, but this enjoyment was complete!y nullified by the later writing. Because of that, this is definitely not a book I could recommend.
"Talk to me, John old buddy, talk to me.""
A very long listen, at almost fifteen hours, this would have been better divided into two books: the journey to, arrival at and exploration of Iapetus in the first book, terminating at the point where the crew is transported to an unknown destination in the clear sided pod crafts, and the subsequent third or so of the book, possibly with a further 'return' as an H.G.Wells glimpse into the future added.to round it off. It would certainly have made the starring award much simpler.
The first 'book' as detailed above, if a little juvenile boys' wet dream in it's approach to the female astronauts aboard the craft sent to determine the nature of Iatecus, is still fascinating in the facts given. There are excitements aplenty, too, as long as the reader isn't looking for fast action battles. The second part, however, is mostly jingoistic rubbish, with good guys squaring up to save the world, at the same time denegrating an entire religious movement and it's millions of adherents worldwide. Such a pity. I salute the narrator for being able to read to the end of this inflammatory rubbish without bursting into sobs or hysterical laughter. Instead, Trenton Bennett continued his steady narration without undue verbal excitement, actually breathing life into the otherwise rather two dimensional characters portrayed. Had I been reading, rather than listening, to this book, I doubt if I would have managed to reach the end. It was only the narration which kept me going.
I received my copy of The Starships Compact, as a gift from the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. My thanks for that. I did enjoy, with small reservations, the initial part, itself alone longer than many other books, but this enjoyment was complete!y nullified by the later writing. Because of that, this is definitely not a book I could recommend.
December 10, 2024
Decent book, but the constant racist or sexist themes really take away from the book.
November 9, 2018
While Sci-Fi isn’t my go-to genre, I thoroughly enjoyed Williscroft’s The Starchild Trilogy Book 2. I haven’t yet read the first story in the series, but even so, I didn’t feel like I had missed anything by starting with book 2. The Starchild Compact: A Novel of Interplanetary Exploration is an engrossing, intriguing, and well-written story.
There are many characters in the story to keep it interesting, including the ship’s crew who are traveling to Jupiter’s moon Iapetus, the mission control folks on Earth, and the members of the Founders. The author’s descriptions of the physical appearances, speech patterns, and unique characterizations helped me easily differentiate between the many characters.
The story is highly believable and I enjoyed learning scientific tidbits throughout the journey. The book starts with a multinational crew led by former Mars mission commander Jon Stock. The crew is investigating anomalies on Jupiter’s moon Iapetus. A density too low to make it a rocky moon combined with strange hexagonal patterns covering its surface prompt Earth command to send a mission team. This team’s role is to explore and determine if this moon is a cosmic anomaly or if it’s something more, perhaps a fabricated vessel. A crazed Shia stowaway gets on board and makes for interesting interactions between the crew members as they grapple with how to handle this saboteur.
Back on Earth, there is much geo political maneuvering as more and more information about Iapetus is uncovered. The national manipulations and reactions made me feel like this was actually happening today.
Once the Founders made themselves known and shared their stories, I was fascinated with the way their history played into Earth’s history. Biblical stories come alive along with the history of humankind. The ultimate lessons—we are not alone; and even more importantly, as humanity grows and evolves over the millennium, the more we become the same.
There are many characters in the story to keep it interesting, including the ship’s crew who are traveling to Jupiter’s moon Iapetus, the mission control folks on Earth, and the members of the Founders. The author’s descriptions of the physical appearances, speech patterns, and unique characterizations helped me easily differentiate between the many characters.
The story is highly believable and I enjoyed learning scientific tidbits throughout the journey. The book starts with a multinational crew led by former Mars mission commander Jon Stock. The crew is investigating anomalies on Jupiter’s moon Iapetus. A density too low to make it a rocky moon combined with strange hexagonal patterns covering its surface prompt Earth command to send a mission team. This team’s role is to explore and determine if this moon is a cosmic anomaly or if it’s something more, perhaps a fabricated vessel. A crazed Shia stowaway gets on board and makes for interesting interactions between the crew members as they grapple with how to handle this saboteur.
Back on Earth, there is much geo political maneuvering as more and more information about Iapetus is uncovered. The national manipulations and reactions made me feel like this was actually happening today.
Once the Founders made themselves known and shared their stories, I was fascinated with the way their history played into Earth’s history. Biblical stories come alive along with the history of humankind. The ultimate lessons—we are not alone; and even more importantly, as humanity grows and evolves over the millennium, the more we become the same.
January 9, 2019
Got my mind working!
The best kind of science fiction! This book has imaginative science to move us forward mixed with realistic characterization of how humans act. This volume takes us farther from current times and to a more global scale than Slingshot, but explores how doing the same old things gives us the same old results. Sci Fi fans will love this book. I especially liked how the author addressed UFOs and religion. I can’t wait to finish with Book 3.
Personal note: The stance this book takes to religion bothered me a little. Current culture often polarizes religion vs. science, as in they both can’t be right and that humans must choose one or the other. This book does a good job when it addresses “big” questions. However, the book seems to land on the side of atheism or agnosticism. My scientific mind asks, “What if there is a God and He (she or it) made Ectaris too?” Physics doesn’t preclude a “God.”
The best kind of science fiction! This book has imaginative science to move us forward mixed with realistic characterization of how humans act. This volume takes us farther from current times and to a more global scale than Slingshot, but explores how doing the same old things gives us the same old results. Sci Fi fans will love this book. I especially liked how the author addressed UFOs and religion. I can’t wait to finish with Book 3.
Personal note: The stance this book takes to religion bothered me a little. Current culture often polarizes religion vs. science, as in they both can’t be right and that humans must choose one or the other. This book does a good job when it addresses “big” questions. However, the book seems to land on the side of atheism or agnosticism. My scientific mind asks, “What if there is a God and He (she or it) made Ectaris too?” Physics doesn’t preclude a “God.”
October 17, 2016
I became a little bogged down by the detail and intensity of the technology, but loved the comparisons of religious, culture, and politics balanced with the ship's mission to see if the moon is organic or artifact.
This story is a great look at what if might mean if we could prove whether or not Earth and its inhabitants are not alone in this great universe. I did find the stowaway a little too much like Dr. Smith in Lost in Space. I didn't see the need for this character but felt as though he was squeezed into the story to fit with the geo-politics of today.
This story is a great look at what if might mean if we could prove whether or not Earth and its inhabitants are not alone in this great universe. I did find the stowaway a little too much like Dr. Smith in Lost in Space. I didn't see the need for this character but felt as though he was squeezed into the story to fit with the geo-politics of today.
April 10, 2016
Good read
While I liked the story of going to Saturn and the members of the crew, I hated the Jihad repeatedly saying the same sentence over and over. Get over it and move on. Ending very weak.
While I liked the story of going to Saturn and the members of the crew, I hated the Jihad repeatedly saying the same sentence over and over. Get over it and move on. Ending very weak.
December 19, 2014
I had to stop reading this because of the constant erotic content. I wanted to read a Sci-Fi, not an erotic novel. Definitely would not let kids anywhere near this.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews