The Piranha Solution

Ace of Space #1

by John Triptych

In the near future, a new space race has begun. Private industry is now pushing the limits of human exploration and colonization. NASA has changed its mandate into a regulatory agency that oversees all US-based corporations and individuals involved in interplanetary expansion.

Stilicho Jones always has his hands full while working as a personal troubleshooter for eccentric trillionaire Errol Flux and his numerous cutting edge space projects. When a mysterious and potentially deadly situation threatens the colonies on Mars, Stilicho must team up with a feisty NASA special agent in a race against time to avert a looming catastrophe that would end any hope of a permanent settlement on the Red Planet.

Genres: Science Fiction

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2017

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exciting hi-tech thriller “The Piranha Solution” heats up as trouble develops on Mars with a gutted robot, loss of communication with construction, maintenance and search/rescue teams as well as a malware worm emanating from the Red Planet. Fearing the loss of tourism at the Eridu Colony, the millionaire head of Ace Corporation enlists the help of his trouble-shooter Stilicho (Stil) Jones to track down and eradicate the problem that threatens the colonies that still exist on Mars.

Teamed with NASA Special Agent Darian Arante, an armed unit and with little time to spare, Stil tracks the source of the threat to the disappearance of a heartbroken robotic genius; a cult; the son of a former President; and the creation of killer robots.

In a future world where NSA has regulatory control over American and foreign colonization efforts on Mars and the moon, John Triptych sets the stage with a hostage situation and a missing robotics researcher lured secretly to Mars after hearing the voice of his dead son. Well-written and engrossing, events heat up when Sil and Darian set out with their team not only to search for the lost teams but to uncover the mystery behind a malicious software plaguing communications.

Intensity and suspense quickly escalate with an attack on Sil and Darian’s team that has them fleeing outposts, scrambling to protect their oxygen supply and creatively finding a way to escape certain death. Fast-paced and action-packed with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, the thrill-ride progresses smoothly to an ending that promises more hi-tech adventure in future.

Stilicho Jones is the corporate trouble-shooter thrust into a dangerous mission by his boss, the charismatic and pragmatic risk-taker Errol Flux. Tough, smart and uncompromising Stil is joined by job-oriented and stubborn NSA Special Agent Darian Arante who refuses to knuckle under to his high- handedness. Complex and compelling personalities the two must put aside their clash of wills if they’re to put an end to the tyranny and violence holding the planet hostage.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters in “The Piranha Solution” and look forward to reading more books in this thrilling series.

[john · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this story a 4 because it’s well written, easy to follow and an enjoyable read. However, I almost shelved it, because it’s not the kind of story I desire. It’s a hard science space story, but the conflict is caused by human lying, cheating, killing, contempt, etc.

I like hard science, space oriented escape literature where the conflict is caused by adventure, new worlds, aliens, challenges of the unknown, discovery, imagination, etc. The kind where I can bond with the main character(s) and get so involved that I don’t want to put the book down.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down, read it all with only a break to sleep.
It drew me in from the start.
Stil fumbles along a bit at times being out of his comfort zone but learns very quickly, and with the aid of his AI and a NASA agent eventually resolves the problem.
No spoilers on the how.
A strong start to the series.

[Scotts Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I didn't know what to expect with this book when I started. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was I entertained but I learned some things. I will be looking into the other books in the series. Good job.

[Richard Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Slow start but hang in it all comes together quickly. I don't know who I like best, the hero or his AI.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this exciting sci fi adventure story! Interesting ideas & plot which I liked very much, overall a good read!

[dave wallingford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the story

Great story. Like the allusions to modern day earth. Look forward to more in the series. Very similar to Jack Vance..

[Red Tide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

it's a very interesting thriller set in an alternate history, where NASA has regulatory authority over both U.S. and foreign colonization efforts on Mars and the moon.

The premise is a crazy fantasy that anyone else in the world would ever allow NASA that kind of power. It does make for a crazy planetary, political backstory. The setting is well drawn and the hero being an amoral corporate troubleshooter reminded me of "Have gun, will travel". The characters are fleshed out just enough to believe them acting out their roles.

The general lack of morality makes for a tense story and the plot holds up. I liked the writing, hopefully you will too.