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Proton Field #1
Discovery
This is the tale of Myr Sevii, a young woman who discovers a field that suppresses static electrical effects and warps space in a fashion to attract protons. It’s a hard Science Fiction exploration of what might happen if you were able to pull protons into a tiny volume and, having suppressed static repulsion, crush them together. The story examines how this new discovery affects Myr and will soon affect the world around her.
Changes abound, in the company Myr works for, in the people around her, and in her family. So many unexpected technological revolutions are happening at the same time that it’s hard for Myr and her friends to come to grips with them.
When word of the inventions gets out, vultures gather—wanting the tech for themselves.
Some of those people will kill to get what they want…
Changes abound, in the company Myr works for, in the people around her, and in her family. So many unexpected technological revolutions are happening at the same time that it’s hard for Myr and her friends to come to grips with them.
When word of the inventions gets out, vultures gather—wanting the tech for themselves.
Some of those people will kill to get what they want…
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2017
303 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
60 books669 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 18, 2017
Cool tech
I love the imagination in this. The concepts are always cool.
Problem: the repetitive almost asexual evaluation of Myr felt awkward. Stop it. Also, some of the dialogue lacked authenticity. Word choice issues.
I will readily purchase the next novel. Putting the "science" back in Science Fiction.
I love the imagination in this. The concepts are always cool.
Problem: the repetitive almost asexual evaluation of Myr felt awkward. Stop it. Also, some of the dialogue lacked authenticity. Word choice issues.
I will readily purchase the next novel. Putting the "science" back in Science Fiction.
March 31, 2024
Quite good!
July 8, 2021
Dahners, Laurence E. Discovery. Proton Field No. 1. Kindle, 2017.
If you have read other science fiction by Laurence Dahners, you will not be surprised at anything you find in Discovery. A poor but very smart student, Myr Sevii (yes, another name that ends in double i), invents something new and works to devise ways to exploit its many possibilities, and corporate baddies try to steal it from her. At a high school science fair, she impresses an important judge with a new way to suppress static electricity. But the field her circuit generates also compresses protons in certain substances and warps space—so lots of unexpected effects. Myr is less polite and has a harder edge than other Dahners protagonists, which is a nice change. They don’t all live in the same near-future, but it would be a story fit for the Marvelverse if Myr could get together with Kaem and Ell from Dahners' other series. 4 stars.
If you have read other science fiction by Laurence Dahners, you will not be surprised at anything you find in Discovery. A poor but very smart student, Myr Sevii (yes, another name that ends in double i), invents something new and works to devise ways to exploit its many possibilities, and corporate baddies try to steal it from her. At a high school science fair, she impresses an important judge with a new way to suppress static electricity. But the field her circuit generates also compresses protons in certain substances and warps space—so lots of unexpected effects. Myr is less polite and has a harder edge than other Dahners protagonists, which is a nice change. They don’t all live in the same near-future, but it would be a story fit for the Marvelverse if Myr could get together with Kaem and Ell from Dahners' other series. 4 stars.
November 3, 2017
Reads like a novel for 'young adults'. The scientific premise that the book starts with is interesting but it fizzles out into a soap opera about basketball loving geeks with hot bods lusting after each other.
November 21, 2019
Rating 3.5 stars
This story put the SCIENCE in science fiction. I have a science background and I enjoyed it. It basically involves a young girl who discovers a proton field that no one has ever heard of before. It follows her path from high school, though college and grad school and then her job working on studying this phenomenon. A lot of the science was true, but it was all based off this imaginary idea (where the fiction part came in). Sometimes it went a little too far with the technical aspect, but for the most part I enjoyed what I read. I wasn't a huge fan of the main character, she really wasn't that sympathetic. She was very brash and was a borderline b**** in the beginning. There is another book in this series but I can't see any benefit in reading it at this point. It seemed like everything that needed to happen, did in this book, so anything else is just superfluous information that won't add to my enjoyment.
Overall a good read for anyone who wants to get their science on.
This story put the SCIENCE in science fiction. I have a science background and I enjoyed it. It basically involves a young girl who discovers a proton field that no one has ever heard of before. It follows her path from high school, though college and grad school and then her job working on studying this phenomenon. A lot of the science was true, but it was all based off this imaginary idea (where the fiction part came in). Sometimes it went a little too far with the technical aspect, but for the most part I enjoyed what I read. I wasn't a huge fan of the main character, she really wasn't that sympathetic. She was very brash and was a borderline b**** in the beginning. There is another book in this series but I can't see any benefit in reading it at this point. It seemed like everything that needed to happen, did in this book, so anything else is just superfluous information that won't add to my enjoyment.
Overall a good read for anyone who wants to get their science on.
June 25, 2017
This book from mister Dahners was kinda more difficult to read and the heroine less likeable than the previous ones. The tech was kinda obscure too...
But it's a good read in general.
But it's a good read in general.
August 25, 2017
Fun and as always, fascinating in the possibilities it seems to hint at.
May 15, 2019
2.5 to 3 stars, pretty good and I liked it for the most part but I have read better books by this author.
November 8, 2017
Great start to another series, but...
Lawrence, as a largely unpublished (OCD/ADHD) hard SiFi author myself I appreciate you commitment to researching the science that applies so you can bootstrap into your speculative 'what-if' concept and premise on a solid scientific basis.
That sets you apart. Plus you spin good yarns too, Bro.
My one 'but' is that though I admire your main POVs, I can't empathise with them at all. Physically I'm an average-average guy married to a shy above average woman. Give me advanced tech and I've made it dance a jig. So has the bride. ... But, athletically at my peak I could never make the B team.
I like well written Sf, but it only really speaks to me when it's ordinary guys and girls doing noteworthy / herioc things when challenged to overcome with their common abilities.
You aren't an offender here; but I view the trend toward "Superheroism" in Sf with alarm. That sends the message that us ordinary humans need not show up, we're just in the way while the Titans fight.
I fear this is the pop-philosophical basis for the revival of classical Feudalism, Classism and modern Fascism. The triumph of the American and English system has always been that an army of common, trained Yeomen continuously defeated armies of trained Supermen in the crucible of war.
I fear we're losing that certitude, which is one of the key pillars of our republican / parliamentary tradition.
Looking forward to where you take this story arc. Write on bro.
D ;)
Lawrence, as a largely unpublished (OCD/ADHD) hard SiFi author myself I appreciate you commitment to researching the science that applies so you can bootstrap into your speculative 'what-if' concept and premise on a solid scientific basis.
That sets you apart. Plus you spin good yarns too, Bro.
My one 'but' is that though I admire your main POVs, I can't empathise with them at all. Physically I'm an average-average guy married to a shy above average woman. Give me advanced tech and I've made it dance a jig. So has the bride. ... But, athletically at my peak I could never make the B team.
I like well written Sf, but it only really speaks to me when it's ordinary guys and girls doing noteworthy / herioc things when challenged to overcome with their common abilities.
You aren't an offender here; but I view the trend toward "Superheroism" in Sf with alarm. That sends the message that us ordinary humans need not show up, we're just in the way while the Titans fight.
I fear this is the pop-philosophical basis for the revival of classical Feudalism, Classism and modern Fascism. The triumph of the American and English system has always been that an army of common, trained Yeomen continuously defeated armies of trained Supermen in the crucible of war.
I fear we're losing that certitude, which is one of the key pillars of our republican / parliamentary tradition.
Looking forward to where you take this story arc. Write on bro.
D ;)
March 4, 2022
A good sci fi
I remember Heinlein demanding that a good science fiction story should have good science. This book meets that requirement. We have the what if: a field that sucks protons in and compresses them by overcoming their electric charge. What problems could that cause? Could it create fusion and blow up the world? Could it be weaponized so you blow up a person by turning the person into a fusion bomb? Could you produce limitless power? Could it be used to produce anti gravity? I'm reminded of that old joke. There is no gravity. The whole world sucks. The possibilities are endless. Mr. Dahners takes a stab at a few of the possibilities. He uses it to make pristine snow for ski slopes. Hugo Guernsback would be proud. (Ralph 124C41+) He suggest air conditioning. Oh yes. There's also a story about industrial and murderous spies. There's also an old fashioned love story, and a trio to Hawaii.
I remember Heinlein demanding that a good science fiction story should have good science. This book meets that requirement. We have the what if: a field that sucks protons in and compresses them by overcoming their electric charge. What problems could that cause? Could it create fusion and blow up the world? Could it be weaponized so you blow up a person by turning the person into a fusion bomb? Could you produce limitless power? Could it be used to produce anti gravity? I'm reminded of that old joke. There is no gravity. The whole world sucks. The possibilities are endless. Mr. Dahners takes a stab at a few of the possibilities. He uses it to make pristine snow for ski slopes. Hugo Guernsback would be proud. (Ralph 124C41+) He suggest air conditioning. Oh yes. There's also a story about industrial and murderous spies. There's also an old fashioned love story, and a trio to Hawaii.
June 15, 2017
It takes a really special book to get a 5 star rating from me. Proton Field is probably not a solid 5, but I just couldn't see bringing it's average rating down with a 4 star rating. Dahners really puts the science back in science fiction. I was constantly surprised at how clever and coherent his fantastic discovery is. Many times I remember thinking "Yeah, that's just how I would react to that." At least I hope I would be smart enough to have that reaction.
February 24, 2017
Terrific read from an author who never disappoints
I started this book expecting it to be terrific and it was. This author makes science interesting. I got to know and like the super intelligent characters. As always with this author the story was interesting and exciting, and the characters were friends I hated to give up.
I started this book expecting it to be terrific and it was. This author makes science interesting. I got to know and like the super intelligent characters. As always with this author the story was interesting and exciting, and the characters were friends I hated to give up.
June 5, 2017
Hard Sci-fi for hard scientists
Besides the speculative technique which forms the basis of this story, the science here is both believable and correct, at least from what I remember. The applications of the technique are well thought out, and imaginative. If you have some background in the physical sciences, you will enjoy this unique book.
Besides the speculative technique which forms the basis of this story, the science here is both believable and correct, at least from what I remember. The applications of the technique are well thought out, and imaginative. If you have some background in the physical sciences, you will enjoy this unique book.
February 6, 2018
I read L. E. Dahners books as guilty pleasures. They are mostly formulaic, high-science, what-if and extremely cheesy but fun. As of late though they have been getting a tad repetitive.
Case in point, the protagonist Myr Sevii (Ell Donsaii) is an athletic genius with pixie hair and great looks. Stop me if you have read this one before. She invents something that she thinks will be incredibly important but she doesn't even have a clue as to why. I mean why it will be important and why it does what it does.
She pretty much lucks out and gets a sugar-daddy to sponsor her through college and who hires her after college. Hello Mary-Sue (Ell Donsaii levels of pure luck).
I could go on but if you've read any of his work you will know that the bad guys are stereotypes the good guys are all fuddling goofs with PhD's. It's a fun mess but it gets tiresome. They are thankfully short reads. 2 Stars
Case in point, the protagonist Myr Sevii (Ell Donsaii) is an athletic genius with pixie hair and great looks. Stop me if you have read this one before. She invents something that she thinks will be incredibly important but she doesn't even have a clue as to why. I mean why it will be important and why it does what it does.
She pretty much lucks out and gets a sugar-daddy to sponsor her through college and who hires her after college. Hello Mary-Sue (Ell Donsaii levels of pure luck).
I could go on but if you've read any of his work you will know that the bad guys are stereotypes the good guys are all fuddling goofs with PhD's. It's a fun mess but it gets tiresome. They are thankfully short reads. 2 Stars
December 6, 2019
Girl meets fusion
It took an extraordinary time to like this girl. She gets a gold medal for mule headedness . I am not fond of wading through the hard science in order to enjoy the plot. I skipped ahead and now must start over to see the moment mathboy fell for sciencegirl. O bother!
It took an extraordinary time to like this girl. She gets a gold medal for mule headedness . I am not fond of wading through the hard science in order to enjoy the plot. I skipped ahead and now must start over to see the moment mathboy fell for sciencegirl. O bother!
February 20, 2023
This was a good, serious novel until we got to the "just enjoys killing" part. That cost the novel a star in my opinion. I have no issue with violence, and I often prefer it in my novels, but this was just absurd. If we needed confrontation, that could've been accomplished a lot more intelligently.
February 6, 2024
i am a fan
I was a fun from the first time I started the ELL Donsaii books. Love the writing style and the stories developed. It makes for one interesting world reading and the hope that there some really bright people in this world to make it better. Leave the bad ones out though.
I was a fun from the first time I started the ELL Donsaii books. Love the writing style and the stories developed. It makes for one interesting world reading and the hope that there some really bright people in this world to make it better. Leave the bad ones out though.
March 31, 2024
Wow, another fantastic and entertaining series from Lawrence Dahners!!,
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
February 17, 2017
Yet another winner.
I have to say I have loved all of the stories produced by Laurence Dahners since I first read the Ell Donsaii books. This story has a similar feel to the Ell books and I look forward to see how the story develops and where it will differ from Ells' story.
I have to say I have loved all of the stories produced by Laurence Dahners since I first read the Ell Donsaii books. This story has a similar feel to the Ell books and I look forward to see how the story develops and where it will differ from Ells' story.
February 26, 2017
Good as usual
I like all of his books. They are short enough though that I wish he pushed them out quicker and that he focused on one or two story lines at a time instead of new books coming out while older story lines sit.
I like all of his books. They are short enough though that I wish he pushed them out quicker and that he focused on one or two story lines at a time instead of new books coming out while older story lines sit.
June 22, 2017
Very enjoyable book!
I do love me some good sci-fi. This book is so much fun!! It has depth and caring as well as a touch of romance. Already pre-order the next in the series.. Kudos, Laurence.
I do love me some good sci-fi. This book is so much fun!! It has depth and caring as well as a touch of romance. Already pre-order the next in the series.. Kudos, Laurence.
November 9, 2020
Sorry
I loved the premise but just couldn't swallow the criminal element. I could easily see another corporation or researcher being at odds with your hero but hardly mob style killers.
I loved the premise but just couldn't swallow the criminal element. I could easily see another corporation or researcher being at odds with your hero but hardly mob style killers.
August 26, 2018
Good story but clumsy writing.
September 10, 2018
As always a lot of fun!
If you like "hard" science fiction and watching vulnerable characters grow, then Dahners is the author for you. The story was great fun.
If you like "hard" science fiction and watching vulnerable characters grow, then Dahners is the author for you. The story was great fun.
August 19, 2019
WHOLLY PROTONS, BATMAN !!!
I LOVE this kind of Sci-Fi! Most "sci-fi" these days reads more like Fantasy. Dahners brings his A game Every Time. I' m starting the sequel NOW.
I LOVE this kind of Sci-Fi! Most "sci-fi" these days reads more like Fantasy. Dahners brings his A game Every Time. I' m starting the sequel NOW.
Read
August 14, 2020Excellent story
Good story, entertainy. Marvelous characters, they felt real, like I actually knew them. Seven more stupid words of review, plus
Good story, entertainy. Marvelous characters, they felt real, like I actually knew them. Seven more stupid words of review, plus
Read
May 19, 2021DNF @49%
May 20, 2024
Either as a brief series or a single book this story is a good one.
Dahners continues to challenge possible futures by positing feasible if not yet doable solutions. The challenge here is desktop fusion which would fulfill many energy requirements including space travel.
Dahners continues to challenge possible futures by positing feasible if not yet doable solutions. The challenge here is desktop fusion which would fulfill many energy requirements including space travel.
March 23, 2017
Enjoyed
It is a good "what if" story. Sometimes, what if's turn into "what the ...! I hope the author continues the tale.
It is a good "what if" story. Sometimes, what if's turn into "what the ...! I hope the author continues the tale.
March 19, 2017
Starts slow, picks up speed
I liked the science, possibilities galore. The malicious team was a bit undeveloped. Unfortunately if this really existed, it would be used for more nefarious purposes than those explored. Worth the price of admission, but don't expect mind rending epiphanies.
I liked the science, possibilities galore. The malicious team was a bit undeveloped. Unfortunately if this really existed, it would be used for more nefarious purposes than those explored. Worth the price of admission, but don't expect mind rending epiphanies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews