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The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System
The year is 2152: Follow BJ Armstrong as he helps to unravel a murder plot, foil the biggest heist in history, while on a cruise of our solar system along with a beauty pageant, and scientific symposium.
But can he get the girl?
But can he get the girl?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2018
15 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Eric Klein
5 books26 followersI am a lifelong science fiction and fantasy reader, but have always enjoyed those stories that show how the science and technology affect people’s lives.
I write straight science fiction and came in 6th in the Geek and Sundry Hard Science Fiction contest on Inkshares.
Non Fiction writing:
Chapter in each of the following:
- Operations Support Systems: Solutions and Strategies for the Emerging Network
- Essentials of Cybersecurity: InfoSec experts share their tips on getting the basics right
Editor of:
- It Takes a Village
- Rainbows aren't just for Leprechauns
I write straight science fiction and came in 6th in the Geek and Sundry Hard Science Fiction contest on Inkshares.
Non Fiction writing:
Chapter in each of the following:
- Operations Support Systems: Solutions and Strategies for the Emerging Network
- Essentials of Cybersecurity: InfoSec experts share their tips on getting the basics right
Editor of:
- It Takes a Village
- Rainbows aren't just for Leprechauns
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2018
This is a near-future, solar-system adventure-story in the style of golden-age science fiction. It reminded me very much of the SciFi I grew up on by such giants as Heinlien, Asimov, and Clarke. The book also gives a gentle nod to them, with many (many!) bits of homage and pop-culture Easter eggs to get any sci-fi nerd squealing with joy.
What to expect
Expect a review of possibilities in the near future (well, in 150 years) for colonisation of the solar system. Klein does a wonderful job of researching current technologies and extrapolating what conditions would be like. And we're not taking just dry descriptions of settlement technology, but of the socio-economic implications of it as well.
In a sense this combines the golden-age classic look at predicting the future, but adapting it to what we know the main drivers are today: artificial intelligence, solar system travel and communications options, terraforming and agriculture on distant planets, etc.
A story, however, is more than that. In terms of characters, the story is told through the eyes of BJ Armstrong, the protagonist. An IT nerd specialising in AI, we are treated to his views and commentary on his first trip outside of Earth. There are are sub-plots with intrigue and mystery (accidents, murder attempts, jumpy security guards), but I would say they are not the focus.
Overall, I was engrossed by the story progression. It's a breath of fresh air to read a story that takes its time rather than constantly hit you with plot twists; written by an author who knows what they're talking about in terms of cause and effect of technology; set in a world that shows what humanity can rise to rather than the current dystopian craze about what it might sink to; and generally explore what life could realistically look like for our grandchildren on a micro and macro level.
What to be aware of
This isn't a thriller, nor is it a colonisation story. It's an adventure story with elements of intrigue, as our protagonist cruises across the solar system. This is a quick read (not a novella, just a short novel), that serves a lot of world-building for future stories in the same universe.
Character interactions and themes match those of earlier science fiction works as well (with a good reason). This isn't your modern angsty, young-adult, touchy-feely characters type of novel, but one for more cerebral inclinations.
Summary
If you're a sci-fi geek who grew up on the golden age classics, I have no doubt you'll enjoy this novel.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to expect
Expect a review of possibilities in the near future (well, in 150 years) for colonisation of the solar system. Klein does a wonderful job of researching current technologies and extrapolating what conditions would be like. And we're not taking just dry descriptions of settlement technology, but of the socio-economic implications of it as well.
In a sense this combines the golden-age classic look at predicting the future, but adapting it to what we know the main drivers are today: artificial intelligence, solar system travel and communications options, terraforming and agriculture on distant planets, etc.
A story, however, is more than that. In terms of characters, the story is told through the eyes of BJ Armstrong, the protagonist. An IT nerd specialising in AI, we are treated to his views and commentary on his first trip outside of Earth. There are are sub-plots with intrigue and mystery (accidents, murder attempts, jumpy security guards), but I would say they are not the focus.
Overall, I was engrossed by the story progression. It's a breath of fresh air to read a story that takes its time rather than constantly hit you with plot twists; written by an author who knows what they're talking about in terms of cause and effect of technology; set in a world that shows what humanity can rise to rather than the current dystopian craze about what it might sink to; and generally explore what life could realistically look like for our grandchildren on a micro and macro level.
What to be aware of
This isn't a thriller, nor is it a colonisation story. It's an adventure story with elements of intrigue, as our protagonist cruises across the solar system. This is a quick read (not a novella, just a short novel), that serves a lot of world-building for future stories in the same universe.
Character interactions and themes match those of earlier science fiction works as well (with a good reason). This isn't your modern angsty, young-adult, touchy-feely characters type of novel, but one for more cerebral inclinations.
Summary
If you're a sci-fi geek who grew up on the golden age classics, I have no doubt you'll enjoy this novel.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
June 14, 2018
All the hallmarks of a luxury space cruise come together in Eric Klein’s “The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System”. Reminiscent of the 1997 Sci-Fi cult classic film, The Fifth Element starring Bruce Willis, “The One” rockets its main character, BJ Armstrong… (Any relation to first-man-on-the-moon Neil? Maybe!) … from one celestial body to another as he’s sent on a grand tour of the solar system in our not-so-distant future.
Speaking of BJ… Despite the man’s humble roots as a humble janitor turned Lottery ticket winner, Klein injects this affable personality with charm, grace, wit, and a touch of the debonair (Can anyone hold their glass up and say, “Armstrong... BJ Armstrong.”?) as he quickly gambles his way toward a sizable sum, dances it up like Fred Astaire (or, if you prefer, Gene Kelly), and comes out the shining-but-bashful hero when he just-so-happens-to save the Captain’s life twice in one day! Of course, there is always the gratitude and interest of the Captain’s daughter to add to his treasure trove of fortunate happenstances.
Klein’s futuristic plotline is a fast-paced, sometimes bullet-style narrative that moves quickly from one scene to the next and his attention to detail in “The One” is commendable. “The One: A Journey Through the Solar System” is one book in which readers will find a copious amount of knowledge—a virtual library, if you will—in just a few short pages. The amount of research incorporated in this novel is impressive—a staggering review of Science, History, and Trivia parceled out by various characters who guide their charges and direct the flow of tourist traffic between stops. In addition, Klein has added visual aids such as maps, ship menus, and rosters, not to mention applicable quotes, both historical and manufactured, that apply to each chapter throughout his novel. These prompts completely immerse readers in the experiences of his highly-likable main character’s journey through the planets before the author finally concludes his epic with rosters of his cast of characters and actual, real-life references to the historical and scientific data contained in this story.
This novel could well qualify as a History of Space Travel course if it wasn’t for the fact that it is, indeed, a novel. Unfortunately, much of Klein’s documentation may be lost on the more casual reader who may decide to forego these lengthy and detailed lessons since their extensive narratives come across as a bit dry and sonorous by the time the midpoint of this story comes around. In the end, however, Science geeks and who-done-it fans who take the time to check out all the references and factoids will appreciate every bit of background Klein’s read has to offer.
Overall “The One” is a fun, fascinating, and thought-provoking space adventure filled with historical trivia, adventure, mystery, suspense, humor, and even a touch of romance. Sci-fi fans and space-history buffs will not be disappointed by this read.
Speaking of BJ… Despite the man’s humble roots as a humble janitor turned Lottery ticket winner, Klein injects this affable personality with charm, grace, wit, and a touch of the debonair (Can anyone hold their glass up and say, “Armstrong... BJ Armstrong.”?) as he quickly gambles his way toward a sizable sum, dances it up like Fred Astaire (or, if you prefer, Gene Kelly), and comes out the shining-but-bashful hero when he just-so-happens-to save the Captain’s life twice in one day! Of course, there is always the gratitude and interest of the Captain’s daughter to add to his treasure trove of fortunate happenstances.
Klein’s futuristic plotline is a fast-paced, sometimes bullet-style narrative that moves quickly from one scene to the next and his attention to detail in “The One” is commendable. “The One: A Journey Through the Solar System” is one book in which readers will find a copious amount of knowledge—a virtual library, if you will—in just a few short pages. The amount of research incorporated in this novel is impressive—a staggering review of Science, History, and Trivia parceled out by various characters who guide their charges and direct the flow of tourist traffic between stops. In addition, Klein has added visual aids such as maps, ship menus, and rosters, not to mention applicable quotes, both historical and manufactured, that apply to each chapter throughout his novel. These prompts completely immerse readers in the experiences of his highly-likable main character’s journey through the planets before the author finally concludes his epic with rosters of his cast of characters and actual, real-life references to the historical and scientific data contained in this story.
This novel could well qualify as a History of Space Travel course if it wasn’t for the fact that it is, indeed, a novel. Unfortunately, much of Klein’s documentation may be lost on the more casual reader who may decide to forego these lengthy and detailed lessons since their extensive narratives come across as a bit dry and sonorous by the time the midpoint of this story comes around. In the end, however, Science geeks and who-done-it fans who take the time to check out all the references and factoids will appreciate every bit of background Klein’s read has to offer.
Overall “The One” is a fun, fascinating, and thought-provoking space adventure filled with historical trivia, adventure, mystery, suspense, humor, and even a touch of romance. Sci-fi fans and space-history buffs will not be disappointed by this read.
September 25, 2018
There’s a ton of really interesting science facts that got me wrapped up early on! I happened to know one of them before the read, too! Cilantro is a heavy metal detoxifier. Common knowledge if you live with someone who spurts nutritional biochemistry knowledge, or if you are planning on colonizing another part of the solar system. All the near future colonization stuff besides that food trivia that left me hankering for guacamole was also very interesting. Klein really did his homework.
Hang on there! I know what you’re thinking. Ughh. Hard Scifi is only for when I have trouble sleeping. Facts are dull. Not The One! It’s actually got a story, too.
BJ is a super tech guy in the future who finishes saving the city’s AI and is rewarded with a cruise through the solar system. His first trip off world. Then he meets the ship Captain’s daughter and things get steamy. Our hero leaps at the opportunity to help figure out who’s trying to kill the Captain all while touring the worlds and moons we are likeliest to inhabit in the next couple hundred years.
I got a review copy from the author because I really dig his publishing company. I’m under no obligation to review, but I just can’t help myself! Plus, I like to build the Science Fantasy Hub, come on over after you’ve read The One, and we can rap about other books.
Aside from space stuff and the dirt on parsley’s feisty cousin, there’s are also quite a bit of trivia on classic films and music. I recommend this for anyone interested in science, scifi, trivia, the original King Kong film, or if you are waiting to hear back from Space X’s recruiting department.
Hang on there! I know what you’re thinking. Ughh. Hard Scifi is only for when I have trouble sleeping. Facts are dull. Not The One! It’s actually got a story, too.
BJ is a super tech guy in the future who finishes saving the city’s AI and is rewarded with a cruise through the solar system. His first trip off world. Then he meets the ship Captain’s daughter and things get steamy. Our hero leaps at the opportunity to help figure out who’s trying to kill the Captain all while touring the worlds and moons we are likeliest to inhabit in the next couple hundred years.
I got a review copy from the author because I really dig his publishing company. I’m under no obligation to review, but I just can’t help myself! Plus, I like to build the Science Fantasy Hub, come on over after you’ve read The One, and we can rap about other books.
Aside from space stuff and the dirt on parsley’s feisty cousin, there’s are also quite a bit of trivia on classic films and music. I recommend this for anyone interested in science, scifi, trivia, the original King Kong film, or if you are waiting to hear back from Space X’s recruiting department.
September 8, 2021
THE ONE is an entertaining romp to the first inhabited colonies across the solar system. BJ Armstrong, a talented mechanic/troubleshooter, wins a free month’s cruise on the maiden voyage of a luxury starship. Other guests include the greatest minds in terraforming attending an onboard scientific symposium, and contestants in a beauty pageant. BJ falls for the captain’s daughter and while they attempt to unravel an elaborate plot including an assassination attempt, we learn about the technologies enabling our travels, gravity work-arounds, each colony’s idiosyncrasies as well as mining and agricultural innovations, the intricacies of ballroom dancing (an unexpected treat for this former Arthur Murray teacher), and the unique dishes created by local restaurants. One of my favorite features is the very informative appendix detailing the history and science behind the technologies at work in THE ONE. Highly recommended!
May 31, 2018
This is a love story between Fay and BJ who meet on the LSS Venture. This was an interesting story. It was like Pirates of the Caribbean in space, with a bit of Miss Congeniality.
LIKED
I liked the various pictures that were included throughout the story.
The references to modern day people, movies like Star Wars, and books. It seemed like our present was altered.
I liked the storyline and the relationship between Fay and BJ Armstrong.
DISLIKED
There was a lot of telling. At times it felt like an educational book because of the detail put into informing the reader.
Too many characters were introduced toward the beginning.
I didn't feel like there was enough emotional depth. It seemed to be missing smell, sound, and taste? What did places smell like, sound like?
LIKED
I liked the various pictures that were included throughout the story.
The references to modern day people, movies like Star Wars, and books. It seemed like our present was altered.
I liked the storyline and the relationship between Fay and BJ Armstrong.
DISLIKED
There was a lot of telling. At times it felt like an educational book because of the detail put into informing the reader.
Too many characters were introduced toward the beginning.
I didn't feel like there was enough emotional depth. It seemed to be missing smell, sound, and taste? What did places smell like, sound like?
March 19, 2018
Not-so-average mechanic/troubleshooter BJ Armstrong finds himself in extraordinary circumstances the moment he stops the mayor’s toilets from becoming geysers. Winning a free, all-expenses-paid trip to tour the Solar System on a beautiful luxury spaceliner in the company of a beauty pageant and the System’s top experts in terraforming and exo-biology would be enough for anyone... but that’s just the start!
Inexplicable accidents, a perfect dance partner, tours to worlds being custom-fit for humankind, pirates (pirates?!), and a very helpful computer all feature in this romp through the solar system in a future not-so-far from now. It’s a space tour, it’s a love story, it’s a mystery, it’s a adventure! Strap on your spacesuit for the trip of a lifetime.
If you are looking for an old-school Sci-Fi read in the tradition of Heinlein, Asimov, or Clarke, you need look no further than Eric Klein’s The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System.
Inexplicable accidents, a perfect dance partner, tours to worlds being custom-fit for humankind, pirates (pirates?!), and a very helpful computer all feature in this romp through the solar system in a future not-so-far from now. It’s a space tour, it’s a love story, it’s a mystery, it’s a adventure! Strap on your spacesuit for the trip of a lifetime.
If you are looking for an old-school Sci-Fi read in the tradition of Heinlein, Asimov, or Clarke, you need look no further than Eric Klein’s The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System.
April 17, 2018
Review of The One by Eric Klein
The maiden voyage of the epitome of luxury cruise liners and this one is interplanetary not ocean going. Add to this a collection of most beautiful women in the solar system, all the experts from the field of terraforming and the cherry on the top, a free first class ticket for a trip around the settled worlds and colonies. Our hero has to be one of the luckiest men on Earth.
This is a speculation of what man may achieve in the not too distant future and the Science Fiction stays relatively close to current fact and research. It is also a romance and a thriller which spans the habitable parts of our home star system. You do not need to be a tech nerd to enjoy this book as the author is generous with the background and explanation of the technology and soon you will be as comfortable as the main characters with everyday life on board a luxury space cruiser.
The story moves at a pleasing pace with enough surprises to keep the interest high and in most cases, the background information doesn’t interfere with the narrative.
So welcome aboard for the trip of a lifetime and unlike the passengers you don’t even have to put up with the petty bureaucracy of immigration and passport control.
Four Stars
The maiden voyage of the epitome of luxury cruise liners and this one is interplanetary not ocean going. Add to this a collection of most beautiful women in the solar system, all the experts from the field of terraforming and the cherry on the top, a free first class ticket for a trip around the settled worlds and colonies. Our hero has to be one of the luckiest men on Earth.
This is a speculation of what man may achieve in the not too distant future and the Science Fiction stays relatively close to current fact and research. It is also a romance and a thriller which spans the habitable parts of our home star system. You do not need to be a tech nerd to enjoy this book as the author is generous with the background and explanation of the technology and soon you will be as comfortable as the main characters with everyday life on board a luxury space cruiser.
The story moves at a pleasing pace with enough surprises to keep the interest high and in most cases, the background information doesn’t interfere with the narrative.
So welcome aboard for the trip of a lifetime and unlike the passengers you don’t even have to put up with the petty bureaucracy of immigration and passport control.
Four Stars
October 8, 2021
Join Armstrong on his all-expenses-paid 30-day cruise through the solar system on board the maiden voyage of the latest pleasure ship (complete with a beauty pageant and scientific symposium), as he tries to unravel an assassination plot and foil the biggest heist in history, the blurb for this story says. My immediate hope was that the beauty pageant and the scientific symposium be combined somehow, and I was ultimately not disappointed - even if the heist was a bit oversold.
Anyway, where were we? This story was a real classic piece of work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a good hard-sci-fi look at the planets and moons of the solar system, a treatise on terraforming and colonisation, a look at space travel and technology, a solid weaving of past and future history, all stuffed into the framework of - well, like the blurb says, the framework of a dude named BJ Armstrong going on a luxury cruise like Corbin Dallas in The Fifth Element. Almost exactly like him, in fact, right down to the suspiciously convenient raffle prize and the adorable redhead. But I digress.
The story was also peppered with references to pop culture and golden age sci-fi, and sorry (not sorry) to say my notes while reading this book basically consisted of nothing more than me spotting references:
Helium, nice John Carter reference.
And a little Star Wars reference.
And a Torchwood / Doctor Who vortex manipulator reference.
Cute reference to Long Earth by Pratchett and Baxter.
The Mended Drum - Pratchett again? Wow there's some references in this (but wait, it's Callahans too?).
And a 2001 reference.
Aaaaand a TANSTAAFL reference, Heinlein.
Mildly disappointed Mimas was all about Star Wars and not Red Dwarf.
And an Invincibles reference.
It went on. You get the idea. It was very enjoyable to read, although I accept that this is probably going to be a matter of taste. I thoroughly enjoy a bit of referencing, although I generally appreciate them a bit more obscure or hidden in the story, these were fun. I also enjoy info-dump-style deep dives into the facts and figures of various planets and other concepts, so this was fun to me. I liked the illustrations and other stand-out texts and additions, turning this into a bit more of a multi-media experience. Really nice. However, someone in it for the space adventure or other storytelling elements may be let down by the depth of the raw information. I don't know. I can't speak for those idiots. I liked it.
The chapter openings, playing on the trope of quotations or other texts to introduce a chapter that can sometimes be annoying or otherwise skippable in many books, were great in this one. The little sequence of "one small step" quotations, and the way Klein blended history with fictional future-history, put a smile on my face (especially the Ganymede one). Really well done.
To move briefly away from the sciencey data stuff and the geeky-arse references for a moment, I will say that I enjoyed the plot itself. The characters were simple but entertaining, the ultimate villain was clearly broadcast very early in the story (I made a note of it, then another note that said simply LOL nailed it), and overall it was just a fun little adventure. I was not only struck by the unavoidable comparison to The Fifth Element which probably should have been lampshaded (maybe in the form of actual lampshades in the shape of alien relic-stones!), but I'd also just watched Avenue 5 so was unable to prevent the Captain from being Hugh Laurie and this inevitably led to BJ becoming Josh Gad and those comparisons do not hold up even slightly but it made it that much funnier, and frankly the characters in the book could have done worse. Anyway, the Avenue 5 one is on me, it was just amusing is all.
We even got a clever little meta-commentary on how modern sci-fi has changed from the golden age, particularly in the area of female character agency and attitudes in general, and the series of attempted-Captain-murders were funny right from the start. For the most part, though, the thinking this story requires is higher-level scientific and technology stuff, rather than the cultural impact of fiction and gender roles therein. Still, it did make me think. And I like a bit of that in my goofy space-cruise beauty pageant whodunnit.
Sex-o-meter
We get some sex in this one, but it's all very tasteful. We also get your typical rapey space pirates but it's more ... well I can do no better than to read off the sex-o-meter, which gives The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System a single Wild West goldrush mail-order bride out of a possible Piers Anthony Space Tyrant book.
Gore-o-meter
Not really much gore here, most of the killings were prevented and what we ended up with was fairly civilised. One flesh-gobbet out of a possible five.
WTF-o-meter
There was some WTFery thrown in here even though most of it was well-explained and solid. What WTF there was, then, was mostly in the form of throw-away lines. Stuff like the Titanic arriving, and the Empire State Building being moved, were tantalising but I didn't need a story about them. We have Clarke for that. The deep Sharia law colony out in the solar system boondocks was amusing and gave the opportunity to show more commentary on women's rights without getting too preachy and bigoted. I'll give this story an earth, air, fire and water stone out of a possible Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich making out on an altar while Chris Tucker screams really, really piercingly in the background.
My Final Verdict
The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System is a love letter to the solar system we call home, and the creative giants who terraformed the science fiction landscape we currently live in. It was just plain nice. Four stars!
Anyway, where were we? This story was a real classic piece of work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a good hard-sci-fi look at the planets and moons of the solar system, a treatise on terraforming and colonisation, a look at space travel and technology, a solid weaving of past and future history, all stuffed into the framework of - well, like the blurb says, the framework of a dude named BJ Armstrong going on a luxury cruise like Corbin Dallas in The Fifth Element. Almost exactly like him, in fact, right down to the suspiciously convenient raffle prize and the adorable redhead. But I digress.
The story was also peppered with references to pop culture and golden age sci-fi, and sorry (not sorry) to say my notes while reading this book basically consisted of nothing more than me spotting references:
Helium, nice John Carter reference.
And a little Star Wars reference.
And a Torchwood / Doctor Who vortex manipulator reference.
Cute reference to Long Earth by Pratchett and Baxter.
The Mended Drum - Pratchett again? Wow there's some references in this (but wait, it's Callahans too?).
And a 2001 reference.
Aaaaand a TANSTAAFL reference, Heinlein.
Mildly disappointed Mimas was all about Star Wars and not Red Dwarf.
And an Invincibles reference.
It went on. You get the idea. It was very enjoyable to read, although I accept that this is probably going to be a matter of taste. I thoroughly enjoy a bit of referencing, although I generally appreciate them a bit more obscure or hidden in the story, these were fun. I also enjoy info-dump-style deep dives into the facts and figures of various planets and other concepts, so this was fun to me. I liked the illustrations and other stand-out texts and additions, turning this into a bit more of a multi-media experience. Really nice. However, someone in it for the space adventure or other storytelling elements may be let down by the depth of the raw information. I don't know. I can't speak for those idiots. I liked it.
The chapter openings, playing on the trope of quotations or other texts to introduce a chapter that can sometimes be annoying or otherwise skippable in many books, were great in this one. The little sequence of "one small step" quotations, and the way Klein blended history with fictional future-history, put a smile on my face (especially the Ganymede one). Really well done.
To move briefly away from the sciencey data stuff and the geeky-arse references for a moment, I will say that I enjoyed the plot itself. The characters were simple but entertaining, the ultimate villain was clearly broadcast very early in the story (I made a note of it, then another note that said simply LOL nailed it), and overall it was just a fun little adventure. I was not only struck by the unavoidable comparison to The Fifth Element which probably should have been lampshaded (maybe in the form of actual lampshades in the shape of alien relic-stones!), but I'd also just watched Avenue 5 so was unable to prevent the Captain from being Hugh Laurie and this inevitably led to BJ becoming Josh Gad and those comparisons do not hold up even slightly but it made it that much funnier, and frankly the characters in the book could have done worse. Anyway, the Avenue 5 one is on me, it was just amusing is all.
We even got a clever little meta-commentary on how modern sci-fi has changed from the golden age, particularly in the area of female character agency and attitudes in general, and the series of attempted-Captain-murders were funny right from the start. For the most part, though, the thinking this story requires is higher-level scientific and technology stuff, rather than the cultural impact of fiction and gender roles therein. Still, it did make me think. And I like a bit of that in my goofy space-cruise beauty pageant whodunnit.
Sex-o-meter
We get some sex in this one, but it's all very tasteful. We also get your typical rapey space pirates but it's more ... well I can do no better than to read off the sex-o-meter, which gives The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System a single Wild West goldrush mail-order bride out of a possible Piers Anthony Space Tyrant book.
Gore-o-meter
Not really much gore here, most of the killings were prevented and what we ended up with was fairly civilised. One flesh-gobbet out of a possible five.
WTF-o-meter
There was some WTFery thrown in here even though most of it was well-explained and solid. What WTF there was, then, was mostly in the form of throw-away lines. Stuff like the Titanic arriving, and the Empire State Building being moved, were tantalising but I didn't need a story about them. We have Clarke for that. The deep Sharia law colony out in the solar system boondocks was amusing and gave the opportunity to show more commentary on women's rights without getting too preachy and bigoted. I'll give this story an earth, air, fire and water stone out of a possible Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich making out on an altar while Chris Tucker screams really, really piercingly in the background.
My Final Verdict
The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System is a love letter to the solar system we call home, and the creative giants who terraformed the science fiction landscape we currently live in. It was just plain nice. Four stars!
August 22, 2018
Warning: Classic sci-fi ‘info-dump’
The author has done his research in presenting this offering. The travels of the protagonist--BJ--on his solar system holiday provide a vehicle, not only for his adventure/mystery/romance storyline but also to impart a huge amount of historical/technological information and speculation on the future possibilities of science, including the fascinating terraforming our neighbouring worlds. This follows a style of classic sci-fi where imparting information is at least as important as story.
Exposition on this scale is not for the light reader. To make the most of this book you'll need to be prepared to take your time and absorb the data provided, possibly referring to the extensive resources in the appendices as you go.
For me, I found the plot a bit simplistic--more of a space-romp--but I think this may have been an intentional homage to the specific sub-type of the genre. The attention to detail in the factual sections overflowed into the narrative, making the delivery dry at times and hampering the pace.
I recommend this for any hard-core sci-fi fans out there whose hearts quicken when presented with detailed technical schematics.
The author has done his research in presenting this offering. The travels of the protagonist--BJ--on his solar system holiday provide a vehicle, not only for his adventure/mystery/romance storyline but also to impart a huge amount of historical/technological information and speculation on the future possibilities of science, including the fascinating terraforming our neighbouring worlds. This follows a style of classic sci-fi where imparting information is at least as important as story.
Exposition on this scale is not for the light reader. To make the most of this book you'll need to be prepared to take your time and absorb the data provided, possibly referring to the extensive resources in the appendices as you go.
For me, I found the plot a bit simplistic--more of a space-romp--but I think this may have been an intentional homage to the specific sub-type of the genre. The attention to detail in the factual sections overflowed into the narrative, making the delivery dry at times and hampering the pace.
I recommend this for any hard-core sci-fi fans out there whose hearts quicken when presented with detailed technical schematics.
October 13, 2018
The One: A Cruise Through the Solar System has a surprisingly descriptive title. The tale follows protagonist BJ Armstrong on a miraculously consequential tour of the colonized solar system as what was meant to be a relaxing vacation becomes an unexpected adventure. A fast developing romance, sinister machinations, interplanetary rebels and unexpected enemies all play a part in BJ’s story as he discovers that he really is The One, fated to repeatedly be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.
The structure and storytelling evoke science fiction classics of the pre-1960 era, but the science and social mores have been updated for the modern day. These were my favorite aspects of the tale; in particular, it’s obvious that a lot of research went into the creation of the terraformed worlds BJ visits.
If I had one complaint, it’s that The One feels like a story with a sharp twist in store for the reader–but that abrupt right turn never quite materializes. Nevertheless, it’s a fun, nostalgic read for fans of early science fiction storytelling.
The structure and storytelling evoke science fiction classics of the pre-1960 era, but the science and social mores have been updated for the modern day. These were my favorite aspects of the tale; in particular, it’s obvious that a lot of research went into the creation of the terraformed worlds BJ visits.
If I had one complaint, it’s that The One feels like a story with a sharp twist in store for the reader–but that abrupt right turn never quite materializes. Nevertheless, it’s a fun, nostalgic read for fans of early science fiction storytelling.
May 5, 2019
In a similar vein to a Dick or Heinlein short story, particularly the beginning in regard of Dick's short story premise to The Impossible Planet, I found The One taking similar ideas and expanding them into a thrilling plot. The voice of BJ kept me interested throughout with his general knowledge and interpretation of the harder scientific elements, several of which I'm still wrapping my head around, and his exploits. The Terraformed planets were what made me the most interested and made my little pessimistic about mankind's ability to do this ourselves in the future. The story took a strange turn into the strange nearer to end by adding a fated element that I didn't quite feel suited the story up to that point but other than that it was an enjoyable maiden cruise of the stars.
January 20, 2023
I recommend this book to all hard sci-fi lovers. This is the best cruise through a terraformed solar system I have ever read. The research behind the book is immense, precise and thorough, and I enjoyed it immensely.
The characters are nice and well described and I liked them. I easily connected with the main character, and I definitely would have liked to travel with him through the system.
The story is unfortunately weaker in a light golden age style. it is not on par with the background itself.
In short, if you're a hard sci-fi lover, give it a go. It's definitely worth your time !!!
The characters are nice and well described and I liked them. I easily connected with the main character, and I definitely would have liked to travel with him through the system.
The story is unfortunately weaker in a light golden age style. it is not on par with the background itself.
In short, if you're a hard sci-fi lover, give it a go. It's definitely worth your time !!!
November 18, 2018
The One truly takes you on a cruise through the solar system. BJ is a talented trouble shooter who is fixing the mayor's toilets one moment and has won a trip of a life time the next. The reader really does feel like they are on a cruise ship through space.
From the very beginning BJ knows something is not quite right but with the help of the captain's beautiful daughter Fay he is sure to figure it out.
From the very beginning BJ knows something is not quite right but with the help of the captain's beautiful daughter Fay he is sure to figure it out.
December 30, 2022
Interesting story, with one heck of a lot of actual science references. That's particularly interesting, I like hard science fiction, and this book borrowed heavily from some of the classics, (especially heinlein), but it makes for a good story, and not too long of one besides, so it's worth the read.
March 8, 2018
I have to a thing to happen
The four of them fan out around me, their hands reaching forward, fingers twitching as they clutch me with their minds. I feel the ground move from beneath my feet as they lift me into the air.
The four of them fan out around me, their hands reaching forward, fingers twitching as they clutch me with their minds. I feel the ground move from beneath my feet as they lift me into the air.
August 18, 2020
2 stars - it was OK. It's sort of a romantic comedy crime thriller in space but for some reason it just didn't work well for me and I found myself getting really bored several times, which explains why it took 3 months to get through a fairly short book. I just couldn't get into it
March 26, 2018
Gave up 1/3rd of the way through the book - characters were very shallow and I just couldn't get into the story.
June 30, 2018
Good book
Yeah yeah repeat rinse and dry. Thank you! It had to be you you you you you you you, there tada!
Yeah yeah repeat rinse and dry. Thank you! It had to be you you you you you you you, there tada!
June 14, 2018
BJ is an IT troubleshooter in New York City. After a job well done, he receives a raffle ticket and wins the grand prize of a cruise through the solar system. On board, he soon meets the captain's daughter Faye and the pair take a liking to each other. They are inseparable through adventures and misadventures on various planets and moons.
Most of this novel reads like a combination of travelogue and brochure. There is not much action beyond the tours that the protagonist and his inconceivably compatible-at-first-sight girlfriend take. Not-so-subtle hints of conspiracy are dropped and near the end of the story, an unlikely plot is hatched by nefarious elements. The whole thing is cute, the characters likeable, but it is altogether too banal; the homage to Heinlein, in particular, The Number of the Beast, and the 1933 version of King Kong too contrived.
After the predictable conclusion, one-fifth of the text is dedicated to appendices, including (seemingly) every bit of background the author researched or created about the cruise ship, the science, the political topology, and various other bits. This section detracts greatly from the text itself and gives a self-serving impression, as if the author felt the need to show off his own cleverness instead of letting the story speak for itself.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2018/05/...
Most of this novel reads like a combination of travelogue and brochure. There is not much action beyond the tours that the protagonist and his inconceivably compatible-at-first-sight girlfriend take. Not-so-subtle hints of conspiracy are dropped and near the end of the story, an unlikely plot is hatched by nefarious elements. The whole thing is cute, the characters likeable, but it is altogether too banal; the homage to Heinlein, in particular, The Number of the Beast, and the 1933 version of King Kong too contrived.
After the predictable conclusion, one-fifth of the text is dedicated to appendices, including (seemingly) every bit of background the author researched or created about the cruise ship, the science, the political topology, and various other bits. This section detracts greatly from the text itself and gives a self-serving impression, as if the author felt the need to show off his own cleverness instead of letting the story speak for itself.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2018/05/...
October 16, 2021
Author Eric Klein does a great job in his debut novel, 'The One'. Not only does he recreate the atmosphere of the 50s science fiction novels of my youth, but he adds in a novel-long mystery.
Main character BJ improbably wins a lottery prize which is an all-expenses paid tour of the Solar System. Along the way, more improbable accidents and deliverances occur and the reader is left half wondering what's going on. This is while Klein delivers descriptions of the technology and society and world in his novel.
On the ship are also Miss Universe contestants and a science symposium, leading to many amusing, ironic, and romantic encounters. Eric Klein does not fail to include homages and Easter eggs alluding to the luminaries of the Golden Age of science fiction as well.
The action increases to the end. Some plot threads are resolved, while others are left for the second volume, 'The Two'.
Add in a romance and there's plenty going on in this novel to satisfy the reader.
Main character BJ improbably wins a lottery prize which is an all-expenses paid tour of the Solar System. Along the way, more improbable accidents and deliverances occur and the reader is left half wondering what's going on. This is while Klein delivers descriptions of the technology and society and world in his novel.
On the ship are also Miss Universe contestants and a science symposium, leading to many amusing, ironic, and romantic encounters. Eric Klein does not fail to include homages and Easter eggs alluding to the luminaries of the Golden Age of science fiction as well.
The action increases to the end. Some plot threads are resolved, while others are left for the second volume, 'The Two'.
Add in a romance and there's plenty going on in this novel to satisfy the reader.
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