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Artifact #1
Artifact
August 8, 2085
When an odd, egg shaped, metallic artifact is uncovered in a hundred-million-year old dinosaur dig site in Wyoming, Professor of paleontology, Randall Wilson knows the ramifications. He removes it from among the bones and cleans the caked dirt from its surface then places it under a lamp for a better look and it begins to glow. Bursting from its surface, a hologram appears showing columns of vertical lines and slashes which reminds him of binary code. Instantly, he knows that this artifact couldn’t be from this planet and he also knows that his life might be in danger as countries would kill for the secrets that might be contained beneath its glowing surface.
His only hope is to get the alien object to the government before someone else gets to him. Once accomplished, the egg begins revealing its secrets and the race is on to save Earth.
When an odd, egg shaped, metallic artifact is uncovered in a hundred-million-year old dinosaur dig site in Wyoming, Professor of paleontology, Randall Wilson knows the ramifications. He removes it from among the bones and cleans the caked dirt from its surface then places it under a lamp for a better look and it begins to glow. Bursting from its surface, a hologram appears showing columns of vertical lines and slashes which reminds him of binary code. Instantly, he knows that this artifact couldn’t be from this planet and he also knows that his life might be in danger as countries would kill for the secrets that might be contained beneath its glowing surface.
His only hope is to get the alien object to the government before someone else gets to him. Once accomplished, the egg begins revealing its secrets and the race is on to save Earth.
- GenresScience Fiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2018
375 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 30, 2019
Wow, I am shocked at all the positive reviews of this book. I got 1/3 of the way through it and I simply couldn't continue. It read to me more like a script treatment for a sci-fi movie than a prose novel. In addition, the grammatical errors (which were not colloquialisms in dialogue) were very distracting. I was also distracted by the fact that the technology referenced in a story set in 2085 was barely current for 2019, and certainly not anywhere near where I would hope we are 65 years from now, given the historical pace of innovation. It's too bad, because I found the concept intriguing, but the execution disappointing. It is not often that I do not finish a book once I've started reading, but I actually became so aggitated by the issues I had with the book that I finally had to just put it down. Feel free to take my review with a grain of salt, but I found this book extremely poorly written.
April 7, 2020
Author needs to take a physics course
The premise was interesting but the author’s lack of physics knowledge made the book nearly unreadable.
No sun on the dark side of the moon
Creating magnetic field on mars with satellites
Windshields in space craft
Being able to see earth from L2
Requiring constant energy to maintain velocity
The premise was interesting but the author’s lack of physics knowledge made the book nearly unreadable.
No sun on the dark side of the moon
Creating magnetic field on mars with satellites
Windshields in space craft
Being able to see earth from L2
Requiring constant energy to maintain velocity
February 10, 2020
The book started well but it took an effort to finish it. The dialogue between characters was stilted and unnatural. In addition, it felt like the book had been written with a movie deal in mind. Too much detail was provided in parts and the action between some characters was clumsy and artificial.
August 31, 2020
This is the first book in a 4 book series. It's a pretty good concept for a science fiction series but I have to say the writing itself is pretty weak. Especially the dialogue between characters. I felt it was flat, simplistic, cliche and without much personality. But overall it was kind of a fun fast read. As the series progressed the writing got a little better, but not much.
December 8, 2019
Could have been so much more
This book started with an interesting premise. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there. The characters are thin, and the dialogue is not believable. The editing left something to be desired as well.
This book started with an interesting premise. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there. The characters are thin, and the dialogue is not believable. The editing left something to be desired as well.
January 9, 2020
Good story
I really enjoyed the story and look forward to Book 2. But, the grammar errors and typos were annoying, so I reduced the rating by one star. I suggest that the author or editors go through the book carefully and issue a corrected version ASAP.
I really enjoyed the story and look forward to Book 2. But, the grammar errors and typos were annoying, so I reduced the rating by one star. I suggest that the author or editors go through the book carefully and issue a corrected version ASAP.
May 17, 2020
I purchased this book after noticing it appear in my Facebook feed several times accompanied by glittering praise. The post also clearly implied that it either is, or will be the basis of an Amazon TV offering, though I found nothing online to confirm this. I found it a disappointing read. The premise of the story is great but the execution is woefully poor which detracts from the potential, and makes reading it a dismal experience. The technology and science are dubious in places, but that is not the major issue. The level and style of writing leaves much to be desired. There are numerous grammatical errors and the vocabulary throughout is simplistically basic and uninspiring. Major characters are not developed as one would expect and are bizarrely frequently and unnecessarily referred to by their full forename and surname as if the author is desperate to increase the word count. Character conversations appear stilted and unreal. The whole book reads as though it were penned by a junior reporter on his first job for the paper jotting down short notes and facts prior to writing up the piece properly for later publication. I would like to know how the story progresses but am not sufficiently enthused to purchase the sequels.
February 15, 2021
This was a pretty good book. Mentioned in other reviews is the fact that the story starts in 2080 but all the cultural and technological references made it seem like the present day. That would be like writing a book in 1960 and referencing 2020 without any tech or cultural change. Annoying but not catastrophic to the book.
The book makes a not-so-subtle statement about humanity and the self-serving nature of each nation. If I don't get what you obtained - then I will assume you are planning my demise. And I didn't tell you what I have because you can't be trusted. So that generates tension in the book.
Swan also weighs in on artificial intelligence (AI) - can it be trusted? Like today, AI is perceived as being able to perform much more efficiently than humans, but what happens if it becomes self-aware? No, it's not a Terminator type of thing - but think more of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
No cliffhanger but the story continued in three more volumes. It was a decent book, but I wasn't so captivated by the story that I am prepared to invest more time in the next 3 books.
The book makes a not-so-subtle statement about humanity and the self-serving nature of each nation. If I don't get what you obtained - then I will assume you are planning my demise. And I didn't tell you what I have because you can't be trusted. So that generates tension in the book.
Swan also weighs in on artificial intelligence (AI) - can it be trusted? Like today, AI is perceived as being able to perform much more efficiently than humans, but what happens if it becomes self-aware? No, it's not a Terminator type of thing - but think more of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
No cliffhanger but the story continued in three more volumes. It was a decent book, but I wasn't so captivated by the story that I am prepared to invest more time in the next 3 books.
June 22, 2020
Exceptional
Artifact is a very interesting story of machines & human interaction . With the finding of a 100 million years old "Artifact" which turned out to be a n artificial intelligent apparatus with benevolent intent apparent toward helping humans survive and move into space all seemed well. But then an asteroid allies earth. One SO used for space flight decides to even the score with an aggressive Russia and makes sure they pay a price for it. Earth pays a huge price for her decision. Great characters and story. You may think it could actually happen.
Artifact is a very interesting story of machines & human interaction . With the finding of a 100 million years old "Artifact" which turned out to be a n artificial intelligent apparatus with benevolent intent apparent toward helping humans survive and move into space all seemed well. But then an asteroid allies earth. One SO used for space flight decides to even the score with an aggressive Russia and makes sure they pay a price for it. Earth pays a huge price for her decision. Great characters and story. You may think it could actually happen.
August 28, 2020
Occasionally I like to read science fiction. This book was fairly good. At least it kept my interest. The writing is good and character development was okay. Takes place around the year 2085. Involves a fictional US President and the space program. Something about Lord of The Rings if anyone remembers that series. I would recommend this book and I’m thinking about reading the following books by this author. They follow one another. Not quite in the mood to continue the series.
Meanwhile I plan to read a WWII book based on a true story a friend recommended, Beneath a Scarlet Sky.
Meanwhile I plan to read a WWII book based on a true story a friend recommended, Beneath a Scarlet Sky.
May 20, 2018
The Egg that talked
Wow, another D R Swan creation that held my interest and curiosity throughout the book. Interesting plots, twists and turns in the storyline - what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas - unexpected results and maybe hope for human race. I finished this book in one setting that's how interesting I found it. I highly recommend this book to high school students and above.
Wow, another D R Swan creation that held my interest and curiosity throughout the book. Interesting plots, twists and turns in the storyline - what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas - unexpected results and maybe hope for human race. I finished this book in one setting that's how interesting I found it. I highly recommend this book to high school students and above.
December 18, 2019
Decent Sci-Fi read
This was an ok story, as so many science fiction books are. For me, the characters were shallow, the story predictable, and it was the same story that I have read many times over. However, if you’re interested in a decent escapist story, it’s not bad. I found myself dipping into the suspension of disbelief often. But enjoyed the brainless action of just reading a story. Considering that, I enjoyed it.
This was an ok story, as so many science fiction books are. For me, the characters were shallow, the story predictable, and it was the same story that I have read many times over. However, if you’re interested in a decent escapist story, it’s not bad. I found myself dipping into the suspension of disbelief often. But enjoyed the brainless action of just reading a story. Considering that, I enjoyed it.
November 1, 2019
What might really happen if we don't change our way.
Consider what stupidity could take us down this road, can we really stand together and agree with each other?
Could we help each other, or would we be like the system we have right now? This book is like the world is right now, no common sense!
Consider what stupidity could take us down this road, can we really stand together and agree with each other?
Could we help each other, or would we be like the system we have right now? This book is like the world is right now, no common sense!
November 16, 2019
Captivating story. Just enough tech. to make the story believable but not too wonky. Great and fully developed characters. The story is complex with action on two planets and in space. It has war, space war, monsters, and an AI that is smart beautiful and scary. I ordered the next book before finishing this one.
I'll check this author as one to watch closley.
I'll check this author as one to watch closley.
December 27, 2019
I think writing this story 70 years in the future was a mistake. There are too many references to current movies, music, technology, etc which jars you away from the story. Maybe one or two freaks who dig ancient music. We don’t go around waxing poetic about Glenn Miller or Charlie Chaplin all the time.
Maybe pull it in to 5 or 10 years?
Maybe pull it in to 5 or 10 years?
February 18, 2020
Mars is the future
This book, and a couple others I’ve read recently, are directly saying that earth will colonize Mars. Probably several SciFi writers are feeling we’ve messed up this planet and need the hope that Mars can be colonized. But I do enjoy the author’s discussion of what needs to be done to Mars to make it habitable.
This book, and a couple others I’ve read recently, are directly saying that earth will colonize Mars. Probably several SciFi writers are feeling we’ve messed up this planet and need the hope that Mars can be colonized. But I do enjoy the author’s discussion of what needs to be done to Mars to make it habitable.
December 3, 2019
Good Story
I enjoyed the story but, it was a times simplistic. Conversations between characters were stilted shallow. I'm hoping that as Mr. Swan finds his stride the characters will become more natural and conversations less stilted. I'll be reading the next one!
I enjoyed the story but, it was a times simplistic. Conversations between characters were stilted shallow. I'm hoping that as Mr. Swan finds his stride the characters will become more natural and conversations less stilted. I'll be reading the next one!
December 23, 2019
Scary!
I know this book is fiction. But I resent the arrogance of the US government that was portrayed in this book. However, I realize that a large portion of the US population would applaud it
I know this book is fiction. But I resent the arrogance of the US government that was portrayed in this book. However, I realize that a large portion of the US population would applaud it
April 4, 2020
Mediocre
Why 2085. All of the non-alien technology and how people live is exactly how it is today. Life and technology today is way different to 1955. The fact that 2085 was portrayed exactly as 2020 bothered me the entire time.
Why 2085. All of the non-alien technology and how people live is exactly how it is today. Life and technology today is way different to 1955. The fact that 2085 was portrayed exactly as 2020 bothered me the entire time.
May 6, 2020
One of those books you just don't want to put down
I found it highly enjoyable and found it hard to put down. Some problems with the physics and the space stations but it's good science fiction so I'll let it pass. I am looking forward to starting the next book.
I found it highly enjoyable and found it hard to put down. Some problems with the physics and the space stations but it's good science fiction so I'll let it pass. I am looking forward to starting the next book.
August 3, 2020
Interesting concept
Very enjoyable read. Characters well devolved and believable.
Enjoyed the IA aspect and interaction with other characters.
Looking forward to the rest of the books.
Very enjoyable read. Characters well devolved and believable.
Enjoyed the IA aspect and interaction with other characters.
Looking forward to the rest of the books.
February 5, 2021
Intriguing story
A story of greed and redemption. Powerful imagery, fully developed characters and smart storyline. If you enjoy your science fiction fast and fascinating this is the story for you.
A story of greed and redemption. Powerful imagery, fully developed characters and smart storyline. If you enjoy your science fiction fast and fascinating this is the story for you.
October 16, 2019
Great
This book was riveting from beginning to end. It is full of action and romance and should be read by every Sci-fi buff.
This book was riveting from beginning to end. It is full of action and romance and should be read by every Sci-fi buff.
October 30, 2019
Great read...
Lots of action. Good characters and plot development. Only complaint was a couple of typos, but were well controlled. Worth the read.
Lots of action. Good characters and plot development. Only complaint was a couple of typos, but were well controlled. Worth the read.
November 29, 2019
Simple but fun
Interesting concept with weak science . Story takes place in the near future but feel as if written during the cold war.
Interesting concept with weak science . Story takes place in the near future but feel as if written during the cold war.
December 10, 2019
Great read
I enjoyed three book. Interesting style. Conceptually complete. I would recommend it to my fellow geeks as i sat eager to see where our would take me.
I enjoyed three book. Interesting style. Conceptually complete. I would recommend it to my fellow geeks as i sat eager to see where our would take me.
December 29, 2019
Artifact
Superb book it had me hooked from the beginning a very plausible sci fi future and I have already purchased the second in the series.
Superb book it had me hooked from the beginning a very plausible sci fi future and I have already purchased the second in the series.
January 22, 2020
Jolly good yarn
Simplistic but enjoyable yarn about a possible future for the human race. Basic characters and an alien interference premise make for an interesting tale.
Simplistic but enjoyable yarn about a possible future for the human race. Basic characters and an alien interference premise make for an interesting tale.
February 4, 2020
Johnboy
The book starts out a little slow, but it soon takes some unique twists, and turns. This is a very different syfy story. You must read it to appreciate this writers style.
The book starts out a little slow, but it soon takes some unique twists, and turns. This is a very different syfy story. You must read it to appreciate this writers style.
March 2, 2020
We're not alone
Great start to a trilogy, harkens back to old school scifi. Can't wait to start book 2.Kick the tires and light the fires!
Great start to a trilogy, harkens back to old school scifi. Can't wait to start book 2.Kick the tires and light the fires!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews