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Verus Foundation #5
Apollo 8.1
Astronaut Frank Borman is all alone on the moon. No ship. Nobody answering his radio calls.
His spacesuit is running out of air fast, yet he doesn't know what he's doing there.
Something is looming over him on the lunar surface. Something massive that doesn't belong.
Borman doesn't belong there either — in just a few months, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are due to touch down in the Sea of Tranquility.
Meaning this is no NASA mission. But who else has the technological capability?
Possibly a secretive defense intelligence group known as Bermuda, though Borman suspects this is a giant step too far even for them.
Which only leaves the Russians.
If that's true, he must have an important job to do. A job that transcends Cold War politics and space age rivalry.
But everything about this is is wrong.
Why has he been abandoned? And why can't he remember anything?
Apollo 8.1 is compulsive reading… strap yourself in.
His spacesuit is running out of air fast, yet he doesn't know what he's doing there.
Something is looming over him on the lunar surface. Something massive that doesn't belong.
Borman doesn't belong there either — in just a few months, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are due to touch down in the Sea of Tranquility.
Meaning this is no NASA mission. But who else has the technological capability?
Possibly a secretive defense intelligence group known as Bermuda, though Borman suspects this is a giant step too far even for them.
Which only leaves the Russians.
If that's true, he must have an important job to do. A job that transcends Cold War politics and space age rivalry.
But everything about this is is wrong.
Why has he been abandoned? And why can't he remember anything?
Apollo 8.1 is compulsive reading… strap yourself in.
- GenresScience Fiction
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2018
90 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Matt Eaton
13 books13 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 8, 2018
4.5 Stars.
“To be the first is primordial.”
“He has peered behind the curtain and into a world where power, truth, and knowledge are more highly advanced and jealously guarded.”
Some twisted plots reminded me of 2001, Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke, one of my classic favourites. A wonder world. A group itself is beyond scrutiny in that it doesn’t officially exist. Mysterious organization with unlimited influence.
Groups within groups, deep inside the nation’s security, a secret foundation..shocking revelations and a deepening mystery. Unexpected turns kept me guessing till the end, so many riddles, which are solved with painstaking patience, the least expected in an embroiled story. A nerve tension building guaranteed! I recommend the series!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
“To be the first is primordial.”
“He has peered behind the curtain and into a world where power, truth, and knowledge are more highly advanced and jealously guarded.”
Some twisted plots reminded me of 2001, Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke, one of my classic favourites. A wonder world. A group itself is beyond scrutiny in that it doesn’t officially exist. Mysterious organization with unlimited influence.
Groups within groups, deep inside the nation’s security, a secret foundation..shocking revelations and a deepening mystery. Unexpected turns kept me guessing till the end, so many riddles, which are solved with painstaking patience, the least expected in an embroiled story. A nerve tension building guaranteed! I recommend the series!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
October 16, 2021
Apollo 8.1 - a review by Rosemary Kenny
On Christmas morning in 1967, Jim Lovell sent a message that was only intended to be fully understood by a select individual. What did he really mean by his cryptic statement 'Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus'?
Matt Eaton's Apollo 8.1 is a fascinating what if...? alternative guaranteed to satisfy the most ardent Moon landing conspiracy theorist, with the possibilities that Colonel Frank Borman not only had a close encounter of the third kind, but also brought back photographic evidence of the same on his return. If so, why were these amazing events kept secret? Was is really an alien craft, or possibly a covert Russian mission? We may never know, but for sure the Truth is out there, as they say in the X-files! Grab a copy today and decide for yourself - then tell all your friends about Matt Eaton's incredible Verus Foundation series of which Apollo 8.1 is Book 6...it's out of this world!!
On Christmas morning in 1967, Jim Lovell sent a message that was only intended to be fully understood by a select individual. What did he really mean by his cryptic statement 'Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus'?
Matt Eaton's Apollo 8.1 is a fascinating what if...? alternative guaranteed to satisfy the most ardent Moon landing conspiracy theorist, with the possibilities that Colonel Frank Borman not only had a close encounter of the third kind, but also brought back photographic evidence of the same on his return. If so, why were these amazing events kept secret? Was is really an alien craft, or possibly a covert Russian mission? We may never know, but for sure the Truth is out there, as they say in the X-files! Grab a copy today and decide for yourself - then tell all your friends about Matt Eaton's incredible Verus Foundation series of which Apollo 8.1 is Book 6...it's out of this world!!
December 14, 2018
Well I will admit science fiction is not my thing and space exploration even more so but this is a good book. One that keeps you reading so as to find out what happens next. It wasn’t what I expected that’s for sure. Recommended.
December 29, 2018
Apollo 8.1 is the second book in the Verus Foundation Trilogy and begins right where the Novella, Sleeping Gods, left off.
As I mentioned in my review of Sleeping Gods, the first thing that makes this story interesting is that the main characters are real people - the three Apollo 8 astronauts. I have actively followed and supported the space program from the X-15 through the ISS and can remember the actual flight of Apollo 8. This book starts off based on the actual mission but then adds the astronauts seeing something on the dark side of the moon.
Quickly leaving the other two astronauts behind, Matt Eaton centers this book around Frank Borman. In reality Borman was a career Air Force officer and a "by the book" type of guy. If you ever watched the movie The Right Stuff, Borman makes John Glenn look loose and free wheeling by comparison. After retirement from NASA Borman entered the business world eventually becoming President of Eastern Airlines, once upon a time one of the largest US Airlines. He was a very bright and successful individual who could handle any challenge he faced.
So what happens when you take an actual "American Hero" and put him in the middle of a story with political intrigue, secrecy, double dealing, and (I don't think this is much of a give away) Aliens? You get a very interesting mix of science fact and science fiction.
Eaton works very hard at keeping his science fiction book based on real science. There is a lot about how space travel works, how an EVA suit functions, and the importance of the limited oxygen it contains and the frailty of the suit. Going beyond just the real people and historical events of NASA to build his fiction book, Eaton manages to work in quite a bit about President Nixon and the Vietnam War.
I am being careful not to give away too much of the story line in this review so my specific complaints (as to why I gave it a 4 not a 5 star) will have to be a big vague. I think that Eaton, after working so hard to base his books on historical facts, takes the reader a little far afield with the "deep state" politics and alien influence.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book but found some of the ideas and writing not up to the standards Eaton set in Sleeping Gods. If you haven't read the first book in the series, please do so before reading this book. Not only will it fill you in on a lot of necessary background but it is a quick and enjoyable read.
As I mentioned in my review of Sleeping Gods, the first thing that makes this story interesting is that the main characters are real people - the three Apollo 8 astronauts. I have actively followed and supported the space program from the X-15 through the ISS and can remember the actual flight of Apollo 8. This book starts off based on the actual mission but then adds the astronauts seeing something on the dark side of the moon.
Quickly leaving the other two astronauts behind, Matt Eaton centers this book around Frank Borman. In reality Borman was a career Air Force officer and a "by the book" type of guy. If you ever watched the movie The Right Stuff, Borman makes John Glenn look loose and free wheeling by comparison. After retirement from NASA Borman entered the business world eventually becoming President of Eastern Airlines, once upon a time one of the largest US Airlines. He was a very bright and successful individual who could handle any challenge he faced.
So what happens when you take an actual "American Hero" and put him in the middle of a story with political intrigue, secrecy, double dealing, and (I don't think this is much of a give away) Aliens? You get a very interesting mix of science fact and science fiction.
Eaton works very hard at keeping his science fiction book based on real science. There is a lot about how space travel works, how an EVA suit functions, and the importance of the limited oxygen it contains and the frailty of the suit. Going beyond just the real people and historical events of NASA to build his fiction book, Eaton manages to work in quite a bit about President Nixon and the Vietnam War.
I am being careful not to give away too much of the story line in this review so my specific complaints (as to why I gave it a 4 not a 5 star) will have to be a big vague. I think that Eaton, after working so hard to base his books on historical facts, takes the reader a little far afield with the "deep state" politics and alien influence.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book but found some of the ideas and writing not up to the standards Eaton set in Sleeping Gods. If you haven't read the first book in the series, please do so before reading this book. Not only will it fill you in on a lot of necessary background but it is a quick and enjoyable read.
December 18, 2018
Another fantastic book from Matt Eaton!
Like Sleeping Gods, the first book in the series, the real heart of Apollo 8.1 springboards from the historical events of the Apollo 8 mission and takes you places you're not expecting. It sneaks up on you and, before you know it, you're caught up in a wondrous world of color and imagination.
The author gives us an outstanding depiction of the arrogant, self-serving Anunnaki/Ryl beings and an intriguing portrayal of Martians living quite well in another dimension of reality. He also shows us a clear view that contact with humans and their shortcomings may not be entirely welcome or wanted by more advanced cultures.
The writing is fluid and highly creative, with crisp, clean dialog. The main characters are likeable (for the most part), believable, and well-developed. The story structure is carefully laid out and it moves along at a good pace, well-balanced between action and thoughtful dialog.
If you are looking for a story that pushes past the usual clichés and boundaries of current popular books and movies, Apollo 8.1 will definitely give you something substantial and fascinating to dig into. Can't wait for the next book from this talented author.
Like Sleeping Gods, the first book in the series, the real heart of Apollo 8.1 springboards from the historical events of the Apollo 8 mission and takes you places you're not expecting. It sneaks up on you and, before you know it, you're caught up in a wondrous world of color and imagination.
The author gives us an outstanding depiction of the arrogant, self-serving Anunnaki/Ryl beings and an intriguing portrayal of Martians living quite well in another dimension of reality. He also shows us a clear view that contact with humans and their shortcomings may not be entirely welcome or wanted by more advanced cultures.
The writing is fluid and highly creative, with crisp, clean dialog. The main characters are likeable (for the most part), believable, and well-developed. The story structure is carefully laid out and it moves along at a good pace, well-balanced between action and thoughtful dialog.
If you are looking for a story that pushes past the usual clichés and boundaries of current popular books and movies, Apollo 8.1 will definitely give you something substantial and fascinating to dig into. Can't wait for the next book from this talented author.
December 14, 2018
Engrossing Alternative History
On Christmas morning, December 25, 1967, Jim Lovell radioed this message after completing a rocket burn on the dark side of the moon: "Houston, Apollo 8. Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus."
This engrossing book starts with the premise that this was, in fact, a coded message for one person to signify that the Apollo 8 crew had seen signs of intelligent life. It follows the adventures of COL Frank Borman following his return.
COL Borman ends up taking another space trip in March of 1968. What unfolds, against the backdrop of the Nixon presidency and the war in Vietnam, is an engrossing alternative history that delves into the nature of humankind.
The story is an interesting mash-up of sci-fi, religion, and morality. Most of the book is about Frank Borman's experience on Mars.
The characters are well-developed and Frank is an interesting protagonist. This was a fun and interesting story to read.
On Christmas morning, December 25, 1967, Jim Lovell radioed this message after completing a rocket burn on the dark side of the moon: "Houston, Apollo 8. Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus."
This engrossing book starts with the premise that this was, in fact, a coded message for one person to signify that the Apollo 8 crew had seen signs of intelligent life. It follows the adventures of COL Frank Borman following his return.
COL Borman ends up taking another space trip in March of 1968. What unfolds, against the backdrop of the Nixon presidency and the war in Vietnam, is an engrossing alternative history that delves into the nature of humankind.
The story is an interesting mash-up of sci-fi, religion, and morality. Most of the book is about Frank Borman's experience on Mars.
The characters are well-developed and Frank is an interesting protagonist. This was a fun and interesting story to read.
December 14, 2018
This was a very interesting book, especially blending familiar names of fact with a fictional approach to the historical Apollo 8 mission. In this version, the Apollo 8 crew spotted an unidentified craft on the far side of the Moon. When they finally left lunar orbit to head for home, Borman had told Houston, “Please be informed there is a Santa Claus.” These coded words were aimed at a select recipient to inform him of all that he needed to know about what had just been discovered, while not risking the divulging of that enormous secret to anyone else.
The story line is great and well-paced. There are twists, turns, and surprises all the way. The focus is on Frank Borman and a second trip he made, and the alternate history is unfolded from that point. Easy to read and understand, this book will hold the reader’s attention and bring into focus as never before what makes us human. Don’t miss this one!
The story line is great and well-paced. There are twists, turns, and surprises all the way. The focus is on Frank Borman and a second trip he made, and the alternate history is unfolded from that point. Easy to read and understand, this book will hold the reader’s attention and bring into focus as never before what makes us human. Don’t miss this one!
December 15, 2018
Matt Eaton’s Apollo 8.1 (Verus Foundation Book 2) is a powerfully string sci-fi novel. Set in the days of the Apollo missions, it provides a pretty darn neat alternative history of the space program, the world at the time and everything else. A great interaction of real history woven into the alternate view and a highly imaginative story on many levels. This is not just the “right stuff”, it’s fun stuff. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.
PS: The first novel in this series is currently (15 December 2018) fee on kindle. Grab it while you can. It’s great.
PS: The first novel in this series is currently (15 December 2018) fee on kindle. Grab it while you can. It’s great.
April 2, 2019
Unreal and Imaginative - Apollo 8.1
This is a book two and I didn't read book one so it was a little baffling. I thought it was going to take place on Luna but instead it was on Phobos as a gateway to a Mars in another dimension.
It uses Frank Borman, a real live astronaut, as the main character of this fantasy. I think it was really a stretch of the imagination to make the story. It's no "Stranger in a Strange Land" with the Martian mind meld and collective consciousness but it was interesting. I can't help but think I'm missing something by not having read the first book.
Even in a series a book's story should stand on its own.
This is a book two and I didn't read book one so it was a little baffling. I thought it was going to take place on Luna but instead it was on Phobos as a gateway to a Mars in another dimension.
It uses Frank Borman, a real live astronaut, as the main character of this fantasy. I think it was really a stretch of the imagination to make the story. It's no "Stranger in a Strange Land" with the Martian mind meld and collective consciousness but it was interesting. I can't help but think I'm missing something by not having read the first book.
Even in a series a book's story should stand on its own.
June 23, 2019
What a blast
Frank is an astronaut who spends a lot of time not knowing what his mission is, trying to maintain his integrity while the ground is shifting beneath his feet. This book reminds me that while I think that most people are good, the ones leading us often have warped ideas of right and wrong. I found that I had to put this book down occasionally to really absorb what was going on as it was hard to follow at times, it becomes clear as you read on.
I read Blank before reading any other Matt Eaton novels and highly recommend continuing with the series.
Frank is an astronaut who spends a lot of time not knowing what his mission is, trying to maintain his integrity while the ground is shifting beneath his feet. This book reminds me that while I think that most people are good, the ones leading us often have warped ideas of right and wrong. I found that I had to put this book down occasionally to really absorb what was going on as it was hard to follow at times, it becomes clear as you read on.
I read Blank before reading any other Matt Eaton novels and highly recommend continuing with the series.
March 11, 2019
Eh
I wasn't sure what this book was about, but gave it A shot anyway. The Apollo program was underway when I was kid and I do remember Frank Borman and the Apollo 8 mission. I get sci-if stretches reality, but this book didn't do it for me. It was just a plausibility thing, I just couldn't get into the whole Mars thing.
I wasn't sure what this book was about, but gave it A shot anyway. The Apollo program was underway when I was kid and I do remember Frank Borman and the Apollo 8 mission. I get sci-if stretches reality, but this book didn't do it for me. It was just a plausibility thing, I just couldn't get into the whole Mars thing.
December 23, 2018
A clash of cultures and a future unknown. Matt Eaton takes an interesting look at the future of mankind and martians on a collision course. In the process he looks at the strengths and weaknesses of humanity and how we just might be our own worst enemies.
April 1, 2019
Riveting
Started reading and couldn't stop. Page-turning action and gripping suspense hold your interest. Looking forward to reading the next book. Great combo of fantasy and Sci-Fi! Highly recommended!
Started reading and couldn't stop. Page-turning action and gripping suspense hold your interest. Looking forward to reading the next book. Great combo of fantasy and Sci-Fi! Highly recommended!
February 10, 2020
Not good. I never abandon a book, but this one I did. Totally unrealistic, poorly written. I was cursed with having an English teacher for a mother, so I'm critical of everything I read. This one was awful. If it's in print, it should be right. Where was the editor?
February 10, 2019
Great sequel
I quite enjoyed this book. It is a true fantasy novel, with interesting characters and really neat world building. Everything in this book was unexpected and well done.
I quite enjoyed this book. It is a true fantasy novel, with interesting characters and really neat world building. Everything in this book was unexpected and well done.
December 4, 2020
Interesting and unexpected tale. As someone who very well remembers the 1960’s Apollo program, this was an enjoyable “what if” story. Hopefully Frank also liked it! Such a True Hero!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews