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Fractals: (Not An) Aurora Rhapsody Short Story
A mysterious signal coming from deep space attracts the attention of humanity's scientists and the soldiers who protect them--the kind of attention the originators of the signal will do anything to avoid. When the two converge, first contact doesn't go the way either side planned.
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FRACTALS is set in an alternate universe from the Aurora Rhapsody novels and short stories. It was initially published in Beyond the Stars: Unimagined Realms
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FRACTALS is set in an alternate universe from the Aurora Rhapsody novels and short stories. It was initially published in Beyond the Stars: Unimagined Realms
31 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2019
37 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Jennsen
52 books518 followersG. S. Jennsen is a speculative and science fiction author, as well as a futurist, geek, gamer, programmer and editor. She has become an internationally bestselling author since her first novel, Starshine, was published in March 2014. She has chosen to continue writing under an independent publishing model to ensure the integrity of her series and her ability to execute on the vision she’s had for it since its genesis.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
While she has been a lawyer, a software engineer and an editor, she’s found the life of a full-time author preferable by several orders of magnitude.
When she isn’t writing, she’s gaming or working out or getting lost in the mountains that loom large outside the windows in her home. Or she’s dealing with a flooded basement, or standing in a line at Walmart reading the tabloid headlines and wondering who all of those people are. Or sitting on her back porch with a glass of wine, looking up at the stars, trying to figure out what could be up there.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 9, 2022
4.5 Stars for Fractals: (Not An) Aurora Rhapsody Short Story (audiobook) by G. S. Jennsen read by Pyper Down.
This is my first audiobook by this author and I’m really looking forward to seeing what else she has written.
This is my first audiobook by this author and I’m really looking forward to seeing what else she has written.
August 30, 2019
My first thought after finishing this sci fi story was “What did I just read?” “What just happened?” I kept repeating it to myself to see if it could help sort things out. It did in a way. It told me to go back and re-read a certain section to see if it would help put a few of the missing pieces together again.
Thoughts:
Although the story doesn’t say Part 1 and Part 2, to me it feels like it is broken into 2 sections: Before a specific decision is made and then after the decision is made. I can go into Part 1 a little, but divulging anything about Part 2 would ruin things.
I should probably preface the review by adding that this is my first story I’ve read by G.S. Jennsen. I was specifically looking for a science fiction short story in Kindle Unlimited, but also wanted it to be a stand alone where I wasn’t in the middle of a series. However, I enjoyed this short story and everything in it so much that I am definitely going to have to check out other stories in the Amaranthe Universe.
At the beginning of the story we are introduced to the Captain of the Earth Alliance Science Vessel, Siyane, who is being told that their ship has picked up unusual readings. Personally, I always love the word “readings” in sci fi. There is just so much mystery to it and the story can truly take off anywhere with just that one word. However, at this moment in the story the captain isn’t as excited and I am by this news because the science vessel was already located in the Metis Nebula due to these unusual readings. This time though there was a new discovery. Marano, a science engineer guest aboard the Siyane, has an idea on how to filter some of the readings, which he acts upon. But all these unusual readings are leading somewhere and they soon find themselves in a first contact situation that they do not want to be in.
I love these type of sci fi stories. The ones where you are in a spaceship, unusual readings occurring all over the place, then characters using words and phrases I can’t comprehend to explain how they are going to resolve the issues they are encountering that then leads up to a potential confrontation with another vessel or species in space. A lot of mystery, speculation, and then confrontation – it’s difficult to beat that in my opinion. Since I have already admitted that I love the word ‘readings’ in sci fi, I will say I thoroughly enjoyed how this story took on solving the mystery of the readings and is really what sold me on Fractals all together.
The ending had me a little confused, but it is sci fi so being a little confused is normal for me. I’m still not sure I have it all figured out, but after re-reading portions of what I call “Part 2,” I am in a better place than when I started.
Recommended for sci fi fans who like adventures in space.
Rating: 4.5
Thoughts:
Although the story doesn’t say Part 1 and Part 2, to me it feels like it is broken into 2 sections: Before a specific decision is made and then after the decision is made. I can go into Part 1 a little, but divulging anything about Part 2 would ruin things.
I should probably preface the review by adding that this is my first story I’ve read by G.S. Jennsen. I was specifically looking for a science fiction short story in Kindle Unlimited, but also wanted it to be a stand alone where I wasn’t in the middle of a series. However, I enjoyed this short story and everything in it so much that I am definitely going to have to check out other stories in the Amaranthe Universe.
At the beginning of the story we are introduced to the Captain of the Earth Alliance Science Vessel, Siyane, who is being told that their ship has picked up unusual readings. Personally, I always love the word “readings” in sci fi. There is just so much mystery to it and the story can truly take off anywhere with just that one word. However, at this moment in the story the captain isn’t as excited and I am by this news because the science vessel was already located in the Metis Nebula due to these unusual readings. This time though there was a new discovery. Marano, a science engineer guest aboard the Siyane, has an idea on how to filter some of the readings, which he acts upon. But all these unusual readings are leading somewhere and they soon find themselves in a first contact situation that they do not want to be in.
I love these type of sci fi stories. The ones where you are in a spaceship, unusual readings occurring all over the place, then characters using words and phrases I can’t comprehend to explain how they are going to resolve the issues they are encountering that then leads up to a potential confrontation with another vessel or species in space. A lot of mystery, speculation, and then confrontation – it’s difficult to beat that in my opinion. Since I have already admitted that I love the word ‘readings’ in sci fi, I will say I thoroughly enjoyed how this story took on solving the mystery of the readings and is really what sold me on Fractals all together.
The ending had me a little confused, but it is sci fi so being a little confused is normal for me. I’m still not sure I have it all figured out, but after re-reading portions of what I call “Part 2,” I am in a better place than when I started.
Recommended for sci fi fans who like adventures in space.
Rating: 4.5
March 30, 2023
Following protocol doesn’t always work well in situations that humanity has never experienced before.
Alexis and her coworkers struck me as people who had memorized all of the rules but didn’t always know why those rules had been put into place or when they could be reasonably bent. Their disagreements about how to react to what could possibly be first contact with an intelligent alien species were as humorous as they were true to all of these characters’ personalities. Honestly, I wouldn’t have expected anything other than a few professional but sometimes terse arguments along the way as they figured out what they wanted to do next.
This would have benefitted from another round of editing in my opinion. The narrator switched between verb tenses so often that I became confused. There were also some characters who were introduced with very little explanation of who they were or how they were connected to anyone else. While I certainly didn’t expect to have everything spoon fed to me during my first introduction to this world, this would have been easier to understand if the narrator had been a little more assertive about filling the readers in on the basics of what we needed to know due to the author’s comments on Amazon about this being a series that didn’t need to be read in any particular order.
The ending made me chuckle. No, I won’t spoil anything about it, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way Ms. Jennsen veered off into a totally new direction with it. What a creative take on the idea of how first contact with an alien species is supposed to go. Not only did she clear up some of my questions about what was going on, she made me wonder what other surprises might be hidden in this universe.
Fractals was a wild ride.
Alexis and her coworkers struck me as people who had memorized all of the rules but didn’t always know why those rules had been put into place or when they could be reasonably bent. Their disagreements about how to react to what could possibly be first contact with an intelligent alien species were as humorous as they were true to all of these characters’ personalities. Honestly, I wouldn’t have expected anything other than a few professional but sometimes terse arguments along the way as they figured out what they wanted to do next.
This would have benefitted from another round of editing in my opinion. The narrator switched between verb tenses so often that I became confused. There were also some characters who were introduced with very little explanation of who they were or how they were connected to anyone else. While I certainly didn’t expect to have everything spoon fed to me during my first introduction to this world, this would have been easier to understand if the narrator had been a little more assertive about filling the readers in on the basics of what we needed to know due to the author’s comments on Amazon about this being a series that didn’t need to be read in any particular order.
The ending made me chuckle. No, I won’t spoil anything about it, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way Ms. Jennsen veered off into a totally new direction with it. What a creative take on the idea of how first contact with an alien species is supposed to go. Not only did she clear up some of my questions about what was going on, she made me wonder what other surprises might be hidden in this universe.
Fractals was a wild ride.
July 5, 2020
Brilliantly Intertwined With The Series
This (not an) AR Series short story is cleverly written from beginning to end. The story takes place in an alternate universe but continues to pack the action punch of the rest of the series.
Ms. Jennsen has mastered the flavors of character, setting and action to such a degree that this bite sized morsel is fulfilling in its story form.
This (not an) AR Series short story is cleverly written from beginning to end. The story takes place in an alternate universe but continues to pack the action punch of the rest of the series.
Ms. Jennsen has mastered the flavors of character, setting and action to such a degree that this bite sized morsel is fulfilling in its story form.
March 5, 2019
Loved it!
I loved the Aurora Trilogy so I couldn't pass up Fractals when I get to have another glimpse of Alexis and Caleb. They always find each other! Swoon!
I loved the Aurora Trilogy so I couldn't pass up Fractals when I get to have another glimpse of Alexis and Caleb. They always find each other! Swoon!
October 6, 2019
Great twist at the end.
Kept me on the edge for the entire read. Left me wanting more. loved the unexpected ending. Great job 👍
Kept me on the edge for the entire read. Left me wanting more. loved the unexpected ending. Great job 👍
February 20, 2023
Alexis Mallory Solovy is and always has been a military brat. After five years at the elite Materials and Science institute and fifteen years as an active duty officer, she was the captain of this ship. A military research vessel named Siyane and it was on its way to the Metis Nebula with her, her crew, and a civilian named Caleb Andreas Marano, the guy who invented the array. The array detected the signal they were tracing along with their escort of twelve warships and their fighter escort. But now, as they got closer, the signals not only strengthened, but there were more of them. They appeared on the display of their instruments at different frequencies, and because of the gas of the nebula, they could not tell where the signals came from until it was too late. Before they knew it, ships of unknown designs appeared in the nebula and opened fire. Then a vessel so large came into view and opened fire. It destroyed one of theirs with one hit. The Admiral ordered the retreat, and to regroup was given. The Siyane, however, jumped into the nebula near where they calculated the signals came from and found a ring with an event horizon shining across it. Alex decided to go where they came from.
Another short story of this universe with these characters, but this is an alternate universe, so Starshine or the other shorts have nothing to do with this one, and this one has nothing to do with them, or does it? World-building is done very well, and because it is an alternate universe, the character’s roles are different, but it seems like they will get along just fine.
Do you like science fiction? Alien contact? Space battles? Action & Adventure? Then you’re gonna like this short story. I give this tiny tale five stars out of five stars.
Another short story of this universe with these characters, but this is an alternate universe, so Starshine or the other shorts have nothing to do with this one, and this one has nothing to do with them, or does it? World-building is done very well, and because it is an alternate universe, the character’s roles are different, but it seems like they will get along just fine.
Do you like science fiction? Alien contact? Space battles? Action & Adventure? Then you’re gonna like this short story. I give this tiny tale five stars out of five stars.
November 20, 2022
This was interesting, needless to say interesting to find in Goodreads. If you found this book you might be destined to read it via the Kobo app for free.
This story is about 30min worth of reading time.
Trying no to give to much away, this feels like it could of been an episode of Star Track series with a little bit of a post romance to come.
This VERY short story starts in one tense then changes to another and prospective. I feel the switch was fine but it at times used the wrong tense.. and that was sad.
Did I feel like I got a glimpse of the series? Not really.
Did it make me interested in looking into the series? Yes, but not sure about reading thwm.
This story is about 30min worth of reading time.
Trying no to give to much away, this feels like it could of been an episode of Star Track series with a little bit of a post romance to come.
This VERY short story starts in one tense then changes to another and prospective. I feel the switch was fine but it at times used the wrong tense.. and that was sad.
Did I feel like I got a glimpse of the series? Not really.
Did it make me interested in looking into the series? Yes, but not sure about reading thwm.
March 17, 2019
Stunning short story
It is impossible to write a substantive review of a true short story without a major spoiler. However, that said, for those familiar with the Aurora Rhapsody universe, this story is a "must read". The main characters of the original universe are present but the underlying story contains a twist that will send chills down your spine as it did mine! Enjoy and best of wishes to Ms. Jensen in continuing to write her heart out!
It is impossible to write a substantive review of a true short story without a major spoiler. However, that said, for those familiar with the Aurora Rhapsody universe, this story is a "must read". The main characters of the original universe are present but the underlying story contains a twist that will send chills down your spine as it did mine! Enjoy and best of wishes to Ms. Jensen in continuing to write her heart out!
June 25, 2019
A triple treat topped off by short stories
I read all three of the trilogies before I even started reading the short stories. And now I’m loving the short stories. I highly recommend all three trilogies (a.k.a. nine novels) and the four short stories I’ve read so far. I imagine I’m going to like the remaining two short stories as well; I’m sure you will too. Be prepared for these characters to remain in your memory for quite some time.
I read all three of the trilogies before I even started reading the short stories. And now I’m loving the short stories. I highly recommend all three trilogies (a.k.a. nine novels) and the four short stories I’ve read so far. I imagine I’m going to like the remaining two short stories as well; I’m sure you will too. Be prepared for these characters to remain in your memory for quite some time.
April 17, 2022
Wonderful fantasy listening 🎶🔰
Another will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thriller short story by G. S. Jennsen book six in the Amaranthe Short Stories this one about space exploration and technology as humans explore space but is it real? You will have to read this novella to find out which I highly recommend this series. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa. 🏡🔰👒⏰. 2022
Another will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thriller short story by G. S. Jennsen book six in the Amaranthe Short Stories this one about space exploration and technology as humans explore space but is it real? You will have to read this novella to find out which I highly recommend this series. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa. 🏡🔰👒⏰. 2022
November 4, 2023
Wow, that was a much quicker read than I was expecting.
It was too short to figure out if I liked it or not and that was okay because it was very heavy in the technobabble type of Science Fiction and I don't like those kinds of stories anyway. I got it as part of a romance sale, so that's what I was expecting.
I found it jumped around too much and nothing was really explained.
It was too short to figure out if I liked it or not and that was okay because it was very heavy in the technobabble type of Science Fiction and I don't like those kinds of stories anyway. I got it as part of a romance sale, so that's what I was expecting.
I found it jumped around too much and nothing was really explained.
November 15, 2019
As with the Aurora Rhapsody series, this short story is well written. As it has some of the same characters I was initially lost but then realized it was set it an alternative timeline.
I enjoyed the ending which turned things a bit upside down. Recommended for fans of the AR series.
I enjoyed the ending which turned things a bit upside down. Recommended for fans of the AR series.
April 6, 2019
Fun prequel short story
Enjoyed this one. Was a fun and quick prequel that sparks some thought about the background of the whole series!
Enjoyed this one. Was a fun and quick prequel that sparks some thought about the background of the whole series!
April 21, 2019
I enjoyed this prequel/alternate timeline very much. Wished it was longer😊
July 5, 2019
Excellent
Well,it was after all, put out as a short story... But it was too short! Just as I was completely absorbed...it ended!!!! So now I have to find another of her books.
Well,it was after all, put out as a short story... But it was too short! Just as I was completely absorbed...it ended!!!! So now I have to find another of her books.
January 13, 2020
Alexis and Caleb are seeking the origin of the tremendously low frequency (TLF) wave when a fleet of alien ships attack. Can they discover enough about the aliens to save earth?
January 24, 2021
3.80
I haven’t read the series this is meant to be an alt. universe for BUT it still thoroughly intrigued me, definitely want to check out the actual series now.
I haven’t read the series this is meant to be an alt. universe for BUT it still thoroughly intrigued me, definitely want to check out the actual series now.
February 28, 2021
The ending was intriguing. I really enjoyed the narrator - great voices.
February 4, 2025
Cor, they don't come much more prequel than this - a short story featuring Alexis and Caleb, but in an alternative timeline! All will become clear in a thrilling read!
March 12, 2019
I like the way this story read - and how it prefaces or influences Mnemosyne's actions. Don't want to give too much away but it was a cool twist.
February 21, 2024
Quem criou o universo? E o que representa a humanidade nesse contexto? Claro que tais perguntas não são respondidas neste conto, mas elas certamente surgem. Muito intrigante, e muito bom.
June 13, 2019
Good and unusual
I enjoyed the story. Unusual ending twist. Did not expect the ending.
Short enough not to be bogged down in details.
I enjoyed the story. Unusual ending twist. Did not expect the ending.
Short enough not to be bogged down in details.
December 2, 2020
She executes (in only 38 pages) a complete yet complex storyline that is a tempting prelude to the Starshine series. Though, strangely, she titles it as not part of the series...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews