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A harrowing tale of space exploration turned survival nightmare. Filled with aliens, science and suspense, Magwave blends the futuristic science fiction of Arthur C. Clarke with the twists and intrigue of a Tom Clancy thriller.
Fresh off their historic discoveries on the Jupiter moon Callisto, the crew of the Rorschach Explorer and their colleagues in Mission Control should have known better. Space is not a lifeless vacuum.
Dark and forbidding, it is a jungle where the rules of survival are no different than those on Earth: Keep your head on a swivel. Trust nothing you think you know. Kill or be killed.
Icy and vast, it is an ocean where the divide between life and death is often more dependent on forging alliances than individual prowess. There is always something bigger, faster, smarter and hungrier than you.
Spartan and unforgiving, it is a desert where the daily struggle for existence requires constant ingenuity and adaptation. Oases are few and far between and there is no respite from danger.
But the crew was lulled by an easy start to Rorschach’s maiden voyage and they let their guard down. And sure as the Sun rises, savage predators emerged from the darkness.
Magwave, book two of the Rorschach Explorer Missions series, continues the story first hatched in the series’ novella prequel, UMO, and further explored in book one in the series, Skywave.
Fresh off their historic discoveries on the Jupiter moon Callisto, the crew of the Rorschach Explorer and their colleagues in Mission Control should have known better. Space is not a lifeless vacuum.
Dark and forbidding, it is a jungle where the rules of survival are no different than those on Earth: Keep your head on a swivel. Trust nothing you think you know. Kill or be killed.
Icy and vast, it is an ocean where the divide between life and death is often more dependent on forging alliances than individual prowess. There is always something bigger, faster, smarter and hungrier than you.
Spartan and unforgiving, it is a desert where the daily struggle for existence requires constant ingenuity and adaptation. Oases are few and far between and there is no respite from danger.
But the crew was lulled by an easy start to Rorschach’s maiden voyage and they let their guard down. And sure as the Sun rises, savage predators emerged from the darkness.
Magwave, book two of the Rorschach Explorer Missions series, continues the story first hatched in the series’ novella prequel, UMO, and further explored in book one in the series, Skywave.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2019
689 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
K. Patrick Donoghue
9 books117 followersK. Patrick Donoghue is the author of two series; the Anlon Cully Chronicles, an archaeology-based mystery-thriller series, and the Rorschach Explorer Missions, a new sci-fi thriller series.
Patrick's inspiration for the Anlon Cully Chronicles is rooted in his long-standing interest in ancient civilizations. In particular, a series of still-unexplained archaeological discoveries that suggest at least one advanced society thrived on Earth long before consensus views.
In similar fashion, Patrick takes a contrarian/alternative view toward deep space exploration, the existence of extraterrestrial life and ancient aliens in The Rorschach Explorer Missions.
His books include:
Shadows of the Stone Benders
Race for the Flash Stone
Curse of the Painted Lady
Priestess of Paracas (upcoming release: fall 2019)
UMO (Kindle eBook only at this time)
Skywave
Magwave (new release: July 31, 2019)
Patrick's inspiration for the Anlon Cully Chronicles is rooted in his long-standing interest in ancient civilizations. In particular, a series of still-unexplained archaeological discoveries that suggest at least one advanced society thrived on Earth long before consensus views.
In similar fashion, Patrick takes a contrarian/alternative view toward deep space exploration, the existence of extraterrestrial life and ancient aliens in The Rorschach Explorer Missions.
His books include:
Shadows of the Stone Benders
Race for the Flash Stone
Curse of the Painted Lady
Priestess of Paracas (upcoming release: fall 2019)
UMO (Kindle eBook only at this time)
Skywave
Magwave (new release: July 31, 2019)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 28, 2019
A very good Sci-Fi read. Enjoyed the presentation of extraterrestrial beings built up from the previous two books. The main storyline of the Rorschach Expedition is very well done, with lots of twists and turns and action, with a little comedy thrown in. I kept getting surprised, my predictions were all wrong. The ending was strong. The only weakness I saw was most of the story back on earth. It didn't seem to mesh with the first two books. Previously, there were great conflicts between parts of the US Government, NASA, and the Amato team. Here, all that conflict and subterfuge and anger has suddenly disappeared, and everyone is in great harmony. Except for the news media, which has now become an enemy for no obvious reason. Little of what happens on earth is relevant to the main story arc. The only purpose seems to be to keep active the full cast of characters from the previous book, even though they had little to do. The inclusion of some characters from another KPD book series seems very forced and unnecessary.
February 17, 2020
Ugh, that was bad. It was a mess.
I was, unpleasantly, surprised just in a first couple of pages of this book, it felt wrong somehow, the characters, dialogues.. And it never recovered.
The book doesn't know what genre it should be, it switches between at least three of those. Characters behave stupidly, like Prometheus-like stupid. The ending is one of the biggest "deus ex machina" I read in a while.
I just wonder why it is so difficult to write good sequel. I think I am done with the series, don't feel about venturing further into contrived scenarios, reading about unlikable characters.
As I was really happy about first installment, I am utterly disappointed about this one.
I was, unpleasantly, surprised just in a first couple of pages of this book, it felt wrong somehow, the characters, dialogues.. And it never recovered.
The book doesn't know what genre it should be, it switches between at least three of those. Characters behave stupidly, like Prometheus-like stupid. The ending is one of the biggest "deus ex machina" I read in a while.
I just wonder why it is so difficult to write good sequel. I think I am done with the series, don't feel about venturing further into contrived scenarios, reading about unlikable characters.
As I was really happy about first installment, I am utterly disappointed about this one.
March 10, 2024
Reminiscent of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rama series… I could poke holes in some parts of it I didn’t like, but overall it kept my attention and was an enjoyable read.
August 19, 2022
I wasn't a huge fan of the ending.
August 12, 2019
I loved this book, and loved the previous book, “Skywave” as well. I could easily see Musk, Bezos, or Branson as Amato from the story, taking us to Callisto far faster than any government-based space agency. The plot drew me in very quickly, and the characters were well developed and easy to identify with since the book was based in current times and characters often made references to technology that we use right now and mentioned other things in conversations that made me laugh out loud, such as blue skin from stealing a gobstopper (it was actually gum that turned the girl in Willy Wonka blue, but close enough), the character with the light sabers tattooed somewhere, and another who blogged as “Elroy,” a reference from the Jetsons, and the a Vulcan greeting used when greeting a somewhat scary alien. A serious book, with light-hearted moments, believable space travel and crew, both in space and on the ground, with some frightening moments, as well as some heart-wrenching twists as well. In other words, these books have a little bit of everything. I read about 60 books a year, and rarely do I give a 5. This one was well-earne — Bravo, Mr. Donoghue. I can’t wait for #3. Now I’m off to download all his other books.
October 12, 2019
The second book describing the Rorschach Explorer and its mission to investigate strange signals coming from a twenty year old spacecraft that crashed into Callisto, a moon of Jupiter. The crew of the Explorer are constantly battling unidentified magnetic objects (UMO) and each other as the long journey unfolds. A late shift in priorities introduces a new and unexpected element into their constantly changing flight plan. A lot of confusion at mission control on earth doesn't help solve any of the problems.
August 6, 2019
A space adventures
This second book in the series has convinced me that the author is terrific writer. I am not generally a SiFi fan but this has been an exceptional treat. The previous series the stone benders was great but I was skeptical that he would be able to continue in a n series but he seamlessly blended in the old characters in this new series.
Hope his followup is not long in coming.
This second book in the series has convinced me that the author is terrific writer. I am not generally a SiFi fan but this has been an exceptional treat. The previous series the stone benders was great but I was skeptical that he would be able to continue in a n series but he seamlessly blended in the old characters in this new series.
Hope his followup is not long in coming.
August 18, 2019
The characters in this series are some of my favorites. They are nerds. Not soldiers. Not mercenaries. Scientists, astronauts, and astronomers. Sure, there are some politicians too, but I like those intrepid scientists.
We learn more about the UMO's that we met in UMO and in Skywave. There are surprises out there in space, and our crew learns about a number of threats that we never suspected.
I'm ready for the next book yesterday.
We learn more about the UMO's that we met in UMO and in Skywave. There are surprises out there in space, and our crew learns about a number of threats that we never suspected.
I'm ready for the next book yesterday.
December 6, 2019
Magwave (The Rorschach Explorer Missions Book 2) by K. Patrick Donoghue
The story continues, and gets better.
Ah ha! We are *finally* getting somewhere! Our usual assortment of heroes, and a couple of new players as well. The plot does move along, and our heroes are swept up in it.
Lots of personal pain, and growth, and some conflict along the way.
The end of this book is the perfect place to finish as we await the next.
The story continues, and gets better.
Ah ha! We are *finally* getting somewhere! Our usual assortment of heroes, and a couple of new players as well. The plot does move along, and our heroes are swept up in it.
Lots of personal pain, and growth, and some conflict along the way.
The end of this book is the perfect place to finish as we await the next.
August 2, 2022
Characters and their dialog were often odd (makes me want to check when this was published!). The end suddenly wrapped up and, as with the first book, it felt like a lot of stuff happened "off panel" and we were just suddenly told the story was wrapping up.
Don't think I need to read any more in the series if there are more. They did start off really intriguing, and I'm sort of glad I listened to them....but.....no more, thank you.
Don't think I need to read any more in the series if there are more. They did start off really intriguing, and I'm sort of glad I listened to them....but.....no more, thank you.
September 5, 2019
It takes a lot for me to give 5 stars to a book
So it has to be the best in at least the last 20 books that I read.
Magwave is truly excellent- a notch up from the first one and enjoyable all the way through.
Nicely innovative without trying to be too “technical” on the science or too long winded on character development. All around excellent.
So it has to be the best in at least the last 20 books that I read.
Magwave is truly excellent- a notch up from the first one and enjoyable all the way through.
Nicely innovative without trying to be too “technical” on the science or too long winded on character development. All around excellent.
February 15, 2020
I read over 50 books a year and love sci-fi.
This series has been one of the most engrossing books I've read in the last year. I really look forward to the next in the series. This is the first time I've read any of Donoghue's work. I plan on reading his other work while I wait for the next book in this series.
This series has been one of the most engrossing books I've read in the last year. I really look forward to the next in the series. This is the first time I've read any of Donoghue's work. I plan on reading his other work while I wait for the next book in this series.
March 9, 2021
A really good book but there were a few things that
just didn’t track for me. The two that bothered me the most were the “tame” vs “wild” space honeybees and the humans idiotic theories that did not touch on killer bees kicking humans buts. The other one? It’s a massive spoiler to mention it let alone describe it.
just didn’t track for me. The two that bothered me the most were the “tame” vs “wild” space honeybees and the humans idiotic theories that did not touch on killer bees kicking humans buts. The other one? It’s a massive spoiler to mention it let alone describe it.
July 1, 2021
One of the dumbest plots I've ever read. I have no idea how I managed to finish it. More than once I put the book down in utter disbelief.
Spoiller
Spoiller
At one point,one of the astronauts had to be tranquilized, and the author wrote that he "slumped to the floor". In a spaceship, in zero g's, with no acceleration, he "slumped to the floor"!!!
Spoiller
Spoiller
At one point,one of the astronauts had to be tranquilized, and the author wrote that he "slumped to the floor". In a spaceship, in zero g's, with no acceleration, he "slumped to the floor"!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2019
Very Good Reading
I am inclined to be very forgiving of the authors style. In many ways it's sort of simplistic. There are, at least in this edition, a good few errors, but, but, the story and its originality make up for it all. It's no "Dune" but this is good reading.
I am inclined to be very forgiving of the authors style. In many ways it's sort of simplistic. There are, at least in this edition, a good few errors, but, but, the story and its originality make up for it all. It's no "Dune" but this is good reading.
September 17, 2019
I enjoyed the 2nd book as much as the 1st. I'm not a physics student so don't know if the propulsion systems or alien life systems are remotely possible, but I don't care. The characters are memorable & the 3rd installment is due in 2020.
October 21, 2019
Comfortably relatable in these high tech times.
That opening statement I just made pretty much says it all. This is coming from a reader of Robert Heinlein fiction while he was still writing it.
That opening statement I just made pretty much says it all. This is coming from a reader of Robert Heinlein fiction while he was still writing it.
May 11, 2020
Great
Enjoyed the story very much. Well written, a lot of action, and a pace that keeps the story moving. Had no idea how this was going to end and it still came as a great surprise. Loved the story.
Enjoyed the story very much. Well written, a lot of action, and a pace that keeps the story moving. Had no idea how this was going to end and it still came as a great surprise. Loved the story.
June 2, 2020
Interesting parallels to real world people and events. Although I am a sci-fi fan, somehow this book lost me with the little swarming creatures in space. Enjoyable read that sparks the imagination. Cover your feet with a blanket, brew a hot cup and enjoy!
July 30, 2020
Superb writing, no complaints at all!
Great writing and storytelling skills on the author's part as well as excellent editing. The story is fast paced and characters are relatable and multi-dimensional. Definitely a step above the first book and worth the read.
Great writing and storytelling skills on the author's part as well as excellent editing. The story is fast paced and characters are relatable and multi-dimensional. Definitely a step above the first book and worth the read.
Read
August 7, 2020This is the 2nd book in the series. It's a good enough story but in the first book, the villain was the government. Tired, but OK.
In this one, the villain, at least initially, is the Media.
Is this a trend?
In this one, the villain, at least initially, is the Media.
Is this a trend?
October 11, 2020
Again, like with the first book in this series, I had to read over half the book before I really started to enjoy it. The second half had some interesting twists, but ended overly sweet. I will not be reading any more books in this series.
November 3, 2020
Not as good as the first one but it is still worth reading to see how the author develops the (what seems to be) a trilogy. I especially like how he has an intelligent alien race as a not humanoid species, because too often we think that "others" have to look like us. I can recommend it.
December 19, 2020
This story took quite a while to get rolling and even then it only rolled slowly. To my mind, this novel was too predictable and lacked 'clever twists and insights'. The most disturbing aspect of the book, however, is its over-use of acronyms (imagined and real).
February 4, 2021
One of the best Sci-fi books I read lately
I enjoyed both books 1 and 2 it was easy to read ,enteraining,and we'll researched ,if I have one complain it was all the acronyms I had a hard time remembering what they were .I am looking forward to Book3
I enjoyed both books 1 and 2 it was easy to read ,enteraining,and we'll researched ,if I have one complain it was all the acronyms I had a hard time remembering what they were .I am looking forward to Book3
September 2, 2021
Good read.
i liked it, a lot.But, I think that the first book in the series was a bit better. The science in this one was a bit lacking in places where there was no need to suspend science. Otherwise, quite good.
i liked it, a lot.But, I think that the first book in the series was a bit better. The science in this one was a bit lacking in places where there was no need to suspend science. Otherwise, quite good.
January 14, 2023
A long way around
This one is not as good as the first book. It took a long time to accomplish some things that in my opinion would have been easily handled with less details that were put in here.
This one is not as good as the first book. It took a long time to accomplish some things that in my opinion would have been easily handled with less details that were put in here.
December 4, 2023
Great read wish we had such a universe
NASA returning to the moon maybe we could actually make it past that this time with a man mission further out this is a story that follows that And maybe we’ll meet somebody else out there or something
NASA returning to the moon maybe we could actually make it past that this time with a man mission further out this is a story that follows that And maybe we’ll meet somebody else out there or something
August 4, 2019
Excellent
Can't wait for the next in the series. Guess I'll just have to follow the author and hope someone lets me know when it's out.
Can't wait for the next in the series. Guess I'll just have to follow the author and hope someone lets me know when it's out.
August 29, 2019
A good read
A good sci-fi read. I enjoyed the author's prequel and book 1 of the series also. Perhaps a bit too fanciful, but still kept my interest to the end. Enjoy!
A good sci-fi read. I enjoyed the author's prequel and book 1 of the series also. Perhaps a bit too fanciful, but still kept my interest to the end. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews