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Sunspot
The sunspot was huge. Nothing like it had ever been seen before---a twenty-billion square mile blot on the surface of the sun, and growing. Dr. Morris Tyler at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff has a theory that might explain what's happening, and the news isn't good. Which is why he's under surveillance after having been told to keep his theory to himself. Keeping his theory under wraps isn't easy, not when a gorgeous reporter for Parsec magazine, Gail Dionne, has him in her sights, out to get a story. Tyler's well-ordered world spins out of control when all these forces converge on him, and the world begins to grow colder as the sun . . . goes . . . out.
- GenresScience Fiction
277 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2014
53 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 11, 2023
This had an interesting premise, and though a work of fiction, including some nuggets of science on the sun that were largely correct. Whether an occurrence of low output from the sun could ever occur, or whether it was the the true cause of the Little Ice Age, is debatable, but since this is a post-apocalyptic/science fiction book, I was willing to go along. The writing and editing of the book were also pretty good and had it not been for some of the characters and other plot bits, I would have given it more stars. Tyler is an oddball, but not too bad, but his interactions with Gail made my eyes hurt with all of the eye-rolling I had to do. She is not believable as a journalist for one, but their dance toward romance was sophomoric and very, very, VERY slow. I really thought the world would end before they ever got to it. The strong arm thug, Harry McGill/Blackburn, was a seriously one-dimensional guy that took up a lot of space in the story for nothing other than an ending we could see coming 156 million kilometers away. Other than being threatening, he should have had a very small part of the book. I was really frustrated that we don't get more info on why (or even who) were the powers that be that decided to hide what was going to happen from everyone and pursue just this one scientist who had walked away from his paper years before.
The ending seemed to be a bit rushed. All of that did diminish the quality of the book, but I still enjoyed reading it.
The ending seemed to be a bit rushed. All of that did diminish the quality of the book, but I still enjoyed reading it.
June 23, 2018
I'm a scientist. I don't think, I observe..
Unlikable, self-absorbed characters, and the message that only good looking, fit people could possibly have anything important to say pretty much doomed this right from the start. Tyler, the supposed scientist hero of this book comes off as a smug, narcissistic jerk, and Gail, the potential love interest, is basically the same.
Once again, politicians and mainstream scientists, (overweight, pudgy scientists) want to suppress the theories of the strong, handsome scientist, (that would be Tyler) for their own agendas. Yawn. After plodding through about a quarter of this book I couldn't take it anymore, and gave up.
Results: the ending of this may be spectacular, but I refuse to wade through all the overblown dramatics to find out. I didn't finish this book, and I don't generally review books I don't finish, but this one was so aggravating that I made an exception.
Unlikable, self-absorbed characters, and the message that only good looking, fit people could possibly have anything important to say pretty much doomed this right from the start. Tyler, the supposed scientist hero of this book comes off as a smug, narcissistic jerk, and Gail, the potential love interest, is basically the same.
Once again, politicians and mainstream scientists, (overweight, pudgy scientists) want to suppress the theories of the strong, handsome scientist, (that would be Tyler) for their own agendas. Yawn. After plodding through about a quarter of this book I couldn't take it anymore, and gave up.
Results: the ending of this may be spectacular, but I refuse to wade through all the overblown dramatics to find out. I didn't finish this book, and I don't generally review books I don't finish, but this one was so aggravating that I made an exception.
December 20, 2019
Sunspot by Rob Leininger is a frightening, suspense-filled book. I gave it four stars.
"People said the sun acting up this summer was stirring up the same crazies who couldn't keep from howling when the moon was full."
Dr. Morris Tyler is an associate professor of physics at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He prefers being called simply "Tyler".
He was threatened to keep his mouth shut about his theory about the sunspot. Now he's under surveillance. A reporter, Gail Dionne is after a story. Her methods are not working with Tyler.
I received a complimentary kindle copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Sunspot-Rob-Le...
"People said the sun acting up this summer was stirring up the same crazies who couldn't keep from howling when the moon was full."
Dr. Morris Tyler is an associate professor of physics at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He prefers being called simply "Tyler".
He was threatened to keep his mouth shut about his theory about the sunspot. Now he's under surveillance. A reporter, Gail Dionne is after a story. Her methods are not working with Tyler.
I received a complimentary kindle copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Sunspot-Rob-Le...
March 2, 2019
Same book, different name
I have looked for this book for YEARS. I had it originally as a paperback that got lost in a move. It was so memorable that every few years i have looked for it. It was originally published as Dark Sun. I am so surprised to find it republished under a different name. I ran across it in a list of apocolyptic books and got it, not realizing it was the book i had been looking for for YEARS. I very much enjoyed rereading this old favorite and highly recommend it.
I have looked for this book for YEARS. I had it originally as a paperback that got lost in a move. It was so memorable that every few years i have looked for it. It was originally published as Dark Sun. I am so surprised to find it republished under a different name. I ran across it in a list of apocolyptic books and got it, not realizing it was the book i had been looking for for YEARS. I very much enjoyed rereading this old favorite and highly recommend it.
June 1, 2023
Great Read! New Twist to Survive
I loved this story. Great story about two intelligent people on a collision course that turns out to be their saving grace. The only question I have is why when they are escaping Arizona to go to LA to get Gail's daughter do they go to Utah down through Nevada to Las Vegas than LA come on Rob? You drive straight to LA from Arizona. You could still have found way to detour them to LV from Flagstaff that would work but Utah in there Humm. Loved the story a lot, looking for more of your stories
I loved this story. Great story about two intelligent people on a collision course that turns out to be their saving grace. The only question I have is why when they are escaping Arizona to go to LA to get Gail's daughter do they go to Utah down through Nevada to Las Vegas than LA come on Rob? You drive straight to LA from Arizona. You could still have found way to detour them to LV from Flagstaff that would work but Utah in there Humm. Loved the story a lot, looking for more of your stories
June 21, 2024
Rob astonishes me again!
Wonderfully satisfying strong, heroic characters! I especially appreciated how the story is real to the point of inspiring and motivating. How it explored humanity’s darkest moments in a realistic way yet without descending into that darkness. Scientific details about our sun boggled me with such authority I couldn’t tell where Leininger the scientist might be making stuff up. In all, I’m astonished by the author’s ability to pull off such riveting fiction and make every moment real.
Wonderfully satisfying strong, heroic characters! I especially appreciated how the story is real to the point of inspiring and motivating. How it explored humanity’s darkest moments in a realistic way yet without descending into that darkness. Scientific details about our sun boggled me with such authority I couldn’t tell where Leininger the scientist might be making stuff up. In all, I’m astonished by the author’s ability to pull off such riveting fiction and make every moment real.
July 15, 2024
It's different and good....
....I don't know anything about the science, but whatever happened to cause the sun to go dark was genuinely scary. Talk about post-apocalyptic -- I'm honestly wondering what would be left of the world: most people dead, no animals. What about fish and plants? I don't know and then author didn't elaborate.
But it's well-written and the characters are great -- the main guy is funny. I'd give it a try.
Sincerely,
....I don't know anything about the science, but whatever happened to cause the sun to go dark was genuinely scary. Talk about post-apocalyptic -- I'm honestly wondering what would be left of the world: most people dead, no animals. What about fish and plants? I don't know and then author didn't elaborate.
But it's well-written and the characters are great -- the main guy is funny. I'd give it a try.
Sincerely,
June 13, 2018
This book is really good but it starts out slow because all of the three inch words relating to the sun that is hard to read. at about page 71 on my kindle it got really exciting. Don't let the big words throw you off cause if your not into astrology you hardly can pronounce them . I just skipped them.
October 31, 2019
When the sun blinks all hell breaks loose on Earth, wiping out life and technology.Dr. Tyler had predicted the event years before but a jealous colleague dismisses his findings as nonsense. Authorities hire a rogue PI to keep Tyler from going to the press with his info. Parts of this book were very good, but others seemed to drag. For me, it wasn’t good as some of Rob Leinenger’s other books.
November 19, 2022
Enjoyed it Thoroughly!
A little different from the typical apocalyptic novel, Sunspot did not dwell overly much on the wretched behavior typical of humans in a disaster. It had lots of science that although I cannot say was with complete accuracy, it certainly passed as so.
It kept me drawn in and I’ll look for other books by Mr. Leininger.
A little different from the typical apocalyptic novel, Sunspot did not dwell overly much on the wretched behavior typical of humans in a disaster. It had lots of science that although I cannot say was with complete accuracy, it certainly passed as so.
It kept me drawn in and I’ll look for other books by Mr. Leininger.
March 18, 2024
Fun read
New twist on the “end of the world” books. Very easy and fun to read. It was definitely worth my time. Lots of technical terms to look up since I didn’t get further than 1 year of college level physics. Thank you Amazon for recommending this book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
New twist on the “end of the world” books. Very easy and fun to read. It was definitely worth my time. Lots of technical terms to look up since I didn’t get further than 1 year of college level physics. Thank you Amazon for recommending this book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
April 1, 2023
Sunspot
Dr. Morris Tyler has a theory which could possibly explain why Sunspots are getting larger and behaving erratically, but due to an incident years ago, he is reluctant to go public. Interesting reading. If you are a prepper, this is a must read!
Dr. Morris Tyler has a theory which could possibly explain why Sunspots are getting larger and behaving erratically, but due to an incident years ago, he is reluctant to go public. Interesting reading. If you are a prepper, this is a must read!
June 19, 2017
Cold but entertaining
A very entertaining read. A cold book as the sun blinks. I'm not sure about the science as thinks happen really fast, but a very good quick read.
A very entertaining read. A cold book as the sun blinks. I'm not sure about the science as thinks happen really fast, but a very good quick read.
July 23, 2019
Feels real
This author did a great job of making the characters feel real and used enough facts to bring the story to life in my mind.
This author did a great job of making the characters feel real and used enough facts to bring the story to life in my mind.
November 10, 2019
Interesting read
Novel concept that keeps you thinking. Great characters. Pays respectful and realistic homage to the Navajo culture. Offers a glimpse of desert living.
Novel concept that keeps you thinking. Great characters. Pays respectful and realistic homage to the Navajo culture. Offers a glimpse of desert living.
September 23, 2022
Loved it.
Fast-paced, hard to put down! I so wish this had a sequel. I think it would make a great movie.
Fast-paced, hard to put down! I so wish this had a sequel. I think it would make a great movie.
November 17, 2022
captivating
The book kept me engaged and wanting more. I’d love to read a follow up after the earth warmed back up.
The book kept me engaged and wanting more. I’d love to read a follow up after the earth warmed back up.
April 10, 2023
Unique.
I really liked the original story line. The sun shutting down to take a break. Awesome. The escape balloon, fantastic!
I really liked the original story line. The sun shutting down to take a break. Awesome. The escape balloon, fantastic!
June 25, 2025
Sunspot
I totally enjoyed this book. There was a lot of interesting and informative content in it. The author brought the characters to life!
I totally enjoyed this book. There was a lot of interesting and informative content in it. The author brought the characters to life!
March 4, 2017
This book was okay. The effects of the sunspot didn't come into play until three-quarters of the way through the book, so that was a bit disappointing.
August 26, 2015
Good,but could have been so much better...
First, and because I came to this book via Kindle Unlimited it is necessary to comment on something that even ten years ago would never be part of a book review...The quality of the writing itself. I'm happy to report this book is well written and competently edited. The writing style is enjoyable and the author knows how to structure a chapter.
The main premise of the book is fascinating and original. Having been an amateur astronomer for 40+ years, the concept of the Tyler Cycle grabbed me immediately. I also enjoyed the authors take on what the government allows scientists to say to the public, especially when the science conflicts with policy.
The are a few areas where the story falls short of being excellent. The first is the overblown romance between the the two main characters. After a while it became far too Harlequinesque. I just wanted them to stop talking about it and get it over with.
Another problem is with the Harry character. He takes up so much of the story, but we never find out why he is the way he is. As he's written, he's little more than a cardboard cutout with the word scumbag written on the front.
Finally, the story should have delved into the "shadow government" aspect more. It was only lightly brought up and could really have added much to the book.
On the whole I recommend this book. It has many inventive and (at least to me) original story element.
First, and because I came to this book via Kindle Unlimited it is necessary to comment on something that even ten years ago would never be part of a book review...The quality of the writing itself. I'm happy to report this book is well written and competently edited. The writing style is enjoyable and the author knows how to structure a chapter.
The main premise of the book is fascinating and original. Having been an amateur astronomer for 40+ years, the concept of the Tyler Cycle grabbed me immediately. I also enjoyed the authors take on what the government allows scientists to say to the public, especially when the science conflicts with policy.
The are a few areas where the story falls short of being excellent. The first is the overblown romance between the the two main characters. After a while it became far too Harlequinesque. I just wanted them to stop talking about it and get it over with.
Another problem is with the Harry character. He takes up so much of the story, but we never find out why he is the way he is. As he's written, he's little more than a cardboard cutout with the word scumbag written on the front.
Finally, the story should have delved into the "shadow government" aspect more. It was only lightly brought up and could really have added much to the book.
On the whole I recommend this book. It has many inventive and (at least to me) original story element.
November 14, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. It took a scientific theory and developed a life and death struggle around it with some really well developed characters. My eyes glazed over at some of the scientific solar discussions, but when it got back to the action, it was really good. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure , a love story, and the struggle between good and evil characters.
July 31, 2015
Good story
Good fast moving story. I would recommend this to disaster story fans every where. I don't know if the author wrote any other stories
Good fast moving story. I would recommend this to disaster story fans every where. I don't know if the author wrote any other stories
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews