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The Luna Missile Crisis
Audible number-one best sellers Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle return with a relentless sci-fi adventure that asks: What if?
The year is 1961. The Cold War is in full swing and the space race is on. Russia aims to send humanity to space. But what if space comes to humanity instead? Yuri Gagarin's epic flight into space is disrupted when an alien Mothership jumps into orbit, causing a cosmic car crash that defies all odds.
Everything changes. The US and USSR must quickly put aside their differences. In exchange for the Earth's help in the rebuilding of their Mothership, the mysterious aliens, the Vulbathi, offer promises of technology beyond humanity's wildest dreams. All the while, the world asks whether the Vulbathi are saviors or conquerors.
When an alien tech counterfeiter's mistake sets off a chain reaction, the fragile peace is threatened. Connor McCoy didn't mean to upset Earth's new intergalactic neighbors. He only wanted to make some cash.
Now, Connor is the only person who can stop the doomsday clock from striking midnight. That is if his estranged brother, an agent in the new Department of Alien Relations, doesn't stop him first.
The year is 1961. The Cold War is in full swing and the space race is on. Russia aims to send humanity to space. But what if space comes to humanity instead? Yuri Gagarin's epic flight into space is disrupted when an alien Mothership jumps into orbit, causing a cosmic car crash that defies all odds.
Everything changes. The US and USSR must quickly put aside their differences. In exchange for the Earth's help in the rebuilding of their Mothership, the mysterious aliens, the Vulbathi, offer promises of technology beyond humanity's wildest dreams. All the while, the world asks whether the Vulbathi are saviors or conquerors.
When an alien tech counterfeiter's mistake sets off a chain reaction, the fragile peace is threatened. Connor McCoy didn't mean to upset Earth's new intergalactic neighbors. He only wanted to make some cash.
Now, Connor is the only person who can stop the doomsday clock from striking midnight. That is if his estranged brother, an agent in the new Department of Alien Relations, doesn't stop him first.
15 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 20, 2020
257 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Rhett C. Bruno
70 books648 followersRhett is happy to hear from his fans and can be reached at rcbruno44@outlook.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for exclusive access to updates about his work and the opportunity to receive limited content and ARCs.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 28, 2021
The Luna Missile Crisis
By: Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Wow, this book was so good! It has an alternative history theme going, alien contact, world destruction, twin brothers with one a loser and one a hero, and aliens as good guys! I can't wait for the next book!
There is so much to unwrap in here that I can't in such a small space. Two brothers, their relationship, and the world is resting on their shoulders by the end of the book. They both grow, in different ways but exciting adventures on both sides.
I wanted to cheer, yell, cry, laugh, and all with minutes of each other! This book is never boring! I love the aliens, especially the special one.
Recommended highly!!!
By: Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Wow, this book was so good! It has an alternative history theme going, alien contact, world destruction, twin brothers with one a loser and one a hero, and aliens as good guys! I can't wait for the next book!
There is so much to unwrap in here that I can't in such a small space. Two brothers, their relationship, and the world is resting on their shoulders by the end of the book. They both grow, in different ways but exciting adventures on both sides.
I wanted to cheer, yell, cry, laugh, and all with minutes of each other! This book is never boring! I love the aliens, especially the special one.
Recommended highly!!!
February 25, 2020
Luna Missile Crisis is a blend of several things, but it is mainly an Alternative History Sci-Fi story, in which an alien ship arrives in orbit above earth, at the exact time and location that Yuri Gagarin’s ship happens to have launched, not only destroying his ship, but causing a catastrophic series of events. One of these is a massive Nuclear explosion that devastates a swathe of northern Europe, after the Russians launch their Nuclear arsenal thinking the Americans have shot down Yuri to avoid losing the space race. But the weapons come within range of the alien ship, which detonate them, unfortunately, as they are over Europe.
It is a rather fascinating twist on time, as instead, we have a first contact scenario, but one that has come at the cost of so many lives.
That is the brilliant thing about this book – it is a first contact (with a race called the Vulbathi that are terrifying creatures that have a striking resemblance to a Toad – and thus their rather derogatory nickname – Toads), it is also an alternative history of the 1960’s, with all the key players, some of the key events (slightly warped given the addition of our Vulbathi friends), and with the humour we have come to expect from Bruno and Castle,
But at its core, it is quite serious, and for the most part, a powerful Character Driven story about 2 brothers, twins, Connor McCoy at one end of the scale, a low-life Grifter, ex-drug addict, who has spent his life burning bridges and at the other end, his brother Kyle, the perfect ‘All American Hero’, intelligent, good job, beautiful wife and through his actions, he has made a connection with the Aliens, ‘The Vulbathi’ that allowed everyone to survive on that first contact day. He even has a close relationship with one of the Aliens (a Vulbathi called Shimmer)
What follows in this book is a series of events and stories that to some extent, mirror those of the 1960’s, with all the Political intrigues, the highs and lows of that era, the Kennedy era, but it is strangely different as we are in an alternative timeline created when the Vulbathi ship crashed into poor Yuri Gagarin’s fateful voyage, destroying his ship, and changing history as we know it.
And we get to see this history through the stories of the two brother’s eyes, some through Connor’s side and his Grifting operations, and some through Kyle’s eyes and his DAR work. That is, before something unexpected happens, and the brothers switch places due to another series of events, and Connor becomes Kyle and vice-versa. (I’ll let you read the who, how, why, where, what, and when’s of that!!),
Needless to say, Connor the Grifter suddenly being dropped into the highest echelons of Government and the DAR and the Aliens, whilst Kyle the DAR Agent tries to get past as a Grifter amongst an angry Mob outfit, makes for some very good reading, and tells a really interesting story.
Events of course, all culminate around the Vulbathi, these incredible beings that look like monstrous Toads, something that which if you are squeamish about frogs, or just hated Kermit, then you would probably need knew pants if one of these came to full height in front of you, especially if it started talking into your mind (Their only means of communication). Again, the Authors have outdone themselves here with the creative and remarkable Vulbathi that they have created for this book, not just the creatures themselves, their form of communication, but the world building that has gone into their species, their tech, their ship, history, everything, it is just exceptional and adds so much more to the story.
One of the best parts of this entire book, is that it is still the 1960s, but just a very kaleidoscope version of it. John F. Kennedy is there in all his charismatic glory as President, as is his Russian Counterpart, the Space Race has a somewhat different look and feel to it now? Hoover runs the DAR now not the FBI (the Department of Alien Relations), and Nixon is still there (My favourite bit of this book, and if you are an Audiobook fan, You MUST get the Ray Porter Audio version it is outstanding, but the best bit is still that the Authors managed to weave Nixon, “I’m Not a Crook” into this story – brilliant!!), and then there is Neil Armstrong, playing Taxi Driver to the Moon and back as everyone wants ‘The Best Pilot in Space’ to take them to the Moon. The Authors have gone to a lot of effort to make sure that the alternative history figures are not just realistic, but have so much depth to them, so that they have credibility in the story as well (Thus the comment about Nixon). This is such a masterfully crafted story, in which so much detail and attention has been given to certain historical events, and they have then used this to have some fun with, or used them in quite a serious manner to create rather an epic bit of storyline. It makes for just sensational reading!!
The Character work in this book is just extraordinary, from both Brothers, to the minor Characters such as Connor’s Gang, to Kyle’s Wife Tracy, and his DAR team mates. The Vulbathi called ‘Shimmer’ that Kyle meets is one of the most amazing and just incredible characters I have read in a long time, as the Authors actually made the creature ‘seem’ Alien in how it communicated, and its understanding of humans. It was exceptionally well done.
There are a lot of other characters I could mention that are not only creative, engaging and just fantastic, truly remarkable, but I don’t want to give away spoilers.
Overall, this is going to be one of the best books of 2020, and if you are fortunate enough to read it, it will be one of the best books you read this year. It has everything you could want in a book and more. If you are struggling with which book to read – try this one – it is just so worth it, seriously!!
It is a rather fascinating twist on time, as instead, we have a first contact scenario, but one that has come at the cost of so many lives.
That is the brilliant thing about this book – it is a first contact (with a race called the Vulbathi that are terrifying creatures that have a striking resemblance to a Toad – and thus their rather derogatory nickname – Toads), it is also an alternative history of the 1960’s, with all the key players, some of the key events (slightly warped given the addition of our Vulbathi friends), and with the humour we have come to expect from Bruno and Castle,
But at its core, it is quite serious, and for the most part, a powerful Character Driven story about 2 brothers, twins, Connor McCoy at one end of the scale, a low-life Grifter, ex-drug addict, who has spent his life burning bridges and at the other end, his brother Kyle, the perfect ‘All American Hero’, intelligent, good job, beautiful wife and through his actions, he has made a connection with the Aliens, ‘The Vulbathi’ that allowed everyone to survive on that first contact day. He even has a close relationship with one of the Aliens (a Vulbathi called Shimmer)
What follows in this book is a series of events and stories that to some extent, mirror those of the 1960’s, with all the Political intrigues, the highs and lows of that era, the Kennedy era, but it is strangely different as we are in an alternative timeline created when the Vulbathi ship crashed into poor Yuri Gagarin’s fateful voyage, destroying his ship, and changing history as we know it.
And we get to see this history through the stories of the two brother’s eyes, some through Connor’s side and his Grifting operations, and some through Kyle’s eyes and his DAR work. That is, before something unexpected happens, and the brothers switch places due to another series of events, and Connor becomes Kyle and vice-versa. (I’ll let you read the who, how, why, where, what, and when’s of that!!),
Needless to say, Connor the Grifter suddenly being dropped into the highest echelons of Government and the DAR and the Aliens, whilst Kyle the DAR Agent tries to get past as a Grifter amongst an angry Mob outfit, makes for some very good reading, and tells a really interesting story.
Events of course, all culminate around the Vulbathi, these incredible beings that look like monstrous Toads, something that which if you are squeamish about frogs, or just hated Kermit, then you would probably need knew pants if one of these came to full height in front of you, especially if it started talking into your mind (Their only means of communication). Again, the Authors have outdone themselves here with the creative and remarkable Vulbathi that they have created for this book, not just the creatures themselves, their form of communication, but the world building that has gone into their species, their tech, their ship, history, everything, it is just exceptional and adds so much more to the story.
One of the best parts of this entire book, is that it is still the 1960s, but just a very kaleidoscope version of it. John F. Kennedy is there in all his charismatic glory as President, as is his Russian Counterpart, the Space Race has a somewhat different look and feel to it now? Hoover runs the DAR now not the FBI (the Department of Alien Relations), and Nixon is still there (My favourite bit of this book, and if you are an Audiobook fan, You MUST get the Ray Porter Audio version it is outstanding, but the best bit is still that the Authors managed to weave Nixon, “I’m Not a Crook” into this story – brilliant!!), and then there is Neil Armstrong, playing Taxi Driver to the Moon and back as everyone wants ‘The Best Pilot in Space’ to take them to the Moon. The Authors have gone to a lot of effort to make sure that the alternative history figures are not just realistic, but have so much depth to them, so that they have credibility in the story as well (Thus the comment about Nixon). This is such a masterfully crafted story, in which so much detail and attention has been given to certain historical events, and they have then used this to have some fun with, or used them in quite a serious manner to create rather an epic bit of storyline. It makes for just sensational reading!!
The Character work in this book is just extraordinary, from both Brothers, to the minor Characters such as Connor’s Gang, to Kyle’s Wife Tracy, and his DAR team mates. The Vulbathi called ‘Shimmer’ that Kyle meets is one of the most amazing and just incredible characters I have read in a long time, as the Authors actually made the creature ‘seem’ Alien in how it communicated, and its understanding of humans. It was exceptionally well done.
There are a lot of other characters I could mention that are not only creative, engaging and just fantastic, truly remarkable, but I don’t want to give away spoilers.
Overall, this is going to be one of the best books of 2020, and if you are fortunate enough to read it, it will be one of the best books you read this year. It has everything you could want in a book and more. If you are struggling with which book to read – try this one – it is just so worth it, seriously!!
March 26, 2020
Seriously. This is one of the best SF discoveries I've heard. It's kind of like when I discovered Dune; I felt like, I'd never heard anything like it, but I knew it was a perfect fit for my taste and I needed more of it.
Luna Missile Crisis is different in that it has a little noir feel, as the main characters are twins, and one sells bootleg alien devices to the mob. Can't say I've ever mixed those two genres, but the character engagement and fascinating alien mythos made the combination like eating the perfect Italian sub while flying a spaceship to a wild new world.
I knew Bruno and Castle from their Buried Goddess saga; which was in my top five of 2019--but, to be honest, I read the description for this book and thought...hmm what kind of story would that look like? Then I heard an audio interview with the authors and narrator Ray Porter. Ray's voice kicked in this comfort zone nostalgia of some other amazing scifi adventure stories and I thought, yeah, I am due for another SF thrill ride with Ray on the mic. He completely delivered! Ray is the top notch talent in SF, and hearing him put to voice one of the best SF I've read in years is a treat many need to enjoy.
If there's a list for petitioning Audible to ensure this series is locked in for many years to come, sign me up, and reserve a Connor t-shirt for yo boy. Octopus... Noctopus? is the tagline. Book it.
Not only did this story surprise me with a unique twist of noir and space exploration, but it's also equally parts impressive in engaging me with characters and a plot that never let up. This was the first book I've gone back and re-listened to the ending simply because it was that good and I was so surprised with how well they surprised and entertained me. The pull to hear more stories in this world is truly unique. The alien race is uniquely empathetic and mysterious. I need to know more about the rift, how they travel and how their species will evolve and interact with humans after what just happened. The surviving characters and the mess they left in their wake would fill a series all by itself. Both of those super interesting story setups would impact our genre universe like a supernova.
Audible... listen to me. Make more. You won't regret it.
Luna Missile Crisis is different in that it has a little noir feel, as the main characters are twins, and one sells bootleg alien devices to the mob. Can't say I've ever mixed those two genres, but the character engagement and fascinating alien mythos made the combination like eating the perfect Italian sub while flying a spaceship to a wild new world.
I knew Bruno and Castle from their Buried Goddess saga; which was in my top five of 2019--but, to be honest, I read the description for this book and thought...hmm what kind of story would that look like? Then I heard an audio interview with the authors and narrator Ray Porter. Ray's voice kicked in this comfort zone nostalgia of some other amazing scifi adventure stories and I thought, yeah, I am due for another SF thrill ride with Ray on the mic. He completely delivered! Ray is the top notch talent in SF, and hearing him put to voice one of the best SF I've read in years is a treat many need to enjoy.
If there's a list for petitioning Audible to ensure this series is locked in for many years to come, sign me up, and reserve a Connor t-shirt for yo boy. Octopus... Noctopus? is the tagline. Book it.
Not only did this story surprise me with a unique twist of noir and space exploration, but it's also equally parts impressive in engaging me with characters and a plot that never let up. This was the first book I've gone back and re-listened to the ending simply because it was that good and I was so surprised with how well they surprised and entertained me. The pull to hear more stories in this world is truly unique. The alien race is uniquely empathetic and mysterious. I need to know more about the rift, how they travel and how their species will evolve and interact with humans after what just happened. The surviving characters and the mess they left in their wake would fill a series all by itself. Both of those super interesting story setups would impact our genre universe like a supernova.
Audible... listen to me. Make more. You won't regret it.
August 13, 2020
4+ stars (noting my review is based on the ebook ARC provided by RCB in exchange for an honest review).
Well, kids, I've got to say: "The Luna Missile Crisis" may not be the best book I've read this year but it will definitely be in the running for the most pleasant surprise of the year! I certainly did not expect this but wow what a ride and a real shocker to boot! And when you think about it - well, I mean, after you read it of course (and you should) - its actually quite relevant to our times in many ways!
But first, confession time: truth be told, there were a few reasons I was hesitant to try this book primarily because I haven't had the best of luck in the past with either historical 're-tellings' nor co-authored tales. However, this story ranks for me right up there with the amazing (and tragically shortened due to in-fighting) graphic novel series 'The Manhattan Projects' by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Pitarra (pub. by Image Comics). Seriously, in the space (oops pun intended?) of just a few short pages, this tale set smack dab in the 1960s goes from what I thought was going to be a routine albeit well-written first contact novel into a complicated political and social commentary that just really blew me away! Kind of like bits from 'Men in Black 3', but - you know - actually good!
Obviously, I can't speak for the specific contributions of each of the authors in this case, but I can whole-heartedly confirm that RCB continues to show his scifi chops with every book of his I can get my hands on. He is a talent to be put not only your reading list today but well into the future. The plots he develops are unique, they're exciting and they're never linear enough to think that all will be smooth sailing ahead. And I love that he always manages to put together a wide range of characters that move in and out of each other's spheres of existence along with complicated and deliciously subtle plot moves that seem to have been developed by a chess master! Even in the case of 'Luna', what with a plethora of known public figures in the picture, he still brings out nuances that though perhaps sometimes aren't that surprising (come on, we all knew one figure was going to be the Bad Guy) but they are so well-handled! Add to that a series of, well, call them 'coincidences' that inextricably link everyone involved that will leave your brain hurting worse than being telepathically summoned and what you get is several hours of fun ahead!
OK, to my rating: The aspects that kept this from being a full-fledged 5* book for me aren't perhaps that big but I did promise to be honest - and to be honest I am also judging this book against the others in RCB's catalogue that I've read. First, there are some grammatical errors still hiding out in the text and that always makes my brain itch. Secondly, even though the connections are clever there comes a point where some of them become hard-to-swallow in their convenience (the whole twin thing which brings in mafia, alien and political aspects into one far-too-useful bundle), even though yes, I know, I did compliment that earlier (this time though its just a bit much, particularly with the added clichés about, well, everyone).
And perhaps finally, there isn't really enough closure at the end for my tastes. Yes, I get what happens but we're still left wondering about (for example) a pending birth, where our protagonists go from here and even what happens in terms of The Truth (cue X Files music). Also, and I hope this doesn't count as a spoiler, but the finale of the book is kind of, well, a total bummer. The message about humanity is not very uplifting, namely, we'll never be united as a species until we gain some way (or someones) to focus our mutual hatred upon. Yes, I agree with that sentiment and have proselytized in various forums using almost exactly this same message myself before - but damn, knowing that there are other people as tragically cynical as me is a tough pill to swallow. I don't think it could have ended differently but it sure makes you think, don't it? It do.
Kids, this is an outstanding read. Enjoy!
Well, kids, I've got to say: "The Luna Missile Crisis" may not be the best book I've read this year but it will definitely be in the running for the most pleasant surprise of the year! I certainly did not expect this but wow what a ride and a real shocker to boot! And when you think about it - well, I mean, after you read it of course (and you should) - its actually quite relevant to our times in many ways!
But first, confession time: truth be told, there were a few reasons I was hesitant to try this book primarily because I haven't had the best of luck in the past with either historical 're-tellings' nor co-authored tales. However, this story ranks for me right up there with the amazing (and tragically shortened due to in-fighting) graphic novel series 'The Manhattan Projects' by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Pitarra (pub. by Image Comics). Seriously, in the space (oops pun intended?) of just a few short pages, this tale set smack dab in the 1960s goes from what I thought was going to be a routine albeit well-written first contact novel into a complicated political and social commentary that just really blew me away! Kind of like bits from 'Men in Black 3', but - you know - actually good!
Obviously, I can't speak for the specific contributions of each of the authors in this case, but I can whole-heartedly confirm that RCB continues to show his scifi chops with every book of his I can get my hands on. He is a talent to be put not only your reading list today but well into the future. The plots he develops are unique, they're exciting and they're never linear enough to think that all will be smooth sailing ahead. And I love that he always manages to put together a wide range of characters that move in and out of each other's spheres of existence along with complicated and deliciously subtle plot moves that seem to have been developed by a chess master! Even in the case of 'Luna', what with a plethora of known public figures in the picture, he still brings out nuances that though perhaps sometimes aren't that surprising (come on, we all knew one figure was going to be the Bad Guy) but they are so well-handled! Add to that a series of, well, call them 'coincidences' that inextricably link everyone involved that will leave your brain hurting worse than being telepathically summoned and what you get is several hours of fun ahead!
OK, to my rating: The aspects that kept this from being a full-fledged 5* book for me aren't perhaps that big but I did promise to be honest - and to be honest I am also judging this book against the others in RCB's catalogue that I've read. First, there are some grammatical errors still hiding out in the text and that always makes my brain itch. Secondly, even though the connections are clever there comes a point where some of them become hard-to-swallow in their convenience (the whole twin thing which brings in mafia, alien and political aspects into one far-too-useful bundle), even though yes, I know, I did compliment that earlier (this time though its just a bit much, particularly with the added clichés about, well, everyone).
And perhaps finally, there isn't really enough closure at the end for my tastes. Yes, I get what happens but we're still left wondering about (for example) a pending birth, where our protagonists go from here and even what happens in terms of The Truth (cue X Files music). Also, and I hope this doesn't count as a spoiler, but the finale of the book is kind of, well, a total bummer. The message about humanity is not very uplifting, namely, we'll never be united as a species until we gain some way (or someones) to focus our mutual hatred upon. Yes, I agree with that sentiment and have proselytized in various forums using almost exactly this same message myself before - but damn, knowing that there are other people as tragically cynical as me is a tough pill to swallow. I don't think it could have ended differently but it sure makes you think, don't it? It do.
Kids, this is an outstanding read. Enjoy!
August 27, 2020
The story is worth one star...but I gave it an extra-star-bump because the book is narrated by Ray Porter and he is awesome, as always.
The concept for the novel is so cool, and the writing isn't terrible...but the story's execution was not well done. There is no nuance, no twists and turns, just action for the sake of action. Could have been so much more.
The concept for the novel is so cool, and the writing isn't terrible...but the story's execution was not well done. There is no nuance, no twists and turns, just action for the sake of action. Could have been so much more.
March 5, 2020
Very good alt-history sci-fi story with plenty of room for more.
January 24, 2021
Part of reviews involve the reading experience, which can be tilted by any number of factors. Maybe I was in a bad mood listening to this book. Maybe I was reading something else I really loved and by unfortunate comparison this didn’t click and I was upset I couldn’t be reading the first book? Something upset this ride, and I can’t put my finger on it.
What I do know is that the fault does not lie with Ray Porter. The man is a national treasure.
The plot is right up my alley. No issue there. Alternate history with a sci-fi twist? AND RAY PORTER?
Kyle drove me batshit bananas. I should associate with him. I tend to come down hard on people who harm me with their irresponsibility. Connor harmed his brother to a degree I can’t begin to comprehend, and yet virtually every line Kyle had for the first half of the book involved him snarling “damn it” as he slammed fists on the table. Excusable sentiment, but irritating as hell to read. Things did evolve over time, sure, but for whole swaths of this narrative I couldn’t stand anybody.
The plot was fine and I’d be intrigued to see where this goes from here, but I just had a hard time caring.
What I do know is that the fault does not lie with Ray Porter. The man is a national treasure.
The plot is right up my alley. No issue there. Alternate history with a sci-fi twist? AND RAY PORTER?
Kyle drove me batshit bananas. I should associate with him. I tend to come down hard on people who harm me with their irresponsibility. Connor harmed his brother to a degree I can’t begin to comprehend, and yet virtually every line Kyle had for the first half of the book involved him snarling “damn it” as he slammed fists on the table. Excusable sentiment, but irritating as hell to read. Things did evolve over time, sure, but for whole swaths of this narrative I couldn’t stand anybody.
The plot was fine and I’d be intrigued to see where this goes from here, but I just had a hard time caring.
March 17, 2020
I was hooked from the first sentence. This audiobook is exquisite! I love the mix of past life and futuristic technology it does not get any better. The storyline is so intricate and woven together so nicely that it keeps you wanting more. The characters are a mixed bag of everything and you find yourself rooting for them, hating them, and wondering what the heck they’re doing all in the same chapter. The descriptions of the landscapes from deep inside Europe all the way to New York City were awesome! It really felt like I was there and it was easy to get lost in this audiobook. What can you say about that magnificent Ray Porter just another masterpiece. This guy can really do it all. Definitely bringing the authors word to life. President Nixon, JFK, a lonely street thug, and a secret Russian female agent all in the same title with different voices and spot on accents. I didn’t even mention the alien voices. Just overall an amazing listen. Treat yourself and grab this one. I actually listened to the last few chapters with my jaw on the floor mouth wide-open. So freaking good!
March 26, 2020
DNF'd at about 25%. This is a l-o-n-g book on audio; I knew I wasn't going to enjoy 23 hours even though Ray Porter's narration is off the charts. The premise is great - it's an alternate timeline story of the 1960's and the start of the cold war. JFK is president and we have two main characters who are identical twins, opposite personalities.
I think this book is probably worth reading if you're a fan of any of these things, but I got bored. I didn't care about aliens or politics or gangsters or honestly any of it. Basically, it didn't grab me and pull me in. It had a lot of potential - but for me, it just wasn't the time and I don't have the patience or attention span for it. I have a feeling that it's not the book, it's me.
I think this book is probably worth reading if you're a fan of any of these things, but I got bored. I didn't care about aliens or politics or gangsters or honestly any of it. Basically, it didn't grab me and pull me in. It had a lot of potential - but for me, it just wasn't the time and I don't have the patience or attention span for it. I have a feeling that it's not the book, it's me.
December 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, and recommend it to you. It reminded me of books I might have read in my youth, so long ago now, rather than recent books. And that is a Good Thing!!!
I found it fascinating how the authors took our history, and what happened to real people, and made some of them have the similar endings but caused by a different circumstances. I know that sounds a bit odd, but listening to this will make you realise what I mean! It is certainly a quite unique story compared to others I have encountered in recent times, and as my journey through progressed, it certainly became extremely riveting!
I found it fascinating how the authors took our history, and what happened to real people, and made some of them have the similar endings but caused by a different circumstances. I know that sounds a bit odd, but listening to this will make you realise what I mean! It is certainly a quite unique story compared to others I have encountered in recent times, and as my journey through progressed, it certainly became extremely riveting!
April 19, 2023
Lazy and cliche. I didn't make it all the way through this one as less then half way through it quickly became apparent it was a waste of my time. Poorly written and unimaginative for a Sci-fi book. It is the kind of bad writing where the authors describe the characters as rather smart and then continually write them doing stupid things over and over to create drama or action. It's like they watched a couple of bad B rate movies and then compiled the stories together to try and write a book.
March 24, 2020
The following review was originally published in the online newspaper The Orkney News in March 2020. Link here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/03/24...
The Luna Missile Crisis By Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle
An Audible Original Release
Informational Note: I am reviewing this audiobook release of my own free will. However I did receive a free copy from one of the book’s two authors after displaying an interest in the plot which I feel I must disclose. I do intend to give an honest and fair review to the best of my ability
Hello again to you all! It’s time for another piece of audio science fiction once more. But this time it’s a bit more retro…a bit more 60s. Why don’t I tell you all about the Luna Missile Crisis?
The Luna Missile Crisis is actually an audiobook somewhat outside of my usual wheelhouse as despite being a science fiction story it is also an alternative history story which is something I have relatively little experience with. However I’m certainly glad I gave it a shot!
The plot is as follows: The year is 1961: The Russian cosmonaut program is about to send its first hero Yuri Gagarin out into space and beat the Americans to at least that first hurdle in the space race. But there’s a slight problem. A cosmic car crash occurs utterly decimating Gagarin. The people on the other end of the incident: The Vulbathi: A toad like semi aquatic alien species who communicate in ways utterly unknown to humanity. As a side effect of this Russian premier Nikita Khrushchev does the unthinkable and fires nukes at the Americans. The Vulbathi feeling threatened destroy the nukes directly over Eastern Europe and turn Germany, Poland, Hungary and various connected nations into a radioactive wasteland known as The Dead Curtain.
It has been three years. Things have changed. Humanity lives peacefully with The Vulbathi in a spirit of co-operation. The aliens have shared some of their great technology allowing great advances however not all humans view these new arrivals as allies or friends. Are they saviours? Conquerers? The fragile peace is threatened unintentionally when an alien technology counterfeiter sets off a geopolitical time bomb. So now it’s up to Connor McCoy to fix his mistake – provided his brother in the Department Of Alien Relations catch him first!
The Luna Missile Crisis is an entertaining listen, very much in the same feel as the 1960s science fiction pulps of the era this story evokes. The changes to global society caused by the arrival of the Vulbathi are intriguing as are the changes in technology like the ‘holotube’ television or the entire existence of the Luna International moonbase. Despite its pulpy nature you can believe the character motivations in a lot of cases. Connor McCoy has perfectly reasonable personal trauma from ‘Contact Day’ which means he doesn’t exactly trust the new arrivals and generally closes himself off from would be friends. One of the small time threats who thinks they are a lot more important than they are – a certain mafioso – is convincingly motivated by a mix of arrogance, self-confidence and greed and various other examples.
Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle have written the story well. Alongside the aforementioned changes in tech and character motivation I also have to praise the internal logic. They’ve clearly spent some time together planning out how these new alterations have consequences so the story makes sense. Not to mention the limitations on what the alien arrivals can and can’t do. There are limits to the Vulbathi so they don’t just feel like gods or living deus ex machinas.
But there is one criticism I feel I must bring up. This may be due to my minimal experience with alternative histories but it did feel like the book spent no small amount of time at the beginning wandering before starting the main narrative. Set up is important. That is obvious. But it felt as though the first quarter or so of this book was set up. Once the main narrative got going it was a gripping story well told and I may well give other books by the authors a listen.
The narrator for this Audible Original is a certain Ray Porter who did an excellent job with the narration. He really heightened the pulp fiction vibe with his narration sounding like it came from an American news anchor of the period. My favourite voices he gave the characters were definitely his voices for the McCoy brothers as he did a perfect job displaying the differences in their outlook on life and personalities through their voices. With a secondary favourite in the form of Shimmer the Vulbathi Ambassador due to the way he manages to depict the way the Vulbathi communicate and their emotions through his vocals. I can definitely understand why I’d heard good things from elsewhere regarding Mr Porter!
In conclusion The Luna Missile Crisis is a very entertaining alternative history tale with a pulp sci-fi bent. Bruno and Castle are definitely a pair of talented writers and ones I’ll keep an eye on. Despite my one relatively major complaint this is still an excellent story well told by talented wordsmiths and I’m more than glad I took a chance on the McCoy brothers! I hope I can persuade some of my readers to join me!
Ah…yes. It’s you human. I’ve been keeping an eye on you as I promised. Becoming friends with the Inquisition is brave. Very brave indeed. But I think it’s time I take you back into the Warp. Back into the Heresy.
As my newly returned Warpspawn pointed out it looks I will have to disappear until April. It is indeed time for another month of heresies. See you all soon!
Sayonara!
Nephrite
The Luna Missile Crisis By Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle
An Audible Original Release
Informational Note: I am reviewing this audiobook release of my own free will. However I did receive a free copy from one of the book’s two authors after displaying an interest in the plot which I feel I must disclose. I do intend to give an honest and fair review to the best of my ability
Hello again to you all! It’s time for another piece of audio science fiction once more. But this time it’s a bit more retro…a bit more 60s. Why don’t I tell you all about the Luna Missile Crisis?
The Luna Missile Crisis is actually an audiobook somewhat outside of my usual wheelhouse as despite being a science fiction story it is also an alternative history story which is something I have relatively little experience with. However I’m certainly glad I gave it a shot!
The plot is as follows: The year is 1961: The Russian cosmonaut program is about to send its first hero Yuri Gagarin out into space and beat the Americans to at least that first hurdle in the space race. But there’s a slight problem. A cosmic car crash occurs utterly decimating Gagarin. The people on the other end of the incident: The Vulbathi: A toad like semi aquatic alien species who communicate in ways utterly unknown to humanity. As a side effect of this Russian premier Nikita Khrushchev does the unthinkable and fires nukes at the Americans. The Vulbathi feeling threatened destroy the nukes directly over Eastern Europe and turn Germany, Poland, Hungary and various connected nations into a radioactive wasteland known as The Dead Curtain.
It has been three years. Things have changed. Humanity lives peacefully with The Vulbathi in a spirit of co-operation. The aliens have shared some of their great technology allowing great advances however not all humans view these new arrivals as allies or friends. Are they saviours? Conquerers? The fragile peace is threatened unintentionally when an alien technology counterfeiter sets off a geopolitical time bomb. So now it’s up to Connor McCoy to fix his mistake – provided his brother in the Department Of Alien Relations catch him first!
The Luna Missile Crisis is an entertaining listen, very much in the same feel as the 1960s science fiction pulps of the era this story evokes. The changes to global society caused by the arrival of the Vulbathi are intriguing as are the changes in technology like the ‘holotube’ television or the entire existence of the Luna International moonbase. Despite its pulpy nature you can believe the character motivations in a lot of cases. Connor McCoy has perfectly reasonable personal trauma from ‘Contact Day’ which means he doesn’t exactly trust the new arrivals and generally closes himself off from would be friends. One of the small time threats who thinks they are a lot more important than they are – a certain mafioso – is convincingly motivated by a mix of arrogance, self-confidence and greed and various other examples.
Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle have written the story well. Alongside the aforementioned changes in tech and character motivation I also have to praise the internal logic. They’ve clearly spent some time together planning out how these new alterations have consequences so the story makes sense. Not to mention the limitations on what the alien arrivals can and can’t do. There are limits to the Vulbathi so they don’t just feel like gods or living deus ex machinas.
But there is one criticism I feel I must bring up. This may be due to my minimal experience with alternative histories but it did feel like the book spent no small amount of time at the beginning wandering before starting the main narrative. Set up is important. That is obvious. But it felt as though the first quarter or so of this book was set up. Once the main narrative got going it was a gripping story well told and I may well give other books by the authors a listen.
The narrator for this Audible Original is a certain Ray Porter who did an excellent job with the narration. He really heightened the pulp fiction vibe with his narration sounding like it came from an American news anchor of the period. My favourite voices he gave the characters were definitely his voices for the McCoy brothers as he did a perfect job displaying the differences in their outlook on life and personalities through their voices. With a secondary favourite in the form of Shimmer the Vulbathi Ambassador due to the way he manages to depict the way the Vulbathi communicate and their emotions through his vocals. I can definitely understand why I’d heard good things from elsewhere regarding Mr Porter!
In conclusion The Luna Missile Crisis is a very entertaining alternative history tale with a pulp sci-fi bent. Bruno and Castle are definitely a pair of talented writers and ones I’ll keep an eye on. Despite my one relatively major complaint this is still an excellent story well told by talented wordsmiths and I’m more than glad I took a chance on the McCoy brothers! I hope I can persuade some of my readers to join me!
Ah…yes. It’s you human. I’ve been keeping an eye on you as I promised. Becoming friends with the Inquisition is brave. Very brave indeed. But I think it’s time I take you back into the Warp. Back into the Heresy.
As my newly returned Warpspawn pointed out it looks I will have to disappear until April. It is indeed time for another month of heresies. See you all soon!
Sayonara!
Nephrite
January 24, 2021
If you're looking for a serious work of alternate history, this is going to disappoint. If you're looking for a pulp-infused roller-coaster ride of an alternate history tale, then The Luna Missile Crisis is just the ticket. Set in a 1960s that's in the aftermath of a disastrous first contact that nearly started a nuclear war and left Eastern Europe devastated, the focus is on the McCoy twins, Connor and Kyle. Connor is a former Hollywood bit-player turned con man, looking to make a score with a mobster that goes south. His brother Kyle, meanwhile, is a former Army combat medic turned senior agent in the Department of Alien Relations (DAR), a right-hand man to its director J. Edgar Hoover and a top player in an upcoming summit between the superpowers and the extraterrestrial Vulbathi (known as "toads," to humans because of their amphibious nature). As you may have guessed from the fact their twins, mistaken identities come into play when events soon enough spiral out of control as the détente between America, the Soviets, and the Vulbathi comes apart.
The result is a page-turner, an immensely fun one at that, full of great action sequences and its tongue firmly resting in its cheek. With a follow-up said to be due out later this year, now is the time to check it out.
The result is a page-turner, an immensely fun one at that, full of great action sequences and its tongue firmly resting in its cheek. With a follow-up said to be due out later this year, now is the time to check it out.
October 24, 2020
When I first read the blurb for this novel it put me in mind of Turtledove's World War series, in which aliens arrive during World War II, a series that I really enjoyed. In this book, the first contact comes at the height of the Cold War, just as Gargarin is launched on his way to the first manned space flight.
The characters are likeable, and the story was enjoyable, but there were a few things that just didn't ring true to me - and some of them were vital to the plot. This is clearly the first of a series as, while the main plot is resolved, there are a lot of questions that remain. I believe the sequel is due next year.
The characters are likeable, and the story was enjoyable, but there were a few things that just didn't ring true to me - and some of them were vital to the plot. This is clearly the first of a series as, while the main plot is resolved, there are a lot of questions that remain. I believe the sequel is due next year.
November 12, 2020
I found this to be a fairly well written alternate universe story.
As the title states, it is a first contact with aliens story, set in a slightly alternate universe. This gives the author some leeway to write a story of how things might have turned out differently in our Space Race with Russia in 1961. Not as remarkable as their other works, but an interesting novel none-the-less.
As the title states, it is a first contact with aliens story, set in a slightly alternate universe. This gives the author some leeway to write a story of how things might have turned out differently in our Space Race with Russia in 1961. Not as remarkable as their other works, but an interesting novel none-the-less.
January 24, 2021
Good premise in the wrong hands. Poorly written, very amateur. I don’t know if anyone edited it (examples: there are frequent pronoun confusions and historical inaccuracies that go beyond it being an altered timeline).
The plot progression is clunky and transitions between scenes are not well written. There are a lot of holes and missed opportunities for elaboration, character building, and plot enhancement.
A dud.
The plot progression is clunky and transitions between scenes are not well written. There are a lot of holes and missed opportunities for elaboration, character building, and plot enhancement.
A dud.
January 27, 2021
A little slow in some parts but the second half had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't wait to finish the next page to see what would happen.
January 13, 2023
Some awesomeness and some problems. I loved the world, alternate history, plot spacing, aliens, and tech. But too many parts of the plot and characters were poor.
March 15, 2023
I started reading this all the way back in 2020, apparently. Wasn't really hooked, put it down one day and just never felt particularly motivated to pick it up again. The concept is great, I love a good alternate history, which in this case comes with a hefty dose of sci-fi, I just didn't love this book. Maybe it might have helped had at least one of the protagonists been the slightest bit interesting and/or likable... 2.5/5
May 16, 2021
Pure unadulterated crap! A perfect example of lazy writing combined with the thinnest characters and a plot full of holes. I’ve read a lot of Science Fiction since 1964 and this book has to be in the top 10 worst group. How did this get published?
January 25, 2021
A really entertaining book spoiled by the ludicrously—on every level—ending. And by ending I mean the last third of the book.
July 21, 2020
A very enjoyable sci-fi thriller. All the right ingredients with imaginative aliens, fun plot and page-turning action. The book didn't manage to rise above its genre norms in terms of gender stereotypes or psychological depth to the characters, but nothing too bad and that didn't stop it being an enjoyable read.
Disclosure: this review is based on a free copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Disclosure: this review is based on a free copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 29, 2020
I recently had an opportunity to review an ARC of the forthcoming novel, "The Luna Missile Crisis", written by Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle, and being published by Aethon Books. Candidly, I was somewhat disappointed in that I have read extensively in military history and military and alternative history. This book was not what I expected. This is not to say that it does not have merit. It might best be seen as a combination of juvenile science fiction, alternative history, and gritty almost film noir like elements of crime fiction. Unfortunately, I did not find the characters terribly believable and while the action was fast paced, the book almost seemed like a caricature of several literary genres. I believe the book might be suitable for young readers who have not grown quite so jaded as I have. Taken on its own terms, such as they are, it offers an agreeable diversion for those who have not yet come to expect much more than brief escape from their own existence through this kind of literature.
Read
October 3, 2024Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle have another home run on their hands with this one. This is alternate history done right. JFK, Neil Armstrong, Battletoads, awesome weapons, and space travel. If I had to sum this book up with one word it would be thrilling. It kept me guessing the whole way through. Just when I think I had things figured out it would go a direction I did not expect and I loved every minute of it. The characters were extremely well written and relatable. This is science fiction done right and anyone who loves alt history (especially Cold War era) should check this out soon. Also they say don't judge a book by its cover. In this case you should. That cover art is amazing just like the book. Luna Missile Crisis was narrated by Ray Porter and he truly brought this book to life. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle do next. They are an incredible author duo.
September 29, 2020
I received a free copy thanks to Net Galley in return for an honest review.
I occasionally dip into the Sci- Fi genre for a change in my usual reading of mysteries and thrillers. The synopsis for “ Luna Missile Crises” was intriguing. It turned out to be that, and a well written novel, too.
It is the 1960 ’s, at the height of the Cold War. An alien spaceship suddenly appears between the Earth and the Moon. At the same moment the USSR launches a rocket carrying the first Cosmonaut into space. The aliens, thinking the rocket was an an attack on their home ship, immediately intercept it, blasting it or a molten cloud. Of course, the Russians think the US did it, and launch more rockets, which the aliens also intercept, going on to attack all Russian launch sites in western Russia , Poland and Central Europe, all of which becomes a nuclear wasteland. The area is a dead zone, but one that becomes a battle ground where both sides search for alien materials and metals that fell to earth. Both want hints to the advanced tech
In that atomic desert, which incidentally is skillfully described, a US Army patrol on a search mission is ambushed by a Russian patrol. It is being overwhelmed when an alien craft materializes between them. Soon the Russians are all dead; a few American soldiers survive , and it is with one of them , Kyle Conner , that the first communication is made, telepathically. “ The war was a horrible error”, and they, the aliens, are ready and willing to share their knowledge and technology to bring peace to all.
That is the set up for what turned out to be an exciting, different and entertaining novel. The technology given to the world, allows quick space flight between earth and the moon, called Luna Base, where the damaged alien ship is being repaired with materials mined there. Harmony and brotherhood is the watchword. In fact, President Kennedy and Premiere Khrushchev , along with various dignitaries land at the base to meet the alien leader. All goes well- until it goes very wrong. Somebody wanted the friendship conference to fail.
This is where the book expands into a wild ride. Here the authors utilize the ancient plot device of twin brothers to zip the plot to a high level. There is Kyle, a high-ranking official in the Department of Alien Affairs, a decorated ex- soldier and respected advisor to the President,as compared with his druggie, irresponsible lowlife brother Connor. The odd couple makes the plot move as all kinds of things happen. It is to the authors’ credit that the story holds together well , without feeling too contrived.
Connor’s is on the run from some hoods to whom he sold fake alien weapons. Distrusting his lowlife brother, Kyle allows Connor to stay the night, only to be rewarded by Connor stealing and running off with some money, his watch and ID . The result is that Kyle is being chased by the mobsters and Connor in a rocket to Luna base, and the doomed conference.
The space beings are quite unlike humans. Most of the humans are corrupt politicians. Kyle is nobly heroic and Connor one of those characters given to inappropriate wisecracks , always playing an angle. There is also a beautiful, dangerous, sleekly- muscled KGB agent , a tentacled alien named Shimmer, and Richard Nixon.
I recommend “Luna Missile Crisis” to sci- fans and non- fans alike . The story is different, the characters , Kyle, Connor and Shimmer nicely fleshed - or in one case tentacled- out . The science may not be explained enough for real aficionados, but it was fine to me. There is an exciting climatic fight at the end. However, that is not the end. At about 80% of the Kindle book, I sensed that there had to be a sequel to provide answers to who the aliens were and what they really wanted. I will read it.
Content. warnings: no sex, violent combat spills human and what passes for alien blood.
I occasionally dip into the Sci- Fi genre for a change in my usual reading of mysteries and thrillers. The synopsis for “ Luna Missile Crises” was intriguing. It turned out to be that, and a well written novel, too.
It is the 1960 ’s, at the height of the Cold War. An alien spaceship suddenly appears between the Earth and the Moon. At the same moment the USSR launches a rocket carrying the first Cosmonaut into space. The aliens, thinking the rocket was an an attack on their home ship, immediately intercept it, blasting it or a molten cloud. Of course, the Russians think the US did it, and launch more rockets, which the aliens also intercept, going on to attack all Russian launch sites in western Russia , Poland and Central Europe, all of which becomes a nuclear wasteland. The area is a dead zone, but one that becomes a battle ground where both sides search for alien materials and metals that fell to earth. Both want hints to the advanced tech
In that atomic desert, which incidentally is skillfully described, a US Army patrol on a search mission is ambushed by a Russian patrol. It is being overwhelmed when an alien craft materializes between them. Soon the Russians are all dead; a few American soldiers survive , and it is with one of them , Kyle Conner , that the first communication is made, telepathically. “ The war was a horrible error”, and they, the aliens, are ready and willing to share their knowledge and technology to bring peace to all.
That is the set up for what turned out to be an exciting, different and entertaining novel. The technology given to the world, allows quick space flight between earth and the moon, called Luna Base, where the damaged alien ship is being repaired with materials mined there. Harmony and brotherhood is the watchword. In fact, President Kennedy and Premiere Khrushchev , along with various dignitaries land at the base to meet the alien leader. All goes well- until it goes very wrong. Somebody wanted the friendship conference to fail.
This is where the book expands into a wild ride. Here the authors utilize the ancient plot device of twin brothers to zip the plot to a high level. There is Kyle, a high-ranking official in the Department of Alien Affairs, a decorated ex- soldier and respected advisor to the President,as compared with his druggie, irresponsible lowlife brother Connor. The odd couple makes the plot move as all kinds of things happen. It is to the authors’ credit that the story holds together well , without feeling too contrived.
Connor’s is on the run from some hoods to whom he sold fake alien weapons. Distrusting his lowlife brother, Kyle allows Connor to stay the night, only to be rewarded by Connor stealing and running off with some money, his watch and ID . The result is that Kyle is being chased by the mobsters and Connor in a rocket to Luna base, and the doomed conference.
The space beings are quite unlike humans. Most of the humans are corrupt politicians. Kyle is nobly heroic and Connor one of those characters given to inappropriate wisecracks , always playing an angle. There is also a beautiful, dangerous, sleekly- muscled KGB agent , a tentacled alien named Shimmer, and Richard Nixon.
I recommend “Luna Missile Crisis” to sci- fans and non- fans alike . The story is different, the characters , Kyle, Connor and Shimmer nicely fleshed - or in one case tentacled- out . The science may not be explained enough for real aficionados, but it was fine to me. There is an exciting climatic fight at the end. However, that is not the end. At about 80% of the Kindle book, I sensed that there had to be a sequel to provide answers to who the aliens were and what they really wanted. I will read it.
Content. warnings: no sex, violent combat spills human and what passes for alien blood.
February 25, 2020
The expression "the sum is greater than the parts" is very apt for this amazing work. I really think that Rhett Bruno and Jaime Castle have ticked all the boxes with this one. As a book, this is incredibly entertaining and a fast-paced, rocket-powered jet fuel spewing book you simply cannot put down. But when you combine the written word with the incredible performance of Ray Porter, this book just knocks it out of the park and into next week.
I am a fairly restrained and professional person who does not get all bubbly and excited about a literary work most of the time. However, for this audiobook from the extraordinary combined efforts of Bruno and Castle and Porter, the sum is, indeed, greater than the parts.
JFK is my favorite president of all time. The cold war was an incredible era to be alive in. The concept of Yuri Gagarin running into an alien Volbathi ship as he made orbit for the first time, triggering a Russian death-dealing "dead curtain" producing nuclear wasteland of Europe is staggering. As I mentioned recently, the descriptions of the Dead Curtain, both early on and later in the book is absolutely visceral. You can feel it and taste it. The aliens then being marooned on the moon trying to fix their ship and protect their most precious being and sharing their technology with us primitive humans? This takes alternate history and cold war brinksmanship and sci-fi to the next level to be certain. This brings up a whole different question about what happened to JFK.
Oh, but we're not done yet. The aliens communicate with telepathically sent images and feelings. And they resemble giant upright toads. Main characters Kyle and Connor McCoy are twins - one good, the other... well... But he does have an awesome husky named Hiya who helps to make the story a lot more believable.
Let's talk about the narrator, Ray Porter. Fans of Ray will undoubtedly say this is his best narration... ever. I know I think so. Seriously, capturing a gloating and proud Russian by accent and tone and mannerisms, and the distinctly different personalities of the McCoy twins, and the sneering attitude of the New York mobsters... I could go on. One thing distinctly noticeable about Ray's narration is that he says it as we think it and feel it when we read it. He pauses in the right places, slows down, speeds up, and just flat out does an award-winning job telling this story. At least I think it's award-winning, and I sure hope he wins one. Lord knows he should.
Jaime Castle and Rhett Bruno also wrote the Web of Eyes series, and it is clear that they are getting better and better the more they work together. But their point and counterpoint, their natural synergy is a phenomenal match for delivering the goods.
When I first came upon this book, I knew it was going to be a winner and I knew it would be very popular. While the story is complete, I would certainly love to see more with these characters and in this universe.
When I am not an IT Security practitioner I am a watchmaker and I am a very hard man to impress. A watchmaker's existence is focused around precision and a lack of friction. I don't flatter. I don't gush. So if you are getting the enthusiasm with which I am discussing this wonderful audiobook, perhaps you can tell just how much I loved it and how good a book it truly is. If you have been contemplating either or both of these authors, get it. If you have already read Castle and Bruno, get it. If you are a fan of good literature and good storytelling, good adventure and a great thriller, get it.
This book in some ways hearkens back to the great 20th century bastions of sci-fi. Simak, Asimov, Heinlein, Turtledove, this is like a book from the golden age of sci-fi, and Castle and Bruno and Porter deliver a tour de force that you will remember and revisit for a long time.
I am a fairly restrained and professional person who does not get all bubbly and excited about a literary work most of the time. However, for this audiobook from the extraordinary combined efforts of Bruno and Castle and Porter, the sum is, indeed, greater than the parts.
JFK is my favorite president of all time. The cold war was an incredible era to be alive in. The concept of Yuri Gagarin running into an alien Volbathi ship as he made orbit for the first time, triggering a Russian death-dealing "dead curtain" producing nuclear wasteland of Europe is staggering. As I mentioned recently, the descriptions of the Dead Curtain, both early on and later in the book is absolutely visceral. You can feel it and taste it. The aliens then being marooned on the moon trying to fix their ship and protect their most precious being and sharing their technology with us primitive humans? This takes alternate history and cold war brinksmanship and sci-fi to the next level to be certain. This brings up a whole different question about what happened to JFK.
Oh, but we're not done yet. The aliens communicate with telepathically sent images and feelings. And they resemble giant upright toads. Main characters Kyle and Connor McCoy are twins - one good, the other... well... But he does have an awesome husky named Hiya who helps to make the story a lot more believable.
Let's talk about the narrator, Ray Porter. Fans of Ray will undoubtedly say this is his best narration... ever. I know I think so. Seriously, capturing a gloating and proud Russian by accent and tone and mannerisms, and the distinctly different personalities of the McCoy twins, and the sneering attitude of the New York mobsters... I could go on. One thing distinctly noticeable about Ray's narration is that he says it as we think it and feel it when we read it. He pauses in the right places, slows down, speeds up, and just flat out does an award-winning job telling this story. At least I think it's award-winning, and I sure hope he wins one. Lord knows he should.
Jaime Castle and Rhett Bruno also wrote the Web of Eyes series, and it is clear that they are getting better and better the more they work together. But their point and counterpoint, their natural synergy is a phenomenal match for delivering the goods.
When I first came upon this book, I knew it was going to be a winner and I knew it would be very popular. While the story is complete, I would certainly love to see more with these characters and in this universe.
When I am not an IT Security practitioner I am a watchmaker and I am a very hard man to impress. A watchmaker's existence is focused around precision and a lack of friction. I don't flatter. I don't gush. So if you are getting the enthusiasm with which I am discussing this wonderful audiobook, perhaps you can tell just how much I loved it and how good a book it truly is. If you have been contemplating either or both of these authors, get it. If you have already read Castle and Bruno, get it. If you are a fan of good literature and good storytelling, good adventure and a great thriller, get it.
This book in some ways hearkens back to the great 20th century bastions of sci-fi. Simak, Asimov, Heinlein, Turtledove, this is like a book from the golden age of sci-fi, and Castle and Bruno and Porter deliver a tour de force that you will remember and revisit for a long time.
July 22, 2022
Geesh! This was easy to binge on! Spoilers below.
In this alternative history, two identical twins, Kyle and Connor, are the centre of a government coup, led by none-other Richard Nixon, a mafia tirade, and illegal government tech, while trying to rescue an interdimensional being that a group of crash-landed amphibious aliens consider to be their God. Sound ludicrous? It is! It well and truly and is! But it is gloriously ludicrous!
Bruno and Castle hold no punches in this rediculous what-if in 1960s America. As the first manned spacecraft launched by the Soviets manages to escape Earth's orbit, it collides, quite by accident, into an Alien Mothership, fleeing their homeworld and those that seek to control "The Chosen" (the space-time-travelling nine-legged noctopus) rather than revere them. The Soviets, in response, launch a nuclear arsenal at the United States, believing it to a US invasion. The aliens somehow manage to prevent the rockets from reaching home and instead they detonate over Eastern Europe, creating a nuclear wasteland, which becomes the battleground between the US and the Soviets trying to scavenge fallen alien tech. The aliens meanwhile are trying to recover it. Good twin Kyle is the first to spot that the aliens are seeking "the Chosen" and spot their reverence for the being, helping them to recover it, starting a time of peace between all three powers. Lost you yet? Well, that's just the background of the story.
The actual story is between bad twin Connor and good twin Kyle. The latter becomes the head of an alien defense division and the former, after his years of drug addiction in a self-destructive spiral of blame and guilt after his girlfriend died in a road accident during the arrival of the aliens, steals Kyle's identity and inadvertently becomes embroiled in an elimination of the heads of state on Luna (the moon). Still here? Well, this is just the beginning.
Everyone blames Connor, who is now stuck in the nuclear wasteland with zombies and a KGB agent, trying to bring the Chosen back to the aliens to prevent WWIV(?). Meanwhile, an ambitious mafia head and a Soviet defector hunt Connor to the end of the Earth, dragging Kyle into their tirade.
I'll stop here. It keeps going and going. Increasingly preposterous! Utterly unbelievable! So why 5 stars? Because it does it brilliantly! It's well written and beautifully free of cliches, despite the characters being modelled on actual cliches from a former era. There's transformation in the lead characters, vulnerability, imperfections, addictions, mistakes, and poor judgements. They're utterly and ridiculously human. It's also non-stop action, stretching the limits of character trope believability beyond a limit, but does so unashamedly.
A part of me wanted to hate this, but instead, I ended up binging on it and being unable to put it down! This is not high literature, but it's not mindless entertainment either. It is thought provoking, stimulating discussion on nuclear war, human cruelty and suspicion, and many other of our flaws. The aliens were a prop really, there to show us our worst side. Far from united against a common enemy, we become backstabbing hypocrites, with the powerful seeking power and control. That was the only part of the story that wasn't farfetched, and why the story matters.
In this alternative history, two identical twins, Kyle and Connor, are the centre of a government coup, led by none-other Richard Nixon, a mafia tirade, and illegal government tech, while trying to rescue an interdimensional being that a group of crash-landed amphibious aliens consider to be their God. Sound ludicrous? It is! It well and truly and is! But it is gloriously ludicrous!
Bruno and Castle hold no punches in this rediculous what-if in 1960s America. As the first manned spacecraft launched by the Soviets manages to escape Earth's orbit, it collides, quite by accident, into an Alien Mothership, fleeing their homeworld and those that seek to control "The Chosen" (the space-time-travelling nine-legged noctopus) rather than revere them. The Soviets, in response, launch a nuclear arsenal at the United States, believing it to a US invasion. The aliens somehow manage to prevent the rockets from reaching home and instead they detonate over Eastern Europe, creating a nuclear wasteland, which becomes the battleground between the US and the Soviets trying to scavenge fallen alien tech. The aliens meanwhile are trying to recover it. Good twin Kyle is the first to spot that the aliens are seeking "the Chosen" and spot their reverence for the being, helping them to recover it, starting a time of peace between all three powers. Lost you yet? Well, that's just the background of the story.
The actual story is between bad twin Connor and good twin Kyle. The latter becomes the head of an alien defense division and the former, after his years of drug addiction in a self-destructive spiral of blame and guilt after his girlfriend died in a road accident during the arrival of the aliens, steals Kyle's identity and inadvertently becomes embroiled in an elimination of the heads of state on Luna (the moon). Still here? Well, this is just the beginning.
Everyone blames Connor, who is now stuck in the nuclear wasteland with zombies and a KGB agent, trying to bring the Chosen back to the aliens to prevent WWIV(?). Meanwhile, an ambitious mafia head and a Soviet defector hunt Connor to the end of the Earth, dragging Kyle into their tirade.
I'll stop here. It keeps going and going. Increasingly preposterous! Utterly unbelievable! So why 5 stars? Because it does it brilliantly! It's well written and beautifully free of cliches, despite the characters being modelled on actual cliches from a former era. There's transformation in the lead characters, vulnerability, imperfections, addictions, mistakes, and poor judgements. They're utterly and ridiculously human. It's also non-stop action, stretching the limits of character trope believability beyond a limit, but does so unashamedly.
A part of me wanted to hate this, but instead, I ended up binging on it and being unable to put it down! This is not high literature, but it's not mindless entertainment either. It is thought provoking, stimulating discussion on nuclear war, human cruelty and suspicion, and many other of our flaws. The aliens were a prop really, there to show us our worst side. Far from united against a common enemy, we become backstabbing hypocrites, with the powerful seeking power and control. That was the only part of the story that wasn't farfetched, and why the story matters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2020
I Couldn’t Put It Down
I went into this book without even reading the synopsis. I saw who wrote it, who narrated it, and what the cover looked like and I was in. The title gave me a bit of an idea of what was going on (but even I didn’t get the reference until more than halfway through the book).
The Luna Missile Crisis tells the story of an alternate reality 1960s where instead of the space race that we know and remember – during the original flights – we’re met with a mothership and a first encounter with mysterious aliens known as the Vulbathi. Meeting them changes everything, both on earth and in space.
The book itself was nonstop. I mean that in such a great way. Castle and Bruno wrote a book that I just couldn’t put down. The alternate history angle of it really made it interesting to me. I know the history of the space race and the Cold War. It was one of those books that roots you into an era but then slaps your face and changes almost everything. Sure JFK was there and he was president, but because the space race and for the most part the Cold War were “solved” by the Vulbathi, his role was slightly different. I won’t go into spoilers, but I also like that the things that happened to and because of certain historical figures seemed to follow a script of realism as well. (I really want to talk more about this but I definitely don’t want to spoil some of the major plot points).
This book not only knocked my socks off, it knocked my socks off and sent me to space to look for them. It had me guessing and trying to figure out what was going to happen. It also rooted me in my seat and had me watch as things happened that were out of my control. I found the entire book, the lessons it tried to teach, and the overall vibe of it just fascinating. Easily my favorite book from Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle.
Ray Porter is already one of my favorite narrators – but this book takes the cake. The amount of real people he had to be in it made his job exponentially harder. But he absolutely nails it. His JFK was spot on and really added that bit of realism in that Bruno and Castle were going for. He takes an already fantastic book and just knocks it out of the park. :insert slow clap here:
Overall, all I can say is wow. If you’re looking for a sci-fi book that will surprise you – check this one out.
I went into this book without even reading the synopsis. I saw who wrote it, who narrated it, and what the cover looked like and I was in. The title gave me a bit of an idea of what was going on (but even I didn’t get the reference until more than halfway through the book).
The Luna Missile Crisis tells the story of an alternate reality 1960s where instead of the space race that we know and remember – during the original flights – we’re met with a mothership and a first encounter with mysterious aliens known as the Vulbathi. Meeting them changes everything, both on earth and in space.
The book itself was nonstop. I mean that in such a great way. Castle and Bruno wrote a book that I just couldn’t put down. The alternate history angle of it really made it interesting to me. I know the history of the space race and the Cold War. It was one of those books that roots you into an era but then slaps your face and changes almost everything. Sure JFK was there and he was president, but because the space race and for the most part the Cold War were “solved” by the Vulbathi, his role was slightly different. I won’t go into spoilers, but I also like that the things that happened to and because of certain historical figures seemed to follow a script of realism as well. (I really want to talk more about this but I definitely don’t want to spoil some of the major plot points).
This book not only knocked my socks off, it knocked my socks off and sent me to space to look for them. It had me guessing and trying to figure out what was going to happen. It also rooted me in my seat and had me watch as things happened that were out of my control. I found the entire book, the lessons it tried to teach, and the overall vibe of it just fascinating. Easily my favorite book from Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle.
Ray Porter is already one of my favorite narrators – but this book takes the cake. The amount of real people he had to be in it made his job exponentially harder. But he absolutely nails it. His JFK was spot on and really added that bit of realism in that Bruno and Castle were going for. He takes an already fantastic book and just knocks it out of the park. :insert slow clap here:
Overall, all I can say is wow. If you’re looking for a sci-fi book that will surprise you – check this one out.
September 22, 2020
Seriously. This is one of the best SF discoveries I've heard. It's kind of like when I discovered Dune; I felt like, I'd never heard anything like it, but I knew it was a perfect fit for my taste and I needed more of it.
Luna Missile Crisis is different in that it has a little noir feel, as the main characters are twins, and one sells bootleg alien devices to the mob. Can't say I've ever mixed those two genres, but the character engagement and fascinating alien mythos made the combination like eating the perfect Italian sub while flying a spaceship to a wild new world.
I knew Bruno and Castle from their Buried Goddess saga; which was in my top five of 2019--but, to be honest, I read the description for this book and thought...hmm what kind of story would that look like? Then I heard an audio interview with the authors and narrator Ray Porter. Ray's voice kicked in this comfort zone nostalgia of some other amazing scifi adventure stories and I thought, yeah, I am due for another SF thrill ride with Ray on the mic. He completely delivered! Ray is the top notch talent in SF, and hearing him put to voice one of the best SF I've read in years is a treat many need to enjoy.
If there's a list for petitioning Audible to ensure this series is locked in for many years to come, sign me up, and reserve a Connor t-shirt for yo boy. Octopus... Noctopus? is the tagline. Book it.
Not only did this story surprise me with a unique twist of noir and space exploration, but it's also equally parts impressive in engaging me with characters and a plot that never let up. This was the first book I've gone back and re-listened to the ending simply because it was that good and I was so surprised with how well they surprised and entertained me. The pull to hear more stories in this world is truly unique. The alien race is uniquely empathetic and mysterious. I need to know more about the rift, how they travel and how their species will evolve and interact with humans after what just happened. The surviving characters and the mess they left in their wake would fill a series all by itself. Both of those super interesting story setups would impact our genre universe like a supernova.
Audible... listen to me. Make more. You won't regret it.
Luna Missile Crisis is different in that it has a little noir feel, as the main characters are twins, and one sells bootleg alien devices to the mob. Can't say I've ever mixed those two genres, but the character engagement and fascinating alien mythos made the combination like eating the perfect Italian sub while flying a spaceship to a wild new world.
I knew Bruno and Castle from their Buried Goddess saga; which was in my top five of 2019--but, to be honest, I read the description for this book and thought...hmm what kind of story would that look like? Then I heard an audio interview with the authors and narrator Ray Porter. Ray's voice kicked in this comfort zone nostalgia of some other amazing scifi adventure stories and I thought, yeah, I am due for another SF thrill ride with Ray on the mic. He completely delivered! Ray is the top notch talent in SF, and hearing him put to voice one of the best SF I've read in years is a treat many need to enjoy.
If there's a list for petitioning Audible to ensure this series is locked in for many years to come, sign me up, and reserve a Connor t-shirt for yo boy. Octopus... Noctopus? is the tagline. Book it.
Not only did this story surprise me with a unique twist of noir and space exploration, but it's also equally parts impressive in engaging me with characters and a plot that never let up. This was the first book I've gone back and re-listened to the ending simply because it was that good and I was so surprised with how well they surprised and entertained me. The pull to hear more stories in this world is truly unique. The alien race is uniquely empathetic and mysterious. I need to know more about the rift, how they travel and how their species will evolve and interact with humans after what just happened. The surviving characters and the mess they left in their wake would fill a series all by itself. Both of those super interesting story setups would impact our genre universe like a supernova.
Audible... listen to me. Make more. You won't regret it.
September 11, 2020
Some alternate histories begin with a relatively small change that creates a vastly different world (Harry Turtledove's How Few Remain, for example). In The Luna Missile Crisis, the difference is huge, and it's right up front in the prologue, where, in an "cosmic car crash", Yuri Gagarin's rocket collides with an alien ship, triggering a brief nuclear war.
After the prologue and an introductory chapter (which could be though of as a second, longer, prologue), the rest of the action takes place three years later in 1964. Instead of going "eyeball to eyeball" over missiles in Cuba, Kennedy and Krushchev lead the US and USSR in competing for alien technology, while others seek to destroy all the aliens.
Like some of Rhett Bruno's other stories (e.g., Titanborn), this novel feels like a throwback to late-Golden Age science-fiction (in a good way), and is likely to be particularly enjoyed by fans of older science-fiction, who may also tend to be more familiar with some of the historical figures and events referenced here. I think I could have done without the inclusion of the mafia in this story, but on the whole it was a fast-paced exciting read that kept me turning the (virtual) pages. When I got to the last page the story felt complete, but Amazon indicates that a sequel will be forthcoming, and I'll be looking forward to it!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
After the prologue and an introductory chapter (which could be though of as a second, longer, prologue), the rest of the action takes place three years later in 1964. Instead of going "eyeball to eyeball" over missiles in Cuba, Kennedy and Krushchev lead the US and USSR in competing for alien technology, while others seek to destroy all the aliens.
Like some of Rhett Bruno's other stories (e.g., Titanborn), this novel feels like a throwback to late-Golden Age science-fiction (in a good way), and is likely to be particularly enjoyed by fans of older science-fiction, who may also tend to be more familiar with some of the historical figures and events referenced here. I think I could have done without the inclusion of the mafia in this story, but on the whole it was a fast-paced exciting read that kept me turning the (virtual) pages. When I got to the last page the story felt complete, but Amazon indicates that a sequel will be forthcoming, and I'll be looking forward to it!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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