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Before the Fall: A Prequel to The Chaos Series
Their planet was dying and everyone knew it. The only question left was what to do to save everyone from themselves. With time running out, their only realistic chance of salvation was Project New Hope.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2019
3 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Jim Hamilton
16 books13 followersI've been an avid science fiction fan for most of my life, but only as a consumer and never a contributor. A couple of years ago, I decided to change that by publishing my first novel. For roughly twenty years, I had been toying with the basic story line and various plot devices and I finally managed to put my thoughts into words.
I personally believe that it's possible to have an engrossing science fiction novel without sex, violence, and mass destruction. I also like to think the best of mankind and that good will always win out over evil. That rational minds might persist whenever conflict occurs. That we can all somehow learn to get along with each other. And that a little bit of humor never hurt anyone.
My first three books, The Chaos Machine, Second Contact, and Mankind 2.0, have been combined into one book as The Chaos Trilogy*. While there may not be any sex or violence in any of these, there is definitely love, romance, and danger. And, oh yeah, lots of food.
If you find The Chaos Trilogy enjoyable, Second Contact is chronologically followed by two more Cassiopeia Adventures: Colony Ship New Hope (New Haven or Bust!) and Goddess of the Gillani. 5,341 years later, in The Race at Valli Ha'i, some distant relatives of Cassiopeia use her legacy to save the Universe and end the Universal Depression. They return in the sequel, Vacation on New Haven, that also revisits the characters in Colony Ship New Hope. A prequel to the series, Before the Fall, describes the early history of Shoomar leading up to the departure of the colony ship New Hope. Its companion piece, After the Fall, recounts the tale of those left behind.
There is also an orphan chapter to The Chaos Machine about how Leonardo da Vinci became a Renaissance Man. The da Vinci Butterfly is based on a reference that da Vinci made about a mysterious cave in his childhood.
On the other hand, if you like your stories more down-to-Earth, you might enjoy Raising Miss Ellie†. A novella about an elderly woman who offers refuge to a young runaway. However, the more she learns about him, the more she begins to wonder who he really is.
Finally, there is The Conqueror, a short story that I wrote for Valentine's Day (2019). It has generally been described as "cute" by everyone who has read it.
I hope that you enjoy reading these as much as I have enjoyed writing them ... Happy Landings!
I personally believe that it's possible to have an engrossing science fiction novel without sex, violence, and mass destruction. I also like to think the best of mankind and that good will always win out over evil. That rational minds might persist whenever conflict occurs. That we can all somehow learn to get along with each other. And that a little bit of humor never hurt anyone.
My first three books, The Chaos Machine, Second Contact, and Mankind 2.0, have been combined into one book as The Chaos Trilogy*. While there may not be any sex or violence in any of these, there is definitely love, romance, and danger. And, oh yeah, lots of food.
If you find The Chaos Trilogy enjoyable, Second Contact is chronologically followed by two more Cassiopeia Adventures: Colony Ship New Hope (New Haven or Bust!) and Goddess of the Gillani. 5,341 years later, in The Race at Valli Ha'i, some distant relatives of Cassiopeia use her legacy to save the Universe and end the Universal Depression. They return in the sequel, Vacation on New Haven, that also revisits the characters in Colony Ship New Hope. A prequel to the series, Before the Fall, describes the early history of Shoomar leading up to the departure of the colony ship New Hope. Its companion piece, After the Fall, recounts the tale of those left behind.
There is also an orphan chapter to The Chaos Machine about how Leonardo da Vinci became a Renaissance Man. The da Vinci Butterfly is based on a reference that da Vinci made about a mysterious cave in his childhood.
On the other hand, if you like your stories more down-to-Earth, you might enjoy Raising Miss Ellie†. A novella about an elderly woman who offers refuge to a young runaway. However, the more she learns about him, the more she begins to wonder who he really is.
Finally, there is The Conqueror, a short story that I wrote for Valentine's Day (2019). It has generally been described as "cute" by everyone who has read it.
I hope that you enjoy reading these as much as I have enjoyed writing them ... Happy Landings!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 29, 2022
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
Before The Fall was a unique novella portraying a futuristic world on a planet very similar to ours.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this. The writing was succinct and pleasant to read and I found the world building to be well done without being an info dump. I could have used some more character development in some cases but that’s a minor complaint.
I would recommend this to any fans of sci-fi or dystopian books and I would definitely pick up another story by this author.
Before The Fall was a unique novella portraying a futuristic world on a planet very similar to ours.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this. The writing was succinct and pleasant to read and I found the world building to be well done without being an info dump. I could have used some more character development in some cases but that’s a minor complaint.
I would recommend this to any fans of sci-fi or dystopian books and I would definitely pick up another story by this author.
February 8, 2022
Dull, Trite and Poorly written
3 / 10
The author makes the mistake of using mind-numbing blocks of exposition as a substitute for story. It doesn't work. Not much happens in this book, and what does happen occurs "off screen." The reader learns about it from characters discussing things later. Dialouge suffers due to being used a a vehicle for exposition. Its all stilted and dull. It's like characters are quoting textbook and newspaper summaries at each other. This is all made even worse by being generic and cliche. Very minor alterations to fit well-worn tropes into the author's unimaginative frame-work.
There isn't anything good to say about this book.
This isn't the worst thing written, but it's a painful waste of time.
3 / 10
The author makes the mistake of using mind-numbing blocks of exposition as a substitute for story. It doesn't work. Not much happens in this book, and what does happen occurs "off screen." The reader learns about it from characters discussing things later. Dialouge suffers due to being used a a vehicle for exposition. Its all stilted and dull. It's like characters are quoting textbook and newspaper summaries at each other. This is all made even worse by being generic and cliche. Very minor alterations to fit well-worn tropes into the author's unimaginative frame-work.
There isn't anything good to say about this book.
This isn't the worst thing written, but it's a painful waste of time.
November 5, 2019
An impressive multigenerational story of space exploration and colonization, Hamilton’s magnetic SF series takes reader on a memorable space adventure over the course of thousands of years.
In “The Chaos Machine,” when a six-members crew of a Shoomaran freighter veer off course and land on Earth, they decide to lend their advanced technology to the human race to help with infrastructure. Hamilton effortlessly covers altering portrait of Earth over the period of thousands of years and smoothly blends several side storylines to create an absorbing tale. Hamilton obviously had a lot of fun writing “The da Vinci Butterfly,” a delightful short story about a teenager Leonardo da Vinci and his strange encounter in a cave (fictionalized) that changed his life forever. The story is meant to be a companion piece to The Chaos Machine and can be read as a standalone tale as well. Merging reality with dreams, Hamilton introduces an ancillary yet significant character from other book who is sure to leave her own mark on readers’ minds. In “Second Contact,” resolute and stubborn Cassiopeia makes a way for the human race to join the Alliance. Friendship is at the heart of the story: friendship between Shoomaran crew and humans forms the foundation of a future relationship between humans and the inhabitants of ancient Shoomar Empire.
In ”Mankind 2.0,” Hamilton blends several sub-plots from the first two books to bring all the storyline together. He brilliantly captures the horrors of environmental disasters and the appalling ramifications they hold for the future human race. “Colony Ship New Hope” an adjunct sequel to Second Contact, takes readers on a journey with New Hope’s crew (Shoomar ship) as they meet an unexpected fate after awakening from their almost a thousand-year long stasis. Hamilton’s accessible prose skillfully captures the horrors of space explorations. In “Goddess of Gillani,” Hamilton takes the reader on an adventurous space ride with lovely Cassiopeia Evanland and her partner Griffin Mayfir as a disgraced variant’s decision to exact revenge for Cassiopeia’s part in enforcing the universal treaty lands them in an unexpected situation. Hamilton impeccably sketches an alien planet in beautiful, believable detail. His careful and effortless inclusion of the hard-core science details into the narrative keeps the story accessible. “The Race at Valli Ha’I” continues 5000 years after Cassioeia Evanland’s space adventures in Goddess of Gillani. The dark matter is in utter shortage, and a full-blown recession is approaching fast. Three sisters, a set of human triplets, get into the field of dark matter mining and make a shocking discovery, bringing new hope for the universe. In “Vacation on New Haven,” the triplets from The Race at Valli Ha'I save the passengers of New Haven from an endless stasis while exploring an ACME stasis chamber.
In “Before the Fall” a prequel to The Chaos series, visionary Herreld Vale and genetic scientist Dr. Karll Landdren form an extensive plan (The Sanctuary Project) to save the Shoomaran race from extinction after the space ship New Hope with 500 selected Shoomarans is cleared to leave for the planet New Haven for colonization. The plot of this story might be made up, but the questions it raises about environmental crisis are too real for comfort. Hamilton explores the grim realities of global crisis (people wearing respirators and heavy longcoats for survival, infrastructure crumbling with population explosion, widespread famine) in a lighthearted tone without slowing down any of his narrative threads. “After the Fall”, the second prequel to The Chaos series, chronicles the tale of Shoomar’s reconstruction over the course of a thousand years under Dr. Karll Landdren’s guidance.
Usually in a series so intricate with several sub-plots and a large cast of characters, an author is forced to devote a considerable space in each installment simply to recount or explain past events. But Hamilton expertly brings many storylines together and effortlessly ties up all the loose ends. His prose is as lush the greenery on the planet New Haven (after The Sanctuary Project), his characters likable, and his exploration of the horrific realities of environmental crisis are both real and utterly convincing.
His larger message, however—the effect of pollution, climate change, deforestation, and other environmental degradation on our planet always stays at the core. Beautifully written, chock full of pleasant interactions and delightful psychological observations with plenty of references to delicious foods (especially smoothies), and with its atmospheric settings and fascinating characters, this series will delight every fan of science fiction.
This splendid, well-crafted SF series is definitely a page turner… not to be missed!
In “The Chaos Machine,” when a six-members crew of a Shoomaran freighter veer off course and land on Earth, they decide to lend their advanced technology to the human race to help with infrastructure. Hamilton effortlessly covers altering portrait of Earth over the period of thousands of years and smoothly blends several side storylines to create an absorbing tale. Hamilton obviously had a lot of fun writing “The da Vinci Butterfly,” a delightful short story about a teenager Leonardo da Vinci and his strange encounter in a cave (fictionalized) that changed his life forever. The story is meant to be a companion piece to The Chaos Machine and can be read as a standalone tale as well. Merging reality with dreams, Hamilton introduces an ancillary yet significant character from other book who is sure to leave her own mark on readers’ minds. In “Second Contact,” resolute and stubborn Cassiopeia makes a way for the human race to join the Alliance. Friendship is at the heart of the story: friendship between Shoomaran crew and humans forms the foundation of a future relationship between humans and the inhabitants of ancient Shoomar Empire.
In ”Mankind 2.0,” Hamilton blends several sub-plots from the first two books to bring all the storyline together. He brilliantly captures the horrors of environmental disasters and the appalling ramifications they hold for the future human race. “Colony Ship New Hope” an adjunct sequel to Second Contact, takes readers on a journey with New Hope’s crew (Shoomar ship) as they meet an unexpected fate after awakening from their almost a thousand-year long stasis. Hamilton’s accessible prose skillfully captures the horrors of space explorations. In “Goddess of Gillani,” Hamilton takes the reader on an adventurous space ride with lovely Cassiopeia Evanland and her partner Griffin Mayfir as a disgraced variant’s decision to exact revenge for Cassiopeia’s part in enforcing the universal treaty lands them in an unexpected situation. Hamilton impeccably sketches an alien planet in beautiful, believable detail. His careful and effortless inclusion of the hard-core science details into the narrative keeps the story accessible. “The Race at Valli Ha’I” continues 5000 years after Cassioeia Evanland’s space adventures in Goddess of Gillani. The dark matter is in utter shortage, and a full-blown recession is approaching fast. Three sisters, a set of human triplets, get into the field of dark matter mining and make a shocking discovery, bringing new hope for the universe. In “Vacation on New Haven,” the triplets from The Race at Valli Ha'I save the passengers of New Haven from an endless stasis while exploring an ACME stasis chamber.
In “Before the Fall” a prequel to The Chaos series, visionary Herreld Vale and genetic scientist Dr. Karll Landdren form an extensive plan (The Sanctuary Project) to save the Shoomaran race from extinction after the space ship New Hope with 500 selected Shoomarans is cleared to leave for the planet New Haven for colonization. The plot of this story might be made up, but the questions it raises about environmental crisis are too real for comfort. Hamilton explores the grim realities of global crisis (people wearing respirators and heavy longcoats for survival, infrastructure crumbling with population explosion, widespread famine) in a lighthearted tone without slowing down any of his narrative threads. “After the Fall”, the second prequel to The Chaos series, chronicles the tale of Shoomar’s reconstruction over the course of a thousand years under Dr. Karll Landdren’s guidance.
Usually in a series so intricate with several sub-plots and a large cast of characters, an author is forced to devote a considerable space in each installment simply to recount or explain past events. But Hamilton expertly brings many storylines together and effortlessly ties up all the loose ends. His prose is as lush the greenery on the planet New Haven (after The Sanctuary Project), his characters likable, and his exploration of the horrific realities of environmental crisis are both real and utterly convincing.
His larger message, however—the effect of pollution, climate change, deforestation, and other environmental degradation on our planet always stays at the core. Beautifully written, chock full of pleasant interactions and delightful psychological observations with plenty of references to delicious foods (especially smoothies), and with its atmospheric settings and fascinating characters, this series will delight every fan of science fiction.
This splendid, well-crafted SF series is definitely a page turner… not to be missed!
September 3, 2019
This prequel to Hamilton’s The Chaos series is a swiftly paced, thoughtful tale of the exploration of the grim realities as a planet devastated by population explosion reaches its tripping point, approaching fast toward its end. The official science council for Shoomar gives a go-ahead to the Project New Hope – where the space ship New Hope will carry 500 selected Shoomarans and travel to the planet New Haven for colonization to avoid extinction - after the approaching death of Shoomar becomes evident, but the visionary Herreld Vale and genetic scientist Dr. Karll Landdren have another plan to save the Shoomaran race from extinction.
Hamilton explores the grim realities of global crisis (people wearing respirators and heavy longcoats for survival, infrastructure crumbling with population explosion, widespread famine) in a lighthearted tone without slowing down any of his narrative threads.
Readers who have read The Chaos series will be pleased to meet old characters: Dr. Landdren, Krystyna Jerrod, Kyl, and Cassy. Dr. Karll Landdren come out as a cold, calculative psychopath along with Herreld Vale, but their practical solution to an increasingly plausible environmental catastrophe will make perfect sense to the science fiction aficionados.
A stark cautionary tale with a shimmer of hope that will resonate highly with science fiction lovers.
Intelligent and reflective!
Hamilton explores the grim realities of global crisis (people wearing respirators and heavy longcoats for survival, infrastructure crumbling with population explosion, widespread famine) in a lighthearted tone without slowing down any of his narrative threads.
Readers who have read The Chaos series will be pleased to meet old characters: Dr. Landdren, Krystyna Jerrod, Kyl, and Cassy. Dr. Karll Landdren come out as a cold, calculative psychopath along with Herreld Vale, but their practical solution to an increasingly plausible environmental catastrophe will make perfect sense to the science fiction aficionados.
A stark cautionary tale with a shimmer of hope that will resonate highly with science fiction lovers.
Intelligent and reflective!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews