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Destiny's Crucible #6
Passages
For Mark Caldwell, an unsatisfying life was about to take a turn both terrifying and exhilarating as his fate took an unimaginable turn.
When Mark took his aisle seat aboard United flight 4382, he was ignorant of three facts. The fellow passenger in the window seat was named Joseph Colsco. Neither of them would ever set foot on Earth again. They both would be cast naked on an alien planet.
Adapt or die. Those were the choices. Determined to grasp the chance at a second life, Mark plunges into an adventure he couldn’t anticipate and leading to a future he can’t predict.
When Mark took his aisle seat aboard United flight 4382, he was ignorant of three facts. The fellow passenger in the window seat was named Joseph Colsco. Neither of them would ever set foot on Earth again. They both would be cast naked on an alien planet.
Adapt or die. Those were the choices. Determined to grasp the chance at a second life, Mark plunges into an adventure he couldn’t anticipate and leading to a future he can’t predict.
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2019
289 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Olan Thorensen
16 books522 followersOlan is a long-time science fiction fan who has jumped into independent publication with all its pitfalls and unknowns. He thinks all colors go together: clash, what clash? A fan of Dilbert, Non Sequitur, Peanuts (even if old strips), and still think the end of The Far Side was a tragedy. Loves fireflies, rain, thunderstorms, is eclectic in music (classical, western, oldies, smattering of all other), and thinks four seasons are better than one. Gardens, plays piano poorly, used to jog until broke hip, now walks (to be honest, his jog was about as fast as his quick walk).
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 27, 2019
After a tetralogy about Josef Kolsko and a mixed bag of stories, the 6th Anyar book starts a new series which will bring more Amerykans in focus - we already know a little about Mark Kaldwell from a short story in Tales of Anyar which takes place more than mid-point through Passages. Passages brings some older threads back into play, but overall it lacks the spark that made the first 4 books so awesome; I get why Mark's experience has to be different than Jozef's and the irony here works ok (Jozef just wants to live a quiet life, Mark wants to change the world and get rich and famous and destiny switches their roles so to speak...), but it also makes for a less satisfying storyline overall; the last part is excellent though, both a travelogue of the world, action, and surprises, so Passages becomes there the not-to-be-put-down novel that the first 4 books were.
Overall - slow and fairly mediocre start and middle, much improved last part and hopefully with the great (though expected) ending we get back to what made the first teratology so awesome (my review of it linked below
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Overall - slow and fairly mediocre start and middle, much improved last part and hopefully with the great (though expected) ending we get back to what made the first teratology so awesome (my review of it linked below
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 8, 2020
I think this novel should have been pared-down to a novelette and released as book 5.5 in the series. Much of the story fails to drive the plot or character development. It features descriptions of preparing to travel, and travel... a lot. A good chunk of the book's first quarter was simply fleshing out Mark's back-story to get to the point that we met him in the prior book. It was frustrating.
If this were a standalone novel, without any prior knowledge or preconceptions, I would probably have enjoyed it more. As it was, it felt like a slow trek through the desert to an oasis that turned into a mirage. Mark does meet Yoseph, but the book stops right there. Groan.
Still, it was nice to visit Anyar again. More, please.
If this were a standalone novel, without any prior knowledge or preconceptions, I would probably have enjoyed it more. As it was, it felt like a slow trek through the desert to an oasis that turned into a mirage. Mark does meet Yoseph, but the book stops right there. Groan.
Still, it was nice to visit Anyar again. More, please.
February 8, 2020
Rating 2.0 stars - DNF
I was a little hesitant about reading this book once I found out Yosef wasn't the main character. I spent 4 books getting to know everything about him. I wasn't sure how I would feel about starting over with someone new. Turns out, I liked Yosef's story better. This story involves Mark. He is a 40 something year old mechanical engineer who went to the naval academy. He is in a different phase of his life than Yosef was. Mark was not happy with his marriage on earth and never connected to his daughter. He also found out that he had cancer and would have died without the aliens intervention, so he doesn't feel the same loss of earth that Yosef felt. The story is pretty slow. The culture and political system where Mark was left was completely different than where Yosef was left. There is much more of a centralized government. Less religious involvement but more bureaucracy, especially when dealing with sales and guilds. Just like Yosef, Mark wants to use the information he has to make innovations in this new world. Where Yosef kind of just wanted to be left alone to do his thing and didn't want notoriety. Mark is the exact opposite. He wants to make innovations and make lots of money, so he can make more innovations.
The story was kind of tedious. Mark came up with 3 new items. (none of which were very excited) and most of what was happening involved marketing and sales of these new items. I made it about 30% through the book when I realized I didn't care about Mark, not like I did Yosef. I didn't want to start all over learning about a different part of the world. I wouldn't call this story bad. I just didn't want to invest any more time with what I considered a lesser version of the same story.
I was a little hesitant about reading this book once I found out Yosef wasn't the main character. I spent 4 books getting to know everything about him. I wasn't sure how I would feel about starting over with someone new. Turns out, I liked Yosef's story better. This story involves Mark. He is a 40 something year old mechanical engineer who went to the naval academy. He is in a different phase of his life than Yosef was. Mark was not happy with his marriage on earth and never connected to his daughter. He also found out that he had cancer and would have died without the aliens intervention, so he doesn't feel the same loss of earth that Yosef felt. The story is pretty slow. The culture and political system where Mark was left was completely different than where Yosef was left. There is much more of a centralized government. Less religious involvement but more bureaucracy, especially when dealing with sales and guilds. Just like Yosef, Mark wants to use the information he has to make innovations in this new world. Where Yosef kind of just wanted to be left alone to do his thing and didn't want notoriety. Mark is the exact opposite. He wants to make innovations and make lots of money, so he can make more innovations.
The story was kind of tedious. Mark came up with 3 new items. (none of which were very excited) and most of what was happening involved marketing and sales of these new items. I made it about 30% through the book when I realized I didn't care about Mark, not like I did Yosef. I didn't want to start all over learning about a different part of the world. I wouldn't call this story bad. I just didn't want to invest any more time with what I considered a lesser version of the same story.
March 31, 2020
Olan Thorensen is the greatest author of our current age. His ability to create such a vibrant and full world is unsurpassed. The characters all feel so real. Like they could be a long lost friend. Olan has the ability to transport you to a world that doesn't seem so far away from our own, while at the same time having it be completely unique from any other. Passages is par for the course in the Destiny's Crucible series. An epic adventure, this time spanning a significant portion of the globe. I'm just sad that there isn't yet more to read.
May 23, 2024
"Passages," the 6th installment in Olan Thorensen's Destiny's Crucible series, is a testament to the enduring allure of science fiction that bridges the gap between the familiar and the fantastical. Narrated by the talented Jonathan Davis, whose voice has become synonymous with the series, the audiobook offers an immersive experience that transcends mere storytelling.
The narrative picks up with Mark Caldwell, a character whose life on Earth can best be described as mundane, bordering on the dissatisfactory. His routine existence is abruptly upended when he finds himself aboard United flight 4382, seated next to a man named Joseph Colsco. Unbeknownst to them, this flight marks the end of their earthly ties and the beginning of an odyssey that is as much about survival as it is about self-discovery.
Thrust naked onto an alien planet, Mark faces the primal challenge of adaptation. It's a theme that resonates deeply with the human condition—the idea of being stripped of all societal constructs and facing the world, or in this case, an entirely new universe, in its most elemental form. The author masterfully conveys the rawness of this experience, allowing listeners to feel the vulnerability and the exhilarating freedom that comes with starting anew.
Jonathan Davis's narration is a pivotal element of this audiobook. His ability to convey the emotional depth of the characters while maintaining a steady pace through the narrative's twists and turns is commendable. His voice becomes the anchor in the vast sea of uncertainty that Mark navigates, providing a sense of continuity and comfort.
The world-building in "Passages" is intricate and well-thought-out. Thorensen's background in science lends credibility to the scientific aspects of the story, while his imaginative prowess breathes life into the planet of Anyar. The societal structures, the political intrigue, and the cultural nuances of this new world are presented with such detail that one cannot help but feel a part of it.
One of the most compelling aspects of the audiobook is its exploration of the concept of destiny. As Mark grapples with the unforeseen direction his life has taken, listeners are invited to ponder their own paths. The story becomes a mirror reflecting our fears, our hopes, and the myriad possibilities that lie just beyond the reach of our comfort zones.
"Passages" is not just a journey across space; it's a journey within. It challenges the listener to consider what it means to be human when all labels and preconceptions are stripped away. It's a story about resilience, about the human spirit's capacity to adapt and thrive against all odds.
In conclusion, "Passages" is a stellar addition to the Destiny's Crucible series. Olan Thorensen's storytelling, combined with Jonathan Davis's evocative narration, makes for an audiobook that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. It's a must-listen for fans of the series and a compelling invitation for newcomers to dive into the rich universe Thorensen has created.
It's a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin with the simplest of moments—a seat on a flight, a conversation with a stranger, and the courage to embrace the unknown.
The narrative picks up with Mark Caldwell, a character whose life on Earth can best be described as mundane, bordering on the dissatisfactory. His routine existence is abruptly upended when he finds himself aboard United flight 4382, seated next to a man named Joseph Colsco. Unbeknownst to them, this flight marks the end of their earthly ties and the beginning of an odyssey that is as much about survival as it is about self-discovery.
Thrust naked onto an alien planet, Mark faces the primal challenge of adaptation. It's a theme that resonates deeply with the human condition—the idea of being stripped of all societal constructs and facing the world, or in this case, an entirely new universe, in its most elemental form. The author masterfully conveys the rawness of this experience, allowing listeners to feel the vulnerability and the exhilarating freedom that comes with starting anew.
Jonathan Davis's narration is a pivotal element of this audiobook. His ability to convey the emotional depth of the characters while maintaining a steady pace through the narrative's twists and turns is commendable. His voice becomes the anchor in the vast sea of uncertainty that Mark navigates, providing a sense of continuity and comfort.
The world-building in "Passages" is intricate and well-thought-out. Thorensen's background in science lends credibility to the scientific aspects of the story, while his imaginative prowess breathes life into the planet of Anyar. The societal structures, the political intrigue, and the cultural nuances of this new world are presented with such detail that one cannot help but feel a part of it.
One of the most compelling aspects of the audiobook is its exploration of the concept of destiny. As Mark grapples with the unforeseen direction his life has taken, listeners are invited to ponder their own paths. The story becomes a mirror reflecting our fears, our hopes, and the myriad possibilities that lie just beyond the reach of our comfort zones.
"Passages" is not just a journey across space; it's a journey within. It challenges the listener to consider what it means to be human when all labels and preconceptions are stripped away. It's a story about resilience, about the human spirit's capacity to adapt and thrive against all odds.
In conclusion, "Passages" is a stellar addition to the Destiny's Crucible series. Olan Thorensen's storytelling, combined with Jonathan Davis's evocative narration, makes for an audiobook that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. It's a must-listen for fans of the series and a compelling invitation for newcomers to dive into the rich universe Thorensen has created.
It's a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin with the simplest of moments—a seat on a flight, a conversation with a stranger, and the courage to embrace the unknown.
October 25, 2019
Thank you.
It took a bit longer to get sucked into Mark's story than it did Yozef's (still love the translation), but ultimately it was fantastic starting off with an entirely different culture. The contrast was jarring. Yozef wouldn't have lasted. In the end, Mark's journey and the implications for future stories leaves me craving more and more. The world is opening up and I absolutely cannot wait for more.
PS. While I am exceedingly happy with ending, the minor cliff hanger will drive me crazy. I can only hope I will have the audio book to keep me occupied until the next (hurry up).
It took a bit longer to get sucked into Mark's story than it did Yozef's (still love the translation), but ultimately it was fantastic starting off with an entirely different culture. The contrast was jarring. Yozef wouldn't have lasted. In the end, Mark's journey and the implications for future stories leaves me craving more and more. The world is opening up and I absolutely cannot wait for more.
PS. While I am exceedingly happy with ending, the minor cliff hanger will drive me crazy. I can only hope I will have the audio book to keep me occupied until the next (hurry up).
October 27, 2019
Huge let down!
Good book as always but too much about Mark's past to care about and then the dragged out journey. To only end the F@#%ing book when it get to the part anyone who has followed the series this far cares about and the the castaways meeting up but no the book ends. So now we have to wait for the slow a$$ writer to start and finish then next book in under 2 years while praying to god he does not get side tracked on other books we dont care nearly as much for.
Good book as always but too much about Mark's past to care about and then the dragged out journey. To only end the F@#%ing book when it get to the part anyone who has followed the series this far cares about and the the castaways meeting up but no the book ends. So now we have to wait for the slow a$$ writer to start and finish then next book in under 2 years while praying to god he does not get side tracked on other books we dont care nearly as much for.
March 27, 2020
Is Olan Thorensen trying to drive me crazy. All signs point to yes. Ending the book where he did was like a kick to the nuts.
At least he should have some extra time to write now.
At least he should have some extra time to write now.
November 6, 2024
4.5/5 Another solid continuation where we explore more of Anyar. Some interesting developments for the reader with some more action but scaled back a bit.
September 23, 2020
Olan Thorensen (pen name) has created a new set of characters and a new set of stories set on Anyar, the Earth-like planet that has become the new home of (now) 3 Americans who survived a mid-air collision between an airliner and an alien ship. The aliens did some interesting repairs to the three, apparently involving nanites that not only fixed them up but also imbued them with some interesting properties including disease resistance, greater strength, slowed aging and probably some more that haven't shown up yet.
The first 5 novels in the series focus on Joseph Colsco, a chemistry graduate student who, like the others that we meet in number 6, PASSAGES, found himself on a beach on the island of Caedellium, penniless, unable to speak the language and wearing his birthday suit. Renamed Yozef Kolsko, he uses his smarts and augmented memory to integrate into the local society, adding considerably new technology to the roughly 1700s level of the locals.
PASSAGES starts out similarly to CAST UNDER AN ALIEN SUN , the first novel in the DESTINY'S CRUCIBLE series, with Mark Caldwell finding himself naked on a beach in what we soon learn is the opposite side of Anyar from Yozef. For a few pages I thought it was going to simply be a repeat of CAST UNDER AN ALIEN SUN, but the two tales soon diverge and the bulk of PASSAGES details Mark's journey around the world to get to Caedellium.
Thorensen really does a great job of literal world building in the DESTINY'S CRUCIBLE series. Similar to GOT, the geography is well developed, several different nations and cultures are described and the writing flows along at a good clip. Aside from some inconsistencies in Anyar spelling (at first there don't seem to be any silent letters or double consonants, but occasionally there are a few slip-ups) and Thorensen's characters (or Thorensen himself) not knowing the correct usage of I vs. me, the writing is pretty good. There are a number of cultural differenced between America and the places that Mark (and Yozef) end up, and also some interesting similarities. I found myself wondering what I would or could do with my science Ph.D if I were dumped on an Anyar beach. I am looking forward to more in the series, especially what the team of Mark and Yozef will be able to accomplish if they join forces.
I am also looking forward to learning more about the aliens (more accurately, their AI's who only appear very briefly in each of the novels) who are clearly monitoring the situation on Anyar as if placing some humans (are there any others?) there was part of some grand experiment, akin to the one started thousands or millions of years ago when another alien species (presumably) transplanted a number of terrestrial flora and fauna to Anyar for some unknown reason. There are hints that Thorensen has plans for the aliens that he is keeping hidden at this point. There are many directions that this series could take, all of them very interesting.
Not the best literature in the world but 5 stars for fascinating creativity.
Highly Recommended.
JM Tepper
The first 5 novels in the series focus on Joseph Colsco, a chemistry graduate student who, like the others that we meet in number 6, PASSAGES, found himself on a beach on the island of Caedellium, penniless, unable to speak the language and wearing his birthday suit. Renamed Yozef Kolsko, he uses his smarts and augmented memory to integrate into the local society, adding considerably new technology to the roughly 1700s level of the locals.
PASSAGES starts out similarly to CAST UNDER AN ALIEN SUN , the first novel in the DESTINY'S CRUCIBLE series, with Mark Caldwell finding himself naked on a beach in what we soon learn is the opposite side of Anyar from Yozef. For a few pages I thought it was going to simply be a repeat of CAST UNDER AN ALIEN SUN, but the two tales soon diverge and the bulk of PASSAGES details Mark's journey around the world to get to Caedellium.
Thorensen really does a great job of literal world building in the DESTINY'S CRUCIBLE series. Similar to GOT, the geography is well developed, several different nations and cultures are described and the writing flows along at a good clip. Aside from some inconsistencies in Anyar spelling (at first there don't seem to be any silent letters or double consonants, but occasionally there are a few slip-ups) and Thorensen's characters (or Thorensen himself) not knowing the correct usage of I vs. me, the writing is pretty good. There are a number of cultural differenced between America and the places that Mark (and Yozef) end up, and also some interesting similarities. I found myself wondering what I would or could do with my science Ph.D if I were dumped on an Anyar beach. I am looking forward to more in the series, especially what the team of Mark and Yozef will be able to accomplish if they join forces.
I am also looking forward to learning more about the aliens (more accurately, their AI's who only appear very briefly in each of the novels) who are clearly monitoring the situation on Anyar as if placing some humans (are there any others?) there was part of some grand experiment, akin to the one started thousands or millions of years ago when another alien species (presumably) transplanted a number of terrestrial flora and fauna to Anyar for some unknown reason. There are hints that Thorensen has plans for the aliens that he is keeping hidden at this point. There are many directions that this series could take, all of them very interesting.
Not the best literature in the world but 5 stars for fascinating creativity.
Highly Recommended.
JM Tepper
October 23, 2019
Tales of Anyar 2
Make no mistake this latest offering from OT is well written, professionally edited, a meaty novel worth the price and the readers time. It is not however what I was expecting, eagerly anticipating. This is just me. I wanted, waited, for the story to pick up following Destiny4...kicking some more Narthoni butt. Alas that is not the case. Instead we are introduced to Mark Kaldwell in depth and later Heather Chen in almost an afterthought, as two more transplanted Americans. Marks story is interesting and his journey has almost an Oregon Trail vibe. I will confess that Marks wife Maghen is a well written character. I wish this offering had been condensed into a novella and Destiny6 started the anticipated destruction of the Narthon empire. I will be looking forward to Destiny7. All the above is my opinion, the fact is OT can write an entertaining story.
Make no mistake this latest offering from OT is well written, professionally edited, a meaty novel worth the price and the readers time. It is not however what I was expecting, eagerly anticipating. This is just me. I wanted, waited, for the story to pick up following Destiny4...kicking some more Narthoni butt. Alas that is not the case. Instead we are introduced to Mark Kaldwell in depth and later Heather Chen in almost an afterthought, as two more transplanted Americans. Marks story is interesting and his journey has almost an Oregon Trail vibe. I will confess that Marks wife Maghen is a well written character. I wish this offering had been condensed into a novella and Destiny6 started the anticipated destruction of the Narthon empire. I will be looking forward to Destiny7. All the above is my opinion, the fact is OT can write an entertaining story.
October 21, 2019
Definately, another great fiction story with adventure and just like I read all the other Yosef Kolsko stories, I can't wait to see if there will or when a sequel to this one is going to come out. But I do look forward to it.
I, give it 5 stars because it's the type of genre I enjoy, so whenever I finish reading this books sometimes I go back and re-read the books or try to find other similar type stories like "Tran" by Jerry Pournelle or Foreign Legions. I would recommend to those who are like minded but not everyone likes stories with alien ubduction then left to make somewhere else that is not earth.
I, give it 5 stars because it's the type of genre I enjoy, so whenever I finish reading this books sometimes I go back and re-read the books or try to find other similar type stories like "Tran" by Jerry Pournelle or Foreign Legions. I would recommend to those who are like minded but not everyone likes stories with alien ubduction then left to make somewhere else that is not earth.
October 21, 2019
Great novel
I loved this novel and read it as soon as it came out. As much as I liked Mark's story, I felt liked it took up way more of the novel as I'd liked but that was only because we don't reach Mark's notice of Yozef until halfway through the novel.
All in all I would definitely recommend this to fans of the series but be warned this is a Mark story so you wouldn't be getting much(if any) of those in Caedellium. Which
I loved this novel and read it as soon as it came out. As much as I liked Mark's story, I felt liked it took up way more of the novel as I'd liked but that was only because we don't reach Mark's notice of Yozef until halfway through the novel.
All in all I would definitely recommend this to fans of the series but be warned this is a Mark story so you wouldn't be getting much(if any) of those in Caedellium. Which
February 10, 2020
Having read the first 5 books in this powerful series twice, my husband and I, who read aloud to each other every night, pounced on this when it came out. It did not disappoint. Fast paced and fun, sadly we're done already because we had an awful time putting it down. We'll be starting his Paladins of Distant Suns series book 1 while we wait for book 7 of Destiny's Crucible to come out. Fortunately, he's a prolific writer and we won't have to wait long.
December 20, 2019
At first I thought it is a variation of book 1 in this series. But this is not the case; even if the topic is of the same realm it is fresh of new ideas and events. The story is fascinating from the beginning. I couldn’t stop reading until the end.
Very entertaining alternative history, good writing and developed characters.
Aybi
Very entertaining alternative history, good writing and developed characters.
Aybi
October 22, 2019
Great, great read!
So thrilled to get the latest in the Destiny's Crucible series! Fascinating premise and bang up characters! Love that the three space refugees are finally going to meet. Now to just wait, sigh, for the newest book to get here!
So thrilled to get the latest in the Destiny's Crucible series! Fascinating premise and bang up characters! Love that the three space refugees are finally going to meet. Now to just wait, sigh, for the newest book to get here!
March 30, 2020
I didn't like the character of Mark. He was a seriously unattractive and dislikeable character. There was also too much details and boring journey stories. But I'm so excited for the next volume which I believe I should wait for it a very long time!
November 8, 2019
I enjoyed it, just like the other ones in the series. The ending has me very excited for the next installment.
March 10, 2021
This book is number 6 in the series. It expands on a short story in book 5 about Mark Caldwell. It tells about Mark’s experience with the AI that dumps him, and at least two others, on the planet Anyar after surviving a midair plane crash. The story then tells us how, like Joseph Colsco, he is left naked on a beach not knowing where he is, how to speak the local language or what the customs are. As he learns the language and slowly adapts to a new life he yearns to make a success of this second chance. This is a very similar start as the first book in the series, Cast Under an Alien Sun.
At this point the story takes a much different turn in that fortune is not kind to Mark and he runs afoul several times. The second incident he just happens to be at the wrong place at the right time as a man asked if he has ever heard of a place called America. This leads to him and his family fleeing for their lives as he works towards meeting another what he hopes is another survivor.
Loved this new story arc. The character of Mark Caldwell was interesting and there was lots of action and suspense. However, I am not crazy about the cliffhanger. I wished the author had not left the reader hanging so. I do look forward to what the future holds for both Joseph and Mark. Will they work together to defeat the Narthons? Will they bring Anyar forward to the equivalent of the 20th century in their life times? These are just a few of the questions I am looking forward to getting the answers to. Eagerly awaiting book 7!
At this point the story takes a much different turn in that fortune is not kind to Mark and he runs afoul several times. The second incident he just happens to be at the wrong place at the right time as a man asked if he has ever heard of a place called America. This leads to him and his family fleeing for their lives as he works towards meeting another what he hopes is another survivor.
Loved this new story arc. The character of Mark Caldwell was interesting and there was lots of action and suspense. However, I am not crazy about the cliffhanger. I wished the author had not left the reader hanging so. I do look forward to what the future holds for both Joseph and Mark. Will they work together to defeat the Narthons? Will they bring Anyar forward to the equivalent of the 20th century in their life times? These are just a few of the questions I am looking forward to getting the answers to. Eagerly awaiting book 7!
November 22, 2025
For a author that hates foreplay he for sure likes edging us. Once per novel the phrase 'there was no foreplay' must be used yet last and this novel could have been chapter each instead of this overextended foreplay for the rest of the series. If characters mentioned were important to overarching story they should have been introduced way earlier, at least a short chapter twice or trice per novel would have been fine. But if we ignore pacing of the story, if I read it when I was 14 I would have loved this novel as a stand alone travelogue since I was obsessed with age of sail travels and explorations. Since I am more cynical old fart now, it was quite a chore to go through it. Story needs to move forward instead of retreading the same things over and over and over again. Since I got this far, sunk cost fallacy is firmly gripping me, so I'll either end up liking this series or continue hate reading.
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April 5, 2021This book felt like a lesser version of Yosef's story. I did not like the MC and felt he was an absolute idiot too often to overlook. If you're a fan of this series just know that this book can be skipped completely as it is a side novel. Below I'll give an extremely condensed summary of the story for anyone who wants to skip it. The no star rating is intentional and does not reflect a 0 star rating.
August 18, 2020
I just got done reading this book and there were a couple points that seemed a little bit tedious but now that I am done I can't wait for the next book. As I was coming to the last few pages I could guess what was about to happen. All I could think was please tell me more, tell me more, tell me more. In the end the author chose to not tell me more and that makes me want to know more.
Spoiler
Instead of ending the book with a suspenseful and anxiety inducing cliffhanger he left it with a different kind of cliffhanger. One that makes me see hope for the future of the story and the people which is the best kind of cliffhanger. I am definitely going to get book 7 as soon as possible
Spoiler
Instead of ending the book with a suspenseful and anxiety inducing cliffhanger he left it with a different kind of cliffhanger. One that makes me see hope for the future of the story and the people which is the best kind of cliffhanger. I am definitely going to get book 7 as soon as possible
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2022
I'm so glad the author decided to write more characters who were in the same plane crash as Joseph and gave us different experiences with Mark Caldwell and later another. Personally, I find Mark's experience more realistic than that of Joseph's. Even though he wasn't able to accomplish as much in terms of introducing advanced tech to the country where he was dropped off in, I find Mark's story line more relatable. And after all the problems Mark has encountered trying to introduce slightly more advanced tech into his part of the Anyar world, I can see how he could do much more with Joseph's support.
May 26, 2020
Setting presentation, design and originality (how cool is the setting?): 3
Setting verisimillitude and detail (how much sense does the setting make?): 5
Plot design, presentation and originality (How well-crafted was the plot, in the dramaturgic sense?): 4
Plot and character verisimillitude (How much sense did the plot and motivations make? Did events follow from motivations?): 5
Characterization and character development: 4
Character sympatheticness: 5
Prose: 4
Page turner factor: 4
Mind blown factor: 2
Final (weighted) score: 3.9
Setting verisimillitude and detail (how much sense does the setting make?): 5
Plot design, presentation and originality (How well-crafted was the plot, in the dramaturgic sense?): 4
Plot and character verisimillitude (How much sense did the plot and motivations make? Did events follow from motivations?): 5
Characterization and character development: 4
Character sympatheticness: 5
Prose: 4
Page turner factor: 4
Mind blown factor: 2
Final (weighted) score: 3.9
August 28, 2020
Excellent Continuation of a Great Series!
I've read all six of the books in this series, and so far I think this was my favorite. I liked the fact that it was about a different main character, who must contend with, and solve unique problems.You are always mindful of, and throughout you must ask yourself, what would you do? I also liked the fact that this character was on the other side of the vast planet of Anyar, thus you learn more about its diverse countries, with each having a different language and culture. I highly recommend.....
I've read all six of the books in this series, and so far I think this was my favorite. I liked the fact that it was about a different main character, who must contend with, and solve unique problems.You are always mindful of, and throughout you must ask yourself, what would you do? I also liked the fact that this character was on the other side of the vast planet of Anyar, thus you learn more about its diverse countries, with each having a different language and culture. I highly recommend.....
April 8, 2020
OK - going to be honest. Early on I *did not like Mark*. At all. I was worried that the story might be headed into "went much better the first time with Yosef" lackluster repeat territory. However - that changed. I won't spoil things....but Mark's development arc works. It engages you - grabs you - in such a way that I had a hard time putting the book down. Definitely look forward to the next one!
May 20, 2020
Excellent
At first I was fairly disgusted because this was not a Jozef Kolsco story, but rather a Mark Caldwell story. But the storyline soon sucked me in hook, line and sinker. This was almost one of the better books of the series this far, with vivid characters, landscapes, travel descriptions, battles and a lot more and at the end of the book a promise of an even better follow up book.
At first I was fairly disgusted because this was not a Jozef Kolsco story, but rather a Mark Caldwell story. But the storyline soon sucked me in hook, line and sinker. This was almost one of the better books of the series this far, with vivid characters, landscapes, travel descriptions, battles and a lot more and at the end of the book a promise of an even better follow up book.
May 29, 2020
Book seven in the series
The first six books are about a man taken by aliens and dropped off on a planet. This book deals with another Earthling dropped off by aliens and his seven year adventure to get to the other side of the world to meet a fellow Earling. I was excited to see this book was published and in reading this book did not let me down. I am awaiting book eight in the series!
The first six books are about a man taken by aliens and dropped off on a planet. This book deals with another Earthling dropped off by aliens and his seven year adventure to get to the other side of the world to meet a fellow Earling. I was excited to see this book was published and in reading this book did not let me down. I am awaiting book eight in the series!
August 3, 2021
Nuevo personaje aparece en esta serie. Otro pasajero del avión es llevado al planeta, aunque a otro continente lejos de la isla de Joseph Kolsko. E intenta hacer algo parecido… introducir tecnología para subir el nivel de vida de todos. Pero es detectado por los enemigos de Kolsko, y tiene que huir, intentando llegar a Kolsko. Y eso básicamente es el libro, 400 páginas de viaje/huida. Demasiado viaje. La historia está bien, pero se hace demasiado cansino todo el viaje. B
March 29, 2022
After an introduction in the previous book, Thorensen continues the tale of another castaway and his search for Jozef Kolsko. Along the way, he picks up another who was taken from her home planet and deposited on Anyar. But unlike Kolsko, Mark Kaldwel has a much more difficult adjustment, as does the other castaway. Heather Chin. Nevertheless, Mark, with his new family take an incredible journey in which he saves Heather and eventually gets to Caedellium in his quest to find Kolsko.
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