In the year 2106, the Earth had survived not one but two alien invasions. The United States was colonizing Mars and has annexed it, claiming it as the fifty-first state of America. The United Nation’s general assembly exploded into chaos at this announcement, but the world’s uproar fell on deaf ears as America made no apologies for its actions. The United States announced further that no country would be allowed to land on or approach Mars with either manned or unmanned spacecraft and any craft approaching would be destroyed.What were they trying to hide?“Mars, The 51st State” begins…
Storyline ... Great. Spelling and grammar ... Not so much
As a life long (age 69) fan of scifi, this series ranks up there with the greats, Heinlein, Norton, Asimov and H. G. Wells (no relation). But Swan definitely needs a thoroughly schooled proof reader. When he has a king walk out of the thrown room (throne) or a character walks passed the door (past), or the Champaign corks pop (Champagne),it bothers me enough to take away from the story. Color me anal retentive if you must (I believe that is some shade of brown), but even so the story and inventive imagination would not let me rank it below 4 stars. I really enjoyed the anti matter drives ad the quantum gates. I would recommend this series to anyone who knows that data is a first name and that Quarks is the best bar in the quadrant. Best wishes to my fellow fans and to Mr. Shaw in all his future efforts. Carson Wells
Swan produced a truly intricate and reviving story. The complexity added force and urgency to the drama. The main storyline was clearly presented and maintained a gripping focus that made always wondering when Swan would spring his signature surprise ending. I thought I had an idea what that ending was; but I was mistaken. Swan's ending was totally unexpected and so thorough that I suspect there may be a continuation in the making. Smooth writing that enabled me to go through the book quickly and expeditiously. To fully have the depth of appreciation for this storyline, I suggest reading previous books in the series. I find it ironic that the ""miracle" was always staring you in the face. Good job!
Who cares about science fiction license ? Capt Kirk SHOULD be sitting, not floating. Or typos. But I am really glad that in all of these books, unlike many "apocalypse" books, you didn't feel the need to have some character doing obviously stupid things. Like for example, where the group escaping co.we upon a hurt child in the road, main guy knows its a trap, bikers hiding in woods to steal supplies, but the wife has to give into her "nurturingng side" and save the kid. And of course, they get robbed by meth monkey bikers. Seems like 90% of these types of books have so.e similar situation. Maybe that is taught in Apocalypse Writing 101 ?
Full of things to make the average American feel good about his or herself. Continual conversation in the language of friends, interspersed with cartoon words. Geez, yikes, huh ! Not a swear word in all 4 books, a hint of the most athletic sex possible . But not surprising when everybody was just a bit better than average, with their chiseled features, and perfect figures. Perfect figures despite a diet of everything you shouldn't eat, cheeseburgers, and pizzas with all American beer. Doubt I will bother with another one of your books sir, and I'm only glad I didn't pay directly for this nonsense.
I enjoy stories that have a lot of character development. I enjoy the bringing together of people who are different from each other but manage to discover things they have in common. This series has both interesting characters and a nice blend of action. Thanks for giving me some hours of enjoyment and escape during these trying times. The books also give me hope for what we may be able to accomplish as humans.
I just discovered D.R. Swan with The Artifact series. I am now a fan. I will also mention (since the author brought it up in notes) that there are far less errors in this series than in many ebooks. I am a voracious reader, so I know this to be fact. No spoilers from me, this series did have a terrific ending.
Well that’s me finished the Artifact Series. I enjoyed the stories and the characters, although the characters were a bit leaden and two dimensional. There is enough unsettled plotting to support the author revisiting the series in the future. I look forward to it. 🏴😂
The series was very entertaining and action packed. A lot of tragedies but not overwhelming with enough happy outcomes to make up for them. I just signed up for more DRS.
I found all three books quite interesting . The concept of different creatures living in the space is fascinating. I like the way author imagine and projects those alliens.