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Planet Pluto
AN ADVENTURE THREE BILLION MILES FROM EARTH.
On August 25th, 2012, the Voyager 1 probe crossed into interstellar space. It contained a "golden record" with sounds, pictures, and greetings from Earth.
On March 15th, 2013, NASA received a transmission from the spacecraft that said: "Hello. We received your golden record. Let's meet."
Now, internationally bestselling author B.C.CHASE invites you on a daring first contact mission into deep space with five intrepid astronauts, one spunky cosmonaut, and a seventy-five-year-old truck driver.
*Previously published as Pluto's Ghost. This edition, dedicated to the team that launched the New Horizons probe, contains an interview with the author from Publishers Weekly Booklife.
On August 25th, 2012, the Voyager 1 probe crossed into interstellar space. It contained a "golden record" with sounds, pictures, and greetings from Earth.
On March 15th, 2013, NASA received a transmission from the spacecraft that said: "Hello. We received your golden record. Let's meet."
Now, internationally bestselling author B.C.CHASE invites you on a daring first contact mission into deep space with five intrepid astronauts, one spunky cosmonaut, and a seventy-five-year-old truck driver.
*Previously published as Pluto's Ghost. This edition, dedicated to the team that launched the New Horizons probe, contains an interview with the author from Publishers Weekly Booklife.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2020
191 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
B.C. Chase
12 books34 followersVisit bcchase.com for free book offers.
B.C.CHASE is the internationally bestselling author of the Paradeisia Trilogy, which critics have hailed as one of the greatest franchises of our time.* His electrifying talent for combining the latest in scientific breakthroughs with edge-of-your-seat thrills has earned him a reputation as a master of suspense. Amazon has named him among its top 10 Sci-fi authors.
"COMPULSIVELY READABLE...PACKED WITH MYSTERIES AND SURPRISES...ENOUGH DETAIL TO THRILL FANS OF THE MARTIAN."
-HUGO AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR TIM PRATT
“IRREVERENT HUMOR…VIVID…MEMORABLE…AS ORIGINAL AS IT CAN GET.”
–PUBLISHERS WEEKLY CRITIC
“CHASE’S CLEAN, FLOWING PROSE AND BRIGHT SENSE OF HUMOR LIVEN UP A TALE.”
–BOOKLIFE PRIZE QUARTER FINALIST
“FAST AND FUN.”
–THE OKLAHOMAN
“INCREDIBLY WELL-WRITTEN.”
–EBOOKS ADDICT
“CHASE KEEPS US GUESSING UNTIL THE END.”
–ONLINEBOOKCLUB.ORG
“B.C.CHASE IS RAPIDLY BECOMING AN AUTHOR OF AUTHORITY.”
GRADY HARP, VINE VOICE
“CHASE HAS THE RAW TALENT FOR WRITING, AND THE WAY HE’S ABLE TO PUT YOU RIGHT INSIDE THE MAIN CHARACTER’S HEAD IS FANTASTIC.”
–SCIFIANDSCARY.COM
“CHASE HAS MASTERED THE ART OF WRITING SUSPENSE.”
L.A. HOWELL
“ONE HELL OF A RIDE.”
-THRILLERKAT REVIEWS
“IN TRUE CRICHTON STYLE, CHASE TAKES ELEMENTS OF KNOWN SCIENCE, EXPLORES THEIR EXTREME POTENTIAL, AND BUILDS A MYSTERY AROUND SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES.”
-AMAZON.COM
Fiction:
Leviathan
Santa Claus: The King of the Elves Abridged Children’s Edition
Santa Claus: The King of the Elves
Glass: A Motion Picture Script
Paradeisia: Origin of Paradise
Paradeisia: Violation of Paradise
Paradeisia: Fall of Paradise
Pluto’s Ghost
Cataton
*Epub.us
B.C.CHASE is the internationally bestselling author of the Paradeisia Trilogy, which critics have hailed as one of the greatest franchises of our time.* His electrifying talent for combining the latest in scientific breakthroughs with edge-of-your-seat thrills has earned him a reputation as a master of suspense. Amazon has named him among its top 10 Sci-fi authors.
"COMPULSIVELY READABLE...PACKED WITH MYSTERIES AND SURPRISES...ENOUGH DETAIL TO THRILL FANS OF THE MARTIAN."
-HUGO AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR TIM PRATT
“IRREVERENT HUMOR…VIVID…MEMORABLE…AS ORIGINAL AS IT CAN GET.”
–PUBLISHERS WEEKLY CRITIC
“CHASE’S CLEAN, FLOWING PROSE AND BRIGHT SENSE OF HUMOR LIVEN UP A TALE.”
–BOOKLIFE PRIZE QUARTER FINALIST
“FAST AND FUN.”
–THE OKLAHOMAN
“INCREDIBLY WELL-WRITTEN.”
–EBOOKS ADDICT
“CHASE KEEPS US GUESSING UNTIL THE END.”
–ONLINEBOOKCLUB.ORG
“B.C.CHASE IS RAPIDLY BECOMING AN AUTHOR OF AUTHORITY.”
GRADY HARP, VINE VOICE
“CHASE HAS THE RAW TALENT FOR WRITING, AND THE WAY HE’S ABLE TO PUT YOU RIGHT INSIDE THE MAIN CHARACTER’S HEAD IS FANTASTIC.”
–SCIFIANDSCARY.COM
“CHASE HAS MASTERED THE ART OF WRITING SUSPENSE.”
L.A. HOWELL
“ONE HELL OF A RIDE.”
-THRILLERKAT REVIEWS
“IN TRUE CRICHTON STYLE, CHASE TAKES ELEMENTS OF KNOWN SCIENCE, EXPLORES THEIR EXTREME POTENTIAL, AND BUILDS A MYSTERY AROUND SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES.”
-AMAZON.COM
Fiction:
Leviathan
Santa Claus: The King of the Elves Abridged Children’s Edition
Santa Claus: The King of the Elves
Glass: A Motion Picture Script
Paradeisia: Origin of Paradise
Paradeisia: Violation of Paradise
Paradeisia: Fall of Paradise
Pluto’s Ghost
Cataton
*Epub.us
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 6, 2021
Planet Pluto: First Contact Sci-fi by B.C. Chase
Someone, something is out there and they are ready to meet us. On March 15th, 2013, NASA receives a transmission from the Voyager 1 probe that says: "Hello. We received your golden record. Let's meet." The rendezvous date is November 30, 2021 and the meeting location is the planet Pluto, both set by the alien responders. NASA, spares no expense to make this happen, bringing out relics of the past to spend the next years to make the trip possible. Aside from the date and location, NASA is required, by the aliens, to send seven specific people, six astronauts, one cosmonaut, and a 75 year old truck driver, named Jim.
Jim turns down this amazing and puzzling opportunity because he has one mission in life and that is to continue being the best dad he can be to his daughter Betsy. He's raised Betsy alone, from the time she was a toddler and Jim's life revolves around his love for her. Then something happens to change Jim's mind and he joins the team not long before takeoff. No one can phantom why the aliens requested the presence of a truck driver whose highest formal education was high school.
Jim is funny, cracking silly jokes, at will, not needing to care what the "by the book" commander really wants but still trying not to rock the boat (spaceship) too much. Other than the no nonsense, no fun, no compassion, dictatorial 30 year old commander, who obviously despises that a 75 year old truck driver is on his once in a lifetime first contact mission to Pluto, the other team members become Jim's friends. It's a long mission and each person has their jobs to do and Jim is willing to do more than his share.
But things go wrong not too long into the mission and a sense of foreboding and horror creeps into the story, building with every day the team is in space. Things are not right, very bad things happen, and slowing things are going out of control. This is such a good book and Jim is our every man, a good man trying to do his best in an unimaginable situation. I'd call this horror sci fi and I enjoyed every minute of the story.
Published June 30, 2020
Thank you to Book Sirens for this ARC.
Someone, something is out there and they are ready to meet us. On March 15th, 2013, NASA receives a transmission from the Voyager 1 probe that says: "Hello. We received your golden record. Let's meet." The rendezvous date is November 30, 2021 and the meeting location is the planet Pluto, both set by the alien responders. NASA, spares no expense to make this happen, bringing out relics of the past to spend the next years to make the trip possible. Aside from the date and location, NASA is required, by the aliens, to send seven specific people, six astronauts, one cosmonaut, and a 75 year old truck driver, named Jim.
Jim turns down this amazing and puzzling opportunity because he has one mission in life and that is to continue being the best dad he can be to his daughter Betsy. He's raised Betsy alone, from the time she was a toddler and Jim's life revolves around his love for her. Then something happens to change Jim's mind and he joins the team not long before takeoff. No one can phantom why the aliens requested the presence of a truck driver whose highest formal education was high school.
Jim is funny, cracking silly jokes, at will, not needing to care what the "by the book" commander really wants but still trying not to rock the boat (spaceship) too much. Other than the no nonsense, no fun, no compassion, dictatorial 30 year old commander, who obviously despises that a 75 year old truck driver is on his once in a lifetime first contact mission to Pluto, the other team members become Jim's friends. It's a long mission and each person has their jobs to do and Jim is willing to do more than his share.
But things go wrong not too long into the mission and a sense of foreboding and horror creeps into the story, building with every day the team is in space. Things are not right, very bad things happen, and slowing things are going out of control. This is such a good book and Jim is our every man, a good man trying to do his best in an unimaginable situation. I'd call this horror sci fi and I enjoyed every minute of the story.
Published June 30, 2020
Thank you to Book Sirens for this ARC.
October 9, 2020
That was freaking awesome, I loved it! Quality sci-fi that developed a bit of a horror vibe as the book progressed - what could be better? Planet Pluto is about a first contact mission. When Voyager 2 left the solar system and headed off into deep space it took with it a message for any life forms that were listening. And one day they replied! NASA must send seven people on a mission to make contact on the surface of Pluto on 30 November 2021. A list of names was helpfully provided. Among the expected crew members of commander, pilot, doctor, biologist and so on is one 75 year old truck driver named Jim Perkins from Kansas. No one is more surprised than Jim at his inclusion. He has no idea what he could possibly offer such a mission.
The story is about the journey to Pluto and Chase has really done his homework. He’s got all the gen on space shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS) on which the journey takes place. Apparently it is all as factual as can be. Anyway, it wouldn’t be much of a story without some drama and this mission seems to be plagued by problems from the start. But as the journey progresses things get weirder still and there is a growing sense of dread that the intrepid band of astronauts is not as in control of this mission as they would like.
As the horrifying truth dawns on Jim he must face a terrible decision that will impact not only his fellow astronauts but maybe even humanity itself. I just loved the direction this story took with that little horror edge. While it is clearly science fiction it seemed so very plausible in the telling. Jim is the perfect protagonist to humanise the story. He is everyman. The other crew members all had their supporting roles to play but Jim is the guy. I thought the author also brought the beauty of the planets to life. This book would appeal to more than just sci-fi fans as at its heart it is a story about what it is to be human, to love and be loved with whatever sacrifices that entails. Many thanks to BookSirens and B.C. Chase for a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
The story is about the journey to Pluto and Chase has really done his homework. He’s got all the gen on space shuttles and the International Space Station (ISS) on which the journey takes place. Apparently it is all as factual as can be. Anyway, it wouldn’t be much of a story without some drama and this mission seems to be plagued by problems from the start. But as the journey progresses things get weirder still and there is a growing sense of dread that the intrepid band of astronauts is not as in control of this mission as they would like.
As the horrifying truth dawns on Jim he must face a terrible decision that will impact not only his fellow astronauts but maybe even humanity itself. I just loved the direction this story took with that little horror edge. While it is clearly science fiction it seemed so very plausible in the telling. Jim is the perfect protagonist to humanise the story. He is everyman. The other crew members all had their supporting roles to play but Jim is the guy. I thought the author also brought the beauty of the planets to life. This book would appeal to more than just sci-fi fans as at its heart it is a story about what it is to be human, to love and be loved with whatever sacrifices that entails. Many thanks to BookSirens and B.C. Chase for a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
September 8, 2020
This novel has left me speechless. But I must find words for a review.
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach was my favorite non-fiction read of last year, and this year I had the pleasure of reading Endurance from Scott Kelly, another astronaut nonfiction book. So to pick up Planet Pluto by BC Chase, an ISS science fiction epic journey, was a treat beyond measure.
From the first pages, I was swept away into this story. The writing is clear and fluid. The pacing is excellent enough that it's noticeable. Even with all of the detail to explain actions and setting on the space station and in space, the story moves along steadily. I found it very suspenseful and unpredictable. It has a slight element of horror that had me on edge in the best way.
I loved every aspect of the story and adventure. I am a sucker for a good epic journey novel. I give high praise for the setting, research, and adventure, but it might be Chase's characters themselves that really take the cake. I can't decide whether it's more character-driven or plot-driven. This story is told from the point of view of a 75-year-old man chosen for reasons that don't make much sense to any of the astronauts to join this first contact mission from Earth to Mars. As a young woman myself, I doubted that I would connect with Jim, but I found him delightful and multi-dimensional. Each character is unique and well-established. They are flawed, some are hateable and some are lovable. They grow and develop. The dialogue is natural and realistic.
As the ending approached, I became nervous that I wasn't liking where it was going. So little faith. Excellent ending! And with surprising heart. The message struck me and left me...well, speechless. This book is giving me what we bookworms fondly refer to as a "hangover."
I want to share and gush over how much research went into this book and how it shows, how incredible the descriptions are of the actions and space technology, how this story aligns with what I learned from my non-fiction space reads. But that almost makes it sound boring-- it is so exciting! Such a treat! For someone who loves reading not just about outer space in general but astronauts and space flight specifically, this was NASA-y intellectual candy.
Due to the excellent writing, immersive setting, obvious research and heart and passion, brilliant story telling, and colorful characters this book gets a full five stars from me. I don't doubt I will think about this book for a long time. I see on the author's website that there's an audiobook, and I love it enough that I hope to listen to it through that medium as well.
Thank you Netgalley, Preseption Press, and B.C. Chase for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach was my favorite non-fiction read of last year, and this year I had the pleasure of reading Endurance from Scott Kelly, another astronaut nonfiction book. So to pick up Planet Pluto by BC Chase, an ISS science fiction epic journey, was a treat beyond measure.
From the first pages, I was swept away into this story. The writing is clear and fluid. The pacing is excellent enough that it's noticeable. Even with all of the detail to explain actions and setting on the space station and in space, the story moves along steadily. I found it very suspenseful and unpredictable. It has a slight element of horror that had me on edge in the best way.
I loved every aspect of the story and adventure. I am a sucker for a good epic journey novel. I give high praise for the setting, research, and adventure, but it might be Chase's characters themselves that really take the cake. I can't decide whether it's more character-driven or plot-driven. This story is told from the point of view of a 75-year-old man chosen for reasons that don't make much sense to any of the astronauts to join this first contact mission from Earth to Mars. As a young woman myself, I doubted that I would connect with Jim, but I found him delightful and multi-dimensional. Each character is unique and well-established. They are flawed, some are hateable and some are lovable. They grow and develop. The dialogue is natural and realistic.
As the ending approached, I became nervous that I wasn't liking where it was going. So little faith. Excellent ending! And with surprising heart. The message struck me and left me...well, speechless. This book is giving me what we bookworms fondly refer to as a "hangover."
I want to share and gush over how much research went into this book and how it shows, how incredible the descriptions are of the actions and space technology, how this story aligns with what I learned from my non-fiction space reads. But that almost makes it sound boring-- it is so exciting! Such a treat! For someone who loves reading not just about outer space in general but astronauts and space flight specifically, this was NASA-y intellectual candy.
Due to the excellent writing, immersive setting, obvious research and heart and passion, brilliant story telling, and colorful characters this book gets a full five stars from me. I don't doubt I will think about this book for a long time. I see on the author's website that there's an audiobook, and I love it enough that I hope to listen to it through that medium as well.
Thank you Netgalley, Preseption Press, and B.C. Chase for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2020
It was a wonderful surprise to read Planet Pluto and I now consider B. C. Chase a great addition to my list of sci-fi authors to be followed.
Planet Pluto first, handles the downgrade of Pluto, from a planet to something lesser, by recovering a much-deserved place on my childhood planets list.
Another point that made me hooked on this book was the approach to the story. Instead of having seasoned astronauts making the tale, we got an aged truck driver that as the main character. Love the way that this character was introduced and the deepness of his line of reasoning along the entire odyssey that tries to make the “first contact”. This character looks very real.
We cannot consider “Planet Pluto” as a hard sci-fi but the entire book was very well researched and I could not locate any plot holes on it.
I cannot tell more about the book without spoiling it, except the fact that I read it on two or three “gulps” and I was never tempted, as I do frequently, to put the book aside on my large pile of “I will try later” books.
Bring more books, Mr. B. C. Chase. I will be waiting.
Nilo
Disclaimer:
This review was made on an e-book that I got from NetGalley.
Planet Pluto first, handles the downgrade of Pluto, from a planet to something lesser, by recovering a much-deserved place on my childhood planets list.
Another point that made me hooked on this book was the approach to the story. Instead of having seasoned astronauts making the tale, we got an aged truck driver that as the main character. Love the way that this character was introduced and the deepness of his line of reasoning along the entire odyssey that tries to make the “first contact”. This character looks very real.
We cannot consider “Planet Pluto” as a hard sci-fi but the entire book was very well researched and I could not locate any plot holes on it.
I cannot tell more about the book without spoiling it, except the fact that I read it on two or three “gulps” and I was never tempted, as I do frequently, to put the book aside on my large pile of “I will try later” books.
Bring more books, Mr. B. C. Chase. I will be waiting.
Nilo
Disclaimer:
This review was made on an e-book that I got from NetGalley.
September 19, 2020
What a fantastic book. It was definitely a nice escape into something different. I have found myself going and just thumbing back through the book. The Author took so much care into all the small details that it really helps you appreciate the story that much more. A true talent is creating a story like this and keeping everyone on the fiction and nonfiction side happy. Well done.
August 6, 2020
Planet Pluto: First Contact by B.C. Chase is about a group of astronauts and one old semi-truck driver who has been specifically requested by name by an alien race to meet on Pluto on Nov. 30, 2021! Can you imagine being in your seventies and receiving a call at three A.M by the NASA Director? Especially when he tells you that aliens have specifically requested your presence on the most remote planet in our solar system.
I absolutely LOVED Planet Pluto: First Contact!! From the very beginning to the last word! There were parts that made me laugh out loud for real! The main character, Jim, old fart... utters lines that literally leave you hootin' and smackin' your Kindle! The way he deals with the young astronauts who see him as a "Fatherly" type or a hindrance. Each character has their own specific quirks and appeal. Though, I've gotta tell you... I've NEVER wanted to see a character killed off so much as I did one particular arsehat character. I mentally envisioned using various torture devices I've read about for one particular astronut. (spelling deliberate).
The aliens have their own reasons for selecting each astronaut and the main character. They literally name the person and their position. With the exception of the one civilian who's closest to being in space has been in the books he reads! I love that the author includes someone who loves books as much as me!
I already made my husband read the book as this was one story that I knew he MUST read! I will definitely be buying copies for friends and family! Shhhhhh... they don't know it yet. But, this is one story that I would love to be in a book club just to sit and discuss all that happens! The story is perfect for anyone that loved watching, "CONTACT". The author writes much like Michael Crichton! In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see this book turned into a cult movie! Spielberg... are you LISTENING??!!
A MUST READ!!! What are you waiting for?? Go and buy a copy NOW! You're going to want to read it asap. I was able to read it in two nights. My husband loved it too!! He was so glad that I made him read it! We'll be yakking about this one for a long time! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
I absolutely LOVED Planet Pluto: First Contact!! From the very beginning to the last word! There were parts that made me laugh out loud for real! The main character, Jim, old fart... utters lines that literally leave you hootin' and smackin' your Kindle! The way he deals with the young astronauts who see him as a "Fatherly" type or a hindrance. Each character has their own specific quirks and appeal. Though, I've gotta tell you... I've NEVER wanted to see a character killed off so much as I did one particular arsehat character. I mentally envisioned using various torture devices I've read about for one particular astronut. (spelling deliberate).
The aliens have their own reasons for selecting each astronaut and the main character. They literally name the person and their position. With the exception of the one civilian who's closest to being in space has been in the books he reads! I love that the author includes someone who loves books as much as me!
I already made my husband read the book as this was one story that I knew he MUST read! I will definitely be buying copies for friends and family! Shhhhhh... they don't know it yet. But, this is one story that I would love to be in a book club just to sit and discuss all that happens! The story is perfect for anyone that loved watching, "CONTACT". The author writes much like Michael Crichton! In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see this book turned into a cult movie! Spielberg... are you LISTENING??!!
A MUST READ!!! What are you waiting for?? Go and buy a copy NOW! You're going to want to read it asap. I was able to read it in two nights. My husband loved it too!! He was so glad that I made him read it! We'll be yakking about this one for a long time! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
July 30, 2020
Thank you to author B. C. Chase and NetGalley for the chance to review the Advanced Reader's Copy of this book. This was an unexpected gem for sure!
The basic story focuses on senior citizen truck driver Jim Perkins as he is selected by aliens as an addition to a select crew of astronauts tasked with meeting them, on an expedited schedule, in humanity's first contact with alien life, at a site on Pluto. Space travel is not without inherent risks, and the author introduces the reader to a bunch, as the trip does not go smoothly. I have to admit that I was repeatedly surprised throughout the book, even up to the end. Many books, the reader has a feel the destination to which the story is advancing, which was not the case for me with this book. This simply is not your run of the mill First Contact story. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the story and I want you to enjoy this as much as I did.
There was plenty of action, with very little, if any, graphic violence, as I don't recall any. There is some passing sexual content, but more described as a couple of accidental encounters, with little detail. There are a couple of scenes in which there is conversation containing romantic or minimal sexual content. If the reader is cautious of violence or sexual content triggers, this book should be a safe and fun read. There is some mild language, but again, kept to a minimum in my opinion.
The basic story focuses on senior citizen truck driver Jim Perkins as he is selected by aliens as an addition to a select crew of astronauts tasked with meeting them, on an expedited schedule, in humanity's first contact with alien life, at a site on Pluto. Space travel is not without inherent risks, and the author introduces the reader to a bunch, as the trip does not go smoothly. I have to admit that I was repeatedly surprised throughout the book, even up to the end. Many books, the reader has a feel the destination to which the story is advancing, which was not the case for me with this book. This simply is not your run of the mill First Contact story. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the story and I want you to enjoy this as much as I did.
There was plenty of action, with very little, if any, graphic violence, as I don't recall any. There is some passing sexual content, but more described as a couple of accidental encounters, with little detail. There are a couple of scenes in which there is conversation containing romantic or minimal sexual content. If the reader is cautious of violence or sexual content triggers, this book should be a safe and fun read. There is some mild language, but again, kept to a minimum in my opinion.
July 30, 2020
Thank you to author B. C. Chase and NetGalley for the chance to review the Advanced Reader's Copy of this book. This was an unexpected gem for sure!
The basic story focuses on senior citizen truck driver Jim Perkins as he is selected by aliens as an addition to a select crew of astronauts tasked with meeting them, on an expedited schedule, in humanity's first contact with alien life, at a site on Pluto. Space travel is not without inherent risks, and the author introduces the reader to a bunch, as the trip does not go smoothly. I have to admit that I was repeatedly surprised throughout the book, even up to the end. Many books, the reader has a feel the destination to which the story is advancing, which was not the case for me with this book. This simply is not your run of the mill First Contact story. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the story and I want you to enjoy this as much as I did.
There was plenty of action, with very little, if any, graphic violence, as I don't recall any. There is some passing sexual content, but more described as a couple of accidental encounters, with little detail. There are a couple of scenes in which there is conversation containing romantic or minimal sexual content. If the reader is cautious of violence or sexual content triggers, this book should be a safe and fun read. There is some mild language, but again, kept to a minimum in my opinion.
The basic story focuses on senior citizen truck driver Jim Perkins as he is selected by aliens as an addition to a select crew of astronauts tasked with meeting them, on an expedited schedule, in humanity's first contact with alien life, at a site on Pluto. Space travel is not without inherent risks, and the author introduces the reader to a bunch, as the trip does not go smoothly. I have to admit that I was repeatedly surprised throughout the book, even up to the end. Many books, the reader has a feel the destination to which the story is advancing, which was not the case for me with this book. This simply is not your run of the mill First Contact story. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the story and I want you to enjoy this as much as I did.
There was plenty of action, with very little, if any, graphic violence, as I don't recall any. There is some passing sexual content, but more described as a couple of accidental encounters, with little detail. There are a couple of scenes in which there is conversation containing romantic or minimal sexual content. If the reader is cautious of violence or sexual content triggers, this book should be a safe and fun read. There is some mild language, but again, kept to a minimum in my opinion.
August 19, 2020
I will first confess that I don't usually read books that are fully science fiction, and not usually space related. So I was a bit unsure starting Planet Pluto. However, I was told by a friend that it was very good, so I thought I'd give it a try. And I was so glad I did!!
Planet Pluto had me hooked right from the beginning. The premise is interesting, as are the characters. The action begins right away as the harrowing voyage to Pluto speeds forward, and doesn't let up.
B.C. Chase is a great writer. He drew me in immediately. He kept me guessing throughout the book, and wondering what would happen next on the journey to Pluto, and of course, what the characters would find when they got there. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and found it hard to put down. I look forward to reading more by B. C. Chase.
Note: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
Planet Pluto had me hooked right from the beginning. The premise is interesting, as are the characters. The action begins right away as the harrowing voyage to Pluto speeds forward, and doesn't let up.
B.C. Chase is a great writer. He drew me in immediately. He kept me guessing throughout the book, and wondering what would happen next on the journey to Pluto, and of course, what the characters would find when they got there. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and found it hard to put down. I look forward to reading more by B. C. Chase.
Note: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
July 28, 2020
"Planet Pluto!" Yes! NOT the celestial body formerly known as Pluto. Take that, Neil deGrasse Tyson!!
B.C. Chase has written a thoroughly enjoyable, scientifically and technically detailed story centering around this: WE are not alone in the UNIVERSE. And "THEY" just said "Howdy! Let's meet."👽
What ensues is a cogent, pitch perfect tale of what might happen if man's quest for BIG ANSWERS to universe centric questions were jumpstarted into overdrive by a first contact scenario.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the author, B.C. Chase, for offering me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#NetGalley
#PlanetPluto
B.C. Chase has written a thoroughly enjoyable, scientifically and technically detailed story centering around this: WE are not alone in the UNIVERSE. And "THEY" just said "Howdy! Let's meet."👽
What ensues is a cogent, pitch perfect tale of what might happen if man's quest for BIG ANSWERS to universe centric questions were jumpstarted into overdrive by a first contact scenario.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the author, B.C. Chase, for offering me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#NetGalley
#PlanetPluto
August 13, 2020
Exciting, realistic slave adventure
Chase is a really excellent writer who is determined that pretty much everything technical he describes be possible. The story and writing are good enough that this hardly matters. There are lots of puzzling things about this journey to Pluto for First Contact, but they all are logically explained.
It is definitely a retelling of Arthur C. Clarke's "2001," whether or not the author did it consciously. But you won't know it until you've completed the book and started thinking about it. I say this with admiration, not as criticism. Nothing is stolen from Clarke, but both stories share the same soul. To say more would involve spoilers.
Chase is a really excellent writer who is determined that pretty much everything technical he describes be possible. The story and writing are good enough that this hardly matters. There are lots of puzzling things about this journey to Pluto for First Contact, but they all are logically explained.
It is definitely a retelling of Arthur C. Clarke's "2001," whether or not the author did it consciously. But you won't know it until you've completed the book and started thinking about it. I say this with admiration, not as criticism. Nothing is stolen from Clarke, but both stories share the same soul. To say more would involve spoilers.
August 16, 2020
Planet Pluto is a quirky, enjoyable read about mankind’s first contact with aliens. When NASA receives a communication from an unknown alien life source requesting first contact on the planet Pluto, the aliens list the names of the crew they want to man the mission. This list includes an elderly truck driver from Kansas, who is the protagonist and narrator of the story. As you may expect, things go haywire quickly as the mission proceeds. It’s a clever story with some humor and suspense, and doesn’t overdo it with technical jargon. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the book. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2020
I was given a copy of this book for review
A very enjoyable book! I enjoyed Jim, this is the main character in the book. As the crew travels to Pluto, you view the encounters from his point. Midway through the book, you will discover who the crew is visiting. No spoilers will be given in this review.
The story is very enjoyable and a well-written sci-fi book. If you enjoy sci-fi, then read this book.
A very enjoyable book! I enjoyed Jim, this is the main character in the book. As the crew travels to Pluto, you view the encounters from his point. Midway through the book, you will discover who the crew is visiting. No spoilers will be given in this review.
The story is very enjoyable and a well-written sci-fi book. If you enjoy sci-fi, then read this book.
July 25, 2020
I absolutely loved reading the book, It was a great way to enjoy reading about space travel as seen through the eyes of the main character, Jim. He is not an astronaut but was told he had to be on this flight. I highly recommend it even if you're not a big science fiction fan, it was just a great story.
August 23, 2020
Very good stuff. This might be considered hard sci-fi because it is pretty realistic story. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing. A solid sci-fi tale. Recommended.
Thanks very much for the review copy!!
Thanks very much for the review copy!!
August 11, 2020
Lots of fun
It is lots of fun. A science fiction mystery. Kept me guessing. Liked the absence of vulgar language and explicit sex.
It is lots of fun. A science fiction mystery. Kept me guessing. Liked the absence of vulgar language and explicit sex.
September 13, 2020
Pluto rising!
This is a journey to Pluto were the characters don't know it but it's supposed to be a one way trip, fortunately, for our hapless mission to Pluto crew, a 75 years old guy along for the ride will save the day.
This is a journey to Pluto were the characters don't know it but it's supposed to be a one way trip, fortunately, for our hapless mission to Pluto crew, a 75 years old guy along for the ride will save the day.
October 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. While the author's research shows up a little too often for my taste, I appreciate all the work he has done to make this a believable tale of interplanetary travel. The protagonist is an atypical one, but he provides the perfect insight into all that happens.
August 21, 2020
Awesome
BC offers the reader a unique journey into the possibility of a trip to Pluto with a crew of young astronauts and a 75 year old truck driver. Interesting premise? It’s a great read and I encourage you to join me in the adventure.
BC offers the reader a unique journey into the possibility of a trip to Pluto with a crew of young astronauts and a 75 year old truck driver. Interesting premise? It’s a great read and I encourage you to join me in the adventure.
September 18, 2020
Disclaimer: I thank the publisher, Preseption Press, for providing me with a review copy of this book.
The cover of "Planet Pluto" by B. C. Chase has a very enticing picture of an EVA astronaut and a spacecraft in front of the (dwarf?) planet Pluto in the dark of space. This sets certain expectations which are certainly met as other than flashbacks the novel is entirely about the crew's journey from Earth to Pluto. Additionally the cover phrase "You can't call for help when you're three billion miles from Earth." at first simply seems like an appeal for the adventure that the crew faces, but as disaster is followed by disaster with repeated lethal results, the reader realizes that this is an "In space no one can hear you scream" type of warning that there is a strong element of suspense and even horror to this story. To be sure, as a space travel scifi fan, "Planet Pluto" felt like a mixture of Andy Weir's "The Martian" and Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey". And as such, I certainly enjoyed reading "Planet Pluto". The travel descriptions of Venus, the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto were very nice as were the various science facts and ongoing debates (e.g., is Pluto a planet or not) that were worked into the crew conversation. Another pleasurable aspect of this novel was the whodunit mystery aspect. As this book is classified as "First Contact Sci-fi" it is not a spoiler to point out that the reader will speculate about the aliens throughout the book. What are they? Where are they? What capabilities do they have? How much do they know about humanity? How did they learn it? What are their motives? Additionally, as the death toll increases, the reader is again given a chance to speculate about each "accident". Likewise, Chase gives the reader hints about the direction of the book that are subtle enough that the reader could ignore them as just odd, but which actually turn out to be important.
Although it was a pleasurable novel to read, my biggest complaint was that the author repeatedly included twists and gimmicks that did not make a lot of sense in order to realize an overly dramatic plot development. For example, one of the accidents that happened when the spacecraft left Earth orbit made no sense. As the crew was expecting a 4 g acceleration and did not have enough seats, I would expect that people without a seat would be told to lie down on the softest correct-direction-facing surface available. Being told to hang by hand onto a bar with a distance to fall seems to only invite the injury that happened. Likewise, given NASA's extreme love of multiple redundancy it seems odd that they did not have several backup communication protocols documented and ready to go. And as far as science goes, the author does a great job of describing the repeated use of planets (and a star) to increase velocity through the famous slingshot maneuvers, but they do not describe how they were able to stop when they arrived at their destination with this tremendous speed. Similarly, although the SPHERES robots which can float around and maneuver in a zero g environment are an excellent addition to the story, it was left up to the reader to determine how they could continue to float around in the 1/6 g environment of Pluto. Though, I suppose all of these can be forgiven in the name of a dramatic plot.
Finally, the conclusion certainly does not disappoint. The crew certainly had an epic journey with heroic experiences. The resolution of the nature of the Existent Communicating Intelligence in this novel actually brings up many more questions than it answered. Different models of intelligence are desirable and nearly mandatory in a science fiction story, in this case it was nearly literally a thrilling but unsatisfying "deus ex machina". Finally, after the roller coaster of suspense and mystery, the last episode in the book was surprisingly emotionally pleasing.
The cover of "Planet Pluto" by B. C. Chase has a very enticing picture of an EVA astronaut and a spacecraft in front of the (dwarf?) planet Pluto in the dark of space. This sets certain expectations which are certainly met as other than flashbacks the novel is entirely about the crew's journey from Earth to Pluto. Additionally the cover phrase "You can't call for help when you're three billion miles from Earth." at first simply seems like an appeal for the adventure that the crew faces, but as disaster is followed by disaster with repeated lethal results, the reader realizes that this is an "In space no one can hear you scream" type of warning that there is a strong element of suspense and even horror to this story. To be sure, as a space travel scifi fan, "Planet Pluto" felt like a mixture of Andy Weir's "The Martian" and Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey". And as such, I certainly enjoyed reading "Planet Pluto". The travel descriptions of Venus, the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto were very nice as were the various science facts and ongoing debates (e.g., is Pluto a planet or not) that were worked into the crew conversation. Another pleasurable aspect of this novel was the whodunit mystery aspect. As this book is classified as "First Contact Sci-fi" it is not a spoiler to point out that the reader will speculate about the aliens throughout the book. What are they? Where are they? What capabilities do they have? How much do they know about humanity? How did they learn it? What are their motives? Additionally, as the death toll increases, the reader is again given a chance to speculate about each "accident". Likewise, Chase gives the reader hints about the direction of the book that are subtle enough that the reader could ignore them as just odd, but which actually turn out to be important.
Although it was a pleasurable novel to read, my biggest complaint was that the author repeatedly included twists and gimmicks that did not make a lot of sense in order to realize an overly dramatic plot development. For example, one of the accidents that happened when the spacecraft left Earth orbit made no sense. As the crew was expecting a 4 g acceleration and did not have enough seats, I would expect that people without a seat would be told to lie down on the softest correct-direction-facing surface available. Being told to hang by hand onto a bar with a distance to fall seems to only invite the injury that happened. Likewise, given NASA's extreme love of multiple redundancy it seems odd that they did not have several backup communication protocols documented and ready to go. And as far as science goes, the author does a great job of describing the repeated use of planets (and a star) to increase velocity through the famous slingshot maneuvers, but they do not describe how they were able to stop when they arrived at their destination with this tremendous speed. Similarly, although the SPHERES robots which can float around and maneuver in a zero g environment are an excellent addition to the story, it was left up to the reader to determine how they could continue to float around in the 1/6 g environment of Pluto. Though, I suppose all of these can be forgiven in the name of a dramatic plot.
Finally, the conclusion certainly does not disappoint. The crew certainly had an epic journey with heroic experiences. The resolution of the nature of the Existent Communicating Intelligence in this novel actually brings up many more questions than it answered. Different models of intelligence are desirable and nearly mandatory in a science fiction story, in this case it was nearly literally a thrilling but unsatisfying "deus ex machina". Finally, after the roller coaster of suspense and mystery, the last episode in the book was surprisingly emotionally pleasing.
March 22, 2022
Very Satisfying
Firstly, let me mention that I listened to the audiobook version of this with Steve Carlson doing a terrific job of bringing this book to life.
As the book's jacket describes, humanity receives a signal, presumably from aliens who have encountered the Voyager probe and now wish to make contact - with a rendevous on Pluto. The aliens are particular about who is to come - including a 75-year-old truck driver named Jim. Humanity pulls out all the stops to put a ship together that can cross the distance to Pluto and the crew sets off, albeit with an unexpected launch from orbit.
In the audiobook, the book is described as a thriller. This is essentially correct but from a Sci-Fi perspective. The science is good enough to support the plot, but it really is more of a thriller as the crew must overcome a series of issues that don't seem possible to occur. That is, the various issues can not be explained by the crew - deepening the mystery.
The book focuses on Jim who is just as astounded to be on the crew as everyone else. There is great character development, particularly for Jim, as we view the events through his eyes. Initially, he is the odd-man-out amongst a crew of brainiacs, some of whom don't mind reminding him of his plainness. In the end, however, this plain old man ends up being the hero.
When the crew finally meet up with the aliens, we find that they are not quite what we expected. Their advanced capability and technology need to be taken with a grain of salt - but if you recognize that level of advancement as a literary device to actually expose the difference between humanity and the alien beings, the extreme technological difference can be overlooked. The aliens are obsessed with being loved, all the while not understanding what love truly means. For me, everything clicked at the end regarding what love was truly about - its unconditional nature as well as the sacrifice it sometimes calls for.
This was a great read and I highly recommend this book. There is another book available, but after this satisfying book, I am leery of a second book - too often they don't live up to the first. But I may check it out.
I will certainly seek out more books from this author.
Firstly, let me mention that I listened to the audiobook version of this with Steve Carlson doing a terrific job of bringing this book to life.
As the book's jacket describes, humanity receives a signal, presumably from aliens who have encountered the Voyager probe and now wish to make contact - with a rendevous on Pluto. The aliens are particular about who is to come - including a 75-year-old truck driver named Jim. Humanity pulls out all the stops to put a ship together that can cross the distance to Pluto and the crew sets off, albeit with an unexpected launch from orbit.
In the audiobook, the book is described as a thriller. This is essentially correct but from a Sci-Fi perspective. The science is good enough to support the plot, but it really is more of a thriller as the crew must overcome a series of issues that don't seem possible to occur. That is, the various issues can not be explained by the crew - deepening the mystery.
The book focuses on Jim who is just as astounded to be on the crew as everyone else. There is great character development, particularly for Jim, as we view the events through his eyes. Initially, he is the odd-man-out amongst a crew of brainiacs, some of whom don't mind reminding him of his plainness. In the end, however, this plain old man ends up being the hero.
When the crew finally meet up with the aliens, we find that they are not quite what we expected. Their advanced capability and technology need to be taken with a grain of salt - but if you recognize that level of advancement as a literary device to actually expose the difference between humanity and the alien beings, the extreme technological difference can be overlooked. The aliens are obsessed with being loved, all the while not understanding what love truly means. For me, everything clicked at the end regarding what love was truly about - its unconditional nature as well as the sacrifice it sometimes calls for.
This was a great read and I highly recommend this book. There is another book available, but after this satisfying book, I am leery of a second book - too often they don't live up to the first. But I may check it out.
I will certainly seek out more books from this author.
August 6, 2020
Planet Pluto: First Contact by B.C. Chase is about a group of astronauts and one old semi-truck driver who has been specifically requested by name by an alien race to meet on Pluto on Nov. 30, 2021! Can you imagine being in your seventies and receiving a call at three A.M by the NASA Director? Especially when he tells you that aliens have specifically requested your presence on the most remote planet in our solar system.
I absolutely LOVED Planet Pluto: First Contact!! From the very beginning to the last word! There were parts that made me laugh out loud for real! The main character, Jim, old fart... utters lines that literally leave you hootin' and smackin' your Kindle! The way he deals with the young astronauts who see him as a "Fatherly" type or a hindrance. Each character has their own specific quirks and appeal. Though, I've gotta tell you... I've NEVER wanted to see a character killed off so much as I did one particular arsehat character. I mentally envisioned using various torture devices I've read about for one particular astronut. (spelling deliberate).
The aliens have their own reasons for selecting each astronaut and the main character. They literally name the person and their position. With the exception of the one civilian who's closest to being in space has been in the books he reads! I love that the author includes someone who loves books as much as me!
I already made my husband read the book as this was one story that I knew he MUST read! I will definitely be buying copies for friends and family! Shhhhhh... they don't know it yet. But, this is one story that I would love to be in a book club just to sit and discuss all that happens! The story is perfect for anyone that loved watching, "CONTACT". The author writes much like Michael Crichton! In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see this book turned into a cult movie! Spielberg... are you LISTENING??!!
A MUST READ!!! What are you waiting for?? Go and buy a copy NOW! You're going to want to read it asap. I was able to read it in two nights. My husband loved it too!! He was so glad that I made him read it! We'll be yakking about this one for a long time! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
I absolutely LOVED Planet Pluto: First Contact!! From the very beginning to the last word! There were parts that made me laugh out loud for real! The main character, Jim, old fart... utters lines that literally leave you hootin' and smackin' your Kindle! The way he deals with the young astronauts who see him as a "Fatherly" type or a hindrance. Each character has their own specific quirks and appeal. Though, I've gotta tell you... I've NEVER wanted to see a character killed off so much as I did one particular arsehat character. I mentally envisioned using various torture devices I've read about for one particular astronut. (spelling deliberate).
The aliens have their own reasons for selecting each astronaut and the main character. They literally name the person and their position. With the exception of the one civilian who's closest to being in space has been in the books he reads! I love that the author includes someone who loves books as much as me!
I already made my husband read the book as this was one story that I knew he MUST read! I will definitely be buying copies for friends and family! Shhhhhh... they don't know it yet. But, this is one story that I would love to be in a book club just to sit and discuss all that happens! The story is perfect for anyone that loved watching, "CONTACT". The author writes much like Michael Crichton! In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see this book turned into a cult movie! Spielberg... are you LISTENING??!!
A MUST READ!!! What are you waiting for?? Go and buy a copy NOW! You're going to want to read it asap. I was able to read it in two nights. My husband loved it too!! He was so glad that I made him read it! We'll be yakking about this one for a long time! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
August 16, 2023
I was debating what to give this one.
I’m going to go with 3 stars. I think it’s really in the 2.5 range but I’ll round up. I have a gut check rating system and usually 3 stars books are ones that I had trouble with, and 2 star books are ones that made me angry. I feel like we were drifting in that direction but never got there.
This is the story of, well, the International Spacestation and its voyage to Pluto. Aliens commandeered the Voyager space probe and sent a message to Earth to meet them on Pluto on a particular date, and selected the crew. We made it happen, come hell or high water or budget deficit, including six highly qualified persons and a 75 year old truck driver named Jim.
Jim, our main character? I like his voice. He’s curmudgeon, clearly an Everyman, and respects work others might see as menial. This book didn’t bother me when it should have because of Jim.
Pacing and characterization? Katia was not aggravating, many other characters were written as sneering villains. Time after time after time after time after time bad things happen, they’re clearly involved, and no one does anything, until finally they do.
Lexi was an alien. Well, yeah. She clearly wasn’t working for NASA. Come to think of it, were the aliens aliens, or were they AI from Earth that got a hold of itself? I wasn’t incredibly clear on that, and these, whatever they are, have the ability to kill someone on Earth, so it’s not clear how they’re outwitted by effectively hits from golf clubs and a trauma cart.
Well meaning, some nice moments, some painfully one dimensional characters I wish I didn’t have to read so much about, but I will say this. The science didn’t bother me at all. Space shuttles that were gutted and retired and put on display on Earth were flown back to space and took off from Pluto. Sure. Okay. I’ll make it work in my head. They had an unlimited budget. Fine.
Characters though? They’re everything.
I’m going to go with 3 stars. I think it’s really in the 2.5 range but I’ll round up. I have a gut check rating system and usually 3 stars books are ones that I had trouble with, and 2 star books are ones that made me angry. I feel like we were drifting in that direction but never got there.
This is the story of, well, the International Spacestation and its voyage to Pluto. Aliens commandeered the Voyager space probe and sent a message to Earth to meet them on Pluto on a particular date, and selected the crew. We made it happen, come hell or high water or budget deficit, including six highly qualified persons and a 75 year old truck driver named Jim.
Jim, our main character? I like his voice. He’s curmudgeon, clearly an Everyman, and respects work others might see as menial. This book didn’t bother me when it should have because of Jim.
Pacing and characterization? Katia was not aggravating, many other characters were written as sneering villains. Time after time after time after time after time bad things happen, they’re clearly involved, and no one does anything, until finally they do.
Lexi was an alien. Well, yeah. She clearly wasn’t working for NASA. Come to think of it, were the aliens aliens, or were they AI from Earth that got a hold of itself? I wasn’t incredibly clear on that, and these, whatever they are, have the ability to kill someone on Earth, so it’s not clear how they’re outwitted by effectively hits from golf clubs and a trauma cart.
Well meaning, some nice moments, some painfully one dimensional characters I wish I didn’t have to read so much about, but I will say this. The science didn’t bother me at all. Space shuttles that were gutted and retired and put on display on Earth were flown back to space and took off from Pluto. Sure. Okay. I’ll make it work in my head. They had an unlimited budget. Fine.
Characters though? They’re everything.
September 11, 2020
I thought this book was very well written for the most part. I did enjoy the details of the space flight. And the characters were interesting. I don't think the build-up worked with the ending. That felt to me like a bit of a cop=out. I think what the author was trying to portray would be called the singularity (though not the original definition of the word). However, the so called singularity could in no way occur at the level of development of technology that we now have, and could not be called a real possibility based on the level of technical know-how the author used in the rest of the book. What I am saying is that the end does not match up with the other three quarters of the book. If you are going to use science, it should go all the way through. This was made apparent in the further reading section. It was all about the space travel., nothing about artificial intelligence except one pull from CNBC about ai bots. The ai was silly, and the pretense of being god was even sillier.
Do more writing, please, but keep the research even. I do look forward to reading the next book about the octopus encounter.
Thanks to netgalley.com and the author for the free text.
#PlanetPluto #NetGalley
Do more writing, please, but keep the research even. I do look forward to reading the next book about the octopus encounter.
Thanks to netgalley.com and the author for the free text.
#PlanetPluto #NetGalley
October 6, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am not able to give more than three stars because of the issues I had with the technical details throughout the book that just did not seem plausible. The was a good read and the plot did keep me interested throughout. It eventually became obvious why the aliens came no closer than Pluto but a better explanation early on would have helped. Using the ISS as an interplanetary spacecaft just is not plausible. Torsion, propulsion load, Newton's Laws, etc. cannot be ignored. All astronauts have unique personalities but some of these guys would never be sent to space by NASA.
October 1, 2022
This book was not the most entertaining book I have read.
The premis is flauded from the start and then things just get cluttered.
There are times in the book where the story just shifts. There are scenes that just dont make any sense.
At one point I was going to drop the book and give up. But I wanted to know how all this tied together in the end. The end was a further disappointment with no opening for a follow on book. But, that's fine because the story needed to end.
3 out of 5 starts.
My suggestion is the read a different book
The premis is flauded from the start and then things just get cluttered.
There are times in the book where the story just shifts. There are scenes that just dont make any sense.
At one point I was going to drop the book and give up. But I wanted to know how all this tied together in the end. The end was a further disappointment with no opening for a follow on book. But, that's fine because the story needed to end.
3 out of 5 starts.
My suggestion is the read a different book
October 12, 2023
This one started off as a standard alien first contact story. Actually, most of the book felt kind of standard: not bad at all, but nothing spectacular. There was a moment near the end of the book where things changed the perspective of the characters--and the reader--to make everyone peek behind the curtain of the mission. Once that happens, the book doesn't rise to the 5-star level, but it was definitely worthy of more than the 3-star that I was going to give it until that point.
July 12, 2020
It’s a good story, but I never felt particularly engaged with any of the characters; I barely hung on to the finish, but did so because I did care enough to want to see how it would wind up. Delighted to finish it. Maybe folks who are a bit more heavily into science fiction will enjoy it more than I did.
January 15, 2021
Without giving away what ultimately happens, let’s just say that the way the author depicts the aliens, their ultimate goals, and their values makes the whole book pointless. I can understand why aliens would be alien, but they are far less interesting than the inscrutable aliens who built the Monolith of 2001, to which this book has been unjustifiably compared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2020
I appreciated the real science that went into writing this fiction, as well as the author's ability to build suspense as the humans head toward their rendezvous with the aliens. But while the ending had a promising premise, its actual development was contrived and disappointing.
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