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Solar System #6
The Dark Spring
Nach zwölf Jahren Funkstille empfangen Wissenschaftler plötzlich Informationen vom Kometen 67P. Der Lander, der dort abgesetzt wurde, galt eigentlich als defekt. Seine rätselhaften Botschaften beschäftigen bald Forscher in aller Welt. Von ihren zunächst sensationellen, dann aber beängstigenden Erkenntnissen motiviert, entschließt sich die NASA, ein bemanntes Raumschiff zu dem Kometen zu schicken. Doch die Verbindung zu den drei Astronauten bricht ab – und niemand kann die dunkle Gefahr, die auf die Erde zukommt, jetzt noch stoppen ...
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2020
520 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Q. Morris
131 books465 followersBrandon Q. Morris is a physicist and space specialist. He has long been concerned with space issues, both professionally and privately and while he wanted to become an astronaut, he had to stay on Earth for a variety of reasons. He is particularly fascinated by the "what if” and through his books he aims to share compelling hard science fiction stories that could actually happen, and someday may happen. Morris is the author of several best-selling science fiction novels.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 31, 2020
Dies ist m.E. der bisher schwächste Roman von Brandon Q. Morris. Eine genaue Zusammenfassung ist müßig, da Zuviel ungereimtes Zeug passiert. Einerseits gibt es schöne Anektoden und Anmerkungen um frühere und künfige Raumfahrtprojekte, die nicht jedem Raumfahrt-Nerd geläufig sein dürften (Stichwort: Rosetta/Philae, Artemis-Missionen, Das LOP-Gateway, Orion-Raumschiff, SLS-Rakete, SpaceX Space Ship etc.)
Das fand ich schön und auch fachlich fundiert. Was ich in das Reich der unwahrscheinlichen Spekulation rücken möchte ist die Tatsache, dass der ESA-Kometenlander Philae plötzlich wieder zum Leben erwacht ist (das konnte Brandon Q. Morris in diesem Roman m.W. nicht deutlich erklären) und dass aus dem Kometen Tschurjumow-Gerassimenko Dunkle Materie in Form eines Einstein-Bose Kondensats ausströmt und dem Kometen auch dadurch noch mehr Masse/Gravitation verleiht; das ist doch völlig aus der Luft gegriffen und eines Hard Science Autors m.M. nach unwürdig. Auch die Charakterisierung der Protagonisten ist m.E. sehr stereotyp geworden, sie wurden gegenüber vielen seiner sonstigen Romane sehr infantil und oberflächlich geschildert.
Aber den Vogel schießt er m.E. mit der Figur des Hard Science Autors Brandon M. Mitchell ab, der auf Einladung eines Tech-Milliardärs auf einer privaten Mondlandemission dabei ist (Genau so eine Mission hat Elon Musk für SpaceX geplant). Unschwer verbirgt sich hinter diesem Pseudonym der Autor selbst, nicht nur, dass er diese Figur als Hansdampf in allen Gassen hochstilisiert der seinen Lesern endlich mal genau sagt, wie HardSF geschrieben wird, er agiert hier als Superman- und Superphysiker und rettet die Welt vor der Vernichtung; im Ernst: mehr geht wohl nicht ?
Ich hoffe, dass dies nur ein einmaliger Ausrutscher war, ansonsten muss ich die Lektüren dieses Autors, der mir bisher als einer der ganze wenigen deutschen SF-Autoren bekannt war, der HardSF von internationalen Zuschnitt schreiben kann, wohl meiden.
Immerhin ist auf die Qualität seiner wissenschaftlichen Essays Verlaß, auch hier ist sein Artikel "Die neue Biographie der Kometen" sehr fundiert und für wissenschaftliche Laien sehr gut verständlich und angenehm zu lesen, alleine für diesen Artikel konnte ich 1-2 Sterne vergeben...
Das fand ich schön und auch fachlich fundiert. Was ich in das Reich der unwahrscheinlichen Spekulation rücken möchte ist die Tatsache, dass der ESA-Kometenlander Philae plötzlich wieder zum Leben erwacht ist (das konnte Brandon Q. Morris in diesem Roman m.W. nicht deutlich erklären) und dass aus dem Kometen Tschurjumow-Gerassimenko Dunkle Materie in Form eines Einstein-Bose Kondensats ausströmt und dem Kometen auch dadurch noch mehr Masse/Gravitation verleiht; das ist doch völlig aus der Luft gegriffen und eines Hard Science Autors m.M. nach unwürdig. Auch die Charakterisierung der Protagonisten ist m.E. sehr stereotyp geworden, sie wurden gegenüber vielen seiner sonstigen Romane sehr infantil und oberflächlich geschildert.
Aber den Vogel schießt er m.E. mit der Figur des Hard Science Autors Brandon M. Mitchell ab, der auf Einladung eines Tech-Milliardärs auf einer privaten Mondlandemission dabei ist (Genau so eine Mission hat Elon Musk für SpaceX geplant). Unschwer verbirgt sich hinter diesem Pseudonym der Autor selbst, nicht nur, dass er diese Figur als Hansdampf in allen Gassen hochstilisiert der seinen Lesern endlich mal genau sagt, wie HardSF geschrieben wird, er agiert hier als Superman- und Superphysiker und rettet die Welt vor der Vernichtung; im Ernst: mehr geht wohl nicht ?
Ich hoffe, dass dies nur ein einmaliger Ausrutscher war, ansonsten muss ich die Lektüren dieses Autors, der mir bisher als einer der ganze wenigen deutschen SF-Autoren bekannt war, der HardSF von internationalen Zuschnitt schreiben kann, wohl meiden.
Immerhin ist auf die Qualität seiner wissenschaftlichen Essays Verlaß, auch hier ist sein Artikel "Die neue Biographie der Kometen" sehr fundiert und für wissenschaftliche Laien sehr gut verständlich und angenehm zu lesen, alleine für diesen Artikel konnte ich 1-2 Sterne vergeben...
May 28, 2023
"Dark Spring" by Brandon Q. Morris takes readers on an enthralling journey across the vast expanse of space, blending elements of hard science fiction and thrilling suspense. With its meticulously researched scientific concepts and a relentless narrative pace, this novel delivers an engaging experience that will leave readers pondering the mysteries of the cosmos.
Set in the not-too-distant future, "Dark Spring" follows a group of astronauts on a daring mission to investigate an enigmatic black hole, dubbed Dark Spring, which has unexpectedly emerged near the solar system. As the crew embarks on their voyage, they face the perils of space travel, uncertain alliances, and the ever-looming threat of the unknown. Morris skillfully weaves scientific accuracy into the story, capturing the intricate complexities of astrophysics and space exploration.
One of the notable strengths of "Dark Spring" lies in the author's ability to convey the vastness and awe-inspiring beauty of space. The vivid descriptions and immersive details transport readers into the spacecraft, allowing them to experience the isolation, wonder, and dangers of the mission firsthand. Morris's meticulous attention to scientific accuracy not only adds credibility to the narrative but also instills a sense of wonder and reverence for the mysteries of the universe.
The characters in "Dark Spring" are well-developed and relatable, each with their own personal struggles and motivations. The interactions among the crew members, their tensions, and evolving dynamics create a realistic portrayal of the psychological challenges faced during long-duration space missions. The emotional depth infused into the characters adds another layer of engagement to the story, allowing readers to invest in their fates and experiences.
The relentless pace of the novel keeps the suspense and tension high, as the crew faces one obstacle after another. Morris expertly balances moments of quiet introspection with heart-pounding action sequences, creating a narrative that constantly propels the story forward. The gripping plot twists and unexpected turns make "Dark Spring" difficult to put down, leaving readers eager to discover the mysteries that await the crew.
However, there are instances where the scientific explanations and technical details can become overwhelming, potentially deterring readers less familiar with hard science fiction or astrophysics. While the accuracy and intricacy of the scientific concepts are commendable, at times they may overshadow the narrative flow and hinder the connection with the characters. Nonetheless, for readers who relish scientific accuracy and in-depth exploration of astrophysical phenomena, this aspect will likely be a positive attribute.
In summary, "Dark Spring" is a captivating blend of hard science fiction, thrilling suspense, and cosmic wonder. Brandon Q. Morris crafts a meticulously researched narrative that immerses readers in the awe-inspiring beauty and dangers of space. While the dense scientific explanations may require a certain level of investment, the gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking exploration of the universe make this novel a compelling and satisfying read for fans of the genre.
Set in the not-too-distant future, "Dark Spring" follows a group of astronauts on a daring mission to investigate an enigmatic black hole, dubbed Dark Spring, which has unexpectedly emerged near the solar system. As the crew embarks on their voyage, they face the perils of space travel, uncertain alliances, and the ever-looming threat of the unknown. Morris skillfully weaves scientific accuracy into the story, capturing the intricate complexities of astrophysics and space exploration.
One of the notable strengths of "Dark Spring" lies in the author's ability to convey the vastness and awe-inspiring beauty of space. The vivid descriptions and immersive details transport readers into the spacecraft, allowing them to experience the isolation, wonder, and dangers of the mission firsthand. Morris's meticulous attention to scientific accuracy not only adds credibility to the narrative but also instills a sense of wonder and reverence for the mysteries of the universe.
The characters in "Dark Spring" are well-developed and relatable, each with their own personal struggles and motivations. The interactions among the crew members, their tensions, and evolving dynamics create a realistic portrayal of the psychological challenges faced during long-duration space missions. The emotional depth infused into the characters adds another layer of engagement to the story, allowing readers to invest in their fates and experiences.
The relentless pace of the novel keeps the suspense and tension high, as the crew faces one obstacle after another. Morris expertly balances moments of quiet introspection with heart-pounding action sequences, creating a narrative that constantly propels the story forward. The gripping plot twists and unexpected turns make "Dark Spring" difficult to put down, leaving readers eager to discover the mysteries that await the crew.
However, there are instances where the scientific explanations and technical details can become overwhelming, potentially deterring readers less familiar with hard science fiction or astrophysics. While the accuracy and intricacy of the scientific concepts are commendable, at times they may overshadow the narrative flow and hinder the connection with the characters. Nonetheless, for readers who relish scientific accuracy and in-depth exploration of astrophysical phenomena, this aspect will likely be a positive attribute.
In summary, "Dark Spring" is a captivating blend of hard science fiction, thrilling suspense, and cosmic wonder. Brandon Q. Morris crafts a meticulously researched narrative that immerses readers in the awe-inspiring beauty and dangers of space. While the dense scientific explanations may require a certain level of investment, the gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and thought-provoking exploration of the universe make this novel a compelling and satisfying read for fans of the genre.
August 1, 2022
Dark matter danger!
A probe that landed on the comet 67P starts to broadcast information again despite being supposedly out of any means of doing so. This signal eventually reaches the people who were involved in the original mission to land the probe on the comet who realize the data is intriguing and suggestive of an unknown entity that may be dark matter. However this is increasing the mass of the comet....
Meanwhile a group of astronauts working for NASA are waiting to go on an expedition to the moon, while a group of artists including a painter and an author, have been invited on a rich man's trip into space. These three apparently disparate groups will come together to some degree in the investigation of the comet and the supposed influx of dark matter as the impetus to investigate the dark matter progresses headlong to potential disaster!
As usual there is much discussion of scientific matters in this novel meaning that in all likelihood you could learn something new about possible theories behind the structure of the universe.
Heroes can be made based on their decisions in upcoming conflicts in this adventurous and intriguing tale.
A probe that landed on the comet 67P starts to broadcast information again despite being supposedly out of any means of doing so. This signal eventually reaches the people who were involved in the original mission to land the probe on the comet who realize the data is intriguing and suggestive of an unknown entity that may be dark matter. However this is increasing the mass of the comet....
Meanwhile a group of astronauts working for NASA are waiting to go on an expedition to the moon, while a group of artists including a painter and an author, have been invited on a rich man's trip into space. These three apparently disparate groups will come together to some degree in the investigation of the comet and the supposed influx of dark matter as the impetus to investigate the dark matter progresses headlong to potential disaster!
As usual there is much discussion of scientific matters in this novel meaning that in all likelihood you could learn something new about possible theories behind the structure of the universe.
Heroes can be made based on their decisions in upcoming conflicts in this adventurous and intriguing tale.
February 13, 2022
I've been a fan of Morris' work for a while now after first reading the Proxima series. I am in particular impressed with his dedication to the universe that he had built. I'm also a big fan of his writing style. The way he writes characters and scenarios is very amusing and really lets me get into the setting of the novel.
When it comes to plot, The Dark Spring is nothing special for Morris. A dangerous phenomena threatens the Earth, and a bunch of plucky irresponsible astronauts need to fix it. Plenty of spacewalks and improvisation abound. At least no space pregnancies this time.
A recommended read for fans of Morris' main universe of works and hard sci-fi space adventures.
When it comes to plot, The Dark Spring is nothing special for Morris. A dangerous phenomena threatens the Earth, and a bunch of plucky irresponsible astronauts need to fix it. Plenty of spacewalks and improvisation abound. At least no space pregnancies this time.
A recommended read for fans of Morris' main universe of works and hard sci-fi space adventures.
September 23, 2020
Dieses Buch ist etwas anders als die anderen, es ist sehr amüsant Das Brandon indiesem Buch dich selber vorkommen lässt und Das voller Selbst Ironie . Die Geschichte an sich ist auch gut gelungen, allerdings bekommt dieses Buch eine nicht ganz so gute Bewertung wie die anderen, da ich finde dass die Charaktere nicht ausgereift sind und mehr Profil ihnen nicht geschadet hätte. Das Ende ist leider sehr abrupt zuEnde.
August 2, 2023
A new surprise from Morris
I always like his books for there science and adventures. This author formulates science fiction tales that are fantastic but feel they could be plausible. When I read the description of this story, I wasn’t certain I would like it as much. But Morris gave me quite a surprise in this story. I won’t tell you what it is, but I found it unconventional and yet strangely pleasing as I feel I understand this author more.
I always like his books for there science and adventures. This author formulates science fiction tales that are fantastic but feel they could be plausible. When I read the description of this story, I wasn’t certain I would like it as much. But Morris gave me quite a surprise in this story. I won’t tell you what it is, but I found it unconventional and yet strangely pleasing as I feel I understand this author more.
November 22, 2020
I had great expectations but I lost interest in the final third . I kept expecting some revelation on dark matter , perhaps a time shift . I prefer my science fiction to be grounded on the affects to Earth , its people , sociology rather than equations and science . It all became too repetitive and the story for me didn't go anywhere . Rushed through the final chapters .
June 2, 2022
“The Dark Spring” by Brandon Q. Morris
I read Morris’ books for both entertainment and education. E.g., both dark matter and the Bose-Einstein condensate. I only vaguely remembered the latter from physics, so Morris inspired me to review that phrase.
I highly recommend it for those of you who are hard sci-fi fans.
I read Morris’ books for both entertainment and education. E.g., both dark matter and the Bose-Einstein condensate. I only vaguely remembered the latter from physics, so Morris inspired me to review that phrase.
I highly recommend it for those of you who are hard sci-fi fans.
June 29, 2023
Me pareció un formato muy divertido (libro de un escritor que, en efecto, participó en los hechos que narró e incluso hicieron una película de su libro, como se puede leer en la Nota del autor "no de verdad"). Y también me gustó que se tratara sobre la materia oscura y un poco sobre los cometas. Como siempre, el ritmo de esta autor (el "verdadero") es muy bueno y mantiene a uno enfocado.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
Awesome but short
I loved this book as I love all of Morris' Hard Sci Fi, I just wish they were longer. Every one of these stories have the potential to be so much more! But thank you again for getting me out of my office chair and into deep space where I belong!
I loved this book as I love all of Morris' Hard Sci Fi, I just wish they were longer. Every one of these stories have the potential to be so much more! But thank you again for getting me out of my office chair and into deep space where I belong!
July 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this book
What can I say? I love hard sci-fi, and this story was great and very well written, I am really enjoying this solar system series, well on to the next one
What can I say? I love hard sci-fi, and this story was great and very well written, I am really enjoying this solar system series, well on to the next one
June 23, 2020
Ganz spannend geschrieben.
October 22, 2020
While I enjoyed the story, ultimately I was hoping for an explanation of WHY the physical phenomenon that was central to the plot occurred.
April 28, 2021
Story got lost in the science.
June 25, 2021
It's a great book with great characters and some fascinating science. I enjoy the books that take science and push the envelope with science fiction and possible future plots.
July 9, 2023
surprisingly autobiographical?
I assume that this Brandon and that Brandon have much in common. Slow start but grabbed me and finished most of in in one day.
I assume that this Brandon and that Brandon have much in common. Slow start but grabbed me and finished most of in in one day.
October 28, 2024
Sehr coole Story, spannende Plottwists, humorvoll und ironiereich. Es hat sehr viel Spaß gemacht, das Buch zu lesen.
January 16, 2024
Very cleaver
In a cleaver twist — a la “Inception” — SciFi author Brandon Q. Morris insinuates himself into his own novel as a SciFi author named Brandon (with a last name begin “M” and a similar backstory even). And it’s a hard SciFi page turner to boot. Definitely recommend.
In a cleaver twist — a la “Inception” — SciFi author Brandon Q. Morris insinuates himself into his own novel as a SciFi author named Brandon (with a last name begin “M” and a similar backstory even). And it’s a hard SciFi page turner to boot. Definitely recommend.
July 30, 2021
No ha sido de las que más me han gustado de este autor, pero está bien
May 22, 2021
I personally found the plot a little to complex (too many characters) to start with but it got better about half way through when the various strands began to make sense.
Though called "hard science", it's a little far fetched but still an engaging read.
Though called "hard science", it's a little far fetched but still an engaging read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews