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Wine Dark Deep #3
The Odyssey
Flung beyond the solar system and adrift around an unknown star, the crew of the spaceship Ulysses must use their wits, skill, and luck to determine their location in the galaxy if they ever hope to find their way home.
A ruined solar system awaits them. A seemingly derelict space station hovers over a green moon, waiting to be explored. A living spacecraft powered by starlight approaches from a planet strewn with ancient ruins. And amidst it all, an inscrutable and menacing presence has awakened.
They know now that they’re not alone.
But to be remembered . . .
. . . they must survive.
A ruined solar system awaits them. A seemingly derelict space station hovers over a green moon, waiting to be explored. A living spacecraft powered by starlight approaches from a planet strewn with ancient ruins. And amidst it all, an inscrutable and menacing presence has awakened.
They know now that they’re not alone.
But to be remembered . . .
. . . they must survive.
- GenresScience Fiction
377 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2020
40 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
R. Peter Keith
3 books28 followersR. Peter Keith is the creative director of a NASA Space Act Agreement partner company that specializes in the design, fabrication and exhibition of museum exhibits and interactive experiences. He’s flown the NASA-Langley Lunar Lander Simulator to a landing in front of the Moon McDonalds* and has spent research time inside an original Apollo LM and the Orion Spacecraft with one of its engineers.
Keith collaborated with NASA to produce a simulation-based exhibition that focused on the basic concepts of spaceflight and their possible application in the colonization of our solar system. On it’s premiere, the exhibit broke all attendance records for Space Center Houston, the official NASA Visitor Center for the Johnson Space Center, home of the astronaut program.
The many long, thoughtful and technical conversations with NASA experts and advisors from Houston, Langley and JPL that occurred during the creation of this exhibition and its seven simulations and related programs provided the germ of the idea that became the WINE DARK DEEP series.
Keith lives in Vermont with his wife, kids and dogs. He has hung on to an old car for so long it has become cool again and has done the same with a few pairs of pants. He has an unreasonable love for all speculative fiction, having grown up with both classic literary and film works as well as the wonders of Marvel comics, Star Trek and Star Blazers. He’s an avid video game fan as well as a voracious reader.
*There really is a McDonalds on the moon in that NASA simulator. He has pics.
Keith collaborated with NASA to produce a simulation-based exhibition that focused on the basic concepts of spaceflight and their possible application in the colonization of our solar system. On it’s premiere, the exhibit broke all attendance records for Space Center Houston, the official NASA Visitor Center for the Johnson Space Center, home of the astronaut program.
The many long, thoughtful and technical conversations with NASA experts and advisors from Houston, Langley and JPL that occurred during the creation of this exhibition and its seven simulations and related programs provided the germ of the idea that became the WINE DARK DEEP series.
Keith lives in Vermont with his wife, kids and dogs. He has hung on to an old car for so long it has become cool again and has done the same with a few pairs of pants. He has an unreasonable love for all speculative fiction, having grown up with both classic literary and film works as well as the wonders of Marvel comics, Star Trek and Star Blazers. He’s an avid video game fan as well as a voracious reader.
*There really is a McDonalds on the moon in that NASA simulator. He has pics.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 11, 2021
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.
This is the third instalment in the Wine Dark Deep series.
The crew of the spaceship Ulysses finds themselves veering ever closer to the planet of Jupiter and the inexplicable something orbiting around it. What will they find as the miles fall away and they descend to meet it?
Each book in this series has both continued on from the events in the preceding instalment but also worked as its own, self-contained adventure. As well as this, all three have maintained their own distinct vibe that, despite all remaining in the sci-fi genre, have made each feel like an entirely new read. I loved how I never quite knew what to anticipate, when returning to this section of space.
Each book has also increased in page length and I have loved this extended immersion in space science as well as the prolonged chance to become acquainted with the Ulysses crew. I was forever wanting to know details about their backstories, witness more of their interactions, and becoming privy to their innermost secrets and desires, so compelling was everything we were introduced to about them.
The author has created a series that is visually stunning without ever including one single image. I found the distinct writing style had me vividly imagining each scene depicted and, for someone relatively new to sci-fi, I found this aided in my immediate immersion and engagement. I am willing to journey further into space, if it means this crew and this author are there to guide me.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, R. Peter Keith, for this opportunity.
This is the third instalment in the Wine Dark Deep series.
The crew of the spaceship Ulysses finds themselves veering ever closer to the planet of Jupiter and the inexplicable something orbiting around it. What will they find as the miles fall away and they descend to meet it?
Each book in this series has both continued on from the events in the preceding instalment but also worked as its own, self-contained adventure. As well as this, all three have maintained their own distinct vibe that, despite all remaining in the sci-fi genre, have made each feel like an entirely new read. I loved how I never quite knew what to anticipate, when returning to this section of space.
Each book has also increased in page length and I have loved this extended immersion in space science as well as the prolonged chance to become acquainted with the Ulysses crew. I was forever wanting to know details about their backstories, witness more of their interactions, and becoming privy to their innermost secrets and desires, so compelling was everything we were introduced to about them.
The author has created a series that is visually stunning without ever including one single image. I found the distinct writing style had me vividly imagining each scene depicted and, for someone relatively new to sci-fi, I found this aided in my immediate immersion and engagement. I am willing to journey further into space, if it means this crew and this author are there to guide me.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, R. Peter Keith, for this opportunity.
October 12, 2024
The Odyssey is the third novel of R. Peter Keith’s yet-to-be-concluded space opera series, Wine Dark Deep. The first three volumes, starting with Wine Dark Deep and Encounter at Jupiter, were released simultaneously. Volume four will be entitled “The Galactics.” All are tightly coupled, and should be read in order, each ending with a cliffhanging connection to the next, including this third one. If you have not read the previous volumes, and wish to avoid spoilers in my review regarding them, go back the beginning, and stop reading these comments now.
The title is derived from Homer’s The Odyssey, as is the name of the interplanetary ship Ulysses, plus a few other references. However, the plot is not a direct retelling. For example, I can’t imagine who is Athena in this story – I certainly hope not the female doctor, who I cannot keep from visualizing as Star Trek’s Doctor Beverly Crusher.
The title is also probably a reference to Arthur Clarke’s famous 2001: A Space Odyssey (or maybe actually Stanley Kubrick’s film version). When some characters mention the film, we learn that others of them have also seen it. The novel definitely borrows 2001’s concept of wormhole transit through Jupiter (Now I know it’s the film version, since the book version used Saturn). However, the passages of extended exploration of alien artifacts reminded more of Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama. Now, one of the powerful aspects of 2001 was the contrast of human realism with alien transcendence. This work, however, does not make that jump, staying in the literal universe of a space opera. Eventually, there are plenty of alien mysteries, as the history of a galactic civilization begins to gradually emerge out of mind-boggling and ever more superlative forces.
The Ulysses started as a scientific interplanetary spacecraft, with a small crew of specialists, but in this novel has been transformed into an interstellar context, beyond its engineering capabilities, with alien assistance. I was disappointed that even by volume three, the characters still have almost no backstory. They also have next to no internal monolog. We only see what they do and say, not what they think or feel. It is a very cinematic style. The author seems to be dominantly visually oriented; I was constantly visualizing motions, positions, and orientations - even the book covers are extraordinarily visually interesting.
In its opening volumes, this series presented as hard-sf, but by this novel has moved to more of a space opera universe. So, I was still in the hard-sf reader mode of checking the science. Here, I read that an opening in the solar-sailor’s wound is cauterized with ice from escaping water vapor. Sorry, ice sublimates in a vacuum at almost any temperature. The opening would never seal. Things like this interfere with the intended verisimilitude, which is one of the strengths of recent hard-sf works like The Martian. Now that the series is no longer in the realm of near-future known science, this should be less important, but readers like me still notice.
So, my conclusion is that after a rocky opening novella, the series has evolved into high-tension space opera entertainment, that could use better character development. But be prepared to be left with a hanging plotline, however far you get in series.
I received ebook advance reader copies of volumes 1-3 from Uphill Downhill Press (the author’s own company) and Smith Publicity through netgalley in exchange for honest reviews. All three books were released on 12 October 2020.
The title is derived from Homer’s The Odyssey, as is the name of the interplanetary ship Ulysses, plus a few other references. However, the plot is not a direct retelling. For example, I can’t imagine who is Athena in this story – I certainly hope not the female doctor, who I cannot keep from visualizing as Star Trek’s Doctor Beverly Crusher.
The title is also probably a reference to Arthur Clarke’s famous 2001: A Space Odyssey (or maybe actually Stanley Kubrick’s film version). When some characters mention the film, we learn that others of them have also seen it. The novel definitely borrows 2001’s concept of wormhole transit through Jupiter (Now I know it’s the film version, since the book version used Saturn). However, the passages of extended exploration of alien artifacts reminded more of Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama. Now, one of the powerful aspects of 2001 was the contrast of human realism with alien transcendence. This work, however, does not make that jump, staying in the literal universe of a space opera. Eventually, there are plenty of alien mysteries, as the history of a galactic civilization begins to gradually emerge out of mind-boggling and ever more superlative forces.
The Ulysses started as a scientific interplanetary spacecraft, with a small crew of specialists, but in this novel has been transformed into an interstellar context, beyond its engineering capabilities, with alien assistance. I was disappointed that even by volume three, the characters still have almost no backstory. They also have next to no internal monolog. We only see what they do and say, not what they think or feel. It is a very cinematic style. The author seems to be dominantly visually oriented; I was constantly visualizing motions, positions, and orientations - even the book covers are extraordinarily visually interesting.
In its opening volumes, this series presented as hard-sf, but by this novel has moved to more of a space opera universe. So, I was still in the hard-sf reader mode of checking the science. Here, I read that an opening in the solar-sailor’s wound is cauterized with ice from escaping water vapor. Sorry, ice sublimates in a vacuum at almost any temperature. The opening would never seal. Things like this interfere with the intended verisimilitude, which is one of the strengths of recent hard-sf works like The Martian. Now that the series is no longer in the realm of near-future known science, this should be less important, but readers like me still notice.
So, my conclusion is that after a rocky opening novella, the series has evolved into high-tension space opera entertainment, that could use better character development. But be prepared to be left with a hanging plotline, however far you get in series.
I received ebook advance reader copies of volumes 1-3 from Uphill Downhill Press (the author’s own company) and Smith Publicity through netgalley in exchange for honest reviews. All three books were released on 12 October 2020.
December 5, 2021
The Odyssey was my least favorite of the three (soon to be four) books in the Wine Dark Deep series. I really enjoy the hard science fiction aspects of the books. The author knows his science and while there are some far-fetched goings-on in the books, most of it seems plausible in the foreseeable future and much of is explained through conversations amongst the characters.
What didn't do it for me in this latest installment was the lack of connection with the characters, except maybe a little bit with no-nonsense Captain Cal, and the seemingly non-stop procession of weird aliens of whose motivations I didn't understand or couldn't figure out. After reading three of these books I can't say know much of anything personally about any of the characters, even with a relatively small cast of them, as there was little back story given.
The Odyssey ended with a cliffhanger and the story arc will be wrapped up in the forthcoming fourth novel The Galactics. The Odyssey was just OK for me; I guess I'll have to decide whether to finish off the series when the finale is published.
What didn't do it for me in this latest installment was the lack of connection with the characters, except maybe a little bit with no-nonsense Captain Cal, and the seemingly non-stop procession of weird aliens of whose motivations I didn't understand or couldn't figure out. After reading three of these books I can't say know much of anything personally about any of the characters, even with a relatively small cast of them, as there was little back story given.
The Odyssey ended with a cliffhanger and the story arc will be wrapped up in the forthcoming fourth novel The Galactics. The Odyssey was just OK for me; I guess I'll have to decide whether to finish off the series when the finale is published.
November 8, 2020
When I started reading this series with its first book ‘Wine Dark Deep’ I found its descriptions very complex and overly technical. Now, after reading the third book of this series I finally find myself getting comfortable with the author's writing style and his techniques. What I learned about the author from these books is that he's a very practical author, even if he writes space science fiction, he keeps its events grounded to the possibilities of reality.
Why am I saying this? If you read any of these books, as a reader, you will realize that he doesn't exaggerate any scenes that he portrays in the story; let's say, either it's the crew's first-ever encounter with the aliens, possible language and communication struggles that humans may face with such encounter, their conscience to trust those beings or forms, or that accidental inter-galactic space travel, the way the author describes them and links to the story it all will make very practical sense to you.
Many insane things happened in the second book ‘Encounter At Jupiter’ which left many unanswered questions for me to wonder, but in ‘The Odyssey’ the author answered them all. The excitement that he left behind with that cliffhanger in the second book, added more thrills and goosebumps to the story. Till now I used to see Jupiter as a very beautiful planet, but after reading this book, that planet and its storms kind of creeps me out. I never saw Jupiter the way the author made me see it in this book.
The concept that the gas giants like Jupiter can hold portals to other solar systems or galaxies was the most astonishing part I read. And also, the engagement between the crew and Seiss ‘the alien’ was fun to read. Once again, the author ended his book with a cliffhanger, but this time it's crazier than the last one. I also became more familiar with all characters and understood the bonds and duties that they shared.
The overall reading experience of this book was both exciting and terrifying. The author keeps this constant rush and eagerness in the story where I felt myself being absorbed in the premise. The deliberate description of intense action scenes made it more cinematic than the last two books. It gave more 'mind-fuck' moments combined with its first two books. I don't know what will happen in the next book when the hope of humanity is on the stake of survival, how they will (if they will!!!) return to mother Earth and what reactions people from Earth will give to Ulysses's discoveries. The character of Seiss is more puzzling than it seems and I am afraid it will turn out into something neither I nor the crew may anticipate. And on top of that, the people from Ceres will have their share in the next book.
I have never read a sci-fi series so it's my first and I am moved by the author's excellent knowledge and research skills. All his contents, story and premise building, and the uncertainty that he brings in his books and makes them unpredictable is something worth to read and that's why this series is MUST read for every sci-fi freak out there. As I already mentioned in my earlier reviews, this may not be a compatible read for every reader but if you are willing to invest your time in the space saga that the author has created, then I promise, you will not regret your decision! After reading this book I have very high hopes for the fourth book and I am counting on the author's potential even more.
Why am I saying this? If you read any of these books, as a reader, you will realize that he doesn't exaggerate any scenes that he portrays in the story; let's say, either it's the crew's first-ever encounter with the aliens, possible language and communication struggles that humans may face with such encounter, their conscience to trust those beings or forms, or that accidental inter-galactic space travel, the way the author describes them and links to the story it all will make very practical sense to you.
Many insane things happened in the second book ‘Encounter At Jupiter’ which left many unanswered questions for me to wonder, but in ‘The Odyssey’ the author answered them all. The excitement that he left behind with that cliffhanger in the second book, added more thrills and goosebumps to the story. Till now I used to see Jupiter as a very beautiful planet, but after reading this book, that planet and its storms kind of creeps me out. I never saw Jupiter the way the author made me see it in this book.
The concept that the gas giants like Jupiter can hold portals to other solar systems or galaxies was the most astonishing part I read. And also, the engagement between the crew and Seiss ‘the alien’ was fun to read. Once again, the author ended his book with a cliffhanger, but this time it's crazier than the last one. I also became more familiar with all characters and understood the bonds and duties that they shared.
The overall reading experience of this book was both exciting and terrifying. The author keeps this constant rush and eagerness in the story where I felt myself being absorbed in the premise. The deliberate description of intense action scenes made it more cinematic than the last two books. It gave more 'mind-fuck' moments combined with its first two books. I don't know what will happen in the next book when the hope of humanity is on the stake of survival, how they will (if they will!!!) return to mother Earth and what reactions people from Earth will give to Ulysses's discoveries. The character of Seiss is more puzzling than it seems and I am afraid it will turn out into something neither I nor the crew may anticipate. And on top of that, the people from Ceres will have their share in the next book.
I have never read a sci-fi series so it's my first and I am moved by the author's excellent knowledge and research skills. All his contents, story and premise building, and the uncertainty that he brings in his books and makes them unpredictable is something worth to read and that's why this series is MUST read for every sci-fi freak out there. As I already mentioned in my earlier reviews, this may not be a compatible read for every reader but if you are willing to invest your time in the space saga that the author has created, then I promise, you will not regret your decision! After reading this book I have very high hopes for the fourth book and I am counting on the author's potential even more.
September 26, 2020
Wow...I don't know how to explain how much this series is blowing my mind. Each book, so far, is very different from the one before. Each one seems so logical, when you reach the end, that you almost wonder why you didn't see it coming. I haven't been right, so far, and I hope that trend continues.
So, this book really does pick up from where the last left off, but the direction soon veers off. We're back to a much expanded theme of "how do you communicate with something that is VERY different from you." It's framed differently here, though, and has a much different outcome...more what I think Xu was hoping for in the last book.
Anyhow...this clarifies where the ongoing references to the Odyssey were leading. I think it's going to be a while before the characters see familiar shores again, or even familiar stars to navigate by. The tensions are very different in this book. They become more personal to the members of the crew. The less central, previously, characters get more attention here, too. Sarah and Inez have taken on more personality traits. Let's just say that Paul's going to get your attention in this story, too.
Keith's descriptions of space, and space travel, are quite good. His vistas are sweeping. As I read the last 20% of the book, tonight, I could picture the setting as a gas giant planet was growing ever nearer the ship, very close to it's star. It's there in colors and detail. Even the feelings as the ship undergoes major stresses are described in a visceral way you can almost feel.
There are soft moments, too, which sneak up and get you. There's a nice passage where Cal, transiting the ship, finds his exhausted communications and IT officer asleep in front of a work station. It's just a human moment in the midst of a very large story. It meshes in nicely.
One thing that's clear to me: Keith knows how to ratchet up tension within his story. It comes up incrementally, almost imperceptible at first. Suddenly you realize as you near the end of the book that you're barreling along with no idea how you got this wound up.
Bottom line: these books are really fun. They're good reads, and impressive science fiction. If that's your cup of tea, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
So, this book really does pick up from where the last left off, but the direction soon veers off. We're back to a much expanded theme of "how do you communicate with something that is VERY different from you." It's framed differently here, though, and has a much different outcome...more what I think Xu was hoping for in the last book.
Anyhow...this clarifies where the ongoing references to the Odyssey were leading. I think it's going to be a while before the characters see familiar shores again, or even familiar stars to navigate by. The tensions are very different in this book. They become more personal to the members of the crew. The less central, previously, characters get more attention here, too. Sarah and Inez have taken on more personality traits. Let's just say that Paul's going to get your attention in this story, too.
Keith's descriptions of space, and space travel, are quite good. His vistas are sweeping. As I read the last 20% of the book, tonight, I could picture the setting as a gas giant planet was growing ever nearer the ship, very close to it's star. It's there in colors and detail. Even the feelings as the ship undergoes major stresses are described in a visceral way you can almost feel.
There are soft moments, too, which sneak up and get you. There's a nice passage where Cal, transiting the ship, finds his exhausted communications and IT officer asleep in front of a work station. It's just a human moment in the midst of a very large story. It meshes in nicely.
One thing that's clear to me: Keith knows how to ratchet up tension within his story. It comes up incrementally, almost imperceptible at first. Suddenly you realize as you near the end of the book that you're barreling along with no idea how you got this wound up.
Bottom line: these books are really fun. They're good reads, and impressive science fiction. If that's your cup of tea, I cannot recommend them highly enough.
December 16, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
another trip with this intrepid crew as they battle their way back to earth....this one was a bit more descriptive and i did struggle to imagine some of what was going on...especially the aliens would love to have seen what the author wanted us to imagine them as...hopefully a tv series so we dont go out of our minds....
brilliantly written and cant fault this series at all...each character you get to know a bit better
roll on the next book off this author
another trip with this intrepid crew as they battle their way back to earth....this one was a bit more descriptive and i did struggle to imagine some of what was going on...especially the aliens would love to have seen what the author wanted us to imagine them as...hopefully a tv series so we dont go out of our minds....
brilliantly written and cant fault this series at all...each character you get to know a bit better
roll on the next book off this author
December 5, 2020
A surprising and exhilarating follow up to the the first two
November 17, 2020
This is a review of the entire 3 book series: This is a pretty good series that starts out OK (with a rather short first book), but gets better as the series progresses. although the second book is probably the best. Each book has it's own personality and tone, and the second book builds the tension and the story nicely. The third book continues and builds the story to an interesting conclusion. The author has a great imagination (not surprisingly) but keeps the story grounded in realism. Recommended.
Hard sci-fi is one of my favorite genres, so this was a good fit for me. A pretty good bet for sci-fi fans.
I really appreciate the review copy of each book!!
Hard sci-fi is one of my favorite genres, so this was a good fit for me. A pretty good bet for sci-fi fans.
I really appreciate the review copy of each book!!
October 24, 2020
Probably the weakest in the series to date, the prelude to book, or rather episode, four says it all. These books don't stand on their own. I read books one and two no more than two weeks ago and I was already fumbling to realign where we left off.
I think the real issue comes from the fact that the depth of our characters exist off-screen. We get a few tiny hints about pasts (ie Cal and the Doc were married and divorced and Cal got married again; pilot Sarah has some kind of history with Cal because he got her on the ship) but no actual concrete growth, development, or history. The characters were essentially placeholders for their job - except the Doc; they just bring her along everywhere to ask questions and force exposition (until she's forced the be the smart one in the room). I think if we got to see them grow or adapt or come to terms with the emotional/mental toll of everything that's happening, it would have made me both anchored and invested in the story.
It's all plot. (Except for the 50 pages in the middle I skipped because I got tired of reading their fumbling attempts to talk with an alien) A happens and then B happens and then C happens, but the events don't seem to be feeding each other or compounding much. And then we end with a cliffhanger, which book four will probably immediately follow with no catch-up.
But also, a two page flicker to the villains from book one (who were not mentioned at all in book two or the first 368 pages of book three), which I guess is supposed to bring all of the events of the books together, was kind of too little, too late, time for a gimmick instead.
The writing is dense but I like how smart the science always feels. It does get a little repetitive, but I can't imagine science changes all that much in the span of one space journey. I really think that the series' biggest weakness is the lack of depth to the characters - which could really bring everything into focus and make it so much more engaging. Like, the plot is cool, but why should I care whether these people make it out? Other than because they're human beings and I supposedly have empathy?
{Thank you Smith Publicity and Uphill Downhill Press for the advanced copy; all thoughts are my own}
I think the real issue comes from the fact that the depth of our characters exist off-screen. We get a few tiny hints about pasts (ie Cal and the Doc were married and divorced and Cal got married again; pilot Sarah has some kind of history with Cal because he got her on the ship) but no actual concrete growth, development, or history. The characters were essentially placeholders for their job - except the Doc; they just bring her along everywhere to ask questions and force exposition (until she's forced the be the smart one in the room). I think if we got to see them grow or adapt or come to terms with the emotional/mental toll of everything that's happening, it would have made me both anchored and invested in the story.
It's all plot. (Except for the 50 pages in the middle I skipped because I got tired of reading their fumbling attempts to talk with an alien) A happens and then B happens and then C happens, but the events don't seem to be feeding each other or compounding much. And then we end with a cliffhanger, which book four will probably immediately follow with no catch-up.
But also, a two page flicker to the villains from book one (who were not mentioned at all in book two or the first 368 pages of book three), which I guess is supposed to bring all of the events of the books together, was kind of too little, too late, time for a gimmick instead.
The writing is dense but I like how smart the science always feels. It does get a little repetitive, but I can't imagine science changes all that much in the span of one space journey. I really think that the series' biggest weakness is the lack of depth to the characters - which could really bring everything into focus and make it so much more engaging. Like, the plot is cool, but why should I care whether these people make it out? Other than because they're human beings and I supposedly have empathy?
{Thank you Smith Publicity and Uphill Downhill Press for the advanced copy; all thoughts are my own}
November 30, 2020
This is a science fiction delightfully heavy on the science. It was so intriguing to learn a little about how the makeup of an atmosphere can be determined based on what colors of light are blocked passing through it. And the complicating piloting of a space craft where fuel is the scarcest resource. And the complications with navigating when you don't know where you are. And more. This book for sure goes way beyond "sensors" to figure things out. There are also really intriguing encounters with multiple, and highly varied, aliens. I really enjoyed how plausible and real everything felt. Not that I in any way understand how a wormhole could be engineered. There is also a good look into what it might be like psychologically for the crew as they deal with all the uncertainty, danger, and the need for such constant decision making and action. This story is a bit reminiscent of Start Trek Voyager. I appreciated that, like the preceding books, it did not veer into straight horror. Though there sure were some horrifying moments and opponents! I'm left pondering what's next, without any spoilers, there are some things that don't really make sense. I'll watch for the next book!
January 24, 2022
Book 2 is still my favorite of this series, it was certainly awesome. (Which is not something you hear a lot.) This book had some places it dragged more than expected. There was some character development but more in the present but nothing about who they are but how they are reacting. I don't really feel like I know why some of the characters act how they do or why. I can guess but I am putting my personal biases on them. I was saddened by a scene in the book, for those who have read will probably know where. The ending was a lot of the WTF though and now I am just waiting for the next book to see what happened. The series still keeps me interested.
September 25, 2021
One of the best sci-fi books of the last 10 years
I am reviewing the last book (and will review the first and second later) because we can consider this trilogy a single story.
This book proves that with enough research and good storytelling skills, a space novel can be fantastical and grounded is a plausible reality at the same time.
I have read many books where the story could have been transferred to WWII battleship group and maintain consistency. Stories that ignore the cruelty of orbital mechanics and the vacuum of space(a vacuum of air, but not exotic particles)
I remember reading The Martian on Kindle Unlimited before it became a sensation, a cult novel and then a movie. This books is worthy of the same praise, despite the very different storyline.
Sure, there could be a bit more character development, more of a backstory to the characters, but it started as a novella and as such much of that aspect was sacrificed to the story and the stunning science.
It looks like this last book was written pre-pandemic. I hope there is a sequel coming. Even if there isn’t, I think the trilogy stands as a story worth of the golden age, but with much updated science and just as much adventure, if not more.
Definitely looking forward to more works from this author.
I am reviewing the last book (and will review the first and second later) because we can consider this trilogy a single story.
This book proves that with enough research and good storytelling skills, a space novel can be fantastical and grounded is a plausible reality at the same time.
I have read many books where the story could have been transferred to WWII battleship group and maintain consistency. Stories that ignore the cruelty of orbital mechanics and the vacuum of space(a vacuum of air, but not exotic particles)
I remember reading The Martian on Kindle Unlimited before it became a sensation, a cult novel and then a movie. This books is worthy of the same praise, despite the very different storyline.
Sure, there could be a bit more character development, more of a backstory to the characters, but it started as a novella and as such much of that aspect was sacrificed to the story and the stunning science.
It looks like this last book was written pre-pandemic. I hope there is a sequel coming. Even if there isn’t, I think the trilogy stands as a story worth of the golden age, but with much updated science and just as much adventure, if not more.
Definitely looking forward to more works from this author.
August 28, 2023
The Odyssey sees R. Peter Keith well and truly bust out his copy of Homer, as it becomes clear that the Ulysses and its crew are very, very far from home – and not getting back there either soon or unscathed. Far from Earth and left to rely on themselves, it quickly becomes clear that Ulysses and her crew need to think less about exploring than just surviving. They fall into the middle of an interstellar struggle for survival, and along the way find out that the universe is a lot more complex than they were counting on. This is a taut, satisfying story.
Good stuff all around. This is around half the length of the total series, and is an excellent bridge into what will hopefully be further interesting--and mechanically accurate--adventures!
(This is part of a longer review of the whole trilogy, which can be found on my blog.)
8.5/10
February 10, 2021
Peter Keith starts his massive tale of an odyssey across the stars with the exploration ship Ulysses and it’s small crew of explorers heading to Jupiter. In Wine Dark Deep (paper) the ship has its refueling tankers refused by a rebellion on the small colony on Ceres who think independence can make them rich. Captain Cal Scott has to use the space taxi left in orbit to go down to the colony and somehow rescue his needed supplies. Then they have an Encounter at Jupiter (paper) were an ancient alien craft docks with them and sends them hurling down through the center of the huge planet to emerge from another gas giant. There The Odyssey (paper from Uphill Downhill Press) as they explore this new system, work with the alien device that stranded them and find an alien who learns to talk to them. A lot more is coming in this hard science fiction tale that is careful with its orbital mechanics and its near future technology. Fun.
April 7, 2022
Exciting future
The description of the space ship and personal is realistic and textured as in life, the pilot is very skilled, the captain's aware of his crew's needs, etcetera. The outer space obstacles and planet descriptions are filled with needed details, making these books enjoyable to read.
The description of the space ship and personal is realistic and textured as in life, the pilot is very skilled, the captain's aware of his crew's needs, etcetera. The outer space obstacles and planet descriptions are filled with needed details, making these books enjoyable to read.
April 29, 2022
Another great installment of this saga. Each episode ratchets up the interest and excitement. I don't know how many episodes are planned, but the story arc seems to support many. After the nine-volume expanse series, I wondered where I would go next. Here I am. The new ones can't come fast enough for me.
June 2, 2022
A Fine next step in the series
A science fiction reader can ask little more of a book than to be swept along and crashed through China shops worth of high concepts and heavy emotions. This series does that for me. It has been a wonderful journey.
A science fiction reader can ask little more of a book than to be swept along and crashed through China shops worth of high concepts and heavy emotions. This series does that for me. It has been a wonderful journey.
December 27, 2022
Great series!
Highly recommended! Each novel in the series gets better and more complex. Lots of mysteries and action. What more could a girl want? Except the next novel in the series!
Highly recommended! Each novel in the series gets better and more complex. Lots of mysteries and action. What more could a girl want? Except the next novel in the series!
July 15, 2024
Another win for R. Peter Keith
The third story in the Wine Dark Deep series, so complex and so good. Would love to see illustrations. I love the new character and the way they taught him to speak.
The third story in the Wine Dark Deep series, so complex and so good. Would love to see illustrations. I love the new character and the way they taught him to speak.
July 28, 2021
Keith hooked me in book one, and the space opera hits just keep on coming in book three. It's a solidly fun space adventure with likable characters and I look forward to the next installment.
October 8, 2020
Wow - a new character and a whole new world to explore!! Really the possibilities are endless. Will they ever make it home? It almost doesn’t matter. Looking forward to following these characters wherever they might go.
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