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Der Schwarze Planet #2
Amphitrite 2: The Black Planet
Trotz aller dem Schwarzen Planeten eigenen Gefahren untersuchen zwei Astronauten den neu entdeckten Himmelskörper. Sie finden Hinweise auf seine sagenumwobene Herkunft und sein enormes Alter, und bald bemerken sie, dass Amphitrite ein noch viel größeres Geheimnis verbirgt. Währenddessen nähert sich der uralte Neuling auf seiner ungewöhnlichen Bahn der Erde. Der schwarze Staub, der seine Oberfläche bedeckt, interessiert wegen seiner ungewöhnlichen, gewinnversprechenden Eigenschaften gleich mehrere Unternehmen. So setzt ein Wettrennen zu dem Planeten ein – dem die Menschheit, wie sich zeigt, doch besser ferngeblieben wäre.
- GenresScience Fiction
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2020
274 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Q. Morris
143 books472 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 8, 2021
In recent years astronomers have speculated about the existence of a ninth planet orbiting the sun somewhere within the vast outer reaches of the Solar System. After all, Planet Nine is said to lie somewhere within the Oort Cloud, circling the inner planets at a hypothetical distance of as much as 800 Astronomical Units (AU), or roughly 75 billion miles. A practiced author of hard science fiction might craft a fascinating story about a mission to Planet Nine. And Brandon Q. Morris seemed to be on that track with the publication of Amphitrite, the first novel in a trilogy. Sadly, his followup, inelegantly titled Amphitrite 2, goes wildly off the track. In a word, it’s not worth the time you might take to read the book. Fair warning: the characters in this novel don’t solve the mystery of Planet Nine.
Three of the five original characters remain after Book One
When Morris wraps up Amphitrite, only two of the four humans who journeyed to the mysterious black planet linger on the scene. Oscar, the impertinent cleaning robot who alternated between saving their lives and plunging them into danger, stays behind, too. (The other two characters had fled to Earth on the ship sent to reclaim the spaceship they’d hijacked.) Now, in the sequel, the fugitives Juri and Irina remain along with Oscar. They’re intent on investigating the startling mysteries they encountered on the surface of the planet.
So far, so good. Then everything gets murky—and stays that way.
A new character enters the scene
Morris introduces a new character, a sixty-four-year-old space scavenger named Doug who is bribed into speeding out to Amphitrite by a wealthy man, probably a criminal. The man hopes to establish a claim to the new planet’s mineral riches. What ensues is a succession of alternating chapters in which both Doug and the trio already on the scene each confront unlikely engineering challenges. Of course, Brandon Morris has them meet those challenges in excruciating detail. (Andy Weir did something similar in The Martian, but he was much, much more entertaining.)
Even all that contrived problem-solving might have been bearable if Morris had then proceeded to probe the mystery of Planet Nine. But no. Although he offers up a few tantalizing hints of the black planet’s true nature, he fails to explore them. And, to compound the problem, he leaves the story hanging, forcing any curious reader to purchase the third (as-yet-unwritten) book in the trilogy.
The author offers no apology for leaving us hanging
Here is his lame explanation in an Author’s Note:
“I know I’ve just left you at a very delicate point in the story. I suppose that is the dramaturgical fate of the second part of a trilogy. Book 2 brought our heroes and heroines into their darkest hours (which isn’t hard on Amphitrite), and in the third part . . . [Ellipsis in original.] I won’t give anything away. Do you already have an idea of how the book might end? Then you know more than I do. The protagonists only reveal this to me as I’m writing.”
Instead of inventing yet one more life-threatening emergency for Juri, Irina, or Doug to confront, Morris would have done far better to let his protagonists reveal a lot more about the mysterious planet at the heart of this tale.
Three of the five original characters remain after Book One
When Morris wraps up Amphitrite, only two of the four humans who journeyed to the mysterious black planet linger on the scene. Oscar, the impertinent cleaning robot who alternated between saving their lives and plunging them into danger, stays behind, too. (The other two characters had fled to Earth on the ship sent to reclaim the spaceship they’d hijacked.) Now, in the sequel, the fugitives Juri and Irina remain along with Oscar. They’re intent on investigating the startling mysteries they encountered on the surface of the planet.
So far, so good. Then everything gets murky—and stays that way.
A new character enters the scene
Morris introduces a new character, a sixty-four-year-old space scavenger named Doug who is bribed into speeding out to Amphitrite by a wealthy man, probably a criminal. The man hopes to establish a claim to the new planet’s mineral riches. What ensues is a succession of alternating chapters in which both Doug and the trio already on the scene each confront unlikely engineering challenges. Of course, Brandon Morris has them meet those challenges in excruciating detail. (Andy Weir did something similar in The Martian, but he was much, much more entertaining.)
Even all that contrived problem-solving might have been bearable if Morris had then proceeded to probe the mystery of Planet Nine. But no. Although he offers up a few tantalizing hints of the black planet’s true nature, he fails to explore them. And, to compound the problem, he leaves the story hanging, forcing any curious reader to purchase the third (as-yet-unwritten) book in the trilogy.
The author offers no apology for leaving us hanging
Here is his lame explanation in an Author’s Note:
“I know I’ve just left you at a very delicate point in the story. I suppose that is the dramaturgical fate of the second part of a trilogy. Book 2 brought our heroes and heroines into their darkest hours (which isn’t hard on Amphitrite), and in the third part . . . [Ellipsis in original.] I won’t give anything away. Do you already have an idea of how the book might end? Then you know more than I do. The protagonists only reveal this to me as I’m writing.”
Instead of inventing yet one more life-threatening emergency for Juri, Irina, or Doug to confront, Morris would have done far better to let his protagonists reveal a lot more about the mysterious planet at the heart of this tale.
September 3, 2023
New (old) characters and a missing persons spices things up!
Doug and Maria (now Mary) from The Hole are re-introduced, though its Doug who really takes center stage. He is attempting to salvage a telescope, but unfortunately mistakes things and ends up crippling his ship. Mary calls in a favour to get him rescued and in return Doug has to investigate Amphitrite.
Meanwhile Irina and Yuri are investigating the deepens on the planet, when Irons is grabbed by the 'winds' and taken far away. When she comes to, her right knee is shattered and this limits her movement.
Yuri and Oscar return to their ship for supplies as they try and track Irina down. That's when they hear from Doug whose engines have been disabled by a parting shot from the other team, meaning he is unable to slow down and so is on a trajectory outside the solar system! Can Yuri save him or Irina?
There is much intrigue as we follow Irina's exploits on the planet and Yuri's turmoil in who to save....Surprises and unexpected findings abound as the secrets of Amphitrite and the lives of the 3 continue. As is normal with the middle part if the trilogy, the tale leaves us at a cliffhanger leaving us yearning for the 3rd book.
Doug and Maria (now Mary) from The Hole are re-introduced, though its Doug who really takes center stage. He is attempting to salvage a telescope, but unfortunately mistakes things and ends up crippling his ship. Mary calls in a favour to get him rescued and in return Doug has to investigate Amphitrite.
Meanwhile Irina and Yuri are investigating the deepens on the planet, when Irons is grabbed by the 'winds' and taken far away. When she comes to, her right knee is shattered and this limits her movement.
Yuri and Oscar return to their ship for supplies as they try and track Irina down. That's when they hear from Doug whose engines have been disabled by a parting shot from the other team, meaning he is unable to slow down and so is on a trajectory outside the solar system! Can Yuri save him or Irina?
There is much intrigue as we follow Irina's exploits on the planet and Yuri's turmoil in who to save....Surprises and unexpected findings abound as the secrets of Amphitrite and the lives of the 3 continue. As is normal with the middle part if the trilogy, the tale leaves us at a cliffhanger leaving us yearning for the 3rd book.
January 19, 2024
Como ya me temía, libro de transición que pasa a ser ciencia ficción ligera con aventurillas. Es lo malo de las trilogías: si se escribe un libro, tiene éxito y luego se piensa una continuación, suele estar bien; pero cuando se escribe un libro pensando en que tiene que ser una trilogía desde el inicio, todo cambia a peor. Con un sólo libro se podría haber resuelto perfectamente.
Por mucho que en la portada ponga 'Hard Science Fiction', la novela tiene de ciencia ficción dura lo mismo que Bambi de maldad. No se da casi ninguna idea nueva sobre el planeta, todo consiste en crear una historia que se pueda enlazar con lo que hay para dejar que todo se resuelva en la tercera parte.
La historia en sí es de dos estrellas, pero la tercera se la doy porque hay que reconocer que está entretenida, a pesar de que la ciencia ficción brilla por su ausencia.
Por mucho que en la portada ponga 'Hard Science Fiction', la novela tiene de ciencia ficción dura lo mismo que Bambi de maldad. No se da casi ninguna idea nueva sobre el planeta, todo consiste en crear una historia que se pueda enlazar con lo que hay para dejar que todo se resuelva en la tercera parte.
La historia en sí es de dos estrellas, pero la tercera se la doy porque hay que reconocer que está entretenida, a pesar de que la ciencia ficción brilla por su ausencia.
October 1, 2021
Somehow not plausible that Yuri likes and is able to endure space travels for months. I agree with another reviewer “Yuri is a pussy”
I lost my way in the description of how Irina and later Yuri and Doug walk through the tunnels, and that is a problem in several of Morris’ books. There is very detailed description of some details and then a leap forward, so no connection.
The exact math in calculating the steering through the space we don’t need, but I would like to have some description.
The use of ‘a tent’ to stay in without the space-suit is an ingenious idea, not sure if if works.
Another point is that in his books we all over finds self-conscious women and some of the men weak.
Perhaps Brandon Morris is a pseudonym?
I lost my way in the description of how Irina and later Yuri and Doug walk through the tunnels, and that is a problem in several of Morris’ books. There is very detailed description of some details and then a leap forward, so no connection.
The exact math in calculating the steering through the space we don’t need, but I would like to have some description.
The use of ‘a tent’ to stay in without the space-suit is an ingenious idea, not sure if if works.
Another point is that in his books we all over finds self-conscious women and some of the men weak.
Perhaps Brandon Morris is a pseudonym?
October 24, 2021
Terrible Plot
While I enjoy the hard science to a degree, Morris's plot in this book makes no sense. Why Juri decides to strike off to rescue an unknown astronaut while his best friend remains lost is not logical. Judi is also a dud in not recognizing her friendship. A little romance would have lightened up the plot a little. Total cliffhanger at the end does not induce me to read Book 3.
While I enjoy the hard science to a degree, Morris's plot in this book makes no sense. Why Juri decides to strike off to rescue an unknown astronaut while his best friend remains lost is not logical. Judi is also a dud in not recognizing her friendship. A little romance would have lightened up the plot a little. Total cliffhanger at the end does not induce me to read Book 3.
January 25, 2026
Die Geschichte wird fortgeführt, leider haben sich auch ein paar Fehler eingeschlichen., so benennt ein neuer Protagonist den Planeten, obwohl er ihn nicht kennen kann. Die SF Geschichte wird zu einem reinen Abenteuerroman mit wenigen SF Elementen. Der Cliff Hanger am Ende des Buches ist schon heftig.
March 28, 2021
Yuri is a Pussy
I despise self indulgent and weak people. I am so tired of Yuri's whining. Do people like that really exist? The rest of the story once one blocks out Yuri' BS is quite good.
I despise self indulgent and weak people. I am so tired of Yuri's whining. Do people like that really exist? The rest of the story once one blocks out Yuri' BS is quite good.
June 11, 2021
You could think that everything in hard sci-fi had been written, but an authors imagination apparently knows no limits. Entertaining, fun read. Protagonist has many human foibles. Problem after problem solved. Robot with a nasty temper. Simply great read.
July 4, 2021
The story is getting more complicated and I don't know if needs to.
More characters and plot twists. The planet is getting more interesting. We are adding more ideas and I'm not sure it is best to add these complications.
More characters and plot twists. The planet is getting more interesting. We are adding more ideas and I'm not sure it is best to add these complications.
November 11, 2021
Much better
What's better you ask? Jurisdiction isn't so annoying in volume 2. In fact, I no longer want him dead. Because I sure did after book 1. If you made it this far but hated Jurisdiction like I did, keep going! It's worth it.
What's better you ask? Jurisdiction isn't so annoying in volume 2. In fact, I no longer want him dead. Because I sure did after book 1. If you made it this far but hated Jurisdiction like I did, keep going! It's worth it.
March 18, 2023
¡Otro libro emocionante! Los dos últimos capítulos me dejaron esperando más. Lo que de verdad me intriga es la situación de Irina. Me gustó mucho el recorrido por esa zona del planeta. Lástima que haya sido tan breve (el libro).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
Good story really leaves you wondering
Can't wait for part three. Part two is a cliff hanger. I've run out of Brandon's titles to read. Keep them coming.
Can't wait for part three. Part two is a cliff hanger. I've run out of Brandon's titles to read. Keep them coming.
March 10, 2021
Loved it.
Now hurry up & finish #3,
Please ;-)
Now hurry up & finish #3,
Please ;-)
May 19, 2021
Great book! Thrilled to read the next one
July 22, 2021
The suspense is growing.
The suspense is growing.
Good suspense, except a little slow. Another cliff hanger ending. Good character development of major characters.
The suspense is growing.
Good suspense, except a little slow. Another cliff hanger ending. Good character development of major characters.
Read
November 29, 2022Waiting for this series to go somewhere….
August 18, 2023
fabulous
I can’t wait to find out what Amphitrite is all about. Mysterious! When are Juri and Irina going to be reunited? Will Doug see Kiska and Mary again?
I can’t wait to find out what Amphitrite is all about. Mysterious! When are Juri and Irina going to be reunited? Will Doug see Kiska and Mary again?
July 11, 2022
Ciencia ficción flojita. La parte científica, que debería ser la más atrayente por la preparación del autor, no resulta interesante ni bien descrita para poderla seguir con interés. Por otro lado la aventura resulta muy forzada. Da la impresión de que el autor escribe demasiado deprisa y no tiene tiempo de releerlo, lo que se nota en la calidad.
August 6, 2021
Buena continuación, espero impaciente la tercera parte
Read
July 25, 2022Rating: 0
The rating average is higher than I expected until I realized that it was being judged by readers who liked the first book. There are only a handful of reviews but they may give you a sense of what to expect. I barely remember the book and recall being lost towards the end.
Before going further, please read my review of "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth and the comments by Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). It finally put me off Goodreads and Amazon. If that is too odious a task, I understand and please ask that you move onto another review. Thank you.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!
I prefer to watch rather than read science fiction at the moment. The services all offer science fiction which is generally better than the usually low and no effort print that dominates Amazon's selection. Netflix also has a cosmopolitan collection as opposed to the parochial US print offerings. My source for bookish things is YouTube. As well as booktubers, it also hosts channels devoted to my other interests. I was also introduced to educational video sites through YouTube. I use Curiosity Stream/Nebula because it has a large collection as well as costing only $15 USD for a yearly subscription. Some of my favorite YouTube channels are.
Tiny Wee Boat, Eleanor Morton, Chugging Along, Earle writes, Munecat, Tara Mooknee, Novara Media, Some More News, Tom Nicholas, Sabine Hossenfelder, Dan Davis History, Between the Wars, Epimetheus, Tulia, Cruising Alba, Sort of Interesting, Second Thought, Tibees, Event Horizon, Denys Davydov, Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Lady of the Library, What Vivi did next, Half as Interesting, Katie Colson, Katie Halper, Rebecca Watson, Elena Taber, Swell Entertainment, Timeline, The Great War, The Cold War, Cold Fusion, Invicta, The Prime of Midlife, Paleo Analysis, IzzzYzzz, Noah Sampson, Northern Narrowboaters, Nomadic Crobot, Danni and Joe, The Armchair Historian, Military History Visualized, TIKHistory, We're in Hell, Philosophy Tube, History Valley, Ship Happens, Casual Navigation, Camper Vibe, Zoe Baker, Sarah Z, Serena Skybourne, Jack in the Books, Emmie, A Clockwork Reader, Lady knight the Brave, Malinda, Avalishvili, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Books with Emily Fox, Patrick is a Navajo, Merphy Napier, Tank Archive, Chloe Stafler, Luciana Zogbi, Savage Daughter, Natasha's Adventures, Narrowboat Chef, The Templin Institute, The Gravel Institute, Traveling K, Books and Lala, A Life of Lit, A Cup of Nicole, Autumn's Boutique, Renegade Cut, Book Odyssey.
I wish that you have a sunny morning, a brilliant afternoon, a pleasant evening and a wonderful night.
Humanity does not exist in the absence of Empathy.
Truths of the Dark Sisters
The rating average is higher than I expected until I realized that it was being judged by readers who liked the first book. There are only a handful of reviews but they may give you a sense of what to expect. I barely remember the book and recall being lost towards the end.
Before going further, please read my review of "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth and the comments by Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). It finally put me off Goodreads and Amazon. If that is too odious a task, I understand and please ask that you move onto another review. Thank you.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!
I prefer to watch rather than read science fiction at the moment. The services all offer science fiction which is generally better than the usually low and no effort print that dominates Amazon's selection. Netflix also has a cosmopolitan collection as opposed to the parochial US print offerings. My source for bookish things is YouTube. As well as booktubers, it also hosts channels devoted to my other interests. I was also introduced to educational video sites through YouTube. I use Curiosity Stream/Nebula because it has a large collection as well as costing only $15 USD for a yearly subscription. Some of my favorite YouTube channels are.
Tiny Wee Boat, Eleanor Morton, Chugging Along, Earle writes, Munecat, Tara Mooknee, Novara Media, Some More News, Tom Nicholas, Sabine Hossenfelder, Dan Davis History, Between the Wars, Epimetheus, Tulia, Cruising Alba, Sort of Interesting, Second Thought, Tibees, Event Horizon, Denys Davydov, Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Lady of the Library, What Vivi did next, Half as Interesting, Katie Colson, Katie Halper, Rebecca Watson, Elena Taber, Swell Entertainment, Timeline, The Great War, The Cold War, Cold Fusion, Invicta, The Prime of Midlife, Paleo Analysis, IzzzYzzz, Noah Sampson, Northern Narrowboaters, Nomadic Crobot, Danni and Joe, The Armchair Historian, Military History Visualized, TIKHistory, We're in Hell, Philosophy Tube, History Valley, Ship Happens, Casual Navigation, Camper Vibe, Zoe Baker, Sarah Z, Serena Skybourne, Jack in the Books, Emmie, A Clockwork Reader, Lady knight the Brave, Malinda, Avalishvili, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Books with Emily Fox, Patrick is a Navajo, Merphy Napier, Tank Archive, Chloe Stafler, Luciana Zogbi, Savage Daughter, Natasha's Adventures, Narrowboat Chef, The Templin Institute, The Gravel Institute, Traveling K, Books and Lala, A Life of Lit, A Cup of Nicole, Autumn's Boutique, Renegade Cut, Book Odyssey.
I wish that you have a sunny morning, a brilliant afternoon, a pleasant evening and a wonderful night.
Humanity does not exist in the absence of Empathy.
Truths of the Dark Sisters
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews