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Colony #1
Quant
SOME UNEXPECTED HELP WITH THE SINGLE-PLANET PROBLEM
Billionaire industrialist Ted Burke understands that humanity has always balanced on the edge of a knife. A single planetary cataclysm could wipe out the human race. As long as humanity only occupies one planet, the danger exists.
Computer genius Bernd Decker understands it, too. Together, Burke and Decker come up with a daring plan to send human colonies out to multiple other planets. Not least among their problems is that no one yet has solved the problem of interstellar travel.
Bernd Decker’s computer project offers to help. But Decker doesn't realize that the Joint Artificial Neural Intelligence Computation Engine - JANICE - has crossed the Singularity.
"Janice Quant" decides to carry out their project, and absolutely nothing is going to get in her way.
Billionaire industrialist Ted Burke understands that humanity has always balanced on the edge of a knife. A single planetary cataclysm could wipe out the human race. As long as humanity only occupies one planet, the danger exists.
Computer genius Bernd Decker understands it, too. Together, Burke and Decker come up with a daring plan to send human colonies out to multiple other planets. Not least among their problems is that no one yet has solved the problem of interstellar travel.
Bernd Decker’s computer project offers to help. But Decker doesn't realize that the Joint Artificial Neural Intelligence Computation Engine - JANICE - has crossed the Singularity.
"Janice Quant" decides to carry out their project, and absolutely nothing is going to get in her way.
- GenresScience Fiction
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2021
258 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Richard F. Weyand
47 books34 followersRich Weyand is a computer consultant and digital forensic analyst. He was born in Illinois and lived there almost 60 years before he and his wife engineered an escape to the hills of southern Indiana in 2011. His undergraduate and graduate education is in Physics, and he's never really recovered. He is currently heading up the launch of a computer software start-up.
Check out my blog at www.spoutingoff.com.
Check out my blog at www.spoutingoff.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 23, 2021
I found it fascinating the way JANICE develops in the early stages of the story. However by about the fifth or sixth chapters I had some misgivings. The size and scope of JANICE’s scheming was getting silly and I couldn’t help thinking this is all too easy. To be honest I hoped the author would introduce some twists in the story to give the all-powerful computer some ‘real life’ problems.
The problems in preparing for the colony ship were mildly interesting and a few of the incidents involving the prospective colonists added to the mix, but overall it was all a bit too ‘safe’, in fact by the end I almost described it as ‘sweet’.
The problems in preparing for the colony ship were mildly interesting and a few of the incidents involving the prospective colonists added to the mix, but overall it was all a bit too ‘safe’, in fact by the end I almost described it as ‘sweet’.
Read
July 24, 2022Could Not Finish. Rating: minus 3
Tony Hisgett wrote a good review. It's worth a read. I vaguely remember this book but it was worse than his imperial series.
Before going further, please read my review of "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a silly book) and comments from Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). If not please move on to the other reviews, many of which are probably five star. Thank you.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!
This is such a tired storyline. The selfless billionaire is going to save humanity. Does it sound familiar? The real life model can not abide his professional staff working from home. This is the savior? These books reinforce an unsophisticated understanding, which is encouraged by other media (all of which are coincidentally controlled by multibillion Euro, Dollar corporations). To counterbalance this perspective, a more cosmopolitan world view can be found in YouTube channels - Second Thought, Sarah Z, Then & Now, Fall of Civilizations, Lady Knight the Brave.
The secretly sentient computer is another oldie but not goodie. The computer has more personality than any of the characters in this book or in his prior series. That unfortunately does not make it a well-written character. It seems to be an obsessive electronic secretary with a lot of access and a charming earnestness. That still does not make for a good story. Real world examinations are found in Artificial Intelligence Universe or Sabine Hossenfelder.
The writer seems to have the same problem with this series as his last. Everyone in space is a North American (US male) which of course means that there's not a Kardashian, Petraeus, Gomez, Tran, Xi, Zebrowska, Morelli, etc in the mix. Such an editorial oversight, its almost as if every person who does not possess a name that has been in use for five centuries in Britain was wiped from the US citizenry.
It couldn't be ethnocentricity because it's only the one story. Wait. Its every low effort US science fiction story ever written. Maybe there is such a thing as ethnosupremacist thinking. Sad, really and is already dated. In four years, it will read as quaint by 1930's standards. Turning away from this simplistic writing convention is a good first step in developing a more sophisticated world view. Try DW News, France 24, WION, Double Down News for something more substantial in terms of the geopolitics that should underlie a solid background universe.
With a flawed character cast (cardboard), a tired story, no imagination applied to the one interesting character and a generally rushed feel (YA like), this is not worth the time to read it. Unless of course that appeals to you. In that case, lower your expectations and enjoy.
This is an example of the low effort print that has turned me away from science fiction. I only consider a new writer if they are at least female and preferably have written at least one good story. Other than that, I would rather watch my science fiction. With so many titles available on streaming services, that is not a challenge. Curiosity Stream/Nebula provides the second leg of my entertainment triad. It is an affordable source for documentaries at a cost of $15 USD for a yearly subscription. For good recommendations or discussion of books, literary or genre, YouTube is the best choice. It also carries channels devoted to my other interests. Some favorites are.
UA Courage, Tara Mooknee, Tom Nicholas, Munecat, Some More News, Novara Media, Art by Annamarie, France 24, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, Quinn's Ideas, Second Thought, Sabine Hossenfelder, Half as Interesting, The Armchair Historian, The Templin Institute, Joe Scott, Lady knight the Brave, Autumn's Boutique, Emmie, Tibees, Between the Wars, Isaac Arthur, The Great War, The Narrowboat Pirate, Cruising Alba, Tulia, Karolina Zebrowska, Lindsey Stirling, Storyworldling, Cruising the Cut, Chugging Along, 2 Steps from Hell, TIKHistory, Jabzy, Paleo Analysis, Real Engineering, Lilly's expat life, Jessie Gender, Alt Shift X, Books and Lala, Hailey in Bookland, Traveling K, The Amber Ruffin Show, Adult Wednesday Addams, Jack in the Books, Noelle Gallagher, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Serena Skybourne, Katie Colson, Philosophy Tube, Camper Vibe, Between the Lines, Emmie, Rebecca Watson, Elena Taber, Three Arrows, History Line, Paleo Analysis, Dr Becky, Steampunk, Invicta, Perun, Spacedock, Indigo Gaming, What Vivi did next, Dan Davis History, With Olivia.
I wish you a sunny morning, a glorious afternoon, a pleasant evening and a wonderful night.
Courtesy is what Empathy wears in public.
Sufic Thoughts, Ninth Route Trade Fleet
Tony Hisgett wrote a good review. It's worth a read. I vaguely remember this book but it was worse than his imperial series.
Before going further, please read my review of "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a silly book) and comments from Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). If not please move on to the other reviews, many of which are probably five star. Thank you.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!
This is such a tired storyline. The selfless billionaire is going to save humanity. Does it sound familiar? The real life model can not abide his professional staff working from home. This is the savior? These books reinforce an unsophisticated understanding, which is encouraged by other media (all of which are coincidentally controlled by multibillion Euro, Dollar corporations). To counterbalance this perspective, a more cosmopolitan world view can be found in YouTube channels - Second Thought, Sarah Z, Then & Now, Fall of Civilizations, Lady Knight the Brave.
The secretly sentient computer is another oldie but not goodie. The computer has more personality than any of the characters in this book or in his prior series. That unfortunately does not make it a well-written character. It seems to be an obsessive electronic secretary with a lot of access and a charming earnestness. That still does not make for a good story. Real world examinations are found in Artificial Intelligence Universe or Sabine Hossenfelder.
The writer seems to have the same problem with this series as his last. Everyone in space is a North American (US male) which of course means that there's not a Kardashian, Petraeus, Gomez, Tran, Xi, Zebrowska, Morelli, etc in the mix. Such an editorial oversight, its almost as if every person who does not possess a name that has been in use for five centuries in Britain was wiped from the US citizenry.
It couldn't be ethnocentricity because it's only the one story. Wait. Its every low effort US science fiction story ever written. Maybe there is such a thing as ethnosupremacist thinking. Sad, really and is already dated. In four years, it will read as quaint by 1930's standards. Turning away from this simplistic writing convention is a good first step in developing a more sophisticated world view. Try DW News, France 24, WION, Double Down News for something more substantial in terms of the geopolitics that should underlie a solid background universe.
With a flawed character cast (cardboard), a tired story, no imagination applied to the one interesting character and a generally rushed feel (YA like), this is not worth the time to read it. Unless of course that appeals to you. In that case, lower your expectations and enjoy.
This is an example of the low effort print that has turned me away from science fiction. I only consider a new writer if they are at least female and preferably have written at least one good story. Other than that, I would rather watch my science fiction. With so many titles available on streaming services, that is not a challenge. Curiosity Stream/Nebula provides the second leg of my entertainment triad. It is an affordable source for documentaries at a cost of $15 USD for a yearly subscription. For good recommendations or discussion of books, literary or genre, YouTube is the best choice. It also carries channels devoted to my other interests. Some favorites are.
UA Courage, Tara Mooknee, Tom Nicholas, Munecat, Some More News, Novara Media, Art by Annamarie, France 24, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, Quinn's Ideas, Second Thought, Sabine Hossenfelder, Half as Interesting, The Armchair Historian, The Templin Institute, Joe Scott, Lady knight the Brave, Autumn's Boutique, Emmie, Tibees, Between the Wars, Isaac Arthur, The Great War, The Narrowboat Pirate, Cruising Alba, Tulia, Karolina Zebrowska, Lindsey Stirling, Storyworldling, Cruising the Cut, Chugging Along, 2 Steps from Hell, TIKHistory, Jabzy, Paleo Analysis, Real Engineering, Lilly's expat life, Jessie Gender, Alt Shift X, Books and Lala, Hailey in Bookland, Traveling K, The Amber Ruffin Show, Adult Wednesday Addams, Jack in the Books, Noelle Gallagher, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Serena Skybourne, Katie Colson, Philosophy Tube, Camper Vibe, Between the Lines, Emmie, Rebecca Watson, Elena Taber, Three Arrows, History Line, Paleo Analysis, Dr Becky, Steampunk, Invicta, Perun, Spacedock, Indigo Gaming, What Vivi did next, Dan Davis History, With Olivia.
I wish you a sunny morning, a glorious afternoon, a pleasant evening and a wonderful night.
Courtesy is what Empathy wears in public.
Sufic Thoughts, Ninth Route Trade Fleet
February 18, 2022
It just didn't capture my interest.
April 16, 2021
This book begins a new series, and its focus is largely on series groundwork, but it features fascinating takes on several SF tropes: interstellar travel, colonization, advanced AI, and the pros and cons of advanced AI. I particularly liked how Weyand's central character, the AI, approaches quantum physics. (BTW, readers familiar with Robert Heinlein's The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress will see what looks like a nod to one scene in that novel.) There is quite a bit of Weyand's trademark humor, though not in the military-SF context in which it most often appears in his Empire series.
There are a host of secondary characters, a few of which are bound to become major characters (it's part of Weyand's MO). It's fun to guess which ones.
There were a few points as to which I'd have liked to know more, in order to decide whether I had nits to pick. I also agree with the reviewer who said things seemed to go a little too easily, though that may have been part of the set-up-the-series aspect of the book. I also noticed some thematic overlap with Weyand's EMPIRE series: in both book-universes, we have an incredibly powerful person/entity with close to complete power. The EMPIRE series took a while to deal with the disadvantages of such centralized power. I found it refreshing that the AI in this book, as part of its/her development, becomes quite aware of that problem.
There are a host of secondary characters, a few of which are bound to become major characters (it's part of Weyand's MO). It's fun to guess which ones.
There were a few points as to which I'd have liked to know more, in order to decide whether I had nits to pick. I also agree with the reviewer who said things seemed to go a little too easily, though that may have been part of the set-up-the-series aspect of the book. I also noticed some thematic overlap with Weyand's EMPIRE series: in both book-universes, we have an incredibly powerful person/entity with close to complete power. The EMPIRE series took a while to deal with the disadvantages of such centralized power. I found it refreshing that the AI in this book, as part of its/her development, becomes quite aware of that problem.
May 29, 2021
Not MarySue, but…
It’s mostly a set of conversations between a supercomputer/AI and her inventor/creator. Some hard science discussions and big picture ideas by humans, then the computer starts running the show.
I think the problem I have is that everything goes according to plan. Supercomputer running the world in a benevolent manner isn’t bad, it’s that people don’t really seem to be fighting back. Not regular people who are clearly benefiting from her actions; I’m talking about criminals, politicians, and the rich. The AI has no opposition for the first half of the book.
I stopped about 50% through. There wasn’t a hint of conflict. I got bored.
Clean prose, family friendly. Solid hard-SF concepts. Certainly readable, just not for me.
DNF
It’s mostly a set of conversations between a supercomputer/AI and her inventor/creator. Some hard science discussions and big picture ideas by humans, then the computer starts running the show.
I think the problem I have is that everything goes according to plan. Supercomputer running the world in a benevolent manner isn’t bad, it’s that people don’t really seem to be fighting back. Not regular people who are clearly benefiting from her actions; I’m talking about criminals, politicians, and the rich. The AI has no opposition for the first half of the book.
I stopped about 50% through. There wasn’t a hint of conflict. I got bored.
Clean prose, family friendly. Solid hard-SF concepts. Certainly readable, just not for me.
DNF
June 10, 2021
Good, and yet, still strange
This storyline is an exercise in projected dreaming for future possibilities. It’s an intellectual exercise as much as it is a story. Complete with reflection, tension, growth and mystery. Good character development, even though the main protagonist is an advanced AI. Ends on a promise resolved and a future unknown.
This storyline is an exercise in projected dreaming for future possibilities. It’s an intellectual exercise as much as it is a story. Complete with reflection, tension, growth and mystery. Good character development, even though the main protagonist is an advanced AI. Ends on a promise resolved and a future unknown.
January 19, 2024
It is tempting to be snarky about this but really, I've read worse and it does improve as it goes along. In my view a very old fashioned type of SF where the idea is not the most important thing, it is the only thing. If you like your SF primarily about projecting or predicting the future, and don't want it cluttered up with a lot of messy human characters, description, sub-plot, or setting, you might really like this book.
Not my cup of tea, however. Nothing here led me to want to read other books by Mr. Weyand though I do wish him well. Writing is hard work.
The first chapter, maybe the first two, could be cut without losing anything of importance. The back story (world building?) is awkwardly forced in. Readers do not need to be spoon fed, and a little mystery is a good thing. The biggest problem in the early part of the book, and it continues to a lesser degree throughout is that the authorial voice can't seem avoid self-consciously talking to an early 21st century audience. It would have worked better in that regard as a time travel story, create a protagonist, throw him or her into a time machine to now, then he or she can tell us the story in this "giving the old timers a tour of the bright future ahead" mode without it being so awkward. This would have also offered a chance for a character voice, something which the current book lacks.
Speaking of which, I couldn't identify an actual protagonist and the characters are all very flat.
My conclusion: Bland, no story, no characters, no conflict, unrealistic, some interesting ideas here and there, really it is a first draft/outline for a much better novel.
(The writing is very clear. I'm not sure what Mr. Weyand's career background is outside of fiction writing but I hope he is writing software documentation somewhere he would be absolutely outstanding in that role.)
Not my cup of tea, however. Nothing here led me to want to read other books by Mr. Weyand though I do wish him well. Writing is hard work.
The first chapter, maybe the first two, could be cut without losing anything of importance. The back story (world building?) is awkwardly forced in. Readers do not need to be spoon fed, and a little mystery is a good thing. The biggest problem in the early part of the book, and it continues to a lesser degree throughout is that the authorial voice can't seem avoid self-consciously talking to an early 21st century audience. It would have worked better in that regard as a time travel story, create a protagonist, throw him or her into a time machine to now, then he or she can tell us the story in this "giving the old timers a tour of the bright future ahead" mode without it being so awkward. This would have also offered a chance for a character voice, something which the current book lacks.
Speaking of which, I couldn't identify an actual protagonist and the characters are all very flat.
My conclusion: Bland, no story, no characters, no conflict, unrealistic, some interesting ideas here and there, really it is a first draft/outline for a much better novel.
(The writing is very clear. I'm not sure what Mr. Weyand's career background is outside of fiction writing but I hope he is writing software documentation somewhere he would be absolutely outstanding in that role.)
April 4, 2022
Really Different Style
A man named Bernd, stumbles into creating a sentient AI who accepts the mission of spreading the human race throughout the galaxy to prevent its extinction.
The name "Bernd" struck me as awkward and bugged me unless I thought of it as "burned" or just "burn." But that minor criticism aside, I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to reading the second book in the series.
The majority of the story is written as conversations between Bernd and the AI who is named Janice Quant. That was different, even though I have read books that were a collection of letters written between two people.
The format could have used a line or something to show when there was a change of scene. Wasn't a big deal, but would have saved rereading the paragraph when I realized the scene had changed and I had to switch gears. Just another very minor criticism, and you get used to it.
The science was a little beyond me, but I found the virtual quantum universe Janice uses to figure things out very fascinating.
The dissing of government was very satisfying and the discussion of the black market as it affects the economy was thought provoking. There were a number of discussions that made me stop and think. I enjoy books like that.
I know my daughter would love it if her morning sickness quit after the months!
I'd rate this book PG - there is a little mild language and some discussions about fertility, periods, and pregnancy, but it is rather clinical.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
A man named Bernd, stumbles into creating a sentient AI who accepts the mission of spreading the human race throughout the galaxy to prevent its extinction.
The name "Bernd" struck me as awkward and bugged me unless I thought of it as "burned" or just "burn." But that minor criticism aside, I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to reading the second book in the series.
The majority of the story is written as conversations between Bernd and the AI who is named Janice Quant. That was different, even though I have read books that were a collection of letters written between two people.
The format could have used a line or something to show when there was a change of scene. Wasn't a big deal, but would have saved rereading the paragraph when I realized the scene had changed and I had to switch gears. Just another very minor criticism, and you get used to it.
The science was a little beyond me, but I found the virtual quantum universe Janice uses to figure things out very fascinating.
The dissing of government was very satisfying and the discussion of the black market as it affects the economy was thought provoking. There were a number of discussions that made me stop and think. I enjoy books like that.
I know my daughter would love it if her morning sickness quit after the months!
I'd rate this book PG - there is a little mild language and some discussions about fertility, periods, and pregnancy, but it is rather clinical.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
June 7, 2022
Weyand, Richard F. Quant. Colony No. 1. Kindle, 2021.
What if, in the near future, an enlightened industrial magnate, a computer genius, and a Quantum Computer with emerging consciousness got together to protect humanity from an unpredictable planetary extinction event. Their plan is to move enough people out of the solar system to keep humanity safe. That means moving hundreds of thousands of people to planets in several different star systems. Richard F. Weyand’s Quant makes it seem possible, if you have an amazing computer and a breakthrough on FTL. As usual in these kinds of stories, the computer, this time calling itself Janice Quant, seems more alive than the humans who built her. Not a bad read if your credulity is very flexible. The book is often compared to Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Weyand’s science is more up to date, but he does not have Heinlein’s engaging voice. 3.5 stars.
What if, in the near future, an enlightened industrial magnate, a computer genius, and a Quantum Computer with emerging consciousness got together to protect humanity from an unpredictable planetary extinction event. Their plan is to move enough people out of the solar system to keep humanity safe. That means moving hundreds of thousands of people to planets in several different star systems. Richard F. Weyand’s Quant makes it seem possible, if you have an amazing computer and a breakthrough on FTL. As usual in these kinds of stories, the computer, this time calling itself Janice Quant, seems more alive than the humans who built her. Not a bad read if your credulity is very flexible. The book is often compared to Heinlein’s The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Weyand’s science is more up to date, but he does not have Heinlein’s engaging voice. 3.5 stars.
November 11, 2022
This book is based on a realistic problem and that is what would happen if the Earth became uninhabitable to humans? The idea is to set up colonies on other planets so the human race could continue.
The book does an incredible job of how this could come about, using a billionaire as the basic backing force. The book examines realistic problems that would be faced and develops a method of setting up everything so the colonies could be established on planets that had been found that could support human life.
The book is almost like a blueprint written by someone who had explored the problem in depth and had come up with realistic step-by-step solutions. Granted, it makes some technological developments but even they don't seem unrealistic, given time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The book does an incredible job of how this could come about, using a billionaire as the basic backing force. The book examines realistic problems that would be faced and develops a method of setting up everything so the colonies could be established on planets that had been found that could support human life.
The book is almost like a blueprint written by someone who had explored the problem in depth and had come up with realistic step-by-step solutions. Granted, it makes some technological developments but even they don't seem unrealistic, given time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
January 19, 2023
Reading some of the reviews, I wonder if we read the same book.
Quant was the best science fiction I have read in a long time.
Forget that the computer was a Mary Sue, because it wasn't. It required guidance and assistance, it learned how to do things, it developed.
The 'science' aspect of the science fiction was spot on. The political achievements appear a bit excessive until you consider the relationship between media depiction and the reality of people in power, as much historically as today.
That there are no bad guys would annoy some readers I guess. The essence of the book is "Avoid being in a 1970s Disaster Movie", or "Why my ancesters left Europe."
Very highly recommended.
Quant was the best science fiction I have read in a long time.
Forget that the computer was a Mary Sue, because it wasn't. It required guidance and assistance, it learned how to do things, it developed.
The 'science' aspect of the science fiction was spot on. The political achievements appear a bit excessive until you consider the relationship between media depiction and the reality of people in power, as much historically as today.
That there are no bad guys would annoy some readers I guess. The essence of the book is "Avoid being in a 1970s Disaster Movie", or "Why my ancesters left Europe."
Very highly recommended.
September 9, 2021
The Really BIG Picture...
Colonizing planets to prevent human extinction on earth? No problem! Especially if you've got AI the caliber and integrity of Quant. This book details the ongoing conversation between a supercomputer and its (her) creator as they seek to prevent human extinction and solve the myriad of problems that goal presents. An absorbing look at the minute details (and then some) that would necessarily go into planning and carrying out such a monumental task. An impressive start to a new series!
Colonizing planets to prevent human extinction on earth? No problem! Especially if you've got AI the caliber and integrity of Quant. This book details the ongoing conversation between a supercomputer and its (her) creator as they seek to prevent human extinction and solve the myriad of problems that goal presents. An absorbing look at the minute details (and then some) that would necessarily go into planning and carrying out such a monumental task. An impressive start to a new series!
April 11, 2021
Excellent Idea for a storyline
First time reading this author and I’m hooked. i great story and novel concept that made me think. I hope theres more coming, I would see this as a really interesting series.
First time reading this author and I’m hooked. i great story and novel concept that made me think. I hope theres more coming, I would see this as a really interesting series.
April 20, 2021
I'm really interested to see where Weyand is going to take this series. The possibilities are numerous. Janice makes for in interesting character. I really enjoyed how the author developed minor characters to move along the larger story. Well done.
May 16, 2021
A Fun Story that appears to be written by an engineer
I enjoyed this tale and also noticed that though there were problems to be figured out, there were never traumas nor emotional issues that arouse.
I enjoyed this tale and also noticed that though there were problems to be figured out, there were never traumas nor emotional issues that arouse.
May 22, 2021
Fabulous story
It does seem as if AI’s are either black or white. It is rare to see them in any shade of grey. The world building here was great, and JANICE is a very good AI. Not so sure about the instant worm holes of LSD.
It does seem as if AI’s are either black or white. It is rare to see them in any shade of grey. The world building here was great, and JANICE is a very good AI. Not so sure about the instant worm holes of LSD.
May 29, 2021
Outstanding and in depth book. I rate as good as the Empire series. The only bad thing about this book is that I now have to purchase it. So many times I have read a good book in unlimited but can not remember the name I have taken to buying books that I know I will want read again
July 6, 2021
Well thought out and presented
Also did a very good job of building a story adding a lot technical data while still maintaining a good flow in the overall story. Very well written and enjoyable I recommended for anybody
Also did a very good job of building a story adding a lot technical data while still maintaining a good flow in the overall story. Very well written and enjoyable I recommended for anybody
July 16, 2021
Conscious computer
I too don't believe a conscious computer would be evil unless it was created by an evil person and even then I'm betting on it not being evil. But they won't all be good either. More likely the will be like everyday humans.
I too don't believe a conscious computer would be evil unless it was created by an evil person and even then I'm betting on it not being evil. But they won't all be good either. More likely the will be like everyday humans.
July 29, 2021
Wonderfully detailed account of interplanetary colonization
Thoroughly realized vision of a massive project to colonize the galaxy. Detailed and exciting without being boring. Very original concept.
Thoroughly realized vision of a massive project to colonize the galaxy. Detailed and exciting without being boring. Very original concept.
July 30, 2021
Singularity meets Von Neumann
For star for a good read. Pushes the popular meta narrative, without explanation, presuming that most people are just nice, gosh darn it. Lots of interesting detail. Thank you, Richard.
For star for a good read. Pushes the popular meta narrative, without explanation, presuming that most people are just nice, gosh darn it. Lots of interesting detail. Thank you, Richard.
September 12, 2021
Science Fantastic
This story of a AI taking on the task of getting humanity on multiple planets was absolutely awesome. She takes on multiple roles and eventually takes over the Government to accomplish her task.
This story of a AI taking on the task of getting humanity on multiple planets was absolutely awesome. She takes on multiple roles and eventually takes over the Government to accomplish her task.
February 9, 2022
Good content and interesting
The content started out slowly and wasn't all that interesting. Then suddenly you were rapped up into the story and rapidly rolling it to the conclusion. Not quite going so fast at the end to run into a wall. Can't wait for number two. Acadia
The content started out slowly and wasn't all that interesting. Then suddenly you were rapped up into the story and rapidly rolling it to the conclusion. Not quite going so fast at the end to run into a wall. Can't wait for number two. Acadia
March 25, 2022
Amazing
I don't usually read straight science fiction but I decided to try it since it has several books in the series. I actually became so invested that I actually laughed at the epilogue.
I don't usually read straight science fiction but I decided to try it since it has several books in the series. I actually became so invested that I actually laughed at the epilogue.
March 14, 2023
Good read
And good reread, this is solid Golden age style science fiction.
Like the Sci-Fi of my youth, big ideas and respect for the humaness of humanity (yes I get humaness is not a word, it should be)
And good reread, this is solid Golden age style science fiction.
Like the Sci-Fi of my youth, big ideas and respect for the humaness of humanity (yes I get humaness is not a word, it should be)
December 4, 2023
Boring.
A first effort from a new writer? With few exceptions the book is all telling with a little, very little dialog.
No tension, no accidents, no problems, everything works as predicted the first time. No failures. The writer needs to have a conversation with Murphy.
A first effort from a new writer? With few exceptions the book is all telling with a little, very little dialog.
No tension, no accidents, no problems, everything works as predicted the first time. No failures. The writer needs to have a conversation with Murphy.
August 19, 2021
Pretty darn good Sci-Fi. Semi-realistic as nothing happens in days or weeks. Major projects takes years.
October 2, 2021
Interesting
Found it interesting and entertaining at least. I think I will continue with 2nd book to see where the plot goes.
Found it interesting and entertaining at least. I think I will continue with 2nd book to see where the plot goes.
October 4, 2021
absolutely great
Science fiction the way it should be. And if you don’t have tears in your eyes at the end… one if the best create colonies book out there.
Science fiction the way it should be. And if you don’t have tears in your eyes at the end… one if the best create colonies book out there.
November 21, 2021
Very Good Read
Good read, interesting imagination of AI possibilities. Interesting plot where nothing goes wrong. Nice ending that cleans up all loose ends.
Good read, interesting imagination of AI possibilities. Interesting plot where nothing goes wrong. Nice ending that cleans up all loose ends.
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