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Secrets of Mars #2
The Fossil 2: Science Fiction Thriller
For years, Filio Amorosa has had one goal, and only one getting back to Mars. All that matters is finding out what happened on her mission there, and why she can’t remember any of it. But when she finally discovers the truth, it blows her whole world apart.Meanwhile, on Earth, Agatha Devenworth and Pano Hofer have a new travel from the Human Foundation’s secret underground base to New York to uncover what the enemy is plotting. Can they find a way forward for humanity in the midst of this clash of otherworldly forces?
- GenresScience Fiction
460 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2021
964 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Joshua T. Calvert
52 books250 followersJoshua T. Calvert has traveled the world--on foot, by Jeep, by bicycle, by motorcycle, and lots of other ways besides. As you might imagine, he's seen many things most people never see - including an Iranian prison cell, from the inside! In Kyrgyzstan, he fared slightly better, narrowly avoiding being kidnapped for ransom. Skydiver, scuba diver, martial artist, adventurer - his goal is to experience everything possible, and then make it real to you in his books. And he's made a good run of it so far: in the Philippines, he did police training on multiple types of firearms (despite being no fan of guns himself); dove in Asian waters among sharks and shipwrecks; and patrolled with Sumatran jungle rangers.
That's what defines Calvert's approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.
For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it's like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it's like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.
That's what defines Calvert's approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.
For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it's like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it's like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 6, 2021
"In the States they thought Belgium was a province of France. But that's probably only true of those who live between The Appalachians in the East and The Rockies in the West and spend their free time shooting at cuddly toys with shotguns or complaining about The Democrats ."
Joshua Calvert, Xinth and Hortat would be very disappointed in you for making such a childish statement.
As for the book it was a struggle to finish. Picks up right where book 1 ended. It was like the spaceship engines wouldn't turn over.
The decision making by the main characters was head shaking at times.
You stupid or something? Stupid is as stupid does. Astronaut Filio Amorosa does stupid for sure.
Using jumper cables to jump start the monolith? What?
To much filler bogged the book down. Pages of how the flight was from Antarctica and what the traffic is like in Manhattan. Lets go already!
The book had its good moments.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to explain to the president that some Martians are living at the South Pole" HA!
Book one was a solid 4 stars this was a generous 3 stars.
Joshua Calvert, Xinth and Hortat would be very disappointed in you for making such a childish statement.
As for the book it was a struggle to finish. Picks up right where book 1 ended. It was like the spaceship engines wouldn't turn over.
The decision making by the main characters was head shaking at times.
You stupid or something? Stupid is as stupid does. Astronaut Filio Amorosa does stupid for sure.
Using jumper cables to jump start the monolith? What?
To much filler bogged the book down. Pages of how the flight was from Antarctica and what the traffic is like in Manhattan. Lets go already!
The book had its good moments.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to explain to the president that some Martians are living at the South Pole" HA!
Book one was a solid 4 stars this was a generous 3 stars.
May 25, 2021
Wow!
Don’t you just love it when a book in a series picks up where it left off? The first book in this series : Fossil 1, (yup go and read it!) left me gripping the edge of a cliff. This book right here?!?! LITERALLY picks up where it left off. It roped me right back up and Into the grips of a sci-fi thrill ride with a sprinkle of anthropology. Lots of twists that i didn’t see coming. Pano stressed me out the entire time. I just Love the relationship between Pano and Devenworth, they work so well together. All in all it’s been an adventure but I’m up for another journey, on to book 3!
Don’t you just love it when a book in a series picks up where it left off? The first book in this series : Fossil 1, (yup go and read it!) left me gripping the edge of a cliff. This book right here?!?! LITERALLY picks up where it left off. It roped me right back up and Into the grips of a sci-fi thrill ride with a sprinkle of anthropology. Lots of twists that i didn’t see coming. Pano stressed me out the entire time. I just Love the relationship between Pano and Devenworth, they work so well together. All in all it’s been an adventure but I’m up for another journey, on to book 3!
March 11, 2022
This is a diverting story that moves a quick pace. As with the first book in this series, there are multiple main characters, locations, and time periods. The sci-if aspect is more complex and more developed than the first book. The cat and mouse action that occurs on earth is suspenseful with twists, but this reader preferred the part of the story that occurs on Mars. The author’s imaginative creativity was at its fullest in the Mars chapters.
There are three books in this series. The ending to this 2nd installment leads to the 3rd book, but it also is a satisfactory finish as a two book series.
There are three books in this series. The ending to this 2nd installment leads to the 3rd book, but it also is a satisfactory finish as a two book series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
Gave up
Don’t quit on books often but this was simply too dense. Unnecessary elements to the story—3 book series which likely could have been one book.
Don’t quit on books often but this was simply too dense. Unnecessary elements to the story—3 book series which likely could have been one book.
August 5, 2021
There is great science fiction (like The Peacemaker's Code) , and there is mediocre science fiction -- this was the latter. There were too many instances in Fossil 2 where the dialogue and activity were drawn out way too long (and unnecessary) to where I thought "Enough, already". The actions (and thought-process) taken by law enforcement, astronauts, and government officials often defied logic that would be associated with their profession. Fossil 1 showed promise, Fossil 2 was erratic.
April 24, 2021
This second book of the series got somewhat drawn out and convoluted, I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first. I still plan to read the final book of the series to see how everything plays out between the two species occupying Earth together.
September 26, 2023
A medida que se descubren pistas, parece más claro que existe una guerra solapada entres dos entidades extraterrenas. Poco a poco, todos los misterios se desvelarán... poniendo a la humanidad al borde de una guerra global.
January 30, 2025
While the first book did a nice job at keeping the reader compelled and ended with a good cliff hanger, the second book fell short in certain areas. It felt like parts of the book were completely filler and had nothing to do with the rest of the book or story. As if the author forgot what the story was and went off on a tangent for a few sentences. I skimmed through more than a few pages to get to the “meat”. I don’t want to read a book that has me actively questioning if the author is just writing to fill up space. That being said, the story is just compelling enough to want to hear the conclusion. Here’s hoping book three brings it home!
April 28, 2021
2nd in series
What a delight to read! I especially loved the characters and the constant twists and turn of the story line from book 1 and the seamless continuation into book 2. Can' wait to read book 3 when it becomes available! Your style of writing and attention to every detail is refreshing and reminds me other great sci-fi authors, such as Clarke, Asimov, Herbert and Bear to name a few. Please keep writing, your imagination and creativity will certainly lead you to even greater adventures!
Best regards and congratulations,
Steve Goodwin
What a delight to read! I especially loved the characters and the constant twists and turn of the story line from book 1 and the seamless continuation into book 2. Can' wait to read book 3 when it becomes available! Your style of writing and attention to every detail is refreshing and reminds me other great sci-fi authors, such as Clarke, Asimov, Herbert and Bear to name a few. Please keep writing, your imagination and creativity will certainly lead you to even greater adventures!
Best regards and congratulations,
Steve Goodwin
April 5, 2022
Unpredictable But slightly flat characters
I'm actually sad to have it come to an end. I felt like I was just really getting to know the characters. At times, some of the characters seemed to blend in together because they seemed a bit one dimensional or extremely flat. It wouldn't hurt to throw in a gay character or two to give better representation and something the readers can relate to as we tackle with the science and anthropological significance. Overall a great great storytelling.
I'm actually sad to have it come to an end. I felt like I was just really getting to know the characters. At times, some of the characters seemed to blend in together because they seemed a bit one dimensional or extremely flat. It wouldn't hurt to throw in a gay character or two to give better representation and something the readers can relate to as we tackle with the science and anthropological significance. Overall a great great storytelling.
February 12, 2024
Don’t you just love it when a book in a series picks up where it left off? The first book in this series : Fossil 1, (yup go and read it!) left me gripping the edge of a cliff. This book right here?!?! LITERALLY picks up where it left off. It roped me right back up and Into the grips of a sci-fi thrill ride with a sprinkle of anthropology. Lots of twists that i didn’t see coming. Pano stressed me out the entire time. I just Love the relationship between Pano and Devenworth, they work so well together. All in all it’s been an adventure but I’m up for another journey, on to book 3!
May 20, 2022
Good followup to Fossil 1
This book got 4 stars instead of 5 because the story lagged in parts and some scenes could have been resolved more quickly. I enjoyed the interactions between all of the main characters. The book tied up loose ends from book 1 and ended satisfactorily. Sometimes, the technical descriptions of equipment, procedures, scientific experiments mostly seemed long and uninteresting. Still, a well planned and thoughtful story.
This book got 4 stars instead of 5 because the story lagged in parts and some scenes could have been resolved more quickly. I enjoyed the interactions between all of the main characters. The book tied up loose ends from book 1 and ended satisfactorily. Sometimes, the technical descriptions of equipment, procedures, scientific experiments mostly seemed long and uninteresting. Still, a well planned and thoughtful story.
August 1, 2022
Surprised at the difference in writing compared to book 2, and the overwhelming use of illogical exposition instead of sensical plotlines. I was excited for the resolutions to the mysteries of book 1, but felt very short-changed. It's almost as though the book was rushed, since it's obvious the author has a lot of skill. Also, there was a large chunk that was an obvious re-telling (in my opinion) of Sapiens, which was odd to find.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2023
Warm story amid cold surroundings
All books by Joshua Calvert are beautifully written. There is never a single decorative female character in his stories, and that holds true for this series as well. Every character becomes someone you care about, every interaction is meaningful. It's a complicated story that is a surprisingly easy read. Calvert has quickly become one of My favorites authors (and i can't get enough of the nerd jokes peppered in).
All books by Joshua Calvert are beautifully written. There is never a single decorative female character in his stories, and that holds true for this series as well. Every character becomes someone you care about, every interaction is meaningful. It's a complicated story that is a surprisingly easy read. Calvert has quickly become one of My favorites authors (and i can't get enough of the nerd jokes peppered in).
May 9, 2024
Amazing Concept Suffers from Structural Weaknesses
The most uniquely fascinating concept of this book—indeed, the central conflict—in written in an exposition dump very near the climax. Meanwhile, it goes into excruciating detail about mundane travel and military personnel staffing. The denouement is awkwardly executed in an implausible epilogue conversation. I like this author, but this one is a near-miss for me.
The most uniquely fascinating concept of this book—indeed, the central conflict—in written in an exposition dump very near the climax. Meanwhile, it goes into excruciating detail about mundane travel and military personnel staffing. The denouement is awkwardly executed in an implausible epilogue conversation. I like this author, but this one is a near-miss for me.
April 28, 2021
This is a solid follow-on to book 1, it picks up where the first book ends, barely taking a breath and changes on. This isn’t a stand-alone volume. That said it is well written and completes the story with an optimistic note. Overall, a nice job, if you read book 1, read book 2, you won’t be disappointed.
Fossil 3 is still in the future, but given the description, I’ll pass.
Fossil 3 is still in the future, but given the description, I’ll pass.
April 29, 2021
Great book
What a fascinating read. It captured my interest and imagination. It was unlike any book I have read. No rehash of tired plots. I read book 1 and 2 and enjoyed both. I did not skim, which to me, indicates my deep involvement in the story. It will stay with me for a long time. Well done.
What a fascinating read. It captured my interest and imagination. It was unlike any book I have read. No rehash of tired plots. I read book 1 and 2 and enjoyed both. I did not skim, which to me, indicates my deep involvement in the story. It will stay with me for a long time. Well done.
June 19, 2021
Excellent
Still hard to follow the way each chapter jumps to a different character but worth sticking with til the end. Whenever I read a book that gets heavily philosophical, as this one does, I ponder the ideas expressed. Well,I'll leave it to you future readers to draw your own conclusions.
Still hard to follow the way each chapter jumps to a different character but worth sticking with til the end. Whenever I read a book that gets heavily philosophical, as this one does, I ponder the ideas expressed. Well,I'll leave it to you future readers to draw your own conclusions.
October 7, 2021
Enjoyed it immensely!
For me this was a new type of story set in the future but involving the far distant past.
I found the writing excellent and storylines plausible even if not believable with what we currently know about the universe.
Looking forward to more from this author.
For me this was a new type of story set in the future but involving the far distant past.
I found the writing excellent and storylines plausible even if not believable with what we currently know about the universe.
Looking forward to more from this author.
January 22, 2025
This book wasn't nearly as enjoyable as the first one. The plot got very difficult to follow and I got lost. In addition, one of the important characters in the last third of the book just kind of disappeared and it was never clear what actually happened to him. Oh, well. I'll have to think about whether I want to try the third book in this series.
November 10, 2025
Somewhat Intriguing Plot Sabotaged By Overzealous Evolutionist Proselytizing
SPOILER ALERT- the teaching of “evolution”, as idolized in the fawning, cringe worthy, long winded, completely superfluous first Epilogue of this book is no more based on “scientific fact” than is the existence of the Builder race contained in this work of fiction.
SPOILER ALERT- the teaching of “evolution”, as idolized in the fawning, cringe worthy, long winded, completely superfluous first Epilogue of this book is no more based on “scientific fact” than is the existence of the Builder race contained in this work of fiction.
June 12, 2021
Well done but propaganda
This book is well written. The plot is a bit predictable, not much science, and the ever-so-wise alien shtick is thread bare. As much as I like the word smithing, the book is merely propaganda for “green elite” boasting “The Science.”
This book is well written. The plot is a bit predictable, not much science, and the ever-so-wise alien shtick is thread bare. As much as I like the word smithing, the book is merely propaganda for “green elite” boasting “The Science.”
September 1, 2021
A great second book
I almost didn’t read the second book due to the not so great reviews. I am genuinely glad I did and look forward to the third installment. I thought the plot and plot twists were great.
I almost didn’t read the second book due to the not so great reviews. I am genuinely glad I did and look forward to the third installment. I thought the plot and plot twists were great.
January 3, 2022
A unique message to all humans
Was a technical read. Very informative and ended with a joint happiness for all who have and who will live on planet earth. Enjoyed and recommend to all who love hard sci fi
Was a technical read. Very informative and ended with a joint happiness for all who have and who will live on planet earth. Enjoyed and recommend to all who love hard sci fi
January 12, 2022
Started well but lost my interest
There were too many plot twists that were very contrived, unbelievable and arbitrary .after a while it seemed like the author was spinning a madlib plot wheel.
There were too many plot twists that were very contrived, unbelievable and arbitrary .after a while it seemed like the author was spinning a madlib plot wheel.
March 17, 2022
Tired of authors that can't respect thier readers!
If you live between the Appalachian mountains and the Rocky Mountains, this idiot thinks you are a Neanderthal. I dumped his book. Won't read another one.
If you live between the Appalachian mountains and the Rocky Mountains, this idiot thinks you are a Neanderthal. I dumped his book. Won't read another one.
April 20, 2022
Review
The author did keep the story moving and I enjoyed the way he played out the story lines into separate chunks of work. This keep the story fresh and interesting as the plot slowly came to life.
The author did keep the story moving and I enjoyed the way he played out the story lines into separate chunks of work. This keep the story fresh and interesting as the plot slowly came to life.
August 6, 2022
Intriguing
A few small twists and turn preceded a very large surprise at the end. A very philosophical end that if it was true, would be nice. This was differently a page turner that you could not put down.
A few small twists and turn preceded a very large surprise at the end. A very philosophical end that if it was true, would be nice. This was differently a page turner that you could not put down.
September 24, 2023
Totally enjoyed
I really enjoyed the story so much so that I'm starting book three as we speak. The storyline is very realistic, and it's a big what if, I love how characters were written and the narration was perfect
I really enjoyed the story so much so that I'm starting book three as we speak. The storyline is very realistic, and it's a big what if, I love how characters were written and the narration was perfect
February 6, 2025
Good one
Was driven to read this one after the way the first ended. It started out a little slow but really got going then seemed like a rushed ending. Still a worth while read. Not disappointed at all
Was driven to read this one after the way the first ended. It started out a little slow but really got going then seemed like a rushed ending. Still a worth while read. Not disappointed at all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews