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Forever Curious
In an intellectual clash of galactic proportions, the biggest mystery in the Universe encounters the smartest girl from Earth. Na-Yeli Maya is humanity’s champion exploring the forbidding Enigmatic Object. She’s not truly alone, as her exosuit is armed with the most advanced quantum computer—and obnoxious digital assistant—ever, and her tri-schizoid condition enables her to call up her ultimate warrior and lateral thinker personas in times of dire need. Along the way, she partners with a stranded Moiety Alien and adopts a group of hypersounders, as they make it all the way into the Core. What will they find?
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2021
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Jetse de Vries
41 books13 followersJetse de Vries—@UpbeatFuture—is a technical specialist for a propulsion company by day, and a science fiction reader, editor (part of the Interzone team 2004 — 2008, the groundbreaking optimistic SF anthology SHINE) and writer (Clarkesworld, Michael Moorcock’s New Worlds, Escape Pod, and many more) by night.
He's also an avid bicyclist, total solar eclipse chaser, single malt aficionado, metalhead and intelligent optimist. On March 28, 2021, he posted the world’s first NFT SF novel on Ethereum’s Mintable. His first novels are about to come out.
He's also an avid bicyclist, total solar eclipse chaser, single malt aficionado, metalhead and intelligent optimist. On March 28, 2021, he posted the world’s first NFT SF novel on Ethereum’s Mintable. His first novels are about to come out.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 29, 2021
I think a lot about story structure reading narrative fiction. Beyond the Joseph Campbell's hero struggle: sometimes it is just a matter of how you introduce your characters and then how you challenge them. Forever Curious made me - well - curious as it lays its structure all to open to see. It is the future and all the smart races in a boundlessly diverse universe, having reached the end of their knowledge, are trying to crack the secrets of the Enigmatic Object. A bizarre moonsized artefact, it has a small opening that allows access briefly but touch the walls and your atoms will be unravelled (or spaghettified - which is a nice indicator of the tone of the book). Plenty have been in, not many come out, none with the secrets (or at least none who want to share). Humanity have chosen Na-Yeli Maya, a genius with three distinct personalities (standard balanced, slow creative genius, agressive arsebrain) and a quantum computer and nanomaterial flightsuit. Her job is to access the six distinct, deadly layers and reach the middle. The book is fundamentally a maze, a survival story, a six levelled computer game and her flying, blasting and solving extremely complex physic puzzles put me in mind of Metroid.
The other thing it put me in mind of was Andy Weir's latest Operation Hail Mary, in this she also picks up an extremely alien buddy stuck in one of the inner layers. But where Weir was trying to cosy up to every situation, de Vries revels in the alienness - there is no communication between these races, except the odd shrug and the attempt for rudimentary sign language. The zones are extreme indeed - ridiculously high pressured, or freezing - all putting various stresses on a flight suit with a lot, but limited energy. Like Weir, much of the book is taken up with solving physics problems, unlike Weir we are in a futuristic sandbox where once she has deciphered the problem, and given the lack of limitless energy, her solutions are still way beyond where we are. And also, unlike Weir, the Enigmatic Object is the story, there is no real backstory of note to explain why Na-Yeli Maya is there beyond the old Everest excuse, because it is there (and maybe because it holds the "secret of the universe".
I really enjoyed Forever Curious because it did pretty much what it said on the cover, I was endlessly curious about what de Vries would come up with to challenge the intrepid explorer and whilst there are no other speaking characters the interplay between the alien, and the three personalities (and the AI) all filled any seeming hole in the structure. The only thing I didn't like - well I didn't know it wouldn't be completed in the one book (its part one of two) and so as I got towards the end I was intrigued to see how it would end up. Not least because when you promise the secrets of the universe, that's pretty hard to deliver. Well I guess I'll see next year how hard it actually is to deliver or not.
The other thing it put me in mind of was Andy Weir's latest Operation Hail Mary, in this she also picks up an extremely alien buddy stuck in one of the inner layers. But where Weir was trying to cosy up to every situation, de Vries revels in the alienness - there is no communication between these races, except the odd shrug and the attempt for rudimentary sign language. The zones are extreme indeed - ridiculously high pressured, or freezing - all putting various stresses on a flight suit with a lot, but limited energy. Like Weir, much of the book is taken up with solving physics problems, unlike Weir we are in a futuristic sandbox where once she has deciphered the problem, and given the lack of limitless energy, her solutions are still way beyond where we are. And also, unlike Weir, the Enigmatic Object is the story, there is no real backstory of note to explain why Na-Yeli Maya is there beyond the old Everest excuse, because it is there (and maybe because it holds the "secret of the universe".
I really enjoyed Forever Curious because it did pretty much what it said on the cover, I was endlessly curious about what de Vries would come up with to challenge the intrepid explorer and whilst there are no other speaking characters the interplay between the alien, and the three personalities (and the AI) all filled any seeming hole in the structure. The only thing I didn't like - well I didn't know it wouldn't be completed in the one book (its part one of two) and so as I got towards the end I was intrigued to see how it would end up. Not least because when you promise the secrets of the universe, that's pretty hard to deliver. Well I guess I'll see next year how hard it actually is to deliver or not.
July 23, 2021
With this freewheeling story of the smartest girl on Earth and her stranded Moiety Alien partner, de Vries mashes mystery, intrigue, and advanced science into a roundly satisfying space opera.
Armed with the most advanced quantum computer, a brilliant digital assistant, and her different alternate personas; the hyper-fast, ruthless KillBitch and the genius LateralSys, Na-Yeli Maya is humanity’s single champion as she sets on to explore the forbidding Enigmatic Object in the Universe in the first installment. Traversing six almost-fatal layers is not easy. But Na-Yeli has a stranded Moiety Alien and a group of Hypersounders at her side. Will she be able to reach the core?
In the tangled second installment, with the previous layer greatly changed because of time travel, Na-Yeli must prepare herself for the new challenges if she wants to solve the mystery of the Enigmatic Object while trying to get out alive along with her motley crew of friends.
de Vries offers an intriguing SF tale filled with impossible puzzles and shocking revelations. He positions likable characters—particularly Na-Yeli Maya, with her tri-schizoid condition that enables her to call up her ultimate warrior and lateral thinker personas in times of dire need. Moiety Alien, though is suitably non-human in mannerism and attitude, will charm the reader with its loyalty and selfless devotion to its human companion.
de Vries’s SF world is packed with the specs of advanced technology, far-future quantum computers, scientific descriptions which often develop into technobabble, and a highly intricate space system. The narrative is peppered with complex mumbo jumbo of space travel, demanding careful reading on the reader’s part.
The intrigue is in plenty, and Na-Yeli’s dangerous journey as she struggles to traverse the challenging, intricate space layers keeps the reader invested. Readers looking for engrossing space adventure with ultra-complicated worldbuilding will find this hits the spot.
Armed with the most advanced quantum computer, a brilliant digital assistant, and her different alternate personas; the hyper-fast, ruthless KillBitch and the genius LateralSys, Na-Yeli Maya is humanity’s single champion as she sets on to explore the forbidding Enigmatic Object in the Universe in the first installment. Traversing six almost-fatal layers is not easy. But Na-Yeli has a stranded Moiety Alien and a group of Hypersounders at her side. Will she be able to reach the core?
In the tangled second installment, with the previous layer greatly changed because of time travel, Na-Yeli must prepare herself for the new challenges if she wants to solve the mystery of the Enigmatic Object while trying to get out alive along with her motley crew of friends.
de Vries offers an intriguing SF tale filled with impossible puzzles and shocking revelations. He positions likable characters—particularly Na-Yeli Maya, with her tri-schizoid condition that enables her to call up her ultimate warrior and lateral thinker personas in times of dire need. Moiety Alien, though is suitably non-human in mannerism and attitude, will charm the reader with its loyalty and selfless devotion to its human companion.
de Vries’s SF world is packed with the specs of advanced technology, far-future quantum computers, scientific descriptions which often develop into technobabble, and a highly intricate space system. The narrative is peppered with complex mumbo jumbo of space travel, demanding careful reading on the reader’s part.
The intrigue is in plenty, and Na-Yeli’s dangerous journey as she struggles to traverse the challenging, intricate space layers keeps the reader invested. Readers looking for engrossing space adventure with ultra-complicated worldbuilding will find this hits the spot.
Read
September 10, 2021A mind expanding far future mission to explore the inside of the biggest mystery that has withstood untold eras of a galactic communities brightest and most intelligent species attempts to understand, map, and then return from this most enigmatic object.
There is no build up here, which I loved. The book starts just as our main character is about to enter the object. The imaginitive and inventive mind of the author is on full display immediately in just describing the efforts about to be taken in order to successfully penetrate the surface.
I imagined it as I'd say a big Moon, but one that is an exhibition of created technology. Nobody knows when it was built, who built it, or what answers might lie inside.
My eyeballs were as big as saucers at one point at what is uncovered and the challenges faced to continue on this mission. Strange and truly alien, aliens will make an appearance or two. And even the main character is a living example of what a conscientious combining of tech and intelligent growth the writers puts on display. It's not just tech that advances, without self u derstanding and growth, the scientific advances will slow or cease.
I was not prepared for the level of scifi this book attempted to expand and test, in my own mental faculties and science and math understanding. But I loved trying to visualize the descriptions and with the main characters genious and flaws flapping in the solar breezes, the science was equally met and digested by the very relatable character of focus.
There is no build up here, which I loved. The book starts just as our main character is about to enter the object. The imaginitive and inventive mind of the author is on full display immediately in just describing the efforts about to be taken in order to successfully penetrate the surface.
I imagined it as I'd say a big Moon, but one that is an exhibition of created technology. Nobody knows when it was built, who built it, or what answers might lie inside.
My eyeballs were as big as saucers at one point at what is uncovered and the challenges faced to continue on this mission. Strange and truly alien, aliens will make an appearance or two. And even the main character is a living example of what a conscientious combining of tech and intelligent growth the writers puts on display. It's not just tech that advances, without self u derstanding and growth, the scientific advances will slow or cease.
I was not prepared for the level of scifi this book attempted to expand and test, in my own mental faculties and science and math understanding. But I loved trying to visualize the descriptions and with the main characters genious and flaws flapping in the solar breezes, the science was equally met and digested by the very relatable character of focus.
June 22, 2021
I love science fiction books about space and alien encounters. Forever Curious addressed that love but did so in a tedious fashion. The book’s explanation of futurist scientific principles was way more detailed than necessary, making the book laborious to read. That technical treaty also took up a lot of reading time and didn’t add to the plot. I occasionally found my mind wandering as I read lengthy detailed explanations explaining the science behind previously unknown occurrences in the far future time where the story takes place.
Reaching the end of the book, I fancied reading the second book in the series because I liked the story. Contemplating that led to the question ‘do I want to subject myself to hours of technical-fiction reading again?’ I think not.
I regret feeling the way I do because the underlying story is great and is from a new author whose work I hadn’t read before. Hopefully, with future writings, Jetse de Vries devote fewer pages on imaginative technology and more pages on character development and plot twists. I would have like to learn more about the Moiety alien that accompanied Na-Yeli Maya at the end of her journey.
Reaching the end of the book, I fancied reading the second book in the series because I liked the story. Contemplating that led to the question ‘do I want to subject myself to hours of technical-fiction reading again?’ I think not.
I regret feeling the way I do because the underlying story is great and is from a new author whose work I hadn’t read before. Hopefully, with future writings, Jetse de Vries devote fewer pages on imaginative technology and more pages on character development and plot twists. I would have like to learn more about the Moiety alien that accompanied Na-Yeli Maya at the end of her journey.
July 1, 2021
Forever Curious
[Blurb Goes Here]
I loved this story.
The story is all about Na-Yeli Maya, an explorer traveling in her own little ship. Na-Yeli has three distinct personalities by design. She was chosen to travel to the center of a mysterious planet size object. The object broadcasting its position to all sentient beings in the galaxy, not unlike a challenge.
As Na-Yeli travels through the various inner layers of the object, she will have to find the correct way of traversing from one to the other, and the correct way to survive each one, encountering different creatures, ecosystems and challenges in the way.
No one has made it to the center of the sphere, she intends to be the first. Is there a prize in wait there? One that could benefit the species who reach it?
If you're a Sci-fi buff, like I am, this is one you shouldn't miss.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
[Blurb Goes Here]
I loved this story.
The story is all about Na-Yeli Maya, an explorer traveling in her own little ship. Na-Yeli has three distinct personalities by design. She was chosen to travel to the center of a mysterious planet size object. The object broadcasting its position to all sentient beings in the galaxy, not unlike a challenge.
As Na-Yeli travels through the various inner layers of the object, she will have to find the correct way of traversing from one to the other, and the correct way to survive each one, encountering different creatures, ecosystems and challenges in the way.
No one has made it to the center of the sphere, she intends to be the first. Is there a prize in wait there? One that could benefit the species who reach it?
If you're a Sci-fi buff, like I am, this is one you shouldn't miss.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
August 9, 2021
This is a tremendously impressive book! We get to ride along with Na-Yeli through an incredibly well conceived alien labyrinth. The trip is non-stop, dangerous, adrenaline spiked, and absolutely chock full of terrific science, technology and aliens. Na-Yeli has intentional multiple personalities, which is fascinating. She is delightfully optimistic and wry, even when obstacles seem overwhelming and her situation very dire. There is never a dull moment on this adventure, but neither is there a sense of horror or doom. Na-Yeli is clever, cool under pressure, resourceful, and brave. This story works perfectly well as a standalone novel, with a very satisfying conclusion, but there is also promise of another adventure soon to follow! I'll be watching for that book, I very much want to see where Na-Yeli goes next!!
February 27, 2022
A fun and wildly imaginative sci-fi book about an engineered human whose consciousness has been force-split into three personalities, "Slow CEO" Na-Yeli Maya, adrenalin-fueled KillBitch, and a dorky scientist identity. Their challenge: To make it through the concentric spheres of the exceedingly weird Enigmatic Object and find out what's in the center of the object. Many races have tried, but none have come back out to report what's inside the enormous object.
There are two fundamental problems with the book, however. First, author Jetse de Vries seems to fall into a physics textbook mash-up, complete with formulas and complex gravitational calculations explained in too much detail. The second issue? This book has no resolution. It doesn't end. It just "continues" in a second title. I find this sort of "endings" highly disappointing.
There are two fundamental problems with the book, however. First, author Jetse de Vries seems to fall into a physics textbook mash-up, complete with formulas and complex gravitational calculations explained in too much detail. The second issue? This book has no resolution. It doesn't end. It just "continues" in a second title. I find this sort of "endings" highly disappointing.
June 15, 2021
I would like to thank the author for kindly providing a review copy of this book.
"Forever Curious" by Jetse de Vries is a fast paced exploration science fiction tale. It is rather exciting to read about the futuristic technology, sheer intelligence and capability of the protagonist, and the unique and fascinating situations she overcomes to investigate the "Enigmatic Object." The coverage of extreme physics and science made this book really come alive for me. Although splitting a story like this into two books is fairly common in the industry, I was kind of stunned at the sudden cliff-hanger ending. I really do look forward to reading the conclusion.
"Forever Curious" by Jetse de Vries is a fast paced exploration science fiction tale. It is rather exciting to read about the futuristic technology, sheer intelligence and capability of the protagonist, and the unique and fascinating situations she overcomes to investigate the "Enigmatic Object." The coverage of extreme physics and science made this book really come alive for me. Although splitting a story like this into two books is fairly common in the industry, I was kind of stunned at the sudden cliff-hanger ending. I really do look forward to reading the conclusion.
partly-read
June 26, 2021One of those hard SF stories that have little character, almost no plot, and are mainly about exploring the clever setting. Not something I particularly enjoy, and this one is also written in English that is far from being either idiomatic or correctly punctuated (I had a pre-publication version from Netgalley; it may be improved by publication, but there's a lot of work to be done).
DNF at 25%.
DNF at 25%.
November 18, 2023
This was such a different read for me and enjoyable. I’m happy to have read it but it won’t be for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews