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Lost at L3
Lost at the far side of the sun, two pilots, five space tourists, and one fluffy dog explore a miniature planet steeped in mystery. The planet is small enough to circumnavigate in a few hours. Treetop clouds form in unusual shapes. And what’s that rumble each morning? Even their remarkably perceptive pup hasn’t figured that one out. Will they be marooned forever? It will take scientific ingenuity and a good sense of humor, but these marginally clever castaways stand a chance. And even if they don’t make it home, being lost was never more fun.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2022
233 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Phillips
53 books340 followersDouglas Phillips is the best-selling author of the Ascending Carbon Series, the Quantum Series, and more. The books are page-turning adventures that imagine scientific discovery as the path toward a positive future for humanity. Each story draws the reader deeper into mysteries that require intellect, not bullets, to resolve.
Doug has science degrees in Geomorphology and Meteorology, has designed and written predictive computer models, reads physics books for fun and peers into deep space through the eyepiece of his backyard telescope. He lives in Seattle, travels the world with his wife, hikes with his two sons, and becomes a child all over again with his grandchildren.
"I love science fiction, especially stories that begin with real science then ask, what if? I've studied a wide range of science throughout my life. Now, I'm turning that experience into the stories I've always wanted to read."
http://douglasphillipsbooks.com/
Doug has science degrees in Geomorphology and Meteorology, has designed and written predictive computer models, reads physics books for fun and peers into deep space through the eyepiece of his backyard telescope. He lives in Seattle, travels the world with his wife, hikes with his two sons, and becomes a child all over again with his grandchildren.
"I love science fiction, especially stories that begin with real science then ask, what if? I've studied a wide range of science throughout my life. Now, I'm turning that experience into the stories I've always wanted to read."
http://douglasphillipsbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 13, 2022
Audio Review
An earnest new first officer, a laid-back captain, a sketchy group of passengers in an older space shuttle on a tourist space flight… what could go wrong? If you started hearing the theme song to a certain popular TV show about a castaway boat on a deserted isle then you aren’t far off the beam. I was in the mood for a light-hearted sci-fi comedy and seeing a familiar narrator, I didn’t hesitate to snatch this one up and it was well worth the chance when my amusement rose from the earliest moments.
Lost at L3 is a near future, frolicking sci-fi adventure for a group of people who are meant to take a little space cruise up above earth, see some planets and have an experience before returning to the landing pad for Megladon Industries in sunny Florida. Instead, a mysterious encounter with a fast moving unidentified object in space pulls them along in its wake and launches them well past what their little short-range shuttle can handle and sends them on what looks to be a one-way trip to the unknown.
There’s a bit of adventure, mystery, and laughs as they do what they can to survive and the hardest part is actually getting along. Earnest first officer on her first of three trial flights to earn her captain’s bars doesn’t let a little thing about getting lost in space keep her from a professional, can-do spirit, laid back captain hoping to retire to a life of sunny, lazy days isn’t in the mood to take charge of a doomed situation, a bubbly flight attendant on holiday, a mind-blowingly brilliant scientist, a hazy amnesiac, a secretive sharp-tongued woman who hints she’s some sort of government operative, and an abrasive wilderness survivalist all make for a volatile band of castaways just wanting to get back to earth though the odd little planet does have its challenges, quirks, and plenty of sources to keep them alive.
Lost at L3 was fun, but also took its time through the intro to the large cast of characters giving them each a chance at narration and filling in their backstories as they coped with their situation. Yes, it has a Gilligan’s Island feel and there is definitely a strong motif in situation and characters, but only up to a point. This isn’t a retelling and the latter portion of the book takes things in a whole new, suspenseful direction that had been foreshadowed well in the first half. I preferred the pace and advancement of plot going on with the second half, but the first half wasn’t lacking especially at first when it has a good interest making opening set of scenes. This is one that the listener/reader should definitely be aware that its comedy and not meant to be taken seriously yet it does have some good science present as well as delightful quirky characters developed well and forming new relationships.
Amanda Ronconi does a good job with light and humorous stories and she did a good job with a large cast of main characters.
All in all, it did what it set out to do. I was highly entertained and would enjoy more of the sort if the father-son chose to collaborate again. Sci-fi Comedy fans should definitely give it a go.
I rec'd an audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Nov 30
An earnest new first officer, a laid-back captain, a sketchy group of passengers in an older space shuttle on a tourist space flight… what could go wrong? If you started hearing the theme song to a certain popular TV show about a castaway boat on a deserted isle then you aren’t far off the beam. I was in the mood for a light-hearted sci-fi comedy and seeing a familiar narrator, I didn’t hesitate to snatch this one up and it was well worth the chance when my amusement rose from the earliest moments.
Lost at L3 is a near future, frolicking sci-fi adventure for a group of people who are meant to take a little space cruise up above earth, see some planets and have an experience before returning to the landing pad for Megladon Industries in sunny Florida. Instead, a mysterious encounter with a fast moving unidentified object in space pulls them along in its wake and launches them well past what their little short-range shuttle can handle and sends them on what looks to be a one-way trip to the unknown.
There’s a bit of adventure, mystery, and laughs as they do what they can to survive and the hardest part is actually getting along. Earnest first officer on her first of three trial flights to earn her captain’s bars doesn’t let a little thing about getting lost in space keep her from a professional, can-do spirit, laid back captain hoping to retire to a life of sunny, lazy days isn’t in the mood to take charge of a doomed situation, a bubbly flight attendant on holiday, a mind-blowingly brilliant scientist, a hazy amnesiac, a secretive sharp-tongued woman who hints she’s some sort of government operative, and an abrasive wilderness survivalist all make for a volatile band of castaways just wanting to get back to earth though the odd little planet does have its challenges, quirks, and plenty of sources to keep them alive.
Lost at L3 was fun, but also took its time through the intro to the large cast of characters giving them each a chance at narration and filling in their backstories as they coped with their situation. Yes, it has a Gilligan’s Island feel and there is definitely a strong motif in situation and characters, but only up to a point. This isn’t a retelling and the latter portion of the book takes things in a whole new, suspenseful direction that had been foreshadowed well in the first half. I preferred the pace and advancement of plot going on with the second half, but the first half wasn’t lacking especially at first when it has a good interest making opening set of scenes. This is one that the listener/reader should definitely be aware that its comedy and not meant to be taken seriously yet it does have some good science present as well as delightful quirky characters developed well and forming new relationships.
Amanda Ronconi does a good job with light and humorous stories and she did a good job with a large cast of main characters.
All in all, it did what it set out to do. I was highly entertained and would enjoy more of the sort if the father-son chose to collaborate again. Sci-fi Comedy fans should definitely give it a go.
I rec'd an audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Nov 30
June 22, 2022
A wonderful, light read! A refreshing story that will make you chuckle! 😊
September 9, 2023
Not much to say about this book except what a fun romp it was. If you need a palate-cleanser read between more weighty tomes, this one fits the bill almost perfectly.
May 1, 2022
Douglas Phillips writes some great, hard science Sci-Fi including his Quantum series. His writing is crisp, engaging, and the plot always centers around the science. Then along comes Lost At L3.
The good news is that Phillips has decided to branch out and explore a very different genre - comedy science fiction. Even better, he wrote this book with his son, Bryant Phillips. I admire any father and son team that can collaborate and work together.
As Peter Cawdron (another of my favorite authors) says in his Foreword, science and fiction seem like a conflict with one based on facts and the other on the imagination. I believe that when you add comedy to this mixture you are walking a real tightrope. Cawdron mentions Galaxy Quest - a Star Trek spoof that was laugh out loud funny. Unfortunately there were too few times that I found myself laughing that hard reading this book.
Lost At L3 can be described as Gilligan's Island in space - a comparison the authors themselves make in the book. Each member of the group is a bit of a caricature and, perhaps, an homage to the TV show with an inept “skipper”, a bumbling first mate, a socially inept scientist, etc. The story is entertaining with just enough drama and danger to offset the comedy.
Unfortunately this book fell short of my expectations. I admire the authors’ attempt but I found too little of either comedy or science, only caricatures that wore thin after the first hundred pages. Hopefully Douglas and Bryant will team up again using this first attempt as a springboard to combine their talents in another writing adventure.
The good news is that Phillips has decided to branch out and explore a very different genre - comedy science fiction. Even better, he wrote this book with his son, Bryant Phillips. I admire any father and son team that can collaborate and work together.
As Peter Cawdron (another of my favorite authors) says in his Foreword, science and fiction seem like a conflict with one based on facts and the other on the imagination. I believe that when you add comedy to this mixture you are walking a real tightrope. Cawdron mentions Galaxy Quest - a Star Trek spoof that was laugh out loud funny. Unfortunately there were too few times that I found myself laughing that hard reading this book.
Lost At L3 can be described as Gilligan's Island in space - a comparison the authors themselves make in the book. Each member of the group is a bit of a caricature and, perhaps, an homage to the TV show with an inept “skipper”, a bumbling first mate, a socially inept scientist, etc. The story is entertaining with just enough drama and danger to offset the comedy.
Unfortunately this book fell short of my expectations. I admire the authors’ attempt but I found too little of either comedy or science, only caricatures that wore thin after the first hundred pages. Hopefully Douglas and Bryant will team up again using this first attempt as a springboard to combine their talents in another writing adventure.
November 11, 2023
Fantastic book
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. The whole premise was new and ingenious. Keep in mind that this is a comedy, so real science does not apply. Now the scientist character had lots of scientific information that added to the fun, but most of the rest of the science was fictional. There were things that were accomplished that would have been impossible in the time frame given, but it made the book fun. The interaction between the characters made most of the scenes funny. There were some scenes that were written from the dog's point of view which was pretty funny. The cast was, the Captain, the First Officer, a stowaway dog, a scientist, an amnesiac, a flight attendant, a cop that was like an Interpol agent and a TV survivalist with a duffel bag that had more stuff than MacGyver could even think of. It was like a magician's hat. The cop had a ring that would made James Bond envious. All in all it was a fantastic, fun, and entertaining read. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. The whole premise was new and ingenious. Keep in mind that this is a comedy, so real science does not apply. Now the scientist character had lots of scientific information that added to the fun, but most of the rest of the science was fictional. There were things that were accomplished that would have been impossible in the time frame given, but it made the book fun. The interaction between the characters made most of the scenes funny. There were some scenes that were written from the dog's point of view which was pretty funny. The cast was, the Captain, the First Officer, a stowaway dog, a scientist, an amnesiac, a flight attendant, a cop that was like an Interpol agent and a TV survivalist with a duffel bag that had more stuff than MacGyver could even think of. It was like a magician's hat. The cop had a ring that would made James Bond envious. All in all it was a fantastic, fun, and entertaining read. I highly recommend this book.
January 7, 2024
When I saw that this book was a Sci-Fi Comedy, I thought I'd give it a try. I had enjoyed this author's Quantum series. I went through different stages while reading it, from being intrigued as to what dragged them out to interstellar space and where would they end up? Then, wowed to them finding what seemed to be an earth-like tiny planet to land on, then skeptical to how it could be so similar to earth? It did remind me of Gilligan's Island, like others have mentioned, with similar characters and scenarios. I eventually got bored with the ridiculousness of the storyline and the attempts at humor and would have just stopped reading it, but I was hooked and had to find out what would happen eventually to hopefully save these people. I'm not sure that I would recommend this book to anyone unless they like silliness. When I realized later that the authors were father and son, I thought that was sweet and good for them to write this together. It was a light-hearted change from the hard science fiction.
May 8, 2024
In the near future, suborbital flights have become theme park attractions run by low-budget companies. First Officer Junior Grade Prisha Dhaliwal is flying her first batch of passengers to see Florida from space. Things do not go as planned. A UFO slingshots them around Venus to the L3 Lagrange point on the far side of the sun, where they crash-land on a tropical planetoid that should not be there. Onboard with Prisha are a captain, a scientist, a pothead with amnesia, a survivalist, a corporate spy, a blond girl named Amanda, and a stowaway dog. Yes. Lost at L3 by Douglas and Bryant Phillips is a science fiction take on Gilligan’s Island. What is more, it obeys the advice Henslowe gives the Bard in Shakespeare in Love to give the audience a comedy with romance and a bit with a dog.
April 21, 2022
I loved the Quantum series by Douglas Phillips and on paper I should have loved this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. The writing seemed a bit amateurish, the characters are just caricatures, and I struggled to suspend my disbelief with essentially every part of the plot. I guess it’s comedy so you’re not supposed to take it too seriously, but then at one part of the book they get into serious physics of orbital mechanics and rocket launches and so on, which just seemed incongruous with a light comedy book. Sorry to say I got bored and did not finish this one. But take my review with a grain of salt as I didn’t like Hitchhiker’s Guide either ;)
June 2, 2022
Guranteed - Captivating Feel Good Scfi
I almost passed this one over and so glad I did not. The eclectic characters are all memorable and the heroine gets her guy and striped in the end. The narrative is quick and hilarious; and this is sci-fi! The story line could be a kid/adult movie with plenty of action, mystery, science and slap stick. There were parts that had to be spoofing on the movie "Mars" where there is a solution for every impossibility. Even if the solutions here are ridiculously funny. OK. It's a five star easy read that will leave you laughing at the absurdities and feeling good about it.
I almost passed this one over and so glad I did not. The eclectic characters are all memorable and the heroine gets her guy and striped in the end. The narrative is quick and hilarious; and this is sci-fi! The story line could be a kid/adult movie with plenty of action, mystery, science and slap stick. There were parts that had to be spoofing on the movie "Mars" where there is a solution for every impossibility. Even if the solutions here are ridiculously funny. OK. It's a five star easy read that will leave you laughing at the absurdities and feeling good about it.
April 13, 2022
Great hard sci-fi without the end of the world
After reading the Quantum series books multiple times, I was really excited to see a new book from Douglas Phillips. I was not disappointed and happy to see his son follow in his steps. Enjoyed the never ending tongue in cheek humor while holding true to real science. Can't wait to see what else comes next. Maybe a voyage to the stars. And if you haven't read the Quantum series, you really should. Its the best sci-fi I've read since Asimov.
After reading the Quantum series books multiple times, I was really excited to see a new book from Douglas Phillips. I was not disappointed and happy to see his son follow in his steps. Enjoyed the never ending tongue in cheek humor while holding true to real science. Can't wait to see what else comes next. Maybe a voyage to the stars. And if you haven't read the Quantum series, you really should. Its the best sci-fi I've read since Asimov.
May 6, 2022
I really wanted to like this book.
I've read every release of Douglas Phillips and loved them all. The truly brilliant Quantam series especially. I get that this was a written as a comedy but for me, it read more like a bunch of ideas, loosely strapped together, with some attempts at humour thrown in, and quite frankly, they missed the mark in most cases. Then, there's the fiords... really? Please stick to your serious hard science fiction, because you do that so very well. You are Douglas Phillips, not Adams....
I've read every release of Douglas Phillips and loved them all. The truly brilliant Quantam series especially. I get that this was a written as a comedy but for me, it read more like a bunch of ideas, loosely strapped together, with some attempts at humour thrown in, and quite frankly, they missed the mark in most cases. Then, there's the fiords... really? Please stick to your serious hard science fiction, because you do that so very well. You are Douglas Phillips, not Adams....
May 23, 2023
I enjoyed the stor and the character development of stereotypes into characters of the book. The supper sleuth and the survivalist were reminiscent of the Macguiver and James Bond heroes of yore, and the neophyte pilot who muddled through better than tn expert could have was excellent. The evil executive who surrounded himself with yes men and women to enable his delusions of adequacy was over the top and long overdue for his comeupence. I recommend the author for those who want a relaxed and farcical book to enjoy.
July 7, 2024
This was a gift, which is the only reason I finished it. The humor felt very forced to me--as did a number of the characters' actions and plot points--and the writing generally wasn't captivating or suspenseful enough for me to be curious about what happened next. A couple of the ideas surrounding the existence of L3 were mildly interesting, but the plot was largely unoriginal. That being said, I could see why people would enjoy it as a "palette cleansing" read, but I don't feel it was worth my time.
April 29, 2022
I do have a Sense of Humor
I think this book was an attempt to entice one of the streaming channels to create a series. I didn’t find the book funny in the least and I do have a sense of humor but,as a video series, I could see some real comedic possibilities. I recommend waiting for the series.
I think this book was an attempt to entice one of the streaming channels to create a series. I didn’t find the book funny in the least and I do have a sense of humor but,as a video series, I could see some real comedic possibilities. I recommend waiting for the series.
September 13, 2024
Now THIS is a Sci-Fi Adventure with a whole bunch of humor!
This was the first book I have read by these two Author's. I definitely hope it is NOT the only one I read by them!! The writing is superb, the plot is interesting and really kept my attention. If you enjoy really good Sci-Fi, then this should be your next book to read!
This was the first book I have read by these two Author's. I definitely hope it is NOT the only one I read by them!! The writing is superb, the plot is interesting and really kept my attention. If you enjoy really good Sci-Fi, then this should be your next book to read!
May 12, 2022
A fun read
An enjoyable humorous read. The story is quite light hearted and Almost whimsical. The characters are engaging the plot line was interesting The pace quickened and I enjoyed the story.
An enjoyable humorous read. The story is quite light hearted and Almost whimsical. The characters are engaging the plot line was interesting The pace quickened and I enjoyed the story.
May 25, 2022
Just what space needed Super Scratch😂
Totally fun and no murderous Androids. Nice science thrown in to keep the more serious fan interested and laughing at the absurdity of it all.🤗
Totally fun and no murderous Androids. Nice science thrown in to keep the more serious fan interested and laughing at the absurdity of it all.🤗
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November 1, 2022Smooth Sci/Com
This was an easy read. I think even middle school kids would not find it difficult. Having said that, fans of "The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy" should enjoy this lighthearted space romp...
This was an easy read. I think even middle school kids would not find it difficult. Having said that, fans of "The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy" should enjoy this lighthearted space romp...
November 7, 2022
Fun
Liked light hearted style and characters. Did not like main character going home to non orbiting shuttle when an actual starship and artificially constructed planet were part of the paradigm
Liked light hearted style and characters. Did not like main character going home to non orbiting shuttle when an actual starship and artificially constructed planet were part of the paradigm
January 9, 2023
L3 is fun and good hard scifi. Endearing characters and situations.
Like the plausible science and the diverse characters. Especially the dog. Humor, romance, action and danger for the heroines and the bad guy.
Like the plausible science and the diverse characters. Especially the dog. Humor, romance, action and danger for the heroines and the bad guy.
March 25, 2023
A bit silly but I liked it enough to continue. Requires an active imagination! The authors need to drop the subheading. It makes the book seem cornet. Amanda Ronconi's narration is great, as always. I would not have finished it if I was physically reading it. Loved Razor and how his story ended up.
August 15, 2023
A good time waster
I needed something to keep my mind occupied in a stressful period of time not mentally challenging and bordering on technically plausible. The writing and construction are a example of one who studied the English language and well
I needed something to keep my mind occupied in a stressful period of time not mentally challenging and bordering on technically plausible. The writing and construction are a example of one who studied the English language and well
September 4, 2024
Started out great, but towards the middle it started to get a little on the implausible side. I like to believe in my sci-fi and it was a little too far fetched on some points. But overall it was enjoyable.
April 17, 2022
Wow! Good fun!
Lots of cute references made me giggle with silent laughter. A fun take on Gilligan's Island scenario in a strange planet setting.
Lots of cute references made me giggle with silent laughter. A fun take on Gilligan's Island scenario in a strange planet setting.
April 26, 2022
Fun
I needed a break. This was fun, creative, silly and different. I really enjoyed it and truly had trouble putting it down when I needed to get some sleep.
I needed a break. This was fun, creative, silly and different. I really enjoyed it and truly had trouble putting it down when I needed to get some sleep.
June 9, 2022
Good for what it is - super campy ridiculous jokes comedic sci -fi.
June 16, 2022
DNF at 40%. A mix of Gilligan´s island and a hithchhiker´s guide to the galaxy. The book starts rather funny but gets more and more boring, absurd and stupid..
July 6, 2022
Galactic Gilligan
This was a fun read. I thought the castaway theme was well presented with sublime humor and a solid nod to Gilligan's Island.
This was a fun read. I thought the castaway theme was well presented with sublime humor and a solid nod to Gilligan's Island.
October 26, 2022
Cute story
I'm like the kid at the end.
Any one who just loves quirky reads will enjoy this.
You should know there's a touch of truth in there.
I'm like the kid at the end.
Any one who just loves quirky reads will enjoy this.
You should know there's a touch of truth in there.
June 1, 2023
Lovely comedy. Light hearted. Quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews