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The Disturbance #1
The Disturbance
Some secrets are meant to be kept.
No one has ever ventured deeper into space than the four astronauts of Shepherd-1. The aim of their mission: to witness the creation of the cosmos. Using the sun as a lens, they are to align a flock of probes in such a way that the moment of the Big Bang becomes visible.
For astronomer Christine, this is a dream come true. So she is bitterly disappointed when the first images are obscured by a kind of veil that prevents any insight. She works obsessively to find a solution, but when she finally succeeds in lifting the veil, she sees something that would have better been kept hidden...
No one has ever ventured deeper into space than the four astronauts of Shepherd-1. The aim of their mission: to witness the creation of the cosmos. Using the sun as a lens, they are to align a flock of probes in such a way that the moment of the Big Bang becomes visible.
For astronomer Christine, this is a dream come true. So she is bitterly disappointed when the first images are obscured by a kind of veil that prevents any insight. She works obsessively to find a solution, but when she finally succeeds in lifting the veil, she sees something that would have better been kept hidden...
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
1890 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Q. Morris
135 books465 followersBrandon Q. Morris is a physicist and space specialist. He has long been concerned with space issues, both professionally and privately and while he wanted to become an astronaut, he had to stay on Earth for a variety of reasons. He is particularly fascinated by the "what if” and through his books he aims to share compelling hard science fiction stories that could actually happen, and someday may happen. Morris is the author of several best-selling science fiction novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 20, 2021
Nachdem Fischer TOR begonnen hat, erfolgreiche Selfpublisher zu verlegen ist dies nach Philip P. Petersons ("Vakuum") das zweite Buch in dieser Reihe. Dabei muss ich aber konstatieren, dass mir Petersons Roman besser gefallen hat, ohne zu sagen, dass "Die Störung" schlecht ist. Dieser Roman ist in Brandon Q. Morris Future History (Enceladus, Proxima, The Hole etc) angesiedelt. Eine von der NASA und einer Privat-Organisation namens Alpha-Omega (hinter der sich, der russische oligarchische RB-Konzern verbirgt, den man sattsam aus den Future History-Romanen des Autors kennt) schicken eine Tiefraumexpedition auf eine 20-jährige Reise in den Kuiper-Gürtel des Sonnensystems, um mithilfe der Gravitationslinse der Sonne den Anfang des Universums zu beobachten. An Bord befindet sich lediglich eine vierköpfige Crew aus Wissenschaftlern und Ingenieuren, wobei speziell für die durchzuführenden Messungen und Aufnahmen Astronomin Christine federführend sein wird. Die ist auch entsprechend enttäuscht, als ein erster Versuch nur Schleier und Nebel produziert, wo sich ihr eigentlich der Big Bang offenbaren sollte. Während die restlichen Crew-Mitglieder sich an die Neuausrichtung der Sonden begeben und zwischenzeitlich die Frage im Raum steht, ob womöglich ein bislang unentdecktes Schwarzes Loch die ordnungsgemäße Durchführung stört, forscht Christine auf eigene Faust nach einer Lösung, doch was sie entdeckt, wird "Die Sörung" genannt und hätte besser nie erblickt werden sollen…
Wie (fast) immer bei Morris, herrscht neben der, unzweifelhaft fundierten wissenschaftlichen Grundlage und einer spannenden Handlung ein gewöhnungsbedürftiger, explizit nüchterner, detailierter und bildhafter Schreibstil vor, der nicht jedem gefallen dürfte. Für mich als Hardcore SF-Fan kommt er mir jedoch entgegen, da ich sehr an dem Sense of Wonder und neuen, wissenschaftlichen Ideen interessiert bin, dies bietet Morris in diesem Roman exemplarisch. Deshalb steht für mich dies mehr im Vordergrund als ein schöner, literarischer Schreibstil. Ich habe mehrmals erwähnt, dass die Hard-SF in Deutschland neben Philip P. Peterson sonst keiner so beherrscht wie Brandon Q. Morris, darin kommt er seinen Vorbildern wie Stephen Baxter oder Alastair Reynolds sehr nahe. Dennoch haben mich die sehr stereotypischen und eindimensionalen Charaktere etwas gestört, mit denen man nie richtig warm werden konnte, das hätte der Autor besser machen können, hier steht er noch weit hinter seinen Hard-SF Vorbildern zurück.
Lobend erwähnen möchte ich auch wieder mal seinen wissenschaftlichen Anhang, der in jedem seiner Selfpublishing-Projekten angehängt ist, dies fehlt auch nicht in diesem Buch. "Die neue Biographie der Quantentheorie" bietet eine sehr fundierte, kurze und allgemeinverständliche Einführung in die Quantentheorie...
Wie (fast) immer bei Morris, herrscht neben der, unzweifelhaft fundierten wissenschaftlichen Grundlage und einer spannenden Handlung ein gewöhnungsbedürftiger, explizit nüchterner, detailierter und bildhafter Schreibstil vor, der nicht jedem gefallen dürfte. Für mich als Hardcore SF-Fan kommt er mir jedoch entgegen, da ich sehr an dem Sense of Wonder und neuen, wissenschaftlichen Ideen interessiert bin, dies bietet Morris in diesem Roman exemplarisch. Deshalb steht für mich dies mehr im Vordergrund als ein schöner, literarischer Schreibstil. Ich habe mehrmals erwähnt, dass die Hard-SF in Deutschland neben Philip P. Peterson sonst keiner so beherrscht wie Brandon Q. Morris, darin kommt er seinen Vorbildern wie Stephen Baxter oder Alastair Reynolds sehr nahe. Dennoch haben mich die sehr stereotypischen und eindimensionalen Charaktere etwas gestört, mit denen man nie richtig warm werden konnte, das hätte der Autor besser machen können, hier steht er noch weit hinter seinen Hard-SF Vorbildern zurück.
Lobend erwähnen möchte ich auch wieder mal seinen wissenschaftlichen Anhang, der in jedem seiner Selfpublishing-Projekten angehängt ist, dies fehlt auch nicht in diesem Buch. "Die neue Biographie der Quantentheorie" bietet eine sehr fundierte, kurze und allgemeinverständliche Einführung in die Quantentheorie...
August 3, 2022
BORING
This is probably the most unexciting 'science fiction' novel I've ever read. The writing style can only be described as cold and clinical without passion. If this guy was in charge of a mission as described it would never get off the ground.
And the characters are not only awful but totally unrealistic - as is most of this supposedly 'hard science' story.
First we have Rachel, the NASA manager who runs the mission from earth, and who seems much more concerned about men looking at her cleavage than the mission. (Hint: if you don't want men looking down your blouse don't wear low cut tops).
Next is Benjamin (whatever you do don't call him Ben) who likes to be alone and play with reducing his heart rate down close to death. There is no way this guy would ever pass the psych eval to even get on this mission.
And as for the rest of the four person crew - does anyone really buy that these people would embark on a 20 year journey to possibly, maybe, conduct a fringe experiment to observe the 'big bang'? It seems a probe could do exactly the same thing without humans aboard.
And the book barely mentions that not only does it take TWENTY years to get into position but they will have to travel another 20 years to get home! So these people leave earth in their twenties and will return in their sixties, essentially giving up their entire lives - FORTY YEARS -, for what exactly?
Nothing in this book makes any sense.
This is probably the most unexciting 'science fiction' novel I've ever read. The writing style can only be described as cold and clinical without passion. If this guy was in charge of a mission as described it would never get off the ground.
And the characters are not only awful but totally unrealistic - as is most of this supposedly 'hard science' story.
First we have Rachel, the NASA manager who runs the mission from earth, and who seems much more concerned about men looking at her cleavage than the mission. (Hint: if you don't want men looking down your blouse don't wear low cut tops).
Next is Benjamin (whatever you do don't call him Ben) who likes to be alone and play with reducing his heart rate down close to death. There is no way this guy would ever pass the psych eval to even get on this mission.
And as for the rest of the four person crew - does anyone really buy that these people would embark on a 20 year journey to possibly, maybe, conduct a fringe experiment to observe the 'big bang'? It seems a probe could do exactly the same thing without humans aboard.
And the book barely mentions that not only does it take TWENTY years to get into position but they will have to travel another 20 years to get home! So these people leave earth in their twenties and will return in their sixties, essentially giving up their entire lives - FORTY YEARS -, for what exactly?
Nothing in this book makes any sense.
August 5, 2022
My reading has been wandering far afield from my favorite genre lately. Fortunately, I found a book that has it right in the title: The Disturbance; Hard Science Fiction.
Prior to reading this book I had never heard of Brandon Q. Morris, pseudonym of Matthias Matting, but you can be sure I will be picking up more of his books in the near future.
Quantum Physics mystifies, confuses, fascinates, and frightens me. What could be more exciting than learning the secrets of how the universe works? Of course, we are mere mortals and the principles that run the universe may be more than our primitive synapses can understand. I know that my brain starts hurting every time I try to understand the double slit experiment, Schrödinger's cat, and Quantum entanglement. The gears turn, the rust tries to fall off, but I seem to always end up back at the starting point via some mental Möbius loop. It is like trying to remember a forgotten name that seems to sit just past your reach. Of course, none of that keeps me from reading books about quantum physics - both science books and science fiction ones.
Morris (or should I say Matting) has written an excellent, hard science book. And the best part is that he doesn’t make up crazy things. As he explains: “Physics and cosmology offer such an abundance of astonishing phenomena that unrealistic tricks such as faster-than-light speed or beaming (of bodies) are unnecessary. What I describe in my books should at least be physically possible. As a reader, this is what makes science fiction fascinating for me – that what I’m reading about could really happen in the future.” I think that this should be every Sci Fi author’s mantra.
I loved everything about this book; the premise, the plot, the characters, the writing, even the title. I even liked the ending which is the part of every book that I often dread. I really do not want to give away anything so please, if you like hard science, science fiction, trust me and pick up this book today!
Prior to reading this book I had never heard of Brandon Q. Morris, pseudonym of Matthias Matting, but you can be sure I will be picking up more of his books in the near future.
Quantum Physics mystifies, confuses, fascinates, and frightens me. What could be more exciting than learning the secrets of how the universe works? Of course, we are mere mortals and the principles that run the universe may be more than our primitive synapses can understand. I know that my brain starts hurting every time I try to understand the double slit experiment, Schrödinger's cat, and Quantum entanglement. The gears turn, the rust tries to fall off, but I seem to always end up back at the starting point via some mental Möbius loop. It is like trying to remember a forgotten name that seems to sit just past your reach. Of course, none of that keeps me from reading books about quantum physics - both science books and science fiction ones.
Morris (or should I say Matting) has written an excellent, hard science book. And the best part is that he doesn’t make up crazy things. As he explains: “Physics and cosmology offer such an abundance of astonishing phenomena that unrealistic tricks such as faster-than-light speed or beaming (of bodies) are unnecessary. What I describe in my books should at least be physically possible. As a reader, this is what makes science fiction fascinating for me – that what I’m reading about could really happen in the future.” I think that this should be every Sci Fi author’s mantra.
I loved everything about this book; the premise, the plot, the characters, the writing, even the title. I even liked the ending which is the part of every book that I often dread. I really do not want to give away anything so please, if you like hard science, science fiction, trust me and pick up this book today!
April 7, 2022
Ein spannender, gut lesbarer, allerdings stilistisch etwas einfacher Roman. Er ist unterhaltsam vor allem durch den Twist in Bezug auf die Besatzung und des zeitlichen Ablaufs der beiden Erzählebenen. Es ist auch erfrischend mal wieder Hard SF zu lesen und nicht die neueste KI-Dystopie.
Für einen wirklich guten Roman hat aber schon einiges gefehlt: die Beziehungen innerhalb der Besatzung fand ich unglaubwürdig, nach zwanzig Jahren auf engem Raum hätte ich mehr erwartet. Wahrscheinlich kann man dies durch die Tatsache erklären, dass es Androiden sind. Aber auch ihre Reaktionen auf genau diese Erkenntnis waren zu schwach geschildert, der Zusammenbruch ihrer Weltbilder ließ mich kalt. Die indische Physik-Nobelpreisträgerin als Deus ex machina mit der rettenden Idee, der Mega-Reiche mit seinen geheimen Plänen, irgendwie hat mich dies nicht so ganz überzeugt.
Manche technisch-physikalischen Dinge fand ich nicht ganz einleuchtend: warum man überhaupt bis zum Urknall schauen kann z.B., wo das Universum doch erst 100000 Jahre nach dem Urknall durchsichtig wurde. Auch die Störung an sich und die Lösung durch das Schwarze Loch fand ich nicht ganz einleuchtend.
Es ist ja mein erster und wahrscheinlich nicht mein letzter Roman von Brandon Q. Morris. Die Idee eines wissenschaftlichen Anhangs fand ich sehr gut, auch wenn mein eBook Reader mit der Schrödinger Gleichung ein Darstellungsproblem hatte.
Für einen wirklich guten Roman hat aber schon einiges gefehlt: die Beziehungen innerhalb der Besatzung fand ich unglaubwürdig, nach zwanzig Jahren auf engem Raum hätte ich mehr erwartet. Wahrscheinlich kann man dies durch die Tatsache erklären, dass es Androiden sind. Aber auch ihre Reaktionen auf genau diese Erkenntnis waren zu schwach geschildert, der Zusammenbruch ihrer Weltbilder ließ mich kalt. Die indische Physik-Nobelpreisträgerin als Deus ex machina mit der rettenden Idee, der Mega-Reiche mit seinen geheimen Plänen, irgendwie hat mich dies nicht so ganz überzeugt.
Manche technisch-physikalischen Dinge fand ich nicht ganz einleuchtend: warum man überhaupt bis zum Urknall schauen kann z.B., wo das Universum doch erst 100000 Jahre nach dem Urknall durchsichtig wurde. Auch die Störung an sich und die Lösung durch das Schwarze Loch fand ich nicht ganz einleuchtend.
Es ist ja mein erster und wahrscheinlich nicht mein letzter Roman von Brandon Q. Morris. Die Idee eines wissenschaftlichen Anhangs fand ich sehr gut, auch wenn mein eBook Reader mit der Schrödinger Gleichung ein Darstellungsproblem hatte.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
Going to School
Every time I read one of Mr. Morris’ books, I get a lesson in physics that’s set in a “yeah, it could happen” kind of stories. The extra kick is it… takes time for the science lesson to kick in and in this book, I spent more time trying to figure out what the characters were - and were about - before the science lesson began in earnest.
If you like science fiction, this is a great book to read but if you like science, it’s even better. Quantum physics is so interesting and Mr. Morris gets you to understand it without having to do the math. Using our own sun as a gravitational lens to look back to the moment before the Big Bang took place and maybe it will answer whether or not there really is a God. Christine knows the answer… and she’d destroy her ship and her crew so that no one on Earth ever finds out what she did. But there are always consequences and the one she created is a doozy… but you’ll have to read the book to know what it is!
Every time I read one of Mr. Morris’ books, I get a lesson in physics that’s set in a “yeah, it could happen” kind of stories. The extra kick is it… takes time for the science lesson to kick in and in this book, I spent more time trying to figure out what the characters were - and were about - before the science lesson began in earnest.
If you like science fiction, this is a great book to read but if you like science, it’s even better. Quantum physics is so interesting and Mr. Morris gets you to understand it without having to do the math. Using our own sun as a gravitational lens to look back to the moment before the Big Bang took place and maybe it will answer whether or not there really is a God. Christine knows the answer… and she’d destroy her ship and her crew so that no one on Earth ever finds out what she did. But there are always consequences and the one she created is a doozy… but you’ll have to read the book to know what it is!
January 1, 2024
Sci-Fi that deserves the name. Though slightly phantastic / skipping some logic steps in some aspects, the story overall follows a properly science based story. Gravity lensing, quantum coherence, black holes, to name just a few topics used in this entertaining space yarn. Characters are ok, if not overly developed. Definitely looking for #2 in the series.
August 6, 2024
The hook of the story was so great I immediately bought it just because of that. Looking behind the curtain of the Big Bang and reveal something that should have remained hidden - and that's while keeping everything in line with science? That really intruiged me.
I didn't expect the story to be so character focussed. At first this felt a little off to me, but I grew to like the crew and at certain more action oriented parts I really felt for them. I would've liked a little more about their motivations as I feel they have been teased in the beginning quite a lot, but we never fully grasp their relationship with their memories from earth.
The Disturbance itself I very much liked - it's a great visual and the explanation is believable to me. I would've liked a bit more "strangeness" here. Some more puzzling examples of fundamental laws broken.
In this regard I think the later twist concerning the crew somewhat weakens the otherworldlyness and weirdness of the Disturbance as some of the more baffling events and details now have a more mundane answer.
Also I feel like the hook itself wasn't quite used to its full potential. The story all around is relatively tame, despite a few leaps, which isn't a *problem* per se, but I hoped for things to get a little more experimental and wild, since the concept of quantum mechanics leaves so much room for mind bending fun.
Still I really liked the read. It just has a certain charm and the very *science* heavy approach to Scifi makes it feel grounded and just ... intrinsically curious. The whole time I felt the author pulling my arm and saying "Isn't that cool?" and "What do you think of that?", and for that alone I think it most definitely succeeds.
I didn't expect the story to be so character focussed. At first this felt a little off to me, but I grew to like the crew and at certain more action oriented parts I really felt for them. I would've liked a little more about their motivations as I feel they have been teased in the beginning quite a lot, but we never fully grasp their relationship with their memories from earth.
The Disturbance itself I very much liked - it's a great visual and the explanation is believable to me. I would've liked a bit more "strangeness" here. Some more puzzling examples of fundamental laws broken.
In this regard I think the later twist concerning the crew somewhat weakens the otherworldlyness and weirdness of the Disturbance as some of the more baffling events and details now have a more mundane answer.
Also I feel like the hook itself wasn't quite used to its full potential. The story all around is relatively tame, despite a few leaps, which isn't a *problem* per se, but I hoped for things to get a little more experimental and wild, since the concept of quantum mechanics leaves so much room for mind bending fun.
Still I really liked the read. It just has a certain charm and the very *science* heavy approach to Scifi makes it feel grounded and just ... intrinsically curious. The whole time I felt the author pulling my arm and saying "Isn't that cool?" and "What do you think of that?", and for that alone I think it most definitely succeeds.
December 5, 2022
Not a who-dun-it but a why-dun-it!
The 4 astronauts are part if a mission in 2094 to use a series of probes to create a fractional lens that will allow them to look back in time. Ilan Chatterbe, is behind the mission and Christine and he plan on going back to the origin -the big bang - to see how the universe was created.
Meanwhile in 2079, mission control are following the mission. However what happens on the mission in 2094 also appears to be happening in 2079!
While the others Anton, Benjamin, and David are out checking the probes, Christine is analyzing the data. However, when they return, there appears to have been an explosion that killed Christine and damaged the ship and her capsule. It is suspected that Christine may have attempted to kill herself and destroy the ship -but why?
At the same time, cause and effect appears to be running in the wrong direction every now and then - for example doors open before the button is pressed to tell them to...Also the structure of Christine's capsule appears to breaking down.
What is going on?
This intriguing tale combines suspense, intrigue, double crosses, kidnaps and other peculiar happenings with an overzealous leader, and quantum entanglement of an unusual order.....All is revealed as the story slowly unfolds......
A highly entertaining novel that is an enjoyable and thought provoking read.
The 4 astronauts are part if a mission in 2094 to use a series of probes to create a fractional lens that will allow them to look back in time. Ilan Chatterbe, is behind the mission and Christine and he plan on going back to the origin -the big bang - to see how the universe was created.
Meanwhile in 2079, mission control are following the mission. However what happens on the mission in 2094 also appears to be happening in 2079!
While the others Anton, Benjamin, and David are out checking the probes, Christine is analyzing the data. However, when they return, there appears to have been an explosion that killed Christine and damaged the ship and her capsule. It is suspected that Christine may have attempted to kill herself and destroy the ship -but why?
At the same time, cause and effect appears to be running in the wrong direction every now and then - for example doors open before the button is pressed to tell them to...Also the structure of Christine's capsule appears to breaking down.
What is going on?
This intriguing tale combines suspense, intrigue, double crosses, kidnaps and other peculiar happenings with an overzealous leader, and quantum entanglement of an unusual order.....All is revealed as the story slowly unfolds......
A highly entertaining novel that is an enjoyable and thought provoking read.
March 14, 2021
„Die Störung“ von Brandon Q. Morris handelt von einer Weltraummission, die einen Blick auf den Urknall werfen möchte. Erschienen ist der Roman bei Fischer Tor im Februar 2020.
2094: 20 Jahre sind die vier Astronaut*innen zu ihrem Ziel geflogen. Kein Mensch hat sich bisher weiter von der Erde entfernt. Sie wollen mithilfe exakt ausgerichteter Sonden einen Blick auf die Entstehung des Universums erhaschen, doch bei einem ersten Test ist ein Schleier auf dem Bild zu sehen. Für die Astronomin Christine ist dies eine herbe Enttäuschung. Sie macht sich an die Arbeit eine Lösung zu finden. Doch was sie dann findet, erschüttert sie zutiefst.
Meine Reise in der Welt der Science-Fiction geht weiter und ich habe mich erneut an Hard Science-Fiction gewagt. Für mich persönlich klingt ein Blick auf den Urknall einfach spannend und was könnte man dabei möglicherweise entdecken? Theorien hierzu gibt es bestimmt genug.
Ich habe mich mit diesem Buch zu Anfang etwas schwer getan und ich gebe zu, zuerst dachte ich, ich bin einfach zu dumm für dieses Buch. Gerade am Anfang wird recht viel mit Fachbegriffen und Theorien um sich geworfen und ich musste mich daran gewöhnen, bestimmte Dinge einfach hinzunehmen, dennoch war zumindest für mich alles noch faszinierend genug, dass ich dem Ganzen auf den Grund gehen wollte und ich wurde mit Fortschreiten des Buches mit befriedigenden Erkenntnissen belohnt.
Den Schreibstil empfand ich als sehr nüchtern. Die Dinge werden so beschrieben wie sie sind, man ist bei Beobachtungen dabei und schließt seine Schlüsse daraus und dennoch hat das Ganze irgendwie Spannung erzeugt. Ich bin durch einige Emotionen mit diesem Buch gegangen: Verwirrung, Angst (Grusel), Erleichterung, Faszination. Dieses Buch war auf jeden Fall eine interessante Leseerfahrung für mich, gerade auch im Hinblick darauf, dass so etwas Ähnliches in Zukunft möglich sein wird. Wer entscheidet sich dafür sein Leben aufzugeben und mit lediglich drei anderen Personen für die nächsten 20 Jahre durchs Weltall zu fliegen? Das ist ja nicht wie Star Trek, wo viele Menschen auf einem Schiff leben und sich Beziehungen entwickeln können.
Wir bekommen in diesem Buch auf jeden Fall einen Einblick wie so eine Raumfahrtmission aussehen könnte. Wir sind dabei, wie mit der Erde über eine weite Strecke kommuniziert wird, sind bei der Entscheidungsfindung dabei, wenn sich Probleme ergeben, erleben wie Reparaturen im Weltall erledigt werden, die Wichtigkeit der Zusammensetzung der Raumschiffcrew und noch vieles mehr.
Es ist recht schwierig etwas zu dem Buch zu schreiben, ohne zu viel zu verraten. Die Geschichte ist deutlich anders verlaufen als ich es erwartet habe. Das hatte für mich positive als auch negative Aspekte. Es gibt auch einen Teil der Geschichte, der rein auf der Erde spielt, der aber im Verlauf wichtige Erkenntnisse zu dieser Raumfahrtmission beiträgt.
Ich war bei den Personen und den Ereignissen dabei, aber eine wirkliche tiefe Verbindung zu jemanden hatte ich nicht. Ich war ein Beobachter von außen, der zwischendrin versucht hat sich vorzustellen, wie man selber mit den Dingen, die im Buch passieren umgehen würde. Meine Lieblingsserie Fringe hat an mancher Stelle dazu beigetragen, dass ich dem ein oder anderen Phänomen besser folgen konnte.
Die Crew an Bord hatte eine spannende charakterliche Zusammensetzung. Jeder hatte seinen eigenen Antrieb bei dieser Mission dabei zu sein, die eine Person ist optimistischer ran gegangen als jemand anderes, jeder hat spezielles Wissen mitgebracht. Am meisten beeindruckt hat mich dennoch Rachel als CapCom dieser Mission auf der Erde. Sie hat immer das Wohl der Crew im Sinn, obwohl diese 4,3 Lichtjahre von ihr entfernt ist.
Das Buch hat einen ausführlichen Anhang, der einige Phänomene erklärt, die auch im Buch eine Rolle spielen. Mit über 30 Seiten ist dieser wirklich sehr lang und die Erklärungen sind ganz gut, aber ich bin dennoch an der ein oder anderen Stelle ausgestiegen. Mit Quantenphysik ist doch einiges möglich, was irgendwie nicht so recht logisch erscheinen möchte, der Autor beweist hier aber einen exquisiten Humor und man begegnet hier einigen Begriffen, die man auf jeden Fall schon mal gehört hat.
Fazit: Ein Roman, der anders war als erwartet und der für mein Empfinden, der Inbegriff eines Science-Fiction-Romanes ist. Einen Science-Fiction Neuling würde ich diesen Roman nicht empfehlen, da das glaube ich eher abschreckend wirken würde. Man sollte den Klappentext spannend finden und sich grundsätzlich für wissenschaftliche Themen und den Weltraum interessieren.
2094: 20 Jahre sind die vier Astronaut*innen zu ihrem Ziel geflogen. Kein Mensch hat sich bisher weiter von der Erde entfernt. Sie wollen mithilfe exakt ausgerichteter Sonden einen Blick auf die Entstehung des Universums erhaschen, doch bei einem ersten Test ist ein Schleier auf dem Bild zu sehen. Für die Astronomin Christine ist dies eine herbe Enttäuschung. Sie macht sich an die Arbeit eine Lösung zu finden. Doch was sie dann findet, erschüttert sie zutiefst.
Meine Reise in der Welt der Science-Fiction geht weiter und ich habe mich erneut an Hard Science-Fiction gewagt. Für mich persönlich klingt ein Blick auf den Urknall einfach spannend und was könnte man dabei möglicherweise entdecken? Theorien hierzu gibt es bestimmt genug.
Ich habe mich mit diesem Buch zu Anfang etwas schwer getan und ich gebe zu, zuerst dachte ich, ich bin einfach zu dumm für dieses Buch. Gerade am Anfang wird recht viel mit Fachbegriffen und Theorien um sich geworfen und ich musste mich daran gewöhnen, bestimmte Dinge einfach hinzunehmen, dennoch war zumindest für mich alles noch faszinierend genug, dass ich dem Ganzen auf den Grund gehen wollte und ich wurde mit Fortschreiten des Buches mit befriedigenden Erkenntnissen belohnt.
Den Schreibstil empfand ich als sehr nüchtern. Die Dinge werden so beschrieben wie sie sind, man ist bei Beobachtungen dabei und schließt seine Schlüsse daraus und dennoch hat das Ganze irgendwie Spannung erzeugt. Ich bin durch einige Emotionen mit diesem Buch gegangen: Verwirrung, Angst (Grusel), Erleichterung, Faszination. Dieses Buch war auf jeden Fall eine interessante Leseerfahrung für mich, gerade auch im Hinblick darauf, dass so etwas Ähnliches in Zukunft möglich sein wird. Wer entscheidet sich dafür sein Leben aufzugeben und mit lediglich drei anderen Personen für die nächsten 20 Jahre durchs Weltall zu fliegen? Das ist ja nicht wie Star Trek, wo viele Menschen auf einem Schiff leben und sich Beziehungen entwickeln können.
Wir bekommen in diesem Buch auf jeden Fall einen Einblick wie so eine Raumfahrtmission aussehen könnte. Wir sind dabei, wie mit der Erde über eine weite Strecke kommuniziert wird, sind bei der Entscheidungsfindung dabei, wenn sich Probleme ergeben, erleben wie Reparaturen im Weltall erledigt werden, die Wichtigkeit der Zusammensetzung der Raumschiffcrew und noch vieles mehr.
Es ist recht schwierig etwas zu dem Buch zu schreiben, ohne zu viel zu verraten. Die Geschichte ist deutlich anders verlaufen als ich es erwartet habe. Das hatte für mich positive als auch negative Aspekte. Es gibt auch einen Teil der Geschichte, der rein auf der Erde spielt, der aber im Verlauf wichtige Erkenntnisse zu dieser Raumfahrtmission beiträgt.
Ich war bei den Personen und den Ereignissen dabei, aber eine wirkliche tiefe Verbindung zu jemanden hatte ich nicht. Ich war ein Beobachter von außen, der zwischendrin versucht hat sich vorzustellen, wie man selber mit den Dingen, die im Buch passieren umgehen würde. Meine Lieblingsserie Fringe hat an mancher Stelle dazu beigetragen, dass ich dem ein oder anderen Phänomen besser folgen konnte.
Die Crew an Bord hatte eine spannende charakterliche Zusammensetzung. Jeder hatte seinen eigenen Antrieb bei dieser Mission dabei zu sein, die eine Person ist optimistischer ran gegangen als jemand anderes, jeder hat spezielles Wissen mitgebracht. Am meisten beeindruckt hat mich dennoch Rachel als CapCom dieser Mission auf der Erde. Sie hat immer das Wohl der Crew im Sinn, obwohl diese 4,3 Lichtjahre von ihr entfernt ist.
Das Buch hat einen ausführlichen Anhang, der einige Phänomene erklärt, die auch im Buch eine Rolle spielen. Mit über 30 Seiten ist dieser wirklich sehr lang und die Erklärungen sind ganz gut, aber ich bin dennoch an der ein oder anderen Stelle ausgestiegen. Mit Quantenphysik ist doch einiges möglich, was irgendwie nicht so recht logisch erscheinen möchte, der Autor beweist hier aber einen exquisiten Humor und man begegnet hier einigen Begriffen, die man auf jeden Fall schon mal gehört hat.
Fazit: Ein Roman, der anders war als erwartet und der für mein Empfinden, der Inbegriff eines Science-Fiction-Romanes ist. Einen Science-Fiction Neuling würde ich diesen Roman nicht empfehlen, da das glaube ich eher abschreckend wirken würde. Man sollte den Klappentext spannend finden und sich grundsätzlich für wissenschaftliche Themen und den Weltraum interessieren.
April 23, 2021
Was ist der Urknall? Was passierte tatsächlich in dem Moment, als unser Weltall entstand? Keine geringere als diese irgendwie unwirkliche Frage möchte die Menschheit in dem Science-Fiction-Roman von Brandon Morris nachgehen, in dem sie Astronauten an den Rand des Sonnensystems fliegen lässt, um dort mit einer Gravitationslinse weit in die Vergangenheit schaut.
Der Autor lädt den Leser quasi auf dieses Gedankenexperiment ein und stellt dabei gleichzeitig einige Fragen philosophischer Natur. Dabei wird er zuweilen sehr technisch bzw. wissenschaftlich, was den Lesern zuweilen sehr fordert. Manche Manöver im All werden sehr detailliert beschrieben, für manchen vielleicht ein wenig zu detailliert, aber auch sehr spannend und sehr realistisch.
Viele Rätsel, die während der Erzählung auftauchen, werden nach und nach gelüftet, manche natürlich nicht. Welcher Autor würde sich auch anmaßen wollen, die Frage der Fragen spekulativ abzuhandeln? Leider gibt es einige Reviews, in denen massiv gespoilert wird, vor allem, was die Astronauten betrifft. Das finde ich etwas Schade, denn das nimmt dem Buch das gewisse Etwas. Erzählt wird das Buch nämlich aus zwei Perspektiven, die schon zu Beginn nicht zusammen passen zu scheinen. Wie der Bezug zwischen den unterschiedlichen Erzählsträngen hergestellt wird, verrate ich an dieser Stelle also nicht.
Mark Bremer macht als Sprecher nicht nur einen guten Job, sondern er gibt dem Buch hier und da eine persönliche Note. Er liest das Buch nämlich nicht nur einfach vor, sondern gibt auch ein paar Geräusche zum Besten. Für ein Hörbuch sicherlich ungewöhnlich, aber definitiv mal was anderes und irgendwie passend.
Fazit
Die sehr technisch geprägte Science-Fiction Geschichte hat mir weitestgehend gut gefallen. Hin und wieder war es mir zwar ein bisschen zu viel des Guten, aber Morris hat es für mein Empfinden nie übertrieben. Dafür gibt es in dem Buch viele philosophische Denkanstöße mit einigen „Was-wäre-wenn“-Szenarien. Für actionverliebte Leser dürfte das Buch sicher nichts sein, der Freund wissenschaftlich angehauchter SF-Erzählung werden hingegen ihre Freude haben.
Der Autor lädt den Leser quasi auf dieses Gedankenexperiment ein und stellt dabei gleichzeitig einige Fragen philosophischer Natur. Dabei wird er zuweilen sehr technisch bzw. wissenschaftlich, was den Lesern zuweilen sehr fordert. Manche Manöver im All werden sehr detailliert beschrieben, für manchen vielleicht ein wenig zu detailliert, aber auch sehr spannend und sehr realistisch.
Viele Rätsel, die während der Erzählung auftauchen, werden nach und nach gelüftet, manche natürlich nicht. Welcher Autor würde sich auch anmaßen wollen, die Frage der Fragen spekulativ abzuhandeln? Leider gibt es einige Reviews, in denen massiv gespoilert wird, vor allem, was die Astronauten betrifft. Das finde ich etwas Schade, denn das nimmt dem Buch das gewisse Etwas. Erzählt wird das Buch nämlich aus zwei Perspektiven, die schon zu Beginn nicht zusammen passen zu scheinen. Wie der Bezug zwischen den unterschiedlichen Erzählsträngen hergestellt wird, verrate ich an dieser Stelle also nicht.
Mark Bremer macht als Sprecher nicht nur einen guten Job, sondern er gibt dem Buch hier und da eine persönliche Note. Er liest das Buch nämlich nicht nur einfach vor, sondern gibt auch ein paar Geräusche zum Besten. Für ein Hörbuch sicherlich ungewöhnlich, aber definitiv mal was anderes und irgendwie passend.
Fazit
Die sehr technisch geprägte Science-Fiction Geschichte hat mir weitestgehend gut gefallen. Hin und wieder war es mir zwar ein bisschen zu viel des Guten, aber Morris hat es für mein Empfinden nie übertrieben. Dafür gibt es in dem Buch viele philosophische Denkanstöße mit einigen „Was-wäre-wenn“-Szenarien. Für actionverliebte Leser dürfte das Buch sicher nichts sein, der Freund wissenschaftlich angehauchter SF-Erzählung werden hingegen ihre Freude haben.
June 3, 2022
Quantum Entanglement 101
This is an exciting adventure written by our quite prolific physicist author, B. Q. M. As always, his stories are based on real theory, or proven principles. And yes, they may be even more interesting because of that. I have to say though, that I thoroughly enjoyed the physics lesson at the end of the book. B. Q. M. Always treats us with these sections after the novels, and are a must read. I read this section with as much anticipation as I did the novel. One lesson learned: never look inside the box containing the cat and the poison release device!
This is an exciting adventure written by our quite prolific physicist author, B. Q. M. As always, his stories are based on real theory, or proven principles. And yes, they may be even more interesting because of that. I have to say though, that I thoroughly enjoyed the physics lesson at the end of the book. B. Q. M. Always treats us with these sections after the novels, and are a must read. I read this section with as much anticipation as I did the novel. One lesson learned: never look inside the box containing the cat and the poison release device!
May 14, 2022
Amazing science; great story
I love the way this author explains the science behind his stories. While this one may seem more improbable than some of his other stories, I contribute that to the complexity of quantum physics. Maybe it is not so much complexity as it is to accept some of the properties of quantum physics given it seems to go against common since.
Regardless of your knowledge of quantum physics, the characters are well developed and quickly I became invested in their well being. The story took turns I did not expect. Other items that I question as I observed interactions between the crew and earth were all answered and made sense. If you have liked other hard science stories, you should enjoy this one too.
I love the way this author explains the science behind his stories. While this one may seem more improbable than some of his other stories, I contribute that to the complexity of quantum physics. Maybe it is not so much complexity as it is to accept some of the properties of quantum physics given it seems to go against common since.
Regardless of your knowledge of quantum physics, the characters are well developed and quickly I became invested in their well being. The story took turns I did not expect. Other items that I question as I observed interactions between the crew and earth were all answered and made sense. If you have liked other hard science stories, you should enjoy this one too.
May 11, 2025
The slow start is worth it. At first I assumed Morris had an odd writing style, but it turns out that not a single word was wasted.
Anything further is a spoiler. Worth the read. I intend to read the sequel.
Anything further is a spoiler. Worth the read. I intend to read the sequel.
January 24, 2021
Am Schluss geht's holterdipolter ...
January 26, 2023
Very nearly a DNF
I nearly gave up on this book a couple of times and having reached the end, I already know that I won't be bothering to read the sequel. To be frank, I couldn't even force myself to read the sequel's excerpt included at the end of this book - especially knowing there might be a third book later on.
I'm no stranger to "Hard" Science Fiction but this book leans so hard into the science element that it completely sacrifices the fiction part of the equation.
The basic premise of this story is actually pretty interesting as an idea but this book falls down badly on the execution. The writing plods at times and gets bogged down in the minutiae of the science and mundane details of space travel, whilst leaving gaping holes where major events occur, where there really should be more detail. Those gaps make for really frustrating reading that drags in all the wrong places, and that makes the story feel empty and devoid of purpose.
I'd already figured out the plot twist before we arrived at it - and honestly, the way that was executed felt ham-fisted. I found it deeply ironic given the characters in this book are near-devoid of any substance to make you care about them or what happens to them. Nothing that occurs with any of the characters really evokes much of a response - they are just bland names lacking in anything that could be considered real backstory. This is the biggest weakness in my view - there was very little to connect you to any of the characters, human or otherwise. There are a few scenes that just were completely unbelievable on a human level, where the reactions just didn't track and are completely out of touch with reality.
I've seen other reviewers describe the writing as 'cold,' 'clinical,' and 'without passion.' I'm inclined to agree with that assessment. Hard Science Fiction doesn't mean a book has to lack that magic that makes for a good, compelling sci-fi story that captures your imagination.
I'm glad I read this as a Prime Read rather than spending money on it. I wouldn't recommend this book and doubt I'll ever revisit this author.
I nearly gave up on this book a couple of times and having reached the end, I already know that I won't be bothering to read the sequel. To be frank, I couldn't even force myself to read the sequel's excerpt included at the end of this book - especially knowing there might be a third book later on.
I'm no stranger to "Hard" Science Fiction but this book leans so hard into the science element that it completely sacrifices the fiction part of the equation.
The basic premise of this story is actually pretty interesting as an idea but this book falls down badly on the execution. The writing plods at times and gets bogged down in the minutiae of the science and mundane details of space travel, whilst leaving gaping holes where major events occur, where there really should be more detail. Those gaps make for really frustrating reading that drags in all the wrong places, and that makes the story feel empty and devoid of purpose.
I'd already figured out the plot twist before we arrived at it - and honestly, the way that was executed felt ham-fisted. I found it deeply ironic given the characters in this book are near-devoid of any substance to make you care about them or what happens to them. Nothing that occurs with any of the characters really evokes much of a response - they are just bland names lacking in anything that could be considered real backstory. This is the biggest weakness in my view - there was very little to connect you to any of the characters, human or otherwise. There are a few scenes that just were completely unbelievable on a human level, where the reactions just didn't track and are completely out of touch with reality.
I've seen other reviewers describe the writing as 'cold,' 'clinical,' and 'without passion.' I'm inclined to agree with that assessment. Hard Science Fiction doesn't mean a book has to lack that magic that makes for a good, compelling sci-fi story that captures your imagination.
I'm glad I read this as a Prime Read rather than spending money on it. I wouldn't recommend this book and doubt I'll ever revisit this author.
November 21, 2023
Really, this is rated 3.9 on Goodreads? I used to feel like a GR rating meant something; I could come here instead of Amazon (I know, I know) for a higher ratings bar. C'est la vie.
This is an incredibly poorly executed dumb idea of a book. At 42%, I was totally fed up with the plodding dialogue, lack of character development, and plot absurdity upon absurdity.
A couple of quotes for your reading pleasure:
"I don't know. Matter doesn't just change its fundamental properties. Only gods could consciously intervene in something like that, and they're figments of our imagination. Do you think humans can transform into gods fast enough?" -- who talks like that?
Inner thoughts include random, inaccurate yet super basic observations like "Quantum physics claimed that things only acquired form when they were observed." -- Like this is how a person would think.
This is an incredibly poorly executed dumb idea of a book. At 42%, I was totally fed up with the plodding dialogue, lack of character development, and plot absurdity upon absurdity.
A couple of quotes for your reading pleasure:
"I don't know. Matter doesn't just change its fundamental properties. Only gods could consciously intervene in something like that, and they're figments of our imagination. Do you think humans can transform into gods fast enough?" -- who talks like that?
Inner thoughts include random, inaccurate yet super basic observations like "Quantum physics claimed that things only acquired form when they were observed." -- Like this is how a person would think.
October 8, 2022
It took a long time to get into this one. All of the characters were pretty thin and characature-y, the science was really hand-wavy, and there were a lot of tv/movie tropes that felt a little campy.
I got pretty excited when
That little twist kept me reading and sort of salvaged the book for me but overall it felt like a few neat sci-fi ideas wrapped in a fairly boring and mechanical plot. Perhaps this was the part I disliked the most; each of the major scientific ideas explored: - each of these could have been examined with a greater "human" consciousness and would have made compelling stories on their own.
I didn't hate it, it was an easy read. Didn't love it either.
I got pretty excited when
That little twist kept me reading and sort of salvaged the book for me but overall it felt like a few neat sci-fi ideas wrapped in a fairly boring and mechanical plot. Perhaps this was the part I disliked the most; each of the major scientific ideas explored: - each of these could have been examined with a greater "human" consciousness and would have made compelling stories on their own.
I didn't hate it, it was an easy read. Didn't love it either.
June 12, 2022
Originally reviewed at:
IanReads.com
I'm a big fan of Brandon Q Morris so when The Disturbance popped up on my Amazon notifications, I immediately bought it.
Like all of the other books I have read of Brandon's, this one is great! We start off by following a group of four astronauts who are on their way to a special part in space to manage a giant group of probes that will act as a telescope to look back in time to help discover what happened at the beginning of our universe.
We also follow along as their cap comm on Earth follows their progress. Most of the action takes place on the spaceship with its crew. They learn of a disturbance in space that occurs after the mission's leader does some research of her own while the others are off tending to the probes in their own spaceship. She learns something that will change the fate of humanity and attempts to blow up the ship. The rest of the crew are left to try to find out what she learned that caused such drastic action. Without ruining the plot, they quickly learn they have a fast approaching time limit and also discover that everything is not as it seems! If you like other hard science or books set in space you'll love The Disturbance!
I'm a big fan of Brandon Q Morris so when The Disturbance popped up on my Amazon notifications, I immediately bought it.
Like all of the other books I have read of Brandon's, this one is great! We start off by following a group of four astronauts who are on their way to a special part in space to manage a giant group of probes that will act as a telescope to look back in time to help discover what happened at the beginning of our universe.
We also follow along as their cap comm on Earth follows their progress. Most of the action takes place on the spaceship with its crew. They learn of a disturbance in space that occurs after the mission's leader does some research of her own while the others are off tending to the probes in their own spaceship. She learns something that will change the fate of humanity and attempts to blow up the ship. The rest of the crew are left to try to find out what she learned that caused such drastic action. Without ruining the plot, they quickly learn they have a fast approaching time limit and also discover that everything is not as it seems! If you like other hard science or books set in space you'll love The Disturbance!
December 27, 2024
First, I will say that this was an enjoyable read, and while I've seen a few lower-rated reviews for this book describe the writing as cold or clinical, that doesn't necessarily bother me - and really, those moments are so rare in this book anyways. It's hard science fiction with an entire chapter at the end of the book dedicated to explaining some of the concepts in the book. Some of it will go right over your head, as it did mine, and that's okay. It's still science fiction.
I enjoyed the characters, the "twist" about half way through wasn't something I saw coming, and the book gave me a roller-coaster of feelings. First was excitement (I love any long-distance space travel stories where much of the plot unfolds within the actual confines of the ship), then a growing sense of cosmic dread as we get closer to fulfilling the missions objectives, then some relief when we learn more about the main characters and why they're part of the mission.
All I can say is, if you're struggling in the beginning, it gets better, and fast. Things pick up pace about a third of the way through and only slow down again towards the very end of the book.
Very much enjoyed this, will be checking out more books by this author now.
I enjoyed the characters, the "twist" about half way through wasn't something I saw coming, and the book gave me a roller-coaster of feelings. First was excitement (I love any long-distance space travel stories where much of the plot unfolds within the actual confines of the ship), then a growing sense of cosmic dread as we get closer to fulfilling the missions objectives, then some relief when we learn more about the main characters and why they're part of the mission.
All I can say is, if you're struggling in the beginning, it gets better, and fast. Things pick up pace about a third of the way through and only slow down again towards the very end of the book.
Very much enjoyed this, will be checking out more books by this author now.
December 6, 2022
This was the first book from Morris that I have read. I will be reading the sequel ASAP. If you are into hard sci-fi, Brandon Morris is an author to check out.
The Disturbance starts out as a conventional space travel story, but things are not as they seem. Stick with the story and it gets really interesting, with lots of science thrown in. I don’t want to say anymore because I don’t want to give out any spoilers.
I give the book five stars because of the originality and complexity of the plot lines. Character development is okay, but if you want deeply personal characters, you won’t find them here. This is a book built around ideas in physics.
The really great aspect of the book, and apparently many of his books, are the addendums that expound on the physics principals applied in the story. At the end of The Disturbance, there is a fantastic discussion of quantum mechanics. I was a physics major and I would have enjoyed taking a physics class taught by Morris.
The Disturbance starts out as a conventional space travel story, but things are not as they seem. Stick with the story and it gets really interesting, with lots of science thrown in. I don’t want to say anymore because I don’t want to give out any spoilers.
I give the book five stars because of the originality and complexity of the plot lines. Character development is okay, but if you want deeply personal characters, you won’t find them here. This is a book built around ideas in physics.
The really great aspect of the book, and apparently many of his books, are the addendums that expound on the physics principals applied in the story. At the end of The Disturbance, there is a fantastic discussion of quantum mechanics. I was a physics major and I would have enjoyed taking a physics class taught by Morris.
July 31, 2022
Morris, Brandon Q. The Disturbance. Translated by Sián Robertson. Kindle, 2021.
Brandon Morris writes novels with a hard-science edge that I like. I just wish he were a better novelist. Like others of his novels, The Disturbance has an intriguing premise. An astronomical anomaly is detected several light-days from Earth. It is headed our way, so a mission is launched to investigate. It is billed as the longest manned flight in history. But it isn’t. The crew is told that they are humans, but halfway to their target, they discover they are actually androids with no need to breathe or consume the food that has been packed for them. They feel betrayed and face an existential crisis about their mission. Sadly, character development, dialogue, and plotting are not done well enough to let the novel reach its potential. 3.5 stars.
Brandon Morris writes novels with a hard-science edge that I like. I just wish he were a better novelist. Like others of his novels, The Disturbance has an intriguing premise. An astronomical anomaly is detected several light-days from Earth. It is headed our way, so a mission is launched to investigate. It is billed as the longest manned flight in history. But it isn’t. The crew is told that they are humans, but halfway to their target, they discover they are actually androids with no need to breathe or consume the food that has been packed for them. They feel betrayed and face an existential crisis about their mission. Sadly, character development, dialogue, and plotting are not done well enough to let the novel reach its potential. 3.5 stars.
February 13, 2023
What started as a slow burning read on the commute to and from work, about a quarter in turned into an obsessive page turner. I finished the remaining book in 2 days.
There's a lot of suspense, anticipation of what happens next, and unexpected surprises. The main gimmick of the book could be called a cliché, but the author does not overplay it and it feels quite natural.
Finally, the author is a physicist and the book is what's called a hard sci-fi, so it tries to depict physics as realistically as possible. What I found fun is that after the story finished the author also added a chapter introducing history and basics of quantum mechanics. I'm a sucker for that stuff, so it was a nice surprise.
An enjoyable read if you like slow burners.
There's a lot of suspense, anticipation of what happens next, and unexpected surprises. The main gimmick of the book could be called a cliché, but the author does not overplay it and it feels quite natural.
Finally, the author is a physicist and the book is what's called a hard sci-fi, so it tries to depict physics as realistically as possible. What I found fun is that after the story finished the author also added a chapter introducing history and basics of quantum mechanics. I'm a sucker for that stuff, so it was a nice surprise.
An enjoyable read if you like slow burners.
August 1, 2023
Patience
Well, I’m glad I stuck through the first part of the book. It was an incredibly dry read until the action started. I gave the author 5 stars because I understand why it had to be so dry until the action started so I’d know the technicalities behind what was going on, yet… was it necessary? I’m a forever student, so learning new things on top of what I already understand isn’t a bad thing. I do caution others who are looking into reading this, that this is indeed hard science fiction. Also, if you don’t have a fundamental grasp on some physics and/or space science this book might not be for you. I’m hoping the second book has more adventure and less subtle, manipulative elements of teaching.
Well, I’m glad I stuck through the first part of the book. It was an incredibly dry read until the action started. I gave the author 5 stars because I understand why it had to be so dry until the action started so I’d know the technicalities behind what was going on, yet… was it necessary? I’m a forever student, so learning new things on top of what I already understand isn’t a bad thing. I do caution others who are looking into reading this, that this is indeed hard science fiction. Also, if you don’t have a fundamental grasp on some physics and/or space science this book might not be for you. I’m hoping the second book has more adventure and less subtle, manipulative elements of teaching.
April 8, 2024
The crew that consists of 4 astronauts, Christine, Dave, Benjamin and Aaron, travelled for 20 years to search for the origin of the universe, to be able to gather data, that nobody has ever seen before.
During the expedition an anomaly forms in the near of the spaceship that alters everything. One of the astronauts commits suicide. Why is this happening? Is the mission in jeopardy? What does this anomaly mean?
I am disappointed, since almost none of the "big" questions were answered. Maybe in the next book? I wont read that. It is a linear, too uncomplex popcorn science fiction story. If you want something good in this genre, try Douglas Phillips!
Still 3 stars though, since the author kept me going, but I was left with almost nothing.
During the expedition an anomaly forms in the near of the spaceship that alters everything. One of the astronauts commits suicide. Why is this happening? Is the mission in jeopardy? What does this anomaly mean?
I am disappointed, since almost none of the "big" questions were answered. Maybe in the next book? I wont read that. It is a linear, too uncomplex popcorn science fiction story. If you want something good in this genre, try Douglas Phillips!
Still 3 stars though, since the author kept me going, but I was left with almost nothing.
February 10, 2023
I'm reserving judgement on this book until I have read book 2. Unfortunately the characters are carboard cutouts of real people (justified in the case of 6 of them (you'll have to read the book to find out why)).
It's a bit like setting the initial conditions and extrapolating from there using a rule set that is too simple. Typical scientist you might say, but it illustrates the point that they are too dependent on modelling these days, and the results can be very dubious to say the least.
Otherwise it is imaginative hard SF with lots of descriptive narrative to try to get you to visualise being in deep space.
When I review book 2, I will consider them as a pair.
It's a bit like setting the initial conditions and extrapolating from there using a rule set that is too simple. Typical scientist you might say, but it illustrates the point that they are too dependent on modelling these days, and the results can be very dubious to say the least.
Otherwise it is imaginative hard SF with lots of descriptive narrative to try to get you to visualise being in deep space.
When I review book 2, I will consider them as a pair.
January 2, 2026
Kind of funny. I started this book feeling like the author-who unironically adopts the “hard scifi” brand and writes little paeans to it as an ideal in his afterword—was such a turbo-autist that it explained the bizarrely inhuman behavior of his characters. Then it turns out some of them are androids! But alas: not all. The remainder can’t be waved away, and while I think the trick he was aiming for was a basically good idea, it would take a more skillful writer to pull it off. I also have a sneaking suspicion that his hard science chops are being stretched beyond their limits with the black hole stuff that solves the book’s dilemma, but I supposed I’m not qualified to say for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2022
Greatest Writer of True Science Fiction
I usually prefer Brandon’s writing more than any hard science fiction literature because worlds he maps in such interesting ways. This book does not let me down. I always want to learn more about the scientific world he unfolds. I am encouraged by his inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in his tales (although this one did not). Unfortunately, the characters in this one are not as fleshed out as his other stories. I look forward to reading anything he writes.
I usually prefer Brandon’s writing more than any hard science fiction literature because worlds he maps in such interesting ways. This book does not let me down. I always want to learn more about the scientific world he unfolds. I am encouraged by his inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in his tales (although this one did not). Unfortunately, the characters in this one are not as fleshed out as his other stories. I look forward to reading anything he writes.
May 18, 2023
Another entry into Brandon Q. Morris's Solar System, and another small team of astronauts in deep space saving the Earth from a physics defying phenomena.
The main difference with this one is the subtle levels of mindfuckery occuring. Or at least it starts out subtle before getting more and more obvious.
The characters themselves are fun and likeable. The pacing is slow to start but it gets better. The science itself makes no sense unfortunately, but it's not too bad.
Overall a recommendation for fans of hard space operas.
The main difference with this one is the subtle levels of mindfuckery occuring. Or at least it starts out subtle before getting more and more obvious.
The characters themselves are fun and likeable. The pacing is slow to start but it gets better. The science itself makes no sense unfortunately, but it's not too bad.
Overall a recommendation for fans of hard space operas.
May 11, 2023
The history itself is really interesting and engaging, it has a very nice pace and all aspects about how the physics work are very realistic. The only problem I had with the book is that it is hard to keep the suspended disbelief when it comes to dialogs between characters, when they talk to each other they seem all out of character and a bit shallow, not consistent with the described personality and the type of behavior a real person would have in the situations that the book explores
July 1, 2023
I read this book through with only minimal skipping over of details. The physics is well explained, although it can be a little mind-bending at times. It's hard to say a lot without inserting spoilers, but suffice to say that the clues as to what is "really" happening could have been more revealing. I also remain confused by the dates - what is the purpose of the discrepancy? I don't think I'll read the next one in the series at this time.
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