Future Hope

ITP #1

by David Gelber

Future earth has forgotten God. Science and technology reign supreme. A benevolent government banishes hunger, poverty, and disease and provides a luxurious lifestyle for an ever-increasing population. However, even science has its limits, and the world faces a crisis of diminishing resources. Dr. Deborah Tennyson, a brilliant mathematician, devises the only answer for Discover new resources through the Interdimensional Transport Protocol (ITP). A brash, self-centered, but remarkably talented astropilot, Major David Sanders, takes the responsibility of making the first ITP flight and determining the fate of the earth. Will he find the fame he so desperately craves or much more? Sanders' journey through interdimensional space takes him to a world he could never imagine and a spiritual destiny he could never expect.

Genres: Fiction, Dystopia, Science Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

I was raised in upstate New York, the seventh of nine boys. I started writing a few years ago, picking up where I had left off in college. My primary job is performing surgery, a general surgeon in Houston, TX; writing is a passion, but with the changes in health care may take center stage.
I hope you enjoy my futuristic novels, "Future Hope" and "Joshua and Aaron",both are populated with a colorful crew of characters: horseplayers, scientists, talented jet pilots, and others that will keep you glued to the page until the end.
And, there are two books I've written about surgery "Behind the Mask" and "Under the Drapes", which bring the reader into the world of surgery and into a surgeon's (often bizarre) mind.
Finally, look for the release of "Minotaur Revisited" an entertaining romp through history with the famed Minotaur of Greek Mythology.

Reviews

[Ralph Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The plot was great and the writing was excellent. I read the whole book in only two days. i found the characters to be very well developed and I enjoyed some of the satirical commentary on issues of today such as abortion, the state of marriage, government and religion. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a well written book, particularly if there is an interest in Christianity and how science, technology and religion interact.

[Clickety]

Cover image immediately reminded me of Hunger Games.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this exciting debut novel, “Future Hope”, author David Gelber gives us a glimpse into a future Earth where no one goes hungry and everyone has a roof over their head. There are entertainment districts that keep the masses from becoming bored and religion is all but a myth as science reigns supreme. Unfortunately science hasn’t come up with a solution for the ever decreasing amount of resources needed to maintain an ever increasing population.

Dr. Deborah Tennyson may have the answer to Earth’s problems in her discovery of the Interdimensional Transport Protocol, or ITP. The first solo manned mission is being lead by astropilot David Sanders and the hope is that he will enter one portal then exit through a different portal a few minutes later and be several light years away. Things don’t go as planned and David never exits. This leads to an investigation back on Earth by a corrupt Senator who wants the entire program shut down. Meanwhile, David has crashed on a mysterious planet that will start him on a journey that will cause him to question the direction of life back on Earth as well as the decision of mankind to turn their back on their creator.

I found this book to be very well-written and full of imagination. David Gelber paints a picture of a future Earth that is as interesting as it is thought provoking. The story does occasionally get bogged down by the scientific explanations of the ITP but that didn’t stop me from turning the page and I had an extremely hard time putting the book down. This book promises to be the first in a series and, if this is true, I look forward to seeing where the story goes next!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting combinations of genre, I liked the story, but found it a bit disjointed, and think it could use a good editor to go over it. A combination of futuristic science fiction in a dystopian world, mixed with a Christian plot through a lack of faith in God and a man finding an alternate garden of eden on his travels through space portals. A book that makes you go "hmmm".

[Ellen Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review of FUTURE HOPE by David Gelber

AMAZON Hardback and Kindle

Our earth, zoom ahead a couple hundred years, subtract God and you’ll have the basic idea of where this enchanting story begins. Science and Technology is very advanced; medical woes easily repaired, diseases all but eradicated, starvation and poverty controlled and corrected—what’s not to like? Well, hardly anyone turns to God anymore. Those who hold on to any vestiges of faith are sequestered off by themselves, outcasts because of their intolerant religion. But this issue is merely a side-story in one of the grandest Future-World Tales I have ever read.

Science can only take you as far as your earth and nearby solar system can provide resources for your burgeoning population. The solution? Travel through a newly discovered trans-dimensional portal in space in a special spacecraft designed for the purpose and seek out new resource planets. A Horse-Racing Enthusiast best friend, a top-notch female mathematician, a capable but hotshot astro pilot, and a Westie Terrier named Little Bit take us on an unforgettable journey through space, time and dimension.

To Eden.

A Biblical Eden where Adam and Eve didn’t eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and their families grew many generations without staining their perfect world. Everything was perfect, that is, until after-the-fall earthling Major David Saunders crash lands on their Eden planet and changes things up by his presence alone.

Author David Gelber spins us a yarn that will wow as well as entertain. His world-building skills are out of this galaxy, expertly explaining the conditions of this future world, detailed histories that got them where they are today, military and civilian governmental proceedings, character medical issues, and space-flight complexities—all expressed to the reader with flair and aplomb. I was spellbound and unable to poo-poo any of his futuristic predictions of what we might be like then.

But more than all of this, I love the book because of the last few chapters…I love the resolution so much. I won’t give it away, but I guarantee if you enjoy books in this genre, you will love it too.

Nicely done, David! Bravo and a million thumbs up!

Ellen C Maze
Author RABBIT: CHASING BETH RIDER Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider

Please check out my Review Blog! http://ellencmazereviews.blogspot.com/

[Beverly Garside · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Future Hope" is a work of Christian science fiction. Gelber, a surgeon, seems to be a biblical literalist with a deep appreciation for science and the double-edged sword of technology for the benefit and detriment of mankind. I don't share the author's religious views, but I do know great literature when I see it. At first glance, the book's out-of-story "history lessons" and simplistic, expository style seem amateurish - until you realize that this is exactly the style of the Old Testament and most of the New Testament. The story flows smoothly with the touch and feel of the Bible stories that inspire it.
It is easy to see why this book was self/subsidy published - and it's not for negative reasons. Mainstream publishers would most likely lack the biblical familiarity to grasp its references and the depth of its allegory. And their moldy ideology about fiction with a political or religious point of view would keep such a work off the shelves. It also would have a poor chance with Christian publishers because of its radical unorthodoxy - not in theology but in substance. For this is a world where God is found in the inter-dimensional plane accessible by space travel, where unicorns romp in the Garden of Eden and where the Mark of the Beast is not imposed by a tyrannical government but is purchased as a popular social media app.
I especially appreciated the author's grasp of the complexity of political corruption and his vision of the demonic in certain types of religious leaders. I found this book a true gem, and as much as I enjoyed it, I couldn't help but imagine how much more it could be appreciated by those who share it's theological belief system.
"Future Hope" is testament to why we should support independently published books. It the past this kind of brilliance and literary mastery would have been routinely censored by the publishing industry. Now it's ours for the taking.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The population of Earth is expanding. And as with anything, a critical level of population growth will be reached. Therefore, alternatives and searching for resources is at the top of the pack. The ITP is the hope of a crowded planet. Interdimensional Transport Protocol. If it works, astropilots can leave our space and search for other planets. Major David Sanders is the pilot chosen for the inaugural flight. He wants to do great things, and this is just the thing for him.
Little does he know, he will find far greater things. Happiness, joy, a new life, new people, and a place called Eden. He is happy where he is. It is a true paradise. However, things take a turn for the worst and he must return to Earth. He has lived a lifetime in a very short period of our time. But he has a greater purpose. He must teach. He must make others learn the lessons he has learned, the truths that were missing, and the fact that it is not yet too late to change.
This book is about much more than space. It’s about a search for ourselves and for something greater than ourselves. It’s about life and living and acknowledging that maybe there is a God in a time when no one believes.
I have always been a fan of sci-fi, but this book surprised me. Space is vast, but so is our potential. I felt as though this book could be talking about us now. We think we’re so self-sufficient, but are we really? Are we so self-destructive that we’ve forgotten our roots – our most basic foundation?
I found this to be an unexpectedly thought-provoking book. At face value it’s one thing, but reading deeper it’s a warning and a lesson. It’s not so much about religion as it is finding our own truth. It’s not preachy – which I appreciated.
This book has it all – drama, danger, the thrill. This is book one of what hopefully will be more books. I look forward to reading more about the continuing saga about mankind and the dangers faced.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITP: Future Hope is a story of speculative fiction that looks at our world today and predicts where we will be 150 years fom now. The central theme is God vs. Satan. In the future society is dominated by the "benevolent" government providing a social system that frees mankind to pursue a life free from any unfulfilled needs. But, resources are being drained and a solution needs to be found. The answer is the Interdimensional Transport Protocol, which promises to allow mankind to expand its influence throughout the universe.

The story is populated by very well developed characters and a wonderful romantic element. As a whole, the book succeeds superbly as social commentary, romance and a very compelling good vs. evil story line. I have received feedback from many people that have read it and they've commented that it kept them up until the early morning hours and they wished it would have continued on.

The story line contains some unique, thought provoking themes and is guaranteed to entertain.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the year 2156 and humanity is not the same. Dr. Tennyson has found the formula for Interdimensional Transport Protocol (ITP). This will give humanity the ability to explore the universe and gather the supplies to sustain an ever growing population. Everything seems to be going fine when Major Sanders takes flight. He's so happy about the doors that this stint will open for him. Little did he know, he was about to get stranded.

I was blown away by this book. The ideas and how they were written was very unique. This David's first novel and I can already see his name on the bestseller's lists.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A world so advanced in technology that not only is interplanetary travel possible, but a common means of supplying the earth with resource to survive its ever growing population. Now the concept of interdimensional travel is past the drawing board and on to trials with the ITP (Interdimensional Transport Protocol) project. The mathematician behind the calculation, Dr. Deborah Tennyson had a professional and person interest in the launch of the ITP with a hot shot astropilot like Major David Sanders behind the flight controls. The journey through space and dimension was going to make him famous, but when something went wrong and he became stranded who knew where, who knew when, he found not only inhabitants of the planet he landed on, but possibly a new way of thinking to take back to Earth, if he ever got back to it.

What an incredible concept, the future of the planet in the hands of a conceded and self absorbed although talented pilot. The lack of faith in anything but the science is a very good story line with an interesting cast of characters. I struggled with the repetitiveness of the story, everything seemed to be over described, and then described again. The specifics where lined out for everything from thoughts, actions and conversations to the technical terminology which seemed to bog down the flow of the story. There was a political and religious aspect to it that seemed to help make a point about possible consequences to relying to heavily on technology. While some of the theories seem to be plausible, this is still a fantasy that went on and on about some of the less important parts (in my opinion) of the story and while I am not interested in reading the next one (it is hinted at having a follow up book), it was still a decent story, for a first novel.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Major David Sanders will be embarking on a one in a lifetime opportunity. He has been chosen by the Interdimensional Transport Protocol (ITP) to fly into space and seek out new resources for the people on Earth to survive. Major Sanders is known as the bad boy. Every thing he has been involved in has been unsuccessful. Major Sanders sees this as his time to make something of himself and become famous.

Dr. Deborah Tennyson works for ITP. She is also Major Sander’s lover. When Major Sanders disappears into orbit, she tries to come up with a way to locate and bring him home. How much longer can the people of Earth rely on their own ways before they are willing to accept someone bigger than them and look to a future of hope and new beginnings?

Future Hope is book one of the ITP series. To be honest I thought this book sounded good but I had my reserves about it. This is because this type of book is out of my normal reading genres. To my surprise, I actually liked this book. I could see where the author was going with this book. This story while it took place in the future, kind of hit on things that were happening in the real world at the present time. I knew who the creator was in this book and I thought Mr. Gelber did a good job keeping the lines between being too religious and stating the facts. While I did like this book, I thought the scenes where Major Sanders was involved were more interesting than what was happening in the rest of the book. I kind of skimmed over the rest of the parts that didn’t feature Major Sanders. For someone looking to break out of their normal genre, then you should give Future Hope a try.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 2156 on Earth and the United Nations is the top governing body of the world, religion is eliminated and banned, rapid population expansion is slowed by using limited government sanctioned pregnancies, medicine can cure virtually every disease leading to increased longevity and energy concerns have been eliminated. However, humans have used up the resources on the planet and in the galaxy.

So is interdimensional space exploration the next step? Dr. Deborah Tennyson, a brilliant mathematician, certainly thinks so and she is willing to send the best astropilot, David Sanders, to test it out. The first space flight proved successful as a dog named Little Bit was transported and returned relatively unscathed.

But will David Sanders succeed? He is an excellent astropilot, but he’s going into the unknown and what he finds changes his belief in God and mankind.

Senator Adrian Leavitt wanted the Interdimensional Travel Program to fail and would try anything to stop it from happening. Will he shut down the mission before David Sanders can return?

This is an interesting blend of science fiction and Christian fiction. The interconnection is brilliant and Dr. Gelber takes you on a thrilling ride into the universe and beyond.

A warm thank you to Dr. Gelber and PR by the Book for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

new review for Future Hope

http://www.bookreview.com/$spindb.que...

More than thirty years ago John Lennon produced "Imagine" wishfully dreaming about a perfect world; one with no war, no hunger, true equality for all, but also no religion. One is tempted to say hallelujah, finally, utopia.
But, a perfect world may not be so perfect. In "Future Hope" the reader encounters such a perfect world. However, who's in charge? The story answers this question as the reader follows the exploits of Major David Sanders. He embarks on the maiden voyage through Interdimensional space in an effort to save the earth from humanity's excesses. He finds an unexpected world that starts him on the road to fame, but in a way he never could have imagined.
I am the author of this novel and I promise that the reader will be captivated by the characters and story line of this very thought provoking novel. And, if you like this one, just wait until the sequel is released. The few people that have read the manuscript have been blown away.

[Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was not spectacular and the dialog seemed to fall flat. Many times, chapters were "history" lessons of the future - which I understand is necessary to understand how this future world works, but I have read other futuristic society books and the explanations dont come off sounding like a history lesson. When the book began to be didactic, I wanted to stop reading; but I wanted to know how this story was going to end, so I found myself skimming through some pages.

I dont understand how this book had an average star rating of 4. Not for me.

[LaDawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one must have been self-published. I can't believe any self-respecting publishing house would have accepted it.
I finished the book, but only because I felt like I had to since I had paid money for it.
First, the basic editing was atrocious. The incorrect punctuations were maddening! Second, the writing was just bad, bad, bad. Third, the story had promise, but that was about all. It quickly deteriorated into preaching that just turned me off (and I am a very religious person).
Honestly, I think the positive reviews must have been written by the author's friends.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know why I wasn't able to simply stop reading this before I finished. I guess I kept hoping it would get better somehow. But it didn't. It was a strange mash-up of poor science fiction (by which I mean that not much thought or explanation was given to why things worked the way they did) and bizzarre ultra-conservative Christian mysticism.

[Steven Gelber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a while ago, however I found once I got into the story I could not put it down. I read it pretty much straight through.I found the characters interesting and believable. The story line has interesting mix of science fiction and philosophy and religion.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise with a religious angle. I did find the beginning to drag and didn't see how I was going to finish. But I kept reading and did find that the story picked up. I am interested to see what the sequel ITP books have in store.