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Universe Eventual #0
Ascension: Universe Eventual: Origins
Our navigator is dead.
We’re stranded halfway between Earth and Elypso, the location of our new colony.
Chimera, the AI that makes faster-than-light travel possible, has rejected all our backup navigators. No one expected that, least of all me, because I’m a Navigator’s Assistant, and the primary backup.
Something is very wrong with the Chimera, and if I don’t figure out what, the 40,000 colonists on this ship will die—including the woman I love.
The corporate minders sent along to keep the colonists in line have started to lose control. Social order is breaking down, and things are only going to get worse each day we sit in empty space, unable to move forward. It’s chaos here. And lurking in the back of my mind at all times is the truth that I now know: our navigator didn’t just die. She was killed. And I have a feeling I know who was responsible.
But I don’t have time for distractions. Chimera has asked me to find her a replacement navigator, and I have to test each and every person on the ship for the capacity to sync with Chimera’s artificial mind. My only hope is to find someone capable of bringing us to Elypso.
But that person may not exist, and even if they do, Chimera might be irreparably broken.
There’s a dark, corrupting presence on this ship--one I’m all too familiar with—and one I don’t know that I can overcome. To save my ship, my family, and ultimately myself, I’m going to have to try. Even if it costs me everything, including my sanity.
AUTHOR NOTE:
Ascension is a prequel to Chimera, the award-winning first novel in the Universe Eventual series. That said, it is also a fully-developed standalone novel that can be enjoyed regardless of the reader’s familiarity with the rest of the Universe Eventual series.
Ascension tells the story of Chimera’s harrowing journey from Earth, some 200 years before the events of Chimera, Helios, and Ceres. Told in first-person from the perspective of Selena Samuelson’s great, great grandfather, Ascension, can be read before Chimera and will provide interesting context for the remainder of the series.
Editors: Jennifer Severino & Crystal Watanabe
We’re stranded halfway between Earth and Elypso, the location of our new colony.
Chimera, the AI that makes faster-than-light travel possible, has rejected all our backup navigators. No one expected that, least of all me, because I’m a Navigator’s Assistant, and the primary backup.
Something is very wrong with the Chimera, and if I don’t figure out what, the 40,000 colonists on this ship will die—including the woman I love.
The corporate minders sent along to keep the colonists in line have started to lose control. Social order is breaking down, and things are only going to get worse each day we sit in empty space, unable to move forward. It’s chaos here. And lurking in the back of my mind at all times is the truth that I now know: our navigator didn’t just die. She was killed. And I have a feeling I know who was responsible.
But I don’t have time for distractions. Chimera has asked me to find her a replacement navigator, and I have to test each and every person on the ship for the capacity to sync with Chimera’s artificial mind. My only hope is to find someone capable of bringing us to Elypso.
But that person may not exist, and even if they do, Chimera might be irreparably broken.
There’s a dark, corrupting presence on this ship--one I’m all too familiar with—and one I don’t know that I can overcome. To save my ship, my family, and ultimately myself, I’m going to have to try. Even if it costs me everything, including my sanity.
AUTHOR NOTE:
Ascension is a prequel to Chimera, the award-winning first novel in the Universe Eventual series. That said, it is also a fully-developed standalone novel that can be enjoyed regardless of the reader’s familiarity with the rest of the Universe Eventual series.
Ascension tells the story of Chimera’s harrowing journey from Earth, some 200 years before the events of Chimera, Helios, and Ceres. Told in first-person from the perspective of Selena Samuelson’s great, great grandfather, Ascension, can be read before Chimera and will provide interesting context for the remainder of the series.
Editors: Jennifer Severino & Crystal Watanabe
- GenresScience Fiction
246 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2017
17 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 18, 2017
This intriguing and suspense-filled tale intricately describes what it might take to reach an interstellar destination, both in the way of motivation as well as technology, to say nothing of the type of individuals who would assume such a feat.
Nathan Beauchamp, a member of the writing team known as N.J. Tanger, is the sole author of this episode in the Universe Eventual series which expands upon the workings of the interstellar vehicle, Chimera. The ship is designed to support a population comparable to a small city for years to come through hydroponics and other self-sufficiency techniques. It provides holographic scenery reminiscent of Earth; possesses a sophisticated power system; and includes a political structure drenched in intrigue.
The conspiratorial reason for leaving Earth is fascinating and smolders with much of what is seen in today's corporatism-saturated world. Colonization is motivated by their destination's rich deposits of ecomire, which I assume to be the next generation of uranium, i.e., it represents a powerful energy source rarely found elsewhere and motivates a power hungry (both literally and figuratively) corporation to finance the venture. Furthermore, they intend to maintain their tenacles in those making the journey through whatever means necessary. Some colonization efforts are about survival, others about profits, this one possessing elements of both.
New but intuitively familiar terminology provided a unique and convincing environment. For example, referring to the enforcement arm as "regulators" was cold and effective. The personal agenda of various characters provided plot complexity, but without over-populating the story. Yet, the massive dimensions of the ship, the number of those onboard, and their evolving culture and social strata were conveyed effectively. The main character, Ashley Samuelson, was credible and relatable, personalized further by the first person narrative point of view and the intimate details of his personal life and relationships, including a romantic one.
One of the most clever sci-fi elements serves as the mainstay of the plot and that is the means by which the Chimera is guided by its navigator with the support of a few assistants, one of which is Ashley. To travel through the esoteric, paranormal dimension described as "fractal space", "stitches" are laid to form a connection between Earth and their ultimate destination through "The Everything". Once this pathway is laid, other ships will traverse it more quickly, so the implication is that they are creating a wormhole. This is accomplished through the combined efforts of the navigator, who's enclosed in a mysterious spherical work station, where he or she is psychically entangled with the ship's artificial intelligence. This combination of thought energy provides the creative power to chart its course, stitch by stitch, an interesting play on the apparent consciousness/matter interface implied by quantum theory. Navigator assistants deal with resolving any paradoxes encountered along the way.
Not just anyone can perform this critical navigating function, so when their existing navigator dies unexpectedly of mysterious causes, it presents a significant threat, not only to their mission, but their very survival. The quest to find a new navigator combined with investigation into the death of the original one provides various provocative insights into the risks of AI as well as allowing it to interact with a human.
This complex tale is presented via a masterful style that demonstrates some of the most delicious prose I've seen. As a writer myself, I savored numerous vivid descriptions, such as a look of "distilled hatred"; "her angry, beautiful, treacherous eyes"; "stumbling my way into the truth"; "fear masqueraded as anger"; as well as several others. I suppose the fact such jewels jumped out at me as exceptional descriptions could be considered throwing me out of the story, but for me it was in a good way. Some of the imagery was nearly blinding, which is not easily achieved without slowing down the story. However, the literary precision was such that the descriptions integrated with the action and increased the suspense, which made various scenes play out like a movie in my mind. The author's skill itself made this tale a joy to read.
This story is part of the Universal Eventual series, yet stands alone. However, if you've read any of the other stories, it helps fill in a few of the gaps. It has been a while since I read Chimera and this makes me want to read it again. If you enjoy meaty hard science fiction with plenty of advanced technology and intrigue while maintaining a strong human element with philosophical implications as deep as you care to go, all of which is packaged with strong, skillful writing, I highly recommend this story.
Nathan Beauchamp, a member of the writing team known as N.J. Tanger, is the sole author of this episode in the Universe Eventual series which expands upon the workings of the interstellar vehicle, Chimera. The ship is designed to support a population comparable to a small city for years to come through hydroponics and other self-sufficiency techniques. It provides holographic scenery reminiscent of Earth; possesses a sophisticated power system; and includes a political structure drenched in intrigue.
The conspiratorial reason for leaving Earth is fascinating and smolders with much of what is seen in today's corporatism-saturated world. Colonization is motivated by their destination's rich deposits of ecomire, which I assume to be the next generation of uranium, i.e., it represents a powerful energy source rarely found elsewhere and motivates a power hungry (both literally and figuratively) corporation to finance the venture. Furthermore, they intend to maintain their tenacles in those making the journey through whatever means necessary. Some colonization efforts are about survival, others about profits, this one possessing elements of both.
New but intuitively familiar terminology provided a unique and convincing environment. For example, referring to the enforcement arm as "regulators" was cold and effective. The personal agenda of various characters provided plot complexity, but without over-populating the story. Yet, the massive dimensions of the ship, the number of those onboard, and their evolving culture and social strata were conveyed effectively. The main character, Ashley Samuelson, was credible and relatable, personalized further by the first person narrative point of view and the intimate details of his personal life and relationships, including a romantic one.
One of the most clever sci-fi elements serves as the mainstay of the plot and that is the means by which the Chimera is guided by its navigator with the support of a few assistants, one of which is Ashley. To travel through the esoteric, paranormal dimension described as "fractal space", "stitches" are laid to form a connection between Earth and their ultimate destination through "The Everything". Once this pathway is laid, other ships will traverse it more quickly, so the implication is that they are creating a wormhole. This is accomplished through the combined efforts of the navigator, who's enclosed in a mysterious spherical work station, where he or she is psychically entangled with the ship's artificial intelligence. This combination of thought energy provides the creative power to chart its course, stitch by stitch, an interesting play on the apparent consciousness/matter interface implied by quantum theory. Navigator assistants deal with resolving any paradoxes encountered along the way.
Not just anyone can perform this critical navigating function, so when their existing navigator dies unexpectedly of mysterious causes, it presents a significant threat, not only to their mission, but their very survival. The quest to find a new navigator combined with investigation into the death of the original one provides various provocative insights into the risks of AI as well as allowing it to interact with a human.
This complex tale is presented via a masterful style that demonstrates some of the most delicious prose I've seen. As a writer myself, I savored numerous vivid descriptions, such as a look of "distilled hatred"; "her angry, beautiful, treacherous eyes"; "stumbling my way into the truth"; "fear masqueraded as anger"; as well as several others. I suppose the fact such jewels jumped out at me as exceptional descriptions could be considered throwing me out of the story, but for me it was in a good way. Some of the imagery was nearly blinding, which is not easily achieved without slowing down the story. However, the literary precision was such that the descriptions integrated with the action and increased the suspense, which made various scenes play out like a movie in my mind. The author's skill itself made this tale a joy to read.
This story is part of the Universal Eventual series, yet stands alone. However, if you've read any of the other stories, it helps fill in a few of the gaps. It has been a while since I read Chimera and this makes me want to read it again. If you enjoy meaty hard science fiction with plenty of advanced technology and intrigue while maintaining a strong human element with philosophical implications as deep as you care to go, all of which is packaged with strong, skillful writing, I highly recommend this story.
May 13, 2017
Ascension is a stand alone novel within the Universe Eventual series. In the past month, I've come across several series that are partnership works between two or more authors. It was interesting to find out that N.J. Tanger is a collaboration of three people. This book is the first to written by just one of the original three authors: Nathan M. Beauchamp.
The story starts with chaotic visuals and networked communication in a space setting. While my brain buzzes about trying to envision the setting, I find myself captivated the tense scenario unfolding in the opening chapters.
Forty thousand people are on board the long distance space ship, traveling across light years of space and contracted to establish a functioning mining colony on Elypso. Travel time can be shortened by creating a path through the folds of Everything. A navigator shares an immersive neural connection with the ship's AI and creates a path of stitch points within the maelstrom of Everything.
In the midst of voyage, disasters strike the ship when the lead navigator dies, the ship's AI Chimera shows alarming inconsistencies and a battle for power shakes the stranded colonists. Ashley is an assistant navigator and he is commanded to take the lead position by Captain Prescott. Chimera states that Ashley is not suitable replacement and he is ordered to find a new Navigator. Only one out of a thousand have the ability to successfully link with AI. If Ashley cannot find a replacement, the ship with thousands of lives will be destroyed by the Everything.
The book is fairly fast paced. Tanger quickly establishes what life is like on board a traveling spaceship. The way people adapt to create a home and trade. There's just enough politics to let you know what's going on without bogging you down in minute details. The main characters are clearly defined. Ashley isn't an amazing hero with superhuman powers. He's an intelligent man that is scarred by his past and becomes strong for those he loves. He does what he must. A very human character.
Dangers are presented. Fears are expressed. Not everything is clear because there aren't quite enough details to know exactly how events conclude in the end. I can't decide if the author purposely made certain things a bit vague to tempt the reader or did it that way because they didn't realize that it wasn't crystal clear in story. Don't get me wrong. You're not going to be left wanting on the important points. There's action, mystery, rioting and an end but all the little details that makes the beginning of the book strong dwindles towards the end. I'm left a little puzzled and curious about the story world.
The coolest part of the story was the bit that was left unexplained. The Everything. A shortcut in space travel that is full of danger. Is time linear? Is time happening all at the same time? Are pathways clearly singular? How do you get into it? How do you really create a path in an energy storm of nothing? What's really the partnership between the AI and navigators? How much do navigators share by linking up together with the AI as a conduit?
Also, what the heck was Helios? I totally want to read about that. The first venture into the Everything and what really happened.
Basically, I'm intrigued! I enjoyed reading Ascension. It's a lighter take on space adventures. Good characters, moving plot points and several wrap ups in the end. It seemed like I read three endings back to back. I will definitely check out the other books by N.J. Tanger.
3.5 Stars
Review via NetGalley
The story starts with chaotic visuals and networked communication in a space setting. While my brain buzzes about trying to envision the setting, I find myself captivated the tense scenario unfolding in the opening chapters.
Forty thousand people are on board the long distance space ship, traveling across light years of space and contracted to establish a functioning mining colony on Elypso. Travel time can be shortened by creating a path through the folds of Everything. A navigator shares an immersive neural connection with the ship's AI and creates a path of stitch points within the maelstrom of Everything.
In the midst of voyage, disasters strike the ship when the lead navigator dies, the ship's AI Chimera shows alarming inconsistencies and a battle for power shakes the stranded colonists. Ashley is an assistant navigator and he is commanded to take the lead position by Captain Prescott. Chimera states that Ashley is not suitable replacement and he is ordered to find a new Navigator. Only one out of a thousand have the ability to successfully link with AI. If Ashley cannot find a replacement, the ship with thousands of lives will be destroyed by the Everything.
The book is fairly fast paced. Tanger quickly establishes what life is like on board a traveling spaceship. The way people adapt to create a home and trade. There's just enough politics to let you know what's going on without bogging you down in minute details. The main characters are clearly defined. Ashley isn't an amazing hero with superhuman powers. He's an intelligent man that is scarred by his past and becomes strong for those he loves. He does what he must. A very human character.
Dangers are presented. Fears are expressed. Not everything is clear because there aren't quite enough details to know exactly how events conclude in the end. I can't decide if the author purposely made certain things a bit vague to tempt the reader or did it that way because they didn't realize that it wasn't crystal clear in story. Don't get me wrong. You're not going to be left wanting on the important points. There's action, mystery, rioting and an end but all the little details that makes the beginning of the book strong dwindles towards the end. I'm left a little puzzled and curious about the story world.
The coolest part of the story was the bit that was left unexplained. The Everything. A shortcut in space travel that is full of danger. Is time linear? Is time happening all at the same time? Are pathways clearly singular? How do you get into it? How do you really create a path in an energy storm of nothing? What's really the partnership between the AI and navigators? How much do navigators share by linking up together with the AI as a conduit?
Also, what the heck was Helios? I totally want to read about that. The first venture into the Everything and what really happened.
Basically, I'm intrigued! I enjoyed reading Ascension. It's a lighter take on space adventures. Good characters, moving plot points and several wrap ups in the end. It seemed like I read three endings back to back. I will definitely check out the other books by N.J. Tanger.
3.5 Stars
Review via NetGalley
October 13, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I found this so disappointing having read the previous books in this series.
The story was far too slow and very drawn out.
Not for me.
I found this so disappointing having read the previous books in this series.
The story was far too slow and very drawn out.
Not for me.
May 21, 2017
Excellent prequel to the Universe Eventual series. It really fills in the blanks about how it all got started.
I had the luxury of reading (and greatly enjoying) the three Universe Eventual series before reading Ascension, and wondered if I hadn't done so, would I have been confused about any of the content. Interesting to read Soo's review, having not read the series yet, and indicating confusion of a few points such as Helios and the The Everything. Either way, it was a good book as a standalone. I cared about the characters quite a bit - something missing in a lot of science fiction.
From the N.J. Tanger web site it looks like there will be five stories in Universe Eventual and a couple more origins stories like Ascension, so I'll be watching for those.
I had the luxury of reading (and greatly enjoying) the three Universe Eventual series before reading Ascension, and wondered if I hadn't done so, would I have been confused about any of the content. Interesting to read Soo's review, having not read the series yet, and indicating confusion of a few points such as Helios and the The Everything. Either way, it was a good book as a standalone. I cared about the characters quite a bit - something missing in a lot of science fiction.
From the N.J. Tanger web site it looks like there will be five stories in Universe Eventual and a couple more origins stories like Ascension, so I'll be watching for those.
October 23, 2017
Ascension: Universal Eventual
It took a while from the start to work out where this is going and fit all the new characters in but it was worth it to actually continue the series of what happened and where the series goes next, you could make this into a small TV mini series so far, I just want to read the next one in the series...
It took a while from the start to work out where this is going and fit all the new characters in but it was worth it to actually continue the series of what happened and where the series goes next, you could make this into a small TV mini series so far, I just want to read the next one in the series...
March 15, 2021
Excellent read
An engaging story of interstellar flight and corporate over reach. Interesting and relatable characters, a unique antagonist, and just a plain old good read. Highly recommended.
An engaging story of interstellar flight and corporate over reach. Interesting and relatable characters, a unique antagonist, and just a plain old good read. Highly recommended.
September 8, 2017
The best of the series.
April 22, 2020
This feels different than the other Universe Eventual books because it is the only one so far to feature a first person perspective. Also, this was written solely by one author of the trio that comprises N.J. Tanger, so the tone is a bit different. I especially noticed how overtly sexual parts of the story were. There wasn't any of the shy, "Can't he see that I like him?" of the other books here - just direct and explicit interactions.
All of that being said, I enjoyed the story. While non-essential to the plot and function of the other books, it fleshes out the world of Chimera as she was and how the colony was founded. It helped explain the difficulty of placing stitches in The Everything (vs just following laid stitches like in the other books) and why it took years to reach Elypso to form this new colony. I think I most appreciated how it described that you can look backwards and forwards in time while looking into The Everything. It felt like there were hints of this in Ceres (comments by Heph and Marcus, etc) but this is the first time it's been explicitly stated. I thought the descriptions of what people were seeing in the sphere was really well done and easy to imagine.
Overall, a quick and fun read which adds more depth to the UE world.
All of that being said, I enjoyed the story. While non-essential to the plot and function of the other books, it fleshes out the world of Chimera as she was and how the colony was founded. It helped explain the difficulty of placing stitches in The Everything (vs just following laid stitches like in the other books) and why it took years to reach Elypso to form this new colony. I think I most appreciated how it described that you can look backwards and forwards in time while looking into The Everything. It felt like there were hints of this in Ceres (comments by Heph and Marcus, etc) but this is the first time it's been explicitly stated. I thought the descriptions of what people were seeing in the sphere was really well done and easy to imagine.
Overall, a quick and fun read which adds more depth to the UE world.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews