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A Spacetime Tale
After years spent studying alien life in the seas of Europa, Dr. Kiara Lacroix has become one of Earth’s foremost exobiology experts. Her research brings her to the attention of the Global Space Federation, which has a top-secret mission for an advanced alien civilization has been discovered in the depths of an icy planet five light-years from Earth, and Kiara is expected to join the crew making first contact.
Kiara has her hesitations, but as usual her scientific curiosity gets the better of her. She and her crew will be using experimental technology which establishes long-distance contact via a dream-reality beamed through a the spacetime sequence. It’s even riskier than it sounds.
Of course, Kiara’s not the only one with hesitations about the GSF’s actions. And some of those people have the resources—and the access to GSF’s classified mission information—to do something about them.
A Spacetime Tale is high-concept hard science fiction at its finest.
Cover art by Jeff Brown
Kiara has her hesitations, but as usual her scientific curiosity gets the better of her. She and her crew will be using experimental technology which establishes long-distance contact via a dream-reality beamed through a the spacetime sequence. It’s even riskier than it sounds.
Of course, Kiara’s not the only one with hesitations about the GSF’s actions. And some of those people have the resources—and the access to GSF’s classified mission information—to do something about them.
A Spacetime Tale is high-concept hard science fiction at its finest.
Cover art by Jeff Brown
334 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2019
205 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 3, 2019
“We go forth from sky to sky… to the stars… united as one Earth…”
This is a mind blowing, astounding premise. Spacetime sequencing, an innovative invention that will change the course of humanity, amazing and shocking discoveries and revelations that lead us to a thrilling adventure. Between corporate avarice, an Earth divided, political and rebellious factions, a scientific method of immense magnitude compromised, the author takes us towards an intrepid and exciting adventure, with an incredible and original concept of high tech travel method and a unique experience with first contact. Gripping and intriguing from the beginning, with morbid characters, a flowing, fast paced plot, that kept me snagged till the end. A series worth following!
This is a mind blowing, astounding premise. Spacetime sequencing, an innovative invention that will change the course of humanity, amazing and shocking discoveries and revelations that lead us to a thrilling adventure. Between corporate avarice, an Earth divided, political and rebellious factions, a scientific method of immense magnitude compromised, the author takes us towards an intrepid and exciting adventure, with an incredible and original concept of high tech travel method and a unique experience with first contact. Gripping and intriguing from the beginning, with morbid characters, a flowing, fast paced plot, that kept me snagged till the end. A series worth following!
January 1, 2020
I just read “A Spacetime Tale”, by J. Benjamin. WOW! What story! Follow along on the journey with Kiara and Matt as they travel through the... wait, I’ve said too much already! “A Spacetime Tale”, by J. Benjamin, is extremely well thought out and masterfully written in such a way that just does not let you put the book down! If you are looking for a very alien adventure and are willing to let your imagination go on this fantastic journey, then I highly recommend that you purchase “A Spacetime Tale”, by J. Benjamin.
November 16, 2019
Had the pleasurable opportunity to review and advance copy of J. Benjamin's "A Spacetime Tale." The novel is set approximately 60 years into our future in a world which we learn has gone through at least one additional World War-as well as a second Civil War splitting the US up into smaller territories. A Global Space Federation (GSF) seems to be a global group--separate from the UN00which controls most of the space weaponry. Earlier efforts to scout the galaxy with sophisticated AI-controlled Pelican-drones has produced signs of life on a remote planet.
That sets the stage for the rich universe in which "Starscraper" is set.
Against this backdrop (and avoiding spoilers) there are three main plots we are introduced to in the opening chapters: making first contact via space-time-travel (gammanauts); a weird mercenary raid on the Cosmineral mining corporation outpost destroying key data; and a terrorist organization fighting the GSF called Terra Rebirth.
Benjamin weaves these three plot lines together to tell a sci-fi story with spy/political intrigue components. Definitely not what it seems with multiple twists and turns to the very end.
Worth a read.
That sets the stage for the rich universe in which "Starscraper" is set.
Against this backdrop (and avoiding spoilers) there are three main plots we are introduced to in the opening chapters: making first contact via space-time-travel (gammanauts); a weird mercenary raid on the Cosmineral mining corporation outpost destroying key data; and a terrorist organization fighting the GSF called Terra Rebirth.
Benjamin weaves these three plot lines together to tell a sci-fi story with spy/political intrigue components. Definitely not what it seems with multiple twists and turns to the very end.
Worth a read.
November 13, 2019
An engaging story which grabs you and pulls you along.
Complex interwoven tale of terrorism, plain old money grubbing and a search for scientific knowledge lead to an uncertain future for Earth.
Some action, some futuristic science and even some romance.
Complex interwoven tale of terrorism, plain old money grubbing and a search for scientific knowledge lead to an uncertain future for Earth.
Some action, some futuristic science and even some romance.
November 26, 2019
I was keen to read this novel after enjoying the author's short story "Starscraper" which was set shortly before this.
The novel is set in the 2080s when the Global Space Federation (GSF) has sent AI-controlled drones to explore a planet in another star system and they have found signs of life.
There are three plot lines that are started in the early chapters: an unsuccessful raid on an outer system satellite outpost; the GSF attempting human-alien first contact; and a terrorist organisation fighting the GSF. These three are covered in separate sections keeping you guessing what is happening in each and how they affect each other. The result is a great alien encounter with very different species, alongside a future Earth that is very believable.
I loved the main alien species and the plot twists, and character twists, were great too. The character building was good, and definitely needed, even though we found some not as we thought later on. This meant the start might seem a little slow, but the pace soon picked up after some major events on Earth and then it didn't let up.
I don’t think I’d cope well in a society where smart lenses were needed - I can’t face contact lenses! However, these were key to the human interactions.
The spacetime transfer sequence was a bit unsettling and slightly hard to follow at times, but seemed totally appropriate. A bit reminiscent of 2001.
The ending seemed just right. The space faring team had to be "rescued" / brought back to Earth and the multiple perspectives on this was great too.
I look forward to future books in this sequence (yes, there will be more) and thoroughly recommend this one.
The novel is set in the 2080s when the Global Space Federation (GSF) has sent AI-controlled drones to explore a planet in another star system and they have found signs of life.
There are three plot lines that are started in the early chapters: an unsuccessful raid on an outer system satellite outpost; the GSF attempting human-alien first contact; and a terrorist organisation fighting the GSF. These three are covered in separate sections keeping you guessing what is happening in each and how they affect each other. The result is a great alien encounter with very different species, alongside a future Earth that is very believable.
I loved the main alien species and the plot twists, and character twists, were great too. The character building was good, and definitely needed, even though we found some not as we thought later on. This meant the start might seem a little slow, but the pace soon picked up after some major events on Earth and then it didn't let up.
I don’t think I’d cope well in a society where smart lenses were needed - I can’t face contact lenses! However, these were key to the human interactions.
The spacetime transfer sequence was a bit unsettling and slightly hard to follow at times, but seemed totally appropriate. A bit reminiscent of 2001.
The ending seemed just right. The space faring team had to be "rescued" / brought back to Earth and the multiple perspectives on this was great too.
I look forward to future books in this sequence (yes, there will be more) and thoroughly recommend this one.
February 14, 2020
Space stretch!
This story took on an an ambitious sci-fi tale but came up short on character development, the main characters sounded like teenagers right off the bat which made it impossible to relate to let alone likable. I managed to muster the will to read through the end but not because I found the narrative good but just to get it over with, I expect my science fiction to have scientists that speak their chosen science discipline lingo otherwise it's just gibberish. The premise is good but the development was bad, the author could've used some real help editing the dialogs and the science itself.
This story took on an an ambitious sci-fi tale but came up short on character development, the main characters sounded like teenagers right off the bat which made it impossible to relate to let alone likable. I managed to muster the will to read through the end but not because I found the narrative good but just to get it over with, I expect my science fiction to have scientists that speak their chosen science discipline lingo otherwise it's just gibberish. The premise is good but the development was bad, the author could've used some real help editing the dialogs and the science itself.
March 2, 2020
Fast Paced and Great Adventure
This is a great example of excellent science fiction space. The storyline is full of plot twists and turns. I really got into the characters and found them easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book.
This is a great example of excellent science fiction space. The storyline is full of plot twists and turns. I really got into the characters and found them easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book.
April 22, 2020
Good
It is recommended for anyone who likes hard science fiction. A few things don't match known physics, but it is fiction, so who cares?
It is recommended for anyone who likes hard science fiction. A few things don't match known physics, but it is fiction, so who cares?
November 23, 2019
Wow,what a story .Politics ,science ,and aliens .Pulled an all nighter to finish it .Will have to reread it slower to make sure I missed nothing .Reminds me of early Azimov ! Well done that man!
January 17, 2020
Geez, I hate writing bad reviews. My mother used to say, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. But if I didn't follow my mother's direction, I would say, Crazy science wrapped in a weak story with mind numbing detail stunted with shallow characters. Honestly, I wanted to dump the book several times but kept thinking the story had potential. Admittedly, books can hit or miss depending on my mood. Maybe that was the issue. A lot of readers gave this yarn 5 stars. I guess I'm spoiled by other writers that push the right buttons. Anyway, J. Benjamin did way better than I could have. Good Luck.
December 13, 2023
I picked up a copy of this book after meeting the author who is friend-of-a-friend. I confess - I had difficulty getting into it and put it off for two years because of the way the dialogue is written. As a chronic completer - I was determined to finish the book and finally was able to get into the concepts and plot of the book, though the written dialogue style still didn't work too well for me.
I found the book had a whole lot of "telling" instead of "showing" which took the shape of monologue-like statements by characters to reveal backstory and motivations in lieu of character development. From time to time, random characters would be introduced as key actors -- but their involvement and backstory would be communicated as conversation between other characters.
The overall premise is that there's a Global Space Federation which has a technology that allows people to astrally project their minds to a distant corner of existence to investigate a much more ancient, technologically advanced society.
I have some issues with continuity - like this super advanced material called graphene which is strong enough to facilitate the conversion of a skyscraper into a rocket -- but which is not utilized to protect cars of dignitaries? I mean, we don't even experience bombings and assassinations of world leaders in 2023, how could someone get away with that in 2081?
There was another continuity scene - where a police/military interrogation room is described in detail including a manila folder sitting on the table. These people use smart lenses - why on earth would anyone still need a manila envelope? I'm also unclear about the reasons that there is still a "Dark Web" -- if people have smart lenses and are so advanced, why would they not have peer to peer networks? Same goes for the odd IPv6 reference at the outset of the book which sounds like jargon.
Overall, the story concepts are intriguing and it has promise. I am planning to read "Celestial Minds" to see how the story progresses.
I found the book had a whole lot of "telling" instead of "showing" which took the shape of monologue-like statements by characters to reveal backstory and motivations in lieu of character development. From time to time, random characters would be introduced as key actors -- but their involvement and backstory would be communicated as conversation between other characters.
The overall premise is that there's a Global Space Federation which has a technology that allows people to astrally project their minds to a distant corner of existence to investigate a much more ancient, technologically advanced society.
I have some issues with continuity - like this super advanced material called graphene which is strong enough to facilitate the conversion of a skyscraper into a rocket -- but which is not utilized to protect cars of dignitaries? I mean, we don't even experience bombings and assassinations of world leaders in 2023, how could someone get away with that in 2081?
There was another continuity scene - where a police/military interrogation room is described in detail including a manila folder sitting on the table. These people use smart lenses - why on earth would anyone still need a manila envelope? I'm also unclear about the reasons that there is still a "Dark Web" -- if people have smart lenses and are so advanced, why would they not have peer to peer networks? Same goes for the odd IPv6 reference at the outset of the book which sounds like jargon.
Overall, the story concepts are intriguing and it has promise. I am planning to read "Celestial Minds" to see how the story progresses.
March 21, 2022
Good book.with lots of science
The book and the series are more in depth than most and make a very good read. Character development is well accomplished. All in all great book!
The book and the series are more in depth than most and make a very good read. Character development is well accomplished. All in all great book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews