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g_r_frank's reviews
45 reviews
Quantum Space by Douglas Phillips
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is the first of a Douglas Phillips' primary trilogy for his Quantum series - but I have read two others of his works before this - his introduction to the series novella (Quantum Incident) and his ending novella (Quantum Entangled) before this one. Yeah, I know, I probably should not had read the ending novella before this, but there you go.
I have really enjoyed Phillip's writing and the way he weaves real scientific elements of quantum physics as we understand them today into a science fiction tale. This story has a very old school science fiction feel but with much better character development that some of the "classic" older science fiction novels (which did not do such a great job on characters). This first novel of the trilogy ties in current-day space flight, the mystery of a disappearing crew, intrigue by unscrupulous government contractors, and an interesting and logical take on the Fermi paradox.
Phillip's story telling feels like an up to date cousin of the original Star Trek - a positive outlook on humanity's future and contact with extraterrestrials which is not a dark, threatening, and scary scenario, as seen in many other science fiction dystopian tales. It was a fun mystery and adventure without being a depressing one. A good read - worth checking out.
I have really enjoyed Phillip's writing and the way he weaves real scientific elements of quantum physics as we understand them today into a science fiction tale. This story has a very old school science fiction feel but with much better character development that some of the "classic" older science fiction novels (which did not do such a great job on characters). This first novel of the trilogy ties in current-day space flight, the mystery of a disappearing crew, intrigue by unscrupulous government contractors, and an interesting and logical take on the Fermi paradox.
Phillip's story telling feels like an up to date cousin of the original Star Trek - a positive outlook on humanity's future and contact with extraterrestrials which is not a dark, threatening, and scary scenario, as seen in many other science fiction dystopian tales. It was a fun mystery and adventure without being a depressing one. A good read - worth checking out.
Quantum Entangled: A Quantum Series Mystery by Douglas Phillips
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
A fun little sci-fi mystery and adventure. This is a short and fun exploration of what an intergalactic society might be like. Humans trying to earn their place and show their worth in a society of multiple intergalactic beings. The story is lighthearted in many ways and the characters are fun. The author's knowledge of various scientific and astronomical elements also brings an interesting what-if feeling to this otherwise fantastical tale.
I got to pre-read early versions of this book while it was still in the development stages. It was great to come back to read the final produced book. The final edits brought the story together for a terrific little adventure.
I got to pre-read early versions of this book while it was still in the development stages. It was great to come back to read the final produced book. The final edits brought the story together for a terrific little adventure.
Emanation by Drew Wagar
5.0
Excellent mix of adventure and character story telling. It is probably most accurately labeled a science fiction book but reads like a fantasy novel (series actually - 4 books) where the main plot is a civilization on a foreign planet that has forgotten its origin as colonists from Earth. The story and characters are excellent, and filled with adventure. The genre' busting story is both fascinating and interesting for its basis in scientific knowledge of planets that could orbit red dwarf flair stars. If you love both fantasy and sci-fi.. this is a great mix!
The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations by Ori Brafman, Rod A. Beckstrom
4.0
Interesting ideas and examples of strategies in leadership.
The Runaway Robot by Lester del Rey
5.0
Read this as a kid... re read it as an adult just a few years ago. It was still a fun sci-fi adventure and probably got me interested in sci-fi books
Proxima Rising by Brandon Q. Morris
4.0
I loved the premise and the majority of this book; it was very creative use of speculative technology based on suggested current tech (the interstellar mini probes powered by a laser and a sail) The added concept of the probe being able to generate human crew and expand to a larger ship was pretty incredible story telling. What I didn't realize when I got this is that this is kind of a sequel series to the author's first trilogy. That was ok because it can stand alone as a starter, but I would guess reading the preceding trilogy would be helpful. Toward the end of this book after they make planetfall and start to explore I felt the story started to get less compelling and it ended at a good point, but I am not sure it drew me to proceed to the next book in spite of an implied cliffhanger. That is the only reason I gave it a 4 star instead of a 5. but I might come back to the series as it was an intriguing read.
Elite Dangerous: Reclamation by Drew Wagar
5.0
Excellent adventure. The story is connected to and in the universe of the "Elite Dangerous" MMO computer game, but I believe it stands on its own enough to be enjoyed even if you are not familiar with the game. It tells the story of the daughter of a planetary governor forced into a maze of intrigue, power struggles and murder over the star system her Father administrated. Great characters, great story.
Elite Dangerous: Premonition by Drew Wagar
5.0
Sequel ot the Reclamation book... the main character continues into a new mystery, not just linked to the star system she lived in like last time. this time the plot concerns all of humanity. She searches out and discovers a plan and a threat being kept from civilization. This book is also connected to and exists in the game universe of "Elite Dangerous". Some of the storyline was actually determined by player actions in the multiplayer game. An exciting space opera style mystery for those who know the game and for those who do not.
Quantum Incident by Douglas Phillips
5.0
Interesting and fun introduction to the Quantum series. This short mystery gives a good feel for the kind of content and problem solving character. I loved the characters and the use of scientific reasoning in the solution to the plot. Recommended.