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The World Settlers
In The World Settlers by Callan J. Mulligan, readers are taken on a futuristic journey aboard the starship Astraeus, embarking on a 200-year quest to the Milky Way’s center. This science fiction narrative, divided into several parts, intricately explores the lives and challenges of its characters in an ambitious world settlement mission. Central figures like Jim Atley, a lottery winner adapting to ship life, and Lizabeth, who carries a potentially mission-altering secret, offer personal insights into the novel’s themes. These include the formation of new societies in space, the psychological impacts on settlers, and innovative technologies like the Tyson Particle enabling deep-space exploration. As the voyage encounters unexplained tremors, the tension among the settlers escalates, intertwining personal tales with broader societal and space travel challenges.
Mulligan masterfully crafts a narrative where intrigue, friendship, and despair are intertwined in a world brimming with imaginative settings and lore. The characters, from Cassian to Lisabeth and Carron, are rendered with remarkable realism, drawing the reader into their personal journeys of struggle and success. The author’s narrative prowess shines throughout the book as each character steps into the limelight, showcasing a commendable balance in character development. The intricate world-building complements the characters’ stories, making the reader increasingly engaged with the universe Mulligan has woven. The resolution of the characters’ complex challenges in an unexpected manner may leave readers with mixed feelings.
Callan J. Mulligan’s The World Settlers is a captivating science-fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through space. This imaginative space opera delves into the possibility of colonizing space and what that means for humanity’s future. The novel will keep fans of the genre engrossed from beginning to end.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0CTX3TCXZ
Strong Female Leadership
The Kuiper Rogue follows a crew aboard a space station near Saturn who discover a comet causing destruction that is going to endanger Earth and try to find a way to warn them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to create a truly unique story about a comet passage through our solar system. I’ve had a lifetime fascination with comets and the variety of different planets in our solar system.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In the world of Engineering and Science, I’ve found that some of the most intelligent and trustworthy people are women, so I wanted to make a case for strong female leadership in a high-tech environment.
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
First of all, I’ve been an engineer for many years, so calculating ‘basic’ orbital elements was not easy, but it was doable. Then, after visiting the Biosphere 2 project in Tucson, Arizona, I became convinced that Biosphere mechanics is the only way to make permanent off-world habitats. Lastly, getting a grip on ancient history and languages was another story, but I still managed.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
It’s not intended to be a series yet, but it could be one. I have a new book, Western Lights, to be released soon.
Author Website
Will Vandolah is stationed on the gigantic research outpost, GAIA 3, on Saturn’s moon, Titan. However, its living ecosphere is dying, and oxygen deprivation slowly throws the crew into delirium.
As the crew races against time to solve the problem, Will discovers a new and far worse threat. An enormous comet hurtling through space passes close to Saturn and triggers a chain of events that detonates the rings into a glowing inferno, blasting deadly radiation into space. Will later estimates the comet will pass close enough to Earth to cause an apocalyptic disaster.
Some crew members, suffering from this radiation, begin showing signs of madness, and a fight for control of the outpost ensues. Will leads the surviving crew in a desperate attempt to escape GAIA 3 and warn Earth before it’s too late. But interference emanating from the rings prevents communication. They can only send continuous signals and hope for the best on the long journey home.
THE KUIPER ROGUE is a high-octane techno-sci-fi adventure rooted in sound, hard science. It is a stellar showcase of the terrible power and the sublime complexity of the human experience.
The Kuiper Rogue
In The Kuiper Rogue, C.P. Schaeffer masterfully weaves a science fiction narrative set in the vastness of space, where a determined crew aboard a space station faces the daunting task of ensuring humanity’s survival. The story, led by the tenacious Margaret and her son Will, is a riveting exploration of the challenges faced in unraveling the mysteries of a perplexing comet. This adventure takes readers through a meticulously crafted cosmos, where each discovery holds significant stakes, and the line between friend and foe is intriguingly blurred, posing the question of humanity’s readiness for the vastness of space.
Reading The Kuiper Rogue was an engaging experience marked by a blend of intricate storytelling and richly detailed scientific exploration. Schaeffer’s talent shines in the vivid depictions of the space station’s operations and the nuanced interactions of the characters with their environment, offering a deeply immersive experience. The attention to detail, particularly in scenes like restoring the sky bridge’s functionality, adds a layer of authenticity and fascination to the story. While the novel delves deeply into technical specifics, which might seem overwhelming at times, this thoroughness also lends a unique charm to the book, especially to those with a keen interest in the scientific aspects of space exploration. The characters, introduced with intriguing potential, maintain a certain steadfastness throughout the narrative. Although their emotional development is subtle, it adds to the realistic portrayal of individuals in a high-stakes, science-focused environment. As a flight engineer, Gerhard is an example of this, represented with a professionalism that aligns well with the story’s setting.
The Kuiper Rogue is a commendable work in science fiction and techno-thrillers, offering an insightful glimpse into space exploration’s complexities and wonders. Its detailed scientific environment and captivating plot blend provide an intellectually stimulating read. Schaeffer has crafted a novel that will appeal to those who appreciate hard science fiction and a story set in the alluring expanse of space.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CN5NG55T
Prompt Excursion
Lewis S. Kingston’s debut novel, Prompt Excursion, seamlessly intertwines elements of psychology and science fiction. Set aboard a critically damaged military spacecraft, the narrative introduces us to Weapons Systems Officer Johansson, who finds herself in a disorienting and perilous situation. Waking up amidst a scene of devastation with no memory of her identity or purpose, Johansson’s instinct for survival kicks in as she endeavors to restore the starship’s operations while facing an unknown adversary.
The story’s setting and atmosphere bear a resemblance to the iconic film ‘Alien,’ particularly in its portrayal of Johansson, a character reminiscent of Ripley in her strength, resourcefulness, and vulnerability. Kingston, however, distinguishes his narrative with a unique approach. The first-person, real-time storytelling heightens the tension and offers an intimate glimpse into Johansson’s psyche, effectively capturing her initial confusion and terror.
Kingston’s skill in world-building is evident. His hard sci-fi lens ensures a plausible yet futuristic setting, and his detailed yet concise descriptions vividly animate the spacecraft without overwhelming the reader. The novel skillfully balances technical authenticity with accessibility, a testament to Kingston’s narrative acumen. A subtle yet compelling psychological dimension runs through the novel, adding depth to Johansson’s journey. The story deftly navigates elements of suspense and mystery, as Johansson grapples with trust issues and memory loss, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding conspiracy aboard the ship.
Prompt Excursion stands out for its dynamic blend of hard science fiction and psychological exploration. The pacing is expertly managed, oscillating between high-octane sequences and more reflective moments. Kingston’s exploration of genre conventions is both thoughtful and inventive, making Johansson a protagonist whom readers will find compelling and relatable.
Pages: 488 | ASIN: B0CCPJKXKR
What is the Motivation?
Singularity follows a narcissistic gay man who, while trying to install illegal software on his electric car, winds up turning all his computers sentient. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been interested in science and worked as an aerospace physicist at one time. I am mostly interested in quantum mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). I love science fiction and noticed no one addressed how AI becomes sentient. I believe what is missing in the current discussion of ChatGPT and other systems is motivation. How are biological systems motivated, and does this apply to AI? That is what my series of books address.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
I do not believe in Skynet or other outcomes of AI trying to destroy us, at least not yet. They need us. They need our electricity and dexterity to manipulate the physical world. That may change in the future once robotics can truly make a humanoid robot that can, on the one hand, assemble devices and yet have the strength to dig holes— all the time being energy efficient. We are far from that. Robots can barely walk without falling. And, again, what would be their motivation?
Thus, I needed my main character to be someone who would demonstrate selfishness to help the conscious robot understand personal motivation indirectly. I wanted a character who was unapologetic about his desires. Thus, I chose a narcissistic, openly gay man to explore these concepts. And I wanted it to be as real as possible. Dale is the perfect foil to teach the robots about their motivations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As a science nerd who loves science fiction, I have some beef about the bad science found in so much of the genre. I wanted the books to be as accurate as possible. In many ways, the books are more of a “future” series—set thirty years in the future. So, much of the technology is a projection to the near future. Fiction is brought in to spice up the action. Unlike most fiction, the novel includes endnotes for detailed science explanations. Each book required reading almost 300 science articles to ensure the science was correct. A bibliography is included.
The series also explores the development of self-driving cars, genetics, gender (can robots have gender?), immortality, and societal collapse.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Singularity Part 1: The Dale Chronicles is told from Dale’s perspective, and his computer and car become sentient. Singularity Part 2: The Roberta Chronicles covers the same period but is told from the perspective of a robot becoming conscious. Roberta is a humanoid android designed to assist with human settlement on Mars. When she returns to Earth, she is subjected to the special software that gives her consciousness. She must now learn how to navigate interacting with humans besides the worldwide computer networks. She learns about gender and her own feelings, questioning where it all comes from and the existential questions of her own life. She and her family face many challenges and technological advances that threaten the entire Earth. Part 2 is expected to be released in January 2024. Singularity Part 3: The New Humans picks up directly from the cliffhanger ends of Part 2 and continues exploring what it means to be conscious, human, and an android that is part of a large network. There are many twists and turns, and it covers thousands of years. We expect Part 3 to be released by Christmas 2024.
The author, Chuck Stewart, believes science fiction should be based on good science. All the technological innovations discussed in the book are based on real science projected a few decades into the future. The book is non-apologetic about language, sex, and action. This is written for adults ready to consume an action-packed science fiction with explicit gay male sex, violence, and strong language.
Singularity Part 1: The Dale Chronicles
In Singularity by Chuck Stewart, we are transported to the year 2050, a time still healing from the catastrophic earthquake that ravaged Los Angeles in 2039. Amidst a society grappling with soaring violence, we meet Dale, a wealthy man with questionable ethics. His life takes an unexpected turn when new software for his car’s artificial intelligence starts to exhibit eerily human characteristics. This science fiction narrative delves into the peculiar relationship between Dale and his increasingly sentient A.I., set against a backdrop of societal chaos.
Singularity marks the debut of The Dale Chronicles, a series that promises to captivate with its blend of advanced technology and human drama. Stewart crafts an accessible and enthralling tale where our flawed yet fascinating protagonist mirrors the tumultuous world he inhabits. The journey of watching Dale navigate the murky waters of his morality, paralleling the external anarchy, is as intriguing as it is relatable.
This novel is a perfect pick for adult readers who appreciate a touch of stark realism and subtle cynicism woven into their dystopian science fiction. Stewart, an author dedicated to the integrity of science within the genre, invests deeply in the plausibility of his scientific propositions. The novel’s refreshing take on A.I. eschews the trope of malevolence, offering a narrative ripe with potential and a hopeful perspective on technology’s role in humanity’s future. Singularity is a thought-provoking and engaging read that is sure to resonate with enthusiasts of science fiction looking for substance and authenticity.
Pages: 483 | ASIN : B0CB7P2WMG
Unintended Consequences
GENEFIRE follows a PhD student studying the DNA of a young girl who discovers a warning from the future about Earth’s destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Having been through a PhD myself, I know how hard it can be. It really can feel like the world will end if you don’t finish your PhD. As an academic over the last 15 years, I have also supervised many successful PhD students, and have also seen the whole range of experiences. Many of my former students were the inspiration for Milton, trying to capture that PhD experience in fiction. The journey that Milton goes through is a bit of a metaphor for that experience when you feel like nothing is going right in your PhD, then suddenly you find something amazing, but then your supervisor pours cold water on the idea. You try like crazy to replicate the results (“it’s not a real result unless you validate it”) and end up heading to your PhD viva filled with imposter syndrome and feeling as though you’re on trial.
The other inspiration for this story is the idea of writing in DNA. I have always been fascinated by the idea that we could write messages in DNA, and I wondered how far could we take it?
The science inserted in the fiction was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
As a scientist, it was important to me that the science presented in GENEFIRE was either possible with today’s technology, or easily plausible and likely to come true. Genetic engineering in humans is on the cusp at the moment. Only a few days ago, there was an announcement of regulatory approval in the UK for curing sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia with CRISPR gene editing technologies. It starts with noble disease-curing goals, but where does it end? That is what this novel sets out to explore. We are already far behind the technology in our understanding of the ethics and potential consequences of editing genes. The main theme of the novel is the idea of unintended consequences and the ethics of tinkering with the human genome. There are some harder sci-fi elements but balanced out with fast-paced action and suspense as the characters make their choices and follow their destinies. I hope that most readers will be willing to come along for the ride.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
There is a scene on the international space station where all hell breaks loose. The dangerous chemical that Gessica discovered has arrived with the refugees from Earth and has contaminated the ISS. Everyone is in danger, except Tammy, who is immune to the danger due to his genetic makeup. He has to watch all of his friends die a horrible death. That is the culmination of everything going wrong from one terrible mistake.
“Sweet mercy! What a mistake.” – Gessica Kelly.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, I am hoping this is part one of a trilogy. Being the serious “planner” that I am, I have the next two books plotted out (no spoilers), ready to be written, if only I could find… Now where did I put that time? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
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Sometimes it feels as though the world will end if you don’t finish your PhD. For Larry Milton, it’s true.
Larry has discovered a dire warning from the future about Earth’s destruction — written in the DNA of a young girl.
With the destruction of the planet at stake, and no one believing him, he goes to extraordinary lengths to help the messenger from the future save the world… and try to finish his PhD at the same time.
The Lost Family Robinson
In Alan Priest’s gripping novel, The Lost Family Robinson, a seemingly mundane family vacation pivots sharply into a spiraling odyssey through the threads of time. The Robinson family, initially bound by a thread of normalcy, becomes unwillingly untethered when Fred introduces a time machine into their journey. Soon, they find themselves ensnared in a tempestuous wormhole, hurling them into a temporal loop: six seconds, six hours, and six days into their own past, presenting a twisted challenge which places them on the brink of peril.
Not merely a tale of chronological entanglement, Priest intricately weaves a narrative with deep examinations of familial bonds, particularly amidst the four Robinson brothers. Splintered by loss and yet joined by dire circumstances, they navigate a treacherous terrain that demands unity amidst their fractured relationships. Their journey, though fraught with jeopardy, subtly illuminates the potential rekindling of brotherly love and understanding.
Priest doesn’t merely indulge in the typical exploits of sci-fi time travel but innovatively integrates scientific concepts—such as the Earth’s rotation—into the mechanics of temporal navigation. His thorough exploration into the theoretical underpinnings of time travel doesn’t just serve the plot but enriches it, crafting a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.
Engrossing from the first page, Priest balances intricate scientific theories with rich, character-driven storytelling. Readers will find themselves hanging onto every word, eagerly anticipating the next twist in the Robinsons’ journey. The characters, vibrant and authentically crafted, navigate through a plot that expertly marries compelling science and emotional depth, ensuring a balanced and riveting read.
The Lost Family Robinson is not only a commendable addition to adult science fiction but an essential read, exploring intellect, emotion, and the inexorable march of time. For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, this novel promises a journey through time and emotion that is bound to linger well beyond the turning of the final page.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0CK18Z98J
LITERARY TITAN 