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Proof of Alien Intelligence
In Journey to Antares, two teens become pioneers in space exploration when drawn together by a mysterious radio message from a distant star. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve presented educational programs for nearly 10,000 elementary students in schools, libraries, planetariums, and at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum to teach them about space science and history. The most common question I get from the students is, “Are aliens real?” To address this possibility, I wrote Journey to Antares as a science fiction story about how people might respond someday if we ever found proof of alien intelligence in the form of a radio message from space.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
My favorite character to write for was VISTA the robot. She’s the most logical and intelligent, but she also enjoys writing songs and speaks in musical tones as she did in my TV series, Space Quest with Dr. Jim. VISTA cares very deeply about PIPER, the other robot, but she is careful not to let him know her feelings as she chides him for his silly jokes. The most challenging character to write was PIPER the robot who was learning about humor, since it wasn’t easy to come up with so many space-related jokes for him to test out on the other characters.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
The biggest question I had was how to justify the selection of teenagers Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr to be the most qualified researchers to design the new technologies for the Aurora space-time ship to reach the star Antares. It would be too easy for them to become “Mary Sue” characters, so I had them answer that question themselves in flashback scenes set five years earlier in the story. Through their actions at an earlier age, both Tommy and Laura proved their intellectual qualifications and I’ve received positive feedback for clearly addressing that issue.
Can fans look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have a full set of notes for a sequel about how the characters help to save the aliens who sent the message from Antares since it turns out to be a distress call. Before I write the next book, I’m currently recording the audiobook version of Journey to Antares which will include twelve original songs that are in the text. This way, the audiobook readers will get to hear the melodies of the songs as well as the lyrics that are in the printed book. I’m also working on some animated video shorts for key scenes in the story.
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In the captivating space adventure novel Journey to Antares, we follow the remarkable tale of two young scientists, Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr, along with their trusty companion robots, Piper and Vista. Their mission: to design and construct the spacetime ship Aurora, enabling them to journey to the past of an alien planet within the Antares star system. This extraordinary odyssey takes them to the very heart of the mystery surrounding the alien message and humanity’s response to it.
Journey to Antares is a thrilling narrative inspired by the award-winning Space Quest with Dr. Jim public-access and YouTube TV series. To aid readers in delving into the depths of space and science, the book includes a helpful glossary of scientific terms used throughout the story.
Journey to Antares
Journey to Antares, by Jim Thorne, is a compelling fusion of hard science fiction and space adventure that explores humanity’s quest for contact with extraterrestrial life. The story revolves around Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr, two prodigious teens from different parts of the solar system, brought together by a mysterious radio message from the star Antares. As they embark on an epic journey, they navigate the challenges of interstellar travel, innovative engineering, and the mysteries of a distant star system, all while growing into their roles as pioneers in space exploration.
Thorne’s writing is an engaging blend of technical accuracy and imaginative storytelling. I appreciated how he infused the narrative with genuine space science, making complex concepts accessible and intriguing without overwhelming the reader. The detailed descriptions of the Mars University’s advanced educational tools and the technicalities of robotic programming added a layer of realism that grounds the fantastical elements of the story. The inclusion of real science elements, such as the physics behind faster-than-light travel and the Yarkovsky effect on asteroids, is both educational and thought-provoking.
The character development of Tommy and Laura is a highlight of the book. Thorne effectively captures the essence of youthful curiosity and brilliance, portraying his protagonists as relatable and inspiring figures. Tommy’s early experiences with reprogramming robots at the Cosmic Energy Fuels plant and Laura’s musical and scientific explorations on ECHO Station set a solid foundation for their later adventures. Their evolving friendship and collaboration are depicted with warmth and humor, particularly through their interactions with their quirky companion robots, PIPER and VISTA. This dynamic not only adds depth to the characters but also injects a playful tone that balances the more technical aspects of the plot.
Extensive world-building and scientific explanations add a rich layer of depth to the story, inviting readers to immerse themselves fully in the universe Thorne has created. While the detailed technical discussions provide a thoughtful exploration of the narrative’s scientific underpinnings, they also enhance the authenticity and intrigue of the protagonists’ journey. These sections contribute significantly to the sense of wonder and discovery, making the unraveling of the Antares message all the more rewarding and impactful.
Journey to Antares is a delightful read for anyone interested in space exploration, young adult science fiction, or educational sci-fi adventures. Thorne combines a plausible scientific framework with an engaging story of discovery and friendship. The book is particularly well-suited for young readers with a passion for STEM, as well as adults who enjoy a well-researched, character-driven space adventure.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0CNQ4Y154
LITERARY TITAN 