5 comments about Jupiter.

1. On the second stop in Ben Bova's Grand Tour of our solar system, we explore the mysteries of the planet Jupiter-the largest gas giant in the system. Though we have a good starting idea of what type of planet Jupiter is--a massive ball of gas that rotates at a high speed, with bands of clouds circling the upper atmosphere and a giant, centuries old hurricane called the Red Spot that could swallow Earth itself. We also believe that Jupiter has a liquid metal hydrogen center surrounding a small rocky ball. Most likely, Jupiter is a failed companion star to Sol that never reached enough mass to ignite; a potential companion star that has a few of its own worlds circling it, including Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, and Io...each with its own mysteries to be solved.
   
   In "Jupiter", young, astrophysics graduate Grant Archer has his eyes set on studying black holes from the moon for his graduate studies; newly married, Grant must serve out four years of Public Service to the state for their generous funding of his education, and what better way, Grant believes, than this. But, the state, which is controlled by the New Morality, has other ideas for Grant: as a spy on Space Station Gold circling Jupiter where scientists are defying the state's desires and studying life on Jupiter's moons and in Jupiter itself. This study of extraterrestrial life has the potential of challenging the New Morality's view of reality, and they don't like it at all. Grant--a believer, but not a Zealot--is miffed at the idea, especially since there is no astrophysics research being conducted at Jupiter; a complete waste of his talents and time he believes. But, Grant has no choice, Public Service is Public Service; and if he can find out what the New Morality wants to know quickly, then maybe they will ship him back to the moon where he belongs.
   
   What Grant is yet to learn, is what role he will ultimately play within the secretive space station and its mission of discovering what the large shapes moving around inside of Jupiter's world spanning ocean are...and are they intelligent?
   
   Ben Bova weaves a tight, straight forward tale about a mission to the heart of Jupiter where our understanding of fluid dynamics are incomplete when it comes to the dynamics of a gas atmosphere that subtly becomes liquid ammonia-laced water without a distinct boundary. Bova speculates on the potential of a gas giant like Jupiter to support life--both microscopic and large and intelligent. I have recently read a few books that bring in gas giant life forms into the storyline, but "Jupiter" tackles the topic head on.
   
   Unlike some of the more multi-layered space opera being crafted today, Ben Bova is a bit more old school; and, that is not a bad thing. It is a nice change of pace to read a good book about space exploration that is a simple adventure tale while tackling our understanding of our solar system and the universe at large. And, I enjoyed what is also a simple moral tale as well, where a young self- absorbed grad student grows up and discovers the difference between right and wrong without the help of a "New Morality".
   
   >>>>>>><<<<<<<
   
   A Guide to my Book Rating System:
   
   1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
   2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
   3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
   4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
   5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.



2. I love scifi, but I'm at a loss to explain the success of Bova's books. His writing is predictable and often repetitive, his plots are loose, and his characters are flat. His technology is contrived, and thinly explained. This book hits you over the head with his philosophy on science versus religion, and instead of asking interesting questions on that front, resorts to near lecturing using the unispired device of character thought monologue. About halfway through this book I lost interest.



3. Ben Bova is the last writer of the John W. Campbell Jr. mode. That is to say, a writer who takes plausible scientific principles and applies them to characters who must take action to resolve a clear conflict. He thus writes best about engineers, astronauts, explorers. He also writes well about politics and commerce (businesses operating in outer space, for example). But JUPITER (like VENUS) is an extraordinary achievement and has all the "sense of wonder" that's oftentimes missing in current science fiction. Lately, most sf is overladen with one trope after another, one sci-fi conceit or gimmick after another with no care to the evolution of characters in a scientific environment. JUPITER places several characters in believable circumstances with a few discoveries along the way. I've read this book three times now and it still works its wonders on me. Most writers, when they're dead and gone, will be remembered for one or two books or stories. I think JUPITER and VENUS will be among those books by Bova that will remain classics. Highly recommended!



4. Action and adventure are rampant in this "grand tour" novel of the largest planet in the solar system.
   
   The main character in the book is Grant Archer. Recently graduated from college with a degree in astrophysics, Grant longs for the opportunity to study black holes and other celestial matter. However, the powers-that-be have different ideas for him. Required to perform four years of "public service", Grant is sent by Ellis Beech, head of the New Morality, to Jupiter. According to Beech, those people working on Space Station Gold have apparently been searching for signs of life on Jupiter's satellites as well as Jupiter itself. This does not sit well with Beech and the New Morality, for they believe that any form of life outside of earth is "godless". Beech is sending Grant to spy on the members of Space Station Gold and report his findings to the New Morality. To make matters worse for him, Grant is newly-married, and will now be without his wife for six years. Dejected, Grant accepts and begins the long journey to Jupiter.
   
   After traveling for a year, Grant finally arrives at Jupiter, where he immediately meets Egon, who is the personnel director (at least for this week). Besides meeting Egon, Grant is also introduced to Lane O'Hara, a stunningly beautiful woman who is one of the scientists studying the possibilities of life existing on the planet. But Zhang Wo, the director of Space Station Gold, is the one who really gets Grant's attention. Their relationship is icy at best, but as the story goes along, the two bond and become friends. Meanwhile, Grant is introduced to the rest of the Jupiter team: Zeb, Irene, Quintero, Buono, Uhara, and Krebs. Earlier, a probe was launched to penetrate the clouds of Jupiter and plunge into Jupiter's ocean to see if any life existed there. The mission was a failure. Now, a new mission is being planned, and Grant is to be one of the crew. Will this mission succeed, or will it fail like the previous one? Will life be discovered in Jupiter's ocean?
   
   In keeping with the tradition of his other novels, Ben Bova has created an exciting story containing action and intrigue. Perhaps the strongest point of Bova's writing is his character development. Each character in this book is well-developed, and the reader can bond immediately with them. From the chilly Wo to the somewhat apprehensive Archer, Bova has developed characters that the reader can truly relate to. The story itself is very well-conceived, and the action is non-stop.
   
   I recommend this book very highly. I've read others from Bova's "grand tour" series, and this book is as good as any I've read so far. If you're a fan of good science fiction, then don't miss Bova's "Jupiter. Highly recommended.



5. Grant Archer is sent to Research Station Gold orbiting the largest planet in our solar system...Jupiter. He is sent under the auspices of conducting espionage for the New Morality, a pseudo-religious organization that has gained power over the US national government in the late 21st, early 22nd century. His mission for the New Morality is to determine why those on the station are conducting mysterious manned missions into the heart of the planet. But Grant Archer quickly begins to realize that the New Morality's agenda may not be his own, and disobeying the group may have serious consequences.
   
   I'm going to start with the disappointing facets of this novel first. While this book presents and interesting, and indeed plausible, view of our planetary neighbor, I couldn't get over the fact that the plot just seemed formulaic from the start. I may not have known how, precisely it was going to end, but it was easy enough to predict how the book was going to progress from point to point. I have read quite a bit of Bova's previous stuff, and this is one of the few books that felt forced, almost as if he was struggling with the plot at times and decided on following the path of least resistence just to finish out the story.
   
   Another big issue I had with this book was that the ending was seriously lacking. While the primary plotline was resolved in a reasonably satisfying manner...everything else was not. Grant Archer's wife seemed to be merely a device to make Archer's leaving Earth at the beginning of the book all the more painful. Her character and her issues were never satisfactorily resolved...nor were any of the other characters' issues.
   
   Lastly, in the negative column, the entire concept the New Morality seemed pretty shallow. While the idea of a pseudo-religious entity gaining primary control of a national government is relatively believable, Bova only used the group as the "big bad guy", issuing veiled threats at the beginning of the story, and easily thwarted at the end of the story. Seeing some of the "depth of their evilness" would have been nice.
   
   Onto to the good stuff. Bova does well in this book what he always does well on...developing and executing a plotline that presents the wonders of our solar system (and behind) in the best possible light. This book should be read, if only on this basis. No one but Bova elicits the need to turn to the next page for the main reason of, "What's behind the next corner?" or in this case, "What's just beyond that next cloud?"
   
   Ben Bova will always be one of my favorite authors. I simply wish he would reclaim the trophy for not only wonderfully imagined, alien vistas, but also, wonderfully built plotlines as well. I await reading Bova's next work with this in mind.

5 comments about Death Dream.

1. Although Bova tends toward the odd and strange ways of men dealing with children and society, DEATH DREAM is a great book. The only reason it does not deserve 5 stars is because the descriptive nature is not quite as good as it could be. I would reccommend this book to anyone interested in computers or VR.



2. The theme of manipulation through virtual reality is unsettling in that it is so possible, but the book is well done and interesting to read. One of Ben's best efforts.



3. My initial thoughts when I saw a VR related story made me cringe. All I could think of are all the Late Night B Movies that so make VR an unattractive subject.

   I got the audio version from the library on the simple fact that Ben Bova is an established fiction author. Suprisingly I enjoyed this quit a bit. The audio version had me anticipating what would happen next more from the story than from the reading of the story.

   If the reading was done a bit more like acting things out I probably would have gave this a five stars. At least they had some different sounding voices for some of the characters but the reader's ability to switch between character voices had some flaws.

   This story based on VR technology really did get my thoughts going on the dangers of other pieces of technology. Interesting and entertaining story.




4. This book was written very well. Featuring a slew of fun, dysfunctional characters, it would only take a small stretch of existential angst for me to give it a 5th star. As it is, though, it is merely a precautionary tale of the dangers that virtual reality may bring to the world. Precautionary tales are nice, and sometimes they are fun (like this one is), but they don't really have the meaning to earn that 5th star.

   This is the first book I have read by Mr. Bova, and I think that it is good, with some small imperfections. He has a certain writing style that is somewhat stilted to me, and it is sometimes hard to read. I can't place my finger on exactly what it is, though. It may be overusage of the character's names, or it may be the fact that the characters are a bit hackneyed, but whatever it is, it is somewhat annoying, like a tiny piece of flesh hanging from the top of your mouth...you know what it is and you want to fix it, but you can't really get directly at it, so you just worry it around with your tongue.

   Other than the lack of any real substance and the small writing annoyance, the book was very good overall, and I am quite impressed. Don't get me wrong, the book is fun to read, and I will read it again sometime in the future, it just won't alter my perceptions of the world in any measurable fashion.

   It is an exciting book, though, and it is fun to see Kyle Muncrief's whole world fall down around his sick, twisted feet, and I can't see why anyone should have to face repercussions for the consequences of his last VR sim.

   That's just me though. Read it, enjoy it, and pass it on. Definitely a buyer.
   Harkius




5. This is my first taste of the prolific and lauded Ben Bova. He is a good writer, he is definitely strong on character development. This is one of the drawbacks of this book. We get to know the characters well enough, but in doing so, Bova stifles the pacing of his book. This would work great on the movie screen; there are some really original and exciting virtual "games" going on here. There aren't a lot of characters to like in this book, although Dan certainly goes through hell to best his lifetime friend, Jason. Dan's wife, Susan, is whiny and sometimes I wanted to slap her; the daughter is a typical little brat, and what Uncle Kyle wants to do to her is pretty sick. WE get a lot of background on why Kyle Muncrief wants little Angela so bad, though.
   If Bova had cut some of the excess fat off this book, it would have been a stunner!

No comments about Best of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Volume One.

5 comments about City of Darkness.

1. Author, Harlan Ellison, dons his acting hat for this performance of Ben Bova's CITY OF DARKNESS. With years of practice performing his own short storys and doing voice overs for such cartoons as MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM, PIRATES OF DARKWATER, and several appearences on the live-action, BABYLON 5, Ellison has honed his vocal craft to a fine edge. The story is good, but the main selling point is the riveting performance by Ellison, which is more then worth the price of admission. Highly recommended.



2. This is the best book ever written the author, Ben Bova, in my opinion is one of the best authors ever. I read this book in 2 hours I liked it so much, and I am not a person who enjoys reading in fact I hate reading all together. This book has totally changed my opinion on reading. READ THIS BOOK!!!!! It is a do not miss.



3. As I said the story is pretty good, it's a typical action packed adventure story, full of machismo and all the usual stereotypes...the weak but beautiful girl, the "bad" gang member, the innocent hero who manages to do it all etc. It's very entertaining, and excellent if you have a long drive, you won't feel the hours pass, if it wasn't for the reading!

   The performer, Harlan Ellison does a horrible job. As he narrates a scene in a smoky room, he coughs, when the hero gets winded, the narration does as well. Most of the "voices" of the various protagonists are downright embarrassing. Evidently Harlan never read the story before narrating it. This is painfully obvious at every turn of the story, where Harlan increases the tension in his voice as a plot is resolving, or heightens the drama to a fever pitch, just as the hero makes it to safety.

   Overall, I would have turned it off if the story hadn't been so gripping. Harlans misplaced overacting completely ruins a good work by Ben Bova.




4. This was one of the best sci-fi stories i've listened to in a long while but the person reading the book was awful. If you can overlooks his bad performance the story is worth listening too.



5. This is my first foray into Ben Bova's work. I've seen it around but never quite picked it up. If this is typical of the quality of his work, I will be back for more.
   
   The story is set in a future United States in which the cities have been closed. New York City is cut off from the rest of the country except for the summer months - where it becomes a tourist destination away from the unrelenting tedium of suburbia (called "the tracts"). Our protagonist runs away to the city and gets locked in after it is closed at the end of the summer - and he finds out that the city is not empty after all...
   
   Harlan Ellison makes this audiobook seem like a one man radio play. He does a first-rate job at making the story sing and zing. The reviewers who have written complaints below are way off of the mark. Take the word of a listener who has heard more than his share of mediocre readers - Ellison deserves an award.
   
   I give Ellison an A+.
   I give the book an A.
   
   Combined score: A+

5 comments about Sam Gunn Unlimited.

1. One of his better books, nice twisting plot, and a long book! If you like any of his other books you'll love this one. And best of all it can be read, over, and over, and over and over.....you get the idea.



2. I read this a long time ago, but since I am a voracious reader, I have prolonged coming back to this classic so that I can fully enjoy it again. If you can find it(try resale stores)I recommend you buy it(and no, I did not receive any kickbacks for writing this revue).Enjoy the book!



3. Ben Bova never disappoints. He's at the top of his form in this thoroughly entertaining collection of short stories featuring Sam Gunn - a man sans scruples, a wannabe Lothario who is usually on the make. He's vertically challenged, and a defender of justice.

   These five chapters from Gunn's life are artfully rendered, taking us on hair-raising adventures as this jack-of-all-trades perseveres in his pursuit of money, power and women. He's not averse to suing the Pope or defeated when brought to trial for interplanetary genocide.




4. from the back cover of the October 1993 Bantam paperback edition
   Cover art by Stephen Youll
   Sam Gunn is the twenty-first cintury's greatest entrepreneur and its most hated public figure. Visionary, scoundrel, lover, liar, he is small in stature but larger than life, and his story is that of space exploration itself. He will make and lose fortunes from Earth to the Asteroid Belt, one step ahead of his creditors, one step behind his grand dreams. Through all his varied careers, Sam's goal will always be the same: to go where no one had ever gone before...and come back with a profit. Here is the rollicking tale of his amazing life, an adventure told by the men and women who loved or hated him but could never forget him as he carved out man's destiny amongst the stars.



5. I didn't think I would like this one, which is odd - I enjoy sci-fi/fantasy, but nothing about this book screamed "read me!" I only did because it was on my 'recommended list' - which I am determined to get through! Anyway, while it didn't seem that interesting from the outside, once I started I did not want to put it down. He sets a great pace in this book, with the main character (and you, along side her) hunting for information. It's a style that very much draws you into the book and drags you along, and I loved it. You have to be a sci-fi fan to enjoy the plot, but I found the style very engaging.

5 comments about The Precipice (The Asteriod Wars, Book 1).

1. I recently picked this up after noticing the library had quite a shelf load of Bova. I'm glad I did and will get back to the rest of his works very soon. This is set in the near future where things have changed from what we know (global warming has happened, nanotechnology) but not enough to make it unrecognizable or far-fetched. The story involves the decision to start mining the asteroid fields in order to replace earth's deplenished resources. Characters include rich execs, scientists and spacers all vying for the opportunity to help mankind or line their own pockets. Looks like I've been missing out on a good hard SF writer. It's an omission I plan to rectify.



2. The Precipice (2001) is the first SF novel of the Asteroid Wars series. In this volume, Earth has reached the greenhouse cliff, the threshold where the world's climate changes drastically in a very short time. Although the greenhouse effect had been hotly debated, the current evidence could not be rebutted. The icecaps were melting and storms tore savagely at human infrastructure.
   
   Dan Randolph is one of the victims of the new weather patterns. Jane Scanwell died trying to rescue people stranded by the flooding of the Tennessee River. Dan had not known how much he loved her until she was no longer there.
   
   Randolph is determined to alleviate the greenhouse effects as much as possible by moving industry into space and providing raw materials from the Belt. Only one asteroid has ever been brought to Earth in the past; of course, the operation bankrupted Sam Gunn, but it was successful. Now Dan needs a less expensive way to mine the Belt and Martin Humphries shows him such a method.
   
   Lyall Duncan has developed a small fusion power source. Unlike most such sources, the Duncan fusion device is small enough to fit into an old cruise missile used as a test vehicle. The results of this test suggest that a large version would be capable of powering a manned vehicle to the Belt in record time.
   
   Although Humphries has offered to underwrite the initial voyage, Dan just doesn't trust him. Humphries has made his billions by merging smaller companies into his Humphries Space Systems and Randolph's company, Astro Manufacturing, seems to be the old Humper's next target.
   
   While Randolph tries to get other concerns -- public and private -- to fund the first fusion drive spaceship, Pancho Lane has been taken off her piloting duties and assigned, with Amanda Cunningham, to the new fusion drive project. Humphries has recruited her to spy on Randolph, but Pancho doesn't really know anything; besides, she has already confessed her extracurricular activities to Randolph, whom she is beginning to admire. Humphries, however, is still unaware of her new role as a double agent.
   
   Randolph finally exhausts his list of earthside contacts and takes his case to the Moon. Douglas Stavenger, founder of Masterson Aerospace and leader of the Lunar succession from the old United Nations, is still chairman emeritus of Masterson and is government head of Selene. Stavenger has made full use of nanotechnology for maintenance of his body and thus looks much younger than Dan. As they talk, Randolph learns that Humphries has blocked any deal with Masterson by buying a majority interest in the company. Stavenger, however, points out than Selene is quite willing to partner with his company in the development of nanomachines to make fusion drive units.
   
   This novel is one of many works in the Grand Tour universe. Most of the major players in this novel are also found in other unrelated stories. Moreover, three other novels are direct prequels to this work.
   
   Bova has been writing Science Fiction for several decades and was editor of Analog magazine and fiction editor of Omni. Since 1992, he has been concentrating on the Grand Tour novels, with a common political background and an expanding technology. These novels relate the exploration and settlement of the Solar System, from Mercury to Saturn, using engineering solutions based on today's knowledge and speculation.
   
   Highly recommended for Bova fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of interplanetary adventure, political intrigue and cutthroat capitalism.
   
   -Arthur W. Jordin



3. This was my first Bova book, and will probably be my last. I finished it only because I had "made it this far, so I might as well", and also because I was waiting for something, ANYTHING to happen involving some sort of action sequence. But no....there was nothing.
   Though there are some positives: the science for the most part seems legit and interesting, although the extent of the negative impacts of global warming may be more speculation on Bova's part. (no political affiliation here, just my opinion!) Also, one or two of the characters was likeable at times(although most of them were quite annoying!)
   For somebody to give this book a 5 is laughable! As some other reviewer noted, seemed more like a "soap opera" to me. In fact, all you need to do is change the cover, and you could put this one in the romance section! Oh and by the way, this guy has some serious sexual tension built up inside.



4. Legendary sci fi author Ben Bova has crafted an exciting deep-space tale which incorporates some of today's most controversial topics: namely, the greenhouse effect and its possible effect on Earth's population.
   
   In this exciting novel, the earth is suffering from the effects of global warming. The polar caps are melting and natural resources are almost nonexistent. Dan Randolph, head of Astro Manufacturing, believes that the solution to the earth's problems lies in the Asteroid Belt. If the natural resources from the belt could be tapped, many of the Earth's industries could eventually be moved off-world to outer space locations. But, the problem of getting to the belt remains a challenge for Dan. However, he believes that if a fusion-powered spaceship could be built, he could get crews to the belt in fairly short amounts of time. The problem he faces is coming up with capital to support his mission.
   
   Martin Humphries, another shrewd businessman, likes what he's heard about Dan's project and he agrees to provide funding for it. But, Humphries is known to gobble up interest in smaller companies until he has enough power to completely take them over, and he has his sights set on Dan's Astro Manufacturing.
   
   Sensing Humphries' intentions, Dan seeks funding from other sources, including Doug Stavenger, head of the Selene base on the moon. However, as the story progresses, Dan finds that the only way for him to develop his fusion powered ship is to partner with Humphries and Stavenger. Finally, the ship is completed and ready for launch.
   
   However, Humphries still is intent on acquiring Astro and has forbid any launch of the spacecraft. But Dan realizes that he must get to the belt and establish mining rights to as many asteroids as possible. So, he and his crew members Pancho Lane, Amanda Cunningham, and Lars Fuchs, secretly take off and head for the belt. But they weren't secretive enough, for Humphries has enlisted the help of Dr. Kris Cardenas, a former ally of Dan's, to place nanomachines into the ship to disable it and force the crew to return to the moon. Will Dan and his crew reach the base before its too late?
   
   This is an excellent book. I've read several of Bova's other "Grand Tour" books, and I've found this one to be one of his best. The story is well-conceived and the characters are well-developed and believable.
   
   I give this book my highest recommendation. I can't wait to see what happens in the following books of the Asteroid Wars series.



5. I was disappointed with Ben Bova's The Precipice. Since others here do an excellent job of recounting the novel in detail, I'll just mention a few things:
   1) Often the most exciting parts of the novel are only ancillary to the main story.
   2) Bova's climate alarmism is readily apparent and annoying.
   3) The so-called "New Morality" makes no sense (i.e. it has no basis in the reality of what people believe today and where those beliefs seem headed). Bova simply comes across as mildly anti-religious.
   4) Much of the novel seemed downright dull, plodding - as if Bova was terribly bored with his own creation and simply going through the motions.
   
   I really wonder if the sequels are any better, or if they're even worth the effort. At this point, I would have to say probably not.

5 comments about Return to Mars.

1. Dr. Jamie Waterman returns to Mars--this time for an ambitious 18-month stay upon the Red Planet. He and his expedition must live off the land--regardless of how hostile that Martian land may seem--they must glean their food, water and oxygen from the frigid red sands.
   
   This expedition's mission objectives include a harrowing descent into the caldera of Olympus Mons--the solar system's tallest volcano--and of course broadening the search for life--most controversially, Jamie's allegations of "cliff dwellings" hidden within the cliff face of Tithonium Chasma (Mars' Grand Canyon, which dwarfs our own).
   
   The extended length of this mission takes away from the imperativeness of the first expedition--it's a bit lazier--and also quite frightening--you've got 18 full months of the Martian elements staring you in the face.
   
   And yes, Jamie is afforded sufficient time to investigate what he thought he saw on the first expedition years ago. And he is determined to prove his allegations.
   
   This is a good sequel, but I'm afraid it has a few shortcomings. I was disappointed at the lack of returning characters. I was disappointed in how Jamie's relationship with Joanna Brumado was handled. I was disappointed in how Jamie's relationship with his grandfather was handled. I was disappointed in how Jamie's relationship with his parents was handled. And I was a tad irked that once again the expedition's physician plays a pivotal role. A good doctor should be like a good lawyer--you don't even know he's there till you need him.
   
   Another aspect of this book I found troubling was the characters' constant ethnic slurs to Jamie's Native American background. I found it very unrealistic. I think scientists would behave differently--and I think a handful of people on another planet wouldn't give two hoots what your ethnic background is; if you're human, then you're a friend.
   
   And then there's Mr. Bova's tentative grasp of romance. He tries to push the envelope with this one, but there's still some key element missing. I think it's passion, a true passion for another, a passion which can enslave and yet free you at the same time. Mr. Bova feels a passion for Mars--which is palpably evident--but his passion for man-woman relationships is luke-warm.
   
   Nonetheless, Mr. Bova's heart is in the right place, and the book's ending is a happy one--on all fronts [wink]. If you've read the first book, then you owe it to yourself to read the sequel. And we can only hope the author writes a third installment. Until then, "Ya'aa'tey."



2. I quite enjoyed Mars except for only a few shaky moments. In 'Return' he once again uses 'flash-backs' to explain how his characters - the crew - gain the much-vied-for spots on the second Mars expedition. Once again, Bova shows that characterization is extremely important to him and he is the best sci-fi writer in that respect. Some reviewers have said they found MORE politics in this second installment but I found the reverse to be true - at least in the amount of print devoted to Earth. This is far more 'Mars' than Mars was in that respect.
   Two excellent points to make about the novel. The first was the suspense of the Olympus Mons mission. The delicate, tenuous descent into the caldera and the perils that almost cost the two astronauts their lives were excellently written. I won't give anymore details but suffice it to say that you yourself are clinging to the dark, sloping wall perched on the edge of an unimaginable abyss. I was gripping the edges of the book. The second point is Bova's under-pinning scientific premise - that Mars suffered the same meteor shower that Earth did 65 million years ago and that since that time it has been slowly dying. For his story, it is the perfect premise and also extremely intriguing scientifically. Again, I won't give any more details but I beleive that it works well.
   Lastly, Bova inserts a kind of 'whodunnit' mystery into the novel by bringing forth the possibility of a saboteur - and then giving the reader a real twist as to who it finally turns out to be. The story will touch you on some levels that the first one didn't.



3. Perhaps that was a spoiler. Other reviewers have already mentioned that the protagonist of this novel was a Navaho Indian. I think that gives a unique slant to what could have been another "hardware opera". (For the record, I don't usually read realistic novels about space exploration because I'm not that interested in descriptions of rovers, landers etc.)
   
   For me, what made this novel unique was that for once, the money-hungry developers DIDN'T get their way. Another unique touch was Jamie's real love for the planet Mars. Can any of us imagine WANTING to live on Mars? I can't. Jamie's protectiveness and reverence for the Red Planet are unusual in space fiction. Some reviewers are calling this "leftist" but I think this sort of consciousness is parallel to an increased respect for Earth as a living organism (Gaia). Call me mystical but I wonder whether all planetary bodies have some sort of integrity which ought not to be violated by money-hungry developers.
   
   But what I enjoyed most was the portrayal of the discovery of the Martian village. We see a lot of ET's and aliens in space opera fiction, but it is another thing to imagine actually discovering intelligent life, or its remains. Bova handled this glorious moment wonderfully.



4. Navajo geologist-astronaut, Jamie Waterman, blasts off to the red planet for a second time as the leader of a privately funded follow up expedition to the earth's first foray to Mars which ended on a literal cliff-hanger. the discovery of pueblo-like cliff dwellings that seemed to indicate Mars had been inhabited in the past by intelligent life.
   
   The crew, an eclectic blend of nationalities and experts in a variety of scientific and technical fields of endeavour, direct their efforts to the completion of three distinct projects - the examination of the lichen type biology and the geology of the caldera of Olympus Mons, a volcano and the highest mountain in the solar system; the recovery of a priceless artifact from the much earlier Mars Pathfinder expeditions; and the detailed investigation of Jamie's pueblo dwellings with a view to proving once and for all whether Mars had ever been home to an intelligent species of life.
   
   Aside from the hard sci-fi themes of the Martian environment, the research, the overwhelming dangers and difficulties of extraterrestrial exploration in a fundamentally hostile environment, "Return to Mars" also examines two other central themes - first, the almost insurmountable difficulties of the costs of big budget science and the conflicts that inevitably arise when capitalism attempts to force fundamental research into profit-oriented motives; and, second, the inherent dangers of contaminating a pristine environment such as Mars with untrammeled, loosely controlled exploration, travel, business and (gasp!) even colonization or, worse yet, tourism!
   
   Certainly, Bova was not shy about using "Return to Mars" as a forum for espousing his own political views on the matter and, for some readers, the strength of the expression of these opinions was seen as a shortcoming in the novel. But, I felt that using Jamie, in particular, a highly educated scientist with an underlying aboriginal Navajo cultural mindset, as the fundamental mouthpiece for these opinions, the left-leaning political statements seemed to come across as heartfelt and completely natural. While some readers might disagree with some of what Jamie had to say, it seemed completely reasonable to hear him and the other scientists express these views. Their disgust and complete antipathy to the notion of tourism directed at the Martian cliff-dwellings was particularly understandable in the context in which it was presented.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   Paul Weiss



5. It has been six years since geologist Jamie Waterman set foot on Mars for the first time. Now, he's going back again, this time as mission commander in Ben Bova's great follow-up novel.
   
   In this installment, Jamie has been installed as mission commander. He hopes to be able to further explore the rock formation he discovered in the Tithonium Chasma on the first expedition. He's in charge of seven other members in this expedition. Included in the mission are Stacy Dezhurova, Dex Trumball, Possum Craig, Trudy Hall, Vijay Shektar, Mitsuo Fuchida, and Tomas Rodriguez. After a five-month flight from earth, the crew had finally reached their destination. Dex is the son of Darryl C. Trumball, an American billionaire who has put up most of the funding for the mission. He had hoped that his son would be named mission commander and only reluctantly accepted Jamie as commander. Dex and his father hoped to exploit possible commercial and tourist activities on Mars, while Jamie hoped to keep the planet pristine and explore its vast amounts of uncharted wilderness.
   
   Almost immediately, tensions begin to flare between Jamie and Dex. To make matters worse, Dex and Jamie both seem romantically interested in Vijay. Despite their rivalry, Dex and Jamie begin to work together and, as the book goes on, even develop a strong friendship. Dex begins to have serious doubts about his father's grand scheme of making Mars into a tourist destination. As time goes on, he reveals more and more of his true feelings to Jamie. Jamie wants Mars preserved as is and slowly, Dex begins to believe that Jamie's course of action is best. Vijay's and Jamie's relationship deepens as well.
   
   Studies are carried out at the Tithonium Chasma and it is discovered that Jamie's rock dwelling is indeed the remnants of an ancient civilization of Martians. Upon analysis of rock samples taken from the site, it is determined that the structure is approximately 65 million years old; the same age as the earth was when the dinosaurs were wiped out. This discovery leads the expedition members to believe that life on Mars ended at about the same time.
   
   Problems have arisen for the expedition as well. Fuchida believes that there is a saboteur among the group. Several strange occurances have happened that cannot be explained as simple coincidence. Now, the group must watch out for further acts of sabotage. Unfortunately, another takes place, this time with devastating consequences.
   
   Dex's father is still determined to see his dream of having Mars as a tourist destination fulfilled. So, he gets a seat on a re-supply ship destined for Mars. Mr. Trumball hopes to "claim" the part of Mars being researched as his own. That way, he can proceed with his vision. However, Jamie, with Dex's help, has decided to stake a claim for the Navajo nation in hopes of leaving Mars as is. Jamie also learns that he must remain behind after the others leave in order to enforce his claim. So, after the final act of sabotage forces the rest of the group to leave for Earth early, Jamie has decided to remain until the re-supply ship arrives to stake the claim for the Navajo nation. But, he's not alone; Vijay has decided to stay as well.
   
   This is an excellent book. The story is well-conceived, and the development of the characters is first-rate. I've read several of Bova's books, and I've enjoyed "Mars" and "Return to Mars" the most. I hope that there will be a third installment to finish the story. This book and its predecessor are must reads for sci-fi fans.

5 comments about Moonrise.

1. This book was excellent, I couldn't put it down. I'm in the middle of reading the sequel, which I am thus far unable to put down as well. I was amazed at the end of this book and found myself disappointed that I'd finished it, because that meant I wasn't reading it anymore. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was I thought the characterization could be a little better. I tried really hard to like Paul Stavenger, I really did, but I just didn't find his character to be all that sympathetic. I liked him just fine until he cheated on his wife with Melissa and it all went downhill from there. Doug was more sympathetic than Paul, but he really had the opposite problem. Paul was at least real to me, even if I didnt like his personal life. Doug is a great guy and all, but jeez, give this guy some flaws already! No one is THAT perfect. But despite the character issues, it was still a wonderful book.



2. In Moonrise, Ben Bova writes a good story of what could be on the Moon in the future. While it is somewhat predictable, it's still a good story.

   Masterson Corperation is working on exploring and mining the Lunar surface for solar power and other minerals, and it is the dream of Paul Stavenger, retired astronout and designer of one of the compainies most profitable products, the Clippership which makes travel around the world possible in less than an hour by ships which work above the atmosphere in low orbit.

   The company is in turmoil as Gregory Masterson the second dies sudenly and under questionable circumstances, and Gregory Masterson the third expects to take his place as President of the company. However, the wife of the late president nominates Paul Stavenger, her lover and fiance to the position, setting forces in motion which could tear the company apart as Gregory the second rages and plots to regain his rightfull place.

   The trials and triumpsh of Moonbase, and of Nanotechnology are closly linked. Nanotechnology is opposed by an extremist religious movement which organises protests and terrorism against any who use it, Moonbase becomes the last place where it is safe to use nanites. However, even this is in danger.

   Joanna Masterson/Stavenger must walk a tightrope between her son, and doing what is best for him, and her new husband, and protecting him, and later her second son, Doug Stavenger, son of Paul, from the plots of her criminally insane elder son. However, we can see where a mother's love and protection can go too far in trying to protect one who should be locked up.

   In the end, it's up to Doug to save his father's legacy and dream of a future on the Moon, even if it kills him.




3. I was in a mood for some "hard" science fiction when I was in the bookstore the other day. Remembering how much I liked Ben Bova's stuff in the past, I started looking through his newer stuff and settled on "Moonrise." Moon colonies and nanotechnology! What could be better?
   
   Unfortunately, Bova manages to suffocate every ounce of suspense and mystery from these potentially thrilling topics with stilted dialog, boring board-room politics, contrived behaviors, and repetitive narrative.
   
   - The first third of the book switches back and forth between the moon and earth without any obvious literary purpose, and I found this to be terribly annoying and even tedious.
   
   - You know very soon that Greg is a murderer, so nothing he does is surprising. The only shocking aspect is how everyone lets him get away with it. For example,
   
   - Joanna is supposed to be a savvy and disciplined corporate woman who is strong enough to edge her unbalanced son Greg out of the top position at the family aerospace corporation -- but not strong enough to do anything about the seven or eight people he's admitted killing by page 150. Then she practically lets Greg babysit her younger son Doug (the "good" one). You know, the one about whom Greg said, "Abort it!" and "Get rid of that monster you're carrying in your belly!" and so on. Joanna is not a "complex" characterization, just mind-numbingly random.
   
   - Booze and sex are sprinkled throughout awkwardly as if some editor said, "make this PG-13." All female characters are described primarilly by how attractive they are to men. The liquor "still" on the moon is referred to in the same cut-and-paste way every time.
   
   - What I *was* looking for -- the "geek porn" of in-depth discussion of nanotechnology and the science of making a moon base -- was there in only the most stingy quantities, like chocolate syrup on a Weight Watcher's cookie.
   
   - The whole anti-nanomachine movement is presented like the characters in the book: mono-dimensionally, with precious little explanation or discussion of their rationale. They oppose the technology because, well, they're ignorant luddites, what do you expect they would do? This isn't really thought-provoking at all, just shallow politician-bashing and religion -baiting.
   
   Some reviewers found this book hard to put down. I found it hard to continue to the end.



4. I shall write of both "Moonrise" and "Moonwar."
   
   These are the stories of Moonbase, a permanent lunar settlement built by an American corporation in the mid-21st century. These tales chronicle the political and societal tension wrought by unpopular scientific endeavors, and the unforeseen consequences thereof. The books portray a future wherein a new fascism creeps across the entire globe, embraced by a superstitious public, and at dire odds with the free-thinking scientists living on the Moon--men and women who journeyed there to escape the shackles of Earthside ignorance and fear. You will find intrigue, betrayal, villainy, sexual bartering, rugged individualism, and even love within these books' pages.
   
   But Ben Bova's vocabulary is disappointing. His dialog is often uninspired and even predictable. His narrative, his pacing, his exposition, his character development, and even his plot development are all very Saturday matinee. Even worse, his understanding of relationships is shallow.
   
   But what gets these books off the ground and keeps the reader till their last pages is Ben Bova's love of space exploration. The man fervently believes that space exploration will benefit all of mankind, and not just the bureaucrats or big business. When Ben Bova describes an exclusively astronomical scene, his passion is undeniable. In the first book, there's a scene wherein an 18-year-old walks upon the lunar surface for the first time, and it borders on epiphanous. Ben Bova brings the Moon's unique beauty into sharp focus; sometimes, you can actually feel the regolith beneath your boots. It's this passion, I believe, that makes these books worth reading--in spite of their shortfalls.



5. Controlled by Masterson Corporation, Moonbase has been set up as an advance research facility crewed by researchers and scientists. However, Paul Stavenger has greater dreams for Moonbase; he sees it as becoming its own self-sufficient community in space, totally non-dependent on anything from Earth. But, beneath this lofty goal, trouble has been brewing. Paul has been having an affair with Joanna Masterson, who happens to be the wife of Greg Masterson II, the head of Masterson Corporation. To make matters worse, Greg II is found dead, the victim of an apparent suicide; or is it? Now, it appeared that Joanna's son, Greg III, would be in prime position to take over as head of the corporation. However, Joanna manages to shock everyone on the Board of Directors by nominating Paul, her new husband, to become the new CEO. Paul is elected, and Greg III is left shocked. But. Greg III intends to shut down Moonbase, no matter who or what gets in his way.
   
   Soon, Joanna discovers that she is pregnant with Paul's son, but much worse things are about to happen. Nanotechnology is used on the moon for a variety of reasons. Paul has gone to the moon to study the uses of nanotechnology, but Greg has gotten wind of Paul's plans. He has inserted "gobblers"; visciuos nanobugs, into the batch of nanomachines Paul is working with. These Gobblers somehow managed to work themselves into Paul's suit and destroy it. Paul and two other workers are killed by the gobblers.
   
   Fast-forward 18 years. Doug Stavenger, now a young man, has become interested in keeping his father's dream of transforming Moonbase into its own community. Meanwhile, Greg III has spent years in therapy trying to come to terms with what he did to Paul. Joanna, now CEO of Masterson, has decided that Greg will take over as Moonbase director. But, this decision proves to be fatal as events play out over the rest of the story. Will Doug and Greg be able to co-exist, or will their simmering lack of trust threaten to boil over?
   
   I thought this was a very good book. I thought the character development was good, especially Paul and Greg III. However, I did feel that some of the characters were more shallow than some of the others. I did enjoy the action that took place at Moonbase more than that of what occurred on Earth. I made the mistake of reading "Moonwar", the sequel to "Moonrise", first so I kind of knew beforehand how this book would end. Nevertheless, I did enjoy reading this book.
   
   I recommend "Moonrise" very highly. Although I feel that this is not Ben Bova's best work, it is till worth reading. Highly recommended for science fiction fans.

5 comments about Empire Builders (Bookcassette(r) Edition).

1. This is really a unique novel. I don't recall reading anything by Ben Bova before this book. After reading this novel I decided that Mr. Bova wrote a good novel and I bought several more of his titles to see if he is consistent. Well, that is not the point of this review. This is a review of `Empire Builders' not Ben Bova.

   What a really good novel this was. The protagonist Dan Randolf is a wonderful creation on Bova's part, as a previous reviewer noted. I don't know how much of the science involved in the book is realistic but it was written in such a way that I found it believable. The motives of the key players were logical and the plot made sense. What more can you ask for.

   Amazon did an adequate job of giving the plot overview so I won't waste your time here with the same. I will only add that this novel succeeds in nearly every particular. As you are reading the novel you are constantly confronted with actions and reactions that are surprising to you, as the reader, but seem like the only logical event after reading them. A definite recommend on my part.




2. Rating System:
   1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten
   2 star = poor; a total waste of time
   3 star = good; worth the effort
   4 star = very good; what writing should be
   5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with others

   STORY: From back cover - "Dan Randolph, has become Dan Randolph, empire builder. His staff has found evidence that the greenhouse effect has been gathering speed and that soon, Earth will be on the edge of the greenhouse "cliff". Millions will die unless humankind changes its ways immediately."
   On the run from the world government and other forces, Randolph battles to regain all that he has lost and save the world at the same time.

   MY FEEDBACK:
   1) At first I was groaning at the thought of some extremist "tree-hugging" storyline. Yet Bova handles the subject matter VERY well without getting overly preachy.
   2) Some nice plot twists and believable opposition established
   3) A complaint (not the only one) is that the end seemed to get wrapped up a little too swift and nicely. It ignored some issues that normally would carry on a lot longer considering the "history" Bova built between characters and the world they live in.
   4) The character of Dan Randolph was enjoyable to read and the people who help him at various turns are a nice mix to watch
   5) The audio book reader does a good job and even had different voices for different characters, which I always prefer.

   OVERALL: It was interesting and entertaining. The "hard science" of the book was ok...nothing spectacular. It is worth the effort if you don't have anything else pressing to read.




3. Everything in this novel is too simplistically told - the greenhouse cliff that could be avoided by a conversion within 10 years to all fusion engines, to Dan Randolph who double dammed and said rain don't make applesauce too many times for me. The characters of Fletcher and George were better drawn.
   Give me Bova's Mars book.



4. This book, my first by Ben Bova, started out very well. Dan Randolph was an amusing character and the overall setting was interesting. Bova generally did a good job of detailing the Grand Tour universe and began to develop a sense of doom from the impending environmental crisis. However, ultimately, the book was let down by three problems: 1) Jane Scanwell was a terribly weak character, especially for who seemed to have been a master politician, and it was hard to understand why she appeared to hate Dan so much at the beginning; Kate Williams wasn't that much better; 2) the irrelevant submarine earthquake; 3) the ending simply degenerated into a feel-good Hollywoodian James Bond rip-off.
   
   A good start, but ultimately disappointing and unsatisfying.



5. For those who like space opera, this will be a bit of a disappointment. The first two installments of the Grand Tour opus have remarkably little science, and instead focus much more on political machinations in a world dominated by the USSR (Privateers) and then by a a global economic organization which seems to be the target of organized crime. Throw in a bit of sex, some greenhouse issues (explained in a very elementary way), and you have quick, light reading. Suitable for a beach or subway ride, perhaps an airplane trip? But not Bova at his best.

5 comments about Mars (Bookcassette(r) Edition).

1. The theme of "Mars", Ben Bova's extraordinary vision of a first manned expedition to Earth's planetary neighbour, is hardly unique and imaginative. In fact, it's been pounded into submission on hundreds of previous occasions. Bova succeeds nonetheless and has served up a particularly compelling and realistic entry into the pantheon of space exploration sci-fi that unflinchingly explores the politics, the psychology, the emotion and humanity as well as the danger and excitement of an extended exploratory space mission that would in fact last almost two years. A healthy serving of science and day to day scientific realism rounds out this exciting and eminently readable story of a group of planetary explorers that are ultimately shown to have "the right stuff".
   
   Nominally the hero of the tale, Jamie Waterman is a Navajo geologist selected to be part of the multi-national scientific ground team that will explore the red planet. The story opens as Jamie steps onto the surface of Mars and, overwhelmed with the power and emotion of the moment, he utters his first words to a waiting populace on Earth in Navajo instead of the carefully scripted English he was supposed to use. The resulting political firestorm that erupts on Earth is somehow sadly predictable in its powerful and dramatic realism.
   
   Told primarily from Jamie's perspective, the main plot line unfolds around a debilitating and almost certainly fatal illness that every single member of the ground crew except the doctor contracts. While the forensic medical investigation into the illness is told with an urgent drama that will have every reader on the edge of their seat right to the literally cliff-hanging climax, it's the ultimate discovery of its cause that will leave readers slack-jawed with amazement at Bova's brilliant imagination and the almost absurdly humourous irony of the problem.
   
   The Iron Curtain and the US-Russian Cold War are now relegated to the pages of history so the political structures and international rivalries portrayed in the story clearly date the writing of "Mars" to the latter part of the 20th century. But that takes nothing at all away from Bova's masterful development of full, complex characters whose well-being and success will matter to the readers. What more could a happy science fiction fan ask for - characters, plot and a heaping plate full of informative, entertaining and realistic science!
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   Paul Weiss



2. In the midst of all the politics, please remember your vitamins.
   
   
   A Soviet dominated mission to Mars is put together, and a rather late inclusion is a Native Amreican geologist. When they actually arrive, after a few hair-raising moments on the trip there, he ignites controversy by speaking his native tongue instead of what the cue cards suggest.
   
   While landed successfully, the mission has some serious problems to overcome, to survive.



3. Ben Bova has written a masterful novel about the first humans to explore the planet Mars.
   
   Jamie Waterman is a young half-Navajo geologist who dreams of exploring Mars. Due to an illness, Jamie is bumped up to the first team that is going to Mars. Also aboard are Joanna Brumado, a Brazilian biologist; Mikhail Vosnesensky, a Russian and overall mission commander; Ilona Malater, an Israeli scientist; Antony Reed, a British flight physician; Pete Connors, an American astronaut and co-pilot; and Ravavishnu Patel, a Hindu geologist. The flight from Earth to Mars took 9 months, but the crew finally lands on the red planet and begins their exploration.
   
   Jamie and Mikhail have decided to explore Tithonium Chasma, the great canyon that stretches for thousands of miles on the Martian surface. While there, Jamie discovers a rock formation that looks like it could have been made by intelligent beings. Immediately, Mikhail and Jamie head back to camp to collect the others and return for closer observations. Meanwhile, Patel is angered because, due to the change in mission plans, he will have much less time to explore the Tharsis volcanoes. Jamie and Mikhail have also discovered a mist that hangs over the canyon. It is decided to go down to the bottom of the canyon to see if there is any type of life forms living there.
   
   Joanna and Ilona indeed discover lichen-type organisms living in the rocks at the bottom of the canyon. After collecting samples of the lichen-like organisms, the group then climbs back into their rover to return once again to camp. However, a huge dust storm comes sweeping down the canyon, burying the rover in dust. To make matters worse, all of the members of the expedition except for Reed have come down with some mysterious illness that no one can explain. After further analysis, it was determined that the group had contracted scurvy from lack of vitamin C intake. The group's vitamin storage was damaged in a meteorite strike and now, the crew is slowly dying. Ultimately, it comes down to Jamie to save the group. Will he succeed, or will the winds of Mars confine the group there forever?
   
   This is a great book. The character development, especially that of Jamie, Joanna, and Mikhail, is excellent and the story is fast-paced and exciting. Bova also throws in some interesting true facts about Mars along the way. I've read several of Bova's books, and I rate Mars as being one of the best. This book is a must-read for fans of great science fiction.



4. A fascinating sci-fi novel about the first manned expedition to Mars. The story's more about the science than the fiction, which makes it very interesting to this reader, who suffers from a deplorable case of science deficiency. My only complaint was the poor development of the characters. I just didn't really care if anyone lived or died, which is a shame in an otherwise interesting novel.



5. This book fell far short of the standards I had for it. The narrative jumped not just between characters, but also between planets and time periods. There's very little adventure or excitement and what really enraged me was that a character description in the book lied about one professional who is enraged and plots to make the protagonist pay for ruining his life's dream to study the Martian volcanoes, but yet he does nothing! He fumes and is enraged, but that is it!
   
   Parts of the book seemed too much like a textbook for my taste, and even got redundant with the author constantly reminding the reader that Mars' sky is not blue.
   
   Add it all together with stereotypical cardboard characters and it makes for a most dissatisfying read, not as bad as Allen Steele's Coyote Trilogy though.