Human Starpilots

Human Starpilots

Against the fall of night – from A.C. Clarke

This summer, I have gone back to classics. I like to do that from time to time. And someone (whom i’ll have to thank) pointed me toward “against the fall of the night” from A.C. Clarke.

I am a great fan of “The city and the stars” and when I learned of a novella which had been written before, the prototype of the novel,I had to go and read it.

– Novella vs novel

I like both. Both are excellent read although the novel is more complete and fulfilling than the novella

Knowing both, reading the novella was a lot of fun, checking what he kept or not. Some words or paragraphs didn’t change at all. Some a lot more. Fascinating.

– The story

Ah, the story will stay with you long after the read. This is not your classic dictatorial dystopia. No. Quite the reverse since men created perfect everlasting society. This is not the desperate search for some order in a chaotic world but the return of a little of chaos in static worlds. A fantastic read !

As you can guess by now, I was stunned by the novella, enjoying as much as I had enjoyed the book itself. Treat yourself and read it !

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots

Listening to Way station from Clifford D Simak

I read Way Station decades ago and decided to listen to it. Well, I have to recommend it.

  1. General comment : this is an old text and it has aged in the way the story is told. And yet, each time I found it slow and thought about putting it down, then, something else happened and I had to continue … Definitely worth listening to.
  2. Story : What makes us members of the entire galactic community ? More would spoil you but it’s amazing.
  3. Characters : They are so detailed ! the author prepares the twists of his plot well in advance laying everything we need to know long before the action starts.
  4. In short, I was surprised by how profound and well thought the story is. A must-read !

 

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots

Murder in Absentia by Assaph Mehr

I just finished this book and I’d like to recommend it.

A most excellent detective story set in a roman alternative world. The characters are quite engaging and the description of the roman city, Egretia, quite detailed, so detailed you feel you are really living in it. I really enjoyed the entire story !

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots

A perfect bookfair to prepare for summer

I want to recommend this bookfair.

  1. because I am in it 🙂
  2. because there are awesome authors in there !

In summer, for my part, I increase my reading. This year (of all years) I go and sit outside for  a quiet read with open sky above me.

Posted by xm3p4hyc in Human Starpilots

Release alert : early departure is out

Don’t miss this short story which will take you to Titan Primary Space Station.

Humanity conquered the solar system during its golden age. But those times are long gone. AIs, once designed to help humanity reach the stars, have grown out of control.

Captain John Lester is preparing for the return to Earth. Will you join him ?

Posted by xm3p4hyc in Human Starpilots

Scifi is more than space battle

This is what Wesley Britton demonstrates in his book “the blind alien”. Behind the plot and the characters, both interesting, I have been amazed by the level of details the author has put into his world. No space opera but an alternative Earth with its own problems and opportunities for our characters. A very interesting and thought provoking read!

 

 

 

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots

Commercial spaceflights…

More than fifteen years, i began tracking the progresses of Virgin Galactic. They are late on planning but they are getting there, offering spaceflight from New Mexico. Still following what they do …

https://www.virgingalactic.com/articles/virgin-galactic-completes-first-human-spaceflight-from-spaceport-america-new-mexico/

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots

A new video on how star are formed

I love this simulation from Illinois’s Northwestern University. I don’t know how we could use it in a book but … if I can find a way, I will 🙂

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots

For your next job, expect heavy weather…

Sent on a mission to Jupiter? Watch out for the big red storm.

I see, you’re not a rookie, you know space, don’t you?

Really, you heard of the dust devils of Mars? Good.

But what about Neptune’s wind going faster than the speed of sound? And the diamond rain of Uranus? Are you really that ready for outer space? Will you take your space suit and travel?

https://www.space.com/crazy-solar-system-world-weather

Posted by Fabrice Stephan in Human Starpilots