Proxima Rising: Hard Science Fiction (Proxima Trilogy Book 1)

At long last a novel of planetary exploration and possible 1st contact. I have been lamenting the dearth of well written hard science fiction in the area of extra solar planetary exploration and 1st contact scenarios.Science fiction, IMO, has taken a step toward being prone to making current political ideological commentary in the representation of its characters and the morals and motivations that spur their behaviours. As long as the narratives and their characters are anchored firmly to what is actually the case rather than on ideological grounds I will be satisfied.This novel is thankfully bereft of a political ideological footprint, is well written with serviceable characters and a very interesting extra solar, planetary environment. The planet-bound intrigue is paced well and adds to the tension in the plot regarding possible outcomes.The science is economically utilised to forward the narrative and all in all I think this novel is the author's best achievement to date (the previous trilogy were very good as well). Have ordered the 2nd novel in the trilogy and am looking forward to reading it.

Thought provoking fast paced story, struggled to put it down, I was dissapointed when it ended, I thought there was more left as the book was only 80% complete. There's a lot of science theory at the end which demonstrates the authors dedication to research, personally I'd rather have more of the fiction. This aside I had a burning desire to leap straight into book 2 which is even better. These are books about space travel, alien planets and the psychology of the human mind. Its a peek at what scientific advances are possible. There's also plenty to engage anyone who loves an ethical debate.

I started out with very high expectations after reading the sample but the novel didn’t quite live up to the early promise.The science part was faultless. Interesting and novel, thought provoking and sometimes challenging. However, the story itself became a bit bland and the exploration of an alien planet formulaic and, mostly, unoriginal.Four stats is probably a bit high but three would be unfair.Not a bad read but not enough to make me get the next installment.

Brilliantly done, really pushing the boundaries of science as we know it and what could possibly be achieved.

His books are getting very similar now. Don't hold me like the first few did.

A good start to a trilogy. I have now read it all. This first book is a bit slow and narrow in story scope but still good.

Has some interesting ideas about how to cope with interstellar travel. Science is well thought through and credible not bad

Well thought out book, really enjoyed it, cant wait to read next one.