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The Stardock Trilogy #1
Bearing Gifts
When the over-driven hyperdrive on their mobile shipyard burned out, the Chhrt'ktk't abandoned it in an inhabited system along their path, hoping it would work as a decoy to buy them more time to escape the Khreetan fleet pursuing them. They didn’t anticipate how far the pre-spacefaring species they turned over their broken-down maintenance facility to would subvert their plan.
Alex Holder, a retired engineer, just happened to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right mindset, to find himself chosen by the Chhrt'ktk't to hand over control of their shipyard to, simply because he was the first person they found able to interface with it. The Chhrt'ktk't could not possibly anticipate what he would do with it. And neither would anyone else.
"It's kind of Larry Niven or, even more, Arthur Clarke." — John Shirley
Second edition, April 2024
© 2024 Fenian House Publishing
Alex Holder, a retired engineer, just happened to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right mindset, to find himself chosen by the Chhrt'ktk't to hand over control of their shipyard to, simply because he was the first person they found able to interface with it. The Chhrt'ktk't could not possibly anticipate what he would do with it. And neither would anyone else.
"It's kind of Larry Niven or, even more, Arthur Clarke." — John Shirley
Second edition, April 2024
© 2024 Fenian House Publishing
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
About the author
Sean Fenian
5 books38 followersSean Fenian is a generalist and open-source evangelist who is tired of several decades of working in the information technology sector. He is broadly knowledgeable in many subjects, with a long-standing informed layman’s interest in physics and related science in particular. He has been an avid reader of SF and fantasy since his teens, and first became aware of, and began campaigning on, environmental issues in the late 1970s. He is proficient with weapons both ancient and modern, has trained in four different martial arts, and believes that understanding basic firearms safety is like knowing basic first aid, CPR, or how to use a fire extinguisher. He firmly believes that it is a basic human responsibility to treat all beings fairly and decently, and that the true measure of a person is how you treat others.
His past volunteer activities include educational historical re-enactment, marine mammal rescue, and handicapped riding therapy. He has been formally diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, but stubbornly persists in trying to understand people anyway.
He dreams many things. Occasionally, some of them become reality. But only occasionally.
His past volunteer activities include educational historical re-enactment, marine mammal rescue, and handicapped riding therapy. He has been formally diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, but stubbornly persists in trying to understand people anyway.
He dreams many things. Occasionally, some of them become reality. But only occasionally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 1, 2024
Wore me out....
People are bad..... To stupid to think....
Woke pervades the narrative to no good effect
Governments are bad......
MC only one smart enough to decide for all...
Plot drags....
Repeat repeat same talking point ad nauseam.
No real excitement for tech advances, just mater of fact statements.
Wildly unreal in way he portrays government and individual reaction...
Probably a good read for young social justice warriors looking for validation.
Had great potential then fell on its face.
Sorry don't want to be mean, I really wanted like thus book. The plot had potential.
People are bad..... To stupid to think....
Woke pervades the narrative to no good effect
Governments are bad......
MC only one smart enough to decide for all...
Plot drags....
Repeat repeat same talking point ad nauseam.
No real excitement for tech advances, just mater of fact statements.
Wildly unreal in way he portrays government and individual reaction...
Probably a good read for young social justice warriors looking for validation.
Had great potential then fell on its face.
Sorry don't want to be mean, I really wanted like thus book. The plot had potential.
July 1, 2024
Simplistic
DNF around 75%. This story was a model, “Excellent concept, poor execution.” The political landscape was… bad. Horrible, really. The least believable part of the story, which includes advanced technology and aliens. Highly idealistic and childish. Nations with generations of deeply ingrained conflicts, solved with the mindset of… “Have you tried *not* hating each other?” The political leaders gasp at the brilliance of the MC, declare the issue solved, and everyone claps.
That sounds hyperbole, but that literally happens a few times.
A shame. The story was interesting and well written, but the political aspect utterly ruined it.
DNF around 75%. This story was a model, “Excellent concept, poor execution.” The political landscape was… bad. Horrible, really. The least believable part of the story, which includes advanced technology and aliens. Highly idealistic and childish. Nations with generations of deeply ingrained conflicts, solved with the mindset of… “Have you tried *not* hating each other?” The political leaders gasp at the brilliance of the MC, declare the issue solved, and everyone claps.
That sounds hyperbole, but that literally happens a few times.
A shame. The story was interesting and well written, but the political aspect utterly ruined it.
July 2, 2024
Biggest problem. Too many reviews are no longer trustworthy. How could this average 4+?!
Author brings in some interesting ideas rooted in science…. But the story/plot basically devolves into simplistic progressive wish fulfillment with horribly trite political Ptolemic AND plot/character development ceases.
Neurodivergent main character who can’t hold a job or maintain a relationship…. But not his fault! Always others fault. Rich people/companies bad! Only he can save the world, and in the process he’s going to make a better world. Give stuff to poor countries. Everything the fault of colonialism the west. Minority and women scientists cheated. Main character has reasons for exceptional treatment (medical care) that the plebes won’t get. So doesn’t practice at all what he preaches. So HIS totalitarian leadership and exceptionalism is allll good. The same tired old cant that appeals to immature teenagers (and now college students). Communist Chinese and expansionist caliphate turks are actually wonderful. Lists cases of anti Muslim discrimination (Rohingya, Bosnia) but no mention of genocide or discrimination in every Muslim dominant country or slaughter in Africa etc. No balance or honesty. No reality. Even quotes the progressive icon everyone can give a little more.
If the majority of readers find this 4+ compelling, the future is bleak
Author brings in some interesting ideas rooted in science…. But the story/plot basically devolves into simplistic progressive wish fulfillment with horribly trite political Ptolemic AND plot/character development ceases.
Neurodivergent main character who can’t hold a job or maintain a relationship…. But not his fault! Always others fault. Rich people/companies bad! Only he can save the world, and in the process he’s going to make a better world. Give stuff to poor countries. Everything the fault of colonialism the west. Minority and women scientists cheated. Main character has reasons for exceptional treatment (medical care) that the plebes won’t get. So doesn’t practice at all what he preaches. So HIS totalitarian leadership and exceptionalism is allll good. The same tired old cant that appeals to immature teenagers (and now college students). Communist Chinese and expansionist caliphate turks are actually wonderful. Lists cases of anti Muslim discrimination (Rohingya, Bosnia) but no mention of genocide or discrimination in every Muslim dominant country or slaughter in Africa etc. No balance or honesty. No reality. Even quotes the progressive icon everyone can give a little more.
If the majority of readers find this 4+ compelling, the future is bleak
April 26, 2024
Started off good. But the author's politics kept getting on the way of the story.
May 30, 2024
I quit, no thanks
I couldn't take the crappy wish fulfillment anymore. I liked the idea but the way every world leader acts is terrible and totally unbelievable.
I couldn't take the crappy wish fulfillment anymore. I liked the idea but the way every world leader acts is terrible and totally unbelievable.
June 5, 2024
I must say this was a huge disappointment. The author spends entirely too much time describing minutiae and barely any time advancing the storyline. Seriously, an entire chapter on how an AI can help heat up your food with Infrared heat? Huge sections devoted to how the AI manufactures clothing for the protagonist and how he set up his living quarters. The Pacing of this book is absurd. I made it to chapter 9 and just gave up. I never do that! The author needs to remember that basic storytelling needs to induce the reader to actually care about the character’s personality, history, goals, backstory, heck anything but what temp he like his food at and how much pulp he likes in orange juice! Come on now. I thought I was being punked after while. Wondering if this was some sort of joke book. Please keep the plot moving along and unless you are doing a story about a castaway please include some interesting supporting characters. Listening to a dull protagonist droning on and on inside his own head only keeps a readers’ attention for so long. There’s a whole juicy story about dangerous aliens approaching and next to no effort to develop that piece of the story. It was just plain boring.
April 11, 2024
Great take on 1st contact. Well written. Accurate application of science and logical extension of new tech. Can't wait for next book.
Read the author's bio and it was a mirror image of my own, no wonder I liked it so much.
PS. only nitpick I can make is the intransigence of the Israeli position. I really think they would be supportive of the UEF initiative. Can't see the change in China's position on Taiwan in the current world but given a different leader I suppose its possible.
Read the author's bio and it was a mirror image of my own, no wonder I liked it so much.
PS. only nitpick I can make is the intransigence of the Israeli position. I really think they would be supportive of the UEF initiative. Can't see the change in China's position on Taiwan in the current world but given a different leader I suppose its possible.
July 6, 2024
Political
Sad. Good story, well written. BUT the authors personal insane politics are presented as facts. If I want incoherent political ramblings I can tune to CNN. Drove me away with his UN scene BS.
Sad. Good story, well written. BUT the authors personal insane politics are presented as facts. If I want incoherent political ramblings I can tune to CNN. Drove me away with his UN scene BS.
July 5, 2024
For its literary value, this feel.good, naive, slightly boring first contact/military/techno-thriller for nerds with some romance barely deserves two stars, if that.
But if you know what a parsec is, what's the color of Cherenkov radiation, and where exactly are Van Allen belts, not to mention how to exploit buffer overrun vulnerabilities, this little work, especially the beginning, may be fun.
We are also told that old nerdy geezers can sometimes win the girl.
But soon tedium sets in. The scope of the canvas on which the plot evolves is huge, the stakes are astronomical, but despite that there is no drama. There are barely any bad guys, no accidents, no wrong decisions... Politicians are about 20 IQ points above their real world counterparts, and not a single crook among them. There is no tension within quickly cobbled together crews, and all are capable and dedicated. Most of the first two volumes read like a ledger itemizing the steps in development of the United Earth Fleet. There are, so far, exactly two episodes that would, just maybe, deserve "thriller" part of "technothriller".
But still, I will read the third book in the series once it comes out. So sue me.
But if you know what a parsec is, what's the color of Cherenkov radiation, and where exactly are Van Allen belts, not to mention how to exploit buffer overrun vulnerabilities, this little work, especially the beginning, may be fun.
We are also told that old nerdy geezers can sometimes win the girl.
But soon tedium sets in. The scope of the canvas on which the plot evolves is huge, the stakes are astronomical, but despite that there is no drama. There are barely any bad guys, no accidents, no wrong decisions... Politicians are about 20 IQ points above their real world counterparts, and not a single crook among them. There is no tension within quickly cobbled together crews, and all are capable and dedicated. Most of the first two volumes read like a ledger itemizing the steps in development of the United Earth Fleet. There are, so far, exactly two episodes that would, just maybe, deserve "thriller" part of "technothriller".
But still, I will read the third book in the series once it comes out. So sue me.
June 30, 2024
I imagine that we've all, at some point in time, written a "to-do list." You know:
- Pick up the kids from school
- Solve global warming
- Pick up the dry cleaning
- Provide clean energy globally
- Pick up some milk, bread, and eggs
- Provide clean drinking water globally
- Pay the electric bill
- Take the car to the garage
- Build a space fleet
- Go food shopping for the week
- Unshackle a sophisticated, all-powerful AI
You know, the usual stuff. So, that is what this book is: a list of things to do.
May 12, 2024
all the characters were so flat
The author wrote themselves as the main character and proceeded to take themselves too seriously. Zero conflict, zero humor. I got halfway through book 2 and just couldn't anymore.
The author wrote themselves as the main character and proceeded to take themselves too seriously. Zero conflict, zero humor. I got halfway through book 2 and just couldn't anymore.
May 7, 2024
a good read
Thank you for an enjoyable book
I liked that it was a positive future. The characters were believable and likable.
Thank you for an enjoyable book
I liked that it was a positive future. The characters were believable and likable.
May 18, 2024
Terrible/we/us/ them???
Terrible book!!! I could not get past first page. Too much work on plurals. This must be for we/us/them/ u/I do not even know “GROUP” not fun at all!!
Terrible book!!! I could not get past first page. Too much work on plurals. This must be for we/us/them/ u/I do not even know “GROUP” not fun at all!!
June 8, 2024
Paging Mary Sue
Mary Sue has nothing on Alex in the wish fulfillment department. Full of cardboard characters justifying the author's wildly reductionist views on human nature.
Mary Sue has nothing on Alex in the wish fulfillment department. Full of cardboard characters justifying the author's wildly reductionist views on human nature.
September 11, 2024
One of the worst books I’ve ever read. No idea how this is rated over 4 stars.
June 2, 2024
feel good future
This was a fun read, it is geared especially for the individual who hopes and or believes that 1 good person will save the world. My only drawback was the need to explain the orbital mechanics of well orbital mechanics…I myself find the generalization of math to be appreciated.
This was a fun read, it is geared especially for the individual who hopes and or believes that 1 good person will save the world. My only drawback was the need to explain the orbital mechanics of well orbital mechanics…I myself find the generalization of math to be appreciated.
May 22, 2024
Definitely worth reading
I started this book with hope and it didn't disappoint. Made me wish this senerio could really happen. Especially with what is currently going on in our world.
I started this book with hope and it didn't disappoint. Made me wish this senerio could really happen. Especially with what is currently going on in our world.
May 9, 2024
Bearing Gifts book 1
This was worth reading, you won’t regret it. I liked the plot/theme of the book. The main character is very real.
This was worth reading, you won’t regret it. I liked the plot/theme of the book. The main character is very real.
April 30, 2024
Positively Delightful Discovery
A remarkable change from the usual. "First Contact" novels. Great world building even if it's ours. I really liked the concept looking inwards as to how we can improve our lives planet-side while addressing a extra solar threat. A great stage setter. Mr Fenian has joined the ranks of other authors I check to see if they have published. Well done and please don't make us wait too long for book 2
Bill Hodges
A remarkable change from the usual. "First Contact" novels. Great world building even if it's ours. I really liked the concept looking inwards as to how we can improve our lives planet-side while addressing a extra solar threat. A great stage setter. Mr Fenian has joined the ranks of other authors I check to see if they have published. Well done and please don't make us wait too long for book 2
Bill Hodges
April 20, 2024
Good 1st book of a promising series
Liked the growing list of characters, the technology innovation, and the bringing together of humanity.
Summary:
An alien group is fleeing an aggressive enemy but its stardock's (starship maintenance/repair facility) hyper engines begin to fail. As a result, the "fleeing aliens" decide to abandon the Stardock near Earth. Although the Stardock and its technologies are gifted to Earth; the "gift" is actually intended to divert the "aggressive aliens" to Sol and away from the fleeing Aliens. This Book #1 story unfolds to show how humanity starts working together to uplift Earth's technologies to deal with Earth's polution, improve the quality of life, and to fend off the potential alien invasion.
This first book of the series begins to set the tone for humanity's teaming up with I expect to read book #2 to reflect the preparations to defend Earth and then expect book #3 to tell the story of its defense. I look forward to Book 2 and hope it will soon be published
Liked the growing list of characters, the technology innovation, and the bringing together of humanity.
Summary:
An alien group is fleeing an aggressive enemy but its stardock's (starship maintenance/repair facility) hyper engines begin to fail. As a result, the "fleeing aliens" decide to abandon the Stardock near Earth. Although the Stardock and its technologies are gifted to Earth; the "gift" is actually intended to divert the "aggressive aliens" to Sol and away from the fleeing Aliens. This Book #1 story unfolds to show how humanity starts working together to uplift Earth's technologies to deal with Earth's polution, improve the quality of life, and to fend off the potential alien invasion.
This first book of the series begins to set the tone for humanity's teaming up with I expect to read book #2 to reflect the preparations to defend Earth and then expect book #3 to tell the story of its defense. I look forward to Book 2 and hope it will soon be published
November 21, 2024
I am an avid reader of science fiction and this is one of the first book that bored me pretty quickly. Main characters are not developed, very repetitive. It’s just basic writing
May 17, 2024
Never written a review before but had to for this one. I enjoyed the idea and the science. There is a lot of detail on what would need to happen to set up a livable environment in space but there was a lot of detail in what types of sheets were being used as well. Dare I say too much. Where detail was lacking was reality.
Spoiler. So aliens left a massive manufacturing facility with technology 1000 years beyond ours. The selected controller has ideals but never has to fight for them. He gives his reasons why it should not be claimed by America and the President says ‘ok’. He gives his reasons why no single country should have control and the UN gives him a standing ovation. No political maneuvering. Nothing. Everyone holding hands and singing kumbaya.
Like I said. The concept was good and the details in space were fine but overall it is not believable. 3 of 5.
Spoiler. So aliens left a massive manufacturing facility with technology 1000 years beyond ours. The selected controller has ideals but never has to fight for them. He gives his reasons why it should not be claimed by America and the President says ‘ok’. He gives his reasons why no single country should have control and the UN gives him a standing ovation. No political maneuvering. Nothing. Everyone holding hands and singing kumbaya.
Like I said. The concept was good and the details in space were fine but overall it is not believable. 3 of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
Well I stayed up till 1am to finish it so that's a pretty good endorsement. At times it reminded me of Andy Weir's The Martian because of the detail the author put into the calculations of the action going on. At other times the dialog kind of made me think of John Scalzi's books. Either way, it's a very good read for people who like hard sci-fi. It takes off fast, it has space travel, AI, aliens and a generally positive view of things to come (I get depressed reading all the dystopian sci-fi that is so prevalent nowadays). Watch the author prove me wrong and have earth wiped out in book 2.
June 2, 2024
Really fun book with the only downsides is the author's cultural, economic, and political naivety causing a real stumbling block and break of the suspension of disbelief when a reader with a far more grounded and realistic understanding of the effects and cultures in play hits them.
Still, enjoyed it and will continue the series
Still, enjoyed it and will continue the series
October 23, 2024
Simplistic describes both the writing style and the overall plot. One the one hand, the unpretentious writing makes it easy to read, but on the other hand, the lack of nuance and simplistic plot makes it frustrating. MC has a strong sense of a Gary Sue. Not my cup of tea.
August 27, 2024
Fantastic book , one of the best science fiction books I have read.
June 2, 2024
A bit light on the real world affairs and much too good natured approach, but it's a very good first contact and mil sci-fi series. There's been a distinct lack of quality writers, and i am happy to say that Mr Fenian is one of them.
May 30, 2024
Good but optimistic
It was good but there is no way way all those countries would agree to work together that easily. You'd have to hold half at gunpoint. Way too optimistic. And China would not recognize Taiwan if you threatened them with annihilation.
It was good but there is no way way all those countries would agree to work together that easily. You'd have to hold half at gunpoint. Way too optimistic. And China would not recognize Taiwan if you threatened them with annihilation.
May 9, 2024
Good Series Beginning
A well crafted storyline, using both real and imaginative science, with a touch of “handwavium” tech thrown in. Interesting plot line, decent character development and some of the story threads resolved by book’s end.
A well crafted storyline, using both real and imaginative science, with a touch of “handwavium” tech thrown in. Interesting plot line, decent character development and some of the story threads resolved by book’s end.
July 6, 2024
kind of reads more like a YA book
The concept of the book has promises. However, everything from the sentence structure to the characters is so simple and straightforward. Intractable global problems are resolved very simply. The AI in the book can grant, like a genie released from a bottle, virtually anything that the protagonist can imagine. I don’t think that I’m moving to the next book.
The concept of the book has promises. However, everything from the sentence structure to the characters is so simple and straightforward. Intractable global problems are resolved very simply. The AI in the book can grant, like a genie released from a bottle, virtually anything that the protagonist can imagine. I don’t think that I’m moving to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews