YOU CAN'T CALL FOR HELP WHEN YOU'RE THREE BILLION MILES FROM EARTH.
On August 25th, 2012, the Voyager 1 probe crossed into interstellar space. It contained a "golden record" with sounds, pictures, and greetings from earth.
On March 15th, 2013, NASA received a transmission from the spacecraft that said: "Hello. We received your golden record. Let's meet."
On September 29th, internationally bestselling author B.C.CHASE invites you on a daring first contact mission into deep space with five intrepid astronauts, one spunky cosmonaut, and a seventy-five-year-old truck driver.
Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: The countless dangers and excitement of traveling in space are woven through this story of Jim, a 75-year-old man who has been curiously “chosen” by aliens to join a crew voyaging to Pluto, where humankind is scheduled to meet the beings who contacted them from space. There is excellent inclusion of mysterious deaths that may be caused by a murderer on the flight team, while the author also infuses the narrative with a degree of irreverent humor.
Prose/Style: Jim's voice is initially candid, humorous, and somewhat aloof, but as circumstances intensify, his tone also shifts to one of more grave concern and uncertainty. Chase's details relating to space travel are engagingly clear, while descriptions of outer space are vivid and memorable.
Originality: The very idea of aliens insisting that humans take a trip to Pluto for a meeting is unique enough, but the addition of a 75-year-old “regular guy,” and what appears to be a murderer on board during the trip, make this novel about as original as it can get.
Character Development: It's easy to root for Jim, a fully rounded, spunky senior citizen and unlikely astronaut. It's also easy to loathe Commander Tomlinson, who makes questionable decisions and gives disturbing orders. Additional characters are nicely fleshed out and all have distinct personalities and motives.
Date Submitted: August 07, 2019
