Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Explorations: First Contact (Explorations #2) in Books
Nov 13, 2019
This collection is more than just a selection of tales from up and coming science fiction writers; all the stories are set in the same universe and are in some way on the theme of first contact. The introduction sets this up, with a damaged alien ship discovered on the moon. It is able to transmit details of nearby inhabited star systems - and a terrible warning about a dangerous foe - before it shuts down. Mankind learns all it can from the message and the wreckage before setting out for the stars.
Each story then follows the fate of the mission to one of the star systems. This is the point where any similarity in stories ends as each writer brings their own style and ideas for their contribution (although there are some neat nods to the other stories now and again). The result is a satisfying mix of different ideas but all within a consistant whole.
That's not to say that every story hit the spot for me, but that's inevitable given the range of authors here, but every story was interesting to read. There are also the occasional one that felt a little rushed, the idea either too big for a short story, or too many ideas vying for the limited word count. But these are minor niggles and the standard of all the stories is very high.
Overall a really good collection showcasing the talents of current science fiction writers. If you like interesting ideas and gripping stories about aliens and space exploration you won't be disappointed.
The Rhyming Diary of Jason Smith: At the End of His Key Stage 2 Career
Book
Jason Smith is a typical eleven-year-old boy - except for one thing. He enjoys keeping a diary of...
Like Farmer, Like Son
Book
'People say "Like father, like son", and the story of my life has mirrored my father's to a quite...
Eureka: Discovering Your Inner Scientist
Book
Even in the twenty-first century the popular image of a scientist is a reclusive genius in a lab...
Redshift - Astronomy
Reference and Education
App
Redshift brings the night sky to your screen. Explore alien planets, enhance your knowledge with...
Poker Heroes: Brawl, Evolve, Dominate! BCG
Games and Entertainment
App
Are you ready for world domination? Jump into the fray as you command a devastating squad of heroes...
Beat da Beat
Games
1.0
Rate It
App
Game producer Nekki, creator of hits like Shadow Fight 2 and Vector, presents you Beat Da Beat - a...
A Native Hawaiian Garden: How to Grow and Care for Island Plants
John L. Culliney and Bruce P. Koebele
Book
Hawai'i is home to some of the rarest plants in the world, many of them now threatened by...
The Meadow: Kashmir 1995 - Where the Terror Began
Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark
Book
The Kashmir Kidnapping that changed the face of modern terrorism. In July 1995, ten Western...
The Iron Giant (1999)
8.2
Rate It
Movie Watch
The film takes place in October of 1957, when America had plenty to be worried about. Rock ’n’...