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Exigency
19 years to get there. 8 years in orbit. "Three minutes to evacuate."
Nine brilliant scientists travel light years on a one-way trip to an Earth-like planet. Their mission is to study from orbit the two species of intelligent lifeforms on the surface. The first: an isolated people embarking on civilization and building their world’s first city. The second: a brutal race of massive predators, spread thick and still growing across the dominant landmass—destined to breed and eat their way to extinction within a few centuries.
After eight years of observation, disaster strikes the orbiting station and the remaining crew are ejected not to the safety of the city, but to the other side of the planet, deep inside a land no human could possibly survive.
Nine brilliant scientists travel light years on a one-way trip to an Earth-like planet. Their mission is to study from orbit the two species of intelligent lifeforms on the surface. The first: an isolated people embarking on civilization and building their world’s first city. The second: a brutal race of massive predators, spread thick and still growing across the dominant landmass—destined to breed and eat their way to extinction within a few centuries.
After eight years of observation, disaster strikes the orbiting station and the remaining crew are ejected not to the safety of the city, but to the other side of the planet, deep inside a land no human could possibly survive.
414 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2014
About the author
Michael Siemsen
19 books231 followersUSA Today and Amazon bestselling author of Exigency (2014), the Matt Turner series (The Dig, 2011; The Opal, 2012; Return, 2015), and the Demon’s Story series (A Warm Place to Call Home, and The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp, 2013), Michael Siemsen has sold more than 175,000 books.
Michael grew up in Venice, California, the second son of a Vietnam veteran who was the first son of a Korean War veteran who was the first son of a World War I veteran. Like Lieutenant Dan, Michael carried on the family tradition and joined the Army, though the only wars he fought in involved blank ammunition, laser tag gear, and were kinda fun.
After a decade working various soul-sucking IT jobs, he independently released THE DIG in early 2011, and, 14 months later, the quirky sci-fi story rocketed to #1 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, remaining in the top 10 for the rest of the year. He quit his job a few months into THE DIG's initial surge, and has released five more novels since.
Michael is currently at work on the next books in his popular serieseses.
Michael grew up in Venice, California, the second son of a Vietnam veteran who was the first son of a Korean War veteran who was the first son of a World War I veteran. Like Lieutenant Dan, Michael carried on the family tradition and joined the Army, though the only wars he fought in involved blank ammunition, laser tag gear, and were kinda fun.
After a decade working various soul-sucking IT jobs, he independently released THE DIG in early 2011, and, 14 months later, the quirky sci-fi story rocketed to #1 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, remaining in the top 10 for the rest of the year. He quit his job a few months into THE DIG's initial surge, and has released five more novels since.
Michael is currently at work on the next books in his popular serieseses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 4, 2014
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book early. I'm not allowed to say how early, but it wasn't early enough I can tell you that much. Most of you know that I am a die-hard Michael Siemsen fan and I will read pretty much anything that he writes, including a grocery list (kidding). I don't know if my reviews mean as much as someone who isn't as big of a fan or not. I like to think they mean more, because if I don't like it, then uh-oh.
I was really excited to get my hands on this book. The synopsis sounded fantastic and this kind of book is right up my alley genre wise. Plus, it's written by Mr Siemsen, so you know... I had also heard a rumor that there was a character named Angela in it. Should be interesting.....
The story starts off really early with the group landing on the planet Epsilon C after a mishap in space. They basically are stuck on the planet, with no contact with Earth, not really prepared for what they are about to encounter when they land. They have an exigency plan, they know what they are supposed to do, but when the sh*t hits the fan, it's a little different. They are supposed to land in the less hostile Threck country and meet up at a predetermined site away from civilization. Pretty much none of them land where they are supposed to. And, they aren't paired up with the people they were supposed to be paired up with. Sounds like the perfect recipe for shenanigans.
I can't really describe to you in words what this book is like. Nothing that comes forth from my brain will do it any justice at all. It blows my mind when I try to wrap my head around what kind of planning and research had to go into writing this story. And when I think about all the creativity that went into these characters, the planet, the technology, etc, I am left in awe. That's the only way I can describe this book. I don't think anyone that reads it will be able to explain it any better. I would love to make a comparison between this book and another like it, but I can't because there isn't.
At the time of writing this, I have read the book twice. TWICE! And, I'm going to read it again before it's released. I don't re-read people!! My point in telling you this is that I was trying to help Mr Siemsen cut out any fat or unnecessary parts and I couldn't. I would start to pick something that I thought could probably come out, and then keep reading and go "Nope. That's got to stay." And not because it was a key piece of the story, but because it wouldn't flow and it wouldn't "work" without it.
The other reason I wanted to mention that I read it TWICE! (so far), is that I wanted to see if I missed something. I wanted to see if I just read it so fast and was so engrossed that I wasn't really paying attention to the details. All I can say is that the second time I read it, I became enthralled with it even more. I didn't want the ride to end. I enjoyed the book more the second time I read it than I did the first time. I really can't wait to read it again!! (Holy hell, did I just say that??)
I will say one critical thing about this book: I wanted more. I still want more. In the interview that I did with Mr Siemsen (to be posted on my blog on 9/16), I asked him about the possibility of him writing more. I can tell you one thing: I didn't like his answer. Although, in writing, you never know what is going to grab you and not let go. This story may do that to Mr Siemsen as well. It has definitely done it to me. I know I can't be the only one.
P.S. There is indeed a character in this book named Angela. While Mr Siemsen has put in the beginning of the book the obligatory statement that "All persons are fictional..." blah blah blah I can assure you that I am as much of, if not more than, a smarta$$ as the character Angela. I wonder how he knew that...
I was really excited to get my hands on this book. The synopsis sounded fantastic and this kind of book is right up my alley genre wise. Plus, it's written by Mr Siemsen, so you know... I had also heard a rumor that there was a character named Angela in it. Should be interesting.....
The story starts off really early with the group landing on the planet Epsilon C after a mishap in space. They basically are stuck on the planet, with no contact with Earth, not really prepared for what they are about to encounter when they land. They have an exigency plan, they know what they are supposed to do, but when the sh*t hits the fan, it's a little different. They are supposed to land in the less hostile Threck country and meet up at a predetermined site away from civilization. Pretty much none of them land where they are supposed to. And, they aren't paired up with the people they were supposed to be paired up with. Sounds like the perfect recipe for shenanigans.
I can't really describe to you in words what this book is like. Nothing that comes forth from my brain will do it any justice at all. It blows my mind when I try to wrap my head around what kind of planning and research had to go into writing this story. And when I think about all the creativity that went into these characters, the planet, the technology, etc, I am left in awe. That's the only way I can describe this book. I don't think anyone that reads it will be able to explain it any better. I would love to make a comparison between this book and another like it, but I can't because there isn't.
At the time of writing this, I have read the book twice. TWICE! And, I'm going to read it again before it's released. I don't re-read people!! My point in telling you this is that I was trying to help Mr Siemsen cut out any fat or unnecessary parts and I couldn't. I would start to pick something that I thought could probably come out, and then keep reading and go "Nope. That's got to stay." And not because it was a key piece of the story, but because it wouldn't flow and it wouldn't "work" without it.
The other reason I wanted to mention that I read it TWICE! (so far), is that I wanted to see if I missed something. I wanted to see if I just read it so fast and was so engrossed that I wasn't really paying attention to the details. All I can say is that the second time I read it, I became enthralled with it even more. I didn't want the ride to end. I enjoyed the book more the second time I read it than I did the first time. I really can't wait to read it again!! (Holy hell, did I just say that??)
I will say one critical thing about this book: I wanted more. I still want more. In the interview that I did with Mr Siemsen (to be posted on my blog on 9/16), I asked him about the possibility of him writing more. I can tell you one thing: I didn't like his answer. Although, in writing, you never know what is going to grab you and not let go. This story may do that to Mr Siemsen as well. It has definitely done it to me. I know I can't be the only one.
P.S. There is indeed a character in this book named Angela. While Mr Siemsen has put in the beginning of the book the obligatory statement that "All persons are fictional..." blah blah blah I can assure you that I am as much of, if not more than, a smarta$$ as the character Angela. I wonder how he knew that...
February 10, 2015
If a writer has creative genius, it doesn’t take twenty books to figure it out. Michael Siemsen is like Mozart on a Typewriter. This is his fifth book and his third genre and they have all been hits out of the park. This time Michael has taken us off-world and stranded us on a planet that could either be our best dream or worst nightmare. It is adventurous, spine tingling, and cost me one of my night’s sleep (which is a sign of a really good book). I was fortunate enough to have been provided with an ARC copy to review, and can’t wait for the final edition to hit the shelves.
In a faraway galaxy, on a mystical planet resides two species of beings that have developed to the point of establishing societies, cities, and were of interest enough for a group of scientists to buy into a one-way ticket to an observatory space station to study this planet and its inhabitants. A pretty blasé plot (NOT), until a very few pages in, the worst of nightmares happens as the space station is destroyed. Will all those years of anthropological study come to their rescue or turn out to have been a waste of paper? Imminent danger and bated breath wait behind the turn of the page as you rush to seek safety for those in harm's way.
A tantalizing storyline with complex character development provides you with insight on who the central characters were and what motivated them, even in extreme settings.
As always, Michael provides attention to detail and weaves a world of mystical wonders with his Descriptions of both the flora and fauna and the intelligent (and non-intelligent) species of the planet are so keen that you have no trouble visualizing them in 3D living color, but just vague enough to allow your own interpretation of the finished product. Just what does a Kangagorillagator (my descriptive word) look like? Mindboggling and ferocious.
In a faraway galaxy, on a mystical planet resides two species of beings that have developed to the point of establishing societies, cities, and were of interest enough for a group of scientists to buy into a one-way ticket to an observatory space station to study this planet and its inhabitants. A pretty blasé plot (NOT), until a very few pages in, the worst of nightmares happens as the space station is destroyed. Will all those years of anthropological study come to their rescue or turn out to have been a waste of paper? Imminent danger and bated breath wait behind the turn of the page as you rush to seek safety for those in harm's way.
A tantalizing storyline with complex character development provides you with insight on who the central characters were and what motivated them, even in extreme settings.
As always, Michael provides attention to detail and weaves a world of mystical wonders with his Descriptions of both the flora and fauna and the intelligent (and non-intelligent) species of the planet are so keen that you have no trouble visualizing them in 3D living color, but just vague enough to allow your own interpretation of the finished product. Just what does a Kangagorillagator (my descriptive word) look like? Mindboggling and ferocious.
September 8, 2014
I received a pre-release copy of this book for review.
Minnie lives on a space station 20 light years from Earth orbiting high above the planet of Epsilon C, Epsy for short. She and the rest of the small crew of scientists will live out the rest of their lives observing and researching the inhabitants of this fascinating planet.
On one continent lives the intelligent and peaceful Threck species. On the other, lives the less intelligent and extremely violent Hynka species. Minnie is an expert on the Threck and their language.
After a catastrophic event onboard the space station, the crew must evacuate to Epsy. With no hope for rescue, the evacuation plan involves making contact with the Threck and then living in a remote location. Unfortunately, life never goes as planned.
During the evacuation, only two pods reach the planet. The others are launched into deep space. To make matters worse, Minnie and John's (the station's leader) pod lands in Hynka territory....
This is a story of transformation and the human will to survive.
Sci-Fi fans are really going to enjoy this book. Once it grips you, it doesn't let go.
Minnie lives on a space station 20 light years from Earth orbiting high above the planet of Epsilon C, Epsy for short. She and the rest of the small crew of scientists will live out the rest of their lives observing and researching the inhabitants of this fascinating planet.
On one continent lives the intelligent and peaceful Threck species. On the other, lives the less intelligent and extremely violent Hynka species. Minnie is an expert on the Threck and their language.
After a catastrophic event onboard the space station, the crew must evacuate to Epsy. With no hope for rescue, the evacuation plan involves making contact with the Threck and then living in a remote location. Unfortunately, life never goes as planned.
During the evacuation, only two pods reach the planet. The others are launched into deep space. To make matters worse, Minnie and John's (the station's leader) pod lands in Hynka territory....
This is a story of transformation and the human will to survive.
Sci-Fi fans are really going to enjoy this book. Once it grips you, it doesn't let go.
September 9, 2014
What could you do but try to survive.
A team of humans on a long term deep space planetary observation mission live in a station orbiting the planet Epsilon C. The planet has two primary forms of life living on opposite sides of the planet, one being a very hostile race the other appears much more advanced with cities and limited technology. After an accident forces an evacuation, two scientist must come to grips with the fact that they are very alone, very far from help and also very much on the wrong side of the planet.
I enjoyed the novel very much. It has a good premise, good setting and good characters. Mr. Siemsen tells a good tale of how they cope with a planet that is barely habitable by humans and how they struggle to survive the dangers of their new home both known and unknown. The ending answers some questions, but also leaves plenty of meat on the bone if the author chooses to continue the story. For full disclosure: I was provided a pre-release copy of Exigency in exchange for an honest review.
A team of humans on a long term deep space planetary observation mission live in a station orbiting the planet Epsilon C. The planet has two primary forms of life living on opposite sides of the planet, one being a very hostile race the other appears much more advanced with cities and limited technology. After an accident forces an evacuation, two scientist must come to grips with the fact that they are very alone, very far from help and also very much on the wrong side of the planet.
I enjoyed the novel very much. It has a good premise, good setting and good characters. Mr. Siemsen tells a good tale of how they cope with a planet that is barely habitable by humans and how they struggle to survive the dangers of their new home both known and unknown. The ending answers some questions, but also leaves plenty of meat on the bone if the author chooses to continue the story. For full disclosure: I was provided a pre-release copy of Exigency in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2020
After a really slow, unpromising start, this story really picked up! I thoroughly enjoyed the bulk of the book. The characters were surprisingly human in this other-world sci-fi adventure. Some details were refreshing in their novel approaches, such as how to handle food sourcing on long space voyages. I found myself deeply invested in the conclusion of the story, which came abruptly and left me wondering why it ended on that character.
Slow beginning, abrupt ending, enjoyable bulk. I recommend it for a fun, light read. It’s hard to find decent sci-fi about adult women.
Slow beginning, abrupt ending, enjoyable bulk. I recommend it for a fun, light read. It’s hard to find decent sci-fi about adult women.
September 25, 2014
One of the best novels I've read in a long time. How do I come to that conclusion? With this book, the outside world, my e-reader, everything, disappeared as I became totally immersed in the world and characters the author has created, and at the end, I simply wanted more. Few books engage me to that extent, maybe one or two a year. This is one of them. Did I mention I want more? There damn well better be a sequel!
August 6, 2015
Its been awhile since I was this sad to finish a book. I loved the character developement in this book as well as the fast paced story. Although this story occurred in the far future and a different solar system, the characters were relateable and fun to get to know. I need a sequel!
August 30, 2016
Interesting premise, first contact with intelligent alien forms. Sadly, too many creepy crawlies, juvenile dialogues, not credible characters lead me to put this aside (at 60%)… not for me.
October 23, 2014
I have read two previous books by Michael Siemsen, A Warm Place to Call Home and The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp, both part of his (a demon's story) trilogy and have recommended them several times, they are both fantastic reads. I've been eagerly awaiting the third book in the series but while I have to carry on looking forward to that one, I was immediately tempted by this new book but also intrigued - the previous books are both urban fantasies, despite the presence of demons they are set in our world, with its familiar surroundings. Exigency however, is a science fiction, set mostly on an alien planet in the future. Would I enjoy this different style as much?
The book opens with the crew on board a space station orbiting an Earth like planet. They are on a no return mission from Earth - they embarked on the mission knowing they would never go home and after travelling nineteen years to reach their destination are now in their eighth year of orbit. This immediately creates an interesting dynamic between the characters, they are colleagues but living under such conditions and away from the rest of the world, for the rest of their lives, means they have also become like a family. Naturally there are conflicts to be resolved and relationships are formed. The principal character, Minnie is in a relatively new relationship with Aether but this is awkward as Aether was previously the wife of mission commander, John. As the story progresses it is the changing relationship between these three characters that forms a large and important part of the story. The rest of the crew however, are still well-rounded and interesting in their own right, I felt this was a novel that could have worked equally well as a different story had it concentrated more on the secondary characters.
Exigency is, as I said, science-fiction and so naturally there is the advanced technology you'd expect on board a spacecraft of the future and it's done very well. The tech is beyond what we have currently yet still completely believable. I particularly liked the references to what people on Earth are doing with the technology, it isn't just available to those in space, mankind as a whole are using and benefiting from it. The story at this point was involving enough that I'd have been happy if it was solely based on the craft. However, a sudden catastrophe means the crew are forced to evacuate to the planet they have been studying. This planet, Epsilon C is divided into two hemispheres, one inhabited by the more advanced Threck, the other by the savage and primitive Hynka.
What follows is an exciting and tense tale of adaptation and survival. Both the humans and aliens are multidimensional characters who make surprising, often seemingly irrational decisions and as the reader I found my emotions were pulled one way, then another. The planet too is a completely believable yet still strange, different and often dangerous world.
I'm happy then, to say that the answer to my question about whether I'd enjoy this sci-fi novel as much as the previous books by this author is a resounding yes. Exigency is one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year, it's an easy cliché but I genuinely couldn't put it down. It treads a difficult line between creating a world that is alien both in term of its inhabitants and the technology available and one that is still believable and relatable, and it does so with great skill. I cared about the characters, loved the twists and can easily imagine further stories set in this compelling world. I will certainly be reading more by Michael Siemsen very soon.
The book opens with the crew on board a space station orbiting an Earth like planet. They are on a no return mission from Earth - they embarked on the mission knowing they would never go home and after travelling nineteen years to reach their destination are now in their eighth year of orbit. This immediately creates an interesting dynamic between the characters, they are colleagues but living under such conditions and away from the rest of the world, for the rest of their lives, means they have also become like a family. Naturally there are conflicts to be resolved and relationships are formed. The principal character, Minnie is in a relatively new relationship with Aether but this is awkward as Aether was previously the wife of mission commander, John. As the story progresses it is the changing relationship between these three characters that forms a large and important part of the story. The rest of the crew however, are still well-rounded and interesting in their own right, I felt this was a novel that could have worked equally well as a different story had it concentrated more on the secondary characters.
Exigency is, as I said, science-fiction and so naturally there is the advanced technology you'd expect on board a spacecraft of the future and it's done very well. The tech is beyond what we have currently yet still completely believable. I particularly liked the references to what people on Earth are doing with the technology, it isn't just available to those in space, mankind as a whole are using and benefiting from it. The story at this point was involving enough that I'd have been happy if it was solely based on the craft. However, a sudden catastrophe means the crew are forced to evacuate to the planet they have been studying. This planet, Epsilon C is divided into two hemispheres, one inhabited by the more advanced Threck, the other by the savage and primitive Hynka.
What follows is an exciting and tense tale of adaptation and survival. Both the humans and aliens are multidimensional characters who make surprising, often seemingly irrational decisions and as the reader I found my emotions were pulled one way, then another. The planet too is a completely believable yet still strange, different and often dangerous world.
I'm happy then, to say that the answer to my question about whether I'd enjoy this sci-fi novel as much as the previous books by this author is a resounding yes. Exigency is one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year, it's an easy cliché but I genuinely couldn't put it down. It treads a difficult line between creating a world that is alien both in term of its inhabitants and the technology available and one that is still believable and relatable, and it does so with great skill. I cared about the characters, loved the twists and can easily imagine further stories set in this compelling world. I will certainly be reading more by Michael Siemsen very soon.
May 10, 2021
For six years they’ve been in orbit around Epsilon C, a rocky, Earth-like planet that hosts not one but two sentient species. The nine are on a mission of scientific exploration. They’ve devoted their lives to it. And they’ve learned a great deal about the local inhabitants. Even—with tiny probes eavesdropping on conversations on the ground—the languages they speak. But there’s no plan to descend to the surface . . . until a supply vessel collides with their station and forces them all into evacuation vehicles. The drama that ensues engages members of the mission in a variety of life-threatening episodes involving not just both alien species but the conflicts among them. And what the humans learn proves how little they had understood from their research.
A fractious bunch of scientists
In Exigency, author Michael Siemsen profiles each of the nine members of the mission to varying degrees. Two of them stand out: Minerva (“Minnie”) Sotiras and Aether Quintana, who have recently become a couple. Each in turn had been bunking with John Li, the mission commander, before they moved in together.
** Minnie is the team’s linguist. She has compiled a database of the languages spoken by the Threck, the more advanced of Epsy’s two sentient species. (Another of the scientists has studied the language of the violent predators known as the Hynka.)
** Aether is the deputy mission commander. Like John, she is a generalist who possesses the skills to maintain the peace among the quarrelsome bunch of scientists on the station.
Imaginative hard science fiction
Exigency is set far in Earth’s future, but not so far as to make the technology seem impossible. For example, each of the characters in the novel wears one “bio eye” and one “prosthetic fone eye.” The fone is a multi-purpose computer that doesn’t just broaden the spectrum of eyesight. It also enables virtual reality games and “direct communication” via text. And in each fone is LIVETRANS software that enables the wearer to understand and speak an alien language after it has been exposed to enough conversations. Which of course makes it possible for the characters in this novel to pull off meaningful First Contact with the two sentient species on the planet. It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine any of this technology coming online before the end of the twenty-first century.
Siemsen has solved a problem that would challenge any would-be long-distance mission to the stars: the need to stock enough food for nine people for many years on end. As he writes about Minnie, “Like the eight other individuals on the station and the dozens of others sent to distant planets on similar missions, she hadn’t consumed a solid for almost 27 years. Meds in the water shut down the majority of the digestive process, nutrients and calories supplied by supplements also infused the water. . . Even though the meds blocked the processes and signals that led to hunger sensations, it was difficult to comprehend the psychological impacts of food, the social importance of eating. The teams still gathered twice daily for this very reason.” But I suspect this is all a lot less likely than the fone technology or the novel rocket propulsion system Siemsen depicts in Exigency. Our digestive system is designed to . . . well, digest food. And in its absence, what happens to the yards and yards of internal organs involved?
Where does the action take place?
The nearest star with the world “Epsilon” in it is Epsilon Eridani, which is most likely the setting for Exigency. Epsilon Eridani is one of the stars closest to Sol, at 10.5 light-years’ distance. It’s a sun-like orange-red dwarf approximately one-third as bright as the sun. The orange light in the novel is consistent with this.
Three exoplanets discovered to date
Epsilon Eridani is a much younger star than our sun. Rings of dust and debris like our asteroid belt surround it, indicating an earlier stage in planetary formation. And in 2000 astronomers found an exoplanet in its orbit that follows an elliptical orbit requiring nearly seven years to complete one rotation.. The planet is probably a gas giant somewhere between 80% and 160% the mass of Jupiter, which would make its gravity crushing for human beings. In other words, it’s uninhabitable by anything resembling the life-forms on “Epsilon” in Michael Siemsen’s imagination. (On Epsilon C in the novel, the pull of gravity is just 1.5 times Earth’s.)
But in 2000 astronomers had identified only fifty extra-solar planets, and as of April 1, 2021, there were 4,704 confirmed exoplanets in 3,478 systems. Since 2000 later studies have identified at least two more planets in the system. Both appear to be gas giants in orbits far from their star. But it seems entirely possible that a later discovery closer in to the star lies in the habitable zone at which liquid water would be possible on the surface.
Two sentient species unrelated to each other?
Evolution is endlessly inventive and endlessly complex. On Earth, we humans characterize ourselves as the planet’s only sentient species. But there is abundant evidence that other species—raccoons, crows, pigs, and octopi as well as dolphins and elephants—possess high degrees of intelligence. It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine that, given another couple of hundred million years of evolution—or genetic engineering—one or another of these species could reach something approaching humans’ level of sentience. Which leads me to believe that a planet where two sentient species both live is not beyond the limits of credulity.
About the author
According to the bio on his official website, Michael Siemsen “grew up in Venice, California, the second son of a Vietnam veteran turned policeman. Initially focusing on performing arts, Michael attended the prestigious Alexander Hamilton Academy in Los Angeles. After serving in the U.S. Army as a tracked vehicle operator, he returned to civilian life and began writing short stories and screenplays, and directing short films and music videos. He is the author of six novels as well as audiobooks and short stories contributed to anthologies.
“Moving to Northern California in the late 90s, Michael met his future wife, Ana. The two now live near the San Joaquin River Delta with their equally adventurous children, as well as ‘the dogs,’ ‘that cat,’ and a fish or two.”
A fractious bunch of scientists
In Exigency, author Michael Siemsen profiles each of the nine members of the mission to varying degrees. Two of them stand out: Minerva (“Minnie”) Sotiras and Aether Quintana, who have recently become a couple. Each in turn had been bunking with John Li, the mission commander, before they moved in together.
** Minnie is the team’s linguist. She has compiled a database of the languages spoken by the Threck, the more advanced of Epsy’s two sentient species. (Another of the scientists has studied the language of the violent predators known as the Hynka.)
** Aether is the deputy mission commander. Like John, she is a generalist who possesses the skills to maintain the peace among the quarrelsome bunch of scientists on the station.
Imaginative hard science fiction
Exigency is set far in Earth’s future, but not so far as to make the technology seem impossible. For example, each of the characters in the novel wears one “bio eye” and one “prosthetic fone eye.” The fone is a multi-purpose computer that doesn’t just broaden the spectrum of eyesight. It also enables virtual reality games and “direct communication” via text. And in each fone is LIVETRANS software that enables the wearer to understand and speak an alien language after it has been exposed to enough conversations. Which of course makes it possible for the characters in this novel to pull off meaningful First Contact with the two sentient species on the planet. It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine any of this technology coming online before the end of the twenty-first century.
Siemsen has solved a problem that would challenge any would-be long-distance mission to the stars: the need to stock enough food for nine people for many years on end. As he writes about Minnie, “Like the eight other individuals on the station and the dozens of others sent to distant planets on similar missions, she hadn’t consumed a solid for almost 27 years. Meds in the water shut down the majority of the digestive process, nutrients and calories supplied by supplements also infused the water. . . Even though the meds blocked the processes and signals that led to hunger sensations, it was difficult to comprehend the psychological impacts of food, the social importance of eating. The teams still gathered twice daily for this very reason.” But I suspect this is all a lot less likely than the fone technology or the novel rocket propulsion system Siemsen depicts in Exigency. Our digestive system is designed to . . . well, digest food. And in its absence, what happens to the yards and yards of internal organs involved?
Where does the action take place?
The nearest star with the world “Epsilon” in it is Epsilon Eridani, which is most likely the setting for Exigency. Epsilon Eridani is one of the stars closest to Sol, at 10.5 light-years’ distance. It’s a sun-like orange-red dwarf approximately one-third as bright as the sun. The orange light in the novel is consistent with this.
Three exoplanets discovered to date
Epsilon Eridani is a much younger star than our sun. Rings of dust and debris like our asteroid belt surround it, indicating an earlier stage in planetary formation. And in 2000 astronomers found an exoplanet in its orbit that follows an elliptical orbit requiring nearly seven years to complete one rotation.. The planet is probably a gas giant somewhere between 80% and 160% the mass of Jupiter, which would make its gravity crushing for human beings. In other words, it’s uninhabitable by anything resembling the life-forms on “Epsilon” in Michael Siemsen’s imagination. (On Epsilon C in the novel, the pull of gravity is just 1.5 times Earth’s.)
But in 2000 astronomers had identified only fifty extra-solar planets, and as of April 1, 2021, there were 4,704 confirmed exoplanets in 3,478 systems. Since 2000 later studies have identified at least two more planets in the system. Both appear to be gas giants in orbits far from their star. But it seems entirely possible that a later discovery closer in to the star lies in the habitable zone at which liquid water would be possible on the surface.
Two sentient species unrelated to each other?
Evolution is endlessly inventive and endlessly complex. On Earth, we humans characterize ourselves as the planet’s only sentient species. But there is abundant evidence that other species—raccoons, crows, pigs, and octopi as well as dolphins and elephants—possess high degrees of intelligence. It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine that, given another couple of hundred million years of evolution—or genetic engineering—one or another of these species could reach something approaching humans’ level of sentience. Which leads me to believe that a planet where two sentient species both live is not beyond the limits of credulity.
About the author
According to the bio on his official website, Michael Siemsen “grew up in Venice, California, the second son of a Vietnam veteran turned policeman. Initially focusing on performing arts, Michael attended the prestigious Alexander Hamilton Academy in Los Angeles. After serving in the U.S. Army as a tracked vehicle operator, he returned to civilian life and began writing short stories and screenplays, and directing short films and music videos. He is the author of six novels as well as audiobooks and short stories contributed to anthologies.
“Moving to Northern California in the late 90s, Michael met his future wife, Ana. The two now live near the San Joaquin River Delta with their equally adventurous children, as well as ‘the dogs,’ ‘that cat,’ and a fish or two.”
October 6, 2014
[No Spoilers here] Blown away. Liked The Dig and The Opal, been waiting for more Matt Turner, see this new book out, decide to give it a try. Siemsen has gone from a "cool, funny, new-on-the-scene, unique styled" author to TOP notch, "mature, as-good-as the icons of science fiction, carving-his-own-path" author. So happy to have been there from the start to see this transformation in real time.
I was going to say that Exigency has some of the standard topics of sci-fi (aliens, galaxy travel, technology) and presents them in unique way, but I don't think this would be anymore accurate or giving justice than saying that famous general fiction books have standard mysterious characters, or a murder, or drama. I've read a lot of Sci-fi and other genres, and this doesn't fit in there. I mean it fits in Sci-fi, but it would be better to say that Exigency reads like it's from an entirely new perspective, like from someone who didn't know anything about existing sci-fi. I don't if that makes any sense, or if it even sounds good, but what I'm trying to say is that it is.
The characters are real people, the new technology seems like logical steps forward for that far in the future, the aliens are presented as characters like any other, but conditioned and behaving based on their unique environments and history. It's a dramatic story of challenges and being forced to deal with circumstances and desperation, and it sucks you into the world to the point that you forget you're reading fiction and not directly experiencing some account of actual events. The action is plentyful, but not exaggerated or overdone.
As you can see, I can't really say enough about this book. I will be recommending it to everyone I know, and not just those into science fiction. And I seriously can't wait to see what Siemsen has coming up next. (and now getting his demon books from last year even though that's not usually my thing). That's it!
I was going to say that Exigency has some of the standard topics of sci-fi (aliens, galaxy travel, technology) and presents them in unique way, but I don't think this would be anymore accurate or giving justice than saying that famous general fiction books have standard mysterious characters, or a murder, or drama. I've read a lot of Sci-fi and other genres, and this doesn't fit in there. I mean it fits in Sci-fi, but it would be better to say that Exigency reads like it's from an entirely new perspective, like from someone who didn't know anything about existing sci-fi. I don't if that makes any sense, or if it even sounds good, but what I'm trying to say is that it is.
The characters are real people, the new technology seems like logical steps forward for that far in the future, the aliens are presented as characters like any other, but conditioned and behaving based on their unique environments and history. It's a dramatic story of challenges and being forced to deal with circumstances and desperation, and it sucks you into the world to the point that you forget you're reading fiction and not directly experiencing some account of actual events. The action is plentyful, but not exaggerated or overdone.
As you can see, I can't really say enough about this book. I will be recommending it to everyone I know, and not just those into science fiction. And I seriously can't wait to see what Siemsen has coming up next. (and now getting his demon books from last year even though that's not usually my thing). That's it!
February 22, 2015
Michael Siemsen is like Mozart on a Typewriter. This is his fifth book and his third genre and they have all been hits out of the park.
This time Michael has taken us off-world and stranded us on a planet that could either be our best dream or worst nightmare. It is adventurous, spine tingling, and cost me a night’s sleep (which is a sign of a really good book). I was fortunate enough to have been provided with an advanced copy to review, and can’t wait for the final edition to hit the shelves.
In a faraway galaxy, on a mystical planet resides two species of beings that have developed to the point of establishing societies, cities, and proved to be of interest enough for a group of scientists to buy into a one-way ticket to an observatory space station to study this planet and its inhabitants. Then a few pages into the story, the worst of nightmares happens, and suddenly the scientists are ejected from the space station in emergency pods that misfire in all directions.
What happens next sends the reader on a fast paced page turner as you run for your life one moment and try to negotiate for it the next.
As always, Michael provides attention to detail and weaves a world of mystical wonder. His descriptions of both the flora and fauna and the intelligent (and non-intelligent) species of the planet are so keen that you have no trouble visualizing them in 3D living color, but just vague enough to allow your own interpretation of the finished product. Just what does a Kangagorillagator (my descriptive word) look like? Mindboggling and ferocious.
This time Michael has taken us off-world and stranded us on a planet that could either be our best dream or worst nightmare. It is adventurous, spine tingling, and cost me a night’s sleep (which is a sign of a really good book). I was fortunate enough to have been provided with an advanced copy to review, and can’t wait for the final edition to hit the shelves.
In a faraway galaxy, on a mystical planet resides two species of beings that have developed to the point of establishing societies, cities, and proved to be of interest enough for a group of scientists to buy into a one-way ticket to an observatory space station to study this planet and its inhabitants. Then a few pages into the story, the worst of nightmares happens, and suddenly the scientists are ejected from the space station in emergency pods that misfire in all directions.
What happens next sends the reader on a fast paced page turner as you run for your life one moment and try to negotiate for it the next.
As always, Michael provides attention to detail and weaves a world of mystical wonder. His descriptions of both the flora and fauna and the intelligent (and non-intelligent) species of the planet are so keen that you have no trouble visualizing them in 3D living color, but just vague enough to allow your own interpretation of the finished product. Just what does a Kangagorillagator (my descriptive word) look like? Mindboggling and ferocious.
September 16, 2014
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the book and absolutely loved it!!!!
This book has an amazing story plot and is so believable. The story takes place in the future and has great plots, twists and turns and never boring. Lots of surprises and I'm not going to spoil them for you.
If you are a Sci-Fi lover and like a believable story line with twists, surprises and fast paced than this is a must read for you.
I have fallen in love with Michael's book and this is another great book!
Congratulations Michael!!
This book has an amazing story plot and is so believable. The story takes place in the future and has great plots, twists and turns and never boring. Lots of surprises and I'm not going to spoil them for you.
If you are a Sci-Fi lover and like a believable story line with twists, surprises and fast paced than this is a must read for you.
I have fallen in love with Michael's book and this is another great book!
Congratulations Michael!!
February 17, 2015
Interesting "first contact" book. Follows two groups of scientists who end up on a planet with two very different types of inhabitants. The obstacles that arise do not feel contrived and are handled well and believably. I also really liked that some of the obstacles were derived from contact with alien civilizations and some were derived from basic human flaws of the crew. I was not emotionally engaged with the characters, though - which is unusual for me. But the story lines are compelling and kept me turning those pages.
October 18, 2021
3.5-4 stars
Wouldn't have read based on the blurb alone, but I loved Siemsen's Matt Turner series. Something about Siemsen's writing has the ability to make me care about characters more than I usually do.
The Minerva character is the most bratty, annoying character I've encountered in some time. But overall I enjoyed this "didn't go to plan" first contact story.
The narration was well done.
Wouldn't have read based on the blurb alone, but I loved Siemsen's Matt Turner series. Something about Siemsen's writing has the ability to make me care about characters more than I usually do.
The Minerva character is the most bratty, annoying character I've encountered in some time. But overall I enjoyed this "didn't go to plan" first contact story.
The narration was well done.
July 30, 2015
I liked the story line, first contact with aliens that offered a new twist, that was original. However, the way the story was written made it very hard to follow and understand.
I won't bad mouth any other authors writing style, It takes a great amount of effort to write a novel. For that reason, I give this book 3 stars.
I won't bad mouth any other authors writing style, It takes a great amount of effort to write a novel. For that reason, I give this book 3 stars.
September 28, 2014
Very gripping SciFi. My initial intent was a 4-star rating, as my feeling about the ending was that it was a bit abrupt. As I ruminated over it, it became more satisfying.
October 27, 2014
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book early. I'm not allowed to say how early, but it wasn't early enough I can tell you that much. Most of you know that I am a die-hard Michael Siemsen fan and I will read pretty much anything that he writes, including a grocery list (kidding). I don't know if my reviews mean as much as someone who isn't as big of a fan or not. I like to think they mean more, because if I don't like it, then uh-oh.
I was really excited to get my hands on this book. The synopsis sounded fantastic and this kind of book is right up my alley genre wise. Plus, it's written by Mr Siemsen, so you know... I had also heard a rumor that there was a character named Angela in it. Should be interesting.....
The story starts off really early with the group landing on the planet Epsilon C after a mishap in space. They basically are stuck on the planet, with no contact with Earth, not really prepared for what they are about to encounter when they land. They have an exigency plan, they know what they are supposed to do, but when the sh*t hits the fan, it's a little different. They are supposed to land in the less hostile Threck country and meet up at a predetermined site away from civilization. Pretty much none of them land where they are supposed to. And, they aren't paired up with the people they were supposed to be paired up with. Sounds like the perfect recipe for shenanigans.
I can't really describe to you in words what this book is like. Nothing that comes forth from my brain will do it any justice at all. It blows my mind when I try to wrap my head around what kind of planning and research had to go into writing this story. And when I think about all the creativity that went into these characters, the planet, the technology, etc, I am left in awe. That's the only way I can describe this book. I don't think anyone that reads it will be able to explain it any better. I would love to make a comparison between this book and another like it, but I can't because there isn't.
At the time of writing this, I have read the book twice. TWICE! And, I'm going to read it again before it's released. I don't re-read people!! My point in telling you this is that I was trying to help Mr Siemsen cut out any fat or unnecessary parts and I couldn't. I would start to pick something that I thought could probably come out, and then keep reading and go "Nope. That's got to stay." And not because it was a key piece of the story, but because it wouldn't flow and it wouldn't "work" without it.
The other reason I wanted to mention that I read it TWICE! (so far), is that I wanted to see if I missed something. I wanted to see if I just read it so fast and was so engrossed that I wasn't really paying attention to the details. All I can say is that the second time I read it, I became enthralled with it even more. I didn't want the ride to end. I enjoyed the book more the second time I read it than I did the first time. I really can't wait to read it again!! (Holy hell, did I just say that??)
I will say one critical thing about this book: I wanted more. I still want more. In the interview that I did with Mr Siemsen (to be posted on my blog on 9/16), I asked him about the possibility of him writing more. I can tell you one thing: I didn't like his answer. Although, in writing, you never know what is going to grab you and not let go. This story may do that to Mr Siemsen as well. It has definitely done it to me. I know I can't be the only one.
P.S. There is indeed a character in this book named Angela. While Mr Siemsen has put in the beginning of the book the obligatory statement that "All persons are fictional..." blah blah blah I can assure you that I am as much of, if not more than, a smarta$$ as the character Angela. I wonder how he knew that...
I was really excited to get my hands on this book. The synopsis sounded fantastic and this kind of book is right up my alley genre wise. Plus, it's written by Mr Siemsen, so you know... I had also heard a rumor that there was a character named Angela in it. Should be interesting.....
The story starts off really early with the group landing on the planet Epsilon C after a mishap in space. They basically are stuck on the planet, with no contact with Earth, not really prepared for what they are about to encounter when they land. They have an exigency plan, they know what they are supposed to do, but when the sh*t hits the fan, it's a little different. They are supposed to land in the less hostile Threck country and meet up at a predetermined site away from civilization. Pretty much none of them land where they are supposed to. And, they aren't paired up with the people they were supposed to be paired up with. Sounds like the perfect recipe for shenanigans.
I can't really describe to you in words what this book is like. Nothing that comes forth from my brain will do it any justice at all. It blows my mind when I try to wrap my head around what kind of planning and research had to go into writing this story. And when I think about all the creativity that went into these characters, the planet, the technology, etc, I am left in awe. That's the only way I can describe this book. I don't think anyone that reads it will be able to explain it any better. I would love to make a comparison between this book and another like it, but I can't because there isn't.
At the time of writing this, I have read the book twice. TWICE! And, I'm going to read it again before it's released. I don't re-read people!! My point in telling you this is that I was trying to help Mr Siemsen cut out any fat or unnecessary parts and I couldn't. I would start to pick something that I thought could probably come out, and then keep reading and go "Nope. That's got to stay." And not because it was a key piece of the story, but because it wouldn't flow and it wouldn't "work" without it.
The other reason I wanted to mention that I read it TWICE! (so far), is that I wanted to see if I missed something. I wanted to see if I just read it so fast and was so engrossed that I wasn't really paying attention to the details. All I can say is that the second time I read it, I became enthralled with it even more. I didn't want the ride to end. I enjoyed the book more the second time I read it than I did the first time. I really can't wait to read it again!! (Holy hell, did I just say that??)
I will say one critical thing about this book: I wanted more. I still want more. In the interview that I did with Mr Siemsen (to be posted on my blog on 9/16), I asked him about the possibility of him writing more. I can tell you one thing: I didn't like his answer. Although, in writing, you never know what is going to grab you and not let go. This story may do that to Mr Siemsen as well. It has definitely done it to me. I know I can't be the only one.
P.S. There is indeed a character in this book named Angela. While Mr Siemsen has put in the beginning of the book the obligatory statement that "All persons are fictional..." blah blah blah I can assure you that I am as much of, if not more than, a smarta$$ as the character Angela. I wonder how he knew that...
September 21, 2014
I preordered this book and had planned to read it right away when it downloaded, but got caught up in other things. I've read much of what Michael Siemsen has written and have enjoyed all of it, so I knew I had something special to look forward to. As soon as the weekend rolled around, I wanted to start reading it, but I had a long list of chores to do and I kept telling myself...no, just wait until you have some time to really sit down and appreciate this.
At one point, after finishing some task, I decided to reward myself with a few minutes with Exigency After that, I didn’t accomplish a single other thing on my list.
I couldn’t put the damn thing down. I finished it today and now, have that withdrawal feeling of…what the heck can I read next?
A crew of exceptionally talented people give up their lives on Earth to explore a planet so far away, they know the mission is for life. When they crash land and are scattered, they don’t know who survived and who didn’t. The groups encounter different intelligent life on the planet, each presenting their own challenges and dangers.
Once again, Michael Siemsen delivers a well-crafted, page-turner that doesn’t stop until it’s done. This one feels as if there is plenty of room for a series and while it didn’t end as a cliffhanger (thank god) there’s much more about these people I want to know.
The challenges of spending years in space flight, the relationships developed amongst the crew, the likes, loves and drama, all felt exactly right. From the language barriers to the misunderstandings and danger, this reads as if meeting an alien species could really happen this way. It makes you wish we'd just do it already.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely recommend to my friends.
At one point, after finishing some task, I decided to reward myself with a few minutes with Exigency After that, I didn’t accomplish a single other thing on my list.
I couldn’t put the damn thing down. I finished it today and now, have that withdrawal feeling of…what the heck can I read next?
A crew of exceptionally talented people give up their lives on Earth to explore a planet so far away, they know the mission is for life. When they crash land and are scattered, they don’t know who survived and who didn’t. The groups encounter different intelligent life on the planet, each presenting their own challenges and dangers.
Once again, Michael Siemsen delivers a well-crafted, page-turner that doesn’t stop until it’s done. This one feels as if there is plenty of room for a series and while it didn’t end as a cliffhanger (thank god) there’s much more about these people I want to know.
The challenges of spending years in space flight, the relationships developed amongst the crew, the likes, loves and drama, all felt exactly right. From the language barriers to the misunderstandings and danger, this reads as if meeting an alien species could really happen this way. It makes you wish we'd just do it already.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely recommend to my friends.
June 13, 2015
I really enjoyed Exigency and was pleasantly surprised with how much so. I am not much of a reader of space travel type of books because usually I get lost in the science jargon. Yet, I really enjoy space travel movies and books. I guess we all have our quirks. Anyways, I didn't feel lost in this book and thought it was well written. I got lost in the characters, and the story. The book was defiantly a page turner because it was filled with a lot of adventure and suspense. My only complaint is that I felt it was a tad long and the ending left a lot to be desired. I really hope there is a sequel because I felt it left a lot of unanswered questions. I need closure!!! lol!
I would recommend this book to people looking for something new and interesting to read.
Updated review 1/7/15:
After the review I was given a new ending of the book and I enjoyed it. I still stand by that I need a sequel. I also wrote this review before my diversity rating but I would like to share that this book gets an A for diversity.
I would recommend this book to people looking for something new and interesting to read.
Updated review 1/7/15:
After the review I was given a new ending of the book and I enjoyed it. I still stand by that I need a sequel. I also wrote this review before my diversity rating but I would like to share that this book gets an A for diversity.
November 9, 2017
Having bought this on sale, I wasn't expecting very much. Unfortunately, this book delivered even less. I made it only a tenth of the way through the book before deleting it.
The book offers an interesting premise, with the potential for some great plot twists. Earth's best, most psychologically resilient scientists studying two very different intelligent species evolving separately on different contents of the same remote planet. When disaster strikes their space station, they go from xenoanthropology to survival among the aliens they've been studying.
Unfortunately, the writing was choppy, the dialogue boring, and the characterizations utterly juvenile. These are certainly not the best scientists Earth has to offer. They wouldn't even qualify as the best thirteen year olds.
The book offers an interesting premise, with the potential for some great plot twists. Earth's best, most psychologically resilient scientists studying two very different intelligent species evolving separately on different contents of the same remote planet. When disaster strikes their space station, they go from xenoanthropology to survival among the aliens they've been studying.
Unfortunately, the writing was choppy, the dialogue boring, and the characterizations utterly juvenile. These are certainly not the best scientists Earth has to offer. They wouldn't even qualify as the best thirteen year olds.
September 15, 2014
I was able to read this book early in exchange for an honest review. I have always loved sci/fi and this book is no exception. This book contains, futuristic technology, a strange planet, scientists, and a bit of a love story. Exigency was quite different from other sci/fi books, and it really stands out by itself. I enjoyed it, and will continue to look for more books from Michael Siemsen.
September 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I liked the mix of alien races, languages, and interesting biology. A bit too much mention of reproductive slit manipulation in exchange for control. A few spelling/word errors. A few sentences lost me because of poor wording or context.
February 17, 2015
I thought the book was confusing while reading the story. I did like it but I hated the weird names for the aliens and one character. Besides that it was OK and I hoped the ending would have had a better bang to it.
January 5, 2022
Have you ever read one of those books books that you did not want it to end? I could have finished this book three days ago but I kept stopping as the Kindle App told me I was getting closer and closer to the end. It was that good!
Exigency (which means an urgent need or demand) by Michael Siemsen has it all; hard science, interesting characters, gripping plot, good writing, first contact, complex relationships, politics, alien species (several), and a whole lot of suspense.
Siemsen has created a story about a group of nine scientists who, willingly, set out on a one way trip to spend the rest of their lives studying a planet with two drastically different intelligent species. One group seems totally barbaric, warmongering, and cannibalistic and the other civilized and growing. Ah, but life on this planet is so much more complex that what they see at first glance.
After observing the two species from their space platform and cataloging their customs and language, their spacecraft suddenly explodes and they have to, in groups of two, use escape pods to land on scattered places around the planet. And that is where the real adventure begins.
Siemsen checks off just about every box about first contact; vastly different cultures, human frailties, evolution, private space exploration, evolving species, and good verses evil. From his website I learned that Siemsen himself went through a major change, from classroom disrupter, to enlisting in the army, to using his army money to go to college, to becoming an author. Siemsen definitely has had his fair share of personal evolution and he seems to have incorporated it into this story.
I have only one complaint about this book and that is the lack of a sequel!
Exigency (which means an urgent need or demand) by Michael Siemsen has it all; hard science, interesting characters, gripping plot, good writing, first contact, complex relationships, politics, alien species (several), and a whole lot of suspense.
Siemsen has created a story about a group of nine scientists who, willingly, set out on a one way trip to spend the rest of their lives studying a planet with two drastically different intelligent species. One group seems totally barbaric, warmongering, and cannibalistic and the other civilized and growing. Ah, but life on this planet is so much more complex that what they see at first glance.
After observing the two species from their space platform and cataloging their customs and language, their spacecraft suddenly explodes and they have to, in groups of two, use escape pods to land on scattered places around the planet. And that is where the real adventure begins.
Siemsen checks off just about every box about first contact; vastly different cultures, human frailties, evolution, private space exploration, evolving species, and good verses evil. From his website I learned that Siemsen himself went through a major change, from classroom disrupter, to enlisting in the army, to using his army money to go to college, to becoming an author. Siemsen definitely has had his fair share of personal evolution and he seems to have incorporated it into this story.
I have only one complaint about this book and that is the lack of a sequel!
September 12, 2017
I enjoyed this. It had a nice pace and it was a unique colonization story. My only real critism is that there are a couple different groups of alien beings that were hard to imagine what they looked like. The author went into detail for their descriptions but I still had trouble, particularly with the Threck. I would have like to see something on the cover that helped with this. Even if it was just a silhouette in the distance or something.
It does have a satisfactory ending but a sequel would be nice. The city Threck are jerks and I hate to see them gain the knowledge and science of humanity while other threcks and more civilized hynka get nothing.
It does have a satisfactory ending but a sequel would be nice. The city Threck are jerks and I hate to see them gain the knowledge and science of humanity while other threcks and more civilized hynka get nothing.
May 7, 2022
Good sci-fi, great world building, lots of action, alien life abounds!
July 8, 2020
Decent imaginings of a space based observation of life on another planet. Each of the 9 scientists on board has his/her own specialty. When a resupply pod crashes into their station, they get to the planet in escape pods. I enjoyed the extreme survivor scenarios, descriptions of flora and fauna, societies. The epilogue rushed things to conclusion.
January 5, 2024
Sokszereplős, pörgős és meglepően eredeti cselekményű regény, sokkal jobb, mint amit vártam. Kiadhatnák magyarul is, helló, Galaktika Fantasztikus Könyvek! (De vajon be kéne fóliázni? Van benne szerelem azonos neműek között.)
December 13, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book before it was released.
A group of scientists are in orbit. They are far away from earth. For 8 years they have been observing other life forms. One day the ship is compromised and blown up leaving the team seperated and heading for a dangerous planet. Although they have been observing the life forms that currently inhabit that planet, nothing prepares them for actually trying to survive there.
I am a huge Sci-Fi geek and this story was amazing! It's unique and Michael Siemsen has a way with words and bringing each character to life. If you like Sci-Fi and a great story then check this book out. I give it 5 stars!!
A group of scientists are in orbit. They are far away from earth. For 8 years they have been observing other life forms. One day the ship is compromised and blown up leaving the team seperated and heading for a dangerous planet. Although they have been observing the life forms that currently inhabit that planet, nothing prepares them for actually trying to survive there.
I am a huge Sci-Fi geek and this story was amazing! It's unique and Michael Siemsen has a way with words and bringing each character to life. If you like Sci-Fi and a great story then check this book out. I give it 5 stars!!
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