ARA Review by davidmwpowers of The Origin of F.O.R.C.E.
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davidmwpowers
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ARA Review by davidmwpowers of The Origin of F.O.R.C.E.
[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, The Origin of F.O.R.C.E..]
The Origin of F.O.R.C.E. is an interesting and compelling read that combines elements of cartoon superhero and space opera with a worthy attempt to connect with real science, technology and history.
The story opens with the Roswell incident, where the weather balloons are real, but so are the flying saucers and aliens. Realizing the superiority of the alien invaders, earth forces nonetheless manage to bring one down, killing its crew – but there is one survivor, an alien boy known as Whatsit. Whatsit acknowledges the officer who defeated him but let him leave, treating him as Master, advising and assisting the human team who need to prepare for the invasion. They will have 60 to 70 years.
The story cleverly weaves together real earth events and scientific developments into the generational defence plan, which we see plan out and pan out over the course of the novel, the first in the F.O.R.C.E. series. Much of the science is pretty good, while some misses, and some reflects common tropes from the Marvel and DC universes.
Characters are mostly rather patchy caricatures, with clichéd romance, clichéd egotistical scientist, and an assortment of militaristic tropes. Overall the plot plays out well, if a little too easily – both plot and characters could do with a bit more development, particularly the younger generation introduced in the second half of the book.
I am awarding this four out of five stars. It should appeal to a broad range of audience, from young adults up – including those who like the comic-strip and cartoon superhero franchises as well as those who prefer the more serious end of hard science fiction. Like the best cartoon series, there are good attempts to provide a reasonable scientific basis for the technical developments. Like the best hard science fiction, the science isn’t allowed to get in the way of a good story – even if it is the science that is sacrificed at times.
Generally, the book is well presented and well edited, and will provide an enjoyable read to a broad range of readers (although some of that enjoyment may come from picking out the occasional nit).
***
View The Origin of F.O.R.C.E. on Bookshelves
The Origin of F.O.R.C.E. is an interesting and compelling read that combines elements of cartoon superhero and space opera with a worthy attempt to connect with real science, technology and history.
The story opens with the Roswell incident, where the weather balloons are real, but so are the flying saucers and aliens. Realizing the superiority of the alien invaders, earth forces nonetheless manage to bring one down, killing its crew – but there is one survivor, an alien boy known as Whatsit. Whatsit acknowledges the officer who defeated him but let him leave, treating him as Master, advising and assisting the human team who need to prepare for the invasion. They will have 60 to 70 years.
The story cleverly weaves together real earth events and scientific developments into the generational defence plan, which we see plan out and pan out over the course of the novel, the first in the F.O.R.C.E. series. Much of the science is pretty good, while some misses, and some reflects common tropes from the Marvel and DC universes.
Characters are mostly rather patchy caricatures, with clichéd romance, clichéd egotistical scientist, and an assortment of militaristic tropes. Overall the plot plays out well, if a little too easily – both plot and characters could do with a bit more development, particularly the younger generation introduced in the second half of the book.
I am awarding this four out of five stars. It should appeal to a broad range of audience, from young adults up – including those who like the comic-strip and cartoon superhero franchises as well as those who prefer the more serious end of hard science fiction. Like the best cartoon series, there are good attempts to provide a reasonable scientific basis for the technical developments. Like the best hard science fiction, the science isn’t allowed to get in the way of a good story – even if it is the science that is sacrificed at times.
Generally, the book is well presented and well edited, and will provide an enjoyable read to a broad range of readers (although some of that enjoyment may come from picking out the occasional nit).
***
View The Origin of F.O.R.C.E. on Bookshelves
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Sam B Miller II
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Thank you for your reasoned review. Very happy you liked the story overall.
