Official Review: 30th Century: Contact

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 06 Jun 2019, 21:03

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "30th Century: Contact" by Mark Kingston Levin PhD.]

4 out of 4 stars

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To catch readers up to the beginning of this third installment, 30th Century: Contact offers a brief prologue. Jenny (Jennifer’s twin sister) has engaged in a bit of time travel. After exploring the thirty-second century and confirming that all was well with relatives there, Jenny visited the fiftieth century. Again, life was fine, even amazing, at that time in the future. However, when Jenny ventured into the fifty-seventh century, she observed that there was no life on Earth. Our planet had been “burned to a crisp with almost no atmosphere.” What could have happened to cause this catastrophic outcome?

Jennifer has obtained permission and procured backing to act as co-leader on Project Magnetar, a mission to travel into the fifty-sixth century. There, she hopes to confirm what caused Earth to burn and to take measures to prevent this cataclysmic event.

Although I had not read the first two installments of this series, I felt like I was able to jump into this novel and pick right up where the others had left off. The characters were introduced thoroughly, allowing me to know them almost immediately and bond with them. At times the conversations between husband and wife read a bit stilted, even formal. But, maybe that is how humans will speak centuries from now.

Levin features maps and drawings throughout this book to help familiarize readers with what he is describing on the page. I was amazed at the author’s creativity as I read of other galaxies, alien life, and artificial intelligence. At times, it took all of my concentration to keep the characters, and the particular century they were in, straight. However, it was worth the effort, as this page-turning thriller did not let up from page one until the end. The author leaves readers with a cliffhanger for the fourth installment in this exciting series.

I did dislike that there were graphic sex scenes portrayed between groups of people- threesomes and foursomes. Members of the project reasoned that they were to be away from their loved ones for centuries and would not see most of them again. Always thinking ahead, most of these characters had already obtained permission from their spouses to engage in this activity. Still, it was a bit much for my taste. Fortunately, these scenes were few and far in between.

While I did note a few errors, they did not detract from my pleasure in reading the book. Nor were they significant enough to justify dropping the rating. Therefore, it is my pleasure to award 30th Century: Contact by Mark Kingston Levin 4 out of 4 stars. This Sci-fi thriller will appeal to readers who delight in that genre. Even those readers who typically do not gravitate to this particular genre may enjoy getting lost in this novel. Anyone sensitive to the few graphic sex scenes may wish to select another book to read or skip over these sections. Due to the mature themes noted, this book is not recommended for younger readers.

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30th Century: Contact
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Shadiid · Post by **Shadiid** » 04 Jul 2019, 07:53

I'd definitely read 30tg Century. I'm curious to know what the future might hold.. interesting book.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 04 Jul 2019, 12:43

Well it sounds like the author developed this a bit more than the first book which is good. The first book didn't really have a plot, but it was simply a reason to introduce multiple sexual partners. I doubt I'll pick this one up, but I'm glad it's a bit more cohesive.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 04 Jul 2019, 13:44

The author has led readers on quite an adventure. The lack of life on Earth will certainly pique the interest. I found your comments about the way spouses talk to each other quite humorous. Great review!

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 04 Jul 2019, 16:42

I didn't like the first one much but I was caught by what little plot there was. This one sounds like it has more going for it, even if the sex scenes have returned. I wish he'd just drop those and stick with the plot because he's very imaginative and his integration of real world science can be fun.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 04 Jul 2019, 18:21

Shadiid wrote: ↑04 Jul 2019, 07:53 I'd definitely read 30tg Century. I'm curious to know what the future might hold.. interesting book.

I think you will enjoy this story and what lies beyond.... Thank you for reading my review, Shadiid, and for commenting!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 04 Jul 2019, 18:24

kandscreeley wrote: ↑04 Jul 2019, 12:43 Well it sounds like the author developed this a bit more than the first book which is good. The first book didn't really have a plot, but it was simply a reason to introduce multiple sexual partners. I doubt I'll pick this one up, but I'm glad it's a bit more cohesive.

Yes, this book did have a plot. Maybe the storylines are becoming more fully developed as the series continues. Thank you, kandscreeley, for reading my review and for your thoughtful comments!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 04 Jul 2019, 18:26

kdstrack wrote: ↑04 Jul 2019, 13:44 The author has led readers on quite an adventure. The lack of life on Earth will certainly pique the interest. I found your comments about the way spouses talk to each other quite humorous. Great review!

Thank you, kdstrack, for your thoughtful comments and kind words!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 04 Jul 2019, 18:28

Nisha Ward wrote: ↑04 Jul 2019, 16:42 I didn't like the first one much but I was caught by what little plot there was. This one sounds like it has more going for it, even if the sex scenes have returned. I wish he'd just drop those and stick with the plot because he's very imaginative and his integration of real world science can be fun.

I agree, Nisha. With such imaginative writing, the sex scenes seem a bit unnecessary. Thank you for stopping in and commenting!

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 05 Jul 2019, 05:37

It's a real testament to the author to be able to write this book so that you can understand so well without having read the previous ones. Although, I feel like I've read so many reviews of the first one that I have a pretty good idea of where Jennifer's story began

This is a wonderful review - thanks!

Dee_218 · Post by **Dee_218** » 05 Jul 2019, 15:21

With the graphics of the technology, sounds like ot could develop into a lovely sci-fi fantasy series. Thank you for the review. Sounds like an interesting book.

Nyambura Githui · Post by **Nyambura Githui** » 06 Jul 2019, 15:47

The book sounds interesting. Am interested to know the technological advances the author put. Thanks for the review.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 06 Jul 2019, 20:27

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑05 Jul 2019, 05:37 It's a real testament to the author to be able to write this book so that you can understand so well without having read the previous ones. Although, I feel like I've read so many reviews of the first one that I have a pretty good idea of where Jennifer's story began
This is a wonderful review - thanks!

Yes, I've read several reviews on the earlier book as well.

Thank you so much, Bianka, for your very kind words!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 06 Jul 2019, 20:29

Dee_218 wrote: ↑05 Jul 2019, 15:21 With the graphics of the technology, sounds like ot could develop into a lovely sci-fi fantasy series. Thank you for the review. Sounds like an interesting book.

Yes, it's very appropriate for a sci-fi series. And one that I would enjoy watching.

Thank you for your kind comments, Dee!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 06 Jul 2019, 20:35

Nyambura Githui wrote: ↑06 Jul 2019, 15:47 The book sounds interesting. Am interested to know the technological advances the author put. Thanks for the review.

The technological advances of the future were quite interesting to explore in this novel. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!