Review of Impact
- Frank Ezekiel
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Review of Impact
In this near-futuristic tale, Impact, by Mark D. Owen, four friends—Tamarind Chase, a brilliant inventor with a passion for asteroid mining; Flax Venture, his co-founder in drone technology; Almond, Flax's wife and business partner; and Kohlrabi Trust, the governor of Moonbase Verity—are on the cusp of revolutionising space exploration. However, their lives are forever changed when a Korean pilot's failed docking attempt at the ISS results in a catastrophic crash, claiming the lives of both him and his Japanese co-pilot. This incident sparks a global space war, with nations destroying critical satellites and leaving Moonbase Verity vulnerable.
As the conflict escalates, Tamarind's friend Kohlrabi and 224 scientists are trapped on the moonbase, cut off from communication and supply lines due to the expanding debris field caused by a devastating Kessler effect. With the moonbase on the brink of collapse, Tamarind becomes the only hope for survival. Against all odds, Tamarind successfully restores communication with Moonbase Verity, but the grim reality of the situation becomes clear. The prolonged isolation has taken a devastating toll on the moonbase's inhabitants, with many succumbing to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and other avoidable causes.
Undeterred, Tamarind rallies his old friends to help him build a rocket capable of withstanding the treacherous debris field. The world watches with bated breath as the rocket, launches into space. However, disaster strikes when the rocket fuel capsule is hit by the debris field, triggering a catastrophic explosion. The mission hangs in space unaccomplished, and the fate of Kohlrabi, the remaining survivors, and the future of space exploration itself hang precariously in ruins.
In a heartbreaking final conversation, Kohlrabi accepts his fate, acknowledging that the chances of rescue are gone. With a heavy heart, he urges Tamarind to continue fighting, not to let the setback defeat him. Kohlrabi expresses his deepest gratitude for Tamarind's unwavering efforts to save them, despite the government's abandonment. In a stunning revelation, Kohlrabi hints at a groundbreaking discovery made by the Moonbase team, something that could change the course of human history. He entrusts Tamarind with a cryptic message: "What we've found, we can't send to the government. You must come to Moonbase Verity when the time is right."
As the communication link fades, Tamarind and Kohlrabi share a tearful goodbye, the weight of their friendship and the uncertainty of the future hanging in the balance. The fate of Moonbase Verity, its inhabitants, and the mysterious discovery remain shrouded in uncertainty. Tamarind is left with a newfound sense of purpose, driven by the promise to his friend and the allure of the unknown.
Consumed by guilt and driven by his friend's last wish, Tamarind abandons his share in Drone Tech to revive the dying space industry. He launches Project Light Star, a mission to clear the debris field and revive space exploration. However, secretly, Tamarind also initiates Project Phosaster, an asteroid miner, hidden from the government and his friends, except his investors. As Project Light Star gains momentum, a new extinction-level threat emerges, detected by Drone Tech's advanced technology. Director Search Taro suggests it's an alien technology, not meant for attack, while the military believes it's an imminent threat. The world must unite once more to face this new challenge.
Tamarind's dual projects become crucial in the face of this new disaster. Will Project Light Star succeed in clearing the debris field? Can Project Phosaster unlock the secrets of asteroid mining? And will humanity unite to overcome the alien technology threat? Dive deeper into this gripping sci-fi adventure to find out.
This book is a true masterpiece, with a narrative flow that's nothing short of exceptional. From the very first page, the author's captivating storytelling draws you in, weaving a spell that holds you enthralled until the very last word. The characters are vibrant and multi-dimensional, leaping off the page with a depth and complexity that's truly remarkable. You can't help but become invested in their journeys, feeling every twist and turn of their emotional arcs.
The writing itself is a joy to read, with a seamless flow that makes the book feel utterly flawless. The author's skilful use of language paints a picture that's both vivid and immersive, drawing you into the world of the story.
I love everything about the book. "The story masterfully weaves together plots of secrecy, hope, etc. Tamarind's journey transforms into one of personal redemption as he strives to fulfil his friend's last wish, cope with overwhelming guilt, and discover a new sense of purpose. Amidst escalating political tensions and conflicting interests, the struggle for global cooperation reaches a fever pitch, propelling the narrative forward. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars because I have nothing to dislike about it. I have only found a single grammar error in it, testifying to its professional editing.
I strongly recommend the book as a must-read for anyone who has ever faced adversity and wondered if they had the strength to overcome it. The author's story is a powerful reminder that our struggles can become the catalysts for our greatest achievements, and that with determination and resilience, we can turn our challenges into the building blocks of success.
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Impact
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