Bright Light: Star Carrier: Book Eight

Several years ago I was looking for some new sci-fi to read, and among other books wound up with the first entry in the Star Carrier series. It was interesting enough to continue reading the other books, although the series is not without its flaws - the author's strength is clearly the realism of his description of military operations, the science itself, and alien biologies, while the projection of fleet commanders as galactic diplomats is a stretch, there is way too much copy and paste in the text itself, explaining concepts over and over again (toned down a bit later in the series), and the descriptions of interpersonal relationships are pretty wooden. All that said, there are a lot of interesting ideas throughout the series, and the many unique and well-defined alien species are a highlight.My main issue with this latest book is the disconnect between the incredibly advanced nature of the technologies and civilizations humans encounter, and the ability of those humans to interact with those technologies and actually put them to productive use. Imagine a cockroach understanding how to use an iPhone and you get the idea. It's probably a necessary conceit for the author to bridge relatable humans and these incredibly advanced civilizations, but ridiculous to the point of distraction. Also one other thing: all I'll say is "midichlorians."

I've been reading books by this Author for several decades and his worlds have brought me great entertainment. This book is no exception! Vivid word play that draws you into the story like you were there. Well you are! Right there into the minds of the men and women and aliens in a universe on the verge of understanding! Thank you W.H. Keith Jr.! I love Science fiction and have even wrote some of my own stories. A few of which have been included in Anthologies. I owe my love for writing to W.H. Keith Jr., Larry Niven, Larry Correia, Michael Z. Williamson, Sarah Hoyt, and a host of other talented story tellers. This series has been a helluva ride and I hope to read more tales of this universe. Now if I can get another story from StarCorpman out of Mr. Keith that would be awesome!

A grand, sweeping tale of discovery and military science fiction. Solid human characters, excellent conscious artificial intelligences, amazing aliens. Many years into the future humankind has not come together and is still practicing politics. When confronted by alien civilizations and massive alien intelligences, humans fall back on the most primitive of responses— attack. This time we get lucky.

Just my type of book. Having been raised on Clarke, Pournelle, Herbert, Heinlein, Niven, Vinge, and so many others....I tend to long for a good science fiction book. The MC, plot, flow, consistency in actions taken/not taken, energy, conundrums, mind bending concepts and the like, all make this book and series top notch in my mind. As a 51 years young human male, I applaud the author.

I love Ian Douglas's books. I'm not sure why the other reviews keep mentioning this being a conclusion to the series (I've already preordered #9). I'm not sure where it goes from here and I'm looking forward to finding out in December. Another great story, as expected. I was really happy that someone FINALLY explained why they were describing black hole sizes by their diameter, rather than by circumference. That was really starting to bug me. Anyway, a great read.

This is a fantastic continuation of the saga with even more challenges overcome and more revelations about the “universe” in which we exist. The characters remain engaging and the world (universe) building extraordinary.

It took a long time to get to the point...and a lot of high science, as well. But if you’re into that sort of thing this series is for you. As far as this book, it was a good conclusion. The author does a good job mixing military sci-fi, hard science, and good ole sci-fi fantasy to create a thought provoking story of humanity and it’s rescue from (and eventual path to) god-like alien sentience.

It is a good book just the break one needs from reality. I marvel at the author's grasp of the future science. I am not sure technology can be the leveller of human biology but the thought is hopeful. One would hope we take the time to improve the human along with the technology.

Adoro a serie!