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Ell Donsaii #15
Terraform
This is the fifteenth book in a series of near future Hard-SciFi Thrillers. Their heroine Ell Donsaii has a nerve mutation that makes her a genius as well as providing astonishing athletic abilities. Her genius has let her revolutionize our world with a number of inventions, including instantaneous communications and trans-dimensional portals that are delivering fuel, water, and food all around the world
In “Terraform,” AJ—Ell’s soon to be brother-in-law—gently takes her to task for not being bold enough to undertake the terraforming of Mars. They begin the first steps to initiate that massive undertaking.
Ell’s son Zage, a prodigy who’s now turning six, is continuing to follow his interests in biology and genetics by working in Dr. Reggie Barnes research lab. There he’s become interested in Alzheimer’s disease.
Unfortunately, Zage’s friend Carley is having trouble with her newly found brother. Eli’s proving to be an abusive alcoholic like his father. Zage and Carley wonder if there might be a genetic basis for Eli’s problem, and if so, whether they might be able to do something about it.
Meanwhile, a man named Jason Stackhouse has taken exception to the fact that Ell’s company ETR is mining an asteroid he claimed on a website years ago. He’s declared war on the company and travels to ETR, intending to teach them a lesson—by killing someone…
In “Terraform,” AJ—Ell’s soon to be brother-in-law—gently takes her to task for not being bold enough to undertake the terraforming of Mars. They begin the first steps to initiate that massive undertaking.
Ell’s son Zage, a prodigy who’s now turning six, is continuing to follow his interests in biology and genetics by working in Dr. Reggie Barnes research lab. There he’s become interested in Alzheimer’s disease.
Unfortunately, Zage’s friend Carley is having trouble with her newly found brother. Eli’s proving to be an abusive alcoholic like his father. Zage and Carley wonder if there might be a genetic basis for Eli’s problem, and if so, whether they might be able to do something about it.
Meanwhile, a man named Jason Stackhouse has taken exception to the fact that Ell’s company ETR is mining an asteroid he claimed on a website years ago. He’s declared war on the company and travels to ETR, intending to teach them a lesson—by killing someone…
- GenresScience Fiction
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2018
409 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
60 books663 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at [email protected]
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at [email protected]
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 1, 2018
Another volume of one of my guilty pleasures. I feel that there was just too much highly speculative science going on and not enough plot.
The lives of Ell and Zage are enormously interesting but throwing in too many sub-plots, especially ones that lead to anticlimactic ends, are tedious and unfulfilling. Stick to our main characters and maybe one additional character. It all will end up as fodder for the next volume. It also detracts from having an exceptional antagonist.
I will still read the next volume but keep the science, don't follow so many characters and give us a nemesis. Not a bumbling idiot or in this case a lucky irresponsible reporter and two potential mass shooters. Someone that actually knows what they are doing.
The lives of Ell and Zage are enormously interesting but throwing in too many sub-plots, especially ones that lead to anticlimactic ends, are tedious and unfulfilling. Stick to our main characters and maybe one additional character. It all will end up as fodder for the next volume. It also detracts from having an exceptional antagonist.
I will still read the next volume but keep the science, don't follow so many characters and give us a nemesis. Not a bumbling idiot or in this case a lucky irresponsible reporter and two potential mass shooters. Someone that actually knows what they are doing.
November 28, 2018
Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed terraform, one of the best books yet. Enjoyd zages interactions with Carly, out outting of there identities to the public
I thoroughly enjoyed terraform, one of the best books yet. Enjoyd zages interactions with Carly, out outting of there identities to the public
December 1, 2018
Another Hit!!!!
I would tell you to buy and read this book immediately but it would wrong. If you have read ANY of the other books in this(or any other of Dr. Dahners series ) then you are likely already hooked and will read it regardless. You could read it as the first book by this author but then you would be cheating yourself out of the wonderful progression leading to this point. So, I will simply advise you to go immediately to Amazon and purchase the first book of this series. Once you read it and become as addicted as the rest of us, Enjoy binge reading this series and the just as wonderful other series by this author and welcome to the club. (Ps: sorry about what I just did to your book buying budget.
I would tell you to buy and read this book immediately but it would wrong. If you have read ANY of the other books in this(or any other of Dr. Dahners series ) then you are likely already hooked and will read it regardless. You could read it as the first book by this author but then you would be cheating yourself out of the wonderful progression leading to this point. So, I will simply advise you to go immediately to Amazon and purchase the first book of this series. Once you read it and become as addicted as the rest of us, Enjoy binge reading this series and the just as wonderful other series by this author and welcome to the club. (Ps: sorry about what I just did to your book buying budget.
March 2, 2021
I haven’t come up with a better term so I will call these books “competency porn” (think Sherlock Holmes and James Bond). I LOVE competency porn so I blew through all the Ell Donsaii books in about two weeks. As a result I’m giving books 1-16 the same review. While these books largely hit my sweet spot, I recognized several imperfection but, before listing those, I want to first say I greatly enjoyed these books and so I encourage anyone who enjoys “competency porn” (I really hate that term) to give them a try.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (alos recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (alos recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
January 7, 2025
I was wrong when I predicted in my last book's review that Zage will make another discovery. Actually, he made two. Cure for alcoholism and Alzheimer's. That makes its count to four in three books.
This book is a little boring, since Ell is almost absent in it. She's there more towards the end, till then its Zage, and his colleagues, and Ell's colleagues, with whom we have not invested much. I think Dahners really have no empathy for any protagonist over 30. He wants to write stories of young prodigies, like he replaced Kaem Seba with Zaii, and Vaaz with Tiona (incidentally both replaced by daughters).
The conflict here is new, a threat to expose Ell's hidden identity. Although most of the story does not focus on that. It focuses on numerous other things, Kally's brother's alcoholism, Zage's research, little about terraforming, someone wanting revenge with D5R for a pointless reason, then there is an episode of Ell preventing another terror attack. The story is all over the place.
Also, remember I said the Dahners is now losing his grip on reality of science? In one of the previous book when Ell calculated energy and time requirement to terraforming Mars, and at the same time said it's not doable and pointless, I knew at the same time that Dahners will find an excuse to reduce it. The energy requirement will be dramatically low and so the time could be reduced to few years. How right I was. he has done the same in other series as well. Some thing that needs very high amount of energy in smaller form and very small in larger form, without an explanation saying that's how the phenomenon work.
Anyways, it's an alright story, but it is now becoming more fiction than science. We might call it fantasy as well.
This book is a little boring, since Ell is almost absent in it. She's there more towards the end, till then its Zage, and his colleagues, and Ell's colleagues, with whom we have not invested much. I think Dahners really have no empathy for any protagonist over 30. He wants to write stories of young prodigies, like he replaced Kaem Seba with Zaii, and Vaaz with Tiona (incidentally both replaced by daughters).
The conflict here is new, a threat to expose Ell's hidden identity. Although most of the story does not focus on that. It focuses on numerous other things, Kally's brother's alcoholism, Zage's research, little about terraforming, someone wanting revenge with D5R for a pointless reason, then there is an episode of Ell preventing another terror attack. The story is all over the place.
Also, remember I said the Dahners is now losing his grip on reality of science? In one of the previous book when Ell calculated energy and time requirement to terraforming Mars, and at the same time said it's not doable and pointless, I knew at the same time that Dahners will find an excuse to reduce it. The energy requirement will be dramatically low and so the time could be reduced to few years. How right I was. he has done the same in other series as well. Some thing that needs very high amount of energy in smaller form and very small in larger form, without an explanation saying that's how the phenomenon work.
Anyways, it's an alright story, but it is now becoming more fiction than science. We might call it fantasy as well.
December 9, 2018
This seems like a placeholder, tiding us over until the next full novel is released. It's not short, but the major plot lines are barely advanced. Instead we get in-depth discussions about the technology, its problems and solutions.
Laurence, I love your work, but please focus on the narrative and not the minutiae of the science. It's good that you research the science so thoroughly, but not everything has to be explicitly displayed to the reader.
And a request for the future... In our modern world, benevolent technology leaders are pursuing an open-source philosophy. By now, I'd expect Ell's companies to be more transparent about the specifications of their technology. They'd still control the manufacture, but then the whole world could apply its collective mind to discovering transformational uses for Ell's tech. That's just wasteful and a little arrogant. How many lives were lost because the medical community simply didn't know what was possible. Now multiply that by all the other industries and you'll see the opportunity cost to mankind.
Laurence, I love your work, but please focus on the narrative and not the minutiae of the science. It's good that you research the science so thoroughly, but not everything has to be explicitly displayed to the reader.
And a request for the future... In our modern world, benevolent technology leaders are pursuing an open-source philosophy. By now, I'd expect Ell's companies to be more transparent about the specifications of their technology. They'd still control the manufacture, but then the whole world could apply its collective mind to discovering transformational uses for Ell's tech. That's just wasteful and a little arrogant. How many lives were lost because the medical community simply didn't know what was possible. Now multiply that by all the other industries and you'll see the opportunity cost to mankind.
December 19, 2018
Laurence Dahners Ell Donsaii series is probably my favorite hard sci-fi series. Each book does really neat and well thought out speculative science (ie, there’s an actual basis for all the science here - it’s as likely to happen in the near future as things like self-driving autos and personal AI devices). I’d love them just for that. There’s usually an element of suspense, thrills and adventure as well. That’s certainly the case with the fifteenth (and amazingly still fresh and imaginative) installment, Terraform. This time the science deals with things like treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and alcoholism while the suspense comes from a nutjob out to kill folks in Ell’s company in revenge for its mining an asteroid he “claimed” on a website years ago. That plus continued issues relating to the aliases they’re all under at up to one heck of a strong story that, as usual with this author’s tales, kept me turning pages into the wee hours until I’d finished the book. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 8, 2020
Wonderful in thought provoking as usual
Another enjoyable book in this series.The thought provoking what if and how we can solve it with certain technologies it's always fun to read about, much less ell's Physical prowess. I always enjoyed the physicality of this series as we I always hope that humans can Involve some better specimens. Inputting all those superior brains to work to advance The species and civilization at a whole is laudable. I'm glad that the shooter in this book is dead. My only complaint in the series is the propensity to use less finalizing means of subduing bad/evil parts of our society that are a danger to others. Not every bad person can be fixed with an enzyme or a pill. I look forward to ells future shenanigans with her family and hope she makes some more scientific breakthroughs to add more tools to the species slow uplift.
Another enjoyable book in this series.The thought provoking what if and how we can solve it with certain technologies it's always fun to read about, much less ell's Physical prowess. I always enjoyed the physicality of this series as we I always hope that humans can Involve some better specimens. Inputting all those superior brains to work to advance The species and civilization at a whole is laudable. I'm glad that the shooter in this book is dead. My only complaint in the series is the propensity to use less finalizing means of subduing bad/evil parts of our society that are a danger to others. Not every bad person can be fixed with an enzyme or a pill. I look forward to ells future shenanigans with her family and hope she makes some more scientific breakthroughs to add more tools to the species slow uplift.
March 9, 2024
While I enjoy the Ell Donsaii series, I have a hard time with the way the author portrays some of the male and female relationships. Even the ‘good guys’ in the series, such as Ell’s head of security, think of Ell as a “rich bitch” and the guy who tried to rape her (!!!!) earlier in the series is then portrayed as a good guy. The author also doesn’t seem to differentiate between being an alcoholic and being abusive asshole who is also an alcoholic. He was a victim of his genetics, but if you go down that road, who isn’t?
This was reminiscent of when Tionas boyfriend (in the Vaz series) hangs out with other women repeatedly (since Tiona has been busy for several weeks) and then possibly cheats of her. Instead of her leaving him etc, in her internal dialogue she says something along the lines of “who cares what he did when he was DRUNK - while I was being a bad girlfriend! This is not something any self respecting woman would think and any decent boyfriend would do.
I have to assume that Lawrence has some antiquated ideas of manhood and men in general.
This was reminiscent of when Tionas boyfriend (in the Vaz series) hangs out with other women repeatedly (since Tiona has been busy for several weeks) and then possibly cheats of her. Instead of her leaving him etc, in her internal dialogue she says something along the lines of “who cares what he did when he was DRUNK - while I was being a bad girlfriend! This is not something any self respecting woman would think and any decent boyfriend would do.
I have to assume that Lawrence has some antiquated ideas of manhood and men in general.
May 18, 2019
Book 15 - End to binge (reading)
Once I spotted the KU availability, I couldn't wait to get into this series. Read straight through, pretty much nonstop. Blast! I've caught up and will have to wait for more. Sure hope the author's got lots more plotted out.
Gotta say the security precautions are causing some hefty cognitive dissonance. The team is so restricted that they're a rescue force, providing neither prevention or protection. They can't even present as a visible deterrent. They can't even react to trespassers? It's hard to believe that the uber tech and super computer wouldn't alert if an ant moved oddly anywhere on the property. Or an armed person on adjoining properties? If this is state of the art security, why bother? IRL, Carly would probably be dead.
Once I spotted the KU availability, I couldn't wait to get into this series. Read straight through, pretty much nonstop. Blast! I've caught up and will have to wait for more. Sure hope the author's got lots more plotted out.
Gotta say the security precautions are causing some hefty cognitive dissonance. The team is so restricted that they're a rescue force, providing neither prevention or protection. They can't even present as a visible deterrent. They can't even react to trespassers? It's hard to believe that the uber tech and super computer wouldn't alert if an ant moved oddly anywhere on the property. Or an armed person on adjoining properties? If this is state of the art security, why bother? IRL, Carly would probably be dead.
April 1, 2020
Very enjoyable reading time
Very enjoyable reading time. The only negative I have is trouble remembering the book before and some characters initially. I quickly get into this book / series and devour it much too quickly. I want to see the next book in the series to see ‘what if’ is coming next. I am not sure if I am better read, getting smarter, or experienced but I can follow along with some of the ‘what if’ in the last several books which makes it more enjoyable reading. I realize the author has several other series that I have purchased but not started yet due to time constraints. Of course if another book in this series comes out my reading list will get rearranged to get to it quickly.
Very enjoyable reading time. The only negative I have is trouble remembering the book before and some characters initially. I quickly get into this book / series and devour it much too quickly. I want to see the next book in the series to see ‘what if’ is coming next. I am not sure if I am better read, getting smarter, or experienced but I can follow along with some of the ‘what if’ in the last several books which makes it more enjoyable reading. I realize the author has several other series that I have purchased but not started yet due to time constraints. Of course if another book in this series comes out my reading list will get rearranged to get to it quickly.
November 29, 2018
Loved It
As always, another interesting book about Ell and the family. Although some people may call the characters too perfect, I think of them as refreshing. You really don't encounter books as light and enjoyable as the Ell Donsaii series very often, so I have a tendency to re-read the series before each release. So far I haven't had any decrease in enjoyment in either the new books or previous ones. It is fun to see how the world and characters develop along with the science and technology being invented around them. I would definitely recommend the series for someone who doesn't want a book that is too heavy, but a nice and fun read.
As always, another interesting book about Ell and the family. Although some people may call the characters too perfect, I think of them as refreshing. You really don't encounter books as light and enjoyable as the Ell Donsaii series very often, so I have a tendency to re-read the series before each release. So far I haven't had any decrease in enjoyment in either the new books or previous ones. It is fun to see how the world and characters develop along with the science and technology being invented around them. I would definitely recommend the series for someone who doesn't want a book that is too heavy, but a nice and fun read.
November 30, 2018
I would give it a 2.5 rating
The dialogue and the portion of the story that was in the book was good. It kept my attention to the end. The problem was there was not a complete storyline for this book. It is titled terraform, but there is not a complete story about terraforming only the beginning where they talk about what is needed to do it. There are other storylines (I will not say to prevent spoilers) that start but do not go to the end of the story (especially fustrating b/c there is one storyline that if a little more effort was put into it, it would be complete). If this book would have had a complete plot, I would have rated it much higher.
The dialogue and the portion of the story that was in the book was good. It kept my attention to the end. The problem was there was not a complete storyline for this book. It is titled terraform, but there is not a complete story about terraforming only the beginning where they talk about what is needed to do it. There are other storylines (I will not say to prevent spoilers) that start but do not go to the end of the story (especially fustrating b/c there is one storyline that if a little more effort was put into it, it would be complete). If this book would have had a complete plot, I would have rated it much higher.
November 30, 2018
Another outstanding Donsaii story
This is another exciting Donsaii story. I love these books for the science and "what if" plotlines. Dahners is not going to win any literary awards, but in his stories you get interesting characters, plausible extensions of scientific discoveries, and good plots. This may not be Steinbeck or Hemingway, but Dahner's books would be in decent company if placed next to authors like Louis L'Amour. Good for those folks who enjoy science & science fiction, and don't need or want overly complex, highly literary novels. I buy everything he writes.
This is another exciting Donsaii story. I love these books for the science and "what if" plotlines. Dahners is not going to win any literary awards, but in his stories you get interesting characters, plausible extensions of scientific discoveries, and good plots. This may not be Steinbeck or Hemingway, but Dahner's books would be in decent company if placed next to authors like Louis L'Amour. Good for those folks who enjoy science & science fiction, and don't need or want overly complex, highly literary novels. I buy everything he writes.
November 6, 2019
Amazing story about an amazing woman. Total fiction, unfortunately.
El Donsaii is a true super genius, as well as being faster than anyone has a right to be. She invented quantum entangled communications as well as wormholes to go. On the way, she stopped a war, was kidnapped (twice!) and defied a president, as well as marrying a math whiz and having an equally remarkable child. This series is mostly space opera, but the situations and relationships seem pretty real. I've read the series many times, and probably will do so again. Highly recommended.
El Donsaii is a true super genius, as well as being faster than anyone has a right to be. She invented quantum entangled communications as well as wormholes to go. On the way, she stopped a war, was kidnapped (twice!) and defied a president, as well as marrying a math whiz and having an equally remarkable child. This series is mostly space opera, but the situations and relationships seem pretty real. I've read the series many times, and probably will do so again. Highly recommended.
December 1, 2019
While recuperating from an operation I read Quicker, the first in the Ell Donsaii series by Laurence Dahners. Three weeks later I completed book number 15. I really enjoyed the series and I am amazed by how much research must have gone into the science background. I often stopped to check things out to see if there was any evidence to the ideas given, such as a correlation between the herpes virus and alzheimers. This is a great series and I really enjoyed it. I feel as if I will miss that storyline and the people I got to know.
March 23, 2022
Dahners, Laurence. Terraform. Ell Donaii No. 15. Kindle, 2018.
In the fifteenth book in this series, Ell is terraforming Mars and mining asteroids while her 5-year-old son is working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Because that family hasn’t got enough to do, the kid is also continuing to become a tech magnate and philanthropist. This should not be the first of these books you read, but if you have read a few of the others you know you are in for family-friendly hard scifi. Yeah. I am hooked. 4 stars.
In the fifteenth book in this series, Ell is terraforming Mars and mining asteroids while her 5-year-old son is working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Because that family hasn’t got enough to do, the kid is also continuing to become a tech magnate and philanthropist. This should not be the first of these books you read, but if you have read a few of the others you know you are in for family-friendly hard scifi. Yeah. I am hooked. 4 stars.
November 30, 2018
Once again , Dahners has created a very readable book
Lawrence Dahners is fast becoming my favorite author. I always enjoy his efforts , they are very thought provoking and entertaining, you feel good after reading the book , he spins a great yarn that makes you think . This effort is true to form. I eagerly await his next. The man's imagination is remarkable, and the medical knowledge is a real plus . Thanks Laury you have done it again!
Lawrence Dahners is fast becoming my favorite author. I always enjoy his efforts , they are very thought provoking and entertaining, you feel good after reading the book , he spins a great yarn that makes you think . This effort is true to form. I eagerly await his next. The man's imagination is remarkable, and the medical knowledge is a real plus . Thanks Laury you have done it again!
January 7, 2019
Great story!
I love all the Ell Donsai books before, but I have to admit I now love the parts about Sage even more. I find his developing character very endearing and more interesting than the space exploration parts. His maturity and view of the people around him is so adult like, but still innocent. And the manner in which he explains his projects really holds your interest. This was a Great read and I can't wait for the next book.
I love all the Ell Donsai books before, but I have to admit I now love the parts about Sage even more. I find his developing character very endearing and more interesting than the space exploration parts. His maturity and view of the people around him is so adult like, but still innocent. And the manner in which he explains his projects really holds your interest. This was a Great read and I can't wait for the next book.
April 22, 2019
Wonderful series
Thank you for making Ell and her family come to life. This is the third time I have read the series and it is as good as the first. I feel honored to have had such people in my life. The only problem I have ever had was not the science...that makes sense, but the politicians. Their humanity is rather unbelievable...but it was still enjoyable. Thanks again. Bill
Thank you for making Ell and her family come to life. This is the third time I have read the series and it is as good as the first. I feel honored to have had such people in my life. The only problem I have ever had was not the science...that makes sense, but the politicians. Their humanity is rather unbelievable...but it was still enjoyable. Thanks again. Bill
July 14, 2019
Another great story in a series of consistently great books.
You must start with book 1. I know there is a pre-preamble, but you would a great deal of context.
The characters are enjoyable and intelligently developed. The books are fun to read and the “science” will work itself into your daydreams and you realize you’re actually thinking of ports as solutions to real problems.
You must start with book 1. I know there is a pre-preamble, but you would a great deal of context.
The characters are enjoyable and intelligently developed. The books are fun to read and the “science” will work itself into your daydreams and you realize you’re actually thinking of ports as solutions to real problems.
November 29, 2018
Another excellent tale.
I always end up learning something from a Dahner's book. I can't wait until we are actually editing our own genes and correcting the host of genetic defects that we can suffer from. Here's to hoping that this week's announcement regarding the twin girls and HIV was not a hoax. Can't wait for the next Dahner's book.
I always end up learning something from a Dahner's book. I can't wait until we are actually editing our own genes and correcting the host of genetic defects that we can suffer from. Here's to hoping that this week's announcement regarding the twin girls and HIV was not a hoax. Can't wait for the next Dahner's book.
December 1, 2018
Great as always
I'm always excited to see another book by Laurence Dahners but I have a special place in my heart for the Ell series. I've come to love her son as well. The scientific concepts that are brought into every story always amaze me. I love the medical aspects that are being introduced as well.
I'm always excited to see another book by Laurence Dahners but I have a special place in my heart for the Ell series. I've come to love her son as well. The scientific concepts that are brought into every story always amaze me. I love the medical aspects that are being introduced as well.
January 7, 2019
Great scifi!
Ell and Zage's adventures continue! Please go back and read the series in order. The "what if" method the author uses, of posing a question with a plausible but unknown answer for which you must suspend your disbelief, is such a good way to build really great ideas into wonderful stories. This series is hands down my most anticipated for the next installment.
Ell and Zage's adventures continue! Please go back and read the series in order. The "what if" method the author uses, of posing a question with a plausible but unknown answer for which you must suspend your disbelief, is such a good way to build really great ideas into wonderful stories. This series is hands down my most anticipated for the next installment.
January 19, 2019
I can always count on Laurence Dahners
for great story. You know this too or you wouldn't be looking at #15. It is astonishing that he can keep things fresh and interesting, but he does. Every single time. I shall try to be patient while he writes some more for me to read. But it's difficult. Meanwhile, enjoy this one. It's every bit as good as all of his others.
for great story. You know this too or you wouldn't be looking at #15. It is astonishing that he can keep things fresh and interesting, but he does. Every single time. I shall try to be patient while he writes some more for me to read. But it's difficult. Meanwhile, enjoy this one. It's every bit as good as all of his others.
February 5, 2019
The book has several storylines delivered as a series of short snippets. This can be a bit frustrating when you are enjoying a particular story and it keeps switching to a different one, but it also means that uninteresting plots moving on quite quickly.
Most of the book was a very enjoyable read, although at times I got quite annoyed with the ‘Carley / Eli’ storyline.
Most of the book was a very enjoyable read, although at times I got quite annoyed with the ‘Carley / Eli’ storyline.
May 15, 2019
More
I loved Ell and her amazing antics. I also love the author's thoughts and comments on the science in the books. But I want more. I think Zage is completely awesome and it's great how he didn't know about Ell and everything she's done. I know there have been 15 books, but I want more. Not only because I love the characters but also because the what ifs are fascinating.
I loved Ell and her amazing antics. I also love the author's thoughts and comments on the science in the books. But I want more. I think Zage is completely awesome and it's great how he didn't know about Ell and everything she's done. I know there have been 15 books, but I want more. Not only because I love the characters but also because the what ifs are fascinating.
September 8, 2019
Another exciting novel from Laurence Dahners
In the fifteenth episode of Laurence Dahners saga about a super capable woman he again writes about her life and the exciting new discoveries she makes with her team and her family. A must read for hard Science Fiction fans. Very good indeed. Tom Roberts
In the fifteenth episode of Laurence Dahners saga about a super capable woman he again writes about her life and the exciting new discoveries she makes with her team and her family. A must read for hard Science Fiction fans. Very good indeed. Tom Roberts
March 28, 2024
Absolutely!! Absolutely!! an enjoyable and entertaining series !!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
November 29, 2018
Loved it
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. Definitely start the series from the beginning. The science is interesting and written in away that is easy to understand. Even by an idiot like me. Highly recommend this series
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. Definitely start the series from the beginning. The science is interesting and written in away that is easy to understand. Even by an idiot like me. Highly recommend this series
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