Fortress on the Sun [Paperback]

Paul Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1997

When a bizarre epidemic threatens the inmates of the twenty-first-century labor camp run by planet Earth on the distant planet of Ra, one man's search for a cure leads him to uncover a colossal conspiracy. Original."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A suspenseful scientific mystery and a good adventure story" -- Science Fiction Chronicle

"Cook turns the tension up...well worth reading" -- Locus

"Highly inventive, highly engaging" -- Robert J. Sawyer, Nebula Winning Author

"Provocative. A chilling and intriguing puzzle...an unexpected and original resolution--and a great climax!" -- Kevin J. Anderson, NY Times Bestselling Author

"Entertaining" -- Denver Post --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Re-issue in trade paperback format of the critically acclaimed novel by the author of 'Engines of Dawn.' --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Roc (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451456262
• ISBN-13: 978-0451456267
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,440,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like real-science science-fiction, read this book, November 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fortress on the Sun (Paperback)

Paul Cook's latest novel was difficult to put down. It starts with a mystery that leads the reader through the chapters with a strong desire to find out what is really happening. The findings behind the plot were a pleasant surprise. Cook's knowledge of science supports the portrayal of the characters and their unique situation, and his imagination is a joy to witness. The book was fast paced and could easily be a hit motion picture. The descriptions were vivid and they brought the reader into the fortress that is anchored to the sun, as well as, the underlying motivations of the characters. If unexpected twists and plot turns are what you like, and you enjoy the application of real science to a futuristic setting - then this is the book for you. Anything short of revealing the plot, could not do this book justice. You must read it and find out for yourself. Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Story, April 19, 2011

By 

Michael P. Gallagher (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fortress on the Sun (Kindle Edition)

I picked this up for free during a Read an eBook Week promotion. It's $4.61 in the Amazon Kindle store as I write this review, and you will get a lot more value out of it than the $4.61 purchase price.

I use a modified version of the Baen criteria in judging science fiction: the technology and plot lines need to be believable, you have to be able to relate to the characters, and if there are aliens don't gross me out or overly confuse me with strange names and abilities.

All that being said, I think this book hits it all except a little bit on the technology of a habitation being able to literally be anchored to the sun's surface, and the facility is actually mining materials, etc. from the sun's core and surface. Other than that one detail which I took off one star in the review - and that shouldn't stop you from reading a very good story - this book would hit all of my modified Baen criteria.

The author does a good job of developing the story line, interaction between the characters, and getting you to think: if a book can get me to think about the storyline and plot for a significant amount of time while both reading it and after the fact, I call that a pretty darn good job on the author's part. Even if science fiction is not your genre, this is really a story about good vs. evil and trying to overcome it and I would recommend it.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very entertaining tale with splendid surprises., August 25, 1997

By 

Mark Trail ([e-mail]) (Costa Mesa, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fortress on the Sun (Paperback)

I read this book by the suggestion of others. I was not disappointed! It was a very good story, with clever solutions to interesting puzzles. One additional plus; Doc Savage fans are going to love this story (look for the hidden references). I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it for casual reading