Customer Reviews

Moonrise

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Bova does it again with this epic tale. The plot thickens with each chapter and it's hard to guess which direction he'll lead you. The science in this book is not far from becoming reality as humanity's knowledge ever increases. Bova also brings out the moral implications of advanced technology and the social consequences of such technology. If you ever wondered what it takes to survive on the moon and make a habitation there, read this book.

This has made-for-TV stamped all over it; Politics, a family dynasty with sibling rivalry, clear-cut heroes and villains all wrapped up in a huge dose of political correctness. The plot does rattle along at a fair old pace though and I had no trouble finishing the book. If however you prefer your sci-fi to be on a grander scale and more visionary (Iain Banks for example) , you will probably find this rather tame. On the whole not bad (and much better than the sequel Moonwar), but not a classic.

I thought this book was great! What I like about Mr. Bova's work is that it isn't predictable. In his work, innocent people die, bad guys are not always punished, and so on. Rather than making the book unsatisfying, it makes it more exciting--electric, unpredictable, engaging. Really a wonderful work--I hope the author reads this review, and feels good about making a reader happy. Well done!

I recently read Ben Bova's Moonrise. This book was easily one of the best Sci-Fi books I have ever read. He had wonderful characterization and the plot kept you guessing. It had something for everyone. Some murder, some action, and some romance too. All-in-all it was a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone.

Moonrise is a gripping novel of space, colonization, and human development. Bova has not only given us a likely scenario for the development of the moon, but he has also provided us with a thoughtful look at a future which seems all too probable if the Moral Majority had their way. Plot and characterization are substantial, as well as the science, and you will find yourself drawn into the Stavenger family saga. I found the story quite compelling-and I already ordered the next!

Nano Machines and intrigue are all in this book. The Dream of a man and his Son to build a future that people seeking freedom can build on. The Moon, only 3 light seconds away, so big in our sky. Elbow room to build on. But, will a short sighted Corporation shut it all down? Or will the United Nations and the latest scourge of the Bible Right called the New Morality shut the Base down? Nano machines might just be the best way for humans to get rid of old man Death, if the Bible Thumpers don't ruin it all. A worthy buy worth your money. I hope Mr Bova will continue with this book.

I have been reading Ben Bova's works since the early to mid eightys. I have seen Bova tackle many levels of science fiction from near possibility to distant future. Even some are a bit of a flight of fancy such as his Orion Saga. One element remains constant throughout all his books: they are all base on hard core science theory...theory that may soon be reality. Of all his books, I've noticed a re-occurance of a couple of themes that this particular book refines and improves upon. Foremost is Bova's love for writing about Moonbase. This place has been a centerpiece for many of his works. Secondly is the field of nanotech. The first series I remember him introducing this in was the Voyager series. This particular topic has recieved the most improvement out of them all. This book above all others adequately describes what is more than likely to be feasible applications of nanotech. Furthermore, this book also discusses the dangers the world faces should the ultra conservative Luddites gain control. In conlusion, this book deserves no less than 5 stars because Bova once again ties together elements of science and philosophy and wirtes them together in a believeable plot that works on many levels

I shall write of both "Moonrise" and "Moonwar."

These are the stories of Moonbase, a permanent lunar settlement built by an American corporation in the mid-21st century. These tales chronicle the political and societal tension wrought by unpopular scientific endeavors, and the unforeseen consequences thereof. The books portray a future wherein a new fascism creeps across the entire globe, embraced by a superstitious public, and at dire odds with the free-thinking scientists living on the Moon--men and women who journeyed there to escape the shackles of Earthside ignorance and fear. You will find intrigue, betrayal, villainy, sexual bartering, rugged individualism, and even love within these books' pages.

But Ben Bova's vocabulary is disappointing. His dialog is often uninspired and even predictable. His narrative, his pacing, his exposition, his character development, and even his plot development are all very Saturday matinee. Even worse, his understanding of relationships is shallow.

But what gets these books off the ground and keeps the reader till their last pages is Ben Bova's love of space exploration. The man fervently believes that space exploration will benefit all of mankind, and not just the bureaucrats or big business. When Ben Bova describes an exclusively astronomical scene, his passion is undeniable. In the first book, there's a scene wherein an 18-year-old walks upon the lunar surface for the first time, and it borders on epiphanous. Ben Bova brings the Moon's unique beauty into sharp focus; sometimes, you can actually feel the regolith beneath your boots. It's this passion, I believe, that makes these books worth reading--in spite of their shortfalls.

In Moonrise, Ben Bova writes a good story of what could be on the Moon in the future. While it is somewhat predictable, it's still a good story.

Masterson Corperation is working on exploring and mining the Lunar surface for solar power and other minerals, and it is the dream of Paul Stavenger, retired astronout and designer of one of the compainies most profitable products, the Clippership which makes travel around the world possible in less than an hour by ships which work above the atmosphere in low orbit.

The company is in turmoil as Gregory Masterson the second dies sudenly and under questionable circumstances, and Gregory Masterson the third expects to take his place as President of the company. However, the wife of the late president nominates Paul Stavenger, her lover and fiance to the position, setting forces in motion which could tear the company apart as Gregory the second rages and plots to regain his rightfull place.

The trials and triumpsh of Moonbase, and of Nanotechnology are closly linked. Nanotechnology is opposed by an extremist religious movement which organises protests and terrorism against any who use it, Moonbase becomes the last place where it is safe to use nanites. However, even this is in danger.

Joanna Masterson/Stavenger must walk a tightrope between her son, and doing what is best for him, and her new husband, and protecting him, and later her second son, Doug Stavenger, son of Paul, from the plots of her criminally insane elder son. However, we can see where a mother's love and protection can go too far in trying to protect one who should be locked up.

In the end, it's up to Doug to save his father's legacy and dream of a future on the Moon, even if it kills him.

This book is amazing if you like science fiction, and even if you don't. Bova is imaginative and either has done extensive research or knows exactly what he is talking about. The characters are not one sided and undevloped as in many sci-fi books. Bova mixes a compelling story, great near future sci-fi, and a great and unique wiritng style together for an unparalled science fiction novel different from any I've ever read.