Right Ascension [Paperback]

David Derrico (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 2009

Set in the year 3040, Right Ascension examines mankind's place in the Universe, how we ascended to that lofty position, and the horrifying price of that ascension. Humanity's position of political and technological dominance within the galaxy is suddenly shattered when a sleek alien vessel arrives unexpectedly at Earth. Admiral Daniel Atgard and the crew of the Apocalypse embark on a mission to find these enigmatic aliens, but the focus of the mission quickly turns from finding answers to exacting revenge. Meanwhile, a belligerent species of reptilian warriors, seeking to avenge a previous defeat at the hands of the human-controlled United Confederation of Planets, takes this opportunity to plan an all-out assault on Earth. Faced with overwhelming odds and the terrible knowledge of mankind's most horrifying secret, Daniel must choose between honor ... and humanity's very survival.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"David Derrico's first novel kept me turning its virtual pages, wanting to read longer each evening than time would permit." --eBook-Reviews.net

"This is a great little book ... perhaps Derrico's book provides a little insight into the intricacies of the human mind. Well done and sure to do well in the science fiction market." --eBook-Reviews.net

"Right Ascension is an utterly thought-provoking novel rich with vividly drawn characters, electrifying action sequences, and plenty of food for thought." --Bookbooters

From the Publisher

Every so often comes along an author who threatens to redefine the boundaries of Science Fiction. David Derrico is such an author. His debut offering, Right Ascension, goes beyond the standard realms of the futuristic space epic, subtly tackling the issues of human morality, honor and loyalty where many authors would fear to tread.

Derrico has clearly given much thought to the setting for his story, describing in vivid detail the technology and social environment against which Right Ascension is set. Without overwhelming us with technical detail, he draws a brilliant picture of the technology that could shape mankind's future, describing futuristic weaponry and space-faring vessels in both a realistic and highly inventive manner of which Greg Bear would be proud.

Unusually for a debut author, Derrico has a remarkable talent for characterization, and in presenting his core characters with a series of awkward situations and dilemmas, he adeptly manages to challenge our definitions of right and wrong. Right Ascension is an utterly thought-provoking novel rich with vividly drawn characters, electrifying action sequences and plenty of food for thought. Derrico paints a darkly atmospheric future that, unlike many such futures depicted in popular science fiction, is actually quite believable. And the believability of Derrico's future is accentuated by his subtle exploration of the parallels between the thirty-first century and the twenty-first.

With this stunning debut, Derrico proves himself a worthy successor to the likes of such giants as Heinlein and Asimov. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace; 3rd edition (August 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1448687608
• ISBN-13: 978-1448687602
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #281,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Derrico was born just north of Miami, Florida, and developed his appreciation for complex moral issues while receiving a degree in philosophy from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He wrote his first novel, Right Ascension, before attending law school at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall). Right Ascension was first published by Bookbooters Press in 2000, and garnered its inaugural eBook of the Year Award.

Derrico wrote his second novel, Declination, during law school, while he was probably supposed to be studying. Nonetheless, he graduated, passed the California Bar Exam, and worked as an attorney at a large, international law firm in Los Angeles for several years. While practicing law (all that practice actually made him pretty good at it), he managed to write some short stories and start work on his third novel, The Twiller.

Recently, Derrico retired from his "day job" as a big-firm attorney and moved back to South Florida, where he finished that next novel. The Twiller follows the (mis)adventures of an unlikely hero and his unique companion on a comic romp around the galaxy. Derrico maintains a website with reviews, excerpts, current news, a blog, and purchasing information for all of his novels and other works at www.davidderrico.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Right Ascension, September 9, 2009

By 

S. Palmer (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Right Ascension (Paperback)

I do not normally choose Science Fiction novels, however, at the urging of a good friend I purchased this novel. As it turns out my good friend is also a genius when choosing outstanding novelists. Derrico paints a picture of an extraordinary future civilization that faces extinction with imagination and surprising humor. I enjoyed the depth of the characters, the colorful scene descriptions and the thought provoking questions evoked through the discovery of the plot. Do yourself a favor; buy this book and the sequel, Declination at the same time. You will not want to wait for the second book to be shipped to you once you realize that you can not put the first book down.

28 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Page turning, thought provoking sci-fi, September 6, 2009

By 

Jay Allbritton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Right Ascension (Paperback)

Author David Derrico's debut novel, Right Ascension, packs more action and suspense than most Sci-fi novels twice its size. In only 216 pages, Derrico manages to tell a riveting story set in a vivid universe. If you're looking for a page-turner, this is the book for you.

The jaw dropping premise of the novel--humanity faces a grim, perhaps justified judgment from a superior alien race--implies a grand backstory that serves as the underlying mythology for Derrico's universe. Set over a thousand years in the future, Derrico's ensemble cast of characters will keep you deeply engaged as the cunning plot advances to a thrilling conclusion. Derrico's debut is a smashing success.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent First Book, February 3, 2010

By 

Andy G. "Andy G." (PSU) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Right Ascension (Edge of Apocalypse) (Kindle Edition)

An excellent first book. The prose is well written, and the plot is pretty interesting. My only major criticism is that the characters were a little two dimensional, and the book was just too short. Mr. Derrico tries to cover a little too much ground in only 216 pages. While most of my favorite SciFi authors are admittedly a little long winded, this story could have used an extra 100 pages of character/setting development. I'm about halfway through the second book now, and the same comments apply. For the 99 cent kindle edition I definitely got my money's worth, and i'll be sure to keep an eye open for his future books