Customer Reviews

The Tenth Planet (Book 1)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Before you sit down to read this novel, it should have a brown seal that states, "Warning! You will not be able to put it down." That is exactly what happened to me.

Expecting another of Dean Wesley Smith's outstanding novels filled with good solidly human characters complete with flaws and humor, I was more than rewarded by The Tenth Planet. Picking up the novel I immediately became lost in the characters and the incredible plot that develops naturally right before your entranced eyes.

The novel, set in the near future of Earth places of all things an archaeologist as the hero who steps forward to prepared mankind for its greatest challenge every. Along the way his terrifying discovery explains much of the major mysteries of our world, such as extinction events, disappearing cultures, and a very odd layer of black soot around the planet.

The story develops into a race to save mankind, and along the way we experience the best and the worst that man is capable of. Something Smith does so well when he tells a story, especially one as epic as this.

Believe me this novel leaves you wanting much more, and unable to wait for the second novel in this trilogy in the making!

If you love good suspense and science fiction rolled into one, this book is a definite!

Just like everyone else I am disappointed by the obvious economic partioning of what could be a pseudo-classic SF novel. In this case more is less. Almost like the publisher took the finished novel from the authors, took the first third of the book, asked the authors to put 100 more pages in that section and then published it. Fortunately the authors were great in creating a constant build in suspense, but the build was far too long for my tastes. Wouldn't recommend buying until the sequels are out so you can read them all at once, since it isn't really a complete novel as is. Also has a semi-done plot, but great new twists without too much technical jargon. But what SF reader doesn't like technical jargon? If it had been published as a single novel it would have probably been superior to both "Footfall" and "Independence Day", but the added filler makes it probably a close 3rd. Tough to put down, easy to read. Definately a must have when the sequels are finished.

I was riveted! This is a beautiful melding of science fiction and archeology. Who would ever of thought that you could link nano-technology and cultural archeology into one riveting story. This is a must read for you end of the world fans. Kudos to Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch! I can't wait for the sequel.

I really do not care if this is only one third of a novel as others claim. O. K., it has an open ending. But we are promised the sequels, and one has already been published. Even in our fast living time we should be able to show some patience. If the two sequels are only half as good as this book, we can expect two very good novels to follow.

This book is really thrilling. I have read it in one go. There have been other sf novels that used the attractive combination of archaeology and science fiction. But this is by far the best! Not only is the story well researched (the authors know about what they write), but the two writers have also an excellent feeling for action, suspense and human character. My copy of "Oblivion" is on its way. I am looking forward to it (and I will patiently wait for "Final Assaut"). The trilogy might get "cult status".

I just finished reading The Tenth Planet and rushed to write this review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The aliens were truly alien, instead of the usual different-appearance-but-almost-human brand that's so common. They weren't even evil, but clearly they and we cannot coexist. Their depiction was extremely thoughtful and creative. As for the humans, if the plot were not so fantastic and the action so riveting, I might say the characters could have been developed a little better. The lack of depth seems to be par for the course in this type of Sci-Fi thriller, so I'm not so critical as some. Also, it didn't bother me in the least that this book had no conclusion--it's a trilogy! Anyone reading reviews now can buy all 3 books at once, and not lose a precious moment waiting for next release! I have to give this book 5 stars for the sheer entertainment...when I can't wait to get to the next page throughout the entire book, I know I've found a gem! Highly recommended!

I enjoyed the book quite a bit, the concept of a dying world acting as a parasite sucking lifeblood from the Earth is uniquely entertaining, but I have one complaint.

Splitting the story into three books seems artificial. This book ends unnaturally and abruptly, as if the decision to make it part of a three book story was an afterthought, and the publisher just hunted for a chapter about 1/3rd through that seemed like an ok place to split it.

Now that the other two parts are out, however, I recommend you buy all three at once, and treat them as a single book. While not deep and thought provoking, it is a fun, lightweight read as a break from more lofty subjects...

What an extraordinary method to challenge the ideas that we hold about the universe and how it works. This book opens an entirely new door to the mysteries and wonders of the possible existence of life beyond our planet. This is quite an original story which captivates and holds you with anticipation of,"The Arrival." I realize that having to wait for the sequals will be difficult, but atleast we're assured that it shall not be two thousand years. Give this book and the series a chance if you enjoy good science fiction writing.

So it's not a deep book, but so what. Smith and Rusch have crafted a very cool story about a rogue planet that comes into Earth's orbit every 2,006 years and wreaks havoc. One of the best aspects of the book is the path the characters take in trying to figure out all they can about the Tenth Planet and what it will do when it gets here. Pretty good character development, especially with the two archeologists, Cross and Bradshaw. While Cross is more ready to take a risk than others, Bradshaw is cautious to the point of fear. This is because of a finding he made 20 years prior that ruined his reputation. The aliens were handled very nicely. Not you typical evil alien conquerors. I really enjoyed the scenes from their points of view. And man, are they freaky looking things! The climax wasn't bad, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the trilogy.

The Tenth Planet is great fun. I read it in one sitting and followed it with the second book--Tenth Planet: oblivion. What can I say? These books are pure escapism. It's a simple story that goes something like this:

An archaeologist notices a black layer in one of his digs. He doesn't think anything of it at first. Forest fires in ancient times do leave such layers only not as thick, but when he notices the exact same thing at the same depth in two other sites, he becomes intrigued and begins to investigate. What he finds is horrifying. The black ash isn't ash at all and isn't caused by fire.

It seems that every 2006 years, something happens to cause those black layers in which all organic life dies--EVERY 2006 years, and guess how long the last one was... you got it! Now he's in a race against time to make his government aware that something from space is coming, and in less than a year!

Great fun.

Mark E. Cooper
Warrior Within (ISBN:0-9545122-0-0)

Although this isn't an original plot thread with the layers of soot, it is presented in a new way. I enjoyed reading the book and hope that the next two books will develop the aliens more and also reveal some of their history.I would recommend this book if you are looking for an entertaining and captivating read without a lot of technical language.