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Powersat

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Powersat

Written by: Ben Bova
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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Two hundred thousand feet up, things go horribly wrong. An experimental low-orbit spaceplane breaks up on reentry, falling to earth over a trail hundreds of miles long. And in its wake is the beginning of the most important mission in the history of space.

America needs energy, and Dan Randolph is determined to give it to them. He dreams of an array of geosynchronous powersats, satellites that gather solar energy and beam it to generators on Earth, freeing America from its addiction to fossil fuels and breaking the power of the oil cartels forever. But the wreck of the spaceplane has left his company, Astro Manufacturing, on the edge of bankruptcy.

Worse, Dan discovers that the plane worked perfectly right up until the moment that saboteurs knocked it out of the sky. And whoever brought it down is willing—and able—to kill again to keep Astro grounded.

Now Dan has to thread a dangerous maze. The visible threats are bad enough: Rival firms want to buy him out and take control of his dreams. His former lover wants to co-opt his unlimited-energy idea as a campaign plank for the candidate she’s grooming for the presidency. NASA and the FAA want to shut down his maverick firm. And his creditors are breathing down his neck.

Making matters even more dangerous, an international organization of terrorists sees the powersat as a threat to their own oil-based power. And they’ve figured out how to use it as a weapon in their war against the West.

A sweeping mix of space, murder, romance, politics, secrets, and betrayal, Powersat will take you to the edge of space and the dawning of a new world.

©2005 Ben Bova (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Adventure Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Exploration Space Opera Fiction Fantasy Interstellar Dream Middle East Science Fiction Mystery
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What the critics say

“Bova gets better and better, combining plausible science with increasingly complex fiction.”

(Los Angeles Daily News)

“A classic guy’s tale…Bova is a spare writer who nevertheless crafts the perfect voice for each of his characters.”

(San Antonio Express News)

“Bova’s mastery of mixing hard scientific theories with compelling romantic and political intrigue is evident once again…Not surprisingly, the prolific Bova provides a page-turner of the highest order, as entertaining as it is inspiring. Readers will have a hard time putting this book down.”

(Barnes and Noble, editorial review)

“A suspenseful ride and plenty of high-tech hardware.”

(Publishers Weekly)

“Bova’s dedication to space exploration as well as his grasp of today’s discoveries make his SF tales some of the most down-to-earth explorations of the real possibilities of future technology. A strong addition to most SF collections, with additional appeal to YA audiences.”

(Library Journal)

“Tom Clancy-like danger and intrigue.”

(Amazing)

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All stars
Most Relevant
I mostly enjoyed this story but didn't move me to purchase the book in the series. Characters were good and story was good but just good. There is alot of politics which slows down the story, and a couple of time jumps that I found confusing for a few seconds.

Exciting but not exceptional

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Some criticism is out there that this is not very sci-fi filled for a novel positioned as the first of The Grand Tour. If you are looking for something where most of the story happens in or around a satellite then sure. you'll be disappointed. But if you are looking for a great tale artfully told you'll be happy.

This is closer to a Jack Reacher novel than a Heinlein one. It has a strong plot of global conspiracies and determined but flawed individuals. The science fiction elements payoff big time, just not up front.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely get more of The Grand Tour.

I'm also a huge fan of Stefan Rudnicki, so that's a bonus

International intrigue, terrorist plots, big dreams

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I don’t usually go for books that have a lot of politics, but in this book it is a backdrop that supports a great story.
Perfect choice of narrator for this title. The tone and tempo of the performance compliments this story perfectly.

Highly recommended

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For the first book in a series called "the grand tour" its a little disappointing. it's not the Authors fault. The world has changed. it's common for near future sci fi to become out dated quickly. a shame. Good thing its sort free.

dated

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Jesus Christ that book is nothing but flat out racist hate-filled propaganda against Muslims and Arabs. how the hell this is considered a sci-fi book? it feels like it was Written by Trump!

A racist and Islamophobic book worst than Homeland

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