Page 3 of 3
There are currently 20 member reviews
for Hole in the Sky
-
Jerry S. (Edmond, OK)
Hole in the Sky: a Novel
First contact with extraterrestrial entities is a staple of science fiction literature and cinema. Among the best are Carl Sagan's novel, Contact, made later into a popular Jodie Foster movie. The author of this new first contact story has significant professional scientific and writing experience. This is a story with a decidedly Native American twist. The real focus may be the Spiro Mounds in east central Oklahoma. Spiro Mounds lies in a bend of the Arkansas River, a site dating from the 9th to 15th centuries, and is considered among the most important Native American archeological sites in the United States. One of the four protagonists in the novel is Jim Hardgray, a Cherokee Nation citizen striving to re-build a family relationship with an estranged daughter. The other three are government officials of real interest. The novel's story line revolves around the astronomical discovery of a large object which has passed near the two Voyager space probes in the Heliopause and appears to be heading toward Earth with an expected impact in Oklahoma. The impact does occur with some horrific effect. The novel, however, remains a story of Cherokee heritage mixed with a plausible scientific description of forthcoming first contact with the alien extraterrestrial object. This reviewer highly recommends this novel and expects to read more of the author's work.
-
Patricia W. (Desoto, TX)
Hole in the Sky
I never read science fiction, but decided to be adventurous and read Hole in the Sky. I was immediately intrigued by the characters and storyline, an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena detected heading to earth in Oklahoma. This book incorporates technology, science, Native American culture, U.S. government agencies involved in intelligence and safety, weapons, and NASA. Characters include a Native American father and daughter, a quirky and brilliant NASA astrophysicist, a threat forecaster, a Department of Defense investigator, and some U.S. military. I especially enjoyed the references to the beliefs passed from an ancestor to the Native American father. There were also mentions of technology unknown to me and maybe not yet invented, such as self-growing tarmac. So many government departments and people can be involved in determining if threats are real. If you are interested in any of the above, add this book to your reading list.
-
Stephanie
Thought-provoking
I loved the premise, but got bogged down in the second half of the book.
-
Thomas M. (La Mesa, CA)
A Hole In Oklahoma
Daniel H. Wilson has woven a tale melding a story unique in its portrayal of humanity, technology, and science fiction with a dash of militarism thrown in for good measure.
It's a story of the world's past, present, and future. The past is told mainly through the eyes of Jim Hardgray who seeks answers to the unfolding events from his Cherokee ancestors while the future is shown through the intrepid Mikayla, and all the while Tawny, Jim Hardgray's daughter, struggles with what is happening in the here and now while attempting to reconcile her troubled past and dangerous future.
In Wilson's deft hands we are transported through time and space by means of natural and artificial intelligence, by the wisdom of the ancients and by the omniscient Man Downstairs.
All of that being said, I rated the book only three stars because I must admit that I am not the biggest fan of science fiction, but thought I would step out of my comfort zone with Hole in the Sky. Undoubtedly the book held my interest for the most part, but did bog down in parts, and perhaps at the very least, it will prompt me to try other novels in the genre in the future.
-
Melissa L. (Mechanicville, NY)
A unique alien first contact story
The premise of this book was a really fun one - we get indication that alien first contact is imminent by this oracle type situation (a guy and his homegrown computer system, known as the "Man Downstairs.") Then - contact happens and it's not at all what I expected.
The fact this was a not-so-typical alien contact story was very engrossing to me. I did have a little trouble following some of the descriptions as to what was going on, especially when the "contact" was happening - this meant I had to re-read some areas. But, as the book unfolded this got a bit easier. I probably just got used to the author's style.
They story is told from multiple viewpoints, and those characters all received some good character development, that was a great highlight. They were all so different, and that was part of what made it enjoyable, too.
One of the most interesting threads was that of the Man Downstairs - what an interesting concept. I think he deserves a book of his own!
Thanks for the opportunity to read & review this book, Bookbrowse!
-
Bobbe B. (Bedford Hills, NY)
A Sci-Fi Take on the Butterfly Dream Enigma
I was hoping to enjoy this book, as it contains all the sorts of things I like to read about: sci-fi, Native American mythology, and a thriller mystery. Unfortunately it did not all come together and was too much like reading a script for an action/thriller/horror movie. I would have loved more time spent on deeper character development, especially the relationship between Cherokee dad Jim Hardgray and his daughter, Tawny. I especially loved the mystic details and Native American mythology woven into the telling of the tale and wished there was more of that. The narrative grapples with deep questions about our place in the Universe and what exactly the Universe IS. It is genuinely thought-provoking, but certain parts were too heavy with tech/horror descriptions which I started to find tedious.
