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.
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Humanity's struggle to assume a place of dominance within the galaxy is suddenly called into question when a sleek alien vessel arrives unexpectedly at Earth. Admiral David 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 humanity's most horrifying secret, David must choose between honor... and humanity's very survival.
Excerpt
The dim light radiated by the candles flickered imperceptibly, casting dancing shadows along the earth-toned walls of the room. Tapestries of both human and alien origin adorned the walls, and a collection of artwork assembled from throughout the known galaxy decorated the small chamber. The glowing sculpture given to David by the Arcadian Chancellor rested in the center of a long, low table in front of the couch. Exotic statuettes, hanging ornaments, and musical instruments all contributed to the room’s decor. Though it usually gave him much pleasure, the room gave the Admiral little solace now.
Even the seat his wife sat in was a work of art -- created by an Arcadian sculptor thousands of years ago. His wife, too, seemed to be a part of that sculpture, her graceful lines blending with the subtle contours of the chair. His eyes followed her elegant form, tracing the flowing patterns of her robe up to the supple lines of her neck and into the recesses of her dark eyes as they burned back into his.
“I think you should go,” he finally blurted out. “It’s too dangerous for you to stay here, Tara.”
“What do you mean?” she asked him, stiffening up at the unexpected request. “Where do you think I should go? To stay with my parents on the mainland? Would I be safer-”
“No, not on the mainland,” he replied, looking down into the dark fibers of the carpet. “I mean somewhere else... maybe just to Mars or the moons of Saturn for a little while... or maybe to the Cygnus System...”
“The Cygnus System?” she repeated incredulously. “My God, David, why would you want me to go there? Earth has to be better protected than Cygnus Prime... this has to be the safest place in the sector.”
“That’s what they said about Korgia Prime,” he snapped uncharacteristically.
The soft lines of Tara’s face deepened noticeably. “What is it, David? What is it you know? The Confederation reports claim everything is under-”
“Under control? No reason to panic? Of course that’s what they’re saying....” He paused and took a deep breath. “But the truth is there is damned good reason to panic, Tara. Damned good reason indeed.”
“David,” she said seriously, leaning towards him. “I’ve never heard you talk like this before. Not when there were daily attacks on Earth in the old days... not even when the Korgians were massing for their assault.... What in the hell is going on out there, David?”
“I wish I knew,” he lamented helplessly. “I wish I knew.”
Professional Reviews
Great Little Book
I found Right Ascension to be an enjoyable read and while we have such potent weapons as the Omega Cannon, Derrico hasn't tried to explain this and other weapons and propulsion systems with complicated or imaginary laws of physics, which is a refreshing change. We only need to know that the Omega obliterates a whole planetary system at once! We are also brought up to date on recent history in the fourth millennium as it pertains to the plot but he doesn't labor the point too much.
The plot moves fairly quickly and we move from one side of the galaxy to the other in a matter of minutes, a fairly easy task when you know how it's done! The interaction between the characters on the appropriately named Apocalypse is lively and entertaining, nothing like the drollness of Star Trek speak. Characterization is well developed in this narrative, although I wished that the characters could be a little bit rougher around the edges, I don't think we humans will be totally politically correct in 3043. Perhaps a few racial or class taunts could be thrown in to let us know that these are humans to which we can relate.
Overall though, this is a great little book and with a subject like genocide on the agenda I think it's appropriate to raise the subject now. We humans are great at obliterating what we do not understand; perhaps Derrico's book provides a little insight into the intricacies of the human mind. Although in closing it's probably safe to say that this book appeals strictly to sci-fi fans and not the general public. Well done and sure to do well in the science fiction market at least.
- Alastair Rosie, for eBook-Reviews.net
"Page-Turner"
David Derrico's first novel kept me turning its virtual pages, wanting to read longer each evening than time would permit. His prose has an overabundance of modifiers for my taste, and his characters (although suitably developed) are often "too perfect" or "too dastardly" for me to believe in them as fully as I would like. Nevertheless his hero carries the narrative, which features believable alien cultures and a plot that kept me guessing until I bumped up against the book's cliffhanger conclusion.
I look forward to reading the sequel to Right Ascension, and to Mr. Derrico's future works.
Nina M. Osier, for eBook-Reviews.net
Page-turning, thought-provoking sci-fi
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.
Utterly Fantastic Occurrences is a collection of 20 science fiction short story novellas existing in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle and Nook e-book formats.
