First published 2007
Astronaut Nigel Walmsley encounters something extraordinary in the depths of space that will change everything humanity believes about its place in the universe. As he grapples with evidence of alien intelligence, Walmsley must navigate both the wonder and terror of first contact while Earth's governments and scientists struggle to comprehend the implications. Benford draws on his background as a physicist to craft a scientifically grounded vision of humanity's expansion into space and the profound challenges that await us there. The story follows Walmsley as he becomes caught between his duty as an astronaut and his growing understanding that contact with alien life will transform human civilization forever. At its heart, this is a story about courage in the face of the unknown and what it means to be human when confronted with intelligence beyond our world.
Genres: science-fiction, space, adventure
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: courage-in-the-face-of-the-unknown, first-contact
Setting: Space
Period: Contemporary
ebook · Aspect