Cosmic Mysteries
CSI Meets JPL
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The Latest from Michael Carroll
Plato’s Labyrinth
Their early experiments have proved a resounding success, taking them to far-flung places in both time and space, from nineteenth-century New York to ancient Thera. But as their research progresses, the stakes get ever higher. Enter a world of competing interests and conflicting timelines, where nothing is quite what it seems. Why is Xavier acting so oddly? Where exactly did their eccentric benefactor Mila van Dijk get her wealth? What is the Primus Imperium, and what does its mysterious head―known only as “The Ambassador”―want from them?
Come along as the colleagues at ChronoCorp and their ragtag allies race to sew up several unravelling timelines, battling those who would harm them in the past and present to preserve what is left of their future.
Reviews:
COMING SOON!
On the Shores of Titan's Farthest Seas
Reviews: Alan Bean, Apollo 12 Astronaut“Carroll's knowledge of planetary science combines with a great little adventure on Saturn's biggest moon. His descriptions of oily seas and methane monsoons put you in that alien world, front and center. The technology is convincing; I can imagine future astronauts doing exactly the kinds of things Mike describes. I wish I could be one of them.”Ralph Lorenz, Titan expert, Huygens probe engineer:“It's a fun read! Really makes Titan come alive, literally...”
Jani Radebaugh, Professor of Planetary Sciences, Titan dune expert, BYU"This riveting story, set against a plausibly well integrated interplanetary space, carries us along with its bright and interesting characters. We feel absolutely transported to a hauntingly beautiful and alien Titan through Carroll's masterful weaving of art and science."
Marianne Dyson, National Space Society“While learning more about connections between characters and events, the reader is taken for a tour of a realistic future where the worlds of the solar system are actively being studied, mined, terraformed, and settled. …I’ve only “visited” the exotic environment of Titan once that I can remember (in Kim Stanley Robinson’s 2312), and never “lived” there before.Riding along with the characters, I also got to experience the painful consequences of high g maneuvers, the difficulty of fixing nuclear reactors in remote locations, and the thrill of piloting a submarine on Titan. Having part of the habitat carved out of Titan’s granite-hard ice was a neat idea to explore and it was interesting to see some of the hobbies that people might indulge in (like growing roses) on the space frontier.The author added a nice dose of humor via some speculation about mass hallucination in an isolated environment that might be exacerbated by various forms of contamination. … Carroll’s long and successful career as a space illustrator shows in his vivid descriptions and imaginative extrapolations of what is currently known about Titan and other worlds visited in the story.”
Europa's Lost Expedition
Reviews:
Brian Enke, National Space Society:"This reviewer recommends Europa’s Lost Expedition to readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy Agatha Christie mysteries. Michael Carroll turns Europa into a real place, filled with real issues and opportunities. ...the reader gains [an] understanding and appreciation for the deep, primal drives that push us ever forward and outward."
Brian Clegg, Popular Science:"It has got far more going for it than just a 'humans versus the landscape' story. I genuinely did want to read on and find out what was going to happen, and exactly what was the meaning of these hints from the past."
David A. Hardy:“...not only are his story and characters believable and exciting, but his descriptions of the landscapes are vivid and the scientific details are correct according to current knowledge. Recommended!”
Aldo Spadoni:“I love a good mystery, especially when it’s also hard science fiction! ... In Europa’s Lost Expedition, Michael Carroll had done an outstanding job of blending science, technology, and mystery.”