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The Artifact #1
The Artifact
Benjamin, Mark, and Chloe were all set to graduate college in a few weeks.
Ben had ordered a strange object from eBay to use as cover art for a book he was writing.
It looked really cool, like a slightly charred old military artifact from 70 years ago. It was possibly part of an engine. After cleaning it up (it was found in a cow field), he placed the strange device on his dorm room desk directly over the wireless charging port. That woke it up.
Unknown to him, the disabled starship hiding on the moon could now communicate with the missing part.
The ship needed two
1) The missing part.
2) A crew to pass itself off as a manned ship (AIs were not supposed to control ships autonomously).
Now, after finishing college, they need to find a way to get the ship to land somewhere safe, supply it, and return the missing component, the artifact.
They suspect the most challenging part will be getting into space. They soon find that the real problem is what awaits them when they reach the alien trading center.
Ben had ordered a strange object from eBay to use as cover art for a book he was writing.
It looked really cool, like a slightly charred old military artifact from 70 years ago. It was possibly part of an engine. After cleaning it up (it was found in a cow field), he placed the strange device on his dorm room desk directly over the wireless charging port. That woke it up.
Unknown to him, the disabled starship hiding on the moon could now communicate with the missing part.
The ship needed two
1) The missing part.
2) A crew to pass itself off as a manned ship (AIs were not supposed to control ships autonomously).
Now, after finishing college, they need to find a way to get the ship to land somewhere safe, supply it, and return the missing component, the artifact.
They suspect the most challenging part will be getting into space. They soon find that the real problem is what awaits them when they reach the alien trading center.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2024
About the author
David Collins
222 books17 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This page has collected the miscellaneous items unattributed to specific David Collinses.
For the 18th-19th century Australian legislator, see David^^^^^^^Collins
For the 18th-19th century Australian legislator, see David^^^^^^^Collins
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 3, 2024
Very enjoyable!
October 27, 2024
Fun read with issues
This is a little hard to rate, it’s somewhat enjoyable, quick to read, good pacing; however, the writing style is an off-putting narrative, all tell and no show, and overall comparable to a USA Today level type of thing.
The other issue is the author claims he was aiming for hard sci-fi, but this is more space fantasy than anything else. Other than a nod at centrifugal forces for artificial gravity, it’s written as if science is subjective and reality is based on narrative choices, things like known objective scientific facts, cause effect, planetary and stellar distances, inertia, momentum, etc. are all treated as irrelevant.
This is a little hard to rate, it’s somewhat enjoyable, quick to read, good pacing; however, the writing style is an off-putting narrative, all tell and no show, and overall comparable to a USA Today level type of thing.
The other issue is the author claims he was aiming for hard sci-fi, but this is more space fantasy than anything else. Other than a nod at centrifugal forces for artificial gravity, it’s written as if science is subjective and reality is based on narrative choices, things like known objective scientific facts, cause effect, planetary and stellar distances, inertia, momentum, etc. are all treated as irrelevant.
December 12, 2024
Slice of Life Sci-Fi?
Well the MC seems to have absurd luck all through the book, right place right time doing the right thing seems to be the theme. It’s a “Find a spaceship, lets explore” type of book with a few twists on the several book I have read with that sort of starting premise. I enjoyed the book even with the seemingly maxed out luck stat the MC has (this book does not have stats). I think the AI is one of the better ones in interacting with the characters and becoming friends with the main ones. A good read.
Well the MC seems to have absurd luck all through the book, right place right time doing the right thing seems to be the theme. It’s a “Find a spaceship, lets explore” type of book with a few twists on the several book I have read with that sort of starting premise. I enjoyed the book even with the seemingly maxed out luck stat the MC has (this book does not have stats). I think the AI is one of the better ones in interacting with the characters and becoming friends with the main ones. A good read.
September 29, 2024
Nice story, with caveat
An enjoyable read/listen.
With the caveat of there being an annoying number of typos, incorrect words and grammatical errors.
Either better proof readers are needed, or it wasn't. I almost got the feel the body of the text was 'fleshed out' by an AI that was skipping a few clock cycles...
Overall, a 3.5, give it 4 based on probably reading the sequel.
An enjoyable read/listen.
With the caveat of there being an annoying number of typos, incorrect words and grammatical errors.
Either better proof readers are needed, or it wasn't. I almost got the feel the body of the text was 'fleshed out' by an AI that was skipping a few clock cycles...
Overall, a 3.5, give it 4 based on probably reading the sequel.
October 10, 2024
Not bad, A good read for a lazy day.
Judging by the blurb I wasn't sure if the book had been written by someone who had English for a second language, or someone had dumped a series of words into a word processor and programmed an AI to write a sci-fi story. A cow field?. WTH. Did he mean a pasture? But as I read the story I sort of adjusted to the author's style and went with the flow. Give it a try and see what you think!
Judging by the blurb I wasn't sure if the book had been written by someone who had English for a second language, or someone had dumped a series of words into a word processor and programmed an AI to write a sci-fi story. A cow field?. WTH. Did he mean a pasture? But as I read the story I sort of adjusted to the author's style and went with the flow. Give it a try and see what you think!
November 27, 2024
Finally
I have been reading a long, long time. My first author was Zenna Henerson. This has been 1 of the few books I could not put down. Great story, great build-up. Being a good person and following the rules does have its benefits. Very good characters and believable story. Nice job with the aliens. I'm hurrying writing this so I can get to the next book. Thank you so much, good job. Respectfully!
I have been reading a long, long time. My first author was Zenna Henerson. This has been 1 of the few books I could not put down. Great story, great build-up. Being a good person and following the rules does have its benefits. Very good characters and believable story. Nice job with the aliens. I'm hurrying writing this so I can get to the next book. Thank you so much, good job. Respectfully!
September 29, 2024
Off to the stars!
A fun read, a young fellow who had just gotten his bachelor's degree was off and away to the stars with his gal, a few friends including his newest, a 2500 year old AI named Jessie. Oh and of course Star Force got involved. Join the fun, grab a copy and go along for the ride!
A fun read, a young fellow who had just gotten his bachelor's degree was off and away to the stars with his gal, a few friends including his newest, a 2500 year old AI named Jessie. Oh and of course Star Force got involved. Join the fun, grab a copy and go along for the ride!
October 5, 2024
Artifacts have surprises
That was a very enjoyable read. I love the twists and turns and all the unexpected adventures that our heroes encountered. Very entertaining and so much fun to get through. I really appreciate writers and your imagination. Thanks for taking me on a great space adventure.
That was a very enjoyable read. I love the twists and turns and all the unexpected adventures that our heroes encountered. Very entertaining and so much fun to get through. I really appreciate writers and your imagination. Thanks for taking me on a great space adventure.
October 10, 2024
Excellent
A truly fun and enjoyable read. I'll order the next book and hope I enjoy it as much as I did this one. It was very enjoyable to not have to wonder if the "science" was accurate or correct. That was obviously not a concern for the author (and certainly not for me either).
A truly fun and enjoyable read. I'll order the next book and hope I enjoy it as much as I did this one. It was very enjoyable to not have to wonder if the "science" was accurate or correct. That was obviously not a concern for the author (and certainly not for me either).
October 18, 2024
It was labeled comedy/science fiction
And the comedy was under played enough that I may have missed some of it.
Solid World building. And no artificial gravity! Which allowed for more non-fantastic science and engineering.
A pleasure to read. Incredibly optimistic international politics.
Enjoy!
And the comedy was under played enough that I may have missed some of it.
Solid World building. And no artificial gravity! Which allowed for more non-fantastic science and engineering.
A pleasure to read. Incredibly optimistic international politics.
Enjoy!
November 19, 2024
Good Story
Young man acquires spaceship. Spaceship with super AI has been dormant for an extended time. Man gathers friends to go on an adventure. Been there done that. But, even though this has been done before, the author is an accomplished storyteller and brings the story to life. This is a well designed and told tale. No harems, just a good old fashioned space opera!
Young man acquires spaceship. Spaceship with super AI has been dormant for an extended time. Man gathers friends to go on an adventure. Been there done that. But, even though this has been done before, the author is an accomplished storyteller and brings the story to life. This is a well designed and told tale. No harems, just a good old fashioned space opera!
November 23, 2024
Fun sci fi adventure
The editing needs some work, but the worldbuilding is good, and the characters are fun. I needed a sci fi adventure with less doom and destruction, and this book provided enjoyment with minimal stress. The nonhumans are interesting, and the adventures often proved humorous.
The editing needs some work, but the worldbuilding is good, and the characters are fun. I needed a sci fi adventure with less doom and destruction, and this book provided enjoyment with minimal stress. The nonhumans are interesting, and the adventures often proved humorous.
November 30, 2024
Book 1 in the series
Ben is a college senior about to graduate and is also a writer. He buys the artifact online and discovers that it functions as a communication device to an AI aboard a spaceship. Ben and some other people become the crew and the adventure begins. A great story.
Ben is a college senior about to graduate and is also a writer. He buys the artifact online and discovers that it functions as a communication device to an AI aboard a spaceship. Ben and some other people become the crew and the adventure begins. A great story.
December 4, 2024
A good new SciFi series
The Artifact reminds me of the Bob’s Saucer Repair (BSR series) by Jerry Boyd. Jerry passed away unexpectedly recently and David’s series is a similar progressive collection. (One can only hope he gets up to 52 books). It reads quickly and has some great characters developing. Looking forward to reading the next one.
The Artifact reminds me of the Bob’s Saucer Repair (BSR series) by Jerry Boyd. Jerry passed away unexpectedly recently and David’s series is a similar progressive collection. (One can only hope he gets up to 52 books). It reads quickly and has some great characters developing. Looking forward to reading the next one.
December 8, 2024
Cool story
Some interesting concepts and plot developments but this entire novel is riddled with egregious errors. Misspelling, inappropriate word choices, missing or wrong punctuation, and sentences that make no sense in some places. Did an AI write this? Are there no beta readers? I wanted to know what happened but all of the mistakes were hard to get past.
Some interesting concepts and plot developments but this entire novel is riddled with egregious errors. Misspelling, inappropriate word choices, missing or wrong punctuation, and sentences that make no sense in some places. Did an AI write this? Are there no beta readers? I wanted to know what happened but all of the mistakes were hard to get past.
December 14, 2024
Lots of fun, great bed time story
I gave this story full points because it was just what I was looking for - a light hearted space adventure, that'll let you drift off to sleep feeling good and dreaming of adventure. Plenty of light comedy - nothing too cerebral to confound a good night's sleep.
I gave this story full points because it was just what I was looking for - a light hearted space adventure, that'll let you drift off to sleep feeling good and dreaming of adventure. Plenty of light comedy - nothing too cerebral to confound a good night's sleep.
September 21, 2024
College kid.....heads for the Stars
Entertain and never boring five star romp to the nearer stars.
Old human versions of Elves and Goblins turn out to be true.
They were ancient astronauts.....and more to come!!
Entertain and never boring five star romp to the nearer stars.
Old human versions of Elves and Goblins turn out to be true.
They were ancient astronauts.....and more to come!!
September 22, 2024
This is a great Read. It’s like what we would wish for in a discovery voyage.
I thought enjoyed this book. It’s refreshing and interesting to read. I seldom read about this type of book. I will not spoil it for anyone.
I thought enjoyed this book. It’s refreshing and interesting to read. I seldom read about this type of book. I will not spoil it for anyone.
September 25, 2024
Oddly Intriguing
A rambling storyline with a loosely constructed narrative, a mixture of “kids next door” types and some definitely strange aliens, and mostly positive plot. Reasonable character development, some magical technology and an ending leaning into a next installment.
A rambling storyline with a loosely constructed narrative, a mixture of “kids next door” types and some definitely strange aliens, and mostly positive plot. Reasonable character development, some magical technology and an ending leaning into a next installment.
October 5, 2024
Fun read
This was just a good fun read. If you like space stories and the “what if” possibilities, then you will like this. It makes you think about the future with AI and what it could mean for space. Look forward to reading volume 2.
This was just a good fun read. If you like space stories and the “what if” possibilities, then you will like this. It makes you think about the future with AI and what it could mean for space. Look forward to reading volume 2.
October 7, 2024
a little simple but fun to read
This book is a little simple but it was an enjoyable evening reading it. Not very realistic where the government is concerned but it was highly entertaining.
This book is a little simple but it was an enjoyable evening reading it. Not very realistic where the government is concerned but it was highly entertaining.
October 25, 2024
Odd writting style
Reads like a an itemized list of things to include in a plot. "Make first contact with alien. Have lunch. Blow up moon. Plan room assignments. Win alien lottery, bla bla". Felt like grading a elementary writing assignment.
Reads like a an itemized list of things to include in a plot. "Make first contact with alien. Have lunch. Blow up moon. Plan room assignments. Win alien lottery, bla bla". Felt like grading a elementary writing assignment.
October 27, 2024
Very enjoyable book
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
What a fun book.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
What a fun book.
October 28, 2024
Neat entro..like it!
A bit of a different story line that is interesting..a bit of love/sex that's mild..lots of space ship information. Like the initial concept of a self made aware AI.
Looking forward to the next book!
A bit of a different story line that is interesting..a bit of love/sex that's mild..lots of space ship information. Like the initial concept of a self made aware AI.
Looking forward to the next book!
October 28, 2024
Very good cost me most of a nights sleep
Enjoyed the writing, some of the plot is unrealistic to give the MC a win but it is not bat enough to break suspension of disbelief. Looking forward to reading book2.
Enjoyed the writing, some of the plot is unrealistic to give the MC a win but it is not bat enough to break suspension of disbelief. Looking forward to reading book2.
October 30, 2024
The third time is a charm
Collins has written too very similar series of books to this one. I like this one a lot better he’s getting better and better. The flow of this book is much improved over the second series.
Collins has written too very similar series of books to this one. I like this one a lot better he’s getting better and better. The flow of this book is much improved over the second series.
November 2, 2024
Nice story
Nice and easy to read. Simple story. I liked that the military was not trying to take the ship away from them. Good twist because most stories like this have military as partial antagonists.
Nice and easy to read. Simple story. I liked that the military was not trying to take the ship away from them. Good twist because most stories like this have military as partial antagonists.
November 5, 2024
A real good read if somewhat short, maybe I just read too fast
Interesting not too far off the wall and believable characters little bit thin at the beginning, but it picked up by the end
Interesting not too far off the wall and believable characters little bit thin at the beginning, but it picked up by the end
November 6, 2024
Humour in space
This was a fun book to read... No major battles, no blood and gore. It was written in a humorous voice and had a good cast of alien characters and you had well on different cu!tures. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a light break in sci-fi reading.
This was a fun book to read... No major battles, no blood and gore. It was written in a humorous voice and had a good cast of alien characters and you had well on different cu!tures. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a light break in sci-fi reading.
November 8, 2024
Overall a good story but...
It's overall a good story, and I think I would really like it except the grammar is bad, enough that it can be distracting, but when I got half way through the story and he was mixing up his own characters, that's when I couldn't continue.
It's overall a good story, and I think I would really like it except the grammar is bad, enough that it can be distracting, but when I got half way through the story and he was mixing up his own characters, that's when I couldn't continue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews