Spindrift

This was the first book from Allen Steele that I read. I became a fan of his work.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it gave me a sense of wonder that I felt back when I was reading "Rendezvous with Rama" by A.C.Clarke about 30 years ago. The book does not dissapoint,there is just the right amount of action, dialogue, humour and descriptive scenes. I also felt very satisfied with the direction and ending of the story, it was pure entertainment. I have read all of Allen Steele's books and must say the direction he is taking as he moves out from the "Inner Space" novels towards the stars is fantastic; it certainly brings me back to the classic SF days.

I really enjoyed the Coyote series and was overjoyed to learn of this books release. It had a similar feel to the previous novel. I was kept in a suspenseful state and found it difficult to put down. It helped fill in the details that were left out of mysterious ending in Coyote Rising. I'm really looking forward to future books in the series.

Excellent book. I have read all the Coyote books first, and this book tied into the other books, but I don't really think you need to read all the other books to enjoy it. It is better if you have read the 3 other books, they give all the background information. The first chapter is slow, unless you like detailed technical space information. After that, it justs picks up and I couldn't put the book down. Read it in 2 days. I think this was one of the most engaging books I have read in a long time.

While the events take place on Coyote (see COYOTE and COYOTE RISING, but prior to COYOTE FRONTIER), in 2288 earth time scientists detect an alien object apparently aimlessly floating through space. Though the mysterious entity is quite a distance from earth a team was established to investigate the item, code named SPINDRIFT. However, upon reaching their destination in a distant star system, the EASS Galileo loses communication with its European home station. On earth, the assumption is everyone on board died. In 2344, the Maria Celeste shuttle craft arrives in Europe with three on board; the only survivors of the Galileo. None of the trio has aged though over five decades have passed since the launch and their vessel contains a drive system with a technology far advanced from those on earth. These three inform Director General Shillinglaw they made first contact with a superior force that could be coming for a not so friendly visit. Even as the Coyote audience knows the underlying tale, this is brilliant as Allen Steele uses what seems like a sidebar in the Coyote trilogy to write a fabulous stand alone science fiction (still recommend the previous books as great reads). The story line fills the gap between books two and three of Coyote with a vivid description of the failed Galileo mission. Readers will be hooked as three crew members endured while others died by adjusting to the reality that humanity is not the king of the universe, but instead a rat scurrying to survive. Harriet Klausner