Outland
Ratings47
Average rating4.2
I read the bobiverse books before this but I have to say the author had the same vibe even on his first book. If you loved the bobiverse series you'll enjoy this one as well.
OK, it is now settled. I will read (or as in this case, listen to) anything by Dennis E. Taylor. He provides that perfect mix of nerdiness, action, characterization, snark, and world building that appeals to the SF fan in me.
In Outland an eclectic group of university students in Nebraska discover how to create stable inter-dimensional portals. They include a Newton/Einstein level genius, a geologist, an uber engineer, and several with more, um, “practical” skills.
They discover an alternate and almost identical Earth but without any humans. So what do you do in such a case? Why you go panning for gold of course. After all, you need to funds to protect your world-changing discovery from poachers and from takeover by government organizations. Naturally, things don't go exactly according to plan. First, some criminal elements figure out that they are on to something, and then the Yellowstone super-volcano comes to life. From that point, things get very exciting and complicated. Big decisions have to be made. Can this alternate Earth be their key to survival? Read to find out.
Good story. 4+ stars.
3.5 rounded to 4 because Taylor and because Porter )))
It felt a bit like a slightly underbaked version of Bobiverse. Same allusions to sci-fi, sometimes even same curses (holy something on a cracker), but at the same time not as captivating. Too many characters and not all of them with real personality (but here I admit that it could be because I was just binge listening).
Overall, it felt like a good idea that wasn't given it's due.
Possibly will continue the series, but not 100% sure yet.
Outland by Dennis E Taylor and read by Ray Porter is another excellent sci-fi adventure from Taylor. Exploring concepts of geology, the multiverse, and portals, this book does a great job creating a compelling narrative and love-able characters. Many of Taylor's books contain similar themes and premises, younger people out if their element with advanced technology trying to work out how to save the world, and this book is no different. If you enjoyed Bobiverse, Roadkill, etc. you'll probably like this one too. This was a re-listen for me before starting the sequel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️