With rich and colourful detail, Orion Surfacing takes its readers from the cold darkness of space to the lush greenery and welcoming waters of the tropics, as a brilliant young scientist delves into a mystery that has been unravelling in the jungles of Guatemala and beneath the ocean’s waves for more than a thousand years. But just as the pieces start to fall together, the realization that he is … is not alone in his search threatens to blow his world apart in a hail of bullets, and the fiery whoosh of gasoline igniting on the water’s surface.
Undeterred, he continues on with the help of unlikely allies, and mysterious beings whom he struggles to understand. When the dust settles… everything he knows about the world, and himself, will be called into question, and nothing will ever be the same.
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Canadian author I. James Forrest as published two science fiction books: ORION SURFACING was his debut, followed by ORION: ESCAPE VELOCITY. Based on his many experiences in exploring the secrets of nature in Canada, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, Forrest describes himself as a ‘true outdoor adventure junkie.’ And it is this passion for adventure that he capably captures in this fine novel. Apropos of the genre of science fiction, Forrest opens the viewfinder of his novel with detailed descriptive passages defining space raft: ‘It suddenly appeared from the cold vacuum of hyperspace. The black vessel materialized, stopping instantly with its leading edges still glowing bright orange, the consequence of folding space. It was the size of a small comet, with a length four times it width. The majority of the ship’s mass was concentrated tin the centre before tapering off to a fine edge in all directions, giving it soft organic curves. Within minutes, two more identical-shaped vessels appeared, taking up station on wither side. These ships were gargantuan, ten times the size of the first.’ And into this strange atmosphere the odyssey begins, not in future time, but in the Yucatan Peninsula in 990 CE where during the vernal equinox the secrets of the story originate in this fine Prologue. The story – ‘A brilliant young scientist delves into a mystery that has been unraveling in the jungles of Guatemala and beneath the ocean’s waves for more than a thousand years. But just as the pieces start to fall together, the realization that he is not alone in his search threatens to blow his world apart in a hail of bullets, and the fiery whoosh of gasoline igniting on the water’s surface. Undeterred, he continues on with the help of unlikely allies, and mysterious beings whom he struggles to understand. When the dust settles… everything he knows about the world, and himself, will be called into question, and nothing will ever be the same.’ Forrest knows well how to spin a tale that immerses the reader in his wondrous world of mystery and adventure, and his ability to grasp not only our attention as entertainment, but also to challenge us to think beyond the confines of credibility is indeed a gift.
When reading Orion Surfacing I could sense the love that I. James Forrest has for the great outdoors and the wonders of nature. The descriptions of jungle tropics, the deep ocean, and more of Earth’s natural wonders are so immersive, which really drew me into the story. The epic plot is full of mystery, intrigue, and adventure that rivals some of the great sci-fi and fantasy fiction novelists, past and present. The story takes many twists and turns, which kept me guessing right up to the unexpected conclusion. It seems like Orion Surfacing is just the beginning of an even bigger saga, so I will be picking up any follow-up books as soon as possible.
Orion Surfacing by I James Forrest
Sci fic story about Simon and his escapades while out on the water and exotic countries.
He has special powers and learns more from the crystals. Love that they and the sting ray and dolphins and other sea creatures are about when the magic happens.
Wish they were for real and able to cure people of deadly diseases today.
Fast paced action as others are out for his boat that is so over equipped with technology it’s scary and fun to learn about.
He becomes very fond of Sam as she’s a stunner and they are able to tele-communicate with one another. At the end you find out why and their real link.
Some sexual scenes. Loved hearing also of the scuba diving equipment and nothing is needed to breather underwater and how you can walk on water and NOT get wet.
Very descriptive details. This sounds so cool but they do have a mission to finish…
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
I often look out for self-published books when I’m browsing Amazon for my next read as I always think you are supporting someone who has such a passion for their story. This passion is evidenced in ‘Orion Surfacing’ by L. James Forrest, which is so beautifully written and immersive. The scene-setting is wonderful, with Forrest creating such vivid imagery.
You’re taken on a fantastical and dangerous journey as a thousand-year-old mystery begins to be solved by an ambitious and determined young scientist. He will risk everything, including his own life, to make it to the end of his journey, I really enjoyed the action and intrigue of the twisting plot, right up to the amazing conclusion.