Aliens and FTL/interstellar travel

Two major themes or ideas that have permeated science fiction for decades are aliens and developing the mysterious technology that will allow humanity to travel between star systems with ease. Funnily enough, as a small kid I always imagined it was simply a matter of time before these things would become a reality. Aliens would of course one day visit us and we would shake their hands and have parties. Obviously FTL drives would then be invented and we could go on interstellar holidays.

Fade-Out by Patrick Tilley (3 stars) – Spoiler Free Review

This copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The post below may contain affiliate links which at no cost to you may provide a commission to this blog.

Title: Fade-Out 

Author: Patrick Tilley

Release date: 14 December 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury Reader

Find it on: Amazon | Book Depository 

My rating: 3/5

Fade-Out was first released in 1975 and aside from a newish cover this edition remains the same as the original. Whilst the quote on the cover suggests this is about an alien encounter, really the story is set around humanity’s, particularly America and Russia’s, response to the threat. Being set in the Cold War era adds tension to the obviously strained relationship between Russia and America, and how they handle the fact that alien crafts have planted themselves in both nations.

Science Fact Saturday

Where Mrs NW shares an interesting science fact or finding (as opposed to fiction).

Ever wondered what aliens might look like?

Well, apparently some researchers at Cambridge University have thought about this and have published their findings in the International Journal of Astrobiology (who knew that was an actual field of study!).