Are Stephen Coonts' Saucer Series Books Worth Reading?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Stephen Coonts' "Saucer" series, exploring whether the books are worth reading. Participants share their experiences with the series, discuss themes, and express their opinions on the author's standing in the science fiction genre.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention enjoying "Saucer" as a fast read and appreciate its ability to allow for suspension of disbelief without overcomplicating the story.
  • One participant notes the implausibility of the physics involved in the story, particularly regarding the propulsion mechanism of a hydrogen-oxygen rocket engine.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to find the other books in the series after recalling their enjoyment of the first two.
  • Some participants question Coonts' status as a legitimate science fiction author, suggesting that his background may influence perceptions of his work.
  • There is curiosity about the balance of political and spy elements compared to science fiction adventure in Coonts' "Saucer" series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on Coonts' legitimacy as a science fiction author, with some defending his work while others challenge it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall value of the series and its thematic elements.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference their personal experiences with the books and express varying levels of familiarity with the series, which may influence their perspectives.

gmax137
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I recently picked up Stephen Coonts, "Saucer" at a public library book sale. Have just finished it, a very fast read 340 pages. In another thread I learned:
jrmichler said:
If you start a thread there, I could reply and say that the two following books, Saucer - The Conquest and Saucer - Savage Planet are also good reads. But, since this is the Feedback Forum, I did not say that because I do not want to hijack this thread. :smile:
I had no idea that this is a three-book series. I suppose now I will have to find the other two books.

It is a good example of allowing the reader's suspension of disbelief full reign, that is, not overcomplicating the story by trying to rationalize the propulsion mechanism.
 
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gmax137 said:
It is a good example of allowing the reader's suspension of disbelief full reign, that is, not overcomplicating the story by trying to rationalize the propulsion mechanism.
Oh yes, calculating the physics of solar power electrolyzing water from the nearest lake to use in a hydrogen-oxygen rocket engine that has a high enough impulse to make Earth orbit is a real stretch. It is a plausible explanation for how something buried for 140,000 years can still function, which is sufficient for the important part of the story.
 
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I was just thinking about this series the other day while at Half Price Books and couldn't remember the author. I read the first and second books years ago, but was unaware of the third.

I think I need to go looking for them in earnest again. 😏
 
But Coonts is not even a real SF author, so what do you expect?
 
gmax137 said:
I recently picked up Stephen Coonts, "Saucer" at a public library book sale. Have just finished it, a very fast read 340 pages. In another thread I learned:

I had no idea that this is a three-book series. I suppose now I will have to find the other two books.

It is a good example of allowing the reader's suspension of disbelief full reign, that is, not overcomplicating the story by trying to rationalize the propulsion mechanism.
I have just finished Baxter's "The Thousand Earths" and am set to buy my next eBook.

What is the ratio of Coontz's "Saucer" in terms of politics and spies to science fiction adventure?
 
BWV said:
But Coonts is not even a real SF author, so what do you expect?
Truth. Dude got started with "Flight of the Intruder", iirc. (Damn good book, okay movie.)
 

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