Are Stephen Coonts' Saucer Series Books Worth Reading?

AI Thread Summary
Stephen Coonts' "Saucer" is a fast-paced 340-page read that is part of a three-book series, which includes "Saucer - The Conquest" and "Saucer - Savage Planet." The narrative effectively allows readers to suspend disbelief by not overcomplicating the story, particularly regarding the propulsion mechanism of the spacecraft. The book presents a plausible scenario for a long-buried technology still functioning after 140,000 years. Discussions highlight the blend of politics, espionage, and science fiction adventure in Coonts' work, with some questioning his classification as a true science fiction author. The conversation also references Coonts' earlier work, "Flight of the Intruder," which is noted as a strong entry in his bibliography.
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.
 
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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