THE TINKER AND THE FOLD
Evan Gordon and Scott Gordon (244 pp.) $11.99 paperback, $2.99 e-book
ISBN: 978-0-9963574-3-2; May 9, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
Jett, a California kid, invents a gadget that could propel an unready mankind far into space, and he’s abducted by powerful, cautious aliens.
Scott and Evan Gordon, a father-and-son sci-fi/YA writing team, offer a rambunctious launch to a new series. In southern California in the year 2028, adolescent inventor Jett Javelin, son of a theoretical physicist, takes cues from his mom’s research to create the “quantum swapper,” a DIY teleportation device capable of materializing individuals light-years away. Its use instantly makes Earth a high priority for the judgment of the Fold, a federation made up of 1,756,234 intelligent, peace-loving (and vegan) alien civilizations. The Fold takes action whenever a nonbeneficial race discovers interstellar travel. It turns out the Fold, via their chief regulators, the Aaptuuans (the variety known to UFO enthusiasts as flying-saucer “little greys”), long ago seeded throughout the universe the laws known here as the Ten Commandments. Any spacefaring civilization that violates these laws in any way—even killing and eating animals for food—is subjected to “neutralization,” doomed to likely extinction by having all electronic technology deactivated. After the Aaptuuans abduct Jett along with his invention, his behavior (and whether his people find his records and can duplicate the quantum swapper) will determine Earth’s fate. Luckily, Jett hooks up with the tentacled Tii-Eldii, a refugee from a previous Aaptuunan neutralization, and the chase is on.
The fleet narrative never has any dead spots and boasts a clever range of aliens of all shapes, sizes, and appendages. It also has just the right balance of tongue-in-cheek (when a life form happens to have a tongue or a cheek) and serious elements when it comes to pondering moral issues and dilemmas. There is, naturally, a cliffhanger finale to draw readers into the next installment.
Fun YA galactic romp that is not without its thoughtful side. - Kirkus Reviews
Evan Gordon and Scott Gordon (244 pp.) $11.99 paperback, $2.99 e-book
ISBN: 978-0-9963574-3-2; May 9, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
Jett, a California kid, invents a gadget that could propel an unready mankind far into space, and he’s abducted by powerful, cautious aliens.
Scott and Evan Gordon, a father-and-son sci-fi/YA writing team, offer a rambunctious launch to a new series. In southern California in the year 2028, adolescent inventor Jett Javelin, son of a theoretical physicist, takes cues from his mom’s research to create the “quantum swapper,” a DIY teleportation device capable of materializing individuals light-years away. Its use instantly makes Earth a high priority for the judgment of the Fold, a federation made up of 1,756,234 intelligent, peace-loving (and vegan) alien civilizations. The Fold takes action whenever a nonbeneficial race discovers interstellar travel. It turns out the Fold, via their chief regulators, the Aaptuuans (the variety known to UFO enthusiasts as flying-saucer “little greys”), long ago seeded throughout the universe the laws known here as the Ten Commandments. Any spacefaring civilization that violates these laws in any way—even killing and eating animals for food—is subjected to “neutralization,” doomed to likely extinction by having all electronic technology deactivated. After the Aaptuuans abduct Jett along with his invention, his behavior (and whether his people find his records and can duplicate the quantum swapper) will determine Earth’s fate. Luckily, Jett hooks up with the tentacled Tii-Eldii, a refugee from a previous Aaptuunan neutralization, and the chase is on.
The fleet narrative never has any dead spots and boasts a clever range of aliens of all shapes, sizes, and appendages. It also has just the right balance of tongue-in-cheek (when a life form happens to have a tongue or a cheek) and serious elements when it comes to pondering moral issues and dilemmas. There is, naturally, a cliffhanger finale to draw readers into the next installment.
Fun YA galactic romp that is not without its thoughtful side. - Kirkus Reviews
The Tinker and the Fold Part 1: The Problem with Solaris 3
Evan & Scott Gordon
Laguna Lantern Publishing
978-0996357432
Paperback: $9.99 Kindle: $3.99
http://a.co/ftAAukW http://thetinkerandthefold.com/
Four years ago a father and son collaborated on a fun project to write a science fiction story; an effort that was to blossom into something more than a one-time partnership. The Tinker and the Fold: The Problem with Solaris 3, sees their effort brought to full fruition in this first book of a trilogy, a result of that process; but if readers anticipate a genre read replete with conventional devices, they will immediately realize there's far more happening here than a predictable story line.
Many sci-fi reads for young adults revolve around events and characters which don't stand out from the crowd. Not so with The Problem with Solaris 3, which opens with sassy young Jett's increasing defiance of the status quo. His attitude crosses over from school to life in general, and though his twin brother Jack strives to blend in, Jett is determined to carve his own path and personality as he navigates his world.
It's this attitude that earns the eighth grader a unique place in the scheme of things to follow when his proclivity for tinkering attracts the attention of The Fold, a galactic peacekeeping organization, and leads to quite a different kind of alien abduction than popular literature portrays.
From an invention that tests his mother's quantum theories and opens the door to strange new worlds to Jett's place not just on Earth, but in the universe, The Problem with Solaris 3 succeeds in going where few other young adult science fiction reads can follow, transporting its readers to a unique universe replete with kidnappings, unexpectedly hilarious alien invasions, and a "must have" list of tools that includes impeccable and funny logic ("E.M.P. grenade (because electro-magnetic pulses come in handy in the event one needs to disable electronic devices – say an army of murderous robots.").
Each chapter adds a dose of humor and wry observation that defies normal sci-fi approaches. Each builds upon Jett's clever, creative character and the strange worlds he encounters, which are graphically and beautifully described from a pre-teen's viewpoint: "No freakin’ way,” he whispered stepping outside and into an alien civilization. He was surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of tall silver blue towers. Every tower had plants growing down from it. They were of every imaginable color, and the colors popped brightly in the glistening sun. Silver space craft flew harmoniously through the blue green sky as if to some unheard musical rhythm."
Even when dialogue and extraterrestrial encounters are taking place, the sassy, spunky interactions between characters are fun and refreshingly original: "Not exactly what we planned, but certainly a fortunate reversal of events,” Tii-Eldii observed, “It appears phase mismatch can cause the swapper to warp the fabric of time itself causing us to be in two places at once just moments apart, fascinating...” “Blah, blah, space time, Doctor Who - Let’s get out of here! Do you know how to fly one of these things?”
“No, but there’s a first time for everything.”
The difference between a one-dimensional, predictable sci-fi read for young adults and one which is a standout in its genre often lies in a combination of author approach and fresh, original details; and the father-son team of Evan & Scott Gordon succeed in going where few writers (much less family authors) have gone before.
Rich in characterization, plot, development, and humor, the story unfolds as a winner and is highly recommended not just for the young adult audience it's intended for; but for many an adult sci-fi fan looking for the truly remarkable standout read that includes thought-provoking reflections on the nature of peace, collective consciousness, and ruling systems.
-California Bookwatch
Evan & Scott Gordon
Laguna Lantern Publishing
978-0996357432
Paperback: $9.99 Kindle: $3.99
http://a.co/ftAAukW http://thetinkerandthefold.com/
Four years ago a father and son collaborated on a fun project to write a science fiction story; an effort that was to blossom into something more than a one-time partnership. The Tinker and the Fold: The Problem with Solaris 3, sees their effort brought to full fruition in this first book of a trilogy, a result of that process; but if readers anticipate a genre read replete with conventional devices, they will immediately realize there's far more happening here than a predictable story line.
Many sci-fi reads for young adults revolve around events and characters which don't stand out from the crowd. Not so with The Problem with Solaris 3, which opens with sassy young Jett's increasing defiance of the status quo. His attitude crosses over from school to life in general, and though his twin brother Jack strives to blend in, Jett is determined to carve his own path and personality as he navigates his world.
It's this attitude that earns the eighth grader a unique place in the scheme of things to follow when his proclivity for tinkering attracts the attention of The Fold, a galactic peacekeeping organization, and leads to quite a different kind of alien abduction than popular literature portrays.
From an invention that tests his mother's quantum theories and opens the door to strange new worlds to Jett's place not just on Earth, but in the universe, The Problem with Solaris 3 succeeds in going where few other young adult science fiction reads can follow, transporting its readers to a unique universe replete with kidnappings, unexpectedly hilarious alien invasions, and a "must have" list of tools that includes impeccable and funny logic ("E.M.P. grenade (because electro-magnetic pulses come in handy in the event one needs to disable electronic devices – say an army of murderous robots.").
Each chapter adds a dose of humor and wry observation that defies normal sci-fi approaches. Each builds upon Jett's clever, creative character and the strange worlds he encounters, which are graphically and beautifully described from a pre-teen's viewpoint: "No freakin’ way,” he whispered stepping outside and into an alien civilization. He was surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of tall silver blue towers. Every tower had plants growing down from it. They were of every imaginable color, and the colors popped brightly in the glistening sun. Silver space craft flew harmoniously through the blue green sky as if to some unheard musical rhythm."
Even when dialogue and extraterrestrial encounters are taking place, the sassy, spunky interactions between characters are fun and refreshingly original: "Not exactly what we planned, but certainly a fortunate reversal of events,” Tii-Eldii observed, “It appears phase mismatch can cause the swapper to warp the fabric of time itself causing us to be in two places at once just moments apart, fascinating...” “Blah, blah, space time, Doctor Who - Let’s get out of here! Do you know how to fly one of these things?”
“No, but there’s a first time for everything.”
The difference between a one-dimensional, predictable sci-fi read for young adults and one which is a standout in its genre often lies in a combination of author approach and fresh, original details; and the father-son team of Evan & Scott Gordon succeed in going where few writers (much less family authors) have gone before.
Rich in characterization, plot, development, and humor, the story unfolds as a winner and is highly recommended not just for the young adult audience it's intended for; but for many an adult sci-fi fan looking for the truly remarkable standout read that includes thought-provoking reflections on the nature of peace, collective consciousness, and ruling systems.
-California Bookwatch
The Tinker and The Fold Part 2 - The Rise of the Boe
Evan & Scott Gordon
Laguna Lantern Publishing
978-0996357456 $9.99
https://amzn.com/0996357459
The first mark of an exceptional trilogy lies in the introductory book's ability to lay the foundation of a compelling story that's worth carrying forward into a series. Part 1 of 'The Tinker and the Fold', The Problem with Solaris 3, performed admirably in this regard, creating a superior work hard to put down; but the meat of a three-volume series lies in its ability to continue an exceptional approach past the first introductory volume and into later books.
The Rise of the Boe performs admirably in this respect, and opens with a foreword that places the story in perspective (for newcomers who have not previously imbibed of Solaris 3) so that all readers enter on an even playing field of prior knowledge. The saga begins whereSolaris 3 left off, in a world changed by aliens, Ten Laws, The Fold's miracles and dictates, and a humanity at odds with their newly managed lives.
After his father's disappearance, Jett ("The Tinker") and his family is relocated for his own safety, and Jett is sick at heart for all the changes he's helped introduce to his life and everyone around him. Jett decides to rescue his father from The Fold's rehabilitation base on Solaris 3, but faces new challenges when a miscalculation lands him in the middle of another alien force; this one scheming to bring down The Fold.
The story doesn't open in this sci-fi scenario, however, but in the rehabilitation center on Pluto where Dweller Jett Senior is being tested in a rehabilitation simulation that places him back in the Iraq War where his life-or-death decisions will reflect whether his destructive impulses have truly been changed.
The efforts and purposes of this brainwashing and retraining session are made startlingly clear ("He was acting in self defense. He was fighting for his country against evil people who committed horrible atrocities. Why was he here? What was the purpose of all of this? What did The Fold hope to accomplish? “We seek to greatly diminish and eventually eliminate your species’ propensity toward violence,” the telepathic voice reassured, “as we know this will ensure a superior outcome for Solaris 3.”), reinforcing the underlying methods and purposes of The Fold's presence on Earth.
Betrayal, alien monkey-cats, a god powerful and feared by the Boe, and twin brothers on a mission makes for a gripping story that doesn't limit itself to a single aliens species or galactic setting, but continues to expand the boundaries of worlds introduced in Solaris 3.
As Jett and his brother face a deadly 'blood mist' and a force that rivals The Fold, they must make some terrible choices and face their consequences in a story line that is satisfyingly complex and an astounding piece for a middle-grade author, even given a father's collaborative participation in the process.
It's the stuff of movies (one can only hope a screenplay will come next); but if these two volumes are any indication, Book 3 will be well worth waiting for - especially since the Boe are not done here, despite Jack and Jett's best efforts.
- California Bookwatch
Evan & Scott Gordon
Laguna Lantern Publishing
978-0996357456 $9.99
https://amzn.com/0996357459
The first mark of an exceptional trilogy lies in the introductory book's ability to lay the foundation of a compelling story that's worth carrying forward into a series. Part 1 of 'The Tinker and the Fold', The Problem with Solaris 3, performed admirably in this regard, creating a superior work hard to put down; but the meat of a three-volume series lies in its ability to continue an exceptional approach past the first introductory volume and into later books.
The Rise of the Boe performs admirably in this respect, and opens with a foreword that places the story in perspective (for newcomers who have not previously imbibed of Solaris 3) so that all readers enter on an even playing field of prior knowledge. The saga begins whereSolaris 3 left off, in a world changed by aliens, Ten Laws, The Fold's miracles and dictates, and a humanity at odds with their newly managed lives.
After his father's disappearance, Jett ("The Tinker") and his family is relocated for his own safety, and Jett is sick at heart for all the changes he's helped introduce to his life and everyone around him. Jett decides to rescue his father from The Fold's rehabilitation base on Solaris 3, but faces new challenges when a miscalculation lands him in the middle of another alien force; this one scheming to bring down The Fold.
The story doesn't open in this sci-fi scenario, however, but in the rehabilitation center on Pluto where Dweller Jett Senior is being tested in a rehabilitation simulation that places him back in the Iraq War where his life-or-death decisions will reflect whether his destructive impulses have truly been changed.
The efforts and purposes of this brainwashing and retraining session are made startlingly clear ("He was acting in self defense. He was fighting for his country against evil people who committed horrible atrocities. Why was he here? What was the purpose of all of this? What did The Fold hope to accomplish? “We seek to greatly diminish and eventually eliminate your species’ propensity toward violence,” the telepathic voice reassured, “as we know this will ensure a superior outcome for Solaris 3.”), reinforcing the underlying methods and purposes of The Fold's presence on Earth.
Betrayal, alien monkey-cats, a god powerful and feared by the Boe, and twin brothers on a mission makes for a gripping story that doesn't limit itself to a single aliens species or galactic setting, but continues to expand the boundaries of worlds introduced in Solaris 3.
As Jett and his brother face a deadly 'blood mist' and a force that rivals The Fold, they must make some terrible choices and face their consequences in a story line that is satisfyingly complex and an astounding piece for a middle-grade author, even given a father's collaborative participation in the process.
It's the stuff of movies (one can only hope a screenplay will come next); but if these two volumes are any indication, Book 3 will be well worth waiting for - especially since the Boe are not done here, despite Jack and Jett's best efforts.
- California Bookwatch
Kelly’s Thoughts On Things
The second book follows Jett Javelin, his brother Jack, best friend Cyd, and Nukii, as they set out to save Jack and Jet’s father from the The Fold’s rehabilitation center on the base of Solaris 9. The Quantum Swapper takes them way off course, and into the galaxy, where murderous Hazbog is looking to settle the score with The Fold.
– Kelly
The second book follows Jett Javelin, his brother Jack, best friend Cyd, and Nukii, as they set out to save Jack and Jet’s father from the The Fold’s rehabilitation center on the base of Solaris 9. The Quantum Swapper takes them way off course, and into the galaxy, where murderous Hazbog is looking to settle the score with The Fold.
– Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun sci-fi ideas & intense family drama.
By Joe Crowe on October 14, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I’m a copy editor in my day job, and I can’t un-see little things in books that many people may not notice. So when the foreword of the story is called a “forward” I feel like I have to say something. And that something is, “I wish the author would change the spelling to ‘foreword.’”
But other than that, the book is really good.
Clearly, this book’s creators love their work. It shows in the deep, compelling history of the world (and worlds) in which the story takes place. A lot of that history might not come into play in the story, but it could.
The first book in the series introduced the Quantum Swapper, a very fun sci-fi idea. That’s the jump-off point of the story, and interstellar adventure ensues thereafter.
The story is sci-fi, mixed with some intense family drama. It reminds me a little of the TV series “V,” with the occupying forces who fix everything, but naturally, all is not as it seems. That’s an excellent setting for a heroic story.
Here’s my favorite part of the book. The book’s heroes have the best names for any character in anything I have read in a very long time: JETT AND JACK JAVELIN.
I kept reading the book just so I could keep seeing the names.
Their mom’s name is Evelyn Javelin. Evelyn Javelin, guys. Let that sink in.
Naming characters is hard. But the authors can stop stressing about it now, because Jett Javelin is an amazing accomplishment and sets a new high bar for everyone else.
From here on out, everyone needs to take a closer look at how they name their characters. They make think their names are cool.
But now, everyone should ask, “Is it Jett Javelin Cool?”
By Joe Crowe on October 14, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I’m a copy editor in my day job, and I can’t un-see little things in books that many people may not notice. So when the foreword of the story is called a “forward” I feel like I have to say something. And that something is, “I wish the author would change the spelling to ‘foreword.’”
But other than that, the book is really good.
Clearly, this book’s creators love their work. It shows in the deep, compelling history of the world (and worlds) in which the story takes place. A lot of that history might not come into play in the story, but it could.
The first book in the series introduced the Quantum Swapper, a very fun sci-fi idea. That’s the jump-off point of the story, and interstellar adventure ensues thereafter.
The story is sci-fi, mixed with some intense family drama. It reminds me a little of the TV series “V,” with the occupying forces who fix everything, but naturally, all is not as it seems. That’s an excellent setting for a heroic story.
Here’s my favorite part of the book. The book’s heroes have the best names for any character in anything I have read in a very long time: JETT AND JACK JAVELIN.
I kept reading the book just so I could keep seeing the names.
Their mom’s name is Evelyn Javelin. Evelyn Javelin, guys. Let that sink in.
Naming characters is hard. But the authors can stop stressing about it now, because Jett Javelin is an amazing accomplishment and sets a new high bar for everyone else.
From here on out, everyone needs to take a closer look at how they name their characters. They make think their names are cool.
But now, everyone should ask, “Is it Jett Javelin Cool?”
NEWS
Laguna Niguel father and son publish second science-fiction novel
By SHANE NEWELL / STAFF WRITER
Evan and Scott Gordon have spent countless Saturdays envisioning the universe for “The Tinker and the Fold,” a science-fiction book series chronicling the adventures of an eighth-grade inventor.
Thirteen-year-old Evan and his father, Scott, 44, brainstormed ideas for a book series on a car ride more than four years ago. The elder Gordon shared his decades-old idea for a book with his son and the two began creating what will soon become a trilogy.
Last month, the team published the second book in the series, titled “The Tinker and the Fold: The Rise of Boe.” It took them about a year to write the book, two years faster than what it took to complete the first one.
“What we’ve done is sort of taken a lot of different stuff and made something original,” Evan Gordon said, citing his influences as James Dashner, George Lucas and Rick Riordan.
The Laguna Niguel residents plan to donate book royalties to Caterina’s Club in Anaheim, a charity providing food, housing and education for children. They said they were inspired to give to the charity after Evan’s sister once asked for donations to Caterina’s Club instead of Christmas presents.
Writing the book series has been a learning experience for the father and son. In addition to letting friends read drafts of the first book and offer suggestions, Evan Gordon had to deal with others who believed that Scott Gordon wrote the book and used it to advance his son’s future college resume.
Nevertheless, the two said they have sold books in more than a dozen countries outside the U.S and have more than 20,000 followers on Facebook. The books are for sale on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
As the father and son continue to sell more books, they have taken a writing hiatus with plans to begin the third book after Thanksgiving.
The Saturday writing sessions will continue, and the plan is to release the book next fall.
“You’ve got to make yourself sit down and do it bit by bit,” Evan Gordon said.
“Life is measured in inches,” Scott Gordon said. “Most people want to measure it in miles and they miss all the little spots along the way.”
Contact the writer: 714-796-7844 or snewell@scng.com
Laguna Niguel father and son publish second science-fiction novel
By SHANE NEWELL / STAFF WRITER
Evan and Scott Gordon have spent countless Saturdays envisioning the universe for “The Tinker and the Fold,” a science-fiction book series chronicling the adventures of an eighth-grade inventor.
Thirteen-year-old Evan and his father, Scott, 44, brainstormed ideas for a book series on a car ride more than four years ago. The elder Gordon shared his decades-old idea for a book with his son and the two began creating what will soon become a trilogy.
Last month, the team published the second book in the series, titled “The Tinker and the Fold: The Rise of Boe.” It took them about a year to write the book, two years faster than what it took to complete the first one.
“What we’ve done is sort of taken a lot of different stuff and made something original,” Evan Gordon said, citing his influences as James Dashner, George Lucas and Rick Riordan.
The Laguna Niguel residents plan to donate book royalties to Caterina’s Club in Anaheim, a charity providing food, housing and education for children. They said they were inspired to give to the charity after Evan’s sister once asked for donations to Caterina’s Club instead of Christmas presents.
Writing the book series has been a learning experience for the father and son. In addition to letting friends read drafts of the first book and offer suggestions, Evan Gordon had to deal with others who believed that Scott Gordon wrote the book and used it to advance his son’s future college resume.
Nevertheless, the two said they have sold books in more than a dozen countries outside the U.S and have more than 20,000 followers on Facebook. The books are for sale on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
As the father and son continue to sell more books, they have taken a writing hiatus with plans to begin the third book after Thanksgiving.
The Saturday writing sessions will continue, and the plan is to release the book next fall.
“You’ve got to make yourself sit down and do it bit by bit,” Evan Gordon said.
“Life is measured in inches,” Scott Gordon said. “Most people want to measure it in miles and they miss all the little spots along the way.”
Contact the writer: 714-796-7844 or snewell@scng.com
THE PROBLEM WITH SOLARIS 3 BY EVAN AND SCOTT GORDON BOOK REVIEWThe Problem with Solaris 3 is the first book in The Tinker and the Fold series by Evan and Scott Gordon, a father and son duo. I was intrigued by the reviews from Kirkus and California Bookwatch, and even more curious when I discovered that Evan (the son) is only in middle school. Could we have another Christopher Paolini (author of the Inheritance Cycle) on our hands? In this science-fiction series, the day of reckoning is upon us but judgment comes by way of aliens rather than a biblical God. Laguna Lantern Publishing Company | May, 2015 | Paperback | 244 pp
Jett Javelin is a little too smart for his own good. He’s a tinkerer who’s filled his room with gadgets and gizmos of his own creation. But his latest invention, a quantum swapper (teleportation device) based on his mother’s physics notes, is about to change the world – and possibly not for the better. After his first successful test, he caught the attention of intergalactic monitors. After an accident following the second test, Jett is kidnapped by an alien species.
The two Aaptuuan creatures who have abducted Jett are calm and friendly, but they don’t give Jett any options. He’s taken to their planet to meet with a council. It turns out that Earth, known throughout the Fold as Solaris 3, is not ready for interstellar travel and Jett’s invention could give Earthlings this very capability. The Fold is an intergalactic society made up of thousands of alien species and civilizations, but to win entry, humanity must have evolved past greed, war, hate – and we’re not quite there yet. When a non-approved species gains technology that allows them to conquer other planets and spread their negative ways, the Fold intervenes. Because Jett has created technology that is too advanced for Earth’s civilization, the Aaptuuans are considering neutralizing the planet.
The fate of the world hangs on Jett’s shoulders, and that’s not an easy place to be for any young teenager. Desperate to warn Earth, Jett tries to get home and ends up on a forgotten planet with another alien creature who has his own story to tell involving his home planet, the wrath of the Fold, and an ark carrying all the knowledge of his species. Together, they help each other evade Aaptuuan detection and get home.
The Problem with Solaris 3 is a wondrously vivid and creative read for young teens with a light tie-in to the Judeo-Christian story of Moses – specifically, the ten commandments. In this world, humanity was provided with stone tablets that listed the ten commandments, and they had been given to us by the Aaptuuans. If we continue to abide by these laws, and evolve with compassion and love, we would have a chance to enter the Fold generations down the road. But humanity hasn’t followed the rules.
Jett’s faced-paced journey brings the reader into first contact with the “Greys”, metal cocoon space travel, a talking room named Bob, giant worms, tentacled aliens with beaks, fuzzy and adorable (but acid-spitting) bush bunnies, bouncing rocks with teeth, giant crab monsters, giant worms, and the President of the United States. It’s a fantastic journey with a clever obstacle. The antagonist in this case isn’t the Dark Side with a Death Star but the existing faults of the human condition. The Fold and the Aaptuuans aren’t your typical representations of evil but quite the opposite as they work to protect other worlds from evil.
The end, which won’t be revealed here in detail, is something we’ve probably all thought about as children and adults: what if we just took all the bad people and…..
The Problem with Solaris 3 is a high-concept scifi adventure for young teens (and old teens, and adults, and old adults) that is highly recommended. Thoroughly satiated, I’ve picked up book two in the series: The Rise of the Boe.
Jett Javelin is a little too smart for his own good. He’s a tinkerer who’s filled his room with gadgets and gizmos of his own creation. But his latest invention, a quantum swapper (teleportation device) based on his mother’s physics notes, is about to change the world – and possibly not for the better. After his first successful test, he caught the attention of intergalactic monitors. After an accident following the second test, Jett is kidnapped by an alien species.
The two Aaptuuan creatures who have abducted Jett are calm and friendly, but they don’t give Jett any options. He’s taken to their planet to meet with a council. It turns out that Earth, known throughout the Fold as Solaris 3, is not ready for interstellar travel and Jett’s invention could give Earthlings this very capability. The Fold is an intergalactic society made up of thousands of alien species and civilizations, but to win entry, humanity must have evolved past greed, war, hate – and we’re not quite there yet. When a non-approved species gains technology that allows them to conquer other planets and spread their negative ways, the Fold intervenes. Because Jett has created technology that is too advanced for Earth’s civilization, the Aaptuuans are considering neutralizing the planet.
The fate of the world hangs on Jett’s shoulders, and that’s not an easy place to be for any young teenager. Desperate to warn Earth, Jett tries to get home and ends up on a forgotten planet with another alien creature who has his own story to tell involving his home planet, the wrath of the Fold, and an ark carrying all the knowledge of his species. Together, they help each other evade Aaptuuan detection and get home.
The Problem with Solaris 3 is a wondrously vivid and creative read for young teens with a light tie-in to the Judeo-Christian story of Moses – specifically, the ten commandments. In this world, humanity was provided with stone tablets that listed the ten commandments, and they had been given to us by the Aaptuuans. If we continue to abide by these laws, and evolve with compassion and love, we would have a chance to enter the Fold generations down the road. But humanity hasn’t followed the rules.
Jett’s faced-paced journey brings the reader into first contact with the “Greys”, metal cocoon space travel, a talking room named Bob, giant worms, tentacled aliens with beaks, fuzzy and adorable (but acid-spitting) bush bunnies, bouncing rocks with teeth, giant crab monsters, giant worms, and the President of the United States. It’s a fantastic journey with a clever obstacle. The antagonist in this case isn’t the Dark Side with a Death Star but the existing faults of the human condition. The Fold and the Aaptuuans aren’t your typical representations of evil but quite the opposite as they work to protect other worlds from evil.
The end, which won’t be revealed here in detail, is something we’ve probably all thought about as children and adults: what if we just took all the bad people and…..
The Problem with Solaris 3 is a high-concept scifi adventure for young teens (and old teens, and adults, and old adults) that is highly recommended. Thoroughly satiated, I’ve picked up book two in the series: The Rise of the Boe.
THE RISE OF THE BOE BY EVAN AND SCOTT GORDON BOOK REVIEWThe Rise of the Boe is is the second book in The Tinker and the Fold series by father and son team Evan and Scott Gordon. This scifi adventure is meant for middle school and young adult readers. There will be some spoilers in this review on the first book, so if you’re planning on reading this series, you might want to skip to the first review.
The Problem with Solaris 3 (The Tinker and the Fold #1) Book Review
At the end of The Problem with Solaris 3, Jett – our brilliant, young, intergalactic traveler – has managed to strike a deal with the Fold, thereby allowing Earth to avoid being neutralized. Jett had inadvertently discovered a means for intergalactic travel through his molecular swapper machine (teleporter) and this, in turn, alerted the ‘guardians of the galaxy’ (I couldn’t help it) known as the Fold of the potential threat the universe now faced with the possibility of Solaris (Earth) humans spreading war and death. Instead of neutralizing Earth, the Fold has agreed to intervene and remove the worst offenders from the plant, the murderers, to a rehabilitation colony on Pluto.
The problem is, the Aaptuuans do not consider killing in the name of defense to be arguably permitted. All murder breaks their rules, and Jett’s father, a good man, vanishes along with prison inmates, military heroes, veterans, and otherwise good people. The vile and honorable are gone.
At the beginning of The Rise of the Boe, we see human civilization a year down the line, after Aaptuuan intervention. For the most part, life is better for all. Everyone is doing their best to follow the ten commandments, the hungry are fed, the poor are taken care of, there is no crime, and there are no borders. It is finally a free planet. But some people are missing their loved ones, especially Jett.
Not knowing what they are doing to his father, he makes the decision to rescue him – this time bringing along his brother and military base friend Abcde. He builds another swapper with plans to port to the colony on Pluto, but something goes wrong and they don’t quite make it. Instead they are sent directly to the Aaptuun home planet as a preventative measure against any who would try to break into the colony. Because the Aaptuuans didn’t anticipate so many to port at once, not all of them make it in one piece.
While the best doctors in the known universe try to fix Jett, his brother is deceived by an Aaptuuan prisoner and taken hostage. It’s up to Jett and his new superpowers, Abcde and her existing powers, an AI named Bob, Aaptuuan gadgets galore, and some trickery on a primitive planet to rescue his brother and bring them home safely. It’s not going to be easy. In fact, it just might not happen at all.
I love the Return of the Jedi influence, intended or otherwise. As you may recall, the tribe of Ewoks on Endor marvel at C-3PO and consider him some sort of deity. This was used to the advantage of the rebels. The primitive fighting skills of the Ewoks were hilarious and it was fun to watch when winning, horrifically sad when they perished. These are all very similar details in The Rise of the Boe without it being a retelling, keeping a distinct and unique story line.
In all, a great start to this young adult series: an adventure laden with courage, honor, and family devotion wrapped up in a space-faring odyssey.
The Problem with Solaris 3 (The Tinker and the Fold #1) Book Review
At the end of The Problem with Solaris 3, Jett – our brilliant, young, intergalactic traveler – has managed to strike a deal with the Fold, thereby allowing Earth to avoid being neutralized. Jett had inadvertently discovered a means for intergalactic travel through his molecular swapper machine (teleporter) and this, in turn, alerted the ‘guardians of the galaxy’ (I couldn’t help it) known as the Fold of the potential threat the universe now faced with the possibility of Solaris (Earth) humans spreading war and death. Instead of neutralizing Earth, the Fold has agreed to intervene and remove the worst offenders from the plant, the murderers, to a rehabilitation colony on Pluto.
The problem is, the Aaptuuans do not consider killing in the name of defense to be arguably permitted. All murder breaks their rules, and Jett’s father, a good man, vanishes along with prison inmates, military heroes, veterans, and otherwise good people. The vile and honorable are gone.
At the beginning of The Rise of the Boe, we see human civilization a year down the line, after Aaptuuan intervention. For the most part, life is better for all. Everyone is doing their best to follow the ten commandments, the hungry are fed, the poor are taken care of, there is no crime, and there are no borders. It is finally a free planet. But some people are missing their loved ones, especially Jett.
Not knowing what they are doing to his father, he makes the decision to rescue him – this time bringing along his brother and military base friend Abcde. He builds another swapper with plans to port to the colony on Pluto, but something goes wrong and they don’t quite make it. Instead they are sent directly to the Aaptuun home planet as a preventative measure against any who would try to break into the colony. Because the Aaptuuans didn’t anticipate so many to port at once, not all of them make it in one piece.
While the best doctors in the known universe try to fix Jett, his brother is deceived by an Aaptuuan prisoner and taken hostage. It’s up to Jett and his new superpowers, Abcde and her existing powers, an AI named Bob, Aaptuuan gadgets galore, and some trickery on a primitive planet to rescue his brother and bring them home safely. It’s not going to be easy. In fact, it just might not happen at all.
I love the Return of the Jedi influence, intended or otherwise. As you may recall, the tribe of Ewoks on Endor marvel at C-3PO and consider him some sort of deity. This was used to the advantage of the rebels. The primitive fighting skills of the Ewoks were hilarious and it was fun to watch when winning, horrifically sad when they perished. These are all very similar details in The Rise of the Boe without it being a retelling, keeping a distinct and unique story line.
In all, a great start to this young adult series: an adventure laden with courage, honor, and family devotion wrapped up in a space-faring odyssey.
The Tinker and the Fold: Part One: The Problem with Solaris 3; The Tinker and the Fold: Part Two: The Rise of the Boe
Review by Amanda HopkinsEvan & Scott Gordon
http://thetinkerandthefold.com/
“They have been watching… Because of him, they are coming…” This is what drew me to The Tinker and The Fold Series, and what got me hooked on it as well.
Our family has always loved science fiction. We love anything science fiction, yet finding a Young Adult novel that would interest my kids is hard. They have high expectations. The Tinker and The Fold has caught their attention and left them wanting more.
The Tinker and The Fold Part One: The Problem with Solaris 3 and The Tinker and the Fold Part Two: The Rise of the BOE written by Evan and Scott Gordon are paperback books, both of which are about 200 pages of adventure! Evan and Scott are a father son team who worked together to write a great series that is perfect for any family to read!
This series follows Jett Javelin Junior during his eighth-grade year. Everything is fine and dandy, until The Fold notices some action coming from Solaris 3, specifically from Jett himself and his newest invention. The first book of this series follows the journey that Jett takes after being taken by the fold, from his time in Tower 100 to a castaway and a savior.
The second book in the series picks up at the end of the first, drawing you back into the adventure of Jett and The Fold. Only this time Jett has a whole new adventure on his hands. He needs to help his father, only he doesn’t reach his father, he goes farther and now has some new struggles on his hands.
When you think of Science Fiction novels, you think of a fun story to read. One that is just there for enjoyment, not learning. Only Evan and Scott have decided that this is not the case with The Tinker and The Fold. This series takes us to the point of imagination, but also pulls in valuable life lessons. They come in hints, there is nothing that stand out and says look at this. Rather we connect the dots and see that fun can also be put into real life. The Fold stands by The Ten Laws, if you are a Christian, you can relate these Ten Laws to The Ten Commandments. Not only this, but we see the struggles of Jett. With these struggles, we see him working hard to overcome these struggles.
Evan and Scott have worked hard to give young adults the action and adventure that they crave, with the fundamental life skills that mom and dads want them to learn. If your child is into the science fiction world, why not give them a book series that you approve of and let it be a win-win situation?
After reading these two books, I am excited to be sharing them with my kids. Not only that, but I am looking forward to the third installment of this series. I look forward to reading more of Jett’s adventures and sharing them with my kids. It is not often that I can say that about a science fiction series, but this one is perfect for the whole family!
-Product review by Amanda Hopkins, The Old Schoolhouse ® Magazine, LLC, January, 2016
Review by Amanda HopkinsEvan & Scott Gordon
http://thetinkerandthefold.com/
“They have been watching… Because of him, they are coming…” This is what drew me to The Tinker and The Fold Series, and what got me hooked on it as well.
Our family has always loved science fiction. We love anything science fiction, yet finding a Young Adult novel that would interest my kids is hard. They have high expectations. The Tinker and The Fold has caught their attention and left them wanting more.
The Tinker and The Fold Part One: The Problem with Solaris 3 and The Tinker and the Fold Part Two: The Rise of the BOE written by Evan and Scott Gordon are paperback books, both of which are about 200 pages of adventure! Evan and Scott are a father son team who worked together to write a great series that is perfect for any family to read!
This series follows Jett Javelin Junior during his eighth-grade year. Everything is fine and dandy, until The Fold notices some action coming from Solaris 3, specifically from Jett himself and his newest invention. The first book of this series follows the journey that Jett takes after being taken by the fold, from his time in Tower 100 to a castaway and a savior.
The second book in the series picks up at the end of the first, drawing you back into the adventure of Jett and The Fold. Only this time Jett has a whole new adventure on his hands. He needs to help his father, only he doesn’t reach his father, he goes farther and now has some new struggles on his hands.
When you think of Science Fiction novels, you think of a fun story to read. One that is just there for enjoyment, not learning. Only Evan and Scott have decided that this is not the case with The Tinker and The Fold. This series takes us to the point of imagination, but also pulls in valuable life lessons. They come in hints, there is nothing that stand out and says look at this. Rather we connect the dots and see that fun can also be put into real life. The Fold stands by The Ten Laws, if you are a Christian, you can relate these Ten Laws to The Ten Commandments. Not only this, but we see the struggles of Jett. With these struggles, we see him working hard to overcome these struggles.
Evan and Scott have worked hard to give young adults the action and adventure that they crave, with the fundamental life skills that mom and dads want them to learn. If your child is into the science fiction world, why not give them a book series that you approve of and let it be a win-win situation?
After reading these two books, I am excited to be sharing them with my kids. Not only that, but I am looking forward to the third installment of this series. I look forward to reading more of Jett’s adventures and sharing them with my kids. It is not often that I can say that about a science fiction series, but this one is perfect for the whole family!
-Product review by Amanda Hopkins, The Old Schoolhouse ® Magazine, LLC, January, 2016