The Galactic Now

The Assemblies of the Living, Book 2

De: Brent Clay

Narrado por: Samuel Peery

After first contact, humanity learns that the galaxy is a place of ancient and far-reaching authorities. The Earth has not emerged as an autonomous peer into a community of sovereign worlds, but as an involuntary entrant into a galactic society whose demands are not light. John Riley, the physicist who inadvertently touched off first contact with his research into gravitation, now sees that the implications of his discoveries lead to more than technical frontiers. The galaxy, the nature of the Universe itself, is not what humanity has believed it to be.

©2023 Brent Clay (P)2024 Brent Clay

Oftentimes thoughtful Sci-Fi, blending the known, the plausible, and just enough of the improbable to keep things interesting

The balance of my thoughts on this book are reflected in the title, but generally speaking, I thought it was not quite as good as the first installment. Also, I could have done without the author’s recurring need to dismiss religion and faith with pockets of pseudo-intellectualism. I also wish this book would have exchanged certain long-winded asides with material that advanced further the interplay between alien powers and alien worlds with humanity and Earth.

Exactly the type of sci-fi I love

A very thought provoking combination of hard-scifi, philosophy, religion and spirituality, is the exact kind of First Contact type of material I crave. What I love is that this book makes it more than just first contact with an alien civilization. It's also a type of "first contact" between humanity and the parts of ourselves that the scientifically minded may find alien. Just like relativity and quantum mechanics dont agree within a limited horizon, so to must we expand our minds to understand the big picture of the universe and our small place in it.

My first review, after 12 yrs on Audible.

This must be the most overlooked science fiction novel ever. Maybe due to Brent Clay publishing it himself. Definitely maybe because of that. However, I count myself very fortunate to have found it.

The Galactic Now, and Prelude to Ascension, is somehow like if Arthur C. Clarke, Kim Stanley Robinson and Liu Cixin had a baby. Two babies. But it's from a guy you've never heard of.

It's hard sci-fi, lots of in-depth on mundane stuff, but it spans the whole spectrum. It's philosophical, techie, emotional, and epic without leaving the solar system.

This is by far one of the best science fiction stories I've ever read (listened to). And with some 250 titles or so through the years here, it baffles me that that can still happen.

I kind if dreaded that the author would slip up and ruin the ending somehow, but oh did he not.

The Galactic Now delivers on every point, a perfect conclusion to The Assemblies of the Living.

This book and series could have only came from an incredibly intelligent mind

This series is exceptionally compelling and deserves significantly greater recognition; enhanced marketing efforts may prove beneficial. Among the hundreds of books I have consumed, this series, including *Prelude to Ascension*, ranks among the very best. The author's unique perspective and narrative approach are remarkably sophisticated and innovative.

The Best Science Fiction Series I’ve Read or Listened To

The Galactic Now is an absolute masterpiece! I was completely captivated by the seamless blend of science fiction with believable characters and a gripping plot.

Also, the narrator's performance was beyond exceptional, breathing life into each character with such depth and authenticity.

The Galactic Now is a must-experience for any science fiction enthusiast! I am anxiously awaiting the next book!

a very unique take on first contact

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The only flaw might be too many characters that are used more as a backdrop for the developing story and don't stand on their own. Besides that, great concept, interesting ideas, intriguing plot, and some well done characters.

wow

talk about some intense science fiction, some chapters are hard to follow but upon re-listening to them it makes sense overall I got to say this has been an impressive series thus far hopefully there is more to come.

True Science Fiction!

Waited with baited breath for this sequel, and was not disappointed. Looking forward with great anticipation to the next in series.

Unique first contact series!

This series is probably my hidden gem of the last ten years, if not longer... I'm so annoyed it took three years to get book 2, because the first book is hands down one of my favourite sci-fi books ever - I've never listened to/read anything quite like it.

Book 2 was an excellent continuation to the series, however while I enjoyed the in-depth technical descriptions I think it would make the book a bit more accessible if they were edited down a bit.

Samuel Peery does an exemplary job with the narration and I can't believe he hasn't narrated more novels - I really hope he gets picked up by more authors because I'll listen to anything he narrates!!!

I can't wait for the next book and I'm crossing my fingers and toes it comes soon.

Very different first contact series

I really like the first two and hope it does not take 3 years till the next book!