Dropnauts

Liminal Fiction - Redemption Cycle Book 1

J. Scott Coatsworth

Over a century after the end of the Earth, life goes on in Redemption, the sole remaining lunar colony, and possibly the last outpost of humankind in the Solar System. But with an existential threat burrowing its way to the Moon’s core, humanity must recolonize the homeworld.

Twenty brave dropnauts set off on a mission to explore the empty planet. After training for two and a half years, four of them—Rai, Hera, Ghost and Tien—are bound for Martinez Base, just outside the Old Earth city of San Francisco.

But what awaits them there will turn their assumptions upside down—and in the process, either save or destroy what’s left of humanity.

Excerpt:
Reviews:on Publishers Weekly:

"Coatsworth’s laudable themes of redemption, perseverance, and identity liven his steadfast characters, and the mission to revive Earth is noble. Readers will enjoy the diverse cast and high-tech adventure."

Jayne on Wrote Podcast wrote:

"One thing you can expect from this author is superlative world-building... hard-core sci fi nuts will love the intellectual-speak, the science-y stuff and the various AI’s doing battle inside each other’s heads. Lovers of human stories will enjoy the frisson of attraction between Hera and Ghost, Sanya and Rafe and Rai and Aidan. There’s a heart-stopping finale as everyone races to save both Luna and the Earth from doom. It’s all very exciting and intelligent and fun, with relatable characters and a thrilling denouement. Five stars."

Author Anna Butler on Anna Butler Fiction wrote:

The thing I always know I’m going to enjoy with any Scott Coatsworth novel is the worldbuilding because (i) it is my JAM and (ii) Scott is very good at it. Dropnauts is no exception. This is a well-realised, fully-fleshed world he has created here, of a destroyed Earth, thought unpopulated, and the attempt to reclaim and recolonise it from the Lunar colonies that are humanity’s last home... a good read with a really smashing finish."


Skythane

Liminal Sky - Oberon Cycle Book 1

J. Scott Coatsworth

Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnson, a handsome, cocky skythane with a troubled past.

Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.

Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together.

Excerpt:
Reviews:Pat Henshaw on pathenshaw.com wrote:

I hate science fiction, absolutely hate it.

Once upon a time, I used to read it, but when it got too involved with machines and page after page of politics and intrigue and intergalactic wars with complicated strategies or intricate genetic remapping, I dropped out. That's not my mindset, so I was bored, bored, bored.

Then my friend J. Scott Coatsworth's Skythane was published, and as a friend, I thought I should read at least one of his books. I sat down with what I thought was an open mind and a tolerant attitude. And was blown away.

I wasn't bored at all. In fact, the book captivated me. My friend Scott turns out to be a genius--or at least a wonderful writer.

I urge you to try this book even if you've never liked a sci/fi book in your life. Scott builds a gorgeously believable world and packs it with characters you'll care about. Of course, they have a quest and are fighting to complete it. But they aren't plotting the downfall of another race or hoping to force others into slavery.

It's a story about peace and its preservation. It's a story everyone can relate to.