The Man Who Found Birds among the Stars, Part One: Eagle Ascendant

Combining hard science fiction with a heartfelt coming-of-age story, this is an engrossing read. Much of its appeal for me was the methodically constructed society in which it is set. By the 28th century, human beings have learned a hard lesson. After a nuclear war several hundred years before, there is a democratic world government, no military forces, and an economic system that looks like a benign form of communism. Organized religion has faded into the background, superseded by a set of Precepts created by mysterious persons referred to as the Mythmakers. Geographic names and concepts have changed, but not beyond recognition. Space travel within the solar system is highly developed, carried out by an organization whose structure and culture is reminiscent of present-day navies. The main character, Robbin Nikalishin, grows up in this world, experiencing family problems, school days, friendships, and love affairs. He is drawn to a cutting-edge space exploration program based on temporal quantum theory. This fictional science sounded plausible to me, but then, my understanding of actual quantum physics is practically nil. Step by step, the story builds to a gripping climax, ending with an irresistible situation that compels one to read Part Two. I am not a real fan of the SF genre, but I can heartily recommend this book.

One of the many reasons I enjoy this authors work, is the skilful way she immerses the reader into the detailed world in which the story is based, regardless of whether that world is termite or human.
This latest book about Captain Robbin H Nikalishin of 'Fathers and Demons' Fame, covering his childhood, teenage and early adult years, allows us to gain some insights to how his character formed and developed.
Nikalishin, who seems to have the knack of constantly almost sabotaging himself, thus making his life more difficult, uses hard work and determination to achieve his dream of becoming a Spaceship Captain.
Luckily, he gathers a few exceptionally good friends along the way, who help guide him out of his self-made pitfalls.
I'm looking forward to Part Two of this series.

An epic of true Taylor proportions! In the 28th century world of the future created as home to our hero Robbie Nikalishin we share all his trials and tribulations as he seeks to fulfil his ambition to fly to the stars. As with all Taylor's characters we are faced with our own shortcomings and weaknesses despite the distances of time and space that separate us from Robbie and his compañeros. A page-turner of a book - impossible to relinquish until the pages run out ... leaving us hungry for more.