Product Description

Tales from the Kodiak Starport is a collection of science fiction stories chronicling the efforts of adventurous Alaskans to facilitate mankind's move toward space-based commerce, stepping from the Last Frontier into the final frontier. Each tale, set in a different period, explores an aspect of the space industry and its impact on the economic and ecological well-being of the people of Earth.

In today's world, Kodiak Island, Alaska, is home to the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC), a 3,717-acre rocket launch facility. The KLC is a joint venture between the state of Alaska and the investors of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC). At this point, KLC's services are geared to the safe launching of polar-orbit satellites and sub-orbital research payloads. In time, the complex may grow into an entity similar to, or even better than, the facility depicted in these stories.

From the pioneers who build the businesses supporting the various launch activities of the complex and those who defend the facility from a close encounter of the government kind, to the man who's just trying to keep his family's business running, the perseverance and tenacity of the Alaska business community is put to the test. Some stories explore the potential of the site, its customers, and those involved in its day-to-day operations, while others provide a glimpse at the impact of scientific advances on relationships between individuals and society and the effects of international politics on the environment and the facility's role in reversing them.

Welcome to the Kodiak Starport--gateway to the future.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1687923 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780981519111
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Justin Oldham is a legally blind writer who lives in Anchorage, Alaska. He holds bachelor's degrees in political science and history. In addition to writing short fiction, novels, and fact-based books, he is a political essayist, blogger, and part-time radio commentator. His other works include the novel Politics & Patriotism: The Fisk Conspiracy.

Justin has always had great respect for the brave pioneers of the aviation and space industries who have taken mankind from the ground into the heavens. Their examples have inspired him as he has shaped his concept of where their efforts might lead us.

A long-time Alaskan resident, Justin's many interests include collecting rare books related to the Cold War and 20th century science fiction, reading, writing, playing strategy games, and working on his numerous home improvement projects.

Customer Reviews

Great, but ends without reaching any conclusion
This is very well done on many levels. More of a serialized group of short stories about the Kodiak spaceport. They fit together and yet stand on their own at the same time. The style of covering important episodes over many years is a bit different and very well done.

The reason I am only giving 4 stars is I feel it ends too quickly. It seems to be heading somewhere, yet never quite gets there. That might be intentional, but it makes this series of stories less than fully satisfying.

Even so, this is very much worth reading.

Tales From The Kodiak Starport is a must-read!
This book chronologically tells the story of a spaceport in Kodiak, Alaska, from its beginnings into a future where it serves to drive humanity's push toward the stars.

I like it because I like the space theme, and I like the realistic portrayal of an Alaska boldly facing a difficult future.

This collection of stories is easy for busy people because each story can be taken individually, and the style is easy and quick to read.

Bite Size Sci-Fi at its Best!
If you like Hammers Slammers, Bolos, Mechs and the occasional Superdreadnought then you will like this book. It looks at what kind of things might go into an Independent Starport. How do you protect it, how do you support it and what kind of things people do to make buck. It covers several different aspects and approaches to what could go on in a future Independent Starport.

Justin's writing style flows easily and quickly pulls you into his world. When combined with characters you can empathize with, you can easily see yourself as a small businessman taking a chance, a soldier piloting a space fighter or even a paramedic blasting into orbit on a rescue mission. Through out all of the stories is spread Justin's sense of humor as well as a down in the trenches look at some of the real world issues that could come up. I particularly like the story Real Money. It shows a little bit about what kind of support a Starport might be desperate for as well as how important the bottom line would be just to keep things going.

Overall I think seven short stories would be a fine end to seven evenings. You don't have to read all night to find a good stopping place or be distracted the next day wondering how story might end. Each story stands on its own. It's all bite sized quality Sci-Fi at its best.