Fortuna (Talbot Book 2)

With guidance from Arnie, humans land on another planet far from Earth. With an archeologist and anthropologist aboard, the initial goal was to examine the ancient city visible from the spy satellite. They discovered the evidence of an impact event similar to what happened on Earth. There were survivors from the inhabitants. Interestingly, it was the mentally-ill, introverted man who made and managed first contact quite successfully. The dogs who had been sent earlier were also instrumental in that. Then humans and aliens built a village and learned from each other. Perhaps that bodes well if the home civilization returns.

I'm rounding up somewhat.This book starts out either methodical or slow, depending on one's outlook and tastes. But it soon picks up steam. The many scientific, technical, and personal aspects of long-distance space travel are (of course) intelligently examined and presented (providing one takes as a given the technology developed in Book 1).Weyand is not one of those authors who consider it necessary to torture their characters at every opportunity -- and I'm glad of that. There may, perhaps, be fewer unexpected difficulties than would be likely, but hey, I've never been to space, let alone found what these characters find. Overall, it's a cheering example of care, minimal bureaucracy, and applied good sense and good will. I look forward to Book 3!

This was a good story. If you like a lot of heavy drama, or minute to minute action, then you may not like this book. However if you like a well told yarn, SF or anything else, then you'll probably like this one. There is some mystery and drama but it doesn't tire you out reading it. The story does keep the reader interested, and enjoying the read.There were a couple spots where the story drug a bit, but they were short.I find myself hoping there is a Talbot Book 3. Book 2 doesn't leave the reader hanging, but wanting the story to continue.

Talbot was just "readable" - this one was captivating. Author still repeats a few things a few too many times, and there's plenty of... Unlikely coincidences... But this is extremely engrossing. Not only left me anxious to get to the next chapter, but anxiously awaiting the next book!

One heck of a follow up to the first in this series. Now humankind has interstellar capabilities, so the first thing is to do a survey of all the known nearby exoplanets to see which one might be a viable site for a colony! While doing this, they prioritize what they think will be the best ones, and start there! One 0of the first batch turns up an odd anomaly! Things get even more fun after that, but you are going to have to read the book to find out what happens next! Get it, read it, you won't be sorry!

Talbot 1 & 2 are a well written series about space exploration and colonization with a positive bent. I appreciate that it dispenses with the normal bad-guys, the excessive plot-twists and ridiculous anti-science fantasy. Instead, the Author delivers a tightly written believable novel that happens to be science fiction.

Just to give you an idea, the brother's names are often mixed up and at one point Michael seems to be talking to himself in a group setting and even addressing himself...Great story overall once you get past the confusion. I also love the Easter egg to the author's other works.

Amazing read. Science, science fiction,engineering, exploration, aliens.The characters are worth knowing. Lots of interesting interactions in all the groups. A book that young and old can enjoy.Having said all that it is a really enjoyable read- you want to keep reading and when finished want more!