Beacon 23

By: Hugh Howey

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

For centuries, men and women have manned lighthouses to ensure the safe passage of ships.

It is a lonely job and a thankless one for the most part. Until something goes wrong. Until a ship is in distress. In the twenty-third century, this job has moved into outer space. A network of beacons allows ships to travel across the Milky Way at many times the speed of light.

These beacons are built to be robust. They never break down. They never fail.

At least, they aren’t supposed to.

©2015 Hugh Howey (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Interesting Story

This was an interesting story. At first it seems a bit slow but picks up quickly. Before I knew it I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I had to find out what happened next. There are some intense moments that have you holding your breath. check it out.

Character driven story

I enjoyed the characters in this book in the different stories And it was a nice conclusion

War, war never changes.

Turns out it is more of an idealist allegory to PTSD and the struggles of war taking toll on its participants. Towards the end of the book, it slightly brings up memories of Mass Effect 3’s ending. There are some lite Serenity thoughts through the head around the middle as well. Not very overtly grounded sci-fi if you're expecting something more like The Expanse, as it leans more to the monotony and routine of something less taxing than Mark Watney in The Martian.

Slow burn through a healing mind

Great performance as we witness one man gradually unfold his own wartime trauma. The book focuses on the inner monologue of the protagonist, delivering a more personal experience than the tv show.

Wild Ride

At first I was wondering what kind of book this was, if it was meant to be a comedy or a tale of a man slowly losing his mind. I'm pretty sure I get it now, but it was touch and go for a while. Overall a good read

The Rock and Cricket

I love the character development, especially for Rock and Cricket. The inner dialogue is so human.

the pain of loss

I did not know of the book until I saw that the show (unknown to me) existed.
I was curious, since I can't watch the show, so could I read the book?

I'm not sure how they pulled off this book in a TV show, since it's mostly read from the heart, and not the mouth.

The book is good. It was hard to concentrate on so much desolation of the soul of the main character. I've never felt that way and I hope not too. I love the (pet) and the other characters are well defined enough for how long they are needed to keep the story going. Everything that happens, even the surprises, and welcome. You feel the ending come and think that this was a pretty good book, until you realize there's another hour to go. Then, it's a very good book. A more pleasing ending.

I battled a herniated abdomen, a broken shoulder and cancer, all in one year. My bad things of three, and somehow have beaten it so far, but as the character says many times, bad things are always just around the corner.

I hope I have a very very long road ahead of me, until that corner comes at all.

Great read for veterans and sci fi fans

Excellent portrayal of the emotional struggles faced by those who have served in combat. As a veteran myself this book me laugh and cry. Howey was able to put in words emotions and feelings we find hard to describe. I wish the show had used the story instead of making a loosely inspired tale.

My favorite Hugh Howey Series

The combined novel is an emotional masterpiece. Profoundly dark and sad at times, but uplifting and hopeful over all.

It makes you think !!

I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea where it was headed. Hugh did a great job with an old topic and very few characters. I would definitely recommend this book.