Near-Earth Object 2017AP

Calculations on newly discovered kilometer-size asteroid 2017AP predict that it will impact Earth within the year, dooming our planet. Astronomers begin to disappear one by one through mysterious deaths shielding the public from their dire predictions. Soon NASA, the NRO and Homeland Security secretly ramp up an emergency force to build a shield mission to divert the incoming object.

As the asteroid nears and its impact is imminent, discoverer Dr. Boots Brogan, realizes he has miscalculated the impact zone and the moon's orbit may interfere.

What happens next in this jaw-dropping, twisting tale of speculative fiction cannot be imagined. But it could happen. Are we alone in this universe or did our species originate elsewhere. You be the judge.

Near-Earth Object 2017AP (SF Thriller)

By John Paul Cater

Independent Publishing Platform

ISBN-13: 978-1536871012

264 Pages

Price $12.95

Rating 5-Stars

“A Fantastic Read For All Ages And Genders.”

Astronomer, Nathaniel “Boots” Brogan discovers a comet heading on a direct path to Earth. Its size indicates an ELE (Extinction Level Event). Recording the entry, he then reports the discovery to his supervisor who notifies NRO (National Reconnaissance Office - CIA). Boots mentions the discovery to a fella astronomer, then leaves. He’s expected in Texas for a new assignment, where Julian Winters is waiting at the airport for him. When he doesn’t show up, he is told that Boots was killed in a terrible accident. He makes a few inquiries, but something strange seems to be going on. The government has reclassified the comet as non-dangerous. Then Boots’ friend, Glen Franklin, dies in a violent accident, and Julian begins to suspect something is wrong.

The government kidnaps the three men, Boots, Glen Franklin, and Julian Winters, and confines them at a mysterious location, telling the world and their families that the men are dead. Meanwhile keeping the comet a secret while the government prepares options to change the course of the world-destroyer.

The first half of the book concerns the discovery and plans for the destruction of the comet. Unfortunately, the plans backfire. The rockets sitting on the ramps explode before they can be launched, and we can no longer change the course of the comet. Another rocket is prepared, one that will send a small group to Mars to start a colony, saving the human race from extinction. The rocket consists of four crewmembers and the three kidnapped astronomers. Luckily the comet impacts the moon instead of Earth, and basically the new rocket is no longer needed. However, satellite imagery shows anomalies on the dark side of the moon where the comet impacted, and it’s decided to send the crew to the moon to investigate.

Wow! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories by this author, but this is his best work yet. Every child or adult that ever looked through a telescope, or wanted to be an astronomer or astronaut will love this book. The author is a scientist, and knows what he is writing. He weaves his tale in a believable scenario, and we see the rioting and destruction caused by panic when the world thinks the comet is coming. Then we go with the scientists to the moon to discover even greater wonders. It is DESTINATION MOON, ROCKETSHIP XM, DEEP IMPACT, and even a part of WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE and WAR OF THE WORLDS, and more. Readers will not want to miss this wonderful read. Highly recommended.

Tom Johnson

Author of WORLDS OF TOMORROW