This story addresses the question of whether technology is servant or master. The author has endeavored to present all things related to the International Space Station in the most factual way possible, which makes you feel like you're getting an up close and personal tour of the facilities, routines and protocols. The fictional story in that factual setting makes for something that feels plausible—sometimes in the most harrowing ways. The author creates a great blend of humor, awe, heroism and horror that kept me turning the pages.

The story starts out a little dry, and I actually set it aside to read something else first. Glad I didn't give up on it though, I would have missed out on a good read!

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am not able to give more than three stars because of the issues I had with the technical details throughout the book that just did not seem plausible. The was a good read and the plot did keep me interested throughout. It eventually became obvious why the aliens came no closer than Pluto but a better explanation early on would have helped. Using the ISS as an interplanetary spacecaft just is not plausible. Torsion, propulsion load, Newton's Laws, etc. cannot be ignored. All astronauts have unique personalities but some of these guys would never be sent to space by NASA.

The author’s style is remiscent of Andy Weir’s the Martian in that it was personal and drew you into the story. The premise was good and as it evolved reminded me of Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001. The characters are developed in their interactions with Jim. The science was believable. The action was enticing and kept me reading for two days. Set aside some time for this one. A great read

Disclaimer: I thank the publisher, Preseption Press, for providing me with a review copy of this book.

The cover of "Planet Pluto" by B. C. Chase has a very enticing picture of an EVA astronaut and a spacecraft in front of the (dwarf?) planet Pluto in the dark of space. This sets certain expectations which are certainly met as other than flashbacks the novel is entirely about the crew's journey from Earth to Pluto. Additionally the cover phrase "You can't call for help when you're three billion miles from Earth." at first simply seems like an appeal for the adventure that the crew faces, but as disaster is followed by disaster with repeated lethal results, the reader realizes that this is an "In space no one can hear you scream" type of warning that there is a strong element of suspense and even horror to this story. To be sure, as a space travel scifi fan, "Planet Pluto" felt like a mixture of Andy Weir's "The Martian" and Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey". And as such, I certainly enjoyed reading "Planet Pluto". The travel descriptions of Venus, the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto were very nice as were the various science facts and ongoing debates (e.g., is Pluto a planet or not) that were worked into the crew conversation. Another pleasurable aspect of this novel was the whodunit mystery aspect. As this book is classified as "First Contact Sci-fi" it is not a spoiler to point out that the reader will speculate about the aliens throughout the book. What are they? Where are they? What capabilities do they have? How much do they know about humanity? How did they learn it? What are their motives? Additionally, as the death toll increases, the reader is again given a chance to speculate about each "accident". Likewise, Chase gives the reader hints about the direction of the book that are subtle enough that the reader could ignore them as just odd, but which actually turn out to be important.

Although it was a pleasurable novel to read, my biggest complaint was that the author repeatedly included twists and gimmicks that did not make a lot of sense in order to realize an overly dramatic plot development. For example, one of the accidents that happened when the spacecraft left Earth orbit made no sense. As the crew was expecting a 4 g acceleration and did not have enough seats, I would expect that people without a seat would be told to lie down on the softest correct-direction-facing surface available. Being told to hang by hand onto a bar with a distance to fall seems to only invite the injury that happened. Likewise, given NASA's extreme love of multiple redundancy it seems odd that they did not have several backup communication protocols documented and ready to go. And as far as science goes, for the most part, the author does an excellent job with the science, for example the description of the repeated use of planets (and a star) to increase velocity through the famous slingshot maneuvers is well done, but the spacecraft simply arrives at Pluto with no description of how the spacecraft was able to lose this tremendous speed. Similarly, although the SPHERES robots which can float around and maneuver in a zero g environment are an excellent addition to the story, it was left up to the reader to determine how they could continue to float around in the 1/6 g environment of Pluto. Though, I suppose all of these can be forgiven in the name of a dramatic plot.

Finally, the conclusion certainly does not disappoint. The crew certainly had an epic journey with heroic experiences. The resolution of the nature of the Existent Communicating Intelligence in this novel actually brings up many more questions than it answered. Different models of intelligence are desirable and nearly mandatory in a science fiction story, in this case it was nearly literally a thrilling but unsatisfying "deus ex machina". Finally, after the roller coaster of suspense and mystery, the last episode in the book was surprisingly emotionally pleasing.

This is a great book. I really enjoyed it. The characters are well developed and the story is packed with action and adventure. The author does a great job delivering a story with a solid plot and interesting subplots.

This novel has left me speechless. But I must find words for a review.

Packing for Mars by Mary Roach was my favorite non-fiction read of last year, and this year I had the pleasure of reading Endurance from Scott Kelly, another astronaut nonfiction book. So to pick up Planet Pluto by BC Chase, an ISS science fiction epic journey, was a treat beyond measure.

From the first pages, I was swept away into this story. The writing is clear and fluid. The pacing is excellent enough that it's noticeable. Even with all of the detail to explain actions and setting on the space station and in space, the story moves along steadily. I found it very suspenseful and unpredictable. It has a slight element of horror that had me on edge in the best way.

I loved every aspect of the story and adventure. I am a sucker for a good epic journey novel. I give high praise for the setting, research, and adventure, but it might be Chase's characters themselves that really take the cake. I can't decide whether it's more character-driven or plot-driven. This story is told from the point of view of a 75-year-old man chosen for reasons that don't make much sense to any of the astronauts to join this first contact mission from Earth to Mars. As a young woman myself, I doubted that I would connect with Jim, but I found him delightful and multi-dimensional. Each character is unique and well-established. They are flawed, some are hateable and some are lovable. They grow and develop. The dialogue is natural and realistic.

As the ending approached, I became nervous that I wasn't liking where it was going. So little faith. Excellent ending! And with surprising heart. The message struck me and left me...well, speechless. This book is giving me what we bookworms fondly refer to as a "hangover."

I want to share and gush over how much research went into this book and how it shows, how incredible the descriptions are of the actions and space technology, how this story aligns with what I learned from my non-fiction space reads. But that almost makes it sound boring-- it is so exciting! Such a treat! For someone who loves reading not just about outer space in general but astronauts and space flight specifically, this was NASA-y intellectual candy.

Due to the excellent writing, immersive setting, obvious research and heart and passion, brilliant story telling, and colorful characters this book gets a full five stars from me. I don't doubt I will think about this book for a long time. I see on the author's website that there's an audiobook, and I love it enough that I hope to listen to it through that medium as well.

Thank you Netgalley, Preseption Press, and B.C. Chase for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Very good stuff. This might be considered hard sci-fi because it is pretty realistic story. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing. A solid sci-fi tale. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

Planet Pluto is a quirky, enjoyable read about mankind’s first contact with aliens. When NASA receives a communication from an unknown alien life source requesting first contact on the planet Pluto, the aliens list the names of the crew they want to man the mission. This list includes an elderly truck driver from Kansas, who is the protagonist and narrator of the story. As you may expect, things go haywire quickly as the mission proceeds. It’s a clever story with some humor and suspense, and doesn’t overdo it with technical jargon. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the book. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Planet Pluto: First Contact by B.C. Chase is about a group of astronauts and one old semi-truck driver who has been specifically requested by name by an alien race to meet on Pluto on Nov. 30, 2021! Can you imagine being in your seventies and receiving a call at three A.M by the NASA Director? Especially when he tells you that aliens have specifically requested your presence on the most remote planet in our solar system.

I absolutely LOVED Planet Pluto: First Contact!! From the very beginning to the last word! There were parts that made me laugh out loud for real! The main character, Jim, old fart... utters lines that literally leave you hootin' and smackin' your Kindle! The way he deals with the young astronauts who see him as a "Fatherly" type or a hindrance. Each character has their own specific quirks and appeal. Though, I've gotta tell you... I've NEVER wanted to see a character killed off so much as I did one particular arsehat character. I mentally envisioned using various torture devices I've read about for one particular astronut. (spelling deliberate).

The aliens have their own reasons for selecting each astronaut and the main character. They literally name the person and their position. With the exception of the one civilian who's closest to being in space has been in the books he reads! I love that the author includes someone who loves books as much as me!

I already made my husband read the book as this was one story that I knew he MUST read! I will definitely be buying copies for friends and family! Shhhhhh... they don't know it yet. But, this is one story that I would love to be in a book club just to sit and discuss all that happens! The story is perfect for anyone that loved watching, "CONTACT". The author writes much like Michael Crichton! In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see this book turned into a cult movie! Spielberg... are you LISTENING??!!

A MUST READ!!! What are you waiting for?? Go and buy a copy NOW! You're going to want to read it asap. I was able to read it in two nights. My husband loved it too!! He was so glad that I made him read it! We'll be yakking about this one for a long time! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

This book is an interesting tale well worth the read. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot. The characters were all well developed.

I really enjoyed this book. While the author's research shows up a little too often for my taste, I appreciate all the work he has done to make this a believable tale of interplanetary travel. The protagonist is an atypical one, but he provides the perfect insight into all that happens.

Thank you to author B. C. Chase and NetGalley for the chance to review the Advanced Reader's Copy of this book. This was an unexpected gem for sure!

The basic story focuses on senior citizen truck driver Jim Perkins as he is selected by aliens as an addition to a select crew of astronauts tasked with meeting them, on an expedited schedule, in humanity's first contact with alien life, at a site on Pluto. Space travel is not without inherent risks, and the author introduces the reader to a bunch, as the trip does not go smoothly. I have to admit that I was repeatedly surprised throughout the book, even up to the end. Many books, the reader has a feel the destination to which the story is advancing, which was not the case for me with this book. This simply is not your run of the mill First Contact story. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the story and I want you to enjoy this as much as I did.

There was plenty of action, with very little, if any, graphic violence, as I don't recall any. There is some passing sexual content, but more described as a couple of accidental encounters, with little detail. There are a couple of scenes in which there is conversation containing romantic or minimal sexual content. If the reader is cautious of violence or sexual content triggers, this book should be a safe and fun read. There is some mild language, but again, kept to a minimum in my opinion.

"Planet Pluto!" Yes! NOT the celestial body formerly known as Pluto. Take that, Neil deGrasse Tyson!!

B.C. Chase has written a thoroughly enjoyable, scientifically and technically detailed story centering around this: WE are not alone in the UNIVERSE. And "THEY" just said "Howdy! Let's meet."👽
What ensues is a cogent, pitch perfect tale of what might happen if man's quest for BIG ANSWERS to universe centric questions were jumpstarted into overdrive by a first contact scenario.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the author, B.C. Chase, for offering me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

#NetGalley
#PlanetPluto

I absolutely loved reading the book, It was a great way to enjoy reading about space travel as seen through the eyes of the main character, Jim. He is not an astronaut but was told he had to be on this flight. I highly recommend it even if you're not a big science fiction fan, it was just a great story.

I was given a copy of this book for review

A very enjoyable book! I enjoyed Jim, this is the main character in the book. As the crew travels to Pluto, you view the encounters from his point. Midway through the book, you will discover who the crew is visiting. No spoilers will be given in this review.

The story is very enjoyable and a well-written sci-fi book. If you enjoy sci-fi, then read this book.

Unique premise and well-drawn characters, with plenty of "left turns" along the way to keep the reader intrigued. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to all readers searching for top-rate writing. Perfect summer read!

*I received this book as an ARC from the author/publisher in return for my honest review.*

I couldn't wait to read this, finding the plotline intriguing and I wasn't disappointed. A great read I finished in one day, highly recommend for all six to lovers

A gripping, suspense-filled story about an invitation by an alien race to meet in the farthest reaches of the solar system.

When humankind receives an invitation to meet on Pluto, there is just one problem: why do they want a 75 year old truck driver to come along? As the journey progresses, it becomes an intriguing tale of the realities of space travel, with a deepening mystery underpinning it.

I particularly enjoyed this book, and was gripped from the beginning to the end. Character development is good, and I felt I was there with the travellers, sharing their ups and downs.

Well worth a read for those interested in space travel, psychology, group dynamics, mystery, thriller and esoterica.