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Ell Donsaii #6
Tau Ceti
“Tau Ceti" is the sixth in a series of near future SciFi/Thrillers whose young heroine Ell Donsaii has a nerve mutation which has made her a genius and an athletic phenomenon.
In “Tau Ceti!”, she is continuing to find uses for the quantum entangled wormholes that she has discovered. These wormholes aren’t big enough to send people through, yet they are making huge changes in our world.
Ell used one to send a small rocket to the third planet of Tau Ceti where it sends back images of intelligent but primitive beings that can fly!
While observing and occasionally trying to help a pair of these aliens, Ell continues to deal with the issues resulting from her fame as an athlete, a scientist, and as a beautiful woman. This makes her suspect every relationship.
Having a boyfriend is hard when he may just want you for who everyone else thinks you are.
In “Tau Ceti!”, she is continuing to find uses for the quantum entangled wormholes that she has discovered. These wormholes aren’t big enough to send people through, yet they are making huge changes in our world.
Ell used one to send a small rocket to the third planet of Tau Ceti where it sends back images of intelligent but primitive beings that can fly!
While observing and occasionally trying to help a pair of these aliens, Ell continues to deal with the issues resulting from her fame as an athlete, a scientist, and as a beautiful woman. This makes her suspect every relationship.
Having a boyfriend is hard when he may just want you for who everyone else thinks you are.
254 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2012
486 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
62 books676 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 7, 2026
Wow
I am so impressed with the books of Laurence Dahners. They are so refreshing and entertaining. I feel like I did 50 some years ago when first read Anne McCaffrey. Better than Christmas.
I am so impressed with the books of Laurence Dahners. They are so refreshing and entertaining. I feel like I did 50 some years ago when first read Anne McCaffrey. Better than Christmas.
February 24, 2024
A very good read indeed!
March 2, 2021
I haven’t come up with a better term so I will call these books “competency porn” (think Sherlock Holmes and James Bond). I LOVE competency porn so I blew through all the Ell Donsaii books in about two weeks. As a result I’m giving books 1-16 the same review. While these books largely hit my sweet spot, I recognized several imperfection but, before listing those, I want to first say I greatly enjoyed these books and so I encourage anyone who enjoys “competency porn” (I really hate that term) to give them a try.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (alos recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (alos recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
March 5, 2026
I can’t stop!!
When I first found Laurence Dahners “Ell Donsaii” series, and saw the whopping 19 book count that made it up, I was basically determined only to read the first three because in my experience, the quality of the story in an extended series begins to degenerate greatly after the third book and sometimes even before it.
Well, I greedily gobbled the first three because this series was so fecking good, I couldn’t stop! Almost before I knew it I slipped into book 4, book 5, book 6 because every one of these first six books has been incredibly compelling and fantastic.
I love sci-fi - I’ve been reading it for over 50 years. When I started, most sci-fi stories were singular novels with the occasional trilogy, so that’s about the extent of stories I wanted to read for many years. Anything longer than a trilogy seemed painfully extended.
About seven years ago, I was gifted with a short subscription to Amazon Kindle. The wealth of new authors that were (& are) available through it was astonishing, and suddenly the number and variety of science fiction books I could read felt endless. I started to read longer and longer stories, tetralogies, pentologies, and so much longer - which brings me to these Laurence Dahners books.
The man can write bloody amazingly, and what a gift it is to read his stories!
On to book 7 - I just know it’s gonna be fantastic!
When I first found Laurence Dahners “Ell Donsaii” series, and saw the whopping 19 book count that made it up, I was basically determined only to read the first three because in my experience, the quality of the story in an extended series begins to degenerate greatly after the third book and sometimes even before it.
Well, I greedily gobbled the first three because this series was so fecking good, I couldn’t stop! Almost before I knew it I slipped into book 4, book 5, book 6 because every one of these first six books has been incredibly compelling and fantastic.
I love sci-fi - I’ve been reading it for over 50 years. When I started, most sci-fi stories were singular novels with the occasional trilogy, so that’s about the extent of stories I wanted to read for many years. Anything longer than a trilogy seemed painfully extended.
About seven years ago, I was gifted with a short subscription to Amazon Kindle. The wealth of new authors that were (& are) available through it was astonishing, and suddenly the number and variety of science fiction books I could read felt endless. I started to read longer and longer stories, tetralogies, pentologies, and so much longer - which brings me to these Laurence Dahners books.
The man can write bloody amazingly, and what a gift it is to read his stories!
On to book 7 - I just know it’s gonna be fantastic!
March 3, 2018
4.3.2018 - 3,5*
Ze začátku jsem měla pochybnosti, jelikož celá situace kolem Ell mi už vážně lezla na nervy, ale konec to nakonec vytáhl. :)
Dahners přidal rozkošný prvek primitivní civilizace na Tau Ceti, což příběh rozhodně vytáhlo nahoru. A jak propracované a promyšlené to bylo! Vytáhlo to hodnocení na 4*. Vtipný prvek na celé situaci je, že Silver, primitivní charakter z Tau Ceti, má, co se charakteru týče, více vývoje, než Ell za posledních x knih. *smích*
Ze začátku jsem měla pochybnosti, jelikož celá situace kolem Ell mi už vážně lezla na nervy, ale konec to nakonec vytáhl. :)
Dahners přidal rozkošný prvek primitivní civilizace na Tau Ceti, což příběh rozhodně vytáhlo nahoru. A jak propracované a promyšlené to bylo! Vytáhlo to hodnocení na 4*. Vtipný prvek na celé situaci je, že Silver, primitivní charakter z Tau Ceti, má, co se charakteru týče, více vývoje, než Ell za posledních x knih. *smích*
July 6, 2021
Dahners, Laurence E. Tau Ceti. Ell Donsaii No. 6. Kindle, 2012.
In Tau Ceti, Dahners continues to explore the many uses of small quantum entangled wormholes. With instantaneous communication and the ability to pump expendables straight from the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina through the wormhole, interstellar exploration becomes possible. On the home front, Ell continues to wrestle with the personal problems created by her beauty and fame. Wormholes or not, we will probably explore distant star systems with small robots rather than impractical manned ships. To that extent, at least, Dahner’s tech here is believable. 4 stars.
In Tau Ceti, Dahners continues to explore the many uses of small quantum entangled wormholes. With instantaneous communication and the ability to pump expendables straight from the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina through the wormhole, interstellar exploration becomes possible. On the home front, Ell continues to wrestle with the personal problems created by her beauty and fame. Wormholes or not, we will probably explore distant star systems with small robots rather than impractical manned ships. To that extent, at least, Dahner’s tech here is believable. 4 stars.
May 31, 2020
Aliens Stole the Spotlight
A lot of thought seems to have gone into creating an alien world. Too often, aliens are depicted as much like humans but having a different color such as blue, or exactly as humans but having a different developmental timeline. Dahners creates an intelligent alien nothing like a humans, although I believe we could become friendly. It's almost as if he had lived among them. Altogether a fascinating story. In fact, I got to want to read more about the alien world than the human! They sort of stole the spotlight! They fun and very innovative.
A lot of thought seems to have gone into creating an alien world. Too often, aliens are depicted as much like humans but having a different color such as blue, or exactly as humans but having a different developmental timeline. Dahners creates an intelligent alien nothing like a humans, although I believe we could become friendly. It's almost as if he had lived among them. Altogether a fascinating story. In fact, I got to want to read more about the alien world than the human! They sort of stole the spotlight! They fun and very innovative.
November 23, 2022
The story line on Tau Ceti was awful. I considered giving this a one star rating because of it. I have never given a one star rating because I would not finish a book that warrants a one star rating. As the sixth in a series, I had to finish it, but I drifted off every time we went to tau ceti. I cannot think of a less complex plot than what was transpiring on that planet. But for the plot that progressed on earth, this would warrant a one star rating. Without question, the worst in the series.
December 19, 2019
Loved it
Read all the books so far, the math screws me up but still like them. Read all the Montserrat ones too. Shame there was only three. On the ceti3 planet I expected to see. Khan of star trek, show. Good read by a author who does his homework. When he mentioned "" Bucky Balls" I thought of captain America 's buddy.
Read all the books so far, the math screws me up but still like them. Read all the Montserrat ones too. Shame there was only three. On the ceti3 planet I expected to see. Khan of star trek, show. Good read by a author who does his homework. When he mentioned "" Bucky Balls" I thought of captain America 's buddy.
March 27, 2024
Intriguing, exciting and enjoyable series!!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
February 17, 2018
Another great story
If you are at #6, you know how great this series. #6 remains fresh with good new characters and updates to ones from previous books. Every bit as good as the others.
If you are at #6, you know how great this series. #6 remains fresh with good new characters and updates to ones from previous books. Every bit as good as the others.
February 20, 2022
excellent
Another excellent book and a great addition to the series once again, and I absolutely loved the different cultural aspects introduced in this book that were very entertaining to read.
Another excellent book and a great addition to the series once again, and I absolutely loved the different cultural aspects introduced in this book that were very entertaining to read.
June 15, 2023
This is a great fun series!!
I should have provided a glowing review of this author's very fine work before this. I was too anxious to get to the next "chapter" to take the time. Highly recommended!
I should have provided a glowing review of this author's very fine work before this. I was too anxious to get to the next "chapter" to take the time. Highly recommended!
November 24, 2024
By far the most boring story in the series. Literally no conflict. It's all just chronicling Ell's life.
Most boring part is the one following Goldie and Silver. Although I ended up being invested in their story, it reeaaallllyyy was soooooooooooo boooooooring.
Most boring part is the one following Goldie and Silver. Although I ended up being invested in their story, it reeaaallllyyy was soooooooooooo boooooooring.
February 4, 2025
Ell solves more problems
Ell is cute, smart, and self-conscious of her brilliance. She is kind too. The science is "out there" and fascinating. I'd have lunch with her and any of her alias's. A great read. I get to the end and want more.
Ell is cute, smart, and self-conscious of her brilliance. She is kind too. The science is "out there" and fascinating. I'd have lunch with her and any of her alias's. A great read. I get to the end and want more.
May 14, 2019
Book 6 - Yay!
Ditto the good reviews. Teecees rule!
Amazon reviews = author perks.
No reviews = no perks.
Dahners deserves plentiful perks.
22 words.
Ditto the good reviews. Teecees rule!
Amazon reviews = author perks.
No reviews = no perks.
Dahners deserves plentiful perks.
22 words.
Read
April 30, 2020Good read
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. If you like science fiction with new technologies, you'll like this book.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. If you like science fiction with new technologies, you'll like this book.
May 19, 2020
The viewpoints are getting a lot more varied here...good stuff :)
December 4, 2020
Great story
I have enjoyed this story of the adventure of Eli Donsaii and her discovery of planet that supports intelligent life.
I have enjoyed this story of the adventure of Eli Donsaii and her discovery of planet that supports intelligent life.
January 18, 2021
Marvelous!
Good depiction of alien life forms, good story and Ell got laid! Doesn't she get tired of inventing all that stuff?
Good depiction of alien life forms, good story and Ell got laid! Doesn't she get tired of inventing all that stuff?
June 14, 2024
First remote contact. Primitive tribe. Star travel achieved. Borrowed this edition on June 10, 2024. Kindle Unlimited Book. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
June 20, 2024
My second least favourite. I didn’t care for the side story on the aliens. Fascinating but it wasn’t interesting to me
February 3, 2026
Goot.
Very good book.l enjoyed it as it was
quite entertaining and both in the series dovetailed well. Kudos to the author.
Very good book.l enjoyed it as it was
quite entertaining and both in the series dovetailed well. Kudos to the author.
August 12, 2024
RECOMMENDED
December 13, 2025
Would have been much better without the distracting nonsense pronouns. What is the matter with "they" ? The epilogue was absurd, and not in a good way.
February 17, 2017
This serie is an interesting project. It starts with a question "what would happen if ..." and the books try to answer it.
It is a light, quick and easily readable set of books. Well written and enjoyable.
It is a light, quick and easily readable set of books. Well written and enjoyable.
January 5, 2015
My husband has this series on Kindle and is loaning them to me for quick fun reads while I'm home bound for a few weeks. The characters are fun, smart, and likeable, and as with any science fiction, the stories require some suspension of disbelief. Dahners presents a "what if" premise for each book and then builds the stories around the premise.
April 9, 2013
I liked the alien bits, but could have been more.
Read
May 8, 2015Good read. Loved it. The author though uses the same expressions a little more than should be
December 15, 2022
A fun story
I enjoyed the story very much. I am currently reading the entire set of the books in this series. Thank you for writing them.
I enjoyed the story very much. I am currently reading the entire set of the books in this series. Thank you for writing them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews