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The Golden Gate
LIVE FOREVER—OR DIE TRYINGWhen the world’s richest man is the victim of a car bomb and literally blown off the Golden Gate Bridge the attack is attributed to terrorists and the world moves on. But some still wonder. Was Manuel Colibri targeted because, as Silicon Valley rumor has it, he was about to make the dream that people alive today can live to be one thousand come true?Two people are pursuing the truth. Tech journalist Kate Boyle and recovering Iraq war veteran Ben Shepard race through the Bay Area chasing the only clues the reclusive Colibri left behind. They discover not only each other but a cosmic secret that can change human history—and may cost them their lives.At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).Praise for The Golden "Futuristic and imaginative, The Golden Gate by Robert Buettner sweeps across continents and centuries in a thrilling chase for the truth about longevity. The science is fascinating, and the suspense never lets up. Readers will revel in this terrific roller-coaster ride."—Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The AssassinsAbout Robert Buettner's Balance "Fans of classic military SF will enjoy the twists and quips . . . "—Publishers Weekly"Buettner . . . conducts his thriller action with suspense and plausibility. All the separate threads balance neatly, as if in homage to the book's themes of balance between antagonistic polities . . . and [Balance Point] carries forward nobly the kind of core SF tale pioneered by writers such as Anderson, Gordon Dickson, Christopher Anvil, James Schmitz, and C. J. Cherryh, offering entertainment aplenty with thoughtful meditations on how humanity can get along with itself or not!"—LocusAbout Robert Buettner and the Orphan's Legacy “Buettner goes well beyond . . . military science fiction . . . he understands . . . living as a soldier—the boredom punctuated by terror, the constant anxiety and self-doubt, the random chaos that battle always is, and the emotional glue that holds together people who may have nothing in common except absolute responsibility for one another's lives.” —Joe Haldeman, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author“[O]nce in a while . . . a contemporary author penetrates to the heart of Heinlein's vision . . . to replicate the master's effects. . . . [O]ne such book [is] Robert Buettner's Orphanage.” —The Washington Post“Entertaining. Buettner shows the Heinlein touch.” —Denver PostRobert Buettner has been general counsel of a unit of one of the United States’ largest private multinational companies, served as a US Army intelligence officer, prospected for minerals in Alaska and the Sonoran desert, and was a National Science Foundation Fellow in paleontology. A Quill Award nominee for Best New Writer of 2005, his best-selling debut novel, Orphanage, was a Quill nominee for Best SF/Fantasy/Horror novel of 2004 and has been called a classic of modern military science fiction. The Golden Gate is his ninth novel, and his first set in the near-present. He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2017
6 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Robert Buettner
35 books147 followersRobert Buettner’s best-selling debut novel, Orphanage, 2004 Quill Award nominee for Best SF/Fantasy/Horror novel, was called the Post-9/11 generation’s Starship Troopers and “one of the great works of modern military science fiction.” Orphanage has been adapted for film by Olatunde Osunsanmi (The Fourth Kind) for Davis Entertainment (Predator, I Robot, Eragon). Orphanage and other books in Robert’s Jason Wander series have been translated into Chinese, Czech, French, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Robert was a 2005 Quill nominee for Best New Writer.
In April, 2014 Baen Books released his eighth novel, Balance Point. A long-time Heinlein Society member, Robert wrote the Afterword for Baen’s recent re-issue of Heinlein’s Green Hills of Earth/Menace From Earth short story collection. His own first original short story, Sticks and Stones, appears in the 2012 anthology, Armored, edited by John Joseph Adams. Robert served as the author judge for the 2011 National Space Society Jim Baen Memorial short story writing contest.
Robert is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. As attorney of record in more than three thousand cases, he practiced in the U.S. federal courts, before courts and administrative tribunals in no fewer than thirteen states, and in five foreign countries. Six, if you count Louisiana.
He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
Visit him on the web at www.RobertBuettner.com.
In April, 2014 Baen Books released his eighth novel, Balance Point. A long-time Heinlein Society member, Robert wrote the Afterword for Baen’s recent re-issue of Heinlein’s Green Hills of Earth/Menace From Earth short story collection. His own first original short story, Sticks and Stones, appears in the 2012 anthology, Armored, edited by John Joseph Adams. Robert served as the author judge for the 2011 National Space Society Jim Baen Memorial short story writing contest.
Robert is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. As attorney of record in more than three thousand cases, he practiced in the U.S. federal courts, before courts and administrative tribunals in no fewer than thirteen states, and in five foreign countries. Six, if you count Louisiana.
He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
Visit him on the web at www.RobertBuettner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 31, 2017
A unique view into the near future and the science of life extension, Buettner's The Golden Gate is an anthology of historical fiction woven into a sci-fi crime novel.
If that made you say, "Wait... what?" then you're already starting to get it.
It takes about 20% of the book to settle into a kind of rhythm, and even then the plot keeps careening into detached narratives that feel a lot like that guy at the bar who can't get from one end of a story to the other without being sidetracked 18 times. But eventually, miraculously, it turns out that every one of those detours had a point, and in the end you're staring open-mouthed at this story-telling genius who you thought at first was just some drunk guy rambling in a bar.
Read it. Read it all the way to the end. You won't be sorry.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If that made you say, "Wait... what?" then you're already starting to get it.
It takes about 20% of the book to settle into a kind of rhythm, and even then the plot keeps careening into detached narratives that feel a lot like that guy at the bar who can't get from one end of a story to the other without being sidetracked 18 times. But eventually, miraculously, it turns out that every one of those detours had a point, and in the end you're staring open-mouthed at this story-telling genius who you thought at first was just some drunk guy rambling in a bar.
Read it. Read it all the way to the end. You won't be sorry.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2017
I liked the premise and enjoyed the story. The ending had a bit too much villainous over-monologue-ing. "I killed him and this why. And why. And why. And still more why." Not as good as Buettner's other stuff, but better than the average book of its class.
January 8, 2026
I measure this book against The DaVinci Code, which
tells you I think a lot of it. Both begin with a spectacular and enigmatic assassination in an iconic location (The Golden Gate Bridge, rather than the Louvre), then set a man and a woman off on what becomes a life-or-death chase, following a series of clues to discover a truth about one of life’s iconic mysteries. In this case, immortality. An additional twist, that I can’t discuss without spoilers, elevates the book’s game to cosmic, thoughtful, levels.
This narrative moves fast, propelled by short chapters and smart, spare dialogue. The action sequences are crystal clear, spectacular page-turners. Technical detail is meticulous but presented efficiently, and the story’s sense of time and place, whether around San Francisco or elsewhere, entertains as much as it teaches. I award bonus points for a plot that, like a quote on the book’s cover promises, unexpectedly spans centuries and continents. Actually, that understates the story’s scope.
Any great read depends on its characters. Ben and Kate are funny together, a classic “opposites attract” pair. The next tier characters, from Kate’s neo-Luddite father, to a Trump-esque politician, to a patrician tycoon, to a grumpy old cop, both entertain and make you care about them, and about the things that matter to them.
Overall a suspenseful, clever, funny, great yarn. But one that sneaks up on you and makes you think about everything from biomedical ethics to our place in the universe.
tells you I think a lot of it. Both begin with a spectacular and enigmatic assassination in an iconic location (The Golden Gate Bridge, rather than the Louvre), then set a man and a woman off on what becomes a life-or-death chase, following a series of clues to discover a truth about one of life’s iconic mysteries. In this case, immortality. An additional twist, that I can’t discuss without spoilers, elevates the book’s game to cosmic, thoughtful, levels.
This narrative moves fast, propelled by short chapters and smart, spare dialogue. The action sequences are crystal clear, spectacular page-turners. Technical detail is meticulous but presented efficiently, and the story’s sense of time and place, whether around San Francisco or elsewhere, entertains as much as it teaches. I award bonus points for a plot that, like a quote on the book’s cover promises, unexpectedly spans centuries and continents. Actually, that understates the story’s scope.
Any great read depends on its characters. Ben and Kate are funny together, a classic “opposites attract” pair. The next tier characters, from Kate’s neo-Luddite father, to a Trump-esque politician, to a patrician tycoon, to a grumpy old cop, both entertain and make you care about them, and about the things that matter to them.
Overall a suspenseful, clever, funny, great yarn. But one that sneaks up on you and makes you think about everything from biomedical ethics to our place in the universe.
November 15, 2016
The Golden Gate by Robert Buettner- Famous for his Orphan science Fiction novels, Robert Buettner comes out with a very near future mystery/adventure that has the trappings of a Davinci-Code style romp with two charming leads, who have just met and are dragged all over the San Francisco area ferreting out clues and trying to stay alive. The premise involves extending life far beyond the normal boundaries to an almost immortal existence. Of course, there are some people who object to this endeavor and they are determined to stop it at all cost. The pace is fast and the delivery is engaging and comfortable. I recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable read
December 2, 2016
This near future mystery tries to find out who killed the world's richest man and who wants to keep his discoveries from changing the world. Manuel Colibri is the man whose fancy car was blown off the Golden Gate bridge.
David Powell, another tycoon, recruits his former attorney Jack Boyle to find out who wanted to kill Colibri. Jack had resigned his position after his wife's death from cancer. Jack is having a hard time getting over losing his soulmate. Jack's daughter Kate is a journalist who gave up a prestigious position on the East Coast to come take care of her father. Jack recruits her to help in the investigation.
Ben Shepard is also recruited by his boss, Arthur Petrie, who is the Director of Homeland Security and has much larger political aspirations. Ben is an Iraq war veteran who is attending law school. His war experiences, which included losing part of his right hand, were traumatic enough that he has spend time trying to get his life back together.
Together Kate and Ben track down the clues to find out who wanted Colibri dead. Colibri was sitting on the secret to a much extended life span for those who could afford to pay for it. They aren't sure if the murderer wanted to exploit this knowledge or suppress it.
This book had all sorts of scientific detail about DNA and life-extending technologies. It also had characters who were involved in the SETI program which is trying to prove that there are other intelligent species in the universe.
The story was entertaining. I liked the way the various parts of the plot were woven together. I especially liked the relationship between Kate and Ben. I liked that they mystery was solved and I liked that it left what to do with the scientific breakthroughs unresolved.
David Powell, another tycoon, recruits his former attorney Jack Boyle to find out who wanted to kill Colibri. Jack had resigned his position after his wife's death from cancer. Jack is having a hard time getting over losing his soulmate. Jack's daughter Kate is a journalist who gave up a prestigious position on the East Coast to come take care of her father. Jack recruits her to help in the investigation.
Ben Shepard is also recruited by his boss, Arthur Petrie, who is the Director of Homeland Security and has much larger political aspirations. Ben is an Iraq war veteran who is attending law school. His war experiences, which included losing part of his right hand, were traumatic enough that he has spend time trying to get his life back together.
Together Kate and Ben track down the clues to find out who wanted Colibri dead. Colibri was sitting on the secret to a much extended life span for those who could afford to pay for it. They aren't sure if the murderer wanted to exploit this knowledge or suppress it.
This book had all sorts of scientific detail about DNA and life-extending technologies. It also had characters who were involved in the SETI program which is trying to prove that there are other intelligent species in the universe.
The story was entertaining. I liked the way the various parts of the plot were woven together. I especially liked the relationship between Kate and Ben. I liked that they mystery was solved and I liked that it left what to do with the scientific breakthroughs unresolved.
December 5, 2018
A solid read. One of the better near-future sci-fi books I've read lately. In this case I think it might be more accurately called a speculative near-future or nuanced present.
Really enjoyed how there were so many sci-fi topics discussed at different parts of the book. From space exploration, to artificial intelligence, to future tech corporations, to the history of the Americas to life extension. Awesome. Also liked how some chapters jumped into old stories and memories, building the overall story up. Although for me at around 75% in, it got a bit lost.
With that good stuff said, I still found the main character to be very unlikable. I'm not sure if that was altogether intended. I found her to be very condescending, self-centred and straight up annoying, with an air of hypocrisy about her. All of which kind of dampened the story as a whole for me. Kind of draining.
But nonetheless still an interesting read that tells a unique, future-forward story in a futuristic looking San Francisco.
I will say so, there was specifically one thing that weirded me out. In this 'universe' the seems to be this socially conscious attitude of recognizing the importance people of colour have had throughout North American history, which is great. However, there were many instances where the author used this to strangely have characters push aside this belief and talk about how white people have/still are the primary agents of change. Surely a writer can find a better way of touching on the achievements of people (whether they are white or non-white) without dismaying the efforts of countless marginalized others. Bizarre.
Really enjoyed how there were so many sci-fi topics discussed at different parts of the book. From space exploration, to artificial intelligence, to future tech corporations, to the history of the Americas to life extension. Awesome. Also liked how some chapters jumped into old stories and memories, building the overall story up. Although for me at around 75% in, it got a bit lost.
With that good stuff said, I still found the main character to be very unlikable. I'm not sure if that was altogether intended. I found her to be very condescending, self-centred and straight up annoying, with an air of hypocrisy about her. All of which kind of dampened the story as a whole for me. Kind of draining.
But nonetheless still an interesting read that tells a unique, future-forward story in a futuristic looking San Francisco.
I will say so, there was specifically one thing that weirded me out. In this 'universe' the seems to be this socially conscious attitude of recognizing the importance people of colour have had throughout North American history, which is great. However, there were many instances where the author used this to strangely have characters push aside this belief and talk about how white people have/still are the primary agents of change. Surely a writer can find a better way of touching on the achievements of people (whether they are white or non-white) without dismaying the efforts of countless marginalized others. Bizarre.
November 10, 2016
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2016/11/1...
Publisher: Baen
Publishing Date:
ISBN: 9781476781907
Genre: SciFi
Rating: DNF
Publishers Description: An exciting future thriller from nationally best-selling author of the Orphan’s Legacy science fiction saga. A face-off with killers in order to guard a secret that could change humanity forever.
Review: It wasn’t that this novel was more boring than Coldplay, hospital beds and Henry Kissinger, it was the dialogue that hampered every interaction with infused mannerisms. Yet, if you have followed my reviews, you may know by now that I loathe the over-use of expediters and word choices. At the top of the word choice list sits “actually”. You hear it every day with bearded millennials attempting to be smart and taken seriously for their uniqueness while wearing the same clothes; like knit caps, satchels, Clark Kent glasses and jean pencil pants (with the cuff rolled up). In this world of knowitall-isms the dire need to preface every response with “actually” will begin to erode your fore-brain until you’re found spastically retching or sawing at your wrist with a butter knife. “Wow, he said ‘actually’, he must be really smart so we should stop and listen closer?, harder?".
Well, anyhoo, this blighted work almost beat the record for the use of actually (I think the record is 100+) but came in sole possession of second place with an astounding 65+. Read this while churning goats milk with a coat hanger.
Publisher: Baen
Publishing Date:
ISBN: 9781476781907
Genre: SciFi
Rating: DNF
Publishers Description: An exciting future thriller from nationally best-selling author of the Orphan’s Legacy science fiction saga. A face-off with killers in order to guard a secret that could change humanity forever.
Review: It wasn’t that this novel was more boring than Coldplay, hospital beds and Henry Kissinger, it was the dialogue that hampered every interaction with infused mannerisms. Yet, if you have followed my reviews, you may know by now that I loathe the over-use of expediters and word choices. At the top of the word choice list sits “actually”. You hear it every day with bearded millennials attempting to be smart and taken seriously for their uniqueness while wearing the same clothes; like knit caps, satchels, Clark Kent glasses and jean pencil pants (with the cuff rolled up). In this world of knowitall-isms the dire need to preface every response with “actually” will begin to erode your fore-brain until you’re found spastically retching or sawing at your wrist with a butter knife. “Wow, he said ‘actually’, he must be really smart so we should stop and listen closer?, harder?".
Well, anyhoo, this blighted work almost beat the record for the use of actually (I think the record is 100+) but came in sole possession of second place with an astounding 65+. Read this while churning goats milk with a coat hanger.
May 31, 2017
“The Golden Gate” eBook was published in 2017 and was written by Robert Buettner (http://www.robertbuettner.com). Mr. Buettner has published nine novels.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary California. The main characters are retired Lieutenant Ben Sheppard who is now on the staff of a senior Senator just appointed as head of Homeland Security. The other primary character is veteran reporter Kate Boyle.
The two are brought together when Manuel Colibri, the world’s richest man is attacked while driving home across the Golden Gate Bridge. At first it is thought to be an act of terrorism, which is how Sheppard gets involved. The more information that is gathered, the stranger the case becomes. Boyle gets involved when her father, a retired lawyer, is asked to investigate the incident.
I enjoyed the just shy of 6 hours I spent reading this Science Fiction Mystery. It is mostly a Mystery with a touch of Romance. I liked the characters and the plot. The cover art is good and implies a ‘James Bond’ like character, which Sheppard turns out to be in a way. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary California. The main characters are retired Lieutenant Ben Sheppard who is now on the staff of a senior Senator just appointed as head of Homeland Security. The other primary character is veteran reporter Kate Boyle.
The two are brought together when Manuel Colibri, the world’s richest man is attacked while driving home across the Golden Gate Bridge. At first it is thought to be an act of terrorism, which is how Sheppard gets involved. The more information that is gathered, the stranger the case becomes. Boyle gets involved when her father, a retired lawyer, is asked to investigate the incident.
I enjoyed the just shy of 6 hours I spent reading this Science Fiction Mystery. It is mostly a Mystery with a touch of Romance. I liked the characters and the plot. The cover art is good and implies a ‘James Bond’ like character, which Sheppard turns out to be in a way. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
March 28, 2017
I'm a fan of Buettner's Orphanage series and his Orphan's Legacy series, so I was pretty excited to see a new book out by him. Sure, it's not set in the Orphanage universe, but with his track record with those books I was more than willing to take the plunge and try something new.
The quick and dirty summary? The Golden Gate was fun, interesting, and a little forgettable.
Let me get this right out front, it wasn't a bad book at all. In fact, I kept finding myself coming back to it and waiting to see what happened next. The twist was pretty unexpected, and it didn't really take away from the intrigue leading up to the climax of the story. I will say that I was a little disappointed with the character building in the story, but that might just be because I'm used to multi-book series Buettner and he obviously had to switch up his style to write a stand-alone story. The characters all felt just a little bit rigid and forced, they were not quite as well rounded as characters in the Orphanage universe. That's probably not a very fair comparison though, because there is 5 books that we have to get in touch with Jason Wander and his buds (and 3 books to get in touch with Jazen and his buds) while we only really have 1 book to get in touch with the characters in The Golden Gate.
All in all, it was a fun read and, if you are in the mood for a fun, near-future who-done-it, I would definitely recommend it.
The quick and dirty summary? The Golden Gate was fun, interesting, and a little forgettable.
Let me get this right out front, it wasn't a bad book at all. In fact, I kept finding myself coming back to it and waiting to see what happened next. The twist was pretty unexpected, and it didn't really take away from the intrigue leading up to the climax of the story. I will say that I was a little disappointed with the character building in the story, but that might just be because I'm used to multi-book series Buettner and he obviously had to switch up his style to write a stand-alone story. The characters all felt just a little bit rigid and forced, they were not quite as well rounded as characters in the Orphanage universe. That's probably not a very fair comparison though, because there is 5 books that we have to get in touch with Jason Wander and his buds (and 3 books to get in touch with Jazen and his buds) while we only really have 1 book to get in touch with the characters in The Golden Gate.
All in all, it was a fun read and, if you are in the mood for a fun, near-future who-done-it, I would definitely recommend it.
February 6, 2017
Full disclosure: I helped Robert with research for this book.
Not having read any of his work before getting an advance copy of the book, I was vividly entertained by Robert's book.
Knowing the research he'd put in to write the novel increased my respect for his skill as a storyteller. Not every author can do the extensive research Robert put in and still refrain from bogging the reader down with nonessentials in an effort to say, "Look at all the research I did!" Instead, Robert crafted a story that is among the best of near-future works I have read in recent years and uses his research, both historical and modern in such a way as to give the reader the proper blend of fiction and fact to frame the story for the reader.
Robert entertains with the best of them, and leads the reader down some unexpected paths while he's at it.
Well done!
Not having read any of his work before getting an advance copy of the book, I was vividly entertained by Robert's book.
Knowing the research he'd put in to write the novel increased my respect for his skill as a storyteller. Not every author can do the extensive research Robert put in and still refrain from bogging the reader down with nonessentials in an effort to say, "Look at all the research I did!" Instead, Robert crafted a story that is among the best of near-future works I have read in recent years and uses his research, both historical and modern in such a way as to give the reader the proper blend of fiction and fact to frame the story for the reader.
Robert entertains with the best of them, and leads the reader down some unexpected paths while he's at it.
Well done!
January 19, 2025
There's an old truth about how we view a story: only if the ending satisfies us will we like it. If a film is brilliant for 89 minutes, but the ending disappoints, we dismiss the whole movie as rubbish. That is the fate of this book.
A fascinating, intelligent and engaging story is ruined by the utterly B-movie style final chapters, which are one cliche after another, full of improbability, and desperately try to create a thrilling, dramatic finale which is so out of keeping with the rest of the book that it is laughable. Boy, was I pee'd off. It's a serious failure of both the writer and editor to recognise where the interest in the story really lay, and to pander instead to the Netflix mentality.
I couldn't bring myself to give it 1 star after enjoying it for the first 4/5ths, but trust me, it sucks when as a reader you're this badly let down.
A fascinating, intelligent and engaging story is ruined by the utterly B-movie style final chapters, which are one cliche after another, full of improbability, and desperately try to create a thrilling, dramatic finale which is so out of keeping with the rest of the book that it is laughable. Boy, was I pee'd off. It's a serious failure of both the writer and editor to recognise where the interest in the story really lay, and to pander instead to the Netflix mentality.
I couldn't bring myself to give it 1 star after enjoying it for the first 4/5ths, but trust me, it sucks when as a reader you're this badly let down.
January 16, 2018
Some people think that life-extension is around the corner. In Robert Buettner’s a wealthy industrialist is murdered with a bomb under The Golden Gate (paper from Baen) bridge. There’s a good excuse to delve into all the philosophical complications of extending human life. Dredging for the car is difficult and there are no DNA traces to help identify any washed up bodies. Kate Boyle, a journalist with a very-connected father, and Ben Shepard, an Iraq war vet serving as aide to the Department of Homeland Security secretary. The only clues are a series of objects donated to various museums around San Francisco. Manuel Colibri, the victim, was a very wealthy head of a research center into life extension. Fun, but a bit predictable.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
February 14, 2017
I did not know what to expect from this near future novel. What I did find was a interesting story line that was a mystery set in the near future making it Science Fiction. Kate Boyle and Ben Shepard are tasked with finding out why the car driven by Manuel Colibri was the target of a bomb. What follows is an interesting mystery that goes into the past while looking into the future. Buettner did a great job building the story line while keeping the suspense going. I had no idea who was responsible for the bomb. A interesting story that kept me reading into the night. This is one for both mystery and science fiction fans.
May 16, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was a well written Science fiction / mystery.
It certainly kept me guessing and was different to my normal read.
I will certainly be reading more of Robert Buettner's Novels.
This was a well written Science fiction / mystery.
It certainly kept me guessing and was different to my normal read.
I will certainly be reading more of Robert Buettner's Novels.
May 6, 2021
This near future book was a unexpected, pleasant surprise ! A lot of interesting twists and turns makes this much more than the run of the mill Sci Fi books ! An enjoyable read with some fresh ideas makes this well worth the time !
June 11, 2017
Buettner crafted an interesting story that initially pulled me in. If you are looking for a book to read on that next airplane flight, then this should be on your list.
November 13, 2017
This story had all sorts of disparate and unconnected pieces until about two-thirds of the way through, and the author pulled it all together in a single paragraph. This is a good book.
February 22, 2019
Excellent ending.
May 15, 2020
An excellent near-time scifi detective story with several nice twists.
February 25, 2017
I'll start out by saying that I'm a Buettner fan - if you haven't read his other novels you're missing out.
Fortunately, the day I picked up Golden Gate was an open Saturday because I had trouble putting it down until I was done. In many ways this is classic Buettner with engaging story-telling, characters you care for and a story that sets up a situation you want to know what happens not to mention a bit of smart-aleck humor.
There are some differences from other Buettner novels: The story's time frame is more near future and as a result the sci-fi aspects are more extensions of current science then a full-blown universe like the Orphanage/Jason Wander series. The science still pushes the envelope and is an integral and interesting part of the story, not to mention part of one of the plot twists that spans the length of the book (no, I won't spoil it for you!)
The other major difference is that this was more "mystery" novel than Buettner's other novels, but that aspect of it was totally engrossing. For me the pace of the clues in the story were right on - I started to get an inkling of what was going on right before it was revealed. Even so, there were one or two surprises that had me wondering "how did I miss that!".
Other reviewers have mentioned "historical asides". Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed them. The best way I can explain them is this: did you ever stand in a museum or watch an archeology or history show and wonder what the "real" story was behind the object of discussion? The asides were the telling of that "real story" behind objects that come up during the course of the main story thread. They're fun and they also supply a clue to the mystery.
Last, but not least - as others have mentioned there are some topics raised which are good food for thought. They are presented in an interesting way, get you thinking, but don't impose a viewpoint.
Full disclosure: I'm an IT guy professionally and a fan of Buettner's from way back. I was privileged to be a beta reader. My apologies for taking so long to write a review once the book came out!
Fortunately, the day I picked up Golden Gate was an open Saturday because I had trouble putting it down until I was done. In many ways this is classic Buettner with engaging story-telling, characters you care for and a story that sets up a situation you want to know what happens not to mention a bit of smart-aleck humor.
There are some differences from other Buettner novels: The story's time frame is more near future and as a result the sci-fi aspects are more extensions of current science then a full-blown universe like the Orphanage/Jason Wander series. The science still pushes the envelope and is an integral and interesting part of the story, not to mention part of one of the plot twists that spans the length of the book (no, I won't spoil it for you!)
The other major difference is that this was more "mystery" novel than Buettner's other novels, but that aspect of it was totally engrossing. For me the pace of the clues in the story were right on - I started to get an inkling of what was going on right before it was revealed. Even so, there were one or two surprises that had me wondering "how did I miss that!".
Other reviewers have mentioned "historical asides". Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed them. The best way I can explain them is this: did you ever stand in a museum or watch an archeology or history show and wonder what the "real" story was behind the object of discussion? The asides were the telling of that "real story" behind objects that come up during the course of the main story thread. They're fun and they also supply a clue to the mystery.
Last, but not least - as others have mentioned there are some topics raised which are good food for thought. They are presented in an interesting way, get you thinking, but don't impose a viewpoint.
Full disclosure: I'm an IT guy professionally and a fan of Buettner's from way back. I was privileged to be a beta reader. My apologies for taking so long to write a review once the book came out!
March 11, 2017
I reviewed this book for NetGalley.
February 26, 2017
This book felt like an action movie. The book begins with an event that leads to the maneuvering of powerful parties to come out on top of the aftermath. The heroine is a journalist who has returned home to support her parents when her mother was dying from cancer and is still dealing with the death. The hero works for a politician having been selected based on his heroic actions in Iraq.
The investigation leads to some question regarding certain missing items. As each is identified there are flashbacks, which I didn't feel added much to the story, and seemed like they were of particular historical interest to the author instead. After a while I felt there was a purpose, but it was a guess as they didn't really add value to me.
The developing romance was okay. The heroine's attitude was brash and annoying while the only negative of the hero was that he was too humble. And the romance seemed based on magical thinking as they two played out situations that mirrored the romance of the heroine's parents.
There was some bashing of the Catholic Church that I felt was rather over the top. It was too obvious.
Overall the book was something of a hunt for the solution to a mystery, a bit of romance, and a bit of science fiction that was more a solution to the mystery than integral to the story or context.
I received a copy for review; my review was my own.
The investigation leads to some question regarding certain missing items. As each is identified there are flashbacks, which I didn't feel added much to the story, and seemed like they were of particular historical interest to the author instead. After a while I felt there was a purpose, but it was a guess as they didn't really add value to me.
The developing romance was okay. The heroine's attitude was brash and annoying while the only negative of the hero was that he was too humble. And the romance seemed based on magical thinking as they two played out situations that mirrored the romance of the heroine's parents.
There was some bashing of the Catholic Church that I felt was rather over the top. It was too obvious.
Overall the book was something of a hunt for the solution to a mystery, a bit of romance, and a bit of science fiction that was more a solution to the mystery than integral to the story or context.
I received a copy for review; my review was my own.
January 9, 2017
Ok, until it jumped the shark the last 15%
January 19, 2017
When the world’s richest man is the victim of a car bomb and literally blown off the Golden Gate Bridge the attack is attributed to terrorists and the world moves on. But some still wonder. Was Manuel Colibri targeted because, as Silicon Valley rumor has it, he was about to make the dream that people alive today can live to be one thousand come true?
Two people are pursuing the truth. Tech journalist Kate Boyle and recovering Iraq war veteran Ben Shepard race through the Bay Area chasing the only clues the reclusive Colibri left behind. They discover not only each other but a cosmic secret that can change human history—and may cost them their lives.
They say, do not judge a book by it’s cover, but sometimes as I peruse book aisles or lists, I do just that. The Golden Gate from its cover I judged as a sexy spy thriller, much akin to the Ian Fleming Bond novels I read growing up. Upon reading it I discovered I was right and simultaneously wrong. As you can tell from the description above, this is a murder mystery where an extremely rich an influential man is killed (to start the book) and ben Shepard (of DHS) and a journalist (Kate Boyle) and her lawyer father, work to figure out why, at the behest of another extremely rich and influential man.
This story has plenty of twists and turns and can be outright thrilling. It also is very well researched and even taught me a thing or two on subjects varying from historical matters to even farming (and I grew up on a farm of sorts). These aspects are great and what is perfects the biggest compliment I can give any book, is that it is a page turner. One of the worst things I can say about a book is I am reading it and I just put it down and don’t care if I continue. This book I wanted to return and flew through it, especially in the last third.
There are some aspects I did not care for and to avoid spoilers I will try to be vague. First, there is a style issue. To tell part of the story there are, what are essentially, interludes. Their inclusion, while important, is often abrupt, and can be confusing (until the ending of the book where it makes sense). Also by the end of the book there are some character threads (not plot threads) that are not resolved, which makes me hope there is a sequel and until then, I will feel unresolved on those points. The ending, I can say I did not see coming. Which is a positive and negative. It kept me wondering and guessing and I guessed wrong (though one of my guesses, related to an early interlude, was at least close). But it is negative because it kind of comes out of left field and messes with the genre or type of book it thought I was reading.
Overall I liked Kate and Ben as characters. The book is a page turner and will keep you guess and perhaps teach you a thing or two along the way and there are far worse things a book can do. It is not the deepest most thought provoking book, but it does not have to be and for what it is, it is quite solid and a good recommend.
Book Rating: 3.5/5
Two people are pursuing the truth. Tech journalist Kate Boyle and recovering Iraq war veteran Ben Shepard race through the Bay Area chasing the only clues the reclusive Colibri left behind. They discover not only each other but a cosmic secret that can change human history—and may cost them their lives.
They say, do not judge a book by it’s cover, but sometimes as I peruse book aisles or lists, I do just that. The Golden Gate from its cover I judged as a sexy spy thriller, much akin to the Ian Fleming Bond novels I read growing up. Upon reading it I discovered I was right and simultaneously wrong. As you can tell from the description above, this is a murder mystery where an extremely rich an influential man is killed (to start the book) and ben Shepard (of DHS) and a journalist (Kate Boyle) and her lawyer father, work to figure out why, at the behest of another extremely rich and influential man.
This story has plenty of twists and turns and can be outright thrilling. It also is very well researched and even taught me a thing or two on subjects varying from historical matters to even farming (and I grew up on a farm of sorts). These aspects are great and what is perfects the biggest compliment I can give any book, is that it is a page turner. One of the worst things I can say about a book is I am reading it and I just put it down and don’t care if I continue. This book I wanted to return and flew through it, especially in the last third.
There are some aspects I did not care for and to avoid spoilers I will try to be vague. First, there is a style issue. To tell part of the story there are, what are essentially, interludes. Their inclusion, while important, is often abrupt, and can be confusing (until the ending of the book where it makes sense). Also by the end of the book there are some character threads (not plot threads) that are not resolved, which makes me hope there is a sequel and until then, I will feel unresolved on those points. The ending, I can say I did not see coming. Which is a positive and negative. It kept me wondering and guessing and I guessed wrong (though one of my guesses, related to an early interlude, was at least close). But it is negative because it kind of comes out of left field and messes with the genre or type of book it thought I was reading.
Overall I liked Kate and Ben as characters. The book is a page turner and will keep you guess and perhaps teach you a thing or two along the way and there are far worse things a book can do. It is not the deepest most thought provoking book, but it does not have to be and for what it is, it is quite solid and a good recommend.
Book Rating: 3.5/5
February 23, 2017
This book is one of those gently persistent stories that just keeps the reader turning pages. I loved it.
December 20, 2016
The following is the short-form review I posted on the publisher's site after I finished the eARC of the book:
This is an engaging, thought-provoking and superbly well-written story. Books just don't get better than that. Worth reading, worth re-reading, worth thinking about while and after reading.
I stand by that review AND the five stars I gave it there and the five stars I give it here. It was very much worth the time I spent reading and enjoying the hell out of it, and the time since I've spent thinking about the implications of the story.
This is an engaging, thought-provoking and superbly well-written story. Books just don't get better than that. Worth reading, worth re-reading, worth thinking about while and after reading.
I stand by that review AND the five stars I gave it there and the five stars I give it here. It was very much worth the time I spent reading and enjoying the hell out of it, and the time since I've spent thinking about the implications of the story.
February 3, 2017
I don't know what to make of that! I liked the plot, just wanted the characters to stop with the mental health care and get on with it. Did not see the end coming. Quick read, amusing, but very much "Wait, what!? Nooo the entire story couldn't have been working up to that!"
February 4, 2017
Adequately written piece with a very slow reveal on one central idea. Most of the focus is on character development, and that's a little bit on the nose, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.
March 17, 2017
This started off well but quickly degenerated. There were a total of 2 female characters both of whom spent most of the time thinking about getting into the pants of the male characters. And the way they spoke, does the author actually know any women?
The final reveal was ridiculous. For 75% of the book Ben and Kate wander around various museums and then suddenly Kate realises the truth of the matter because, uh why? As a reader I figured it out because I got to read those extra bits of info but the characters werent privy to those chapters so Kate 'solving' the puzzle came straight outta left field.
Total jump the shark ending - complete with handy storm at sea and villain who won't die.
The final reveal was ridiculous. For 75% of the book Ben and Kate wander around various museums and then suddenly Kate realises the truth of the matter because, uh why? As a reader I figured it out because I got to read those extra bits of info but the characters werent privy to those chapters so Kate 'solving' the puzzle came straight outta left field.
Total jump the shark ending - complete with handy storm at sea and villain who won't die.
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