Mathematics of Eternity

Joe Ballen #1

by David M. Kelly

Meet former space engineer, Joe Ballen. These days, he’s scraping a living flying cabs in flooded-out Baltimore, trying to avoid the clutches of his boss and the well-meaning advice of an old friend. When one of his passengers suffers a grisly death, Joe is dragged into a dangerous web of ruthless academic rivalry centered on a prototype spaceship.

As the bodies pile up, Joe becomes suspect number one, and his enemies will stop at nothing to hide the truth. With the help of an enigmatic scientist, a senile survivalist, and the glamorous Ms Buntin, can Joe untangle the conspiracy and prove his innocence before it’s too late?

Mathematics Of Eternity: the first in an explosive SF thriller series by a fantastic new Canadian SF author. The future’s about to get a lot more action-packed!

Genres: Science Fiction

326 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2017

About the author

David M. Kelly writes fast-paced, near-future sci-fi thrillers with engaging characters, cynical humor, and (mostly!) plausible science. He is the author of the Joe Ballen series, Logan's World series, and the Hyperia Jones sci-fi humor series. Along with historical suspense and fantasy author Christie Stratos, he also co-hosts the Fun Classic Reads videocast on YouTube, featuring entertaining live reads and very quick costume changes!

David’s interest in science and technology began early. At the age of six his parents allowed him to stay up late into the night to watch the television broadcast of Neil Armstrong stepping on to the surface of the moon. From that day he was hooked on everything related to science and space.

An avid reader, he worked his way through the contents of the mobile library that visited his street, progressing through YA titles (or ‘juveniles’ as they were known back then) on to the classics of Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Harry Harrison.

David worked for many years in project management and software development. Along the way his interests have included IPSC combat (target) pistol shooting, crew chief on a drag racing team, and several years as bass player/vocalist in a heavy rock band. He also managed to fit in some real work in manual jobs from digging ditches and work on production lines to loading trucks in a haulage company.

Originally from the wild and woolly region of Yorkshire, England, David emigrated to Canada in 2005 and settled in Northern Ontario with his patient and supportive wife, Hilary. Foot surgery in 2014 temporarily curtailed many of his favourite activities – hiking, camping, piloting his own personal starfighter (otherwise known as a Corvette ZR-1). But on the plus side, it meant a transition from the world of IT into life as a full-time writer—an opportunity he grasped enthusiastically.

David is passionate about science, especially astronomy and physics, and is a rabid science news follower. Never short of an opinion, David writes about science and technology on his blog davidmkelly.com. He has supported various charity projects such as the Smithsonian’s Reboot The Suit and the Lowell Observatory Pluto Telescope Restoration. He also contributes to citizen science projects such as SETI@home.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. This was fun to read but it felt like watching a movie I had already seen. And I found the ending a little confusing. But fun nonetheless.

[B.A. Bellec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mathematics of Eternity is the first entry in the Joe Ballen series by author David M. Kelly. Originally from Yorkshire, England, David found himself moving to Northern Ontario in 2005 and his author journey took off when a foot injury kept him home during 2014. David pitches himself as a fast-paced, near-future sci-fi thriller writer with (mostly!) plausible science. That is a spot-on summary of his writing style.

This story focuses on Joe Ballen who is a space engineer turned cab driver, and although he isn’t a detective, this reads like a detective novel. Early in the story, we are introduced to a mystery and Joe is thrust into the thick of trying to unravel what is going on.

I found the early chapters extremely engaging and I was captured right away. I often write notes for myself as I read a book. The note I gave myself after 16 chapters was solid characters, great plot with an intriguing mystery, and above-average worldbuilding.

Speaking to each of those:

1 – Characters
Joe is instantly relatable. He is down on his luck and has seen better days. He has what would be an average job by today’s standards, but in the novel, I would classify his job as above average with the world in rough shape. We get great moments of backstory and the character design on this protagonist is very controlled and measured. I got the average Joe vibes which was the intention of the author. There are some neat physical and mental hardships that Joe experiences, but I am not going to put them into this review as they add to the reading experience. Also, giving the reader Joe’s interpretation of the science was a clever way to explain down on some of the technical areas as many of the other characters had a science background. David M. Kelly shows us his scientific knowledge while crafting these side characters, but then keeps the reader informed with Joe’s reactions and thoughts during these technical spots.

2 – Plot
Electric out of the gate. When I started this book, I always wanted to keep going, which is the hallmark of great writing. However, I am going to circle back on this as the plot was also a source of frustration for me.

3 – Worldbuilding
I originally said “above average” as I read this and in retrospect on my comment, I think it is even better than that because a few days later I am still thinking about some of the tremendous scenes from this book. Some of my favorite moments are when we get glimpses into the dystopian “city” of the future. Again, I am staying away from spoilers, but David M. Kelly had a clear vision of how our world decayed and he plunks us right into the chaos of the aftermath. Very well done!

So, what is my nitpick?

The pace tailed off for me. Where I loved the plot at the beginning and David M. Kelly had me spinning around in circles in the best possible way with his author toolkit giving me a wide variety of chapters, the back half of the book didn’t maintain this level of variety. There were a lot of chapters later in this novel that were characters talking in a room. I wanted David M. Kelly to move me around more like he did early in the novel. If I were to put the pace on a line graph, it would peak at about the 40% mark of the story and then begin to slow down with some spikes. The story lacks action during the climax and doesn’t feel smooth. I will say that I really enjoyed Chapter 29 and thought perhaps the story was about to take off. Sadly, it didn’t, and the next few chapters were more like their predecessors. The ending was okay, but I think I was a little jaded after a handful of slow chapters. I feel the second half could have been shortened by 20% (2-3 chapters) without hurting the overall story and I would have loved to have seen more character movement and worldbuilding sprinkled around the dialogue to keep us engaged like we saw early on.

All that said, I still really enjoyed this and the pacing problems only knocked one star off. This was a tough review to write because parts of this novel are perfect, but when I analyze it as a whole, I can’t call this a perfect novel. I know David has written more in this series and if his pacing is better in his subsequent efforts, I am sure they are 5-star reads.

4 stars!

Amazing dystopian near-future sci-fi worldbuilding!

Big thanks to Erik at Breakeven Books for sharing a copy and inviting me to the tour.

Video review coming when I do my Spring wrap.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

MATHEMATICS OF ETERNITY is the first book in the Joe BALLEN sci-fi series written by the talented Canadian author David M. Kelly.

Set in Baltimore in the year 2143, life is unlike what we are accustomed to. The West Coast no longer exists, except underwater and even Baltimore is mostly flooded beyond redemption. The bottom floors of many highrises are now underwater. Barely anyone lives there, and those who do are extremely unwelcoming to anyone who sets foot in their domain.

Unfortunately, there are some things that, no matter how many years have passed, have remained the same. That is the fact that "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer."

It is in this post-catastrophe world that Joe Ballen lives and works. He used to work in space as a construction foreman, but, an almost fatal accident put an end to that career, and almost put an end to his life. Now, he flies a taxi for a living.

One night he picks up a fare and 'drives' him home, only to end up as a witness/suspect in the man's death. Now, the police want him arrested and someone wants him dead. All in all, Joe Ballen wishes he had never let the man into his cab.

With twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, this story is both thrilling and full of excitement. This is futuristic sci-fi as it should be.

The world-building is phenomenal and I love the fact that there are a variety of genders and sexual orientations represented, including one major character who just happens to be a hermaphrodite. I completely agree with main character Joe Ballen when he says "I'll never understand why some people feel they can treat others like property. Everyone should be able to follow their own path, so long as they're not hurting others." He goes on to say, "Everyone has a right to make their own choices - good or bad. Forcing your ideals on someone else is the ultimate in egotistic selfishness."

The characters are so well developed that they will linger in the reader's mind long after the book is finished. This, in my opinion, is the mark of a great writer. Kudos to author David M Kelly for creating such characters.

I rate MATHEMATICS OF ETERNITY as 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and I am thrilled that Book Two of the Joe Ballenger series is already available.

**Thank you to author David M. Kelly for providing me with a free copy of this book.**

To learn more about this book and to enter giveaways, visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

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[Christina McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author.

I'm a big fan of future sci-fi and an even bigger fan of flying cars, plus I'm keen on the color pink, so before I even cracked the book, the cover on this one had me drooling a little.

Inside was even better than the flashy package. In the tradition of twentieth century sci-fi masters, David Kelly tells a tale of a bleak yet cool future but with a modern update. Earth is done for. We've destroyed the planet. Water levels have risen dangerously, and winter is a mostly forgotten memory.

And yet there's hope. Well, sort of. There's at least the illusion of hope in the form of an interstellar craft, whose construction cost our protagonist Joe his career as well as a few limbs. Now, as a taxi driver, life is a little slower and more mundane.

Until, of course, it isn't.

Highly recommended for sci-fi purists and casual readers alike.

[Val Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-packed noir sci-fi. The main character lives in a dark world and with his dark personality, he fits right in. Of course, with questionable ethics and betrayals surrounding him, is it any wonder? Love the science and technology.

[C.L. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being at the wrong place-wrong time leaves taxi-driver, Joe Ballen, at the center of a dangerous conspiracy. To prove his innocence, and catch a killer, he must turn detective and unravel the mystery in this action-packed dystopian sci-fi. Having read the author’s short stories before, I expected an intriguing, intelligent read. Mathematics of Eternity did not disappoint. It was clever and suspenseful, with plenty of action and interesting characters. Mostly, though, it was a hell of a lot of fun.

I’m a sucker for a good conspiracy, and I love flawed characters. This author knows how to deliver both. You can’t help but root for Joe Ballen. I really enjoyed unraveling the clues and playing detective with him. The bleak setting was well done, and I liked that it wasn’t heavy sci-fi where I needed a degree to follow along. With the author’s descriptive style, it played out like an action movie in my mind. For some reason, I kept picturing Hugh Jackman in the lead role, sort of like his character in Real Steel. The down on his luck ‘everyman’ who falls into one bad situation after the other, fighting against the odds as he dolls out witty lines that occasionally made me laugh out loud. The plot was smart and far from predictable. It kept me guessing and coming back, turning the pages.

Mathematics of Eternity is a great read. I was thoroughly entertained and would recommend it to any fans of dystopian sci-fi.

[J.M. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, not just for the fast pace and tension but for the dystopian view of life on Earth in the near future. With its use of global warming added to the effects of earthquakes, it portrays a planet in decline, ruled by humans in habitation called Atolls. While they glide around in planetary orbit commanding space travel and dictating who can use it (much like current situations of who controls airspace) the majority of people down on Earth struggle to survive in polluted and flooded cities, interspersed with pockets of richer areas who wall out the rest of humanity. It’s an uncomfortable vision of a future that seems all too possible.

Nevertheless, the book doesn’t descend into grinding depression. There are air cars, elevated skyways, genetic restructuring of humans and other technological achievements that sustain life. Set among them, there are some very colourful characters who make Joe Ballen’s life more interesting than he would like. As he tries to earn money flying his air taxi, he is plunged into a scenario in which he has to turn detective and find out why his recent fare plunged to the ground in an act that the authorities regard as murder, with Joe the prime suspect.

Leaving the plot aside, what also gripped me is the author’s use of language and vocabulary, his descriptive powers and the humour that peppers the tale. Anyone who adds a space freighter with the name of ‘My Weigh’ deserves an accolade for that alone. A few sentences picked out at random: ‘Tears formed silver trails, dancing in and out of the lines on his cheeks;’ ‘His eyes were bright hematite buttons that scanned everything, as if nothing could slip by without being recorded for future reference;’ ‘Eyes cold as an ice box and just as empty;’ ‘She looked as though she had swallowed something she thought was ice cream, only to find it was waste machine oil.’

I consider this story to be right up there alongside Blade Runner and Fifth Element. There is a similarity with Fifth Element in the main character is a cab driver, but it ends there. This is so well-written it’s a joy to read and deserves to be made into a film as well. I hope someone discovers this and thinks so, too.

[Lambert Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the development that went on. Lots of action within this book and some twists and turns as well. Can't wait to read book 2 in this series.

[Luce Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I have been hunting for a real page-turner for quite a while now, and this fit the bill. Full of action suspense, it will pull you into the story and keep you there. There were no lags along the way. I also like the dystopian feel to the novel, and the gems of philosophy that make you pause for a while in this very fast moving story. A great job!

[Fred Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a series. Lots of action and a good villen make for a great story and a good read.

Recommended

[theStorykeeper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Otherwise I would have put it down a quarter of the way through. Although the plot was moderately interesting and it was definitely action-packed, the appeal was suppressed by the amount of derisive stereotyping, chauvinism, and unnecessary - though apparently not unusual - sexual dialogue. Something about the way it was written made it hard to follow what was happening in several places. It didn't help that the author kept making up words. Now, obviously in SciFi, that is allowed, but you have to make the meaning of the word clear from either the context or the name itself. He also switched tenses in a couple places, which is something that the editor should have caught.

But if you don't have a problem with any of the things I just listed and are looking for an action-packed story set in the future, go ahead and give this a try.

[Infinity's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mathematics of Eternity is a story that's a little bit out of my wheelhouse. When I pick up sci-fi it's largely plot/worldbuilding focused, while this is very character focused. The protagonist, Joe Ballen, is a relatable and sympathetic character, who gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy that could have dire consequences for the planet. I’m glad I did end up picking it up because this book was a thrilling ride from start to finish. The author did a great job of creating a believable and immersive future world, where climate change, political turmoil, and technological advances have changed the face of humanity. The book is full of twists and turns, action and suspense, and some clever humor along the way. The book is the first in a series, but it works well as a standalone story. The author sets up some intriguing threads for the next books, but also wraps up the main plot in a way that leaves the reader satisfied. The book is not too heavy on technical jargon, but still manages to convey the scientific concepts behind the story.

The only minor flaw I found in the book was that some of the secondary characters could have been developed more. I wanted to see more of them but they sometimes seemed to serve as plot devices rather than real people. However, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book overall. Mathematics of Eternity is a fast-paced and exciting sci-fi thriller that will keep you hooked until the end. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes science fiction with a dash of humor and adventure, especially anyone looking for a character focused almost detective-like story. Special thanks to Breakeven Books for organizing the Blog Tour!

[S. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly’s delivery is cynical. Humanity’s future is the aftermath of our postindustrial age spent in denial of ecological issues. It made a very enjoyable read! Of all the dystopian stories I’ve read, perhaps this world is the likeliest to occur.

Joe is living the life of a taxi driver a lot like Corban Dallas in one of my top ten favorite movies, Fifth Element. Unlike Bruce Willis, Joe was in a horrible accident that left him in prosthetic limbs he couldn’t get used to. One other thing they have in common is that the fate of life itself is on the line.

I enjoy both Kelly’s vivid imagery, especially during the doc’s big scene, and the characterization shown in Joe through recurring quirks.

Romance in the novel is every bit as scifi as the central plot. Joe’s boss really is the complete package! Others take internet dating to the ultimate level.

I was given a free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left a review. Any review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself at LARC-SciFi(dot)com.

[Michael Shotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable sci-fi adventure with a lot of moving parts. For me, this is a book that's easy to recommend, with a few minor caveats. If you're a film buff, I think "Blade Runner" meets "The Fifth Element" would be a good way to sum this one up, or at the very least set the stage for it. Depending on how familiar one is with the genre, the ideas and constituent pieces of plot and world-building on display here may feel more or less original or novel but everything is executed in a solid and comforting way that (for the most part) feels increasingly satisfying and reliable as the story progresses. There are definitely nits that could be picked with various aspects, most of which I'd say are matters of personal taste or preference, and a few rough edges on the technical side of things, but nothing too plentiful, lingering, or distracting. As a result, I feel pretty confident theorizing that "Mathematics of Eternity" would be an easy 4 or 5-star read for most science fiction lovers looking for a near-future noir-tinged page turner with some sturdy bones and interesting wrinkles. I give it a 4.25, rounded up so as not to underrate it.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

MATHEMATICS OF ETERNITY is a non-stop, remarkably twisty, near-future, cli-fi, sci-fi, Baltimore Noir. Hammering down on the consequences of climate change, human greed, and ostrich-in-the-sand mentality, it also gives strong doses of A.I. and Science and Scientists vs. Engineers, plus gender dysmorphia, genetic engineering, human-machine hybridization. For those who enjoy the Noir of the 1940's, there is plenty of that here too. Joe Ballen, former Low-Earth-Orbit space mechanic turned Baltimore cabbie, is a protagonist worthy of "The Maltese Falcon," an individual of high integrity. I could see this as a film starring the late Humphrey Bogart as Joe, the late beauteous Barbara Stanwyck as Dollie, Jane Fonda (younger) as Tara; Logan as played by Lou Diamond Phillips. The novel is engrossing and great fun, with resonating deeper important themes.

[Scott Overton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combine 22nd Century technology with a wisecracking cab driver and a mystery involving quantum cosmology, and you’ve got Mathematics of Eternity, the first book in David M. Kelly’s Joe Ballen series.
Ballen is a former space engineer grounded after being seriously injured in an accident. Reduced to flying cabs for a living, his routine is shattered when one of his passengers dies suspiciously, and from then on Ballen is a wanted man, the body count is high, and the peril is non-stop.
Ballen’s cynical narration would fit right into a Dashiell Hammett novel. In fact, Kelly captures the noir feel of such classics perfectly, while his depictions of future tech bring to life a convincing post-climate-change flooded Baltimore of the year 2143.
If you enjoy genre-blending fiction from a skilled writer, Mathematics of Eternity will make you a David M. Kelly fan.

[Breana Sprinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sci-Fi that was full of action with a mystery that will provide a conclusion worthy of its genre, Mathematics of Eternity was a brilliant piece of fiction that left me on the edge.

I read this during a rough time in my life.
Focusing on the many conflicts & issues the main character Joe Ballen faced brought some semblance of peace back into my own life temporarily.

Any story with escapism such as that is a great one in my personal opinion.

I'd read another installment happily.

Review copy. My opinion is mine.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love sci fi books and action novels, so I decided to give this book a read. Overall the story was interesting, but there were a few times the writing made it a bit confusing to understand what was going on. Additionally, at times in my opinion there was an overuse of similes, some of which felt a bit forced or out of context. The main character could also be a bit misogynistic at times, but also had some really comical moments as well. Good easy read if you’re looking for a fun action packed book.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Ballen, driver of flying cabs, takes a customer home one night as is witness to his apparent suicide. Things immediately go wrong for Joe. His customer was a scientist and soon some of his colleagues are killed and Joe is fingered for the crimes. Someone is trying to stop their research being made public and Joe is just the convenient man to take the blame.

This is an intelligent and fast-moving science fiction book in which the action mainly takes place on earth. There’s something of the dystopian future about this story, liberally laced with action, adventure and quite a lot of fun. I can see more possibilities for this concept as the science and the political background are convincing. The characters are well fleshed too, and it would be good to see some of them again. This is a long book but it never drags and if this is your genre, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

[RocketteReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been getting into more sci-fi recently and I’m reading a new book called “Mathematics of Eternity” by David M. Kelly for a book tour.
I enjoyed the interesting world and the wonderful cast of characters I got to read about. It has been quite a page-turner. So if are into cool interesting sci-fi with a bit of a dystopian feel, please give it a try.
Mathematics of Eternity is the first in the Joe Ballen series by David M. Kelly

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Kindle Unlimited, not from freebie site technically, it was from LibraryThing which means I get free book{s} and they hope I review them which works for me because review everything I read anyway.

Interestingly odd/different story, and as usual not going to give rundown of plot; read the blurb, better yet read the book already.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find a lot of science fiction too "heavy" and slow, but not the case here. Great world-building and science meshed with characters I love and lots of page-turning action.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I tend to stay away from reading science fiction I keep being drawn back when I see this authors work and am always glad I did. This time we have the Nerd wars as I have penned it and it is a high action and suspense filled book that I was unable to put down. With murder, mayhem and suspense this book has it all. I recommend it highly.

[Spike Anny (The Obstinate Owlbear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Thank you to Erik @breakevenbooks and the author @david_kelly_sf for #gifting me an ebook copy of Mathematics of Eternity in exchange for an honest review.

Mathematics of Eternity by David M Kelly is a good fun read. This is not a book I would have picked up off the shelf, but the saying don't judge a book by its cover is true for a reason.

The plot is pulled off nicely. It reads like a pulp detective novel wrapped in a sci-fi package. As you pull back the wrapping paper of the story it gets deeper and deeper than initially assumed

The story is a fast paced, action packed thrill ride in a future that doesn't seem so unrealistic from the time we are in currently.

[Elizabeth museumgrack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mathematics of Eternity is a fast paced sci-fi adventure available now in paperback OR for Kindle and other digital devices.

If you enjoyed the futuristic noir feel of Blade Runner, the grizzled taxi driver turned hero of the Fifth Element, or are just a fan of a good who-done-it style mystery, Mathematics of Eternity is sure to have something you will enjoy.

Plus, if you enjoy this romp with hero Joe Ballen in a near future earth whose economy and fate are stymie by a dying earth and the will of the Atoll overlords, you can keep your adventure going with this four book series!

[Daniel Smith]

Won in the Goodreads Giveaways - passed on.

[Rafael A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like it a lot, just read it a third time to get to read the last book of Joe Ballen series. Now looking to get the Logan ones ;)

[Boulder Boulderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel through the Goodreads giveaways programme, in return for an honest review.

Have to say that I enjoyed this one; I'm often dubious of independent authors, having experienced some truly awful work - but Kelly is one of the good ones. Some of the editing is a little uneven, with typos and the like, but the story itself is action packed and fun. The characters are well drawn and developed, and the overall noir tone works very well.

I'm not entirely sure about the gender politics and semi-romantic undertone, which isn't completely developed, but it doesn't distract from the storyline so that's fine. For an action novel, the plot is refreshingly sensible and comes to a satisfactory climax.

I think that Kelly will be one to track, in the future, and wish him the best in securing a publishing deal.

[Denise]

Title did not prepare me for the story. Interesting ending. Liked the premise of our world's future and how it got there.