Delphi Federation is book six in the Best-Selling SciFi adventure series Delphi in Space.. The series follows the McCormacks and their friends as they drag Earth from a backwater world in the galaxy to the forefront of interstellar civilizations. They leverage the technology from the Sakira to build MacKenzie Discoveries into a world-leading technology company and eventually into an interstellar juggernaut.
After winning the war against the Paraxean rebels, now the McCormacks have to win the peace. Everyone on Earth now knows that they have alien technology that they've been hiding. What changes when they come out into the open? How do they handle their new leadership role on Earth? When lives are threatened they step up, but when they can’t control the situation they have to take a bigger step. Read how the machinations on Earth get in the way of exploring the stars.
Bob Blanton has been an avid reader ever since his mother first took him to a library at age five. He has toyed with writing for years since college but was always too busy to start a novel. The "stone series" developed almost by itself as he was trying to sleep on long flights to Asia and Europe. He managed to write it and two follow-on novels while he was working, but never had the time to polish them. After he retired to the beach in Mexico, the only thing that competes with writing is the sound of the ocean and sunsets over the water. Now that he has published his series, he hopes you enjoy reading them as much as he has had writing them. Check back for other books as he continues to ply his new trade.
Now that he has published his series, he hopes you enjoy reading about Matthew and his developing powers as much as he has enjoyed writing about them.
While I'm reading these books I often find myself questioning what is happening, but I have learnt to just go with the flow and I have found I still really enjoy the stories.
I just blew through all the books in this series (1-9 as I’m certain more are coming). As a result I am doing one review for all the books. The top item is: these books are significantly better than 95% of self-published books. Book one is by far the worst of the series and it is still okay. Book one’s main problem is that it lacks story resolution, something I hate and generally do not forgive. Here, however, the author tells a more character driven story which reduces the need for a firm resolution. In fact another review for book 9 caught my eye and it was complaining about a lack action, something I would typically complain about as well but did not even consider as the development of the characters was fascinating.
After book one the author uses a recipe: resolve main story but end on a teaser for the next book. Personally I find using teasers a bad idea as it distracts from the story just told. It also seems to me that a truly competent author would not require teasers as readers would come back for more without them. Oddly enough I am reminded of Lilian Jackson Braun’s “Cat Who” series. It was also character driven and yet she never felt the need to end one of her books with a teaser for the next book (and I read this entire series even though I am not a mystery reader).
Author Bob Blanton’s latest book Delphi Federation is the sixth in the sci-fi compilation “Delphi in Space Series.” The government of Delphi is continuing their quest to harmonize the civilians of both Earth and the alien race known as “Paraxeans.” Unfortunately, this latest iteration is so disjointed that it’s hard to invest in any kind of expansion, whether it be technological or the story’s characters. While it’s intriguing to imagine the types of leaps we can make some day, this book is less a page turner and more a dare to dream adventure.
Marc McCormick is the ruler of the nation of Delphi and his brother Blake is what we Earthlings would probably consider Surgeon General or Chief of Staff. The tale of Delphi Federation introduces us to Marc’s teenager daughter Catie who is wise beyond her years. She’s a mix of child prodigy and reluctant princess. She has developed many projects that are helping Delphi to advance their military while also influencing her father's political decisions. However, from the beginning things get muddled by a lack of focus. Way too much time is spent teasing her about her selection of mentor and patting her on the back for a successful military mission. Add to that the annoyance of her constantly touting her fighting skills against her bodyguards (who seem less like protectors and more like pals) and you’re still left waiting for a reason to invest in this young lady’s life.
Reader boredom goes from bad to worse when Catie needs to finish a school assignment, but will have to go undercover to complete it. Thanks to advancements in technology, nanites are introduced through her body that alter her height, weight, hair color, skin tone, etc. to ensure that she will not be recognized. Here is where the story shifts from Catie’s quest for technological advancement to detective. She gets a position at an assembly plant where she discovers the poor quality food being served to employees. She makes it a point to investigate why provisions aren’t as good as they once were and who is responsible for it. All the while this is happening, Catie still has time for hanging out with her roommate and even secretly creating a special step to help her height impaired temporary roommate.
Storylines shift once more when military action is required in Guatemala. A drug lord takes over a hospital and demands special treatment for his son who has a unique medical condition that only a Delphi doctor can truly treat. We follow the mission to bring the drug lord and his cartel into custody and help the Guatemalan police take back control of their country. Of course, Catie finds herself immersed in this mission as she is pilot (one frequently called on for assistance). She lends a hand dropping soldiers on site and also evacuating hostages. Add to these matters a ball, a birthday celebration and Catie developing a number of technological advancements to help the Delphi military and somehow this nation finding themselves assisting during a war between Russia and Ukraine. Plus, her dad is dating his Chief of Staff. Her uncle is part mentor and part pal. The doctor that helps her with her nanite change is also secretly using government funding and technology to promote birth control in Africa. It’s all just a jumbled mix of storylines that leave you lost.
Obviously, the focus is mostly on Catie so you certainly somewhat interested in her as a character. But with so much going on it’s difficult to truly lose yourself in any aspect of the story enough to excitedly turn pages. Why does someone so young have such influence on governmental decisions? Why is she the only teenager included on military missions? Are we to believe it’s simply because she’s wise beyond her years and intellectually gifted? Also, where do readers find the emotional connection to Catie? We never get any inner exploration of how she is feeling – outside of her expression of disdain for attending social events. Her sole form of friends (as previously noted) seem to be her bodyguards until she hangs out a bit with a coworker while undercover and post mission we read about her on an outing and then a vacation with a reporter around her age. Readers would have benefited from a little less space exploration and more internal monologue from our leading lady.
One noteworthy aspect for sci-fi fans is the technology featured throughout the book. It remains to be seen if Blanton has a psychic gift for what the future holds, has a pal in at NASA slipping him ideas that are being toyed with for space advancement or if these are just notions dreamt up for what he’d like to see some day. Whatever it may be, he clearly has his finger on outerspace and what may someday come to be.
Sadly, Delphi Federation is less focused on characters and more centered on what the future holds for technology. Catie seems like a nice kid, but readers just don’t find themselves fully invested in her personal journey rather than her incredible inventions. On a personal note, Blanton has a set of twins in the story that seem to talk at the same time – almost as one. As a twin, myself, it is kind of a bone of contention since in reality there is almost never an occasion where we’d answer simultaneously. Regardless, Delphi Federation is a fascinating look at what the future could hold through advancement in technology. If you’re more interested in that aspect of science fiction it is worth the read. Otherwise, we hope that Blanton fleshes his characters out more in the next book in the series.
First few books of the series were decently entertaining, but as it progressed it felt like the author's particular worldview became more and more overt. Which is totally within their purview, of course. But as a reader that wasn't really what I was looking for. I guess my brain drew the line at 'Ukraine defeats evil Russia with space guns.' From the war in Ukraine, to the caricature of the American president who's bad just because he's bad (and likes to tweet!), to the existential threat of climate change and over-population, to the treatment of every woman as more perfectly clever and amazing than the next while the men are buffoons, misogynists, bad guys, or at best, one-dimensional generic and harmless 'good guys'. At a certain point, it just felt like like 'political' proselytizing.
That said, I'm sure all of that goes over great with, well, maybe 40% of readers?
Regardless, sincere props to the author on quite the sprawling and visionary epic. I loved the initial premise of asking how someone could use access to advanced alien technology to make the planet a better place. Whatever my criticisms, I respect the author's accomplishments and wish them continued success!
Really good book more action than the others, sorely needed.
I really still enjoy this series and after reading several of the books I still rate the series highly. It seems like the series was basically surrounding Katie and her growing into womanhood, it did not seem to revolve around the rest of the McCormick family. The author change that somewhat in this particular book. There was a bit more action which is sorely needed in the series. The other pet peeve I found in the series was that you have advanced medical devices and equipment but you can’t have a drug to get your enemies to tell you what you want to know. The only other problem I have is that Mark the captain who found the ship has only a small part in the series. If the book is about Katie then change that in the author description. Like I said this book fixed a few of these issues but the author needs to continue in this vein. Going onto the next book, highly entertaining.
I am binge reading this series. Six books in five days and likely finish all ten over the next three days.
Blanton expertly weaves every aspect of this excellent world of truly gripping and memorable characters into a world I'd like to live.
Few authors have that level of skill let alone demonstrate knowledge of nautical & aviation engineering, physics, astronomy, things military and political into such a delivery system.
This is an outstanding series .... I am moving on to number 7. I will truly miss the family of characters I've joined when I reach the series end later this week.
Blanton, Bob. Delphi Federation. Kindle, 2020. After the events of Delphi Alliance, the secret of the existence of spacefaring aliens is well and truly out, and everyone wants a piece of the technological pie. Delphi must mediate among the competing claims. Meanwhile, Catie and her “he’s-not-my-guy” are making big improvements in the alien gravity drive. If you have hung with the first five novels in this series, there is no reason you won’t like this one just as much.
Now... If you're like me you grew up watching Star Trek, and you hoped to see that sort of future for humanity. This writers story follows an interesting path and even works the thread of the reality of our recent political shenanigans into the story... I gotta tell you aside from some small discrepancies in my feelings about the core characters, I am loving this series. Now, if you'll excuse me I have to order and start the next book.....
OMG. Choose this by chance and I have read ALL the books so far. What great characters. Loved the family dynamics. Easy reading, and great story line. I am waiting on the next book to see where the story goes.
Loved the values that are reflected in the book. I urge anyone who loves to read for the joy to choose this series.
Facebook continues the series of the Delphi and the McCormick's. You find a new challenge A New Perspective on Law & Justice and you find that you're not the only Speck in the Earth. It's well worth the read I encourage you if you'd like to series to continue on.
I have just finished book 6 and will start no 7 right away. I do not review a book often nor am I concerned with proving my intellectual brilliance as a reviewer. My standard is, if a book keeps me reading, is an enjoyable escape from a tough day and is fun to read it meets my expectations for entertainment. This series is immense fun.
I no longer can recommend the series. Since book 4 the series has become more focused on expressing the authors modern partisan views then focusing on the charaters space story.
I read to relax and be entertained, if I wanted to lectured just watch mainstream media.
The story is nice but not a lot of science fiction in it. Way too much Catie as the leading character. I cannot believe she has the technical knowledge and skills of an aerospace or some other engineer to be able to design and build spacecrafts. The story is good but has way too much of her as the lead.
still goin strong, adding recent world events to the narrative
Cat, the MC’s daughter is taking a greater role in the story. This is quite interesting as she does air & spacecraft design, ordinance design and does piloting of fighter jets. She also did an undercover investigation and political meet & greets as a noble potentate.
With over 50 helpful reviews on Amazon for this already, I'll just recommend this for readers of space adventure stories. It's part of a solid series by an experienced author. Recommended.
The Delphi Nation moves forward into space exploration, mining, and protecting allies. Several main characters are entertaining, but the precocious Catie continues to charm and make me laugh. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
This is another fantastic wonderful story in this series and keep getting better. Can’t wait for the next story because they ended this book with that they found two planets that would support life for the Praxeans. Can’t wait to the author write faster please.
This entire series would make a fantastic next gen “Star Wars” type cinematic feast for all audiences. Someone should scoop up these books and start screenwriting, please.
When you evaluate the current world setup, you'll see a lot of flaws and inefficiency. This book (in a fictional way) trying to offer an alternative, albeit in a simplistic way.
This series has been fun to read. Yes, the plots can sometimes be transparent but the writing is well done and the stories include some well placed satires of current norms and good vs. evil tropes.
Probably finance by the Chinese government otherwise can't explain the anti-American and anti-Rusia propaganda written by somebody who is full of hate. Needed to wash my mouth after reading it. Made me puke.
I know I’m late to the party but this was a super fun read. Slowly but surely he is bringing the people of earth together. Can’t wait to see what the next book has to offer.
A truly entertaining story. Finished the entire series and found each book compelling. A binge read, designed for every age group. If you appreciate unlikely heros then this should be added to your read list.
Russia is causing me while Marc and Catie want to do interstellar exploration. They try to resolve the former while prepping for the latter, and many other smaller advancements and innovations take place along the way. More fun with the Delphi crew!
What would be a good fictional story without throwing in some hints on real world politics and religion and such? Still a good and interesting storyline.
The Delphi nation keeps on working to develop their technology and improve the quality of life for everyone. When the bad guys act out they are quickly subdued and the federation is formed. A good read.
Fun read, interesting how current Dr real world issues are worked into sci-fi with interesting solutions. I wish we could see problems and implement solutions as easily.
I have read several books in this series, while all of them had some Trump bashing, this one was the worst. Is the author trying to write science fiction or just vent his hatred of President Trump?