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Delphi in Space #7
Delphi Exploration
The McCormacks have found two planets. One for the Paraxeans and one for Earth? But they need to make sure they’re really suitable. Follow them as they head into the galaxy to explore these two planets. Will Earth really want to colonize a planet. Will that bring them together or tear nations apart.
249 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2020
599 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Bob Blanton
53 books316 followersBob 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 26, 2020
I have enjoyed all the 'Delphi' books, but I think this was the best so far. All of the books are fun to read, but at times they can be a bit disjointed. I thought this one was better and the different storylines had a better flow to them.
The most important thing about these books is they always leave me with a smile on my face.
The most important thing about these books is they always leave me with a smile on my face.
July 10, 2020
Awesome book! Love the entire series! I really hope our introduction to an alien civilization happens exactly like this. I laughed at Catie’s antics and the not so subtle references to our current socio-political situation. Wish we could fix it as easily as reading about it. This series is so easy to read-all of the books have been read in one session books. I don’t like to leave spoilers, so will just say if you like books that really take the “What if” question and run with it...then the series about the family that found a spaceship is for you. Enjoy!
May 3, 2022
Excellent!
March 7, 2021
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).
Bottom line: good, enjoyable books.
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).
Bottom line: good, enjoyable books.
Currently reading
May 2, 2025Still a good read
Having grown up reading Heinlein, Asimov and Anderson along with Jules Verne I see a mix of Heinlein and Asimov in these books. ADI is in the Asimov column. Better than 95% of what passes for science fiction today. Star Trek comes closer and Star Wars isn’t even in the same Galaxy. Only a few editing oops. The characters become familiar. I find myself chuckling at some of the things Catie says or any of the main characters. The fact that the main characters have been kept down and introduced slowly makes it easier to follow. Being dumped on with 30 mains in the first chapter of the first book is too much. I would ET that Mr Blanton has read at least some Heinlein, and Azimov. Why not 5 stars? Because there is always room for improvement. On to the next one. That will be 3 for today.
Having grown up reading Heinlein, Asimov and Anderson along with Jules Verne I see a mix of Heinlein and Asimov in these books. ADI is in the Asimov column. Better than 95% of what passes for science fiction today. Star Trek comes closer and Star Wars isn’t even in the same Galaxy. Only a few editing oops. The characters become familiar. I find myself chuckling at some of the things Catie says or any of the main characters. The fact that the main characters have been kept down and introduced slowly makes it easier to follow. Being dumped on with 30 mains in the first chapter of the first book is too much. I would ET that Mr Blanton has read at least some Heinlein, and Azimov. Why not 5 stars? Because there is always room for improvement. On to the next one. That will be 3 for today.
January 17, 2021
Stupidity reigns
Why does ever SciFi author reach the point of stupidity. I have been tired of precocious Catie for quite a while. No organization or for that matter parent would risk the life of a prime intellectual asset on untested potentially deadly technology. Nor would anyone as smart as Catie is supposed to be not understand the decision. Hoped she'd die. Oh well.
Why does ever SciFi author reach the point of stupidity. I have been tired of precocious Catie for quite a while. No organization or for that matter parent would risk the life of a prime intellectual asset on untested potentially deadly technology. Nor would anyone as smart as Catie is supposed to be not understand the decision. Hoped she'd die. Oh well.
August 9, 2022
I liked the book OK. But, like its predecessors it had too much Catie and not enough science fiction. In addition, the book delved too much into politics and war in my opinion. And I think that the author dropped the ball when there were opportunities to write real science fiction. Example, when the two planets were discovered for exploration, there was very little description of the planets, their flora and fauna, and animal life. There was mention of a huge animal with horns and another animal that resembled a tiger. After the first encounter there was no effort to track the animal and find the heard if there were some. Thus, the descriptions of the animals were very basic. If I were exploring a new planet, I would want to know about all of the wildlife and also any animals in the seas. They had specialists among the exploration crew but never described anything that they found, or any of their activities.
When they exploration crew discovered a starship headed their way they did preliminary investigation but little or no follow-up to find out more about the other ship and its inhabitants. Then the book ends with us not knowing who the starship people are. And it ends with more about what Catie needs to do to continue to be part of the exploration and colonizing team. Now it may be that the author intends to cover some of these shortcomings in the following books. I may read one more book in this series but it continues to be the Catie story I may just quit after that.
When they exploration crew discovered a starship headed their way they did preliminary investigation but little or no follow-up to find out more about the other ship and its inhabitants. Then the book ends with us not knowing who the starship people are. And it ends with more about what Catie needs to do to continue to be part of the exploration and colonizing team. Now it may be that the author intends to cover some of these shortcomings in the following books. I may read one more book in this series but it continues to be the Catie story I may just quit after that.
February 28, 2023
If you're looking for Hamlet in Space you're in the wrong series. This book, like the pervious books in this series, are pleasant escapist fiction. Light reading. There's enough character description and development so they're not paper thin. But, not much more. No psychological angst. No historical motivations--or not much. Enough to make the characters people you can like and root for. The plots are not complicated. For comparison, I'd consider David Weber's plots complex or complicated with lots of political, economic, and personal stuff going on...not even considering the overwhelming tech. Over these books, and time, the plot line advances. Blanton is not rewriting the same story over and over. Characters do change and develop. Things and situations around them change. Life is not static. Catie, a teenage major character is described as a genius and advanced for her age. This is necessary. It keeps from being totally unbelievable. At this point in the story the Mackensies, their company, and Delphi nation, start exploring worlds around other stars. I strongly suggest starting with the first book in the series, Sakura. If you've enjoyed the earlier books I think you're likely to enjoy this one too.
April 3, 2021
Blanton, Bob. Delphi Exploration. Delphi in Space No. 7. Kindle, 2020.
I notice that most reviewers of Delphi Exploration talk more about the series as a whole than this particular novel. I can understand why. It is such an interstitial work that you can’t say anything about it without creating a lot of spoilers for those still reading earlier works in the series. This utopian space opera (and for some grumpy reviewers, a much too liberal utopia) continues on its merry way, fixing the environment, improving health care, establishing world peace, moving humanity into space, and helping out its alien neighbors. If you need more than that, well, read the earlier novels and then get back to me. 3.5 stars as usual.
I notice that most reviewers of Delphi Exploration talk more about the series as a whole than this particular novel. I can understand why. It is such an interstitial work that you can’t say anything about it without creating a lot of spoilers for those still reading earlier works in the series. This utopian space opera (and for some grumpy reviewers, a much too liberal utopia) continues on its merry way, fixing the environment, improving health care, establishing world peace, moving humanity into space, and helping out its alien neighbors. If you need more than that, well, read the earlier novels and then get back to me. 3.5 stars as usual.
August 31, 2020
Political trash dressed up as science fiction
Good writing and characters except as story went on I found that the perfect people went to far to be believable. I began to dislike the pontificating and outright presentation of the new green deal and the Bernie Sanders agenda and trying dress it up as science fiction. Also the use of the US as his whipping boy just made me mad. I thought the author would pull out of his nose dive into idiocracy but he never did. Do not waste your time on this series like I did instead read something of value. You can always watch CNN if you want this type of stuff.
Good writing and characters except as story went on I found that the perfect people went to far to be believable. I began to dislike the pontificating and outright presentation of the new green deal and the Bernie Sanders agenda and trying dress it up as science fiction. Also the use of the US as his whipping boy just made me mad. I thought the author would pull out of his nose dive into idiocracy but he never did. Do not waste your time on this series like I did instead read something of value. You can always watch CNN if you want this type of stuff.
December 2, 2020
Another friendly AI
I love box with a strong female lead. The friendly AI is becoming a common trope and science fiction. This one is well thought out. Some of the ideas are great but the writing level is at high school. I think of it as cotton candy for the mind. A nice balance to the “the minister of the future“. One can only take so much of strong women characters running black ops from the UN to take out billionaires to save the world from pollution. Once that one gets into the story, there are so many more to read and relax by. The last time I felt this way was when I was reading about Ell Donsaii
I love box with a strong female lead. The friendly AI is becoming a common trope and science fiction. This one is well thought out. Some of the ideas are great but the writing level is at high school. I think of it as cotton candy for the mind. A nice balance to the “the minister of the future“. One can only take so much of strong women characters running black ops from the UN to take out billionaires to save the world from pollution. Once that one gets into the story, there are so many more to read and relax by. The last time I felt this way was when I was reading about Ell Donsaii
July 18, 2020
Good
These are good, interesting, but they move along really fast and leave out all the little things that really draw you into a story, reads more like a series of events than an actual story, and the plotline is a bit hokey, the main character is a teenage super genius, seems like every chapter includes multiple world altering innovations, mixed in with a sort of utopian ideology. It's interesting and I'll keep reading them, but could have been so much better with a little more detail and in depth fully fledged characters.
These are good, interesting, but they move along really fast and leave out all the little things that really draw you into a story, reads more like a series of events than an actual story, and the plotline is a bit hokey, the main character is a teenage super genius, seems like every chapter includes multiple world altering innovations, mixed in with a sort of utopian ideology. It's interesting and I'll keep reading them, but could have been so much better with a little more detail and in depth fully fledged characters.
July 18, 2020
One for the Delphi Exploration
Everything's bigger Vague has adapted the space jump from a sesor drone to run a starship! The drones have do a covered not one but two habitual planets within half a light year of earth! One for the Paxarean refugees, one for Earth! But there are those who want things the way they used to be and are willing to kill to get their power back! The Delphi federation is experiencing growing pains with all the politics that go with it this is a great addition to the Delphi ssries,give it a try!
Everything's bigger Vague has adapted the space jump from a sesor drone to run a starship! The drones have do a covered not one but two habitual planets within half a light year of earth! One for the Paxarean refugees, one for Earth! But there are those who want things the way they used to be and are willing to kill to get their power back! The Delphi federation is experiencing growing pains with all the politics that go with it this is a great addition to the Delphi ssries,give it a try!
July 20, 2020
I like this series so far as a quick read. It fills in part of the time while waiting for the next Mackey Chandler book. As an homage to Mackey's April series it is a creditable 'lite' read that speeds through many of the issue's, technology and politics that Mackey likes to spend more time on. There is a much more centrist world view than Mackey's strongly libertarian view. Unlike Mackey's books however, I probably won't be so quick to reread. 4 stars for readability if you like 'sci fi ultra-lite'.
May 8, 2022
Fun ride
I enjoy the quick, breezy pace of the story. The characters are likable and moral. The small issue I have is the lack of explaining character motivation or headspace at the moment. In one scene, the smart young girl is about to solve an issue in a board meeting. Then an Admiral starts to speak, but it is unclear if they are speaking overtop another or the girl trailed off, but then Step Mom crashes in and stops the conversation. Is it to interrupt the interruption to her stepdaughter? Is it Mom stopping a budding argument? It's a little unclear.
I enjoy the quick, breezy pace of the story. The characters are likable and moral. The small issue I have is the lack of explaining character motivation or headspace at the moment. In one scene, the smart young girl is about to solve an issue in a board meeting. Then an Admiral starts to speak, but it is unclear if they are speaking overtop another or the girl trailed off, but then Step Mom crashes in and stops the conversation. Is it to interrupt the interruption to her stepdaughter? Is it Mom stopping a budding argument? It's a little unclear.
July 17, 2020
Great Adventure
Delphi is a society unlike ours. It's led by smart, well educated people who have a strong moral compass and make decisions that benefit the majority of people. Money is important to them and they are very good at making it, but it's not the most important thing to them. They take great risks and allow us to share their adventures. All the books in this series are wonderful reads that you don't want to end! I highly recommend all of them!
Delphi is a society unlike ours. It's led by smart, well educated people who have a strong moral compass and make decisions that benefit the majority of people. Money is important to them and they are very good at making it, but it's not the most important thing to them. They take great risks and allow us to share their adventures. All the books in this series are wonderful reads that you don't want to end! I highly recommend all of them!
July 23, 2020
WOW!!!
Well written series of books. Jumps a little time wise but going from discovery earth bound to planetary exploration in just 7 books it's still very good. Honestly think how you portrayed the global powers is spot on. Sort sad because that means we still have a long way to go if we can survive long enough. Seriously looking forward to more from the author. Huge amount of potential.
Well written series of books. Jumps a little time wise but going from discovery earth bound to planetary exploration in just 7 books it's still very good. Honestly think how you portrayed the global powers is spot on. Sort sad because that means we still have a long way to go if we can survive long enough. Seriously looking forward to more from the author. Huge amount of potential.
April 12, 2023
Delphi in Space
I love this series and the main characters! It is a classic space opera. I also love that it centers more on peace then war, but still has plenty of adventure and military tactics.
My criticisms would be these - Catie is supposed too have an edidetic memory yet there are things she forgets, that is not typical of that gift. Second, A glossary of the technical terms would be most helpful as their is a lot of engineering and scientific terminology.
I love this series and the main characters! It is a classic space opera. I also love that it centers more on peace then war, but still has plenty of adventure and military tactics.
My criticisms would be these - Catie is supposed too have an edidetic memory yet there are things she forgets, that is not typical of that gift. Second, A glossary of the technical terms would be most helpful as their is a lot of engineering and scientific terminology.
July 10, 2020
Delta in space
This series gets better every time I read it It is 1 of the few series that I can read more than once and I enjoy going back over and I get something new out of that every time I read it. The characters are very well thought out and exciting And the plot is very real Although it is set in space Can't wait for book 8
This series gets better every time I read it It is 1 of the few series that I can read more than once and I enjoy going back over and I get something new out of that every time I read it. The characters are very well thought out and exciting And the plot is very real Although it is set in space Can't wait for book 8
July 12, 2020
Love it and I want more of It!
Please tell me that you are writing book #8! This series is great. Each book gives me hope for the future! The old saying of "If it is written, then let it be done". Hopefully there are future leaders out there who are also reading these books and getting some of these ideas.
Please tell me that you are writing book #8! This series is great. Each book gives me hope for the future! The old saying of "If it is written, then let it be done". Hopefully there are future leaders out there who are also reading these books and getting some of these ideas.
July 19, 2020
I love this series!
Yet again Bob Blanton makes me want more. The Delphi series brings forth a great plot plan brought to life with a cast of well developed loveable characters from curmudgeon to high IQ teens, mixing day to day life with a plausible futureometry ...grab and read the whole series
Yet again Bob Blanton makes me want more. The Delphi series brings forth a great plot plan brought to life with a cast of well developed loveable characters from curmudgeon to high IQ teens, mixing day to day life with a plausible futureometry ...grab and read the whole series
July 28, 2020
Expanding Horizons
It's a lot of fun following Mark, Samantha, Catie and others come up with solutions to problems of the day. The characters are likeable. Especially the main and ancillary characters. I like the action, humor, and romance. What will happen when Delphi meets the alien starship? I look forward to another book.
It's a lot of fun following Mark, Samantha, Catie and others come up with solutions to problems of the day. The characters are likeable. Especially the main and ancillary characters. I like the action, humor, and romance. What will happen when Delphi meets the alien starship? I look forward to another book.
August 6, 2020
Wow haven’t read 7 books so quick in a long time
This is now one of my all time favorite series I have ever read. The way he incorporated the nations of earth, with introducing new technologies was very impressive. I enjoyed how he made “Cat” a real person with a number of flaws. I highly recommend this book to families and a number of my kids are planning on reading it!
This is now one of my all time favorite series I have ever read. The way he incorporated the nations of earth, with introducing new technologies was very impressive. I enjoyed how he made “Cat” a real person with a number of flaws. I highly recommend this book to families and a number of my kids are planning on reading it!
August 18, 2020
Moving Forward
This storyline continues to advance, and maintains the same level of reasonable tech and mystery established early on in the series. Decent character development and while the protagonists continue to find alien tech answers for current problems, the introduction of those answers remains sustainable.
This storyline continues to advance, and maintains the same level of reasonable tech and mystery established early on in the series. Decent character development and while the protagonists continue to find alien tech answers for current problems, the introduction of those answers remains sustainable.
August 31, 2020
Love the story line. Having had a career in aerospace for a time, some of the concepts put forward were very intriguing. However, the socialist bent to the political aspects of the series, I found repugnant and at odds with the U.S. Constitution I am sworn to protect. Because of that, I can only rate it three stars.
September 25, 2020
Another winner keep breathing
This is another book in the Delphi series. The characters are still the same a little older and they have some exciting things happening in this book. The key person is Catie McCormick, a very smart teenager. If you're looking for a long travel good humor and just enough selfishness to make the book interesting since follow up with this next book.
This is another book in the Delphi series. The characters are still the same a little older and they have some exciting things happening in this book. The key person is Catie McCormick, a very smart teenager. If you're looking for a long travel good humor and just enough selfishness to make the book interesting since follow up with this next book.
July 17, 2020
Great Read
This is book 7 and it is a great read. The story keeps you entertained and characters are well written and entertaining. I can’t wait for more books in this series. WY to go!
This is book 7 and it is a great read. The story keeps you entertained and characters are well written and entertaining. I can’t wait for more books in this series. WY to go!
July 20, 2020
Really enjoying this series
While I agree with another reviewer about the liberal bent of the series, I find myself hoping, to some extent that Earth finds its very own Sakira some day soon. Enjoy the read!
While I agree with another reviewer about the liberal bent of the series, I find myself hoping, to some extent that Earth finds its very own Sakira some day soon. Enjoy the read!
July 21, 2020
Absolutely Fantastic Science in the Fiction
This story of a guy who finds a spaceship and creates a space nation using technology found and improving it was awesome. There’s no lag from the previous book, it’s as if I read it straight from book one. Great Read
This story of a guy who finds a spaceship and creates a space nation using technology found and improving it was awesome. There’s no lag from the previous book, it’s as if I read it straight from book one. Great Read
July 25, 2020
Delphi
The series is written for young and old alike. I recommend starting with the first book and reading through all previous books before starting on book 7. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series
The series is written for young and old alike. I recommend starting with the first book and reading through all previous books before starting on book 7. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews