The term “science fiction” has been defined in a number of different ways, but my favorite is pretty straightforward: science fiction is that form of literature dealing with humans and our relationship to our technology. One concept that’s been getting a lot of attention lately is that of the technological singularity—also known as the Vinge singularity after Vernor Vinge, the computer scientist and SF writer who first described it. We're all familiar with how quickly human technology is advancing, of course, with advance following advance at a dizzying pace. The term singularity in this instance describes that point in the future when the rising curve of technological advance approaches the vertical, and what we define as human is transformed out of all recognition.
In the Star Carrier series, Humankind is at war with an alien culture seeking to restrict the technology of emergent galactic species, especially the so-called GRIN technologies—Genetics, Robotics, Information systems, and Nanotechnology—that are the principle drivers for the oncoming singularity. The story let me examine the Vinge singularity from different points of view, including those of both technology haves and have-nots. Most discussions of the singularity, it seems to me, ignore a key question: What happens to those members of an ascendant civilization who have not embraced the fast-changing new technologies?
As a bonus, the Star Carrier series let me take a look at a popular trope of SF movies—space-going fighters and aircraft carriers. Do the X-wing fighters of Star Wars or the Colonial Vipers of Battlestar Galactica make any sense at all? With no atmosphere, obviously, you can't have the maneuvers possible with atmospheric fighters—swoops and barrel rolls and high-G turns . . . or can you? More, are there tactical situations in space combat where single-seat fighters would provide a tactical advantage?
Star Carrier let me play with these ideas, and others.
I hope you all enjoy the ride!
- Ian Douglas
The first two books, EARTH STRIKE and CENTER OF GRAVITY, are on sale now!
Hey Mr Douglas your books rock. I can say i read them all. I have just finished CENTER OF GRAVITY and loved it and i look forward to book 3. Very soon i hope!
Semper Fi
Tim Reece vet USMC
Posted by: Tim Reece | May 06, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Love the Star Carrier series! I've read the first two books and can't wait for the third. When will it be out? Keep up the good work and thank you!
Posted by: David Lender | August 17, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Mr. Keith sorry but you have lost me as a reader with your inconsistencies.
In "Star Carrier" you have fighters and capital ships moving at 50k gravities, in "COG", your 2nd book, the fastest human ship is a mail courier at 1000 gravities?? Everyone seems to have forgotten Trevor Grays contribution to the previous battle.
Alien ships now are able to get within visual distance of earth undetected and with ease when its a fight in the first book.
These are just a few of the changes.
I enjoy the scientific side of your military SF and it's a writers priveledge to change the situation as you see fit but it makes for a crappy series when the rules change from book to book.
Posted by: SFfreak | December 18, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Love this book,The first two books are wonderful,this book is also. http://www.cheapswtorcredits.net/
Posted by: Meijun Zhang | February 29, 2012 at 09:04 PM