Beacon 23: The Complete Novel

At first glance, this book is just a lonely man talking to himself. And yet, it is so much more. Written with a subtle hand, you see the progress on his mental healing. Anyone who has been in war, can empathize with him. And I totally did not see the ending coming. Loved this book. It will stay in my memory.

I had seen the author's name in a few places and took a gamble on this one through prime reading. I was blown away by the main character and loved the journey he took me on. It reminded me a little of Vonnegut's portrayal of a mind stretched beyond it's normal, and felt very believable. I think it was absolutely worth my time and I will be chasing down more by this author.

More on the narrative side than dialogue and action. That's not to say it moved slowly, it read quickly. I am sure that many who read this book will find a common theme, well and thoughtfully presented. No spoilers, just read the book, taking time to think about it all. And in the end, what is you want?

Only this: wow! What a great story! I tend to prefer sad endings, they feel more real (yeah, yeah - sci-fi, fiction, blah, blah, blah) to me than everything tied up in a neat little bow. But a story with a heinous but happy ending? Lots of fun - I'm looking forward to reading more of Howey's work.

I have really enjoyed reading books written by HH. They are well constructed and the plot is engaging. The introspective of the characters is always interesting and I don't see how the reader can fail to empathize with the emotion put forth in the story context. I look forward to more work by Mr. Howey.

OK but not as good as i though. It got weird about 2/3rds in. Some neat science fiction thrown in, but the main characters seem like the author just wanted to talk about his own love life failures. And the relationship gets too weird for me. Too much talk of metaphysics are discussed between the two main characters, no one talks like that in real life. Not a bad introduction and setting. Could have been great but it got tedious to read due to character dialogue.

A wonderful, thoughtful work, with the feeling tone of the classic Enemy Mine novella and movie. This is a very human and compassionate story, one of Howey's best. I feel sad for those critics who choose hatred and war over love and peace--how unhappy they must be.

It's rare for a science fiction story to deeply explore the psyche of the main character. But that's what Beacon 23 does. The author uses the setting of this futuristic lighthouse to allow us to learn about the emotionally broken person who is manning it. If you like science fiction stories that are about big events or technology, this novel is not for you. If you like character studies then I would recommend this book.

I have to say that I liked reading this novel a lot. It is a good story with twists that are completely unexpected,. Thanks for the fun. I also must say, pacifism is great as long as everyone is playing.

I love Howey's writing and have very much enjoyed all of the books I have read of his. A few, I have loved. I almost put this book down after the first part. I just did not see the wonderful story unfolding which is part of the reason this book goes in the "loved" pile. This one is special.

I liked the story overall, however, since it was several "books" put together, there was a lot of repetition about the characters past. I could have done without a lot of the story that was told and the author could have expounded on more important parts.

Compelling and thought-provoking. If mankind expands into space, will the arena for war become galactic? Can we make peace on Earth with others who are human, but not like ourselves? The main characters in the book are well worth getting to know and I want/need the empathic furry alien animal that must really exist somewhere.

The first chapter was modified to be a short story in a book I read several months ago. I enjoyed it then, and when I realized I was not only reading it again, but entering that universe, I was thrilled. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I loved the earthen!

Mr Howey leads us through an interesting group of stories about a lonely operator on a remote outpost on the frontlines of an intergalactic war. The physical action is somewhat limited as a large part of the narrative takes place in the operators head, but the reader is taken on a nice journey nonetheless.

Diggin' it. Love this author's ideas - always something new to think about. There's one chapter where's he makes friends with a ______ (don't want to spoil it), and I could've read a whole book about the two of them - and that's pretty crazy, once you know what ______ is. Good times.

I have really enjoyed reading books written by HH. They are well constructed and the plot is engaging. The introspective of the characters is always interesting and I don't see how the reader can fail to empathize with the emotion put forth in the story context. I look forward to more work by Mr. Howey.

OK but not as good as i though. It got weird about 2/3rds in. Some neat science fiction thrown in, but the main characters seem like the author just wanted to talk about his own love life failures. And the relationship gets too weird for me. Too much talk of metaphysics are discussed between the two main characters, no one talks like that in real life. Not a bad introduction and setting. Could have been great but it got tedious to read due to character dialogue.

A wonderful, thoughtful work, with the feeling tone of the classic Enemy Mine novella and movie. This is a very human and compassionate story, one of Howey's best. I feel sad for those critics who choose hatred and war over love and peace--how unhappy they must be.

It's rare for a science fiction story to deeply explore the psyche of the main character. But that's what Beacon 23 does. The author uses the setting of this futuristic lighthouse to allow us to learn about the emotionally broken person who is manning it. If you like science fiction stories that are about big events or technology, this novel is not for you. If you like character studies then I would recommend this book.

I have to say that I liked reading this novel a lot. It is a good story with twists that are completely unexpected,. Thanks for the fun. I also must say, pacifism is great as long as everyone is playing.

I love Howey's writing and have very much enjoyed all of the books I have read of his. A few, I have loved. I almost put this book down after the first part. I just did not see the wonderful story unfolding which is part of the reason this book goes in the "loved" pile. This one is special.

I liked the story overall, however, since it was several "books" put together, there was a lot of repetition about the characters past. I could have done without a lot of the story that was told and the author could have expounded on more important parts.

Compelling and thought-provoking. If mankind expands into space, will the arena for war become galactic? Can we make peace on Earth with others who are human, but not like ourselves? The main characters in the book are well worth getting to know and I want/need the empathic furry alien animal that must really exist somewhere.

The first chapter was modified to be a short story in a book I read several months ago. I enjoyed it then, and when I realized I was not only reading it again, but entering that universe, I was thrilled. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I loved the earthen!

Mr Howey leads us through an interesting group of stories about a lonely operator on a remote outpost on the frontlines of an intergalactic war. The physical action is somewhat limited as a large part of the narrative takes place in the operators head, but the reader is taken on a nice journey nonetheless.

Diggin' it. Love this author's ideas - always something new to think about. There's one chapter where's he makes friends with a ______ (don't want to spoil it), and I could've read a whole book about the two of them - and that's pretty crazy, once you know what ______ is. Good times.

I am a consummate Hugh Howey fan, as such I'm a little biased. Beacon 23 is a good read, I laughed at the character and felt for the character. How you can write about a dude in a pod in the middle of space and keep it interesting is an amazing feat. Thanks Hugh, keep them coming!

Howey managed to draw me into the broken mind of a combat vet, spill my own guts on alien soil, and feel the utter resignation that peace calls for great sacrifice, mostly that of pride. A great, quick read with elegantly sharp prose, concise but fertile descriptions, and genuine dialogue.

A great first person adventure into the future of the human psyche, combining sci-fi, psychology, and a bit of PTSD for a result like a lighter version of Haldeman's Forever War. This by no means makes it a light story, as it is still somewhat dark and heavy hitting, but it adds in enough humor elements to make it work.

I'm glad to say that this turned out to be an excellent read. It did get a little confusing at one point, but it was clear that it was done on purpose and it fit the situation very well. I kind of wish there was more information and interaction with the Ryph, but overall I really enjoyed this series.

Post Traumatic Distress Order - a typical war vet story that just happens to take place in the future, about a spacecraft. It was a very interesting book. I would recommend Hugh Howey to my friends and look for more stories with this character.

It's a well told, intriguing story about people and their tragic/traumatic past, that just happens to take place in space. You don't have to be a sci-if fan to appreciate the raw and jarring portrait this book presents.

when hugh howey is good he is very very good. this is howey at his best. an extraordinary situation told from the point of view of an ordinary man. imaginatively, emotionally and narratively compelling. if you liked wool, you will like this.

Hugh Howey developed the characters in this book very well - easily as good as most of the better-known authors I've read of late. In such a short overall story arc, the story itself holds exceptionally well. Worth reading if you have a couple of hours to fill.

Once we reach the end of ourselves then we can truly find heaven. And heaven is where God lives and all the people we love. Hugh Howey knows this and he writes books about this idea that happens to be a true reality.

I had a hard time putting this one down, and I finished the book satisfied. Hugh Howey seems to have an unusual gift when it comes to leaving me satisfied after a book. Usually I can think of something that didn't get completed... some loose end that niggles in my brain. Not so with this author. I appreciate that.

You can't go wrong by reading anything from this indie author and I have a feeling that he'll be in the big leagues soon. His latest, this one, falls into that category also. Read the blurb and that's all you need to know before you buy it.

My first time reading Hugh Howdy. Well written and engaging story of a former space pilot/soldier dealing with his past war trauma while manning a navigation beacon alone in a remote section of space.

This sci-fi/space opera is long on character development to the point where it approaches "literary" fiction. The First Person POV is handled well and the action scenes are taut. The proofreading is excellent, making this a worthy story.

A truly interesting tale that deals with the fallout of war beyond injury and death. I would definitely read more from this author ... and I will.. He has the right mix of pathos, humor, and introspection.

Well I gave it a four for the ending. Abrupt and too many questions. I like details and history but I know I like a book when I read the thing in one or a few sittings . I will check out his other books.

I really enjoy both Howley's writing and the 'worlds' he creates. He creates interesting characters, puts them into interesting and entirely unique situations and let's them develop from there. Always enjoyable.

Reminded me a bit of Enders Game. Both made me cry and think about the futility of war, fear of otherness and the lives wasted. Except Ender didn’t have to make that awful choice. At first I thought all this was happening in his mind as he had a serious case of PTSD.

Another great Hugh Howey science fiction novel. I absolutely loved it, just as I did Wool. The story was unique and not predictable at all. If you enjoyed Wool, Sand and/or the much too short Second Suicide then you will enjoy this.

I loved the silo series this author wrote immensely, so I knew this was not going to disappoint. Beacon 23 is pretty short, but packed with everything I'd want in a story. I won't list them for fear of spoiling anything, but this book definitely toyed with my emotions in a delicious way. Thank you Hugh Howey. Please keep writing gems like this, and I will continue to throw money at you digitally :)

If you have a hard time understanding war, loneliness, bitterness, or depression and guilt you will either hate this story or learn from it. It has been an age since sci fi has affected me so profoundly and I am glad for it. I got is as a free kindle loan, but will be purchasing it for a reread.

Enthralling. I really like Howey's take and twists on well visited terrain. This is a worthy, absorbing read. From a retired vet, Howey's has somehow captured some of the extraordinary conflict a soldier feels/felt/remembers.

Call it a parable. Call it political proselytizing disguised as fiction. Whatever. I like booms that make me think. I hate nonfiction. So this book was perfect for me. The new Star Trek was a 9/11 parable. JFK was ... Well, if you have seen it, you know. But this book reads well, has modern pertinence and probably always will. So, I liked it. You probably will too (if you made it this far)

Not quite as good as the Wool saga, but still excellent. In Beacon23, Howey manages to capture the best components of sci-fi: deep ideas that make you think, and compelling characters, without getting bogged down in technical minutiae that strangle most sci-fi stories. Well worth the read.

A moving story of a man alone who comes to terms with the horrors he saw and redeems not only himself but all mankind. In some ways the story reminded me of the Ender's Games series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is an incredible find which combines futuristic space war with deep thought provoking feelings from today's global wars. Man against his own demons and that of species-kind. Plus a nice touch of humor, compassion, love, and thought provoking attitude. Nice job!

The way that this book is written creates a story of a man who tries to keep his sanity and his foundation of his earth life close to home as he drifts further into his own mental demise. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend to anybody who likes a first person view to a sci if adventure. 10/10

I rate this four stars because this book started out slow, however it soon became an amazing page turner. I was glued to it, couldn't stop reading until the last page. It had such great imagery, such great figurative language, and a great storyline with a great ending.

This is an incredible find which combines futuristic space war with deep thought provoking feelings from today's global wars. Man against his own demons and that of species-kind. Plus a nice touch of humor, compassion, love, and thought provoking attitude. Nice job!

The way that this book is written creates a story of a man who tries to keep his sanity and his foundation of his earth life close to home as he drifts further into his own mental demise. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend to anybody who likes a first person view to a sci if adventure. 10/10

I rate this four stars because this book started out slow, however it soon became an amazing page turner. I was glued to it, couldn't stop reading until the last page. It had such great imagery, such great figurative language, and a great storyline with a great ending.

This is a sci fic novel and it delves into the mind of a soldier/war hero. Throughtout the story the book takes a raw look at a how a solider is dealing (or not) with PTSD. This is my first time reading anything from Hugh Howey and I'm looking forward to reading more.

I really enjoyed the first two stories in this collection. Setting up the character of a former soldier on a remote beacon, the writing is crisp and clean, not to mention witty. Hero is relatable, and his exploits, told in first person, very entertaining. But then author tries to hard to turn the story into a romance novel and falls a little short. The ending isn't entirely plausible, so the whole story doesn't end up living up to the promise of the strong beginning. Nevertheless, author's writing style is enjoyable, and this is still a rather unique sci-fi story that won't take to much of your time. I will definitely check out his Wool stories.

I have not served in the military, but this seemed like a reasonable portrayal of how a combat vet trying to hide from his past still had a role to play. An intriguing mix of sci fi, combat, romance, and psychology. Was a great Prime Reading choice for me.