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Travis S. Taylor
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Warp Speed Mass Market Paperback – 14 May 2006

by Travis S. Taylor (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 283 ratings
Warp Speed
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Warp Speed series
  2. Print length
    384 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Baen Books
  5. Publication date
    14 May 2006
  6. Dimensions
    10.64 x 2.54 x 17.15 cm
  7. ISBN-10
    9781416520634
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1416520634
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Product description

Review

"In the tradition of Golden Age SF explodes with inventive action. Even more dazzling is the imaginative playfulness with cutting edge scientific possibilities, there's plenty of stimulating and satisfying speculation." Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Dr. Travis S. Taylor heads up the cast of The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch and can be seen on The Machines that Built America on the History Channel. He has worked on various programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past twenty years. His expertise includes advanced propulsion concepts, very large space telescopes, space-based beamed-energy systems, future combat technologies, and next-generation space launch concepts. Taylor is also the author of pulse-pounding, cutting-edge science fiction novels, including the highly popular One Day on Mars, Tau Ceti Agenda, and the groundbreaking Warp Speed series. He is a regular on the History Channel's Life After People and The Universe series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1416520635
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Baen Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 14 May 2006
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781416520634
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416520634
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 kg
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.64 x 2.54 x 17.15 cm
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Warp Speed series
  • Best Sellers Rank: 2,198,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 283 ratings

About the author

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Travis S. Taylor

Travis S. Taylor

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Travis S. Taylor: "Doc" Taylor to his friends:has earned his soubriquet the hard way: He has a doctorate in optical science and engineering, a master's degree in physics, a master's degree in aerospace engineering, a master's degree in astronomy, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Dr. Taylor has worked on various programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past sixteen years. He's currently working on several advanced propulsion concepts, very large space telescopes, space-based beamed energy systems, and next generation space launch concepts. He lives in Harvest, AL with his wife Karen and their daughter.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
283 global ratings

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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • John O'sullivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nuts! But fun nuts!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Completely insane! Hugely enjoyable hokum. A throwback to the days of early sci/fi books but written by someone that has a firm grasp of physics both real, theoretical and fantastic.
    I enjoyed the adventure and have ordered more books by Taylor.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Ygraine
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fun story, solid science but overdetailed
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 November 2024
    I found the story entertaining and listening with my physics obsessed husband apparently the science is pretty solid (except the Clemons Dumb-Bells) but, and it's a big but, the list of repeated acronyms reads like a catalogue, is confusing and tedious. Large parts of the scenes on the space station are just tediously technical and all the sports references (martial arts and mountain biking particularly) sound like a CV for TT rather than action scenes.

    However. I enjoy science fiction and the anchoring of it in real life current time is fun. I'm familiar with the author's scientific credentials and his work bringing cutting edge science to ordinary folk.

    I think the problem with the novel (politics notwithstanding) is that the editor didn't persuade him to cut out the technical rambling.
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  • cord
    1.0 out of 5 stars Lacking in so many ways.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 March 2013
    It's light reading for the first hundred pages.
    Somewhere around half way through it turns into a farce.
    Why Colorado? Why not deploy more weapons and use them all at once?
    How does a virus manage to "evolve" with that gizmo installed?

    How stupid does the author think the Chinese leadership are?
    Why does the US use suicide bombers when they have plenty of cruise missiles?

    I admit, this book leaves me asking many questions. Most of them start with Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • MichaelT
    2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Sxience bad Fiction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2015
    The Science Part is sound and interesting the fiction part is poorly thought out American propaganda where any country that doesn't allow America rape its economy is the seat of all evil, the Author clearly believe that when America developed the nuclear warhead is should have nuked the entire planet. if you can see past the constant bombardment of how wonderful America is then the story is composed of several hectic and highly improbable "adventures" with the hero smashing all the world evils with overwhelming firepower and karate
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars A juvenile, but fun read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 February 2005
    Warp speed is written in the style of the golden age of science fiction -- back when authors like Heinlein, E. Doc Smith, and Robert Ludlum were hammering at their keyboards producing stories that would later become firm favourites of millions of readers.
    Warp Speed has been touted as reminiscent of Ludlum's work. Maybe so, but is Warp Speed as good? No. That's not to say it isn't a fun read because it is. BUT things happen in Warp Speed that frankly stretch believability beyond the breaking point. The hero always comes up with a MacGyver-like fix in the nick of time -- like flying an underground base into space and using it as a spaceship/weapon to save the day.
    Overall, a fun book but definitely in the light reading class.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Petteri
    1.0 out of 5 stars good grief!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2008
    Yes, action there is. And had the author kept his writing in light style all the way, it might have been nice. But trying to brainwash readers to his immature political views while at it - sorry - really spoiled it for me. Chinese are the evil ones, Russians can be made friends and all the bad things in America have been caused by the democrats. Right. George W Bush is a saint...

    And the worst part is that those propaganda pieces are so boring...

    Promise, but not delivered. Not worth the time or money.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Trainmad
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyable read! Would like to read some more books from this series!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mayr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Warp Speed Is a Wild and Fun Adventure for Sci Fi Nerds Like Me!
    Reviewed in the United States on 29 June 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I did not expect that my favorite “rock-n-roll rocket scientist” who has been providing scientific input and insights on Ancient Aliens for years and now finds himself at the helm of the scientific research team at Skinwalker Ranch (a team that is in my opinion, equivalent to a modern day Star Trek landing party) would be so engaging and entertaining as sci fi novelist! This book was every bit as enjoyable as any other a list sci-fi story out there (Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, etc). Why it hasn’t been commissioned into a movie is beyond me! It has everything … adventure, characters you care about, strong stellar relationships, intriguing scientific research, brainstorming sessions and discoveries, lots of humor, action packed conflicts and really cool fight scenes,family friendly love stories, twists, turns, unexpected sub-plots, and chock full of bad guys plotting against our heroes which include epic (and unexpected battles between the good guys and the bad guys) plus lots of space exploration for those of us with our heads in the cosmos. Can’t wait to embark on the next book in the series. This one was enjoyable to read - a sci fi story written by a real rocket scientist who can explain all the technical jargon like “Scotty” proudly explaining his technical journals to green horns,” but from the “Captain’s chair” of this entire enterprise … Great work Dr. Taylor! Looks like you have been able to achieve your life goals in this book series … scientist, astronaut and SUPERHERO! Wonder if the next book in the series will include interjecting your musical talents into the story line … I HIGHLY recommend this for any sci fi nerd out there like me that digs great storytelling!
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  • Gregor Theis
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gut das dieses Buch der Start zu einer Serie ist
    Reviewed in Germany on 13 April 2005
    Verified Purchase
    "Warp Speed" ist das Buch über den Wissenschaftler Dr. Neal Clemons der den Warp Antrieb erfindet und eine Energiequelle diesen auch zu betreiben. Leider kann dieser Antrieb und besonders die Energiequelle auch als Waffe verwendet werden, was das Interesse anderer Nationen hervorruft. Das Buch beschreibt die daraus resultierenden Entwicklungen aus der Sicht des Ich-Erzählers.
    Mir hat dieses Buch gut gefallen. Einen Teil der beschriebenen Physik habe ich auf Anhieb nicht verstanden (und zugegebener Massen nicht noch einmal gelesen). Mir als nicht "English naitive Speaker" waren ein paar der Abkürzungen aus dem Army / Air Force Bereich nicht bekannt. Der Autor hätte sich an der Stelle vielleicht ein wenig mehr zurückhalten können.
    Ich fand "Warp Speed" spannend, unterhaltsam und gut zu lesen. Die Handlung hat ein paar interessante Wendungen und eine rasante Entwicklung. Endlich einmal ein Roman, der sich nicht in endlosen Erzählsträngen verzettelt, sondern einfach zu lesen ist (bis auf ein wenig Technik). Vielleicht sind die Entwicklungen, die aus dem Warp Drive entspringen ein wenig zu schnell aber für mich faszinierend.
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  • Chris McKeon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Australia on 21 January 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Well written and great turns, explanations and storyline. Really enjoyed it. The detail of the world and discovery was awesome
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  • Peter
    1.0 out of 5 stars If you are hoping to publish one day, check this book out.
    Reviewed in Canada on 19 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Poor writing in science fiction can be overlooked when a premise is intriguing . Especially if it is intentionally pulpy. This is not. Interesting and complex science is described in detail. However you would think that a PH.D holder would include some elements of the collaborative process of invention or peer-review rather than simply ascribe the most revolutionary technological advance in human history, and its manufacture, to a single person. It appears almost as parody. Unfortunately it is supposed to be taken seriously and it is very difficult to look past. You certainly get the feeling - though the author vehemently rejects the assertion - that this a Mary Sue. Poor writing (especially about Karate) simply doesn't allow the science or story to pick up the slack.

    I would like to comment on the scene midway through with the President of the United States....but another reviewer has already done this. They were correct though. At that point I likewise almost gave up reading the book.

    Some people may like this book. There is a vein of simple (very simple) adventure to it. If you enjoy genocide, that is, the intentional destruction of people or ethnicity as such, then this may be a good read. The protagonist is adept not only at the construction of wonders that defy the physical senses, but at cultivating the psychopathy to allow him to kill tens of millions of Chinese, in mere minutes, without any afterthought, remorse, or self-doubt. It's o.k. though. The protagonist has some Chinese friends. When the protagonist eventually describes the consequences of the war...in barely a paragraph... it is justified simply by the fact that new markets are now open to American goods.

    Aspiring authors may love this book.If you are looking for the final push to write your own novel, then this may well be the best novel to read. Not because of the dedication, but because you will likely come away thinking "if Baen is publishing crap like this, then surely they'll consider what I've got."

    If you enjoy meeting strange new life forms this will not be for you. While our protagonist does see alien life on another world, he considers the consequence of the discovery with about as much awe and wonder as Carl Sagan would a piece of toast with a burnt patch resembling Jesus. Which more or less mirrors my overall impression of this novel.

    Dr. Taylor may have produced other readable material, but this is not it. Considering his racial tone, I likely will not read his other works on principle.
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  • Arthur W Jordin
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Warp War
    Reviewed in the United States on 13 August 2009
    Verified Purchase
    Warp Speed (2004) is a standalone SF novel. It takes place in the near future, when NASA has funded a low cost program on warp drives under the Breakthrough Physics Propulsion program. Contractors are exploring the concept and conducting experiments.

    In this novel, Neil Anson Clemons is a professor within the Physics Department at the University of Alabama at Huntsville and founder of a company working on the warp drive. Two Physics PhD candidates work for his company. Anson is also a mountain biker and holds a black belt in karate.

    Jim Daniels is one of the graduate students working for Anson on the warp drive. Jim is also Anson's best friend. He is working on his brown belt at the same studio as Anson.

    Rebecca Jean Townes is the other graduate student working on the warp drive. 'Becca is an orphan and has worked her way through college and graduate school. She is also working on her brown belt.

    Tabitha Ames is a Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, and a NASA astronaut. She is well known in the space industry and among space fans.

    In this story, Anson wins a karate tournament, but at the cost of two broken ribs. His ribs are taped and he is taking pain killers, but it hurts when he sneezes or laughs. He is self-medicating with beer on the flight to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Luckily he has enough frequent flyer miles to upgrade to first class.

    He vaguely recognizes his seatmate and finally realizes that she is Tabitha Ames. She also recognizes him for some reason. They are both going to the BPP workshop.

    When he reaches the conference, he discovers that Tabitha is the new BPP program director and that the schedule has been rearranged. He now has the first presentation of the day. After the scheduled talks are finished, Tabitha announces that BPP is being redirected toward more immediate research. Apparently the change is mandated by executives higher than the NASA hierarchy.

    Anson is still not feeling well and the disappointing news convinces him to leave early. He flies back to Huntsville on the first available flight. When he reaches his house, he has seven messages on the answering machine. Two are from his mother and one is from Tabitha. He starts to call Tabitha, but the phone rings and Jim fills him in on recent developments in the lab.

    Jim and 'Becca have made significant progress on a power supply for the warp drive. Anson approves of their work, but the Casimir effect cells are still too big and too weak for the drive. They brainstorm on the design and come up with an improved version.

    Tabitha is in Huntsville and Anson invites her over to the lab to see their newest design. Then Anson, Jim and 'Becca investigate a puzzle in their warp experiments. The electrons are disappearing from the experiment and they don't know where they are going.

    Jim and 'Becca add cameras to the test sphere and they try again. Now they notice that the electrons are emitting Cerenkov radiation during the experiment, indicating that they are traveling faster than light. Apparently they have demonstrated FTL travel without knowing it.

    Later 'Becca has an accident while constructing power cells for the drive. After rushing her to the hospital, Anson and Jim study the wreckage and consider possible causes for an explosion. They discover an inherent instability in the energy cells.

    This tale is much like an early space opera. Not in the space voyages, but in the quickness of new discoveries. Within a few months, they have a working warp drive and then the possibilities increase almost exponentially.

    The story starts with a karate match and then ramps up the action from there. By chapter five, the action becomes increasingly frantic. Read and enjoy!

    Recommended for Taylor fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of experimental science, wholesale destruction, and a touch of romance.

    -Arthur W. Jordin
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