Gus and Jon, pop culture fans from Finland, find themselves in a middle of a galactic fight against an ancient evil, after discovering an alien transportation network, called Black Table. With Earth’s vast science fiction knowledge on their side, these best friends outwit one no way out situation after another. Black Table is a fun account of two likeable, wise-cracking friends who like nothing better than pranking each other. That is, except when they are not doing something more serious, like saving the universe.
Assessment:
Plot: This inventive time travel adventure shows a deep understanding of the science fiction genre and ultimately delivers a charming and entertaining tale. The pacing could be improved here, and subplots more fully fleshed out.
Prose/Style: The writing style is accessible and filled with humor and pop culture references. The dialogue is clunky at times due to it containing too much exposition, rather than organic speech.
Originality: This novel offers an intriguing tongue-in-cheek concept. Part of the story is set on another planet—this is unique and exciting, but the work could benefit from another layer of descriptive detail to better enhance the worldbuilding.
Character Development/Execution: One of the best parts of this novel is the wonderful friendship between Gus and Jon, but the characters might benefit from additional characterization and personal growth.
Date Submitted: August 10, 2021
Interesting story, enjoyed reading it and imagining the settings, but sometimes the grammar was testing, good read though would recommend
Thoroughly great read would like to think there will be a second book, as I’d love to know what befell our hero’s.
No too Bill and Ted, with a novel premise and enough twists to be worthy of a sequel. I look forward ard to seeing how A. P. develops as a writer over time.
"Everything about this book is what I like to read. I LOVE science fiction. The characters, Jon and Gus are relatable and likable. The story is filled with adventure. The author describes the events in great detail, I really felt part of the story. I couldn’t put it down. Very enjoyable to read. Highly recommended!"
Was lively romp around galaxy with fun humorous characters ... you not go wrong reading this one... looking forward to more in this hopefully series? 😊
"What a gem! Black Table is a fast-paced adventure set in today’s world with today’s problems, but taking today’s solutions with them to infinity and beyond and using them as tools to fight evil. The best friends, a survivor and a genius felt like a perfect combination. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. Sometimes I laughed in tears before I could continue. I also loved Jon’s background stories and their Star Trek like attitude towards other races and words. This would make a perfect movie!"
Awesome sci-fi story that has its roots in epic sci-fi series and movies, but still manages to be original. I look forward to the sequel.
Classic Sci fi
If you think, Science fiction is more than about warfare in space. Then, like me you will love this. Enjoy
If you love Star Trek this is a book for you. Suspend belief and just enjoy the adventure.
"Really enjoyed this book. It's funny with lots of popular culture scifi references. Main characters are not really like this, but I saw right away Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as Jon and Gus :)"
"I bought the book as a recommendation from a friend, mentioning a part of the story in happening in my hometown. I am not particularly a fan of science fiction, but this book kept me up in the nights, unable to put it down. The story is full of 80s-2000s references to movies, music, TV shows and sci-fi. The characters are fun and easy to identify with. I really feared and cared for them through the story. As science fiction is so not my genre, I am more than happy to give full five stars."
What an adventure! This book swept my feet away from the start. It's funny, well-written and captivating, and keeps you entertained from the first pages until the end.
If you are a fan of science fiction, you are going to love this. The story is so descriptive it felt like watching a movie. Hope to see it on the big screen one day!
"Really enjoyable book! Exciting and fun, with nice references to old movies and tv-series! Can’t wait for more from Mr Pennanen! Oh, go Finland, torilla tavataan!"
This book came to my attention by one of my editing students. Jon and Gus are Finnish fanboys in the line to meet their sci-fi hero Dr Wells at Portland Comic Con when tragedy strikes - Wells lays eyes on the pair, gasps on a final request and dies of a heart attack. An improbable adventure ensues when the friends decide to investigate the writer's last words, leading them to an obscure artefact in a cave: a time-travelling, galaxy-hopping Table. Which they unwittingly activate, sending them a very long way from home and bringing them face-to-face with unexpected enemies and unanticipated allies. Between fist bumps and pop culture references, Jon and Gus uncover an ancient mystery spanning centuries and whole sectors of space, change the timeline once or twice by accident, and might even save the day.
This was a great story some really inventive ideas, the story was fun and entertaining. The grammar is curious, maybe it’s a translation. Will look out for the sequel. Recommended.
A fantastic story in the spirit of good old scifi series and movies. Waiting for the sequel!
The Black Table series, book #2, will be released in September 2021. Available in Amazon Kindle and Paperback.
