[Foundry 01] • The Foundry

*"...the many alien species are creatively imagined and the high-tech swashbuckling is suspenseful fun. An enjoyable coming-of-age SF action tale that builds to a satisfying conclusion." - Kirkus Reviews *

*Beware the helping hand. What it offers, may not be what we expect. *

It is near the end of the 21st century. Persistent war, overpopulation, and climate change have caused poverty and natural disasters like mankind has never known. When a signal offering assistance reaches Earth from an alien entity calling itself The Foundry, humanity plans a mission to the stars for first contact. In the midst of this, Milo Hughes is just another five-year-old boy who wishes nothing more than to doodle with crayons and dig in the dirt, while his parents secretly plot to join the mission—whether they were invited or not.

Caught as stowaways aboard the interstellar vessel the Vasco Da Gama, the Hughes family must convince the ship’s captain to let them stay. Milo must start over, leaving everything behind for the forty-year mission.

Twenty years to the Foundry, and twenty years back. If they can survive.

Not part of the mission plan, and living in the shadow of world-class scientist obsessed with their work, Milo has to grow up and find his own path. His own purpose.

Can the Foundry help him? Can it help humanity?

When Milo comes face to face with the mysterious entity, he alone can answer these questions. His survival, and all of humanity, depend on it.

*Praise for J Fitzpatrick Mauldin on Chasing the Signal (The Foundry 0.5) *

"...Chasing the Signal packs a lot into a short space. Fast paced and with a moving family drama at its heart, we are introduced to three generation of one family..." - AT

"You know you've enjoyed a book when you feel it ended too soon! Looking forward to the continuation of her story." - GJ

"It's the kind of story that made me fall in love with SciFi years ago. Written with imagination, excellent characterization, wieldiness with words and above all, heart, Chasing The Signal isn't missing a thing." - AC

"In a word—solid." - Y

"Loved it! Such an imaginative story with a future for more! Can’t wait to see more!" - CM