book first cosmic velocity

first cosmic velocity book by zach powers

embark on a journey into a reimagined past with zach powers\ captivating novel, \first cosmic velocity\. this compelling work of historical fiction plunges readers into the heart of the cold war\s space race, but with a secretive twist that propels the narrative into a league of its own. the book masterfully blends historical details with a gripping fictional conspiracy, exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and the monumental pressures of a nation\s ambition. it is a story that will leave you questioning the nature of truth and the lengths to which individuals and governments will go to maintain a facade of greatness.

about the author zach powers

zach powers is an accomplished author known for his imaginative storytelling. his debut novel, \first cosmic velocity\, has garnered significant attention for its unique premise and engaging narrative. powers has a background in journalism and has also published a collection of short stories, \gravity changes\, which won the boa short fiction prize.

first cosmic velocity summary

set in 1964, \first cosmic velocity\ reveals a startling secret at the core of the soviet space program: while they have successfully launched cosmonauts into orbit, they have never managed to bring one back alive. to maintain the illusion of success and superiority in the space race against the united states, the program has been using identical twins. one twin is sent on a fatal one-way mission into space, while the other is paraded as a national hero upon their "return". the narrative follows leonid, the last surviving earthbound twin, who is forced to carry the weight of this deception. as he embarks on a tightly controlled press tour, he grapples with the loss of his brother and the moral complexities of the lie he is living. the story delves into the psychological toll of this grand conspiracy, exploring themes of identity and the human cost of ambition. the novel is a thrilling blend of historical fiction and psychological drama, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the space race.

frequently asked questions

1. what is the main plot of \first cosmic velocity\?

   the central plot revolves around the soviet space program during the cold war, which is secretly using identical twins to fake successful space missions. one twin is sent to space on a mission with no return, while the other is presented to the public as a hero. the story follows the last of these earthbound twins as he navigates the immense pressure and guilt of this elaborate deception.

2. is \first cosmic velocity\ based on a true story?

   while the novel is set against the historical backdrop of the cold war and the soviet space program, the central conspiracy of using twins to fake missions is fictional. author zach powers was inspired by the secrecy and propaganda that surrounded the soviet space program to create this imaginative "what if" scenario.

3. what are the main themes explored in the book?

   the book delves into several profound themes, including identity, deception, and the human cost of ambition. it examines how propaganda and national pride can lead to immense moral compromises and the psychological impact on those forced to live a lie. the novel also touches on themes of family, loss, and the search for truth in a world built on falsehoods.

4. what does the title \first cosmic velocity\ mean?

   the term "first cosmic velocity" refers to the speed an object needs to achieve to enter into a stable orbit around a celestial body, like the earth. in the context of the novel, it symbolizes the initial leap of faith and the immense power required to launch both the cosmonauts and the nation\s ambitious, yet deceptive, space program into the global spotlight.

5. who is the protagonist of the novel?

   the protagonist of \first cosmic velocity\ is leonid, the last surviving twin who remains on earth. he is tasked with playing the part of a celebrated cosmonaut, while his brother has been sent on a fatal mission into space. the story is told from his perspective as he grapples with his conscience and the intricate web of lies that defines his existence.