LITCHFIELD, Conn., March 18, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Asimov. Heinlein. Benton. Benton? Readers of science fiction have been long been aware of the works of Asimov and Heinlein, but who is Benton? While a name not everyone is familiar with now, I Wish I May, Richard Benton's debut novel (now available through 1stBooks Library), is guaranteed to change the face of science fiction forever.
I Wish I May begins in the fourth millennium. Earth's spirit and technology have created an empire in the stars. Inhabiting thousands of livable planets, most humans feel that this is the golden age of humanity. But all is not as perfect as it may seem.
The leader of the Congress of Planets, Earth's empire in the stars, is worried. Planetary populations are exploding and his future models show they are close to socio-political critical mass. The Regent, Earth's most powerful human, believes humanity is on the verge of a long road to destruction. Although thousands of planets are under control, there remains a finite amount of space on each surface, and inhabitants are running out of room.
Earth needs more planets and it needs them quickly. Out of nowhere, an alien ship appears, offering Earthlings exactly what they are desperately seeking, a way to quickly expand their search for new planets with a superior hyperdrive system. Taking sixteen of their own to act as diplomats, the alien starship leaves, with a promise to share the secret of its hyperdrive at the conclusion of negotiations.
Discovering that nothing is as it seems once they are beyond the ability of Earth to help the sixteen, they race into danger and terror. Later, Earth discovers a subtle problem in its world computer and realizes that it's been duped. Can Earth somehow manage to save the delegation? And does it end there? The final truth is horrifying, and the final conclusion is...
Author Richard O. Benton is familiar with both fiction and non-fiction, having written over one hundred short stories, plays, and articles. His writings have been published in regional newspapers, magazines, and online. Benton lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, and is currently working on his second novel.
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