I really enjoyed reading this. Possibly because it was light and undemanding while being engaging at the same time. In many ways the book is a response to the 'Foundation' books of Asimov and other books of its ilk that posit the creation of a human Utopia if only humanity were to be "guided" by a hidden technocratic elite which would map out its future for its own good. It is set in a future where humanity is less and less interested in space exploration beyond the solar system since it is expensive and no earth-like worlds that are not already uninhabited have yet to be found for settlement. An explorer ship sets out for a planet which was reported to be fit for human habitation by a previous expedition which never returned. But there seem to be mysterious forces that are set on preventing the ship from reaching its goal.... ( )

(aka Planet of No Return)