Near Space - The First Frontier is set against a present-day background with a twist. Richard Dawson, chairman of the Clipper Group, invents a range of new technologies which have a huge impact on the world. The technologies detailed in the book: the Space Clipper, Air Train, Air Cargo, Air Ship and the Space Light Systems, all revolutionise the current state of the world by completely replacing the former competing technologies.The information provided about all these demonstrates the fact that the author has built a living, breathing world, one which is well-thought-out and believable. Each technology is futuristic and yet the author has explained these in a comprehensive and realistic way, serving to immediately immerse the reader in the plot. The author controls a multitude of characters and plot lines in a coherent and understandable way with the characters featured being presented in a believable manner, both complimenting and adding to the story. The plot is very interesting and logical, taking the reader right from the beginning through a plethora of events leading to international mayhem and an exciting conclusion.