The Sky Beneath - Jason Warne

The memory of his Grandpa hauling a minivan away from a cliff-side, as if picking up a piece of paper, is revitalized in Adam’s memory when he visits him hospital.

A man who was his hero, is seemingly struggling to hold on to life.  But something isn’t right. And it’s highlighted when his grandfather asks him to pass him some pills when they’re alone.

Struggling with low blood sugar, Adam wonders whether he can talk to Dr. Bowie, but something holds him back. His Aunt Jessica and Uncle Deacon have always been there, ever since his parents died in that minivan, will they be there for him now?

All his life, Adam has wondered what was wrong. He knew something was going on, but he couldn’t define it. Flashes of his father asking him to run until he was lost, haunt him. What did all of that mean?

Events begin to unfold where Adam, finds a new strength that he was unaware of, a strength he was told to repress. When the love his life, Jaime, whom he has never actually told her how he felt, turns out to be the friend who always looked out for him. Together, with her boyfriend, Tim, the three escape the men chasing them.

Who are these men? What do they want? So many questions whirl around Adam’s young mind. The leader of the group, Jacob, is determined to find all Adam’s kind and destroy them, but to what end. Can Adam survive the fragility of this life?

It took me a while to get into this book. More than likely, because I am not a fan of science fiction, I didn’t take to this story straightaway. However, I felt the plot was good. It felt a little disjointed but Warne’s characters are all developed and the story has real depth and meaning. The overall theme of the story was love and friendship and family although it’s not immediately obvious. A recommended read for sci-fi fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

The Outer Rims (Kindle Series: Chapters 3 -7) - Clint Morey

The story of Marshal Matthew Wallace continues to intensify as he uncovers sinister motives behind the deaths of the Ananke people read review on episodes 1 and 2

On the other side Dr. Barkman is growing more and more frustrated with the new marshal. How long can he keep his secret from the 'justice for all' law keeper? With the sometimes inept deputy to the marshal showing that he may not fill Matthew's boots if he were to become the new chief of police, he must do something to stop the ambitious man from knowing too much.

As the two men prepare to battle, Matthew finds himself defending more and more the Ananke people - the very same ones/family who murdered his parents all those years ago.

When his wife who recovered from cancer is suddenly dying from a heart problem, Matthew faces a new challenge. Can he turn the other cheek to save his wife, to save his family?

A great book in which it being serialized has built the anticipation at the end of each episode. The characters met in the beginning don't lose their vibrancy and the dialogue is consistent throughout each chapter. The premise of the plot is a really good one - a doctor who carries out lifesaving operations but at the risk of another species. Is it still right to continue? Morey's series would have worked just as well as an 'in one go' novel, but the episodic way of treating it makes for an exciting discovery into the new world of Altair.

Even if you're not a 'sci-fi' fan, as I'm certainly not, guaranteed this book is still worth looking into. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not not required to give a positive critique. 

The Outer Rims, Episodes 1 & 2 (A Kindle Series) - Clint Morey

The child of missionaries, Matthew Wallace is no stranger to new worlds across the universe. However, his view of new civilizations is somewhat marred when he witnesses the killing of his parents at the hand of the Ananke tribe.

From that tender age of six, he lives with families in the Marshal's Service. So naturally he becomes a Marshal. But, he hasn't forgotten that fateful day. Matt's anger at the Ananke people has grown into pure hatred. Unfortunately, his vow not to return to the 'Healing Planet' is pushed aside when his wife is stricken with cancer. Making the long journey back to where he lost his parents is difficult for Matt but the want to cure his wife is greater.

Upholding the Marshal law of punishment and justice for everyone regardless of money, human or not has made Matt's reputation precede him. When he arrives on Altair, the doctor in charge of the medical unit which carries out the life-saving treatment, and the senior deputy marshal meet him. However, the senior deputy feels slighted that he wasn't made marshal and shows his dislike of Matt. Taking it in his stride, Matt shows him and the other marshal's whose in charge. Whilst his wife receives the much needed treatment, his daughter goes exploring, closely followed by the family robot called Roy and Matt makes it known how he expects the marshal service to be run.

Unbeknownst to the new marshal of Altair, there are things taking place that have a sinister air about them. Will Matt find out what they are? Are the cures the doctor offers truly legitimate and what are the Ananke people plotting?

From the unassuming opening pages that quickly turns to a horrific incident, Morey's science-fiction series is compelling from the get go. The main character may well have a troubled past but his strength comes from his parents, whether he realizes it or not. The plot has been well thought out and having it in 'bite size' portions builds anticipation of what will happen next. The few characters met thus far are subtly vibrant, even the robot Roy has a great personality. Only two episodes in and it's already a great read.

To my great surprise I really like this story. I am not a fan of the sci-fi genre as I struggle with new worlds and phrases etc. However, Morey's style/use of words is nothing 'out there'. There are some unusual terms like 'Anake' but nothing that makes me think 'what is he talking about?' The strength and likability lies in the plot and the main character. It seems that this may be a story of a man seeking revenge but it's so much more than that and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the episodes.

I received a complimentary copy of this series from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.