Another Space in Time

by Richard Bunning

A second life in a parallel dimension, or an astronomical distance from Earth. No one knows how the connectivity works, only that one can get another chance.
After assassination in his own home Rodwell awakes to eventually discover that he is on another earth-like world.
He is soon framed for murder, and finds himself alone, on the run pursued by terrorists and police alike.
Fast paced in parts, this is also a book that takes a look at many aspects of every-man philosophy. This is a full length novel, intended for all who have reached a sufficient reading level. There is some adult content, but I, the author, have no problem with classing this book for general readership. I would welcome feedback on this and any other issue.
I describe this book as speculative fiction, rather than science fiction or fantasy.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

388 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Most often, I write speculative fiction.
My speculative books are "Another Space in Time", the originally titled "Another Space in Time, Returns" and "Spiderworld"
I have two collections book of flash fiction out, out that despite their titles have absolutely nothing to do with cooking- "Fifty Egg Timer Short Stories" (Mixed genre) and the originally titles "Fifty More...
My latest book is "In Two Hundred Squared Words", which is a book of Double Drabbles, ie 200 word stories. This is suitable as a gift book. Another work is totally unsuitable as anything other than a gift item, a very silly novelty one. It is "Understanding Women: A guide for male survival" by Jennings, Bunning and Lebel.

I have some earlier works, which are reworked neoclassical plays. These will be of interest to those who wish to read Jean Racine in prose English. Not everyone's cup of tea, but handy if one's French is lacking.
I am an advocate of independent, vanity, and small press authors, and with this in mind I regularly review.

Above all, I like to be read. Even if my works don't attract your interest I hope that you look at my GR reviews to find books you are interested in.
Thanks for wading through this.

Reviews

[Tui Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different to any other SF I've read, and it gripped me from the start. The main character's utter confusion at finding himself naked in a different world was believable and I felt empathy.
The world itself was fascinating with plants, creatures and environments, like but unlike the ones we know on Earth. As a New Zealander, I was personally delighted to meet live moas "with attitude" on Goranas. Moas are huge flightless birds unique to my country, but now sadly extinct, (except on Goranas.) Goranas's giant constrictor snakes were interesting, specially when you can step over one while mistaking it for a log.

The astronomical arrangements between Goranas and its pulsar star were about as different from Earth's as you could imagine and yet producing similar conditions for life to thrive in. This sun did not set; it simply went out for the night. I'd heard of pulsar stars but it takes a clever fiction writer like Richard Bunning to contrive a plausible way for it to work out as a "home" star suitable for human life.
I easily identified with the character Rodwell and enjoyed seeing him develop gradually through the story from a confused and vulnerable naked new "arrival" to a dangerous force to be reckoned with towards the end. I grew to like him and felt sure he would later honour his debts to those who freely helped him when he was in dire straits.
Bunning handled the religious aspects of the story well, in a way that encouraged faith while discouraging fear and religious discord. It got you thinking about life after death and wondering what kind of world might be waiting for each of us somewhere out there in the universe.
The story's voice was unusual in its formal style. For example contractions like weren't, or won't were rare, even in dialogue, but the formality somehow suited the character and his predicament. I found the voice refreshing because so different to most SF in this respect.
The love story was well-handled and it was a good device to allow us to peek into Lucy's diary at the end and to view the events of the story and the character of Rodwell himself through her eyes.
I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the topic of life after death, or anyone who enjoys Sci-fi or a good action thriller, and anyone who likes a good romance. This book is all of those genres rolled into one. But the most important quality for me was its ability to anchor me to that chair, wearing out my kindle thumb, until I reached the last page.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes to question philosophical concepts. The author is an intelligent gentleman who knows how to give us food for thought in many ways. I love the details he weaves of a planet that may just exist between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, but is probably in a different dimension where the sun just switches off at night. I also liked the love story that was intertwined in the writing that is without any blemishes or imperfections. The author makes us wonder about life after death. Another Space in Time is a very refreshing and interesting science fiction novel. I hope you read it when you get a chance and learn about the main character's rebirth.

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "I Saw the Light"

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I couldn't put it down once I started it. It's the kind of book you constantly ask yourself; what if I was the principal character and I woke up on another world, where the constants in life like the measurement of time, distance, the plants and animals, even the shape of the planet was different. Further, what if this rebirth was my afterlife? What questions would I be asking myself? This is not to say the principal character has much time to ask these questions, before he is assumed to be a criminal on this world and is the subject of a manhunt.


Have fun with this one, then read the next in the series.

[Tahlia Newland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Space in Time is an interesting and somewhat surprising story that I really enjoyed. It begins at a slow pace, but after the attack on the Grange, I couldn’t put the book down.

A man called Rodwell wakes up in a parallel world after being assassinated on earth. While Rodwell slowly became accustomed to his new surroundings and indulged in long philosophical discussions, I wondered where the story was going. It seemed that he had arrived, not in heaven, but in a beautiful, sleepy place with none of the ills of our world. About one quarter of the way in, we realise how wrong fist impressions can be. A kidnap, a killing and a case of mistaken identity catapult Rodwell and the reader into a roller coaster of events that, since the police are pursing him as a murderer and terrorist, it seems unlikely he can escape alive. What eventuates is a fast paced, well written, highly unpredictable story in which Rodwell is forced to use all his resources in a bid to sort out the mess.

Rodwell is a likeable character and one who gained my respect early on as an astute thinker. He manages to escape various situations where I could see no possible hope for him. I congratulate the author on his skill in working out the intricacies of the plot. The secondary characters are also well-drawn and we get to know and care about them quickly. Lucy is a particularly endearing character, one we come to care about deeply, thus we feel deeply Rodwell’s pain at her disappearance and the trials she goes through.

Although science fiction in setting (it’s in another galaxy with a pulsar as a sun), it’s basically a crime mystery written from the point of view of the accused. What makes this story different from any others I’ve read in these genres is the philosophical speculation of the main character. The concept of those who meet an untimely death having another chance in a new world is an interesting one, and for our philosophically inclined hero, it—along with a rather limited understanding of evolutionary theory—convinces him of the existence of God. The seemingly irrefutable existence of life after death raises questions about the sanctity of life which come to our hero when events force him into a position where he may have to kill or be killed. He reflects on how religious fanatics could use such knowledge to justify killing those they don’t agree with, and concludes that this is why God makes this knowledge unavailable to us.

I found this a highly intelligent book that, along with giving the reader a jolly good tale, provides food for thought and contemplation. It gives insight into the challenges and prejudices faced by new arrivals in a culture, and, in my family, it stimulated a discussion on the details of evolutionary theory.

The writing is flawless, as is the world building—Bunning has worked out all the details of a planet in the asteroid belt of a pulsar star. The only problem with the book is that the beginning may just be a little too slow for some, however, its initial leisurely and amiable pace does give us time to get to know the main characters and makes the shock of reality crashing in that much more chilling.

I highly recommend it for anyone who likes conceptual, scientific and philosophical challenges, or simply fancies a crime mystery in a sci fi setting. I give it 5 stars and a place on the Awesome Indies listing

[Tui Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different to any other SF I've read, and it gripped me from the start. The main character's utter confusion at finding himself naked in a different world was believable and I felt empathy.
The world itself was fascinating with plants, creatures and environments, like but unlike the ones we know on Earth. As a New Zealander, I was personally delighted to meet live moas "with attitude" on Goranas. Moas are huge flightless birds unique to my country, but now sadly extinct, (except on Goranas.) Goranas's giant constrictor snakes were interesting, specially when you can step over one while mistaking it for a log.

The astronomical arrangements between Goranas and its pulsar star were about as different from Earth's as you could imagine and yet producing similar conditions for life to thrive. This sun did not set; it simply went out for the night. I'd heard of pulsar stars but it takes a clever fiction writer like Richard Bunning to contrive a plausible way for it to work out as a "home" star suitable for human life.
I easily identified with the character Rodwell and enjoyed seeing him develop gradually through the story from a confused and vulnerable naked new "arrival" to a dangerous force to be reckoned with towards the end. I grew to like him and felt sure he would later honour his debts to those who freely helped him when he was in dire straits.
Bunning handled the religious aspects of the story well, in a way that encouraged faith while discouraging fear and religious discord. It got you thinking about life after death and wondering what kind of world might be waiting for each of us somewhere out there in the universe.
The story's voice was unusual in its formal style. For example contractions like weren't, or won't were rare, even in dialogue, but the formality somehow suited the character and his predicament. I found the voice refreshing because so different to most SF in this respect.
The love story was well-handled and it was a good device to allow us to peek into Lucy's diary at the end and to view the events of the story and the character of Rodwell himself through her eyes.
I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the topic of life after death, or anyone who enjoys Sci-fi or a good action thriller, and anyone who likes a good romance. This book is all of those genres rolled into one. But the most important quality for me was its ability to anchor me to that chair, wearing out my kindle thumb, until I reached the last page.

[C.D. Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's true that reading fiction can make you smarter. "Another Space in Time" is proof.

First, a warning. I read it on a plane, which was a big mistake. Planes are tiny spaces where people are crowded in very closely together, and you're surrounded by squalling babies and screaming toddlers. It's not the best place to read a novel that forces you to think deeply. When you buy this book, find yourself a comfy sofa, get a cup of tea and prepare yourself to use a part of your brain that--if you're like me--needs to be dusted off a bit.

It's speculative fiction, and the author will make you reexamine your ingrained concepts about religion, reality and the nature of grief. The book is also one of the best, most profoundly compelling depiction of what life after death might feel like. I am and was a great fan of C.S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce," and there are similarities. But "Another Space in Time" is not focused on explaining a specific theology, but on asking fascinating "what if" questions.

The story concerns one Rodwell Richards, an aging family man who is murdered while lying sound asleep beside his wife. Rodwell wakes up in another world with no memory of his death. We follow this prosaic Englishman through his new world, which is enough like Earth to keep him completely mystified. Many books die in the middle--it's one of my pet peeves about modern fiction. "Another Space In Time," takes off instead. Rodwell experiences a horrible trauma that forces him to discover a new man inside himself. It's a very clever plot twist, as it allows the author to neatly underline (with his story structure) what is surely one of his main points--death is no ending at all, but a new beginning.

The author is an excellent writer and his blades will cut deeply. He will pry open some of your stereotypical thinking, as well as satisfy your need for a good story, well-told. Just don't read him on a plane.

[Lisa Reads & Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Bunning describes his novel as speculative fiction, rather than fantasy or science fiction, and with him I must agree. Although fantasy and sci/fi take place in imaginary worlds and often have sociopolitical themes, the focus of speculative fiction, from my understanding, is to pose and answer "what if?" questions.

Questions considered in Another Space In Time include, what if
1. organ donor recipients retain a connection with their donors?
2. when you die, you are transported to another world?
3. people on worlds that receive recycled souls from earth resent the wave of immigrants?
4. people had more evidence that their consciousnesses did not end with death?
5. a world existed whose sun was a pulsar?
6. a world existed where the population could learn from mistakes made on Earth?
7. you were an immigrant and the native people could read your thoughts?

--and there are others.

Mr. Bunning has worked out answers and played with other ideas in his novel. To keep it interesting and quicken the pace, he added a crime mystery. To satisfy romance readers, he wove in a love story. The result is a novel that fulfills the need for a plot, conflict, characters, arcs, etc. while also serving as a vehicle for exploring aspects of "every-man philosophy".

The story took awhile to draw me in. Partly, the writing style is formal and wordy. In some respects, the beginning felt like stepping into a boat at the dock where the boat rocks quite a lot until you settle and pick up the oars. At that point, the Rodwell character, from whose POV the bulk of the story is told, establishes himself as somewhat timid, gentlemanly, and quaint. Funny, even. Readers watch his metamorphosis from an ineffective British government worker to an intelligent man's Rambo. Thoughts of multiple lifetimes and a love interest will do that for you.

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Space in Time tells the story of Rodwell, a man unfortunate to be killed in his sleep, but fortunate enough to wake up on an entirely new planet as an Arrival. All seems well for Rodwell at the beginning as he tries to adapt, and certainly his new "home" seems a lot more pleasant than Earth... until he gets charged with some horrible crimes he knows nothing of.

The setting of the book is definitely interesting; Goranas (the planet) is a fascinating flat realm, and the author went into lengths to make it similar and yet not-so-similar to Earth. You'll feel as confused as Rodwell as he tries to get accustomed to the fact that there are 8-day weeks and years are referred to as cycles. You will notice the subtle differences throughout the story.

The plot itself was quite well-woven. The mystery thrown into this sci-fi novel keeps you guessing throughout and wondering what was going to happen next. I admit that I had no idea who the culprit was until the author revealed them, and by then I was pretty surprised (and quite relieved at the same time).

I liked the cast of characters, Rodwell being my favourite. His sarcasm and wit felt so refreshing in the book; I like people who use humour to cope with situations that are too much for them. You couldn't help but root for him and hope that he'll succeed in unraveling the mystery and saving his skin!

The only qualm I had with the novel was that the author tends to get wordy at times. I didn't mind the formal style because the "era" of Goranas rather required it, but sometimes some passages dragged on and there was a lot of info-dumping. Otherwise, Richard Bunning's writing was great and I was impressed by the excellent proofreading done on this novel. It was pretty good for a debut indie novel!

[Tendai Huchu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare books that is hard to define. I bought my copy which was advertised as speculative fiction, but the book covers so much, so many different issues that it refuses to be pigeonholed in this narrow definition. Even the prologue speculates on speculative fiction and dispenses with convention by asking the reader to suspend disbelief, and because this is already what any novel implicitly requires of the reader, Another Space in Time asks for two layers of suspension. The voice in the novel is a classicists voice, because the parallel dimension in which it sets is behind the earth in terms of technological development. Rodwell, after his death, is transported to this dimension which resembles the earth, with some differences. Arriving naked, he wanders the planet and meets a few gatekeepers who help orientate him on his new beginning. Bunning uses key moments to allow philosophical dialogue on the nature of science, existence and many other key questions about life. The setting on a different dimension with different laws enables Rodwell's retrospective reminisces of the earth. All this dialogue flows naturally in the story, which has a meditative, introspective pace. The treatment of Rodwell by his hosts in the parallel dimension can be read as an allegory of Europe's reaction to modern immigration. A fact highlighted because Rodwell used to work in Immigration services and now finds himself a victim of xenophobia, relying on the good will of others to survive. This though is just one of many literary issues explored in the book, a rewarding experience for any reader, and one that I recommend.

[Ryan McSwain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Space in Time tells the story of Rodwell Richards, a murdered man who finds himself alive and well in an alternate universe. As he adjusts to his new surroundings, he gets caught up in a complex web of intrigue, kidnapping, and murder. Will Richards' second life end as violently as his first?

The book reminds me of Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld because of the afterlife aspect, Pratchett's Discworld for the world building, and The Fugitive due to the tone once the story gets into gear.

The book is exceedingly English, which works in its favor. The author created a world highly influenced by our own, making it both familiar and alien. The new reality is fantastic in many aspects, but they feel downplayed in favor of character moments and cups of tea.

The book has a few quirks that could win or lose a reader. It's written in first-person present, and has rather long blocks of dialogue as the characters discuss life, the universe, and everything. The first section of the novel is heavily dedicated to Richards' induction into a new life and his attempt to cope with it, so it takes a while for the meat of the story to really get going. And just a heads up, the book deals with some touchy subjects in sci-fi, like agnosticism, theistic evolution, and genetic memory. The author, Richard Bunning, has a strong voice, and I was quite engaged as I read the thoughts of his main character dealing with an increasingly desperate situation.

I found Another Space in Time to be an interesting mashup of philosophical meandering and violent confrontations, making for a unique reading experience. It's an unusual book, and that's a good thing.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart transplant recipient Arthur Feldman serves as a frame narrator, sharing an otherworldly story he believes was experienced by his organ donor, Rodwell Richards. The story begins with Rodwell’s untimely murder, then shifts to a surreal alternate reality as Rodwell’s consciousness leaves his body. Instead of going to Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell, Rodwell finds himself in a strange world—reborn, as it were, into a new life in a universe enigmatically connected to Earth. His experiences are interrupted by intermittent breaks back into "reality" in the form of nightmares--visions and sensations of being in a hospital room, barely clinging to life, the voice of his wife desperately trying to come to terms with his comatose condition. Over time, Rodwell becomes increasingly involved and connected with this new world, until the new life replaces the old, suggesting that there is no afterlife, but rather jumps from one universe to the next.

Another Space in Time is a refreshing and provocative look at our world and the world beyond, speculating existence, purpose, and God in thoughtful and meaningful ways. At times, Bunning’s style seemed similar to that of Olaf Stapledon, one of my favorite speculative fiction authors. I recommend this book to fans of ‘50s pulp sci-fi and readers who enjoy a literary edge to their science fiction.

[Erec Stebbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a metaphysical tale hidden within a science fiction narrative couched inside two murder mysteries (on different planets by disparate individuals) and a love affair. Told through diverse narrative styles ranging from a charming English adventure with background tensions to life-threatening action sequences to expository monologues on the nature of existence and divinity, it is unique in this synthesis, Bunnings’ book places the reader in an alternative Earth scenario that is nonetheless directly linked to our Earth in a manner that invites deep philosophical speculation. These ideas percolate through a more standard mystery/thriller genre plot structure that is tempered with a very “English countryside” atmosphere to the locales, dialogue, and cultural references that makes it jarringly familiar while at the same time clearly not-of-this planet. While the novel certainly resides within the speculative fiction superset, it is however very difficult to pigeonhole. Therefore, a reader expecting a certain kind of set fictional structure or narrative may very well be frustrated, while those open to accepting the disorientation felt by the first person protagonist of the story (at least most of the story, as it is a story within a story), will likely fare much better. Metaphysical science fiction with a story arc of murder and politics, and a sweet side order of romance!

[Charles Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of esoteric, boundary jumping fiction, Richard Bunning’s Another Space in Time is the book you should read.
Arthur Fieldman is given a new lease on life when the heart of recently deceased Rodwell Richards is transplanted into his body. Problem is – Rodwell’s memories, or some semblance thereof, come with the heart.
Bunning explores a whole host of –isms, philosophies, and schools of thought in this sometimes funny, sometimes eerie romp with Arthur as he tries to come to grips with his ‘new’ existence. Bunning not only creates a whole new world, but does the full monte by creating a new calendar, time system – the whole shooting match. He even comes up with a new version of Latin; and it works.
Not since Doug Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy have I read an author who can just pull words and concept out of the deep recesses of his brain and make you believe the world he’s created as effectively as Bunning. If you want an entertaining weekend read, you have to get this book.

[Paul Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not much on metaphysics so my review can be taken with a grain of salt. The story is about a man who is assassinated and awakens to find himself in parallel universe afterlife. For the first third of this book, a lot of time is spent on the cosmology that makes this possible and, to be frank, it almost lost me. But once the action finally gets underway the story becomes a tale of intrigue and pursuit as the central character becomes involved with the machinations of terrorists and soon finds himself a hunted man. There are no rules in fantasy, except that the author remain true to his own set of rules, and Bunning succeeds in doing this consistently throughout his tale. There are some good characters here and a plot to keep the reader's interest, although at times, the dialogue plays more like soliloquy than conversation. Nevertheless, there is a good original story here from an author with the skill to pull it all off and it is worth a read.

[A.R. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Space in Time by Richard Bunning is a well written tale of a man’s lives. The first life ends suddenly and the second life begins badly. The story blends light sci-fi with an action mystery sprinkled with doses of religion, politics, and philosophy. It is told from a first person point of view in the present tense, a style which at first seems odd. But don’t stop reading because the author uses that style to make the reader very sympathetic to the main character and his predicament. The thought-provoking philosophical what-ifs are balanced by odd, down to earth details and the droll tone of the author and his hero. This one is worth your time. It will entertain and amuse you.

[Wayne Elsner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death, mistaken Identity, kidnapping, corruption, and terrorists, Another Space in Time has it all. Then add to that the idea of what could happen to everyone when they die and you have an idea of what could happen to a new arrival to a new world and a new life. When Rodwell Richards arrives in his new world where he has to start a new life he has no idea that because of who he looks like that the first few weeks of his new life will be thrown into such danger.

Another Space in time starts a little slow and has a little too much detail, but then it takes off and makes for a very interesting read.

[D.C. Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking book that's been written in an interesting almost classical style.
The story starts out like a time bending reality twisting piece that put me in mind at the time of an Iain Banks novel I read several years ago. As it progresses it changes into a thriller style plot of murder and intrigue that draws you in and is made even more interesting being set in a similar but alternative world.
Lot's of thought provoking commentary make it well worth a read.

[Jacklyn Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Space in Time is a fantasy about a man who is experiencing a new life after his death on another planet and his adventures.

The most fascinating in this fiction is an idea of the variety of the worlds, universes and realities.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys detailed written fantasies.

[Ralph Halse · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent example of a dystopian world, very much in the style of Piers Anthony. Highly recommended this one!

[Richard Bunning]

My stuff- No comment.

[Awesome Indies Book Awards · Rating 5 out of 5]

AIBA Book of the Day: 25 January, 2022: 115/41181

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include ANOTHER SPACE IN TIME by RICHARD BUNNING in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.

AIBA Book of the Day: 11 May, 2021: 115/41181