Three Feet of Sky

Three Feet of Sky #1

by Stephen Ayres

If humanity created an afterlife, would you be accepted? Adam Eden confronts a world of predatory psychopaths, an annoying concierge, and a naked neighbour ... with a peculiar talent. After years of destitution, Adam Eden's life is finally on the up. But, whilst out celebrating his recent good fortune, Adam unwittingly chooses death over embarrassment. Awaking in a future of leisure, luxury, and immortality, Adam suffers serious shrinkage and is branded an 'undesirable'. Shunned by family and neighbours for his first-life sins, can he find respect and redemption in this tightly controlled world? Facing a grim eternity, Adam wants out. A randomly chosen day trip changes everything. Though cruel and heartless, they always let you choose your weapon.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2012

About the author

Stephen Ayres: author of Three Feet of Sky and Outside Eternity.
I live on the South Coast of the UK with my wife, and my son. When I'm not writing, I enjoy reading, cooking, watching movies, and taking long walks along the beach - especially on brisk chilly winter days.
Death is Golden: Three Feet of Sky: Book Three is now available.

Reviews

[James Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just whizzed through this in about 3 or 4 days of reading whilst on my daily commute to work. I have to say it's rare that the rest of the commuting world is drowned out by the books I am reading but this was definitely the case for Three Feet of Sky. It's quite hard to describe and definitely unusual but at the same time very accessible and easy to read. For me it seems there was some inspiration from Terry Pratchett, a bit of the Hunger Games, a bit of Stephen King and something of the running man (and perhaps the Matrix) yet the story managed to be very original too. I won't give any of the story away as I went into this book with no idea what to expect and I think I enjoyed it more as a result - I would recommend doing the same. There is dark humour throughout along with plenty of gore and horror. The writing style was engaging and polished, particularly so in my opinion for a first self published book. Having recently discovered authors such as Hugh Howey to add to my reading lists I'm glad to have found Stephen Ayres now too and really do look forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended and my favourite surprise read of the year so far (it just pips Wool by Hugh Howey for me...just).

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to say that this book was brilliant! A genuine page turner!

It's like nothing i have ever read before. It oozed brilliance, imagination and suspence... & maybe a little violence aswell. But hey, unbelieveably it added to the charm!

Adams character was utterly hillarious. You just get totally sucked into his line of thinking.

It definetely was not what i expected when i picked up the book, but now im just so glad i did.

I would recommend this book to anyone whos bored of traditional story lines and samey nonsence.

[Marco Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the weirdest books I've read and I have read Murakami, however, I thoroughly enjoyed it! The book is based on an interesting premise and I was able to build a fantastic visual from the writers descriptive style! I will be reading the rest of the series that is for sure!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

One word for this book WEIRD once you get over the weirdness though I kind of started to enjoy it, must be the violence!!!

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not sure why I finished this. Somewhat ugly, not very funny and a bit pointless. Oh well.

[Jason Appel · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely insane, but somehow totally readable... gruesome, funny, ridiculous, like Kick Ass of the after world

[Louis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good

Heard this was a book that the writer of the undead series liked to read. Not as good as his books, but still none the less, readable. For a person that doesn't actually read a lot it was quite entertaining

[John Herbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yes, I know all the reviews are very good - yes, I know I'm probably in the minority, but after about 80 pages into this book I decided enough was enough!
I reckon I'm pretty open to most things, and I do like unusual tales a la Jonathan Carroll, but after a promising start, sadly this novel degenerated into a ridiculous rush of boring claptrap!!!

A great start where Adam Eden dies and finds himself in the afterlife, meeting up with his parents again, all looked very promising. Then the slide began with a guy running round naked, followed by a manhunt where a collection of glam-rock thugs chase after the newcomers to kill them,only to find them resurrected the next day, then off they go again.
A good start plummeting to the basement!
But I found this part of the story boring and out of tune with the interesting start.
A case of the author suddenly branching off....but alas, he took the wrong turning!

[Tracey Hutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unusual read!! It's definitely not the normal choice of book for me, but it has such an unusual concept, it kept me guessing all the way through. A very interesting theory on the future and the after life, which is better explained by the book itself rather than me!! What I will say is it is a bit brutal in places and you'll need an open mind when you read it. I think it's going to be a love it or hate it book for many people. As for me? I loved it!!

[Lorcan Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the most creative books I have had read. It has a very unique story and plot. I found it hilarious at times, and sometimes a little shocking. But we like a bit of shocking fun. Difficult to relate it to another book or author, and thats what makes it a must read. Looking forward to Book 2, Mr Ayres.

[Arni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really like this one. I don't read a whole lot of humour and I was a bit skeptical beginning this book, but I was fast won over. The humour is a bit silly and random, but there's always rhyme and reason, or, rather, momentum and resolution. As the book progresses, it becomes a real page turner and now I can't wait for the second book, out, I understand, in early 2013.

[Phil Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what an unusual and novel book.
Turns out dying isn't the end and the authors vivid imagination spins a great take on the afterlife.
Very much part 1 of the story but my appetite is certainly wet.
To explain more would spoil the story so I won't.
Try it and be surprised.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a life long scifi addict it is very refreshing to come across a completely new idea. I can't wait for book 2 in this series.

[Nettle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but rather violent and never seemed to actually get anywhere. Main character was also kind of a dick.

I would have liked less violence and more world-explanation...

[Darin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unusual premise. Very violent in an unexpected way. Will be reading the next one to see whay happens next.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the funniest book I have read in a long time. Laugh out loud funny. Pretty violent though but that kind of adds to it. Looking forward to book 2.

[Wouter Van den Bosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weirdest SF story i read in years. Quite refreshing. And brutal.

[Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the weirdest books I've ever read, however it's strangely compelling. All in all enjoyed it.

[Kyla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Very different from anything I have read before. Loved the dark humour. Looking forward to the next book.

[Digitaldickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read but...what about his kids!

[Alison Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting concept, not sure if it's without loopholes. Dipped a little in the middle but worth the effort to keep going.