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Into the Unknown: Seven Short Stories of Faith and Bravery
Humanity has spread and colonized regions of the galaxies. As their reach expanded, countries, colonies, and planets joined to form the Federated Nations, providing a centralized government among the stars.
Along with the Science Conglomerate—who explores and researches the unknown regions—and the Judicial Clerical Court—purveyors of truth, history, and justice—humanity discovers new beings, wondrous worlds, old temptations, and strength in horrendous trials.
Astro Missionary by Daniel Peyton : The furthest reaches of scientific exploration have been expanded. Dr. Tony Henderson places a new Hubble Telescope in the Hubble network deep in space. However, the moment it activates, it discovers a strange anomaly. Seeking to answer the questions raised by this, Dr. Henderson discovers a human colony where there shouldn't be one. Little does he know the true depth of conspiracy he has just stepped into. In the midst of this great trial, God uses Tony to bring hope into the lives of the hopeless and loosens the grip of corruption overshadowing them.
The Rookie by Eric PFC Kalen Richardson's sharpshooting skills have earned him a spot on a team tracking t
he elusive rogue cleric, Alger Mander, to an alien jungle planet. Inexperienced and insecure, Kalen wonders how he, a barely trained rookie, can be of any help in a team of battle-hardened soldiers, unaware of all the twists and turns awaiting him.
Haven by Lauren A dying star. A one-person shelter. A robot for company. Life on a barely habitable planet might be lonely but it's also a great way to run from his past--or so Ozero thinks. But when an unfamiliar spaceship crash-lands near his shelter, Ozero is faced with a will he seek revenge for the destruction of his family or will he find healing through forgiveness?
The Fate of Transport 80-14 by Allen Catastrophe strikes Transport 80-14 when passing near an uncharted nebula. Once a commander on the famous Resolution, Karen Liviana has retired and now serves aboard this doomed transport as the main cook. Almost no one knows who Liviana is. But all that will change if she is forced to resume her role as commander. She must face her past, deal with the perilous present, and risk the future she had hoped for herself and her son...that is, if they can make it out of this crisis alive.
The Interview of Malachi Jones by Daphne For Cleric Malachi Jones, his faith directs his path. It was a simple cargo run from Nether Outpost to Alpha Prime--until Protocol Alpha's priority message reached him. Now he's on a rescue mission. An exotic nebula threatens Nexus 721 and the Nomad, yet Malachi is faced with a choice...He's destined to death if he doesn't; destined to Hell if he does.
A Free Man by Jake When Wil Freeman is offered a commute on his prison sentence, he jumps at the chance. Accompanied on his mission by an upbeat probationary officer named Mona, Wil must face the ghosts of his past before he can look forward to a better future.
Safeship by P.S. After a dangerous heist goes south, Bhirus finds sanctuary with his fellow Upper Thieves in one of their clandestine Safeships. Once aboard, he begins to suspect that the ship's crew may not be what they seem, and he finds himself confined to a Safeship that may be anything but safe.
Along with the Science Conglomerate—who explores and researches the unknown regions—and the Judicial Clerical Court—purveyors of truth, history, and justice—humanity discovers new beings, wondrous worlds, old temptations, and strength in horrendous trials.
Astro Missionary by Daniel Peyton : The furthest reaches of scientific exploration have been expanded. Dr. Tony Henderson places a new Hubble Telescope in the Hubble network deep in space. However, the moment it activates, it discovers a strange anomaly. Seeking to answer the questions raised by this, Dr. Henderson discovers a human colony where there shouldn't be one. Little does he know the true depth of conspiracy he has just stepped into. In the midst of this great trial, God uses Tony to bring hope into the lives of the hopeless and loosens the grip of corruption overshadowing them.
The Rookie by Eric PFC Kalen Richardson's sharpshooting skills have earned him a spot on a team tracking t
he elusive rogue cleric, Alger Mander, to an alien jungle planet. Inexperienced and insecure, Kalen wonders how he, a barely trained rookie, can be of any help in a team of battle-hardened soldiers, unaware of all the twists and turns awaiting him.
Haven by Lauren A dying star. A one-person shelter. A robot for company. Life on a barely habitable planet might be lonely but it's also a great way to run from his past--or so Ozero thinks. But when an unfamiliar spaceship crash-lands near his shelter, Ozero is faced with a will he seek revenge for the destruction of his family or will he find healing through forgiveness?
The Fate of Transport 80-14 by Allen Catastrophe strikes Transport 80-14 when passing near an uncharted nebula. Once a commander on the famous Resolution, Karen Liviana has retired and now serves aboard this doomed transport as the main cook. Almost no one knows who Liviana is. But all that will change if she is forced to resume her role as commander. She must face her past, deal with the perilous present, and risk the future she had hoped for herself and her son...that is, if they can make it out of this crisis alive.
The Interview of Malachi Jones by Daphne For Cleric Malachi Jones, his faith directs his path. It was a simple cargo run from Nether Outpost to Alpha Prime--until Protocol Alpha's priority message reached him. Now he's on a rescue mission. An exotic nebula threatens Nexus 721 and the Nomad, yet Malachi is faced with a choice...He's destined to death if he doesn't; destined to Hell if he does.
A Free Man by Jake When Wil Freeman is offered a commute on his prison sentence, he jumps at the chance. Accompanied on his mission by an upbeat probationary officer named Mona, Wil must face the ghosts of his past before he can look forward to a better future.
Safeship by P.S. After a dangerous heist goes south, Bhirus finds sanctuary with his fellow Upper Thieves in one of their clandestine Safeships. Once aboard, he begins to suspect that the ship's crew may not be what they seem, and he finds himself confined to a Safeship that may be anything but safe.
272 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2023
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 16, 2021
Thank you to Daphne Self for providing me a copy of the science fiction anthology Into the Unknown, published by Ambassador International, in exchange for an honest review!
This science fiction anthology contains 7 stories of faith and bravery including the following:
- Astro Missionary by Daniel Peyton
- Rookie by Eric Landfried
- Haven by Lauren Smyth
- The Fate of Transport 80-14 by Allen Steadham
- The Interview of Malachi Jones by Daphne Self
- Safeship by P.S. Patton
- A Free Man by Jake Tyson
Astro Missionary begins the anthology. What happens when a simple mission to collect data goes awry and a scientist named Tony and his security lose their signal to the main ship? A story about redemption through God's love no matter who you are, this story will remind readers how God always leads you where you are meant to be. Though it starts out a bit slow, I ended up loving this story with my whole heart. The last line resonates with me in my current season in life: "God leads us to places we never expect. He takes us into the unknown."
Rookie follows suit, and the fast-paced story does not disappoint. Private Kalen Richardson is on a mission to find a rogue cleric, but before the mission can begin fully the ship explodes! Kalen is one of the few survivors - what happens when he comes face-to-face with the very rogue cleric he was hunting? And what if what he's been told about him, isn't true? A story that continues to highlight the theme of being led where God needs you, this story will resonate with readers searching for their purpose: “Our purposes are rarely clear until after those purposes have been served. I believe the Lord makes it that way so we will learn to trust Him. He will reveal His purpose for you in time, my friend."
The third story, Haven, focuses on Ozero who is counting down the days until his contract with Kickstart Biology, Inc. is up and he can leave the planet in which he is the only living soul - that is until someone crash lands and knocks on his door. What will Ozero do when he realizes that Kem, the one who crash landed, is someone who wronged him years ago? Will he seek revenge or will he choose justice? Will he be able to forgive Kem, and, maybe, even more importantly, will he be able to stop blaming himself? A story about forgiveness, this story will remind readers to be grateful for God's grace: “God can save anyone if they’re humble enough to admit they can’t save themselves.”
Next, The Fate of Transport 80-14 follows Karen Liviana, the Second Chief of Food Preparation. Years ago, she had another title, that of Commander. What happens when horrible circumstances force Karen in a role she had long ago traded in for a different life? This story reminds readers that miracles do happen because God does hear our prayers. "She knew that God had made it possible...."
The fifth story, The Interview of Malachi Jones, is centered around Cleric Malachi Jones who has been captured after years on the run - running after being faced with an impossible choice. He shares the truth of what happened, but that doesn't change his fate. A story that reminds one to let God guide them rather than let fear overcome will long be in the hearts and minds of readers after it ends.
Next is Safeship which follows a thief. Following a botched heist, Upper Thief Bhirus finds an escape through a safeship, but the crew isn't who they seem. Bhirus learns quickly that he isn't safe, and must act quickly or die for his crimes. A story about consequences of sin, this story may make one uncomfortable; however, as Proverbs 5:22 notes: "The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast."
Lastly, A Free Man concludes the anthology. Wil Freeman's name is ironic - he's been incarcerated for the last 10 years, but he has a chance to earn his freedom. Will he go through with his deal with the Federation and betray his own family to make space safer for all? Or will he choose family? A story that reminds readers that growth is real, A Free Man is a good, action-packed close to this science fiction collection.
My favorite story from this anthology is Astro Missionary. The lesson from it and Rookie both resonated with me greatly. I also greatly enjoyed Daphne Self's writing style in The Interview of Malachi Jones. To be honest, I'm still turning the stories over in my mind, especially Safeship. I desperately wish Bhirus had been given a chance for redemption...I understand the message the story is sharing, but my heart hurts from the sequence of events.
Overall, I give this anthology 4 stars. I enjoyed it, and I might would re-read given the time. I will happily read more stories by the authors featured, and I am especially excited for Daphne Self's upcoming book When Legends Rise. I do recommend Into the Unknown to fans of science fiction. Readers who are looking for stories of faith, bravery, and purpose, will enjoy these stories.
This science fiction anthology contains 7 stories of faith and bravery including the following:
- Astro Missionary by Daniel Peyton
- Rookie by Eric Landfried
- Haven by Lauren Smyth
- The Fate of Transport 80-14 by Allen Steadham
- The Interview of Malachi Jones by Daphne Self
- Safeship by P.S. Patton
- A Free Man by Jake Tyson
Astro Missionary begins the anthology. What happens when a simple mission to collect data goes awry and a scientist named Tony and his security lose their signal to the main ship? A story about redemption through God's love no matter who you are, this story will remind readers how God always leads you where you are meant to be. Though it starts out a bit slow, I ended up loving this story with my whole heart. The last line resonates with me in my current season in life: "God leads us to places we never expect. He takes us into the unknown."
Rookie follows suit, and the fast-paced story does not disappoint. Private Kalen Richardson is on a mission to find a rogue cleric, but before the mission can begin fully the ship explodes! Kalen is one of the few survivors - what happens when he comes face-to-face with the very rogue cleric he was hunting? And what if what he's been told about him, isn't true? A story that continues to highlight the theme of being led where God needs you, this story will resonate with readers searching for their purpose: “Our purposes are rarely clear until after those purposes have been served. I believe the Lord makes it that way so we will learn to trust Him. He will reveal His purpose for you in time, my friend."
The third story, Haven, focuses on Ozero who is counting down the days until his contract with Kickstart Biology, Inc. is up and he can leave the planet in which he is the only living soul - that is until someone crash lands and knocks on his door. What will Ozero do when he realizes that Kem, the one who crash landed, is someone who wronged him years ago? Will he seek revenge or will he choose justice? Will he be able to forgive Kem, and, maybe, even more importantly, will he be able to stop blaming himself? A story about forgiveness, this story will remind readers to be grateful for God's grace: “God can save anyone if they’re humble enough to admit they can’t save themselves.”
Next, The Fate of Transport 80-14 follows Karen Liviana, the Second Chief of Food Preparation. Years ago, she had another title, that of Commander. What happens when horrible circumstances force Karen in a role she had long ago traded in for a different life? This story reminds readers that miracles do happen because God does hear our prayers. "She knew that God had made it possible...."
The fifth story, The Interview of Malachi Jones, is centered around Cleric Malachi Jones who has been captured after years on the run - running after being faced with an impossible choice. He shares the truth of what happened, but that doesn't change his fate. A story that reminds one to let God guide them rather than let fear overcome will long be in the hearts and minds of readers after it ends.
Next is Safeship which follows a thief. Following a botched heist, Upper Thief Bhirus finds an escape through a safeship, but the crew isn't who they seem. Bhirus learns quickly that he isn't safe, and must act quickly or die for his crimes. A story about consequences of sin, this story may make one uncomfortable; however, as Proverbs 5:22 notes: "The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast."
Lastly, A Free Man concludes the anthology. Wil Freeman's name is ironic - he's been incarcerated for the last 10 years, but he has a chance to earn his freedom. Will he go through with his deal with the Federation and betray his own family to make space safer for all? Or will he choose family? A story that reminds readers that growth is real, A Free Man is a good, action-packed close to this science fiction collection.
My favorite story from this anthology is Astro Missionary. The lesson from it and Rookie both resonated with me greatly. I also greatly enjoyed Daphne Self's writing style in The Interview of Malachi Jones. To be honest, I'm still turning the stories over in my mind, especially Safeship. I desperately wish Bhirus had been given a chance for redemption...I understand the message the story is sharing, but my heart hurts from the sequence of events.
Overall, I give this anthology 4 stars. I enjoyed it, and I might would re-read given the time. I will happily read more stories by the authors featured, and I am especially excited for Daphne Self's upcoming book When Legends Rise. I do recommend Into the Unknown to fans of science fiction. Readers who are looking for stories of faith, bravery, and purpose, will enjoy these stories.
August 18, 2021
As one of the authors of this anthology ("Haven" is my short story), I can honestly say that this book came together into something special. The characters jump out of the page, three-dimensional and full of life. The setting - interstellar space - might seem unbelievable at first, but after reading my fellow authors' stories, I can promise that if you're anything like me, you'll suspend your disbelief because the description and world-building is just that good. Each story is written in its own unique voice and is a small piece of each author's style, tone, and creativity. Put all that together, and you get an anthology that will inspire, encourage, and most importantly, entertain!
I hope future readers enjoy reading this work as much as we enjoyed writing it.
<3 Lauren Smyth
I hope future readers enjoy reading this work as much as we enjoyed writing it.
<3 Lauren Smyth
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July 23, 2022My short sci-fi thriller “Safeship” is included in this anthology. I really hope you enjoy these stories and look forward to your ratings and reviews!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews