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Path of the Bearers and Other Stories: A Space Adventure Anthology
Path of the Bearers and Other Stories is a collection of 18 futuristic fables by Nicholas Licalsi. Everyday characters face otherworldly challenges and are forced to embrace new and uncomfortable realities. One wrong decision could ruin humanity's chances of surviving among the stars.
In "Crystal Ball Computing", a computer has the potential to predict the future but only if it can uncover its creator's inexplicable disappearance. In "Path of the Bearers", alien bugs, cosmic beasts, and frozen exo-suits await young travelers on their journey. In "How the Patron Navigates", the limitations of a high profile project must be reveled while joyriding through an asteroid field. In "Swinging Sticks", a pocket dimension promises time to focus, but the neighbor's drum practice doesn't make it easy.
Artificial intelligence becomes combative, alien intentions are unknown, and humans hinder each other for personal gain. Path of the Bearers and Other Stories is a collection of virtuous and thought-provoking tales, so take a glance towards our future in the stars today.
"Path of the Bearers and Other Stories by Nicholas Licalsi is a creative collection of science fiction tales that test the ingenuity and limitations of both man and machine. Thematically linking explorations into outer space and the examination of the interior space of human emotion and fallibility, Licalsi's stories are uniquely varied and inventive. Overall this is a strong collection, especially recommended for fans of tech-inspired sci-fi."
-Self Publishing Review
In "Crystal Ball Computing", a computer has the potential to predict the future but only if it can uncover its creator's inexplicable disappearance. In "Path of the Bearers", alien bugs, cosmic beasts, and frozen exo-suits await young travelers on their journey. In "How the Patron Navigates", the limitations of a high profile project must be reveled while joyriding through an asteroid field. In "Swinging Sticks", a pocket dimension promises time to focus, but the neighbor's drum practice doesn't make it easy.
Artificial intelligence becomes combative, alien intentions are unknown, and humans hinder each other for personal gain. Path of the Bearers and Other Stories is a collection of virtuous and thought-provoking tales, so take a glance towards our future in the stars today.
"Path of the Bearers and Other Stories by Nicholas Licalsi is a creative collection of science fiction tales that test the ingenuity and limitations of both man and machine. Thematically linking explorations into outer space and the examination of the interior space of human emotion and fallibility, Licalsi's stories are uniquely varied and inventive. Overall this is a strong collection, especially recommended for fans of tech-inspired sci-fi."
-Self Publishing Review
168 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2023
3 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Nicholas Licalsi
29 books7 followersNicholas Licalsi’s love for science fiction and fantasy started with a box of his grandfather’s pulp paperbacks and the brainwashing alien parasite nesting between their pages. This led to an interest in engineering, robotics, and time travel.
After a successful enough career in software development Nicholas now spends his time trying to trick his overactive imagination into paying the bills while he satiates his dog's need to be pet.
He currently has 9 independently published books available everywhere books are sold and countless short stories on his blog StepIntoTheRoad.com. You can get a free book, and updates about his writing, time traveling, and (most importantly) his dog by signing up for his email list at StepIntoTheRoad.com/SignUp
After a successful enough career in software development Nicholas now spends his time trying to trick his overactive imagination into paying the bills while he satiates his dog's need to be pet.
He currently has 9 independently published books available everywhere books are sold and countless short stories on his blog StepIntoTheRoad.com. You can get a free book, and updates about his writing, time traveling, and (most importantly) his dog by signing up for his email list at StepIntoTheRoad.com/SignUp
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 4, 2023
Why did you read this book?
Nicholas is a member of our Brazos Writers group. I’ve been wanting to read his work, and now I finally have the time to. :D
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Philosophy, Psychology, Science Fiction, Suspense
What was your favorite part in the book?
My favorite short story in this book was “Orbs of Purpose.” Although, “Path of the Bearers” was a close second.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes sci-fi and short story collections.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
Well… since this a book of short stories, I feel like it’s only right that I rate and give my impression of each one. I’ll try not to write any spoilers.
Crystal Ball Computing
I found the moral of this one to be pretty good. Felt sad for what happened to the AI’s female creator.
How the Patron Navigates
I wish this one could have been longer. I think it would have had a bigger impact on me if it had been.
Blessing of Tybanis 5 stars
Full discloser, I was a beta reader for this. This redone version is much better than the previous version I read. I enjoyed it.
The Man at the Edge of the World
Also another story too short. Would have liked more.
Path of the Bearers 5 stars
WOW This one was great! I can see why this story reflects the title of the book. I thought the little boy Iwas in serious trouble. Circumstances and his intelligence manage to get him out of sticky situations. I really liked the world building. Xandar beasts were my favorite.
Three Finger Guitarist
Alright, this one was fun to read about, and that musician had some sass.
Chimera in a Wasteland
Discloser, I also beta read this story. This was a fun one. I especially liked the nod to Frankenstein. Although this opened bleak, it ended with a bit of a hopeful note.
Heuristics of Naming
Hah, this one was fun. A super AI burnt itself out trying to name itself.
Vision of Terra Gas
This one was a mind trip. Was the man the monster or the monster the man. This one did make me laugh when the “human” was frustrated at his flat teeth after biting an orderly.
Test Case 37
This one was sad. I feel bad for the android. After being rejected so many times he is still trying to find a connection. (IDK I would date an android. I don’t see the big deal. LOL)
The Majesties Watch Over You
Only story in second person. Has a dark ending. I didn’t care for this one as much as the others. It was kind of confusing what “The Majesties” were.
1,200 Pound Man in a Spaceship
Woah, this was bleak. Kind of reminded me of the Dark version of what happened to the last living humans in WALL-E.
Your Future as a Homo Sapien
Hahah! Okay this one was funny. Especially if you’re a little nerdy and like dark humor.
Orbs of Purpose 5 stars
This one was my favorite short story in this collection. It was extremely unique and creative. There was definitely symbolism in not getting your first choice in life. I like to think that bratty little boy got what was coming to him in the end. It had a sweet ending.
Terrifying Terrain
Ha! I liked this. One word, “Kaiju.”
Descent to the Istailied
The description of the alien in this story was really cool. Too bad the human that found him wasn’t too bright. It was kind of unclear what happened to the human in the end. (At least to me.)
The Ent Colony
Aww, this story was tragically sad. I had mixed feelings about the Giant Tree alien and the ending of this one.
Swinging Sticks
Excellent story to end with. I like the moral of this story. Also where can I get my own piece of frozen time and space so I can finish my artwork?
Nicholas is a member of our Brazos Writers group. I’ve been wanting to read his work, and now I finally have the time to. :D
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Philosophy, Psychology, Science Fiction, Suspense
What was your favorite part in the book?
My favorite short story in this book was “Orbs of Purpose.” Although, “Path of the Bearers” was a close second.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes sci-fi and short story collections.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
Well… since this a book of short stories, I feel like it’s only right that I rate and give my impression of each one. I’ll try not to write any spoilers.
Crystal Ball Computing
I found the moral of this one to be pretty good. Felt sad for what happened to the AI’s female creator.
How the Patron Navigates
I wish this one could have been longer. I think it would have had a bigger impact on me if it had been.
Blessing of Tybanis 5 stars
Full discloser, I was a beta reader for this. This redone version is much better than the previous version I read. I enjoyed it.
The Man at the Edge of the World
Also another story too short. Would have liked more.
Path of the Bearers 5 stars
WOW This one was great! I can see why this story reflects the title of the book. I thought the little boy Iwas in serious trouble. Circumstances and his intelligence manage to get him out of sticky situations. I really liked the world building. Xandar beasts were my favorite.
Three Finger Guitarist
Alright, this one was fun to read about, and that musician had some sass.
Chimera in a Wasteland
Discloser, I also beta read this story. This was a fun one. I especially liked the nod to Frankenstein. Although this opened bleak, it ended with a bit of a hopeful note.
Heuristics of Naming
Hah, this one was fun. A super AI burnt itself out trying to name itself.
Vision of Terra Gas
This one was a mind trip. Was the man the monster or the monster the man. This one did make me laugh when the “human” was frustrated at his flat teeth after biting an orderly.
Test Case 37
This one was sad. I feel bad for the android. After being rejected so many times he is still trying to find a connection. (IDK I would date an android. I don’t see the big deal. LOL)
The Majesties Watch Over You
Only story in second person. Has a dark ending. I didn’t care for this one as much as the others. It was kind of confusing what “The Majesties” were.
1,200 Pound Man in a Spaceship
Woah, this was bleak. Kind of reminded me of the Dark version of what happened to the last living humans in WALL-E.
Your Future as a Homo Sapien
Hahah! Okay this one was funny. Especially if you’re a little nerdy and like dark humor.
Orbs of Purpose 5 stars
This one was my favorite short story in this collection. It was extremely unique and creative. There was definitely symbolism in not getting your first choice in life. I like to think that bratty little boy got what was coming to him in the end. It had a sweet ending.
Terrifying Terrain
Ha! I liked this. One word, “Kaiju.”
Descent to the Istailied
The description of the alien in this story was really cool. Too bad the human that found him wasn’t too bright. It was kind of unclear what happened to the human in the end. (At least to me.)
The Ent Colony
Aww, this story was tragically sad. I had mixed feelings about the Giant Tree alien and the ending of this one.
Swinging Sticks
Excellent story to end with. I like the moral of this story. Also where can I get my own piece of frozen time and space so I can finish my artwork?
September 20, 2022
A great collection of stories any fan of science fiction would love! I truly enjoyed all of the stories and found the way they explored what it means to be human incredibly interesting. The way the author writes about the human characters and their thought processes, often in contrast to other forms of intelligence, brings a human relatability to the visions of our possible future that get the reader thinking about their own life and purpose in the universe.
September 4, 2022
I love the stories in this anthology! I have been a long time reader of the blog and it is so cool to hold these stories in my hand! The new stories included were so good! Nicholas’ short stories are always a joy to read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews