Twisted Planet Book One: An anthology of science fiction short stories

Twisted Planet #1

by Peter Schinkel

This collection of short stories takes the reader on thirteen exciting journeys across the galaxy, throughout history and into the future. The characters living within these pages bring warmth, love and a dash of humour into the world of science fiction.

SHARE THE JOURNEY of a young man who keeps waking up in unexpected places while trying to hold life together at home.
FALL IN LOVE with Alice, the loveable robot who's acted like a human since the day they switched her on.
HOPE for the best after a deadly virus from Mars threatens life on Earth.
LAUGH with Melitta and Johnny as they travel back in time to witness the assassination of Julius Caesar in ancient Rome.
PLUS NINE more enticing tales

'Take a trip through unknown galaxies; take a roller coaster ride into times unknown; take a peek into fear and take a read of Peter Schinkel’s extraordinary Twisted Planet - you may never return!'
- Gary Professor Emeritus (Creative Writing) UniSC. Author of The Watertower.

'A quirky collection of time-twisting, space-splitting adventures.'
- Rita Maclean. Author.

'Peter keeps on wowing readers with his creative originality. This anthology showcases his unique formula of enlivening sci-fi stories with page-turning entertainment value.'
- Graeme Goldsmith. Author.

Genres: Science Fiction, Anthologies

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2023

About the author

Fun and adventure are at the heart of Peter Schinkel's quirky, entertaining short stories. The characters living within his pages bring warmth, love and a dash of humour into the world of science fiction.

From the tale of a woman who discovers the true history of her planet, to the journey of a man who wakes up as a thirteen-year-old in his childhood bedroom, each story is unique in its exploration of humanity.

Peter loves Douglas Adams' humour, Isaac Asimov's informal style, and Becky Chambers' fantastic world building imagination.

Visit 'Twisted Planet Books' on Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Kris Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Schinkel does a great job of setting up the scenes and telling his stories in a nicely compact manner.

Whether stories of time, space, or identity, each is a well-written window into the lives and interactions of a few people at critical moments with impact on others as well.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Twisted Planet' Book One
Peter Schinkel
2023 Twisted Planet Books

Available in paperback & e-book

As someone who doesn't often consume science fiction, my opinion is fairly uneducated in terms of genre. However, if 'amateur behavioural scientist' counts as an informed perspective 🤔 I'll give it a go. 🤸‍♀️
Just quietly, I reckon the author dabbles in a good bit of anthropology himself...at least he certainly has in this wonderous collection of short stories. TWISTED PLANET Book One is a highly accessible portal to the sci-fi universe.

Prepare for lift-off! 🚀

VOICES Of ANGELS herald the start of an ethereal Bloom. A small girl (channeling Cosette Les Miserables vibes ☺️) grows up beneath fantastical songs of the sky. Believing in music she doesn't fully understand leads her to distant worlds - that's what it's for. From there, unity is only a doorstep away.
The last time I heard Vox Angelicus singing a person to their destiny was 30-ish years ago - it was the name of the choir at Our Lady's College. In those days, musician was my whole identity. Life happens and the time signature changes; friends come and go...but reading this brought reveries streaming back 'from somewhere high above.'

Passing through the 'ancient gateway', we go further...all the way to THE BIG BANG: a character-driven escapade through the fabric of spacetime.

In the beginning, there was boundless joy. The end isn't always as fun as the start - unless of course, you can go 'back in time to explore the Big Bang.' Let me tell you - it's explosive indeed.
In keeping with the exploration of inter-personal relationships, the text is dialogue-heavy...and a brilliant example of such. 🙌 Speech is cleverly placed to carry the narrative and develop the characters.
Oh and 'Humphrey Dinglesworth' is low-key the best character name I think I've ever seen. 😄

Anthropological overtones continue as A NEW TIME [and space] FOR HARRY begins - literally - he wakes up in a different historical place whenever he dreams. 😃 A good story (like this one) and a vivid imagination (like Peter's) will do that.
According to Mason Cooley, 'Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.' This touching piece is a perfect example of that. It's more like speculative fiction X romance...and I'm here for it. 😍

EVACUATE provides a micro segway, before MELITTA AND JOHNNY WENT TO ROME.

"People of the Board": Stand by for more to come. * ** ***

* May include additional random slips into Latin 😅
** and/or French. 😋
*** ...More about the book, that is; it's not about me. 🤦‍♀️

[Robert Walmsley-Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi Peter, this is a very clever book I like the humour. The plots were interesting. I can see your influences all and all it was a good fun read.Look forward to book 2.

[mrs sharon dormer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with imaginative stories

I loved this book. It reminded me of reading anthologies by Clark and Asimov in the seventies. Great stories and an easy read
Would love to see a second volume

[Troy Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this well-written collection of sci-fi short stories, and enjoyed each story for its unique perspective and themes. There was time travel, robots, dystopias, and even the beginning of the universe! Original ideas in an established genre that that the gamut of human emotions from love to loss, with buckets full of humour, and ideas that make you think, I'm really looking forward to reading the next instalments in the Twisted Planet series.

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚫️Twisted Planet Book One is a rip-roaring and mind-bending compilation that really secures Peter Schinkel as one of speculative fiction's heavyweights. The book, one in The Twisted Planet Anthologies ,serves as a strong exploration of the journey through space and time into human hearts and soul, all enshrined within unique imaginations.

⚫️From the outset, Schinkel immerses readers in a diverse range of narratives, each exploring the fundamental emotions that define the human experience love, hope, fear, and even humor. One of the most striking qualities of this collection is the variety of voices and perspectives; each story stands on its own yet contributes to the larger theme of discovery, both external and internal.

⚫️In Twisted Planet Book One, we encounter an individual who just cannot get ahead of life itself, waking to find himself lost in strange places desperately trying to salvage his life as he knows it. We share the story with Alice, who is a relatable robot possessing human-like capabilities, and question what it takes to be considered human. All this is met with tenderness and depth to capture the full beauty of a new relationship between man and machine through Schinkel.

⚫️There is also an exciting flavor of adventure in Twisted Planet such as Melitta and Johnny, who travel back in time to see Julius Caesar being assassinated. This is one of the loveliest combinations of humor and historical intrigue; Schinkel tells it with the flair of an artist, so that the ancient world is reborn in an entirely new fashion.

⚫️The stakes in the collection are high as well, such as in the gripping tale of a deadly virus from Mars threatening to wipe out life on Earth. This story, along with others in the anthology, keeps the reader on edge, balancing the emotional and intellectual with the thrilling and the ominous. The broad spectrum of genres within these stories, from dystopian to whimsical, creates a rich reading experience that's never predictable.

⚫️Gary Crew aptly describes Twisted Planet as a "roller coaster ride into times unknown" and warns readers they may never come back. This is because Schinkel has an uncanny knack for twisting familiar science fiction tropes into something new and interesting. His writing invites readers not only to new galaxies and historical moments but also to the darkest recesses of the human soul.

⚫️For fans of science fiction that stretches beyond the surface and touches the themes of identity, love, and survival, Twisted Planet Book One is the must-read anthology. Peter Schinkel has penned an anthology to entertain, yet provoke long after the final page is turned; each story will leave its mark, bringing with it something new, unexpected, and beautifully human in its interpretation of the fantastical.

Happy reading ♥️✨

[Thomas Mihalchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great imagination!

The stories are unique, imaginative, thought provoking, and often humorous. I wish there were many more. I'm going to read this several more times.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique collection of short stories and novellas with varied and absorbing science fiction elements.

Voices of Angels — Bloom, and the heavenly music. Dreamy girl. Astronaut. Charming ending, with interesting concepts.

The Big Bang — Really cool time travel and AI story. Weaves together the narratives of Humphrey, Martha, and Maxwell. Creative. Heartwarming. Excellent ending.

A New Time for Harry — Unusual take on time travel. Stellar emotional work. Fascinating and thought-provoking.

Evacuate —Heavy on climate alarmism. Weakest of the bunch. Ending is…improved, though.

Melitta and Johnny Went to Rome —Two retired scientists. One time machine. And a passion for ancient history. Promising.

Alice — Alice is a Robot Assistant to the Forest Family. A global event leads to…changes. Compelling, with a sufficient conclusion.

Red Planet — Multiple divergent narrative threads woven together. Impactful. The saddest story of the anthology, yet hope springs eternal…

The Fog — Jack runs a landscaping business. Sudden date change. Averting tragedy; past and future selves. Gratifying read.

The Hungry Bird — The Hu. The fruits. Gives Josh Scribner vibes—and this is a compliment. Lush, vivid imagery…and a surprise twist of an ending. Weirdest story, for sure. 😊

The History Viewer — Sam has a secret invention. The pop-up boxes become impossible to ignore. Is her viewing impacting the events of Now? Solid and engaging, but the ending is rather a cliffhanger.

The Ivy Hill — Henry, 9, has been told for most of his life to avoid The Ivy Hill—and the village beyond it. So…of course he doesn’t. Delightful and inventive. Best of the collection.

Melitta and Johnny Went to Rome Again —Back with our favorite time-traveling seniors—and now accompanied by their grandson, Patrick. The memory issues and Caesar’s assassination continue to bring the intrigue—and the fun.

I Once Saw a Robot Cry — While cleaning Liam Sergeant’s house, Evelyn tells the man a brief story. Cute and snappy. Quite clever…and a tad dark. 😉

Overall: Fun, quirky, and enthusiastic. Makes science fiction feel accessible without rendering it basic. The stories are universal, filled with heart and consideration.


Voices of Angels (4 ⭐️)
The Big Bang (5 ⭐️)
A New Time for Harry (5 ⭐️)
Evacuate (2 ⭐️)
Melitta and Johnny Went to Rome (4 ⭐️)
Alice (4 ⭐️)
Red Planet (4 ⭐️)
The Fog (4 ⭐️)
The Hungry Bird (4.5 ⭐️)
The History Viewer (4 ⭐️)
The Ivy Hill (5 ⭐️)
Melitta and Johnny Went to Rome Again (4 ⭐️)
I Once Saw a Robot Cry (5 ⭐️)

[Vini Shahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Planet Book One by Peter Schinkel is a gripping set of science fiction short stories that delves into a variety of imaginative worlds, each highlighting the author's talent for spinning rich stories with captivating ideas. The first book in *The Twisted Planet Anthologies*, it provides readers with a mix of speculative fiction ranging from dystopian futures to encounters with alien species and action-filled adventures.

The anthology is well-organized, with each tale providing a distinct examination of futuristic technology, social problems, and profound philosophical questions regarding the human condition. Schinkel's writing is incisive and provocative, easily engaging readers in the worlds he constructs. His characters, while diverse in background and personality, are all profoundly relatable, providing an emotional richness that raises the science fiction genre.

One of the strengths of the anthology is its diversity. Some of the stories are about the ramifications of artificial intelligence, while others are about the ramifications of space travel or the moral issues of technological progress. Schinkel is not afraid to discuss both the marvels and the perils of the future, presenting a balanced view of what the future might hold for humanity.



Peter Schinkel has written an anthology that not only engages but also provokes readers to critically consider the future of technology and humanity. Speculative fiction enthusiasts will discover this anthology to be a fun and fulfilling read.

[Sameera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Planet Book One: An Anthology of Science Fiction Short Stories by Peter Schinkel is a fascinating anthology of short stories in a futuristic setting. In his book, Schinkel delves into various science fiction concepts, ranging from futuristic technology and space exploration to alternate worlds and encounters with aliens.

The tales are simple to read and transport readers on various adventures. Some are quick and action-packed, while others cause you to wonder about deeper issues, such as the influence technology has over our lives and how it could change humanity in the days ahead. Schinkel is fantastic at presenting these concepts of the future as tangible and understandable despite the fact that they exist in entirely imagined worlds.

Every story in the book feels unique, keeping it interesting. The characters are all well-crafted and relatable, and it's a joy to read how they handle odd situations. Whether the tale is about robots, other planets, or something new that is invented, Schinkel ensures each story contains something fresh and surprising.

Overall, Twisted Planet Book One is a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys science fiction. It's a fun combination of adventure and stimulating ideas, and it's a great book for readers who enjoy speculating about what the future could be like.

[TJ Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of short stories that is as varied as the title suggests. Schinkel’s writing is cosy and well-researched, giving the reader vivid and detailed storylines that entertain and are thought-provoking. My favourite from this collection is Big Bang, simply because the author has posited a vision of the subject with such authenticity and plausibility. This is true of all of the stories in this collection. I would recommend this book and congratulate Peter Schinkel on an outstanding achievement: writing prose that stands alone, complete, and ready to bend the reader’s ear.

[Ed Robins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Schinkel's anthology of short stories is a wacky read. For some, the humor, in both style and circumstances, overlies serious contemplations. With others, the stories are simple entertainment. If I had to pick one, "The Big Bang" was my favorite with "Melitta and Johnny Went to Rome" a close second. Though I didn't love all the endings, the collection was still well worth the time.

[Spyglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly recommend this collection of refreshing sci-fi short stories. Some of fun, others are serious. They're all different.

[Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and adventurous collection of sci-fi short stories. Despite how quirky some of the stories are, they have depth and are an interesting and enjoyable read. There's a positive vibe about this book. I'm looking forward to more from this author.