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Shepherd Security Services #1
The Shepherd: An Epic Space Opera Adventure
Author Robert M. Kerns returns to Space Opera Science Fiction with The Shepherd, a novel of Shepherd Security Services.
Stolen livestock. A determined heir. A fateful choice.
Alex spends his days learning to manage the family sheep ranch. He wants nothing more than to take over when his parents retire, because his family has owned and worked it since the Westward Expansion.
But all is not well in Southwestern Wyoming.
Five neighboring ranches have been raided, all their livestock stolen without a trace… each on a new moon. Alex feels his family’s ranch is next and decides to spend the night with the flock when the next new moon comes around.
That decision changes his life forever.
How will Alex survive in an alien society?
Find out in The Shepherd!
Stolen livestock. A determined heir. A fateful choice.
Alex spends his days learning to manage the family sheep ranch. He wants nothing more than to take over when his parents retire, because his family has owned and worked it since the Westward Expansion.
But all is not well in Southwestern Wyoming.
Five neighboring ranches have been raided, all their livestock stolen without a trace… each on a new moon. Alex feels his family’s ranch is next and decides to spend the night with the flock when the next new moon comes around.
That decision changes his life forever.
How will Alex survive in an alien society?
Find out in The Shepherd!
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2024
207 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Kerns
26 books151 followersRobert M. Kerns (or Rob if you ever meet him in person) is a geek, and he claims that label proudly. Most of his geekiness revolves around Information Technology (IT), having over fifteen years in the industry; within IT, he especially prefers Servers and Networks, and he often makes the claim that his residence has a better data infrastructure than some businesses.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 24, 2024
The Shepard: An epic Space Opera. Book 1
Well, this was unexpectedly very enjoyable! Not overly technical, but full of twists and unexpected events and outcomes!
Not going to give spoilers, I think it best that everybody read this book and see for themselves! The Aliens are amazing, the storyline quite surprising.
Thank you to the Author , Robert M. Kerns.
Waiting for the next installment to keep me going!!
Well, this was unexpectedly very enjoyable! Not overly technical, but full of twists and unexpected events and outcomes!
Not going to give spoilers, I think it best that everybody read this book and see for themselves! The Aliens are amazing, the storyline quite surprising.
Thank you to the Author , Robert M. Kerns.
Waiting for the next installment to keep me going!!
February 5, 2025
Wow! What a great first book, Robert M. Kerns! The premise, a down-on-his luck shepherd, Alex, who works on his family's farm is staying with his sheep overnight to protect them. Nearby farms have lost their sheep.
Then he discovers what he's up against: an alien spacecraft comes down, vacuums up his sheep and him. Turns out they're interstellar outlaws, rustling sheep for food. Alex is taken with the sheep. A recently hired shiphand takes pity on Alex and puts him in a storage vault unconscious.
Then the rustlers are captured by the interstellar patrol. The law-abiding enforcers find Alex and slowly bring him back to consciousness. They feel they owe Alex the ship and its contents as payback for the crime done to him. Turns out Earth is way off the beaten path and they have no record of how to return him to his home.
This is where the story really begins. Alex learns about the star spanning empire, its races, and begins searching for Earth. And they begin learning about humans.
Then he discovers what he's up against: an alien spacecraft comes down, vacuums up his sheep and him. Turns out they're interstellar outlaws, rustling sheep for food. Alex is taken with the sheep. A recently hired shiphand takes pity on Alex and puts him in a storage vault unconscious.
Then the rustlers are captured by the interstellar patrol. The law-abiding enforcers find Alex and slowly bring him back to consciousness. They feel they owe Alex the ship and its contents as payback for the crime done to him. Turns out Earth is way off the beaten path and they have no record of how to return him to his home.
This is where the story really begins. Alex learns about the star spanning empire, its races, and begins searching for Earth. And they begin learning about humans.
August 19, 2024
Brilliant start to an endless series. The plot is brilliant and can go in so many directions. No spoilers from me. Other than to recommend this book. If you like to start reading a series that will take you on a journey for 10+ books, THIS IS IT. Hold onto your seat.
PS: His other books give me comfort in making this recommendation after he had only published 1 book of this series. I can’t wait.
Mr Kerr, chop chop and hurry up.
PS: His other books give me comfort in making this recommendation after he had only published 1 book of this series. I can’t wait.
Mr Kerr, chop chop and hurry up.
July 18, 2024
Great fun, and a light read. World-building interesting, and the characters have some depth, and are interesting. Reminds me, in tone, of some classic SciFi from the 60’s. That is optimistic, and other worlds are prosperous and make positive use of technology to benefit all. A nice change from some cynical self-published works. Highly recommended if you want a bit of diversion.
May 22, 2024
Interesting
A great first book in what I hope is the start to an epic series of interesting takes on the boy gets abducted by aliens and ends up transitioning into a more capable human being, I enjoyed this slice of life, I hope his romantic efforts with the lady's happens and he doesn't remain such a clueless shmuck like in most of these books.
A great first book in what I hope is the start to an epic series of interesting takes on the boy gets abducted by aliens and ends up transitioning into a more capable human being, I enjoyed this slice of life, I hope his romantic efforts with the lady's happens and he doesn't remain such a clueless shmuck like in most of these books.
June 25, 2024
An inspired leap into a fresh unprecedented style of alien abduction.
How is a young man from Earth going to bring huge amounts of prosperity and innovation benefit to a more advanced civilization?
Read it and see.
How is a young man from Earth going to bring huge amounts of prosperity and innovation benefit to a more advanced civilization?
Read it and see.
June 27, 2024
Fabulous
I loved this story. All the characters are very engaging. The whole concept of the aliens was delightful. There is a lot more story to tell and I am looking forward to the next chapter.
I loved this story. All the characters are very engaging. The whole concept of the aliens was delightful. There is a lot more story to tell and I am looking forward to the next chapter.
April 20, 2024
Great beginning...... but where will it go...
Like what I've read so far and I have hopes it will not be a quick crash and burn .....
But we shall see
Like what I've read so far and I have hopes it will not be a quick crash and burn .....
But we shall see
January 26, 2026
I tapped out around chapter seven, and not because the ideas were too challenging or dense, but because the story simply refused to earn my investment.
From the opening pages, we’re told how deeply bound the main character is to his family. It’s positioned as a defining trait, an emotional anchor. Then he’s put on a spaceship, separated from Earth, and… nothing. No lingering worry, no grief, no urgency. By chapter seven, his family might as well not exist. If you’re going to foreground emotional ties so heavily, you have to carry them forward. Otherwise it feels like narrative window dressing rather than character depth.
The same hand-waving shows up with the plot mechanics. We’re told the ship’s navigation system is fried, making a return to Earth impossible. That should be a massive, life-altering moment. Instead, it’s glossed over with a shrug. “Okey dokey” appears to be the emotional register we’re working with. The problem isn’t that the character adapts quickly; it’s that nothing seems to faze him at all. Big revelations land with the weight of a grocery list.
And then there’s the worldbuilding laziness. When the story introduces something literally called the “Hall of Justice,” my DC-soaked brain slammed on the brakes. That name has been culturally loaded since 1973. Using it straight, without irony or recontextualisation, feels less like homage and more like a placeholder that never got replaced. In a genre where imagination is the whole point, borrowing something that obvious just reads as careless.
By the time I stopped reading, the pattern was clear: emotionally weighty ideas are introduced, then immediately abandoned; major consequences are brushed aside; characters move through extraordinary circumstances with baffling calm. None of this is inherently fatal on its own, but together they create a story where nothing feels earned and nothing feels real.
I wanted to like this. The premise has potential. But by chapter seven, I realised the book wasn’t interested in exploring the consequences of its own setup—and without that, I didn’t see a reason to keep going.
From the opening pages, we’re told how deeply bound the main character is to his family. It’s positioned as a defining trait, an emotional anchor. Then he’s put on a spaceship, separated from Earth, and… nothing. No lingering worry, no grief, no urgency. By chapter seven, his family might as well not exist. If you’re going to foreground emotional ties so heavily, you have to carry them forward. Otherwise it feels like narrative window dressing rather than character depth.
The same hand-waving shows up with the plot mechanics. We’re told the ship’s navigation system is fried, making a return to Earth impossible. That should be a massive, life-altering moment. Instead, it’s glossed over with a shrug. “Okey dokey” appears to be the emotional register we’re working with. The problem isn’t that the character adapts quickly; it’s that nothing seems to faze him at all. Big revelations land with the weight of a grocery list.
And then there’s the worldbuilding laziness. When the story introduces something literally called the “Hall of Justice,” my DC-soaked brain slammed on the brakes. That name has been culturally loaded since 1973. Using it straight, without irony or recontextualisation, feels less like homage and more like a placeholder that never got replaced. In a genre where imagination is the whole point, borrowing something that obvious just reads as careless.
By the time I stopped reading, the pattern was clear: emotionally weighty ideas are introduced, then immediately abandoned; major consequences are brushed aside; characters move through extraordinary circumstances with baffling calm. None of this is inherently fatal on its own, but together they create a story where nothing feels earned and nothing feels real.
I wanted to like this. The premise has potential. But by chapter seven, I realised the book wasn’t interested in exploring the consequences of its own setup—and without that, I didn’t see a reason to keep going.
December 5, 2024
I enjoyed the book, but for me, the author's 'Universe' doesn't quite work. There are too many different anthropomorphic species, lizards, mice, koalas, tigers, lions cats, bears, wolves, cows etc. It just becomes a fantasy comic book.
I also think the main character might have been a bit overdone with the ‘superhero’ enhancements and his magnetic attraction to the cats.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
I also think the main character might have been a bit overdone with the ‘superhero’ enhancements and his magnetic attraction to the cats.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
December 29, 2024
meandering
The story is readable and at times interesting, there wasn’t really a main story. The MC kinda just wonders around from one plot to the next until the end of the book. One good point about that is it’s probably not to far off what it would actually be like in his situation. With the exception of all the good luck the MC has.
The story is readable and at times interesting, there wasn’t really a main story. The MC kinda just wonders around from one plot to the next until the end of the book. One good point about that is it’s probably not to far off what it would actually be like in his situation. With the exception of all the good luck the MC has.
January 2, 2025
Kerns strikes again.
A start to another great series by a great author I follow. He's only disappointed once, his ending of the Cole/ Srexx series was disappointing, possibly even clumsy. He admits it himself. Maybe one day he'll rewrite it. This series is off to a rollicking start. Having read part 2 already I recommend it if you like this genre.
A start to another great series by a great author I follow. He's only disappointed once, his ending of the Cole/ Srexx series was disappointing, possibly even clumsy. He admits it himself. Maybe one day he'll rewrite it. This series is off to a rollicking start. Having read part 2 already I recommend it if you like this genre.
January 27, 2026
This is silly, illogical, but I could not put it down! It was so much fun to read! It has been too long since i have had this much fun reading a book! Our hero is so squeaky clean that he does not even kill the bad guys. I'm so tired of wading through garbage posing as entertainment.
Thank you Mr. Kerns!!!!
Thank you Mr. Kerns!!!!
November 26, 2024
Fun read - looking forward to the next book
I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a fish out of water Situation. Assuming Alex can navigate all the feline attention it should be a fun ride.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a fish out of water Situation. Assuming Alex can navigate all the feline attention it should be a fun ride.
July 12, 2025
Cute fun standard fare
So, fun start of a series. I like the author, and the premise seems fun. The story is very simple and very standard, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. I did and am looking forward to the next book.
So, fun start of a series. I like the author, and the premise seems fun. The story is very simple and very standard, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. I did and am looking forward to the next book.
August 8, 2025
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fresh, heartfelt, and utterly engaging—this is not your parents’ alien abduction story.
Kerns delivers rich character development and a warm, wholesome vibe that makes this first-contact tale stand out. Already queued up the sequel for my weekend read. Highly recommended!
Fresh, heartfelt, and utterly engaging—this is not your parents’ alien abduction story.
Kerns delivers rich character development and a warm, wholesome vibe that makes this first-contact tale stand out. Already queued up the sequel for my weekend read. Highly recommended!
January 15, 2026
Space opera alien abduction. Very advanced alien technology and society, but limitations do seem to occur just to make a story.
Purchased on Jan 14, 2026, from Amazon for free.
Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
Purchased on Jan 14, 2026, from Amazon for free.
Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
January 15, 2026
Fun read
Ok, human taken from earth, gets upgraded and becomes successful. Nothing that hasn't been written about many times. The good news is that the author has put his own spin on the story and it works really well.
Ok, human taken from earth, gets upgraded and becomes successful. Nothing that hasn't been written about many times. The good news is that the author has put his own spin on the story and it works really well.
January 26, 2026
New take on aliens and abduction
I really enjoyed this space opera. It has a
nice developmental timeline, a touch of combat as all do but not overdone and not combat for the sake of combat.
Ferns ability to look at a variety of human and alien conditions is refreshing
I really enjoyed this space opera. It has a
nice developmental timeline, a touch of combat as all do but not overdone and not combat for the sake of combat.
Ferns ability to look at a variety of human and alien conditions is refreshing
January 17, 2025
If this turns out to be a harem I’m absolutely not going to be happy about it
April 25, 2025
This story was so bad I stopped reading it
Think Chris Pratt meets beastiality. Yuk.
I think this is the worst story I've ever been silly enough to pay for.
Think Chris Pratt meets beastiality. Yuk.
I think this is the worst story I've ever been silly enough to pay for.
January 16, 2026
it’s a CATS ASS!
A great tail…pun intended. Love can come in many shapes as proved by this TAIL! I loved the book but wanted more!
A great tail…pun intended. Love can come in many shapes as proved by this TAIL! I loved the book but wanted more!
January 16, 2026
Fun Read
Pulls you along with interesting characters who drive the storyline. Not over technical on ships, weapons. Just a good story like good classic science fiction.
Pulls you along with interesting characters who drive the storyline. Not over technical on ships, weapons. Just a good story like good classic science fiction.
January 21, 2026
Typical Space Opera
Read
August 7, 2025Really good story.
Interesting story lines, very likable MC, and other characters. It's a very easy read. The author obviously likes many female characters, as most of the MC's friends, crew, and allies are female. He does have an occasional male as a subcharacter, and the MC is male.
Interesting story lines, very likable MC, and other characters. It's a very easy read. The author obviously likes many female characters, as most of the MC's friends, crew, and allies are female. He does have an occasional male as a subcharacter, and the MC is male.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews