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Travel By Star
Travel of the Ruelands has sworn he will never make another run through the wilds. He has fought his share of desperate fights out there, and come nearer to death than any man should. But when Nichole Littlestar, a woman bearing unspoken burdens and impossible hopes, asks him to guide her to the almost mythical city of Archewood, he finds himself drawn into the most dangerous venture of his entire life.
The two companions must now make a journey they could never have prepared for, fighting monsters ahead and demons behind. And hard at their heels is a terrible hunter intent on killing the last faith of a darkening world…
Inspired by the works of C.S. Lewis and Louis L’Amour, “Travel By Star” is a story of fallen days and homeward hopes. Of sons adrift, and prodigal daughters.
And what it takes to find the way back.
The two companions must now make a journey they could never have prepared for, fighting monsters ahead and demons behind. And hard at their heels is a terrible hunter intent on killing the last faith of a darkening world…
Inspired by the works of C.S. Lewis and Louis L’Amour, “Travel By Star” is a story of fallen days and homeward hopes. Of sons adrift, and prodigal daughters.
And what it takes to find the way back.
636 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 16, 2025
One of my favorite books of all time. This book is incredibly and beautifully written to take you on an adventurous yet comforting journey. I could read this book a million times and never get bored of it. 10000/10 recommend.
July 5, 2025
A Rich, Immersive Reading Experience!
Paul Scott Grill’s “Travel by Star” is a smooth blend of western and fantasy that instantly engages the reader with a textured, imaginative setting populated with characters that are relatable, intriguing, and fascinating. The story follows Travel, a lone, somewhat rudderless Runner, who agrees to escort the enigmatic Nichole Littlestar on her perilous trek to uncover the fate of the destroyed city of Archewood. Throughout the journey, the characters – and the reader – unravel the history and the secrets of both one another and the land that lay before them.
Paul Scott Grill’s style is a perfect balance of poetry and prose. Not a single world feels out of place as he deftly moves the story along while allowing the reader to soak in every detail, nuance, and emotion as it unfolds. There would be some who would consider this book too much of a “slow burn” but I found it perfectly suited for the story. Delving into a page of “Travel By Star” is akin to shrugging into a comfortable coat for a winter’s outing or climbing onto a well-worn leather saddle for a long mountain ride…everything just fits. Every page slowly rolls back the fog of the unknown through careful, considerate story-telling which allows the reader to be their own traveling participant in the story. You see the weary town of Occam and the feral grip of the countryside through the eyes of the characters, rather than simply digesting it through unfeeling exposition. In doing so, the author displays a mastery of craft that distinguishes the act of back-end “world-building” from the unveiling of a “a world built.” Admittedly, there were times when the story abruptly transitions into some back-story elements, either in the reading of a letter written long ago, or remembrances through the perspective of the horse, and my first inclination was to ask “is this needful?” But it is. It’s part of the quiet pageantry of “Travel by Star” and ultimately both story and reader are the better for it.
From the perspective of plot construction, I could see some readers feel that it’s rather straightforward and linear – the heroes embark on a journey and encounter several challenges and experiences on the way to ultimately be confronted with the greatest challenge when they reach the destination. In fact, protagonist and antagonist never truly cross paths until journey’s end. Some might see this as a negative that lessens the tension in the story, but I believe it is the quiet strength of “Travel by Star.” Life seldom presents us with a clear-cut nemesis that motivates us to strive for victory or keep us moving forward. In “Travel by Star”, Travel and Nichole are not spurred on their quest to defeat a nemesis, but instead are inspired to answer the lingering questions in themselves and for the world in which they live. When faced with obstacles, they persist, not goaded by an enemy but rather by the fervent hope and desire to find that better thing that we honestly all know, deep inside, that we truly need…in short: they are on a journey of faith. And this is why the story succeeds. Paul Scott Grill takes the reader on an incredible adventure alongside Travel, Nichole, and others where their faith is questioned, tested, and strengthened in a world that seems stacked against them. Despite the grim, hopeless setting, there is an undeniable, burgeoning spark within that makes these characters so endearing to come back to and cheer for. As Travel says to the lamplighter: “Someone has to keep the lights on.”
I enthusiastically encourage readers who relish a well-crafted, passionate story that achieves excellence on so many layers to plunge into “Travel by Star” heart first…you’ll be glad you did!
Paul Scott Grill’s “Travel by Star” is a smooth blend of western and fantasy that instantly engages the reader with a textured, imaginative setting populated with characters that are relatable, intriguing, and fascinating. The story follows Travel, a lone, somewhat rudderless Runner, who agrees to escort the enigmatic Nichole Littlestar on her perilous trek to uncover the fate of the destroyed city of Archewood. Throughout the journey, the characters – and the reader – unravel the history and the secrets of both one another and the land that lay before them.
Paul Scott Grill’s style is a perfect balance of poetry and prose. Not a single world feels out of place as he deftly moves the story along while allowing the reader to soak in every detail, nuance, and emotion as it unfolds. There would be some who would consider this book too much of a “slow burn” but I found it perfectly suited for the story. Delving into a page of “Travel By Star” is akin to shrugging into a comfortable coat for a winter’s outing or climbing onto a well-worn leather saddle for a long mountain ride…everything just fits. Every page slowly rolls back the fog of the unknown through careful, considerate story-telling which allows the reader to be their own traveling participant in the story. You see the weary town of Occam and the feral grip of the countryside through the eyes of the characters, rather than simply digesting it through unfeeling exposition. In doing so, the author displays a mastery of craft that distinguishes the act of back-end “world-building” from the unveiling of a “a world built.” Admittedly, there were times when the story abruptly transitions into some back-story elements, either in the reading of a letter written long ago, or remembrances through the perspective of the horse, and my first inclination was to ask “is this needful?” But it is. It’s part of the quiet pageantry of “Travel by Star” and ultimately both story and reader are the better for it.
From the perspective of plot construction, I could see some readers feel that it’s rather straightforward and linear – the heroes embark on a journey and encounter several challenges and experiences on the way to ultimately be confronted with the greatest challenge when they reach the destination. In fact, protagonist and antagonist never truly cross paths until journey’s end. Some might see this as a negative that lessens the tension in the story, but I believe it is the quiet strength of “Travel by Star.” Life seldom presents us with a clear-cut nemesis that motivates us to strive for victory or keep us moving forward. In “Travel by Star”, Travel and Nichole are not spurred on their quest to defeat a nemesis, but instead are inspired to answer the lingering questions in themselves and for the world in which they live. When faced with obstacles, they persist, not goaded by an enemy but rather by the fervent hope and desire to find that better thing that we honestly all know, deep inside, that we truly need…in short: they are on a journey of faith. And this is why the story succeeds. Paul Scott Grill takes the reader on an incredible adventure alongside Travel, Nichole, and others where their faith is questioned, tested, and strengthened in a world that seems stacked against them. Despite the grim, hopeless setting, there is an undeniable, burgeoning spark within that makes these characters so endearing to come back to and cheer for. As Travel says to the lamplighter: “Someone has to keep the lights on.”
I enthusiastically encourage readers who relish a well-crafted, passionate story that achieves excellence on so many layers to plunge into “Travel by Star” heart first…you’ll be glad you did!
November 25, 2025
This is a weighty book. Don't get me wrong, the plot moves nicely along from the opening scene to the stirring climax, but this book has real gravitas:
-Characters: From the moment they step onto the page, Travel and Nichole are worn and scarred by their experiences and choices (which we are gradually let in on), each grappling with the profound question: "What would you live for?" and even when we know what they will choose to do, we care deeply b/c it is clear that Grill cares deeply and invites the reader to share in that. This same care extends to characters (not just humans!) with much less screentime and even to Drannach the villain with the result that I found I could see myself in the motivations and decisions being made. Each of them (in their own way) challenges me to be a better man.
-World: From Occam to Archewood (and everywhere in between), it feels inhabited, with each place carrying its own history and scars. It's a world that never feels cramped, but that invites you in to explore and to ponder (I would have loved a few extra maps though).
-Prose: This book is beautifully written, with sentences that deserve to be relished, chewed, and digested. It is a delight to read.
-Story: Here is redemption that is neither cheap, nor cliched, nor rushed. Redemption that echoes the Great Story. This story carries weight because it is haunted with hope that is often tested, but never destroyed by cynicism. This powerful theme is woven into almost every page:
"What would you live for?"
"The City went beyond beauty and love and home and healing."
"It is a place I don't belong," Travel said
"Did you think I could bring you all the way here, and not finish what I've begun?"
I teared up several times while reading, and I suspect that I will again be struggling with wet eyes when I return to this book like an old friend in the future.
-Characters: From the moment they step onto the page, Travel and Nichole are worn and scarred by their experiences and choices (which we are gradually let in on), each grappling with the profound question: "What would you live for?" and even when we know what they will choose to do, we care deeply b/c it is clear that Grill cares deeply and invites the reader to share in that. This same care extends to characters (not just humans!) with much less screentime and even to Drannach the villain with the result that I found I could see myself in the motivations and decisions being made. Each of them (in their own way) challenges me to be a better man.
-World: From Occam to Archewood (and everywhere in between), it feels inhabited, with each place carrying its own history and scars. It's a world that never feels cramped, but that invites you in to explore and to ponder (I would have loved a few extra maps though).
-Prose: This book is beautifully written, with sentences that deserve to be relished, chewed, and digested. It is a delight to read.
-Story: Here is redemption that is neither cheap, nor cliched, nor rushed. Redemption that echoes the Great Story. This story carries weight because it is haunted with hope that is often tested, but never destroyed by cynicism. This powerful theme is woven into almost every page:
"What would you live for?"
"The City went beyond beauty and love and home and healing."
"It is a place I don't belong," Travel said
"Did you think I could bring you all the way here, and not finish what I've begun?"
I teared up several times while reading, and I suspect that I will again be struggling with wet eyes when I return to this book like an old friend in the future.
January 21, 2026
There is a place in C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian where Aslan returns after a long absence from Narnia and utter joy ensues. It is a wild passage. Bacchus arrives—young and virile—along with dancing girls known as Maenads. Grape vines begin erupting from the earth and covering anything available. It appears like Lewis’ organized, methodological storytelling is about to detonate into chaos.
But then in a conversation with her sister, Lucy (the youngest) offers this steadying moment: “I wouldn’t have felt very safe with Bacchus and all his wild girls if we’d met them without Aslan.” And thus we see the redeeming of the recklessness that we perceive into blessed joy.
Paul Scott Grill’s novel Travel by Star is clearly influenced by many of the works that my writing is also touched by. The Narnia series, Tolkien, Pilgrim’s Progress, and even Louis L’Amour appear to be prominent. This makes for a read that is personally quite thrilling.
Note that Mr. Grill is a current author who has chosen the independent publishing path. This approach frees one from the conforming biases of the publishing industry and allows full creative control. Unfortunately, it also may discourage the buying public who sees the independently published novel as potentially lesser. I tend to feel the opposite way.
This is why I will be buying and reviewing (unbeknownst to the author) independent novels on my site (todnewman dot com/category/book-reviews) from time to time. This is the first example of my diversion from my traditional Classics reviews. Perhaps it will be helpful to both authors and readers who want better content not influenced by “the industry”. Back to the review.
In places, we see the western stability and rugged individualism characteristic of L’Amour and we garner a notion about the type of book this is. But then the magic and joy of Grill’s world building erupts out of nowhere and takes the reader into an exciting new place for a short while. Once control is regained, we resume the main story—or is it the main story? We don’t know for sure because the author maintains suspense for quite a long time.
Three characters garner the majority of the love from Grill. The main Clint Eastwood plains drifter (or plains Runner as the book describes him) is named Travel. Early on he meets a challenging and powerful young woman named Nichole who has a mission she needs Travel’s attendance to. He has various beliefs about what this mission is, and even though he’s initially reluctant (of course, the heroic journey is featured here as with many of the best novels), eventually he becomes invested, though he still is mistaken about the purpose. Nichole is compelling and surprising throughout, but Travel begins to truly care for her. We learn a truth about Travel and Nichole fairly early on:
“Nichole lived in a haunted world, as did Travel, as did everyone else. It was a world where nothing beautiful could ever rise up without something coming for it.” (p. 102)
This is excellent foreshadowing, but as with heroes in our own real world, neither of these two is affected by these challenges, constantly adapting and seeking to overcome.
My favorite character is perhaps more of a mighty supporting character, a “protector” named Hatchet who is also far more than he appears. What I appreciate about this character is the clothing in humility and grace Grill provides him that enables him to serve and regard the other characters in the novel far higher than himself.
Magical realism is featured throughout, often in surprising ways. As with García Márquez, the best examples of this are short and never get fully resolved in the book. This lends these moments a great amount of interest.
Hope as Our Sure Possession
My opinion on the main theme in the novel is that it continually returns to hope. For example, much of the story revolves around searching for a majestic city (à la the Celestial City from Pilgrim’s Progress). Travel isn’t so sure at the beginning of the book, but we learn his thoughts and get insight into his character:
“Travel shrugged. ‘I believe there was once a city, and I’m sure it had its day.’ He paused, and the watchfulness returned. ‘But I don’t believe anything can sustain that kind of hope.'” (p. 86)
I highlighted the theme of hope throughout my Kindle edition of this novel. One phrase that is repeated by many characters is initially thrown out as a surety by Hatchet: “Hope is our sure possession.” How much do we need to hear this in our own era where we have sacrificed hope to the mere tangible? It is food for much thought.
There are many smaller characters like Nivenna who pursue this hope through strenuous and systematic sacrificial investment in the advancement of others. We learn that Nivenna is training groups of young women to become anchors in the community. Grill writes:
“For in addition to the well-known work and provision of their land, there was a quiet, lesser-known work that also sustained the town, whereby these four women took in wayward girls and taught them how to set their sights on something more than the day after. Here, they learned to read, to make plans, to keep a schedule, to garden and cook, to care for animals, to care for people, to stretch a coin and mend a seam and close a wound. These were Occam’s Daughters, and they did more to keep the town from descending into a brothel-pocked ruin than most would ever know. It was dangerous work.” (p. 153)
Those who love horses (like me) will also enjoy this book, for there is a race of horses that are higher and more noble. Perhaps these horses even aspire to the Greek legends of Pegasus, the winged symbol of divine inspiration. What is certain is that they are critical partners to the human teams seeking the blessed city in full hope.
Near the end of the book, Travel reaches the City. But has he? He is uncertain, for he detects some adjacent injustice. He meets an important character in a dingy room who addresses the whole issue about the City and the remnants of evil:
“Do not fear him,” he said. “As for you…” he stopped for a moment, and it seemed then that he looked past Travel, at something the horsemaster could neither hear nor see. The Man smiled briefly then returned his gaze. “Did you think I could bring you all the way here, and not finish what I’ve begun?” he asked. (p. 603)
With this advice, Travel moves forward confidently and hopefully into his new life’s work, no longer unaware of who he is and who he is serving.
Travel by Star is an enjoyable read that will alternately leave your head spinning and then focus your attention on the reality that underlies and sustains all of the many symbols that Grill sneaks past our attention.
But then in a conversation with her sister, Lucy (the youngest) offers this steadying moment: “I wouldn’t have felt very safe with Bacchus and all his wild girls if we’d met them without Aslan.” And thus we see the redeeming of the recklessness that we perceive into blessed joy.
Paul Scott Grill’s novel Travel by Star is clearly influenced by many of the works that my writing is also touched by. The Narnia series, Tolkien, Pilgrim’s Progress, and even Louis L’Amour appear to be prominent. This makes for a read that is personally quite thrilling.
Note that Mr. Grill is a current author who has chosen the independent publishing path. This approach frees one from the conforming biases of the publishing industry and allows full creative control. Unfortunately, it also may discourage the buying public who sees the independently published novel as potentially lesser. I tend to feel the opposite way.
This is why I will be buying and reviewing (unbeknownst to the author) independent novels on my site (todnewman dot com/category/book-reviews) from time to time. This is the first example of my diversion from my traditional Classics reviews. Perhaps it will be helpful to both authors and readers who want better content not influenced by “the industry”. Back to the review.
In places, we see the western stability and rugged individualism characteristic of L’Amour and we garner a notion about the type of book this is. But then the magic and joy of Grill’s world building erupts out of nowhere and takes the reader into an exciting new place for a short while. Once control is regained, we resume the main story—or is it the main story? We don’t know for sure because the author maintains suspense for quite a long time.
Three characters garner the majority of the love from Grill. The main Clint Eastwood plains drifter (or plains Runner as the book describes him) is named Travel. Early on he meets a challenging and powerful young woman named Nichole who has a mission she needs Travel’s attendance to. He has various beliefs about what this mission is, and even though he’s initially reluctant (of course, the heroic journey is featured here as with many of the best novels), eventually he becomes invested, though he still is mistaken about the purpose. Nichole is compelling and surprising throughout, but Travel begins to truly care for her. We learn a truth about Travel and Nichole fairly early on:
“Nichole lived in a haunted world, as did Travel, as did everyone else. It was a world where nothing beautiful could ever rise up without something coming for it.” (p. 102)
This is excellent foreshadowing, but as with heroes in our own real world, neither of these two is affected by these challenges, constantly adapting and seeking to overcome.
My favorite character is perhaps more of a mighty supporting character, a “protector” named Hatchet who is also far more than he appears. What I appreciate about this character is the clothing in humility and grace Grill provides him that enables him to serve and regard the other characters in the novel far higher than himself.
Magical realism is featured throughout, often in surprising ways. As with García Márquez, the best examples of this are short and never get fully resolved in the book. This lends these moments a great amount of interest.
Hope as Our Sure Possession
My opinion on the main theme in the novel is that it continually returns to hope. For example, much of the story revolves around searching for a majestic city (à la the Celestial City from Pilgrim’s Progress). Travel isn’t so sure at the beginning of the book, but we learn his thoughts and get insight into his character:
“Travel shrugged. ‘I believe there was once a city, and I’m sure it had its day.’ He paused, and the watchfulness returned. ‘But I don’t believe anything can sustain that kind of hope.'” (p. 86)
I highlighted the theme of hope throughout my Kindle edition of this novel. One phrase that is repeated by many characters is initially thrown out as a surety by Hatchet: “Hope is our sure possession.” How much do we need to hear this in our own era where we have sacrificed hope to the mere tangible? It is food for much thought.
There are many smaller characters like Nivenna who pursue this hope through strenuous and systematic sacrificial investment in the advancement of others. We learn that Nivenna is training groups of young women to become anchors in the community. Grill writes:
“For in addition to the well-known work and provision of their land, there was a quiet, lesser-known work that also sustained the town, whereby these four women took in wayward girls and taught them how to set their sights on something more than the day after. Here, they learned to read, to make plans, to keep a schedule, to garden and cook, to care for animals, to care for people, to stretch a coin and mend a seam and close a wound. These were Occam’s Daughters, and they did more to keep the town from descending into a brothel-pocked ruin than most would ever know. It was dangerous work.” (p. 153)
Those who love horses (like me) will also enjoy this book, for there is a race of horses that are higher and more noble. Perhaps these horses even aspire to the Greek legends of Pegasus, the winged symbol of divine inspiration. What is certain is that they are critical partners to the human teams seeking the blessed city in full hope.
Near the end of the book, Travel reaches the City. But has he? He is uncertain, for he detects some adjacent injustice. He meets an important character in a dingy room who addresses the whole issue about the City and the remnants of evil:
“Do not fear him,” he said. “As for you…” he stopped for a moment, and it seemed then that he looked past Travel, at something the horsemaster could neither hear nor see. The Man smiled briefly then returned his gaze. “Did you think I could bring you all the way here, and not finish what I’ve begun?” he asked. (p. 603)
With this advice, Travel moves forward confidently and hopefully into his new life’s work, no longer unaware of who he is and who he is serving.
Travel by Star is an enjoyable read that will alternately leave your head spinning and then focus your attention on the reality that underlies and sustains all of the many symbols that Grill sneaks past our attention.
January 5, 2026
“In the struggle for existence, it is only on those who hang on for ten minutes after all is hopeless, that hope begins to dawn.”
G.K. Chesterton
Chesterton’s words feel like a fitting banner over Paul Scott Grill’s Travel by Star, a rare gem in a fantasy landscape too often filled with disappointment. Grill has crafted a tightly woven and emotionally astute tale that balances high-stakes action with a deeply human story of redemption and resilience.
Travel by Star is a sharp, fast-moving fantasy western that delivers on action without sacrificing heart. Travel of the Ruelands is a rugged, battle-worn guide drawn into one last impossible journey, and what follows is a relentless, dangerous trek filled with monsters, moral weight, and moments of real grit. The fight scenes hit hard, the world feels lived-in, and the characters are both grounded and compelling.
But what truly sets this book apart is its heart: a story about carrying burdens, finding purpose, and bearing the light through a world already surrendered to shadow. This powerful debut is a must-read for fans of character-driven adventure.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes their fantasy with grit, meaning, and momentum. Put this on your shelf next to Lewis, Tolkien, Alexander, and Lawhead.
Star note: I use stars as recommendation signals rather than literary rankings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = loved it / strong recommendation
⭐⭐⭐⭐ = liked it
⭐⭐⭐ = okay or mixed
⭐⭐ = didn’t like it
⭐ = strongly disliked
G.K. Chesterton
Chesterton’s words feel like a fitting banner over Paul Scott Grill’s Travel by Star, a rare gem in a fantasy landscape too often filled with disappointment. Grill has crafted a tightly woven and emotionally astute tale that balances high-stakes action with a deeply human story of redemption and resilience.
Travel by Star is a sharp, fast-moving fantasy western that delivers on action without sacrificing heart. Travel of the Ruelands is a rugged, battle-worn guide drawn into one last impossible journey, and what follows is a relentless, dangerous trek filled with monsters, moral weight, and moments of real grit. The fight scenes hit hard, the world feels lived-in, and the characters are both grounded and compelling.
But what truly sets this book apart is its heart: a story about carrying burdens, finding purpose, and bearing the light through a world already surrendered to shadow. This powerful debut is a must-read for fans of character-driven adventure.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes their fantasy with grit, meaning, and momentum. Put this on your shelf next to Lewis, Tolkien, Alexander, and Lawhead.
Star note: I use stars as recommendation signals rather than literary rankings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = loved it / strong recommendation
⭐⭐⭐⭐ = liked it
⭐⭐⭐ = okay or mixed
⭐⭐ = didn’t like it
⭐ = strongly disliked
October 13, 2025
I don't have words to describe this book.
It communicates more by vibe alone in the first 25 pages then most stories ever do.
Beautifully written, 10/10, no notes.
It communicates more by vibe alone in the first 25 pages then most stories ever do.
Beautifully written, 10/10, no notes.
May 19, 2026
I loved this book. It was an excellently written story with excellent characters and a great overall theme. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy books so take this all with a grain of salt, but my only big criticism is that that book it too long. Like way too long. I feel that about 100-200 pages could have been cut and it would not have affected the overall plot. Aside from that, I would very much recommend this book. I would read a sequel if/when one is released.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews