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Into The Great
Katalogtext / Kort beskrivning Sparks fly when Lilah, a thief from a struggling freespacer colony outside the borders of the Federated Solar Republic, meets Bax, an FSR security officer stationed at an official colony within those borders, during a time of heightened tensions for humanity as the silent, staring, seemingly invulnerable aliens. A story about choosing the life you want to live. This is book #4 from indie publisher Li'l Factory. 500 numbered copies, limited edition.
133 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 2, 2026
Into the Great by Elliot Blake is well named because it is great! In fact, 'great' isn't really a good enough word for it because it is simply outstanding. I'm so glad I changed my stance on sci-fi as it would have been a travesty to miss out on this magnificent book.
It's a short story at 133 pages long and Elliot Blake makes every word count as he takes the reader on a vivid and immersive journey through space. With the Federated Solar Republic and the freespacers from Safe Harbor being at loggerheads, it has the feel of Star Wars' rebels and the Empire so I found it easy to imagine the world in which the story is set. The story is told in three parts with the first two parts being from each main character's point of view and the third part brings it all together,
The chemistry between the two main characters crackles to life the first moment they meet, much like Han and Leia. Lilah is a lovable rogue who travels through space with her friends to steal a valuable resource called stratium, but the FSR need to keep as much as possible to defend themselves against the Aureum aliens. Bax is the FSR security officer who would have caught her if he hadn't felt such a strong connection earlier that day. Letting Lilah get away could cost Bax his job but she has already captured his heart.
Oh my goodness, I couldn't put this book down but I also didn't want it to end. It is just perfect from start to finish and I loved every second of it. As entertaining as it is, it's also quite thought-provoking, especially as it made me think about how we might react if aliens visited our planet and the assumptions we would make if they did so.
Into the Great is completely unforgettable and totally unmissable. Readers of any genre will enjoy it so please don't be put off if you have ever said the words: "I don't read sci-fi". It's an absolutely cracking debut and I really can't recommend it highly enough. Five stars are not enough; all the stars in the universe for this outstanding book.
It's a short story at 133 pages long and Elliot Blake makes every word count as he takes the reader on a vivid and immersive journey through space. With the Federated Solar Republic and the freespacers from Safe Harbor being at loggerheads, it has the feel of Star Wars' rebels and the Empire so I found it easy to imagine the world in which the story is set. The story is told in three parts with the first two parts being from each main character's point of view and the third part brings it all together,
The chemistry between the two main characters crackles to life the first moment they meet, much like Han and Leia. Lilah is a lovable rogue who travels through space with her friends to steal a valuable resource called stratium, but the FSR need to keep as much as possible to defend themselves against the Aureum aliens. Bax is the FSR security officer who would have caught her if he hadn't felt such a strong connection earlier that day. Letting Lilah get away could cost Bax his job but she has already captured his heart.
Oh my goodness, I couldn't put this book down but I also didn't want it to end. It is just perfect from start to finish and I loved every second of it. As entertaining as it is, it's also quite thought-provoking, especially as it made me think about how we might react if aliens visited our planet and the assumptions we would make if they did so.
Into the Great is completely unforgettable and totally unmissable. Readers of any genre will enjoy it so please don't be put off if you have ever said the words: "I don't read sci-fi". It's an absolutely cracking debut and I really can't recommend it highly enough. Five stars are not enough; all the stars in the universe for this outstanding book.
August 31, 2026
nto the Great is a sci-fi short, so was easily read in a few hours. I was pleasantly surprised how much I found myself enjoying it.
Slow burning and atmospheric with a sense of creeping dread, it was very much a character driven read. Characters Lilah and Bex were quintessentially flawed, challenging, and above all else human.
I also want to share my appreciation for these limited edition books designed by Lil' Factory AB. Stunning!
Slow burning and atmospheric with a sense of creeping dread, it was very much a character driven read. Characters Lilah and Bex were quintessentially flawed, challenging, and above all else human.
I also want to share my appreciation for these limited edition books designed by Lil' Factory AB. Stunning!
September 5, 2026
reviewed by Ian Banks for Literally PR and Bluewolf Reviews.
This somewhat intriguing novella, Into the Great from Elliot Blake is a futurist sci-fi that beings with two protagonists, both self-absorbed with their life and issues, both desperately seeking to find their reality in a world that is slowly beginning to resemble a nightmare.
An invasion occurs, without what appears to be any reason, a Silent Invasion that comes with absolutely no anger, missiles being fires or other warlike events occurring. The invaders simply sit and watch as humanity creates its own panic, failing to understand what is occurring.
Both Bax and Lila get caught up in the loss of their dreams, their desires and their hopes, yet again without any understanding of creating their own destiny. As Lila, a free-spacer wildcatter and Bax, a security chief on a mining planet, are from opposing sides of life, can they put aside their differences to begin to understand themselves better and appreciate one another going forward.
Into the Great was originally a Graphic Novel put to one side when life managed to get in the way. Completed in written form in late 2024, after the recent USA Elections, Blake uses the concept to highlight how we, as a civilisation, can be convinced of almost anything if the illusion created is good enough.
Elliot Blake has created a novella that makes one pause to reflect on the state of anarchy we have become conditioned to in the world of 2025/26, and the fact that we, as humanity, are prepared to accept that we are considered as hapless, or helpless, to be able to change………
This somewhat intriguing novella, Into the Great from Elliot Blake is a futurist sci-fi that beings with two protagonists, both self-absorbed with their life and issues, both desperately seeking to find their reality in a world that is slowly beginning to resemble a nightmare.
An invasion occurs, without what appears to be any reason, a Silent Invasion that comes with absolutely no anger, missiles being fires or other warlike events occurring. The invaders simply sit and watch as humanity creates its own panic, failing to understand what is occurring.
Both Bax and Lila get caught up in the loss of their dreams, their desires and their hopes, yet again without any understanding of creating their own destiny. As Lila, a free-spacer wildcatter and Bax, a security chief on a mining planet, are from opposing sides of life, can they put aside their differences to begin to understand themselves better and appreciate one another going forward.
Into the Great was originally a Graphic Novel put to one side when life managed to get in the way. Completed in written form in late 2024, after the recent USA Elections, Blake uses the concept to highlight how we, as a civilisation, can be convinced of almost anything if the illusion created is good enough.
Elliot Blake has created a novella that makes one pause to reflect on the state of anarchy we have become conditioned to in the world of 2025/26, and the fact that we, as humanity, are prepared to accept that we are considered as hapless, or helpless, to be able to change………
September 4, 2026
I received this book as part of. LiterallyPR book tour. So here’s my take.
Space novella.
Nope, that description, I think, is not quite enough.
But before I expand on the story, I will say, the physical hard back speaks volumes about what’s inside, and gave me such warm vibes as I picked it up. Before I had even opened it, I thought this is simply beautiful. It felt so good in my hands. This is a book that you will want to hold - I certainly did.
The story. Superb, space novella, set on some far flung planet, with a main cast of two.
Simple story. Simple cast. Simple premise.
Look into someone’s eyes and immediately feel the connection. But that feeling is over in a moment because in real life you know you’ll never meet them again.
But then you do.
That’s better, almost but still not quite enough.
Lilah is a thief through necessity stealing supplies for her colony. Bax is an FSR security officer, thrown a rotten curve ball in his future career. Both have reason to question right now where they are in life, and decide right here and now is the right place for me. But is it the right time for a future together?
Their friends say no, their colleagues say no. Should they listen?
What do you think? Read this simple novella and decide for yourself, as Lilah and Bax try to decide their unknown future.
I believe I’m happy I’ve given you reasons for picking up and reading this book. It’s simply a cracker of a story, with a big emotional bang.
Thank you to LiterallyPR and Elliot Blake for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Space novella.
Nope, that description, I think, is not quite enough.
But before I expand on the story, I will say, the physical hard back speaks volumes about what’s inside, and gave me such warm vibes as I picked it up. Before I had even opened it, I thought this is simply beautiful. It felt so good in my hands. This is a book that you will want to hold - I certainly did.
The story. Superb, space novella, set on some far flung planet, with a main cast of two.
Simple story. Simple cast. Simple premise.
Look into someone’s eyes and immediately feel the connection. But that feeling is over in a moment because in real life you know you’ll never meet them again.
But then you do.
That’s better, almost but still not quite enough.
Lilah is a thief through necessity stealing supplies for her colony. Bax is an FSR security officer, thrown a rotten curve ball in his future career. Both have reason to question right now where they are in life, and decide right here and now is the right place for me. But is it the right time for a future together?
Their friends say no, their colleagues say no. Should they listen?
What do you think? Read this simple novella and decide for yourself, as Lilah and Bax try to decide their unknown future.
I believe I’m happy I’ve given you reasons for picking up and reading this book. It’s simply a cracker of a story, with a big emotional bang.
Thank you to LiterallyPR and Elliot Blake for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
September 9, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy from LiterallyPR. All views are my own.
If you enjoy atmospheric world-building and a delicious side of "enemies/opposites forced into an unexpected spark," Into The Great by Elliot Blake needs to be on your radar!
This fast-paced novella tracks two very different people: Lilah, a scavenger fighting to keep her colony alive, and Bax, a disciplined Captain in the Federated Solar Republic (FSR) Security Forces. Desperate for survival, Lilah and her crew slip into FSR territory using facial-altering nanobots and fake visas to scavenge high-tech mining gear. Bax, on the other hand, is battling his own career frustration while the galaxy reels from the sudden, eerie arrival of the Aureum (aka "The Lurkers") - a mysterious, untouchable alien race that stands by silently observing humanity.
When Lilah’s heist at an abandoned stratium mine goes sideways, Bax gives chase through dark, subterranean tunnels. What follows is an intense, breathless confrontation in the dark that completely upends both of their plans and trajectories.
It’s a tight, action-packed sci-fi adventure that manages to balance big cosmic mysteries with genuine character heart. Highly recommended for fans of The Expanse or classic sci-fi heist and escape thrillers!
@ELLIOTBLAKE @literallypr #INTOTHEGREAT
LILFAC.COM
If you enjoy atmospheric world-building and a delicious side of "enemies/opposites forced into an unexpected spark," Into The Great by Elliot Blake needs to be on your radar!
This fast-paced novella tracks two very different people: Lilah, a scavenger fighting to keep her colony alive, and Bax, a disciplined Captain in the Federated Solar Republic (FSR) Security Forces. Desperate for survival, Lilah and her crew slip into FSR territory using facial-altering nanobots and fake visas to scavenge high-tech mining gear. Bax, on the other hand, is battling his own career frustration while the galaxy reels from the sudden, eerie arrival of the Aureum (aka "The Lurkers") - a mysterious, untouchable alien race that stands by silently observing humanity.
When Lilah’s heist at an abandoned stratium mine goes sideways, Bax gives chase through dark, subterranean tunnels. What follows is an intense, breathless confrontation in the dark that completely upends both of their plans and trajectories.
It’s a tight, action-packed sci-fi adventure that manages to balance big cosmic mysteries with genuine character heart. Highly recommended for fans of The Expanse or classic sci-fi heist and escape thrillers!
@ELLIOTBLAKE @literallypr #INTOTHEGREAT
LILFAC.COM
September 5, 2026
Into the Great by Elliott Blake kindly gifted by LiterallyPR 📚
***Sparks fly when Lilah, a thief from a struggling freespacer colony outside the borders of the Federated Solar Republic, meets Bax, an FSR security officer stationed at an official colony within these borders, during a time of heightened tensions for humanity as the silent, staring, seemingly invulnerable aliens dubbed The Aureum begin to meddle in human affairs. A story about choosing the life you want to live in a time of unprecedented, rapid change beyond your control.***
I absolutely love all of the L’il Factory books I have read and this is no different
Before I even opened it, I just love how these books look. They’re so pretty, and they feel so lovely. They give old book vibes and are just 😍
I loved the premise of this. A futuristic Romeo and Juliet with the FSR and the Freespacers. The characters were well written and The Aureum were sufficiently ominous throughout the story because you never knew their true intentions.
The only criticism I have of this book is that it ended… 🤣 I so wanted to know what happened at the end because I was invested in the characters. But I also still did love it
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
***Sparks fly when Lilah, a thief from a struggling freespacer colony outside the borders of the Federated Solar Republic, meets Bax, an FSR security officer stationed at an official colony within these borders, during a time of heightened tensions for humanity as the silent, staring, seemingly invulnerable aliens dubbed The Aureum begin to meddle in human affairs. A story about choosing the life you want to live in a time of unprecedented, rapid change beyond your control.***
I absolutely love all of the L’il Factory books I have read and this is no different
Before I even opened it, I just love how these books look. They’re so pretty, and they feel so lovely. They give old book vibes and are just 😍
I loved the premise of this. A futuristic Romeo and Juliet with the FSR and the Freespacers. The characters were well written and The Aureum were sufficiently ominous throughout the story because you never knew their true intentions.
The only criticism I have of this book is that it ended… 🤣 I so wanted to know what happened at the end because I was invested in the characters. But I also still did love it
A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
Read
September 14, 2026A copy of this book was sent through Literally PR in exchange for an honest review.
Like the others from this publisher, the story is small but mighty, carving out an impact in just 130 pages. I enjoyed the interwoven POVs, and although the instant connection between the two MCs didn't quite fit for me, I was fully invested in their ongoing tension. Their chemistry warmed my little heart and I easily fell into rooting for them.
I loved the worldbuilding; carefully crafted to give you a rich-enough insight into the world to understand the dynamics without taking up too many words. I would love to read more set in this world as I want to know more - this world has got me so intrigued! Colonies, aliens, space travel, mystery, romance... And maybe a follow-up story for our protagonists?
Like the others from this publisher, the story is small but mighty, carving out an impact in just 130 pages. I enjoyed the interwoven POVs, and although the instant connection between the two MCs didn't quite fit for me, I was fully invested in their ongoing tension. Their chemistry warmed my little heart and I easily fell into rooting for them.
I loved the worldbuilding; carefully crafted to give you a rich-enough insight into the world to understand the dynamics without taking up too many words. I would love to read more set in this world as I want to know more - this world has got me so intrigued! Colonies, aliens, space travel, mystery, romance... And maybe a follow-up story for our protagonists?
September 9, 2026
Thank you to Elliot and LiterallyPR for this proof!
This was a short sci fi book following Lilah, who was a strong FMC who stood up for what she believed in. The supporting characters were great at helping the reader to understand the dynamics of the world in a short number of pages. Bax was a simp for Lilah and I was here for it! I wish that we could have learnt more about The Aureum but understand why we only had the basics.
I was sucked into this book from the start, and it was a quick and easy read that was difficult to put down. I would recommend this as a one sitting book, perfect for a Sunday afternoon!
If you like unsettling aliens, space politics and romance, you will love this story! I can’t wait to read more of Elliot’s work.
This was a short sci fi book following Lilah, who was a strong FMC who stood up for what she believed in. The supporting characters were great at helping the reader to understand the dynamics of the world in a short number of pages. Bax was a simp for Lilah and I was here for it! I wish that we could have learnt more about The Aureum but understand why we only had the basics.
I was sucked into this book from the start, and it was a quick and easy read that was difficult to put down. I would recommend this as a one sitting book, perfect for a Sunday afternoon!
If you like unsettling aliens, space politics and romance, you will love this story! I can’t wait to read more of Elliot’s work.
September 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Into the Great by Elliot Blake was thoroughly enjoyable! I got quickly attached to the main characters, both looking for a big change, a future, an escape, and was curious to see what would happen to them. The author was able to create an interesting world system and characters with lots of personality in such a short novel, and the adventures made me fly through the story. Highly recommend to sci-fi fans! I'll look forward to part 2.
Into the Great by Elliot Blake was thoroughly enjoyable! I got quickly attached to the main characters, both looking for a big change, a future, an escape, and was curious to see what would happen to them. The author was able to create an interesting world system and characters with lots of personality in such a short novel, and the adventures made me fly through the story. Highly recommend to sci-fi fans! I'll look forward to part 2.
September 27, 2026
This story packed a ton into a short package. I grew invested and attached to the characters, and it is easy to forget that we have little time with them before we jump into the events I already felt fully committed to. This is an interesting end-stage capitalism/environmental burnout take, and I would enjoy seeing more in this world. I loved that our two protagonists were fairly "regular people" who went quickly from everyday life and even bureaucracy to an almost surreal escape heist. 4.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley, Elliot Blake, and PUBLISHER for this E-ARC.
Thank you NetGalley, Elliot Blake, and PUBLISHER for this E-ARC.
September 26, 2026
Biased review cuz he’s my former boss but it was great! Interesting sci-fi world building, compelling characters in a story structure that takes two main perspectives and then combines them in the third act. Looking forward to if he does more on these characters!
October 9, 2026
Unfortunately, despite the absolutely beautiful packaging, it's impossible to identify anything unique or novel through the pastiche of influences (Firefly, The Expanse, Babylon 5, etc.).
September 10, 2026
I always say I will read just about anything, and that is true, but if you know me you know my real loves are Horror, fantasy and Science Fiction. Into the Great falls into the latter genre and when I say I could not put this book down I am not exaggerating. I loved the writing from the first page. Lilah is amazing and I loved how she is flawed but realistic. Bax is brilliant too but then again so are the supporting cast. I could say the relationship between Bax and Lilah did remind me a bit of a Leia and Han relationship and that is not a bad thing, in fact for someone like me I adored it. That said Bax and Lilah’s story is completely their own and not a copy of that. I just mean the rogue type character and moral one but I digress.
I also adored the world these characters inhabit and the commentary on how people will learn to believe anything if the lies and speel is good enough. I have to say I don’t think I’ve read a bad novel from this series but I will say this is probably my favourite so far.
As always thank you to Literally PR, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book
I also adored the world these characters inhabit and the commentary on how people will learn to believe anything if the lies and speel is good enough. I have to say I don’t think I’ve read a bad novel from this series but I will say this is probably my favourite so far.
As always thank you to Literally PR, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book
September 28, 2026
Into the Great sucked me into the characters and world almost immediately!
The dystopian world was fully built and eager for me to get lost in! The struggles of the freespacers versus the FSR; with a new and uncertain appearance of aliens only known as The Aureum, or less charitably, Lurkers.
I want to read more! The ending is interesting and still leaves questions to be answered. I guess, until Elliot Blake writes a sequel, I can only theorize.
Interesting use of UK common style of writing with the single quotations instead of the US version of the double. I looked up the author out of curiosity and his website states he is from LA, California!
The dystopian world was fully built and eager for me to get lost in! The struggles of the freespacers versus the FSR; with a new and uncertain appearance of aliens only known as The Aureum, or less charitably, Lurkers.
I want to read more! The ending is interesting and still leaves questions to be answered. I guess, until Elliot Blake writes a sequel, I can only theorize.
Interesting use of UK common style of writing with the single quotations instead of the US version of the double. I looked up the author out of curiosity and his website states he is from LA, California!
September 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a delightfully easy read, with lots of atmosphere.
As a short story, I read this in probably about an hour, which was lovely. It was quite simple sci-fi, and I mean that as a huge compliment. Sometimes, sci-fi can be so confusing that it doesn’t feel accessible to everyone, but this was interesting, whilst also being simple enough to be read by anyone!
The characters were messy and chaotic, which I loved. I thought the romance was sweet, and I loved the ending!
October 4, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest evaluation of its merits.
Other than what felt like an excessive use of the F-word, the biggest challenge I had with this story was its length. The concept seemed interesting enough, but the enemies-to-lovers trope seemed rushed, as did the rest of the tale. I get that it is a novella, but it was like watching a 42-minute TV episode as opposed to a 90-minute movie. There was definitely more story to tell and I wished I had gotten to enjoy what happened next.
Other than what felt like an excessive use of the F-word, the biggest challenge I had with this story was its length. The concept seemed interesting enough, but the enemies-to-lovers trope seemed rushed, as did the rest of the tale. I get that it is a novella, but it was like watching a 42-minute TV episode as opposed to a 90-minute movie. There was definitely more story to tell and I wished I had gotten to enjoy what happened next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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