From the Shadows

by E.L. Bates

Whisked from her troubled, solitary life to a spaceship centuries in the future, widowed folk musician Riss Waldon must first figure out how she got there, and then if it’s possible to get home. Before long, she is visiting strange and deadly planets and meeting new alien races, and forming friendships with the crew. Even as they strive to discover a way for her to return, she wonders if it possible to step out of the shadows of her past life and stay here. But when the well-being of the entire crew rests on her shoulders, she isn’t sure she’s up to the task. What if she fails them? All she can do is try …

Genres: Science Fiction

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2015

About the author

E.L. Bates is a writer of fantasy and adventure, usually (though not always) historical in nature.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, knitting, ice dancing, and spending time with her husband and two children. She is usually seen with a cup of tea in hand, and keeps a stash of dark chocolate hidden in her desk for emergency inspiration.

Perhaps as a result of reading and writing so many adventures, she can't help but feel that life is best lived with a sense of anticipation, seeking adventure around every corner, looking for the magic that still lurks in the hidden places of the world, waiting for those with the eyes to see it.

Reviews

[Hilma Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually avoid sci-fi literature as it is one of my least favorite genres. However, I picked this up and could not put it down until I finished the last page. It is much, much more than just future imaginary settings; it has elements of human interest, psychological development of the main character and a bit of intrigue to it. Impressive to say the least! Well worth the cost and time it took to read. Waiting for a sequel...
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[E.L.]

Here it is, my first foray into sci-fi! I love this story dearly. Riss, Dr. Selby, Sapphira, Chris, Tyler, and all the rest turned into such vivid, real characters for me, it was sometimes hard to remember they didn't exist independently of me. This was the most draining story I ever wrote, but also the one I'm proudest of. I hope you love it, too - I wrote it for all of you.

[A.M. Offenwanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to beta-read this book, and I loved it from the first line. Riss' story grabbbed my attention; it's one of those classic cases of "couldn't put it down". I shuddered (The coffin scene! Urgh!), laughed, cried, laughed again, chuckled quietly, wept - and just all around found myself so immersed in this world I didn't want to come back out at the end.
Riss is a young widow, still deeply grieving the loss of her husband, when she suddenly finds herself on a space ship (in the best Star Trek style, no less). She quickly makes friends with the crew, particularly one kind and handsome ship's doctor who looks after her when she has nightmares. But the big question is: how did she end up on this ship, and can she get off again? And if not - what then?
The inner and outer journey of Riss is a riveting tale of a young woman who comes out of the shadows of her past, and finds her way on new horizons.

[Miss Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this time traveling tale set on a spaceship a lot. I had no idea what to expect and it is much quieter and softer than I normally associate with scifi but it works for this story. It is much more about Riss coming to terms with her grief and finding peace than discovering new worlds. I hope that there is further adventures to come.

[Joseph Rizzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected space adventure that puts Nerissa 500 years from the home and time she knows, and suddenly aboard a spaceship on a long term journey exploring other worlds.

The story, written from Nerissa's perspective deals with many complex emotions, loss, grief, self-worth, and provides a very different setting to deal with them as she both longs for home and for the opportunity to be more than she has been before.