Vacuum

by Ben Brown

Jack Bennett has it all. Money, a great job, a beautiful wife, and two amazing sons. Then things begin to change with the discovery of a far off alien race. He soon realizes his happy life is more fragile than he could ever imagine. Thanks to a handful of maniacs, his perfect existence quickly changes into a nightmare that he cannot escape.
Vacuum follows the last human in the universe, as he spirals from one catastrophe to the next. Jack’s once perfect life becomes a trial, lasting thousands of years. His slow descent into insanity is halted when his jailers give him the simplest of things; a pen and paper. With these gifts, he begins to document his life. The journal offers him an escape from the hell his existence has become. It opens a door to memories long since forgotten; both good and bad.
This fascinatingly touching tale explores the importance of love, loyalty and kindness. It showcases the strength of the human spirit in dealing with bigotry, hate and intolerance.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2015

About the author

Ben Brown was born in Reading, England. He struggled through school academically. Diagnosed with dyslexia meant being removed from class to attend ‘remedial” lessons. Ben did not enjoy reading and writing, and left school early to work with his father as a builder. It wasn’t until his mid-twenties that Ben persisted in teaching himself to read — and finally read his first novel.

Ben emigrated to Perth, Western Australia in 1990 where he now lives with his wife Michelle and two teenage children, Chelsea and Zac.

He planned his first novel each day while working as a bricklayer, to pass the hours. His love of scientific facts, futuristic possibilities, and fast-paced action infects his plots and writing style.

Reviews

[Melanie Adkins]

Things seem to be going well for Jack and his family. They had everything you could want. Then we discover aliens. No one knows what to expect of this new race of aliens. In no time, Jack's life becomes a nightmare. Some crazy people decide the aliens are going to destroy Earth. Jack and his new friend Rex walk into a situation they never expected. Can they survive.

I love this alternate look at the end of the Earth. It's original and unique. Well written and characters you can relate to make this book even better. You will be surprised at the direction this book takes. This is one to add to your library. It's perfect for book clubs too.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a fantastic read. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[David Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over the weekend it was completely captivating. Ben Brown's style is flawless and the way the narrative flowed was exceptional. I didn't feel sympathy for the main character to begin with. Jack Bennett had money and power, a beautiful wife, and a lovely family. At the start of the story I expected him to be some heartless, corrupt being,but this soon changed. A victim of circumstance, you find yourself cheering him on and you understand his motivations and intentions. The science, the human spirit, the expectations we hold ourselves to, and the darker side of ignorace, Mr Brown does not falter. Well done.

[Ferg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi as it should be

Just when I think we are running out of new, original ideas in the Science Fiction and fantasy world, Ben Brown comes along and slaps me back into touch!
Vacuum is a voyage of discovery, loss, hatred, love and fear all rolled into one, it shows us the best and worst of human kind and the effects our small mindedness can have, far beyond imagination. Most of all, Vacuum is a tale of friendship that crosses the galaxy and countless years!.
Thank you again Ben!
Ferg.

[Angela Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Corker of a Book.
I always enjoy this authors books. I try to keep up with his latest offering as they are always fast, exciting and REALLY hard to put down. Vacuum was Sci-fi at its best. And what I really like about all his work is it shows the worse of humanity; the great destroyer, with the best; the bravery and love of so many of our race. No one tells the truth about our awful, flawed race as well as Ben Brown, we have two sides, and, unfortunately for our beautiful, seemingly doomed world, good doesn't always win. Be prepared for a wild ride to...not saying.

[M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Brown's 'Vacuum' explores the question that has burned within humanity since we first began watching the night sky: Who's out there, lurking in the void? What happens when they knock, and we open the door? Are they monsters? Are we?

Brown answers these questions by taking the reader on a rocket-powered joyride through fantastical milieus and the most human of hardships. Narrating this story is Jack Bennett, a well-developed character whose journey spans the soul as well as space and time. Joining Bennett is his alien companion, Rex, whose people differ wildly from, yet are also touchingly similar to, our own.

Without giving anything away: The plot of 'Vacuum' is very well thought out, with excellent foreshadowing and plenty of surprises. Its ending will have you on the edge of your seat.

"What's that old philosophical question? If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Other than me, no one heard humanity fall."
-- Jack Bennett, from Ben Brown's 'Vacuum'

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review.