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Beyond the Wall, #3.5
Atonement: A Beyond the Wall Novella
Some sentences are not meant to be served behind bars.
Some criminals must atone for their crimes in a different way.
Lahm’s own freedom depends on him finding those who must have theirs taken away. He receives only the barest details of those he hunts and never asks why. Or what will happen to them. But when he is sent back to his home planet to hunt a child and her family, he must confront the horror of his past and question whether he can ever truly be free.
This is a standalone novella. The story and characters within its pages are set in the Beyond the Wall universe, but you need not have read the Beyond the Wall series to enjoy this book. However, in reality, you’ll probably enjoy it more if you have. If you do wish to read it in its optimal placing within the series, where I intended it to come, it is set in the time between A Shroud of Night and Tears and the final book of the series, Into A Silent Darkness.
Some criminals must atone for their crimes in a different way.
Lahm’s own freedom depends on him finding those who must have theirs taken away. He receives only the barest details of those he hunts and never asks why. Or what will happen to them. But when he is sent back to his home planet to hunt a child and her family, he must confront the horror of his past and question whether he can ever truly be free.
This is a standalone novella. The story and characters within its pages are set in the Beyond the Wall universe, but you need not have read the Beyond the Wall series to enjoy this book. However, in reality, you’ll probably enjoy it more if you have. If you do wish to read it in its optimal placing within the series, where I intended it to come, it is set in the time between A Shroud of Night and Tears and the final book of the series, Into A Silent Darkness.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2016
About the author
Lucas Bale
17 books95 followersLucas Bale writes intense, thought-provoking science-fiction thrillers that dig into what makes us human and scrape at the darkness which hides inside every one of us.
His debut novel, The Heretic, is the gateway to the award-winning Beyond the Wall series, an epic space opera with an edge of hard science fiction about the future of humanity and the discovery of the truth of its past.
He wasn't always a writer. He was a criminal lawyer for fifteen years before he discovered crime doesn't pay and turned to something that actually pays even less. No one ever said he was smart, but at least he's happy.
His debut novel, The Heretic, is the gateway to the award-winning Beyond the Wall series, an epic space opera with an edge of hard science fiction about the future of humanity and the discovery of the truth of its past.
He wasn't always a writer. He was a criminal lawyer for fifteen years before he discovered crime doesn't pay and turned to something that actually pays even less. No one ever said he was smart, but at least he's happy.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 7, 2016
I first read this novella in the recent
Crime and Punishment
speculative fiction anthology, and it was one of my favorite entries. At the time, I had only read the first Beyond the Wall book, and this story actually prompted me to continue the series.
I'm kind of a sucker for bounty hunter-type characters. Lahm was badass and intelligent and resourceful, but events in the story are such that his humanity is very apparent. I always applaud authors who can pack that much character development into such a short story because it's something I've always struggled with as a writer.
The setup was really interesting too. Lahm has been set "free" for the sole purpose of tracking down and capturing or killing other people deemed criminals by the Magistratus, and his very "freedom" hinges on his ability to continue doing so without failing. But this means he's not really free, and he never has been. He's still a prisoner, just in an unconventional way, and after the events of the story, he decides he wants to truly be free, no matter the cost.
As the description says, this story can be best appreciated if you've already read the Beyond the Wall series, but it's also a great standalone story and could almost serve as an introduction to familiarize readers with this universe.
I'm kind of a sucker for bounty hunter-type characters. Lahm was badass and intelligent and resourceful, but events in the story are such that his humanity is very apparent. I always applaud authors who can pack that much character development into such a short story because it's something I've always struggled with as a writer.
The setup was really interesting too. Lahm has been set "free" for the sole purpose of tracking down and capturing or killing other people deemed criminals by the Magistratus, and his very "freedom" hinges on his ability to continue doing so without failing. But this means he's not really free, and he never has been. He's still a prisoner, just in an unconventional way, and after the events of the story, he decides he wants to truly be free, no matter the cost.
As the description says, this story can be best appreciated if you've already read the Beyond the Wall series, but it's also a great standalone story and could almost serve as an introduction to familiarize readers with this universe.
December 20, 2016
Another fun book in the beyond the wall series. Lucas Bale has slowly worked his way into becoming one of my favorite authors. He can put so much emotion into his writing and the reader can really feel that in this novella. I enjoyed seeing the little connections to the main series too, but it works fine as a stand-alone short story. Anyways, I can't wait for the fourth one to come out and this has fueled my excitement for it even more.
March 18, 2016
A novella set in the Beyond the Wall universe, Atonement is the story of a prisoner turned bounty hunter, set free for the sole purpose of hunting down those targeted by the Magistratus. As long as he accomplishes each task, he remains free. Of course, this means he’s not truly free; his chains have been exchanged from physical ones to psychological ones. In the introduction, the author indicated that he’s considering creating a series just for this character. I would definitely be reading this one if it happens!
Outstanding writing, and a great look at a single character’s motivations, and how his struggles against his hidden bonds increase daily, a reflection of us and our self-imposed imprisonments.
Eagerly awaiting the release of the fourth book in this series!
Outstanding writing, and a great look at a single character’s motivations, and how his struggles against his hidden bonds increase daily, a reflection of us and our self-imposed imprisonments.
Eagerly awaiting the release of the fourth book in this series!
February 9, 2016
Seriously, Lucas Bale ....
I always,always enjoy each and every book this author has ever written and published. This one " Atonement: A Beyond the Wall" novella was my favorite to date.
There is something enthralling and visually bright and textured with Lucas Bale and his storytelling that really clicks with me.
As always, nothing less than a 5 star review.
My one and only complaint is that I read in a single sitting and it's over......
I always,always enjoy each and every book this author has ever written and published. This one " Atonement: A Beyond the Wall" novella was my favorite to date.
There is something enthralling and visually bright and textured with Lucas Bale and his storytelling that really clicks with me.
As always, nothing less than a 5 star review.
My one and only complaint is that I read in a single sitting and it's over......
January 29, 2018
Another Amazing Piece by Lucas Bale.
He is a scifi genius, his work comes to life, nitty, gritty, real, painful, but also full of love, devotion, and loyalty, and so deeply rewarding. His heroes give us a wonderful glimpse of the twisting, turning nature of the human spirit, and in all its darkness, he still finds a way to show us hope. It is more than science fiction, it is literary poetry on the human condition, and the setting far flung into a far future, into far of space, but yet so familiar, reminds us how timeless our struggle really is.
He is a scifi genius, his work comes to life, nitty, gritty, real, painful, but also full of love, devotion, and loyalty, and so deeply rewarding. His heroes give us a wonderful glimpse of the twisting, turning nature of the human spirit, and in all its darkness, he still finds a way to show us hope. It is more than science fiction, it is literary poetry on the human condition, and the setting far flung into a far future, into far of space, but yet so familiar, reminds us how timeless our struggle really is.
April 17, 2016
I read this story back in the Crime and Punishment collection, and forgot to review it here!
Once again, Bale shows a deft hand at both painting lovely scenery, and creating characters that the reader cares for. Lahm's life has been anything but pleasant, and his choices are whittled down to betrayal vs betrayal. His entire life has become penance, and the weight of that carries on long after the story is over.
These short stories from Bale definitely show how capable he is at building huge worlds with tons of story potential. I doubt any reader could ever lose interest in his characters, or in the rich settings they inhabit. There's definitely a feeling of familiarity as you read more of his work; the world becomes heavy with the conflict from other stories. Triumphs are bittersweet because you're living with the failures from other areas of this world. It's definitely very real, and that takes a lot of skill to execute.
If you have read the BTW books, I really recommend checking out these short stories to get a bigger experience.
Once again, Bale shows a deft hand at both painting lovely scenery, and creating characters that the reader cares for. Lahm's life has been anything but pleasant, and his choices are whittled down to betrayal vs betrayal. His entire life has become penance, and the weight of that carries on long after the story is over.
These short stories from Bale definitely show how capable he is at building huge worlds with tons of story potential. I doubt any reader could ever lose interest in his characters, or in the rich settings they inhabit. There's definitely a feeling of familiarity as you read more of his work; the world becomes heavy with the conflict from other stories. Triumphs are bittersweet because you're living with the failures from other areas of this world. It's definitely very real, and that takes a lot of skill to execute.
If you have read the BTW books, I really recommend checking out these short stories to get a bigger experience.
July 25, 2016
Intense Novella Augments Beyond the Wall Series
In my opinion, Lucas Bale is one of the best science fiction authors writing today. Bale's driving narrative, his vividly descriptive language, his all too human characters, their flaws and Bale's Byzantine storylines all contribute to making Atonement amazing.
Beyond the intense battle scenes, the crazy jungle predators and the completely new society on another planet, the single biggest thing that blew me away was the very deep level of emotion that Bale churns through with Laum. He is obviously hunting, planning, plotting, shooting, stabbing, running, jumping, killing, rinse and repeat. Amidst the mayhem, Bale fits a full inner overhaul and makes it work beautifully.
Excellent Novella. Highly Recommended!
In my opinion, Lucas Bale is one of the best science fiction authors writing today. Bale's driving narrative, his vividly descriptive language, his all too human characters, their flaws and Bale's Byzantine storylines all contribute to making Atonement amazing.
Beyond the intense battle scenes, the crazy jungle predators and the completely new society on another planet, the single biggest thing that blew me away was the very deep level of emotion that Bale churns through with Laum. He is obviously hunting, planning, plotting, shooting, stabbing, running, jumping, killing, rinse and repeat. Amidst the mayhem, Bale fits a full inner overhaul and makes it work beautifully.
Excellent Novella. Highly Recommended!
March 30, 2016
Lucas Bale draws me in, again.
I love The Wall series and early wait the 4th novel. This novella accompanies The Wall offering yet another intriguing view into this fascinating world. The writing portrays the darkness of the main characters surrounding and situation well. Lucas Bale indicated that we might hear more of this character in the future which I would welcome!
I love The Wall series and early wait the 4th novel. This novella accompanies The Wall offering yet another intriguing view into this fascinating world. The writing portrays the darkness of the main characters surrounding and situation well. Lucas Bale indicated that we might hear more of this character in the future which I would welcome!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews