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Beyond the Stars: Space Opera Anthologies #2
Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far
>On the heels of the bestselling DARK BEYOND THE STARS anthology comes another collection of spectacular tales by eleven authors both well-known and brand new.
Space opera. Big, sprawling sci-fi stories that encompass strange new worlds, alien life forms, and deep space battles. You'll find all of that here.
Take a journey across the galaxy with these short stories and go BEYOND THE STARS to A Planet Too Far...
Books in the series --
DARK BEYOND THE STARS
BEYOND THE STARS: A Planet Too Far
BEYOND THE STARS: At Galaxy's Edge
BEYOND THE STARS: New Worlds, New Suns (April 2017)
BEYOND THE STARS: Unimagined Realms (August 2017).
Space opera. Big, sprawling sci-fi stories that encompass strange new worlds, alien life forms, and deep space battles. You'll find all of that here.
Take a journey across the galaxy with these short stories and go BEYOND THE STARS to A Planet Too Far...
Books in the series --
DARK BEYOND THE STARS
BEYOND THE STARS: A Planet Too Far
BEYOND THE STARS: At Galaxy's Edge
BEYOND THE STARS: New Worlds, New Suns (April 2017)
BEYOND THE STARS: Unimagined Realms (August 2017).
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2016
115 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Patrice Fitzgerald
40 books66 followersPatrice Fitzgerald is an indie author, publisher, attorney, and intergalactic singer of songs. She has been publishing herself and others since 2011 and is the force behind the BEYOND THE STARS series of space opera anthologies. Patrice is thrilled to introduce Captain Wu and her STARSHIP NAMELESS crew in her most recent trilogy, written with the inimitable Jack Lyster.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 25, 2016
I really liked this book.My favorites were The Mergans by Ann Christy.The author has a real talent for revealing layers of a story that change your understanding of what the truth is.It left me wishing I could read more about the worlds the Peace Force intervenes in.Hope 91 by Nick Webb left me feeling hope for Alex and Willows future.The Ivory Tower by Elle Casey had me contemplating what choices I would make for the continuation of humanity.Symbiosis by Rory Hume was intriguing and made me want to know more about the world she created and the experiences that Sym and Mari shared.I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2016
Classic space opera in plenty here. While no two stories are alike, they all explore space and alien planets in some fashion. Plots, characters, and setting are all nicely varied, and each selection is a stand-alone read.
Not all science fiction is space opera, and I felt one of these stories did not fit in that category. And one story raised my eyebrows – I found the logic that the premise was based on to be questionable. Such things are a matter of opinion, of course.
Although I found all of the stories entertaining, my favorites were The Mergans, Hope 91, Pele’s Bee-keeper, and Spike in a Rail. They’re very different tales, and each contains characters I’d like to see again.
Space opera is not especially common in the current market, and I’ve been a fan of the genre for lots of years. It’s much fun to have new stories to read. I enjoyed this book, as well as the first collection in this series, Dark Beyond the Stars. Great reading for all space explorers.
Not all science fiction is space opera, and I felt one of these stories did not fit in that category. And one story raised my eyebrows – I found the logic that the premise was based on to be questionable. Such things are a matter of opinion, of course.
Although I found all of the stories entertaining, my favorites were The Mergans, Hope 91, Pele’s Bee-keeper, and Spike in a Rail. They’re very different tales, and each contains characters I’d like to see again.
Space opera is not especially common in the current market, and I’ve been a fan of the genre for lots of years. It’s much fun to have new stories to read. I enjoyed this book, as well as the first collection in this series, Dark Beyond the Stars. Great reading for all space explorers.
April 1, 2016
I was given a free copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely a fun collection of stories. As with any anthology, there were certain stories I enjoyed more than others. A couple in this particular collection seemed a little generic, but objectively they were still well-written. It's always fun to read so many different authors in one book; "space opera" is such a broad term so there's a lot of variation in the stories and writing styles. And collections like this are a great way to discover new authors. Also, I think it's super hilarious and awesome that the foreword for this collection started out by defining space opera after That One Review totally bashed Dark Beyond the Stars earlier.
These were fun, quick reads perfect for my lunch breaks this week. 4.5 stars.
Definitely a fun collection of stories. As with any anthology, there were certain stories I enjoyed more than others. A couple in this particular collection seemed a little generic, but objectively they were still well-written. It's always fun to read so many different authors in one book; "space opera" is such a broad term so there's a lot of variation in the stories and writing styles. And collections like this are a great way to discover new authors. Also, I think it's super hilarious and awesome that the foreword for this collection started out by defining space opera after That One Review totally bashed Dark Beyond the Stars earlier.
These were fun, quick reads perfect for my lunch breaks this week. 4.5 stars.
April 21, 2018
Let me start off with a disclaimer; I don't generally like war stories and that is often what space opera is about. That said, I enjoyed reading this book.
The best part of an anthology is that it is a like a buffet, you get to sample a little of many different things so that you can discover new taste treats. This anthology has eleven different stories by eleven different authors, some new authors and some new to me. Immediately upon finishing this book, I downloaded one by Logan Thomas Snyder, an author this book introduced me to.
One of the things I liked about this book is Patrice Fitzgerald. She writes the foreword, gives a quick overview of each plot line, and "interviews" each of the authors at the end of the stories. This adds a nice personal connection between the reader and the authors.
Another great thing about this book is that most of the stories are written by women. As a long time reader of science fiction, I have been excited by the new perspectives, subjects, and styles that have been brought to the genre by the "other" 51% of the population and this book is no exception. There are several painful stories whose plot line is how badly males are subjugating and abusing females but each has at least one strong and determined female character fighting back.
Short stories provide authors a medium to stretch and try out new ideas. Sometimes these ideas evolve into a book or a series and sometimes they live only in the short story. The authors in this anthology present us with plot lines that are quite unique and interesting and I'm delighted to learn that many of them will continue in other books and stories.
The best part of an anthology is that it is a like a buffet, you get to sample a little of many different things so that you can discover new taste treats. This anthology has eleven different stories by eleven different authors, some new authors and some new to me. Immediately upon finishing this book, I downloaded one by Logan Thomas Snyder, an author this book introduced me to.
One of the things I liked about this book is Patrice Fitzgerald. She writes the foreword, gives a quick overview of each plot line, and "interviews" each of the authors at the end of the stories. This adds a nice personal connection between the reader and the authors.
Another great thing about this book is that most of the stories are written by women. As a long time reader of science fiction, I have been excited by the new perspectives, subjects, and styles that have been brought to the genre by the "other" 51% of the population and this book is no exception. There are several painful stories whose plot line is how badly males are subjugating and abusing females but each has at least one strong and determined female character fighting back.
Short stories provide authors a medium to stretch and try out new ideas. Sometimes these ideas evolve into a book or a series and sometimes they live only in the short story. The authors in this anthology present us with plot lines that are quite unique and interesting and I'm delighted to learn that many of them will continue in other books and stories.
April 3, 2016
I love this book. I really don't know why I'm surprised any more to find that the quality of every story is so good. As the first book in the series "Dark, Beyond the Stars" was dynamite. And don't worry if you haven't read the first book, as there isn't a story arc to follow. But as I read the first 2 stories I think, wow so good. And then I read Rory Hume's story "Symbiosis" and fall in love. So Rory if you see this, I need more. Please! The rest of the collection was great too. Ann Christy offering was an eerie story called The Merigans. What you get when you pick up this book is a great collection of Space Opera that's been gathered together by Patrice Fitzgerald. So take some time today and fall in love with this book!
April 2, 2016
Ditto to Chris Fried's review! If you enjoy a good read here it is!
I did receive an advance copy for an honest review, but it's so good, and at a great price right now, that I bought a copy today. Each story left me wanting more, in a good way! Some of my favorite authors are included in this anthology. Each story is a whole world: thrilling, heartbreaking, thought provoking. So many twists I had to read several stories twice! I heartily recommend this book.
I did receive an advance copy for an honest review, but it's so good, and at a great price right now, that I bought a copy today. Each story left me wanting more, in a good way! Some of my favorite authors are included in this anthology. Each story is a whole world: thrilling, heartbreaking, thought provoking. So many twists I had to read several stories twice! I heartily recommend this book.
August 26, 2021
"Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far" collects eleven short stories of interplanetary travel. Some are part of existing series and others setting up a possible series. Following each story is a short Q & A with the author.
G. S. Jennsen "Venatoris"
This is part of the author's Amaranthe universe. I had bought this anthology awhile ago, but decided to read it now for this story because I was thinking about reading the Aurora Rising series. I liked this story and plan to check it out.
Nick Webb "Hope 91"
I don't think it really made sense to expend so much effort with only one child on a ship. However, the isolation and wait for answers made for a great story. In the Q & A, the author revealed his inspiration was Neal Stephenson's Seveneves, which I'm currently reading so that was a fun connection.
Rory Hume "Symbiosis"
Loved this story and was disappointed to not find much else out by the author Very interesting world with two different kinds of symbiotic aliens and with humans struggling to find a place for themselves among the alien powers. I would love this story to be continued.
Samuel Peralta "War Stories"
A reflective story of a soldier regretting past
actions.
Ann Christy "The Mergans"
The story begins very bizarrely and later makes sense, but I found the dystopian society presented to be overboard. And really not down with this quote, "The only solution for a bad culture is complete elimination.”
David Adams "The Immortals: Anchorage"
This is a prequel to the author's Symphony of War series. While I enjoyed this story of the initial discovery and encounter with the alien enemy, I don't plan on checking out the series as a gritty, military story doesn't appeal to me.
Annie Bellet "Pele's Beekeeper"
Interesting story of a captain injured, betrayed, stranded, and not knowing if she can trust the mysterious woman who rescued her. Definitely setting up a larger world, but it didn't intrigue me as much as Symbiosis and Services Rendered.
Theresa Kay "Services Rendered"
Loved this story of an alien captive planning her escape, I hope it will become a series!
Logan Thomas Syder "Spike in a Rail"
This is part of the author's Lazarus Particle series. Xenecia, a mercenary, is called upon to defend her space station home from a threat, but pays a heavy price.
Sabrina Locke "The First to Fall"
A doll given to an ambassador's child turns out to link her to a powerful weapon.
Elle Casey "Ivory Tower"
Although I think I may have read Samuel Peralta and Annie Bellet in other anthologies, Elle Casey is the only author here whose books I've read. I was disappointed this story was not part of her Drifters' Alliance series. Its a good story, but doesn't really fit in the anthology. It's dystopian and may connect to an interstellar world, but that element is largely lacking in this story.
G. S. Jennsen "Venatoris"
This is part of the author's Amaranthe universe. I had bought this anthology awhile ago, but decided to read it now for this story because I was thinking about reading the Aurora Rising series. I liked this story and plan to check it out.
Nick Webb "Hope 91"
I don't think it really made sense to expend so much effort with only one child on a ship. However, the isolation and wait for answers made for a great story. In the Q & A, the author revealed his inspiration was Neal Stephenson's Seveneves, which I'm currently reading so that was a fun connection.
Rory Hume "Symbiosis"
Loved this story and was disappointed to not find much else out by the author Very interesting world with two different kinds of symbiotic aliens and with humans struggling to find a place for themselves among the alien powers. I would love this story to be continued.
Samuel Peralta "War Stories"
A reflective story of a soldier regretting past
actions.
Ann Christy "The Mergans"
The story begins very bizarrely and later makes sense, but I found the dystopian society presented to be overboard. And really not down with this quote, "The only solution for a bad culture is complete elimination.”
David Adams "The Immortals: Anchorage"
This is a prequel to the author's Symphony of War series. While I enjoyed this story of the initial discovery and encounter with the alien enemy, I don't plan on checking out the series as a gritty, military story doesn't appeal to me.
Annie Bellet "Pele's Beekeeper"
Interesting story of a captain injured, betrayed, stranded, and not knowing if she can trust the mysterious woman who rescued her. Definitely setting up a larger world, but it didn't intrigue me as much as Symbiosis and Services Rendered.
Theresa Kay "Services Rendered"
Loved this story of an alien captive planning her escape, I hope it will become a series!
Logan Thomas Syder "Spike in a Rail"
This is part of the author's Lazarus Particle series. Xenecia, a mercenary, is called upon to defend her space station home from a threat, but pays a heavy price.
Sabrina Locke "The First to Fall"
A doll given to an ambassador's child turns out to link her to a powerful weapon.
Elle Casey "Ivory Tower"
Although I think I may have read Samuel Peralta and Annie Bellet in other anthologies, Elle Casey is the only author here whose books I've read. I was disappointed this story was not part of her Drifters' Alliance series. Its a good story, but doesn't really fit in the anthology. It's dystopian and may connect to an interstellar world, but that element is largely lacking in this story.
November 8, 2016
Very nice anthology of smart and interesting stories
Each of the stories made me feel as though I were submerging myself in a new world. Welcome break from the election stories shouting and doom forecasts we see screaming from every headline. Makes me want to move out of the country.
Each of the stories made me feel as though I were submerging myself in a new world. Welcome break from the election stories shouting and doom forecasts we see screaming from every headline. Makes me want to move out of the country.
December 17, 2019
Top grade tales. The 'beyond the' always delivers
Great stories and leads into new AD writers ( for the reader). In the days where maths dictate what recommendations you get these anthologies are more important than ever. Especially when every story is so good and screenwriter excels.
Great stories and leads into new AD writers ( for the reader). In the days where maths dictate what recommendations you get these anthologies are more important than ever. Especially when every story is so good and screenwriter excels.
May 5, 2023
Better than the first volume in the series, which I rated 1/5, so this is 2 times better :)) still right on (and sometimes below) the mediocrity line. Nothing here I haven't read before (many times).
October 17, 2017
Great collection of short stories. Love this one because I got a chance to discover a lot of good authors I would have otherwise never read!
April 18, 2018
Interesting short stories.
June 5, 2018
Several of these short stories were so interesting that I wish they were chapters in novels.
October 17, 2016
Stars
Interesting stories that kept me interested. Several could lead to future plot. Not sure when I will follow look up the optipns
Interesting stories that kept me interested. Several could lead to future plot. Not sure when I will follow look up the optipns
June 3, 2016
Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far is another space opera anthology in the Beyond the Stars series. While technically in a series, the books, and the stories contained within, are independent of one another. A Planet Too Far takes us once more to the farthest reaches of space, and right back to the dirt of the Earth. Though not as we left it.
The stories are all rather good with only one feeling like it was a little short and lacked a fulfilling ending. While the author stated that she was considering turning it into a series, I consider it a failing of a short story if it is included in an anthology and cannot stand on its own. However, that was probably the worst of the whole book and it was still an enjoyable read.
There were no stories that left me in awe and rethinking things like the previous collection, but also unlike the previous collection, there was no story I had to drag myself through either. I enjoyed each and every one of them.
If you like shows like Stargate, Star Trek, or space opera in general and think that there is a severe lack of good sci-fi, then pick up this series. It will sate your need. Well, at least until you've finished them.
The stories are all rather good with only one feeling like it was a little short and lacked a fulfilling ending. While the author stated that she was considering turning it into a series, I consider it a failing of a short story if it is included in an anthology and cannot stand on its own. However, that was probably the worst of the whole book and it was still an enjoyable read.
There were no stories that left me in awe and rethinking things like the previous collection, but also unlike the previous collection, there was no story I had to drag myself through either. I enjoyed each and every one of them.
If you like shows like Stargate, Star Trek, or space opera in general and think that there is a severe lack of good sci-fi, then pick up this series. It will sate your need. Well, at least until you've finished them.
October 31, 2016
A great collection of short stories in this SFF anthology.
Much the same as in the previous (and first) volume in this series, which I also enjoyed ('Dark Beyond The Stars'), this collection features short stories that are varied and very much different from each other, from authors (if I'm absolutely honest) I've not really known about before, but after reading their stories, and the Q&A bits with the authors after each of their stories (I like that feature of these anthologies), I'll keep a watch out for in future.
If you like SFF populated with great characters with stories that aren't your usual clichéd science fiction / fantasy tropes, you'll do well to give this anthology (and series for that matter) a read.
Much the same as in the previous (and first) volume in this series, which I also enjoyed ('Dark Beyond The Stars'), this collection features short stories that are varied and very much different from each other, from authors (if I'm absolutely honest) I've not really known about before, but after reading their stories, and the Q&A bits with the authors after each of their stories (I like that feature of these anthologies), I'll keep a watch out for in future.
If you like SFF populated with great characters with stories that aren't your usual clichéd science fiction / fantasy tropes, you'll do well to give this anthology (and series for that matter) a read.
April 2, 2016
This was a wonderful follow up to Dark Beyone the Stars, the first Anthology from this collective. Though they aren't necessary to read in order, it's fun to do so and I recommend it, as you won't be able to get enough of these fantastical journeys beyond our world! Space Opera might sound daunting, but this tale is done is a collective novel format so it all flows rather nicely and things are well summed up by the end. Action out the wazoo and adventure with a bit of suspense, there's something for any kind of scifi lover out there!
May 4, 2016
Short stories & Space Opera?
Can those two phrases actually fit together? Yes, they can. This book was amazing. The stories were short, sometimes too short for my taste, but the point is that they followed the space opera way. The stories were left open for further writing or furthering in your imagination. It also opened a world to authors I've not been acquainted with before that now I may look up and read. Thanks for a great anthology.
Can those two phrases actually fit together? Yes, they can. This book was amazing. The stories were short, sometimes too short for my taste, but the point is that they followed the space opera way. The stories were left open for further writing or furthering in your imagination. It also opened a world to authors I've not been acquainted with before that now I may look up and read. Thanks for a great anthology.
April 28, 2016
Foulmouth
I have read quite a bit of sci-fi over many years. The deterioration of language into just filth for filth's sake really irritates me. It pretty well trashes the story, so it's hardly worth continuing reading once the pattern develops,as is the case here. No more books by this "author."
I have read quite a bit of sci-fi over many years. The deterioration of language into just filth for filth's sake really irritates me. It pretty well trashes the story, so it's hardly worth continuing reading once the pattern develops,as is the case here. No more books by this "author."
June 23, 2016
I got my paws on a copy of Beyond the Stars: A Planet Too Far, and it was amazing!
Awesome collection of short stories. I read this entire collection all in one sitting and then went back to re-read again. I highly recommend this anthology.
5/5 twinkling stars!
Awesome collection of short stories. I read this entire collection all in one sitting and then went back to re-read again. I highly recommend this anthology.
5/5 twinkling stars!
December 7, 2016
This anthology was a curate's egg. Some very good stories but some stinkers as well. However, it was excellent value for money and introduced me to a number of authors I have not come across before so I have no complaints.
January 24, 2017
First of all there are lots of stories lots of reading. Secondly, I cannot believe how many 4 and 5 star stories are in here.
I have read many anthologies by big name authors that bored me to tears or were filled with duds. Not this book! Wow!
I have read many anthologies by big name authors that bored me to tears or were filled with duds. Not this book! Wow!
May 25, 2016
Ehhhhhhh..... Most of these stories were at best ok, but nothing really grabbed me.
February 1, 2017
Beyond the Stars: A planet too far
I haven't read science fiction in a while even tho this is no different than any other I really like this one :)
I haven't read science fiction in a while even tho this is no different than any other I really like this one :)
November 10, 2016
In my lexicon three stars is a *good* book. Most of the stories are great!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews