Beyond the Horizon

Beyond Saga #2

by Greg Spry

Humanity’s First Interstellar ExplorationEnsign Maya Davis has had her sights set on the captaincy of a starship since she launched her first toy rocket into Earth orbit as a child. After four years of study at the new Interstellar Expeditionary Force Academy, Maya achieves her lifelong dream of exploring the stars. She earns a commission aboard humanity's first deep space exploration vessel, New Horizons.



˃˃˃ A Desperate SituationNot long after New Horizons departs the solar system, sabotage cripples the ship killing a third of the crew and stranding the expedition light years from home under the siege of hostile forces. Only junior officers are left to command the ship. Without knowing who she can trust, Maya must risk her life to get the crew home and prevent the genocide of the very exospecies New Horizons set out to contact.



˃˃˃ The Conspiracy Back HomeForty-two-year-old civilian flight instructor Brooke Davis, Maya's aunt and former UN Aerospace Defense pilot, receives a disturbing visit from a covert operative. The visit prompts Brooke to head to the Martian south polar ocean, where she learns how a secret society known as The Vril manipulated the current political and social climate into being. She also uncovers the society's nefarious agenda regarding New Horizons' voyage. With time running out, Brooke races to save her niece light years away.

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Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks, Young Adult, Space

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2016

About the author

Greg Spry was cloned in the year between the releases of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Coincidence? He majored in industrial engineering at the University of Wisconsin—Madison before earning a graduate degree in space systems from the Florida Institute of Technology. When he’s not writing the next epic science fiction adventure, he enjoys sampling tasty microbrews, eating hot wings, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.

Reviews

[Archit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another treat.

Science Fiction books with a blend of emotions has always been my favorite reads and I'm elevated to list this series in my favorites category.

An excellently written, fast paced and literally breath-taking action scenes in between various plot twists, Greg Spry brings you his observations and perceptions of what the future would be like.

We get to encounter the struggles of Brooke and Maya. Maya is set to visit different worlds but she has to confront things never faced before. Strong and well-developed characters are the vital ingredients in a book and the author knows it perfectly. You read Greg Spry books and you know that his creativity is going to entice you.

After enjoying Beyond Cloud Nine,I was expecting no less from the author and he delivers a package full of entertainment and action. His imaginations are lucid and intelligent. This series is for you even if you don't like to read technology much. The author has integrated multiple aspects of a human life.

The fact that impressed me totally was that Greg Spry has portrayed characters and their emotions in a manner that the reader is always excited for what is coming to him next.

This installment can be read as a standalone too which is a bonus part. However, I suggest you to read this in series lest there be no confusions.

I believe that the rest of the series is going to be as fantastic as this one.

A series worth reading and sharing.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! The character development, plot, conflict and attention to details was incredible. You can tell they did their research on the technical, scientific aspects. I like books that really make you use your imagination because of concepts you rarely think about. For example, the Penphins, how a race of intelligent beings can develop so differently than humans, how the gravity and brightness / luminance of their star caused completely different development. I'm sure I'm using the term luminance incorrectly here. Anyways, it also made me think if humans could telepathically feel emotions and pain any other humans nearby are feeling like the Penphins, how drastically different our race would develop. Overall, I think it's a great series and it's got the making for a great TV miniseries I'd see on scifi. Great job! I can't wait for part 3!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Beyond the Horizon" felt like a much longer book than "Beyond Cloud Nine". Although there is plenty of action, some parts really dragged for me. I also found the characters to be a little bit hollow.
Despite that though, it's a good read (and the second book in a series always has a lot to live up to when you enjoyed the first!).

[Syndi Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was the lucky winner of a copy of this novel through a goodreads win. i loved this story. having not read the first two in the series i expected to feel lost, but there is enough references to the back story that that didn't happen. this is a fast paced action filled space tale with great female protaganists. there are plenty of twists along the way. it was difficult to put down. definitely going back to check out other greg spry works. syndi

[Read Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this copy for review purposes from GoodReads. Since this is part 3 of a series and I fear I will miss some important storyline background, I have decided to delay reading this book until I have had a chance to read books 1 and 2. My review of this book will be forthcoming.

At last, on to a paperback copy for my reading pleasure. But what is the first thing that I notice? I am not a big fan of the cover page, headers, and number fonts used. They look modern, but I don't really find the short clipped font script to my liking. In comparison, I really liked Elizabeth Moon's font selection. (And the PMS sufferer on the cover did not make me want to read this either, but don't judge a book by its cover.) Just a personal taste issue. Talk about nit picky. I need to get my head back into the game.

This book can be read as a stand alone. You will only miss some of the character development, but nothing too serious.

I liked this book more than books 1 and 2. The technical science flaws don't seem to bother me (or I have learned to overlook them). The time travel aspects seemed to come across better than some other books with time travel and the discussion of time paradoxes flowed well. Character interactions were a bit underdeveloped and weak. For example, the relationship between Aunt and Niece could have more feel between them, but its a science fiction book, not a study in family relations. I liked the unique method of winning the final battle. That is the kind of out of the box solution I like to see in a story.

There is a planned final book 4. I will have to keep an eye out for it, just to finish off the series and satisfy my curiosity. Have a GoodReads.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of Beyond the Horizon by Greg Spry, the second in his Beyond Saga. It is primarily the story of Maya, niece and adopted daughter to Brooke, the protagonist from Beyond Cloud Nine. Maya is not as flawed a character as Brooke, but has her own demons to battle once she learns the supposed truth of the death of her mother. Maya continues the family tradition of flight, not being a fighter pilot as was Brooke, but chosen to serve aboard the first interstellar vessel. The purpose of the trip is to assist another sentient species that sent a help message to humans. The ship successfully makes the passage through the wormhole, only to encounter an obstacle in the new solar system that destroys a third of the ship. When the remaining crew is determined to carry out their mission, Maya is chosen to make first contact with the Penphins, thus fulfilling one of her dreams. But of course the bad guys from the first book have not disappeared and continue to wreak havoc. Brooke steps in to save the day again, although Maya does some saving of her own. A large part of what I enjoy about this series is the significant roles the female characters play in the story, both for good and bad. I also like the way no individual or group is totally evil with no redeeming features. As with the first book, the characterizations, the political maneuvering, the space scenes, and now the aliens all seem believable. Spry has me hooked for the rest of the series.

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond Yesterday by Greg Spry is the third book in the Beyond Saga series. Commander Maya Davis is ecstatic when she is promoted to captain. The problem is it is time travel to the past and is considered a one-way mission Maya and her crew are trapped in the past . Any decision Myra makes has consequences. The story is interesting and keeps your attention. Grey Spry does a wonderful job of creating a story with several threads and keeping them going in such a matter that you can follow.
this book can be read as a stand alone with out missing a lot of information. t is better if your read the series.I have all three of the books in the series and enjoyed them. I will be looking for the next book.

I received a copy of Beyond Yesterday from the author, Greg Spry, in return for an honest review.

[Mick Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great read

In the second book of this series, it continues the story of Brooke and her niece Maya. Once again we see Brooke placing everything on the line to save her niece. Maya is a new ensign aboard earth's first starship that will visit a new world. But there is big problems for her and his class mates. Read to see how they overcome some of the issues but find that they are still waiting for them back at home.

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very well written sci-fi book that i enjoyed reading. Always loved sci-fi book and this book did not disappoint me when it delivers some really good plot to it. Very good character development and Maya is one force to be reckoned with. A must read for all sci-fi fans everywhere.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got me right from the start. Well written and action packed. Sci-Fy not my thing but couldn't put this down.

[Chad Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this a in a Goodreads giveaway here never read any book in this series so this was some parts seemed a little confusing but for the most part it could be read as a stand alone novel i think; All in all this was an amazing sci fi book set up in a very interesting future it has it all action, betrayal, the fight for survival, war, imprisonment (seems like alot of that) androids and so much more! Really worth reading if you like science fiction; looking forward sometime to getting and reading the rest of this series; There are plenty of surprises and a few twists close to the end of the book. Great written characters You just gotta read it.

[Tashfin Awal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways and have chosen to give my honest opinion about it.
This book was fantastic! I read many sci-fi novels, but this one seems to top it off! The adventure was quite the joy ride, and the characters were so relatable! Watching the characters develop was truly satisfying, and the plot development kept me flipping page after page. Loved it!

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

This was a very well written book with plenty of action, suspense, drama, and characters. The situations were well thought out and implemented, character development was well planned, and the situations were not rushed or less developed.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a friend or family member who I think will enjoy it too.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book

I had a good time reading this book. I like the way the author tells the story which has many twists and turns. Love the characters he has built and feel like I know them. This is a good book from a great series.

[M. Apple · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

"...The eternal hourglass of existence is turned over again and again, and you with it, speck of dust!" Would you not throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse the demon who spoke thus? Or have you once experienced a tremendous moment when you would have answered him: "You are a god, and never have I heard anything more divine..." (Nietzsche, The Gay Science)

"Fellow man! Your whole life, like a sandglass, will always be reversed and will ever run out again, - a long minute of time will elapse until all those conditions out of which you were evolved return in the wheel of the cosmic process." (Nietzsche, Thus Spake Zarathustra)

Time paradoxes have been a staple of speculative fiction for nearly a hundred years. The most famous paradox (used in the novel) has been famously explained by Isaac Asimov: journeying to the past and shooting his grandfather...which would mean that he hadn't been born in the future and therefore could not travel to the past to shoot his grandfather, so he was born and then could travel into the past again ... (the "grandfather paradox," which also appears in the "what if Hitler were shot when he was an artist" version).

Another version was famously used by Ray Bradbury, who popularized the term "butterfly effect" in his short story "The Sound of Thunder," in which a time traveler in a prehistoric jungle accidentally steps on a butterfly, thus changing the future to which they return (the Back to the Future effect, which, unfortunately, would be impossible given the fact that the future from which the travelers originated no longer existed...or did it?).

Then again, maybe travel into the past would create new strands of time, or new dimensions or universes (the novel terms this "branch theory"). Which would mean travel into the past is a one-way ticket (think Back to the Future again...and why it failed as a plausible SF movie), because the original future would no longer come into existence, at least from the point of change in the past.

But what if everything had already happened, and was happening again, ad infinitum?

This would make time/space a "loop" or a "circle." This, too, has been explored in science fiction - most famously by Robert Heinlein ("By His Bootstraps" and "All You Zombies," source of the 2014 movie Predestination). In philosophy and religion, this is termed "eternal recurrence" or "eternal return," and has been a concept for literally thousands of years, dating back to the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita of ancient India.

"On arrival of day, all manifestations originate from "Unmanifest"; On arrival of night they annihilate into [what is] known as "Unmanifest" only. This [same] elementary world only happens again & again; Annihilates upon arrival of night, [and] originates upon arrival of day." (BG, 8:18-19)

In taking on the concept of "circles" in time travel, Beyond Yesterday enters into a deep philosophical conversation and pushes the reader to the limit. While reading the first two novels of the series is not entirely necessary to comprehend the story, a reader who has read those two books (Beyond Cloud Nine and Beyond the Horizon) will have a much deeper appreciation of the intricate plotting and characterizing in this wonderfully complex story.

If you see a bit of Heroes in Katayama, Shin, and Zeke, you may not be too far off. If you see a bit of Battlestar Galactica (the new one) and Aliens in the androids Eve and Bob, again, that might not be too farfetched (though they represent opposites). If you see a little Stargate and "Ancient Aliens" in the Onaki, you may not be incorrect (keeping in mind, of course, that this is all fiction!). I'm also tempted to think that the Vril, as supreme manipulators of human history, are named after Vril Dox of L.E.G.I.O.N. (later R.E.B.E.L.S.) fame: arrogant, genius, sneaky, ruthless, immoral - and almost always right. But it's (Admiral) Brooke and (Captain) Maya who are the real focus of the story - both heroic and tragic - and by far the most original, and interesting characters of the series.

"Alien" species and their interactions with both futuristic and ancient humans - past, present, future, or would that be past(s), present(s), and future(s)? - is a circle, not a straight line. Aside from a few minor bumps here and there in the language usage (everyone has a style preference for scene descriptions!), this book comes just as highly recommended as the previous books in the series. Maybe even more so.

"The picture of the real infinite...is the circle...which is closed and entirely present." (Hegel, Logik, I, 173)

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I purchased the previous two books of the series. I can't wait for the fourth (and final?) book of the series.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been lucky enough to get an early copy of Beyond the Horizon to review. I haven’t reviewed a novel before so it’s taken a while to write it up but here it is.

The background:
Beyond the Horizon continues the story of Brooke, from Beyond Cloud Nine, and introduces Maya, her niece.

Brooke has raised Maya after her mother was killed but there is friction between aunt and niece. Recently Brooke gave Maya a “C” grade as a pilot. Now Maya won’t even talk to her aunt! We find out later on that the grade was valid but this sets the scene for Maya to believe the worst of her aunt.

There are also quite a few other very interesting characters all worthy of being expanded upon on the next book(s).

The story:
Maya is now a young ensign on an interstellar mission to meet and help a race called the Penphins. The starship is aptly named New Horizons.

New Horizons leaves Earth after a few mishaps but the true disaster occurs when it comes out of hyperspace smack into an asteroid that wasn’t supposed to be there. Turns out the ship has skipped a few years into the future. The senior crew are killed promoting Maya to second in command.

Back on Earth the New Horizons is considered lost. To everyone that is, except Brooke, who will not believe Maya is gone. She hangs onto this belief in the face of overwhelming opposition and personal cost. Eventually she figures out how to prove she may have a point and races off to rescue her niece.

In the background, the baddies from the first book are continuing to scheme and plan. They still seem to know something no-one else does. I still don’t know for sure what that is.

My thoughts:
I loved that Beyond the Horizon has many leading ladies:
- Brooke and Maya (heroes)
- Eva (villain)
All 3 ladies all stubborn, tenacious, incredibly determined. Even Eva is unusual, gutsy and surprisingly likable at times.

I did struggle with the idea of Brooke as the only person who could save her niece, and with Maya as the only person who could save the Penphins ... and the world for that matter. But they are the heroes and saving others in the nick of time is what heroes do.

I was totally fascinated by Zeke and his people. Some information was occasionally drip-fed but this wasn’t enough. If the author intended this (of course he did) then he succeeded brilliantly. I can’t wait to know more about Zeke.

Scattered thru-out the book is a subtle humour which really made me laugh.
Two such examples being
- the alarm clock “Projecting big eyes crying oversized tears and a frown” when being told to turn off
- Ari “sitting down and spreading out like a beanbag”

There are some unexpected twists at the end which were a lovely surprise. I'd thought of one of these but the others were gotchas! A lot of dots were connected. Dots I didn’t realise existed.

To summarise:
An incredibly fast paced sci-fi novel set in our world but in the near future. It is clever, imaginative and witty. There are ground-breaking technical ideas which I hope the author has trademarked for when the people from NASA or Apple come knocking.

I could readily believe everything will be this way in 250 years and I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next in Beyond Yesterday.

PS:
I also like that this saga will have 4 books. I love a trilogy. But when that trilogy turns into a saga and books 5 or 6 or more are forthcoming I stop being interested and stop reading. So knowing that 4 books will be written means I can sit back and enjoy the arc for what it is – a finite story which has been planned out from the start.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing with my male chauvinist attitude of not liking female heroines in science fiction books, I still read this book and even enjoyed it. Now we have two such females, both very capable at what they do and both with definite attitudes that don’t make them the most likable people. Brooke Davis is the Aunt of Maya Davis. Maya is now grown and doing her own thing which is becoming part of the IEF (Interstellar Expeditionary Force). She has been assigned to the New Horizon, the first human ship that will travel to another star system and hopefully make first contact with ecospecies. Why the don’t just call the aliens is beyond me (oh, another book title?). Maya and her Aunt are currently on the outs with each other. Brooke has raised Maya from a small child to her adulthood because her mother Maria, was accidentally killed by a Vril agent attack. Books has recently found out that something is going to happen to the New Horizon when it reaches the new star system. That something could result in the death of Maya and maybe an entire alien civilization.

The New Horizon has taken off for Gliese 581. They hope to meet the Penphins, as strange society that apparently doesn’t believe in harming anyone or anything. With the new hyperdrives on the New Horizon, the trip should take only a couple of months. But, the time period that the New Horizon was to report back to the Solar System has now long passed. The ISC sent an unmanned search craft out looking for the New Horizon and it found nothing. So, the New Horizon is presumed lost. Some where along their hyperdrive trip they must have had a catastrophic accident and either died in hyperspace or dropped out and are now stranded in who knows where. Most believe the craft and all aboard have died.

It’s now six years after the New Horizon left for Gliese 581. Brooke has tried every way she possibly could to get a ship to Gliese 581 to do a personal search for her niece, but everything she tried resulted in a major disaster. She wound up going to prison after stealing a starship. She also lost touch with reality and her husband, Professor Kevin Sommerfield. He invented the hyperdrive and knows very well that an accident could have happened along the way. But, he also knows something else. He believes it’s possible that the New Horizon has not yet reached Gliese 581! He tells Brooke his theory about hyperdrive and it’s relation to time travel. No one else knows about this little quirk. He mathematically figures out that the New Horizon could have taken six years to reach Gliese 581 according to his time frame, even though those onboard will only experience the passage of a couple of months. This sets Brooke off again. She has to find a way to Gliese 581 and possibly rescue her niece.

This seems to be a very long book. The first part is kind of a re-hash of the pervious book and then we learn about Maya and what she has done while getting to adulthood. We review Brooke’s past and her involvement with the Vril and everything that has been going on up to now. Then the book kind of bogs down because we have to stay with Brooke while six years pass. Then, finally, Brooke gets to go rescue Maya, maybe! Several things could happen including a huge asteroid directly in the path of the emerging New Horizon. You’re going to have to read the book to find out what happens.

[Ishtar Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Horizon is a wonderful and exciting book, a worthy sequel to Beyond Cloud Nine.

I adore the use of science and forethought in this series! The aliens feel actually alien, but can still be related to. This is refreshing compared to the usual human-like aliens with only minor physical changes. The plot is also quite different. It's as though Tom Clancy, David Weber, and Arthur C. Clarke got together and wrote the book.

[Character Parts]
The story has a wonderful feel to it. You end up liking the characters and genuinely rooting for them. They share many of our own strengths and failings. Interestingly, it is the "grim" which makes fiction feel real. I think the emotive aspects of love could have been a little deeper, but they were not shallow. The needs and wants, the feel of the characters, was pretty realistic. Moreover, there were many different personality types well described and faithfully articulated over a long span of time.

The two female protagonists are strong and well written, though quite different. The younger woman acts with less wisdom and an open mind, ready to encounter the world. The older woman is jaded by life and bitter, seeing danger in ever shadow. They are joined by a cast of a dozen or more secondary characters with varying degrees of depth, but non too shallow.

[Action Parts]
The action is top notch, as always with Greg Spry. The space scenes are complex and realistic, but without becoming too bogged down in detail. Space battles feel like they make sense, and decisions don't feel forced to carry a plot. From fast paced 4 dimensional combat to missiles and counter measures, the entire book is splattered with battle scenes!

[Science Parts!]
Space ships don't make sound and correctly turn (using thrusters, not "flying"). It can be difficult to enjoy some scifi when you have a background in science. Beyond the Horizon is stress-free for the scientist or science enthusiast. Atmospheres, temperature, pressure, distances, velocity, and every other aspect of science is carefully taken into account in this science-oriented scifi. Most interesting is the use of time, though it would spoil the plot to say more.

Pros:

-Has a Honor Harrington feel without being a copy. Lots of calculation.
-It's hard to put down due to cliff hangers.
-Fast paced.
-Spans a long period of time with lots of room for wonder.
-Strong female protagonist
-Very complex and dynamic plot, full of causality and temporal fun!
-Great use of science in fiction. It's refreshing to see it done correctly.


Cons:
-It treats characters a little too realistic in their failings and flaws. Many would consider that a good quality, as do I, but sometimes it can be a little sad.


I await the next installment of the Beyond series with great hunger and anticipation!

[Read Ng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading book 2 in anticipation of receiving book 3 as a Review Copy Giveaway. I obtained this ebook in anticipation of reading book 3. I am not a fan of ebooks. I think reading on a device provides me too much of a distraction. I sometimes find myself wandering off into the internet and away from my reading. That’s what “surfing the web” was all about in the first place. It may contribute to my tendency to not rate ebooks as high and my many times lack of focus on the book.

The story overall takes place several years after book 1. For the most part, the books are independent of each other. Many of the characters are back, but there is enough recap to push the storyline along without having read book 1.

A technical physics issue that seemed to nag at me. The small fighters are capable of tremendous accelerations due to the occupants being surrounded by “gravgel”. So we get some serious space dogfights. But scenes with the larger destroyer sized spacecraft implied similar accelerations. Well, these ships are not also filled with suited crew and “gravgel” so there seemed to be a bit of a disconnect. Just nitpicking and it does not move the story along. It just nags at me. Space is much larger than the small screen we play out battles in our minds.

Regarding the plot. I did not like this one quite as much as the first. The encounter with a new species in a new solar system was good, but the whole plot to destroy that system just did not strike a chord with me. I was also not a fan of the manufactured evidence of misdeeds to discredit others. I think I am currently living in a world of too many “fake news” stories and came into this story with a dislike for this type of misdirection and propaganda. People in power do seem to want to obtain more power, but their means to obtain that end in this story just don’t play smoothly for me. And the introduction of a “time travel” element into this universe also did not develop as effortlessly as I would have hoped.

Time to finally move onto book 3. Have a GoodReads.

[Anelise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Beyond The Horizon by Greg Spry, the second book in the Beyond Saga. I was so excited for this book and couldn’t wait to read it, but had to put it aside for later because I had a lot of other books I needed to read first. I finally got to reading this book and let me say, I am in love! This book was way better than Beyond Cloud Nine! Now I cannot wait for Beyond Yesterday to come out, and Beyond The Horizon hasn't even officially been released yet! Also, the covers in this series are just beautiful.

This book is set 17 years after Beyond Cloud Nine, and it focuses more on Maya. Maya is aboard an interstellar ship, The Horizon. The purpose of the mission The Horizon is on is to meet and help another sentient species, named Penphins, which, by the way are a really cool species. Meanwhile, the bad guys from Beyond Cloud Nine are back with new plans - plans no one knows about.

I really liked reading about the Penphins because in real life, nobody has ever found another species out in space. Also, we can’t travel to other galaxies, but maybe someday… Anyway, it’s really cool to read about another species that is nothing like humans and actually lives in space. I mean, how cool is that? I also like that this book is set only around 250 years from now. It’s cool because this series shows how far the human race could go, that is, if we figure out some things like traveling the speed of light, but who cares? This is fiction, not a fortune teller. Oh, and by the way, have I mentioned how awesome the technology is in this series? It is awesome!

I am seriously going crazy here because the next book won’t come out for at least another year, but good things come to those who wait, I guess. Until then, I shall be patiently waiting. And I shall also read other books. I am so excited for Beyond Yesterday though!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unique in its' own element, and a great read.

I was amazed from the beginning till the end. I know I have started reading the Beyond Saga in the wrong order, as I started reading Book 2 before Book 1, but as mentioned by the author, Book 2 can be read as a standalone - which is true, as I didn't feel lost or confused by what's happening in the book.

To start off, I love the sci-fi theme going on in this book, I was amazed by the overall story plot and the attention to detail to keep the flow of the story. The characters were well-written and well-developed, and I find them to be very engaging - especially the two main female leads (Maya and her aunt, Brooke). This book explored various topics: family relationships, politics, aliens, time-travel and conspiracy, etc. - just to name a few. It's packed with a whole lot of action that you have to love, and will keep you engaged throughout. Overall, I found this book to be very enjoyable with it's ending being perfectly presented in a way that leaves the reader content, while also allowing them to look forward to what's to come in the upcoming books of the Saga.

This book definitely deserves the high rating, and I recommend this book to all those who are looking for a new sci-fi adventure to discover - you definitely won't be disappointed. Looking forward to start reading Book 1: Beyond Cloud Nine, and awaiting for the release of Book 3: Beyond Yesterday - and many more parts of Saga to come!

Also, wanted to add that I love the cover art, it's amazing - from the details shown to the colours used (the reds in particular), plus the layout with the text is clean and simple in a way :)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book (e-book version) from the author in exchange for an honest review, and the author was kind enough to send both Book 1 and Book 2.

[Beth Lequeuvre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and wasn't sure what to expect. I hadn't read the first (which I will definitely have to remedy) book in the series and sometimes you can't read a book from a series as a stand alone. This one stands alone brilliantly.

The story alternates between Ensign Maya Davis, a talented young girl at the beginning of her career in space, and Brooke, her bad ass fighter pilot aunt who has taken care of her since her parents died. The timeframe for this tale is between 2265 and 2273, so at first, it was a bit jarring and disconcerting trying to adapt to all the new technology introduced right from the beginning of the book. But the author wraps you up in the world of his story and immerses you in a way that becomes familiar like an old blanket.

There is a little bit of everything in this book: family dynamics, politics, action, personal growth, advanced aliens, conspiracy, wormholes, even time travel. The pacing and the plot are complex and done well. There is a heck of a lot of story crammed into this. I felt like I was on the tip of my chair for a good 2/3rds of the book.

The characters are rich, unique, and well-developed. I especially like both main characters. I loved that (for a change from most authors) the female leads weren't driven by a need to chase after romance. Going to have to get the rest of the series.

[Linas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from "GoodReads" giveaway in exchange for an honest review. For me it's a first book in "Beyond Saga" by Greg Spry. So far story seems to be interesting and I can easily follow the story even I haven't read a first book. This epic sci-fi adventures story starts with cliché for me then main heroine Ensign Maya Davis is late for her most importand day: launch ceremony of first intersteller vessel "New Horizons". But after that story takes a bit different turn with aunt Brooke Davis and "Vril" organization. It was interesting to read about conspiracy and "New Horizons" destination Gliese 581 system, his inhabitants. This book have actions, heroic scenes as well as character development you see how Maya character mature during story. I can praise vocalburary because it was really better than most of the independent published books and those called "bestsellers". I would recommend this book to science fictions fans who like conspiracy theories, cosmic journeys.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Beyond Yesterday from the author, Greg Spry, in return for an honest review, In this, the third book in the series, the author accomplished something few other authors have done - he moved me to tears. The story is exciting, as most of the characters introduced in the previous two books are all on a voyage to the past. The intent is to answer questions provoked by the appearance of a seemingly ancient metatoy from Earth on a planet light years away. This question does get answered, along with some others interwoven throughout the series. As with the other books, Beyond Yesterday gives the reader a remarkable female character who aspires to the best of humanity but is still refreshingly human in her flaws. One of the features of the series I enjoy is the characters deal with virtually all the essential philosophical questions of humanity. The author does not resort to pat answers but poses thoughtful possibilities. I both look forward to and feel sorry the series will end with the next volume. The series is an excellent contribution to the sci-fi canon.

[Kathryn Bigelow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads contest. This book is the second book in the Beyond Saga and the first book I've read in the series. The book did a great job of introducing characters from the previous book and bringing me up to speed on things. I never felt lost or questioned what was happening. I loved the characters and the story and really want to read the first book now. While the story alluded to things that occurred in the first book, I don't feel I know enough to have the story ruined. I'm sure they read better in order though.

This book felt like a cross between a space opera and science fiction. The technology was present but the story seemed more about the people than how the technology affected people. I'm not a huge fan of hard science fiction, I prefer space opera and this was a very enjoyable read to me. Good use of technology without overwhelming the reader. Good use of characters to drive the story forward and keep things interesting and moving along.

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Horizon by Greg Spry is the second book in the Beyond Saga series. It keeps your interest and makes you want to see what happens next. Greg Spry does a great job of weaving the story between Brook who is the heroine of the first book in the series and her niece who is an ensign. Greg Spry weaves you into his world with the new technology and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book is classified as science fiction but has many different threads in it. The story covers family relationships/dynamics, time travel, wormholes, politics, conspiracy, actions,time travel and aliens so you can read this and enjoy it no matter what type of story you prefer. It is science fiction but fills many different types of storytelling. You do not have to read book one but it does help. This book is readable as a stand alone. Very enjoyable read.

I received this thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond the Horizon is book two in the Beyond Saga series but would work as a standalone novel; however, you gain much from knowing the characters and their history via book one. In this story, Maya, Brooke's niece, takes up much of the narrative with Brooke making an appearance here and there. The point of view switches between a few key players, and all have their own clear sections, so no head-hopping (yay). As with book one, hiccups do abound, but not enough to spoil the read. I found this story slower going but still enjoyable enough. However, it doesn't seem the solid hit that the first book did, and I'm unsure about going for the third in the series. The Vril remain up to their shenanigans, and it falls to Maya and Brooke to save the day. Not wishing to spoil either of the books in the series, I'll say no more. It gets a good three stars from me.

[Robert Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Greg Spry is a fantasic followup to his previous book, 'Beyond Cloud Nine'. I don't like to mention spoilers in my review, but I will say that the two main characters, Maya and Brooke, are wonderfully written, each with their flaws but hold strong convictions and much determination.

Set in various locations within our solar system and the Gilese 581 system, the descriptions are well written and made me feel that I could see what the author had imangined.

Unfortunately, I am now going to have to wait until Greg releases the next chapter of the saga, 'Beyond yesterday', as I am really hooked on this series, and I hope to be one of the first readers to open that book and delve into this imangined world.

Thank you Greg Spry

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Horizon is an action-packed read. I have not read the first book, but this second story can be read as a standalone novel; although, I imagine knowing more backstory would add value. The main characters are interesting and well crafted and the plotting sound. Towards the middle, I feel the pace drags slightly, but it soon picks up again for the finale. The ending is perfectly executed: it wraps up this story in a way that is satisfying for the reader, but it also leads us forward to book three. I don't read a lot of straight sci-fi; however, I found this book most enjoyable and it should please the huge number of pure sci-fi fans out there.

I received this book as a review copy from the author.