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Stories from the Filaments #1
Gregor's Run: The Universe is too Small to Hide
A young human male orphaned by the death of his adopted father struggles to survive in a universe that offers little more than despair. He’s forced to scrub booster tubes on commercial starships to make enough coins to feed his alcohol addiction in his dirty day-to-day existence. The future looks dark and is getting darker. To make matters worse, he discovers that two very powerful forces are attempting to capture him and he has no clue why. One of them is the Venzel Dragons, who are recognized as the most deadly warriors in the known universe. The other is a secretive organization simply known as the Movement.
Gregor just can’t figure out why they’re after him and remaining free is quickly disappearing as an option. He has no choice but to run and try to determine why he is being pursued across the known universe. He has no memory of his childhood or where he was born and before he can make sense of everything, he would need to go back to Earth and find out who he really is. What he finds changes his world completely and learning that his adopted father was assassinated makes him resolve to make the killers pay for their actions. But what could a filthy, alcoholic bum do against the two most powerful forces in the known universe? The answer lies on the forest world of Bellingham and according to the Cartian Database, no one has gone to that planet in more than six hundred years and lived.
Gregor’s Run will keep you guessing at all the twists and turns as Gregor struggles to find himself in a universe gone insane.
Excerpt: Gregor’s Run
Gregor looked around the gathering, “Some of ye give it a go.”
A warrior standing next to Gregor shook his head, “I think it’s clear that swords will not go through that thing.”
Gregor said loudly, “All of ye agree that swords are useless against this force field.” The warriors all looked at each other and nodded. “Now if that piece of wood inside the force field was holding a blaster and ye were close enough to strike the force field, ye would die. All of ye see that.” Again the warriors looked at each other and were forced to agree with Gregor. Gregor turned and said, “Now, I want the archers to move back ten yards and fire at that piece of wood like it’s an enemy coming to harm ye families. I want ye to move back in case the arrows you shoot bounce off towards ye.”
Several male warriors and ten females moved back ten yards and formed a line. Ellie was one of the archers and she lifted her bow and pulled an arrow out of her quiver. The arrow flew toward the target at a speed that was difficult to see but, when it bounced off the force field, everyone saw it penetrate the canoe twenty yards further up the beach. Everyone immediately moved back another ten yards.
The archers didn’t give up as easily as the swordsmen. They fired arrow after arrow at the target and arrows were ricocheting in all directions. Finally, all of them stopped firing except for Ellie. Gregor saw the anger on her face and she started screaming as each arrow failed to penetrate the force field. Gregor sighed and saw her frustration getting the better of her. She jumped and slammed her elbows down to her sides as she stamped both feet into the sand. She screamed at the top of her voice and ran toward the force field. Gregor yelled, “NO, ELLIE! STOP!!”
Ellie arrived at the force field, jerked the last arrow out of her quiver, and screamed as she threw it at the wooden target. The arrow went through the force field and stuck in the center of the target. Gregor’s mouth fell open as he heard the computer say over the link, “What the hell just happened here!”
Gregor just can’t figure out why they’re after him and remaining free is quickly disappearing as an option. He has no choice but to run and try to determine why he is being pursued across the known universe. He has no memory of his childhood or where he was born and before he can make sense of everything, he would need to go back to Earth and find out who he really is. What he finds changes his world completely and learning that his adopted father was assassinated makes him resolve to make the killers pay for their actions. But what could a filthy, alcoholic bum do against the two most powerful forces in the known universe? The answer lies on the forest world of Bellingham and according to the Cartian Database, no one has gone to that planet in more than six hundred years and lived.
Gregor’s Run will keep you guessing at all the twists and turns as Gregor struggles to find himself in a universe gone insane.
Excerpt: Gregor’s Run
Gregor looked around the gathering, “Some of ye give it a go.”
A warrior standing next to Gregor shook his head, “I think it’s clear that swords will not go through that thing.”
Gregor said loudly, “All of ye agree that swords are useless against this force field.” The warriors all looked at each other and nodded. “Now if that piece of wood inside the force field was holding a blaster and ye were close enough to strike the force field, ye would die. All of ye see that.” Again the warriors looked at each other and were forced to agree with Gregor. Gregor turned and said, “Now, I want the archers to move back ten yards and fire at that piece of wood like it’s an enemy coming to harm ye families. I want ye to move back in case the arrows you shoot bounce off towards ye.”
Several male warriors and ten females moved back ten yards and formed a line. Ellie was one of the archers and she lifted her bow and pulled an arrow out of her quiver. The arrow flew toward the target at a speed that was difficult to see but, when it bounced off the force field, everyone saw it penetrate the canoe twenty yards further up the beach. Everyone immediately moved back another ten yards.
The archers didn’t give up as easily as the swordsmen. They fired arrow after arrow at the target and arrows were ricocheting in all directions. Finally, all of them stopped firing except for Ellie. Gregor saw the anger on her face and she started screaming as each arrow failed to penetrate the force field. Gregor sighed and saw her frustration getting the better of her. She jumped and slammed her elbows down to her sides as she stamped both feet into the sand. She screamed at the top of her voice and ran toward the force field. Gregor yelled, “NO, ELLIE! STOP!!”
Ellie arrived at the force field, jerked the last arrow out of her quiver, and screamed as she threw it at the wooden target. The arrow went through the force field and stuck in the center of the target. Gregor’s mouth fell open as he heard the computer say over the link, “What the hell just happened here!”
- GenresScience Fiction
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2016
About the author
Saxon Andrew
119 books100 followersSaxon Andrew is a former social worker with a degree in Psychology and Education from Mercer University. He has taught school, managed several sales organizations and owned his own business.
He has devoured science fiction since he first learned to read and his stories are the product of years of personal experience and exposure to the universes created by the genre’s great authors.
He lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife and two dogs who still appreciate his sense of humor after all these years. "Dogs are always ready to smile."
He has devoured science fiction since he first learned to read and his stories are the product of years of personal experience and exposure to the universes created by the genre’s great authors.
He lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife and two dogs who still appreciate his sense of humor after all these years. "Dogs are always ready to smile."
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 9, 2018
I'm giving this a 5 because ultimately it was enjoyable, but I have my concerns about it. So, we're in the future where people can travel superfast on 'filaments' in another layer of space, and, with no explanation for why these things exist or how they work, some people can somehow make them wink on or off at will due to a defect as a result of genetic isolation. Okay, willing to waive my doubt for that. That's standard hand-waiving in sci fi. Ex-drunkard captain of a spaceship... finds himself as the prey of many different powerful galactic organizations and essentially survives with... a sword? And super cool fighting abilities? And a silver tongue? And then he allies with an alien species that they call dragons.. because they look like dragons.. and they're cool with being called dragons? And they fight in an enchanted forest with metal trees against a megacorp. This thing went down the mary sue, and magical sci fi, tubes so quickly that, a few times, I had to rewind to make sure that I didn't somehow miss the explanation for how this fit into the same story as everything else.
I think I'm becoming a snob.
Also, weird gender portrayals here.
I think I'm becoming a snob.
Also, weird gender portrayals here.
September 21, 2016
I give it an ahhh maybe
Good idea but bland mechanical delivery. Maybe should h ave been proofed a n d polished before publishing. Not sure I c I would read a sequel.
Good idea but bland mechanical delivery. Maybe should h ave been proofed a n d polished before publishing. Not sure I c I would read a sequel.
March 2, 2022
Outstanding story
I've liked all of the series that I have read so far. However this series is starting off outstandingly good. The characters, the plotline, the different planets. It's been a fun ride the whole journey. I look forward to the other books in the series.
I've liked all of the series that I have read so far. However this series is starting off outstandingly good. The characters, the plotline, the different planets. It's been a fun ride the whole journey. I look forward to the other books in the series.
March 24, 2017
I found this book engaging.
Despite having several parts that even from my extremely limited view of science seemed silly (space currents!) I enjoyed the story and characters.
I'd read more by this author.
The reader was also good.
The only real negative was that even in the future it seems that a woman's place is submissive to a man. Not sure why this sexism exists in the future as well. Hopefully it will be absent from future books.
Despite having several parts that even from my extremely limited view of science seemed silly (space currents!) I enjoyed the story and characters.
I'd read more by this author.
The reader was also good.
The only real negative was that even in the future it seems that a woman's place is submissive to a man. Not sure why this sexism exists in the future as well. Hopefully it will be absent from future books.
March 16, 2021
Good storyline ..
Quite an interesting concept. Love how you wove the Scottish Clans of Earth into the story of Space Expansion...great story
Quite an interesting concept. Love how you wove the Scottish Clans of Earth into the story of Space Expansion...great story
September 12, 2024
A good read. It seems you pick up in the middle of the story. It takes you for an interesting ride. Sit back and enjoy
November 26, 2020
Great sci-fi story
This was a great read full of action and adventure along with some good characters the story was very well written.
This was a great read full of action and adventure along with some good characters the story was very well written.
July 28, 2016
Fun, but amateurish
The writer has a gift for telling a fun adventure story, but the characters a a little bit juvenile, and the 'science' is often abysmal. If you think if it as a fantasy story (in spite of the spaceships) it is more enjoyable.
The writer is a little bit sexist and condescending to his female lead.
The writing seriously needs a good editor. The grammar is often childish and there are a lot of word mistakes, enough to be jarring. (I.e. Three instead of tree, flouring instead of flourishing)
I would expect that as the writer matures he will improve his skills and the writing will improve. I hope he is able to keep his sense of fun and adventure as he matures.
This was still a fun little adventure and worth the time spent.
The writer has a gift for telling a fun adventure story, but the characters a a little bit juvenile, and the 'science' is often abysmal. If you think if it as a fantasy story (in spite of the spaceships) it is more enjoyable.
The writer is a little bit sexist and condescending to his female lead.
The writing seriously needs a good editor. The grammar is often childish and there are a lot of word mistakes, enough to be jarring. (I.e. Three instead of tree, flouring instead of flourishing)
I would expect that as the writer matures he will improve his skills and the writing will improve. I hope he is able to keep his sense of fun and adventure as he matures.
This was still a fun little adventure and worth the time spent.
July 21, 2016
Gregor's Run
Saxon Andrew has again written a compelling science fiction masterpiece. The many twists and turns keep the reader guessing. It is awesome how writers are able produce thought provoking ideals throughout their works. This was one such book. The writing drew me physically through every page until the end magically appeared. Thank you Saxon Andrew for such an entertaining read!
Saxon Andrew has again written a compelling science fiction masterpiece. The many twists and turns keep the reader guessing. It is awesome how writers are able produce thought provoking ideals throughout their works. This was one such book. The writing drew me physically through every page until the end magically appeared. Thank you Saxon Andrew for such an entertaining read!
November 5, 2016
Absolutely magnificent sci-fi reminiscent of the golden age of sci-fi
Here is a story that completely holds your attention and never gets boring or 'slow'....A very good storyline and the characters, both living and AI's, are well chosen for their prospective roles in the story. It keeps your attention and you don't want to put it down. This is why I read sci-fi, and I believe any hardcore sci-fi reader will agree.
Here is a story that completely holds your attention and never gets boring or 'slow'....A very good storyline and the characters, both living and AI's, are well chosen for their prospective roles in the story. It keeps your attention and you don't want to put it down. This is why I read sci-fi, and I believe any hardcore sci-fi reader will agree.
July 10, 2016
A Universal Ride
This is not the same as his previous books but it has the same tone. A man on his own being chased by forces he does not understand why. A mysterious woman and dragons. Enemies turn out to be friends and friends enemy. And the mysterious woman, well you need to read it and find out who she is.
This is not the same as his previous books but it has the same tone. A man on his own being chased by forces he does not understand why. A mysterious woman and dragons. Enemies turn out to be friends and friends enemy. And the mysterious woman, well you need to read it and find out who she is.
July 31, 2016
Entertaining
Very enjoyable book. The author has suspense, betrayal, love, alliances, murder and battles. I believe most readers will like the main protagonists in the book and the blend of human and alien characters. The book is well written but does have its share of 'typos' that better proof reading would have eliminated.
Very enjoyable book. The author has suspense, betrayal, love, alliances, murder and battles. I believe most readers will like the main protagonists in the book and the blend of human and alien characters. The book is well written but does have its share of 'typos' that better proof reading would have eliminated.
August 10, 2016
Gregors Run
A welcome change to story telling. This could be made into a series, or at least a sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yep, definitely a series in the making. Well recommended, and by a great author too.
A welcome change to story telling. This could be made into a series, or at least a sequel. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Yep, definitely a series in the making. Well recommended, and by a great author too.
August 15, 2016
Another Winner!
So this is one of those feel-good books where the protagonist grows into something more than he was when he started. Just hard not to like what Saxon writes! Keep'm coming.
So this is one of those feel-good books where the protagonist grows into something more than he was when he started. Just hard not to like what Saxon writes! Keep'm coming.
August 17, 2016
Don't miss this one, read it next.
Don't start this book without a good deal of time
available, it is very hard to put down. Andrew has done a wonderful job of telling this story. Don't miss this read.
Don't start this book without a good deal of time
available, it is very hard to put down. Andrew has done a wonderful job of telling this story. Don't miss this read.
August 1, 2016
Warm and fuzzy?
writers ave problem with storylines that require warts...hmmmmmm may be the next dance will be, say, Messer. Then the rest is bah bah bah required by Amazon
writers ave problem with storylines that require warts...hmmmmmm may be the next dance will be, say, Messer. Then the rest is bah bah bah required by Amazon
July 25, 2016
Fun
Just a rollicking good story with great character development. Not strong on science, but very strong plot. Saxon Andrew is rapidly becoming a favorite author!
Just a rollicking good story with great character development. Not strong on science, but very strong plot. Saxon Andrew is rapidly becoming a favorite author!
July 30, 2016
Innocent and honest
I liked the book and its concepts. This is a fine book written by a fine mind. Sometimes childish, but you will dive in the story. Thanks
I liked the book and its concepts. This is a fine book written by a fine mind. Sometimes childish, but you will dive in the story. Thanks
July 29, 2016
Great book.
Enjoyed this story very much. Even the humor in it made it better. I would recommend this to anyone who likes scify.
Enjoyed this story very much. Even the humor in it made it better. I would recommend this to anyone who likes scify.
August 3, 2016
Great story
A highly enjoyable tail about a young man who finds himself in a tight spot. His people and others are in trouble, will he find a way to save them? Great story!
A highly enjoyable tail about a young man who finds himself in a tight spot. His people and others are in trouble, will he find a way to save them? Great story!
August 5, 2016
Loved it
Didn't like main character at first, but then understood his motivations. Loved the Scottish warriors and the dragons
Grew
Interesting solutions.
Didn't like main character at first, but then understood his motivations. Loved the Scottish warriors and the dragons
Grew
Interesting solutions.
August 25, 2016
A great read
Hey great sci-fi book always get moving good characters good interaction between them .
I look forward to further adventures of the clan.
Hey great sci-fi book always get moving good characters good interaction between them .
I look forward to further adventures of the clan.
September 20, 2016
Very good reading
Could not put the book down very easy to read I would recommend the the book to anyone wish to read more in the future
Could not put the book down very easy to read I would recommend the the book to anyone wish to read more in the future
September 18, 2016
Finally a good read.
Finally a book where the author stays with the main
Character's plot and does not jump to every other character to waste several chapters their plots as well.
Finally a book where the author stays with the main
Character's plot and does not jump to every other character to waste several chapters their plots as well.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews