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The Galaxy Series #2

Return to Earth

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After their shuttle meeting with an accident and accidentally landing on a strange planet, the three astronauts return to Earth with the help of the aliens. However, they end up returning in the wrong time—in the future.

What they experience truly shocks them. They return to a time when separation, division, and hatred rules. Indeed, they return to Earth. But is it really home? What has happened to their beloved planet? And what has happened to their country, the most powerful nation on Earth? Is it still the most powerful country on Earth? Whose doing is it?

In a place where a human sees and treats a fellow human defines his existence. In a time when survival is the most important thing, the human spirit of endurance and sharing shows how life can be when things become dire.
In this second book of The Galaxy Series, join the adventures of the three astronauts and an alien on Earth. Take an emotional rollercoaster ride as they travel through America, see what they see and ask yourself—‘is this what I want to leave my next generation?’

Why I Wrote Return to Earth

I began writing Return to Earth on the night Donald Trump won his first presidential election—and I published it on the day of his inauguration. That wasn't coincidence. It was defiance.
That night, I felt something shift in the American soul. The values of empathy, truth, and progress that once defined our national optimism seemed to crumble under the weight of anger and denial. I couldn't sleep. So, I wrote. What poured out became both fiction and warning—a story about humanity's potential for greatness shadowed by its capacity for self-destruction.
When I wrote the first book in The Galaxy Series, Barack Obama was president. Hope felt tangible; the future, bright. But by 2016, the dream had soured. The same civilization capable of interstellar exploration had turned on itself. That contradiction—how a species could reach the stars yet forget its humanity—became the heart of Return to Earth.
The book mirrors my fears for our planet and our politics. It's not just about astronauts returning to a broken world—it's about us returning to the moral truths we've abandoned. It asks whether humanity, blinded by pride and division, can still rediscover its conscience before it's too late.
I know some readers will hate this book. That's fine. I didn't write it to comfort anyone. I wrote it because silence, in the face of moral decay, is complicity.
Return to Earth is my act of witness—a reflection of despair, but also of hope. Because even in darkness, I still believe in the power of humanity to come home to itself.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2017

5 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Aithal

8 books50 followers
I've written several books covering various genres, including international thrillers and memoirs.

I'm also the author of four science fiction books. Well, I'd not really call them science fiction as I think it may disappoint science fiction fans if they are expecting hard-core books in that genre. It's more of 'political science fiction'. It's a dystopian look at our future (environmentally) if we stay on our path. They involve space-travel and take a deep-dive into political psychology.

It's a journey into space and back to future Earth that spans across these books.

Follow me on Instagram, where I post regularly, including all the artworks created for the books.

Here are few of the artworks used in the books:
Beyond The Milky Way - Chapter 1 Beyond The Milky Way - Chapter 7 Beyond The Milky Way - Chapter 5 Beyond The Milky Way - Chapter 4 Divided States of America - Chapter 5 Divided States of America - Chapter 1 Divided States of America - Chapter 5

The books' website has more information (including excerpts) of all four books.

My next book is an international thriller, the story starting in the beautiful Orange County in the US and ending at India/Pakistan border.

My lates book is a memoir where I have penned down my journey from Mumbai, India to the US.

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5 stars
13 (40%)
4 stars
9 (28%)
3 stars
5 (15%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
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4 (12%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,003 reviews90 followers
May 17, 2021
I was disappointed in book. I was optimistic, since the first one had promise, but I found this one to be divisive, and would be considered offensive to some.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bam cooks the books.
2,320 reviews324 followers
March 16, 2017
*3.5 stars. In the second book in the series, Tom, the alien from Etoo, and the three NASA astronauts return to Earth in the spaceship they wrested from the Shadows but they are in for a shock when they arrive. They have time-traveled into the future and find the Earth has suffered many changes, mostly due to climate change and man's inability to live in peace.

Written after our recent presidential election, Aithal envisions what he thinks our current government's policies will lead to in the future and it isn't pretty.

I really came to care about the characters in this story. I was happy to see that Kim appeared brave (only one scream!), stood up for what was right, and had a pretty good temper to boot. I hope she saves the day in the end, Aithal! :)

Many thanks to Aithal for a free ebook copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. This book ends with a cliff hanger style 'to-be-continued' notation, so I'll look forward to the further adventures of our intrepid space travelers.
Profile Image for Boyko Ovcharov.
Author 3 books255 followers
June 25, 2018
Return to Basics

It could be classified as a dystopian, time travel, futuristic read with loads of important existential questions being raised in a not so subtle, even brutal way. The culture clash the three astronauts experience after their return to Earth with the help of aliens is an intriguing premise.
Challenging the correctness of today's policy and social establishment worldwide is also aimed at analyzing the long-term effects of a dangerous course.
Humanity vs power is another underlying topic.
A wake-up call, in a way.
A fairly good read, worth exploring further, including some work on stylistic consistency.
Maybe, 4.5 stars.
Remark: I acknowledge the assumption that reality itself might sometimes appear too harsh. However, the role of the author is normally to present it in a suitable, creative artform. Also, to propose some 'recipe', not simply 'diagnose' it. Hence, I could understand some of the negative critiques as well.
Profile Image for Peri June.
Author 2 books60 followers
March 30, 2017
I love books that make me think, and this one did.
This is not your typical Sci-Fi book. Yes, the entertainment factor is there, but it's so much more than that. The book takes up from where it left off in the previous book.
Our three astronauts: Don, Terry, and Kim are scrambling to return to Earth, but they are in for a nasty surprise. Nothing is as it used to be when they were on Earth last.
The stakes were much higher in this book, and much darker. The author did a great job showing the characters' despair at all the injustices they witnessed. He was also able to portray the extent of human cruelty and greed, and how history really does repeat itself.
I can't believe the book ended where it did, and I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,265 reviews2,351 followers
February 5, 2017
Return to Earth (The Galaxy Series Book #2) by Aithal is another winner! Although it is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. The author gives the reader enough background info that the reader won't get lost in the story. I adored the first story and this one was great too. Lots of action, imagination, sci/fi, honest speculation of what could happen, great plot, and wonderful characters. I was given this book to read, begged really, and was not under any obligation to leave a review but I wanted to share this with everyone. Great book!
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews634 followers
January 17, 2017
What started as a mission in search of another inhabitable planet, three astronauts from Earth crash onto a planet where they discover they are not alone in sucking the life out of a planet. Now, it is time to return to Earth, but something goes awry and they are thrust into a future Earth that is all but dead, its resources depleted by the human population, both through greed and necessity.

What they discover is a nightmare of the worst magnitude. Earth has become even more brutal, hateful and mistrusting and people are separated by fear, ignorance and status. NASA is no more, The United States is no more, it has been shredded into little fiefdoms where power is king and brutality is a way of life as survival becomes a dog eat dog world for the meager resources left.
Will they be able to get back to their own time and warn the world of what they have seen?

Aithal once again brings awareness to the problems Earth has faced for centuries and has created his version of where we are headed and what will become of the planet we call home. Hence, the astronauts ever venturing into space. RETURN TO EARTH is every bit as riveting and filled with all of the imagination of book one and the dire straits Earth is in. A quick reading tale that is filled with both hope and despair, adventure and aliens working with humans, it is a far more sophisticated work than those tales of little green monsters.

I applaud Aithal’s ability to weave the protection or rape of our resources into his tale, particularly as it has been going on almost unchecked for centuries. I read to be entertained, to travel in my mind where I cannot go with my body, to experience incredible things and places from the minds of talented authors. What Aithal has also done is to follow in the worn tracks of other authors using their work as a political platform barely veiling their words in the fiction they write. I have to say, I was ripped out of this fabulous tale by Aithal’s words, where, instead of using current events as a jumping board into furthering his story, he gives a vitriolic rant that went on a little too long and a little too far. It isn’t a matter of if I agree or not, it is that it destroyed an otherwise fascinating tale for me.

That said, I would never say do NOT read this, because it would be your loss to miss out on this author’s talent.

I received an ARC edition from Aithal in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Galaxy Series - Book 2
Publisher: Season Ball; 1 edition (January 20, 2017)
Publication Date: January 20, 2017
Genre: Science Fiction
Print Length: 172 pages
Available from: Amazon 
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com


Profile Image for J.S. Frankel.
Author 92 books237 followers
March 18, 2017
I'd read the first novel and thought it okay. The series had potential.

Disclaimer: I didn't finish this novel, getting about two-thirds of the way through it before I had to stop. Why? It came off as being pretentious and overwritten, with the message slammed in your face at every possible turn. I am totally down with the idea of conservation and preservation, but presented in this manner...it did not move me. Didn't care much for the characters, either. Not a truly terrible novel, no, but not worth finishing, IMO.

For me, it was a good idea, but not well presented.
Profile Image for Megh. Megh..
Author 1 book112 followers
July 22, 2017
Well after reading the first part, I started this the very next day. The book starts with their journey back to earth in which they realized that they have entered the wrong time, ie into the future. The depiction of future is honest and doesnt come as very dramatic. Hats off to the author for his marvelous imagination.
The writing is crisp and its an absolute page turner. A very impressive book.
Well done!!!
highly recommended.
happy reading! :)
180 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2017
The book Return to earth is part 2 version of the galaxy .
The author Aithal has penned each and everything that could happen in near future ,if we not heed to nature call or what it wants to tell by creating nature calamities like earthquakes .... in a conversational way .
The nature shows it's wrath in its own style so stop being greedy ,selfish and destructive is what Aithal wants to convey through his book .

The description of mountains , dried rivers , communal wars which political parties play and powerful people greed will tear your heart into pieces .

It is a gut wrenching story written by wise person like Aithal .The wise Aithal has given a geographic vision of "how life would be without goodness".
Finally the emotions and reactions of the characters in this book are worth reading and it is royal pleasure to see expressions of shock ,guilty , happiness , hope and wary on their tired faces .

Om Bhadram Karnebhih Srunuyama Devah!
Bhadram Pasyemakshabhiryajatrah!
Sthirairangaistushtuvamsastanobhih!
Vyasema Devahitam Yadayuh!
Svasti Na Indro Vriddhasravah!
Svasti Nah Pusha Vishwavedah !
Svasti Nastarkshyo Arishtanemih!
Svasti No Brihaspatir Dadhatu!
Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih!


O Gods! Let us hear auspicious words through our ears.
Let us see auspicious things through our eyes in the sacrifices.
Let us enjoy a life that is beneficial to Gods.
Let us praise the Gods with bodies having strong limbs.
Let Indra of ancient fame be propitious to us.
May the all-knowing Pusha be auspicious to us.
Let Garuda, who destroys evils, be favorably disposed towards us.
Let Brhaspati grant us welfare.
This Shanti (Peace) invocation appears in the Mundaka, Mandukya and Prasna Upanishads. This Peace Chant ends with the prayer for protection from the Tapatrayas (Threefold miseries) Adhyatmika (Body, Mind), Adhi Bhautika (Animals, other living Beings) and Adhi Daivika ( Natural calamities like Earthquake, Flood,Tsunami, etc.)
I think the author want us to understand this mantra . And hence he has release such a novel book .

Go grab this book and save our future from nature's wrath .
This is my honest review .
Profile Image for Devika Fernando.
Author 50 books195 followers
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed Book 1 of the series (Beyond the Milky Way), so I was happy to see that the sequel is now out. And boy, does it live up to its expectations!

While Book 1 had me experience a different planet with beings who were decidedly strange but came alive in the story, Book 2 took me back to earth alongside our desperate astronauts. And I half-wished they hadn’t returned, for planet earth has certainly taken a turn for the worse. What’s so compelling about it is that the scenarios were so believable and upon closer inspection not far-fetched at all. Once again, the author Aithal managed to transport me to his world and imagination and to make me open my eyes to the horrors of this world. Especially with the background of what happens in America these days in real life, the portrayal of the decrepit US was a shock and a dark reminder.

I love it how Aithal mixes reality and fiction, present and future to create a thrilling, fast-paced yet also thought-provoking read. There is a lot to ponder and read between the lines, and a lot of criticism, but it never takes away from the magic of the story and their quest for some form of redemption. Off and on, a little less of the author’s opinion and criticism might have been better, but overall, the book was entertaining and as gripping as the first book of the series.

If you enjoy science fiction that dares to go beyond the surface and not only provides thrills but also grips you and lingers in your mind, then this is the right book for you.
Profile Image for BethAnne Wright.
Author 13 books21 followers
February 26, 2017
Thought provoking, engaging, and written with a good deal of heart, Return To Earth makes the reader think about the future of humanity and the future of the earth. More than just an entertaining story about time travel, aliens, and space, this book poses questions about what a future may look like if we don't make changes in our relationship with the environment and our relationship with each other.

Though the story is set in a future world where the earth has been drained of her resources and the globe is divided, the author's hopes for environmental care and sustainability, unity and inclusion, and peace and connection in our world right now clearly shine through. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Aithal's work.
Profile Image for Shaikha.
231 reviews147 followers
September 2, 2017
This is the second book in the Beyond the Milky Way series. It has a great message and worth the read.

Dear Aithal,
I wish you luck in your future writings, you've got potential. 🙏🏼
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,823 followers
February 15, 2017
‘Our number one priority is to save our home— our Earth.’

On the publishing of his first book in 2011 - INDIA WAS ONE - the author simply used the name ‘An Indian’ and this reader stated the following: An Indian is the author of this short book – no name is offered. He was born and raised in Mumbai, India, came to the US in 1989 to New York and currently resides in Los Angeles. His book contains illustration drawings by Darshini. Now we know is name is Aithal and BEYOND THE MILKY WAY and was published in 2015 and is part of a series he calls The Galaxy Series. Now in Part 2 RETURN TO EARTH he not only continues his story and sets us up for Part 3 at the end, but he also takes this timely opportunity to speak to his readers about the state of the country and the world right now in a very poignant Epilogue – ‘United We Stand?’

First some comments about the ongoing story of space travel and the meeting of aliens as Aithal described in part 1. We were left with three astronauts and an alien in space and now they return to earth to find a very different situation – there is a time shift so that the return to earth is placed in the future.

Aithal’s synopsis outlines this well – ‘After their shuttle meeting with an accident and accidentally landing on a strange planet, the three astronauts return to Earth with the help of the aliens. However, they end up returning in the wrong time—in the future. What they experience truly shocks them. They return to a time when separation, division, and hatred rules. Indeed, they return to Earth. But is it really home? What has happened to their beloved planet? And what has happened to their country, the most powerful nation on Earth? Is it still the most powerful country on Earth? Whose doing is it? In a place where a human sees and treats a fellow human defines his existence. In a time when survival is the most important thing, the human spirit of endurance and sharing shows how life can be when things become dire. The three astronauts and the alien, in this strange and foreboding future ‘is this what I want to leave for my next generation?’
But the real meat of this novel is well situated in Aithal’s Epilogue and it deserves sharing here, hoping that more people will read this series: ‘Are we really united? Are we? Really? The 2016 elections have shown how divided we are. And not just as a country, but a division between family members, spouses, friends, colleagues. It has held a mirror in front of us to reveal the ugliness in us that has been dormant. Is it ugliness or fear? The fear of the unknown which was very cleverly manipulated into a monstrous figure by a very crooked and opportune businessman (to call him a politician would be a mistake). Just look at what we have become. Every time we interact with anyone who doesn't agree with us, the first thought that comes to our mind is the opposite person's political preference— is he or she a Democrat or a Republican. The color of our skin plays a significant role in our party affiliation, although, we can be wrong. We have all cherished our liberty and freedom. But we are, and we will lose it if we allow it. We have to guard it fiercely, and not just as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans. Sure, we have a lot of differences. But they are magnified because we let that happen to us. We have forgotten to care about the other side. ‘We are united'— words which once have been a source of pride have changed their position to plant a seed of doubt in our minds, ‘Are we united?' America has become a sick patient where the two doctors, one a Democrat and one a Republican has relentlessly fought over who is more qualified to treat it. In meanwhile, America has been dying— the operation may be successful for them, but the patient is dead. Each side spent millions to win, and to what avail? Every four years each side fights bitterly, and after the elections, the winner has to heal the country. But they are the ones who destroyed it in the first place. Why can’t be our election cycles be shorter— and less expensive? We have lost faith in our Government, Congress has the lowest approval rating ever, but do the politicians care? Not at all: they are too busy fighting for us. They have become our watchdogs so that we can rest in peace that someone is guarding our interest. But these watchdogs are feasting on our country. We need to do something to decentralize the power. All this is only possible if we exist. And the only way for us to exist is if our planet exists. All our debates, differences, and hatreds towards each other is only possible if we acknowledge that Earth is in great peril, and we have to do something about it. That should be our number one priority. Only if we survive, can we debate over Supreme Court nominee, Democrats vs. Republicans, Roe vs. Wade, our Constitution, our foreign policies, etc., The very first step in solving this problem is to acknowledge that here is a problem. If we refuse to do so, we are doomed— all of us, Democrats, Republicans, Christians, Muslims, gays, straights, blacks, browns, yellows, all of us. All the holiest places of worship will disappear, irrespective of which religion they are from. We have to do something to save our planet so that we can keep on fighting amongst us. Nobody can claim that they have seen heaven or hell; however, everyone can say that they have seen Earth. So, it's up to us to make this into a heaven or a living hell, and from the looks of it, we are rapidly barreling towards the latter, etc’

Read and think and note we have a social philosopher among us.
Profile Image for Brianna Remus.
Author 9 books318 followers
August 4, 2017
Aithal delivered another intriguing installment of The Galaxy Series with Return to Earth. This book continues the journey, but on an Earth that is riddled with devastation, torment, and despair. This novel paints a picture of what Aithal believes could occur in future years if humanity continues to destroy itself and its habitable planet. Again, I think that the concept of this series is very interesting and it seems to reflect the author's passion for critical thinking when it comes to human introspection, as well as care of the environment. However, there were times when I felt I was reading someone's tirade regarding their personal views instead of a science fiction novel. I think that Aithal's points would have been established just through the basis of the plot, therefore making the long dialogue unnecessary. The writing of this novel was easier for me to digest than the first installment, therefore I found this one to be a quicker read. Although there was still too much focus on setting details that became repetitive, the character and plot development for this book seemed more developed than the first one. Overall, I enjoyed this book as a quick read despite some of the perceived flaws. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a passionate story-line regarding global concepts that all humans and our planet face.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,221 reviews26 followers
February 9, 2017
This is the third book I have read by Aithal and I will always ready anything Aithal writes.

The writing is mesmerizing and has the capability to propel you into a futuristic world that will have you wondering just how possible is this world. Spoiler alert, it it. The writing is beautiful without being overly futuristic and confusing which to me is the signs of an amazing author.

I absolutely loved the first book and the world we were involved in, and when I had the chance to read the sequel I was completely stoked because I enjoyed it so much. I love how you are in space but not feeling as if you need to be an aeronautical engineer to understand what is going on. I love how the book makes you question you own reality and makes you question anything you have wondered about.

I love how this book raises awareness to humans destroying everything and depleting natural resources. This book is truly an amazing work of fiction, although I will say may not be fiction if we don't change our ways.

The characters are fully developed and you will find yourself pulled into their interactions and world from the moment you hit page one.

Read this series, it is truly one of those books that is life changing.
Profile Image for Puja Kshirsagar.
47 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2017
Introduction:
‘Return to Earth’ is the second book in the Galaxy series and a sequel of ‘Beyond The Milky Way’. After having liked the first book, I was curious to know what happens to the protagonists and how they ‘return to earth’.

Writing style:
The writing style, as in the previous book, is simple and devoid of difficult terms. However, there are many grammatical mistakes, which is a bit of a turn off.

My perception:
In comparison to the first book, the second one doesn’t go up to the expectations. Although the book is a nice and interesting read, the number of errors makes it sound a bit off. However, the way the author has explained the dangers that Earth would encounter in the future is remarkable. It sends out a message to each one of us to safeguard our planet and stop our harmful activities right away that is destroying our dear home. If we continue doing everything wrong that we are doing right now, Earth may end up in a similar or a worse state as described in the book.
Read full review at: http://www.haloofbooks.com/return-ear...
Profile Image for Patricia.
390 reviews46 followers
February 12, 2017
Starting where the first book ends this continues the thrilling story of space adventure gone wrong. Throughout we learn more about the central characters and see them grow more as they meet adversity in different guises head on.

Interestingly the author has taken many current political and social stories and inter-woven them into future life extremely well. This gives the effect of far sight in such a way to be almost visionary but completely possible which adds an almost nightmarish reality to the story.

I definitely recommend this book!

I chose to review a free e-copy of this book
Profile Image for Sarah-Jane.
32 reviews
March 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. From the title you would think it was just your typical science-fiction novel, but it's not. The main characters are trying to get home, but it's not as easy as it sounds. There's a lot of questions that need answered along the way.

Although this is book two, I read it as a standalone.

I'd definitely read more from this author!
Profile Image for Prakash Sharma.
Author 10 books110 followers
June 11, 2017
If someone wants to learn while play one must read Beyond The Milky Way and Return To Earth written by this author. He has successfully elaborated scientific views in the form of this Scientific Fiction.
A must read work for students of science in their teenage.
Profile Image for Faith Jones.
Author 2 books49 followers
March 13, 2018
I consider the implications carefully on the rare occasions when I give a low star rating because I think the reviewer’s role should be to encourage and publicise creative writing talent, bring out the best aspects of a piece and help future work by pointing out where improvements in the writer’s craft can be made. It isn’t my job to go around smiting and discouraging hard-working authors, but I also have a duty to warn readers if something isn’t a masterpiece and they would be wasting their time. This particular author has published at least one good book previously, so I think he will be a gentleman and accept my thoughts about his work and then write a much more endearing adventure next time.

The sentences in this work flow better than their cousins did in the first novel of the series, so that’s a plus. There is a fantasy element to the story too, as it features a space ship which arrives on Earth and ferries the characters between dystopian future locations.

In my opinion, there is no science fiction in this book because the criteria for that is usually to present a plausible explanation (framed in the physical laws of science for a technology) for a device that has not yet been invented, or has not yet been made to operate practically. The technology in this book includes solar panels, projection of images onto surfaces, stun guns, refining water and magnetic levitation (MagLev trains); all of which have already been invented and are in use. Therefore, this could be better classified as near future political fiction with a fantasy travel element.

Having used the word “political”, that brings me to the bullseye problem, which not only lets this work down but deliberately usurps and poisons it. At the time of writing, the author was clearly traumatised by the outcome of an election in the USA (perspective footnote for aliens: the loudest 1 of the 199 countries on our planet). Just to clarify, I have no interest in either of these political sides but can appreciate that this event must have dominated many people’s thinking at the time, filling their minds like the sun in the sky, so the result was deeply polarising in that country. Many of the supporters of the marginally losing ideology became very angry and attached obsessive importance to this outcome, in extreme cases becoming over-emotional and fanatical. The author of this book was politically committed when writing Return to Earth and his voice takes over this story, channelling this personal political angst openly, but by doing so he loses the readers’ hearts and minds. This isn’t the first time that’s been done. Shakespeare’s only failed play was Timon of Athens and if you read that work (because nobody performs it), the thing that ruined it was the endless, miserable, negative ranting. In this book, there’s a miserable ending too. Maybe Aithal can step out like Shakespeare did and eclipse this work with original and entertaining brilliance next time. Who knows? Perhaps RTE is just a bad day at the office, an exception to the rule.

In summary, this is not an enjoyable work of fantasy or a flight of science fiction imagination. It is a bitter diatribe of one-sided political lecturing that has been disguised under a sci-fi book cover. Many readers will agree with the ideological viewpoints, although most people’s red hot fury cools as time passes and perspective returns, but this book is still a Trojan horse deployed with the single purpose of delivering a rant. The style of delivery may even push the reverse intention and unite undecided people against the author’s ideology. Objectively, the book has academic value as a snapshot of social history, an emotional flare-up preserved in amber for all time. Isn’t that a lovely thought?

Hypothetically, even if the author is completely correct (we can’t tell yet) and a voting decision taken recently will destroy the future of the human race, I would advise that this is the wrong way to present that prediction because it scares the majority of readers away. If you lose public goodwill, it doesn’t matter whether you are the new Nostradamus or Shakespeare because without any readers, your thoughts won’t go anywhere.

Every entertainer has heard a boo at some point in their career. The best of them have reflected on when and why the mood changed against them, adjusted their style, knuckled down and tried again. That would be a positive ending to this story. I like happy endings.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
December 9, 2017
Kindle unlimited, for books {I read both} that are supposedly about science fiction, there is way too much actual science left out such as at the start of the actual story {after the flashback part} says that rain clears pollution; yes, but no, as urban and industrial air pollution can stifle rain and snowfall, because the pollution particles prevent cloud water from condensing into raindrops and snowflakes. Being 'alien' someone didn't know how to express their grief, really; toddlers know how to express that, monkeys know how, swans who have lost their life mate know how...they are not asperger humans or the like who do not relate the same way as 'normal' people, so duh 'aliens' that are that sentient would know how to express grief. They learned to respect their planet, and it was their THIRD planet, uh yeah so wrong. They knew he'd found the items by his expression, but didn't already know from his conversation on the phone NOR the thumbs up he gave before, sheesh, and really there is lack of water but somehow someone still has a cigarette which is plant based/tobacco and takes water to grow? No, plenty of people can claim they have seen heaven or hell; whether they are truthful or deluded is another matter. There were just too many things wrong with this book to list, or all together it would be longer than the book, even though it was padded for more word count with preachy things and ending that was not part of the story, with the actual ending before being a cliffhanger, which is a NO unless it's plainly stated.

Read a review that talked about Obama; uh, hello, they weren't referencing Obama.

After their shuttle met with an accident and landed on a strange planet, the three astronauts return to Earth with the help of the aliens. However, they end up returning in the wrong time—in the future. What they experience truly shocks them. They return to a time when separation, division, and hatred, rule the day. Indeed, they return to Earth. But is it really home? What has happened to their beloved planet? And what has happened to their country, the most powerful nation on Earth? Is it still the most powerful country on Earth? Whose doing is it? In a place where how a human sees and treats a fellow human defines his existence. In a time when survival is the most important thing, the human spirit of endurance and sharing shows how life can be when things become dire. In this second book of The Galaxy Series, join the adventures of the three astronauts and an alien on Earth. Take an emotional rollercoaster ride as they travel through America, see what they see and ask yourself—‘is this what I want to leave for my next generation?’


Beyond The Milky Way (The Galaxy Series Book 1)
Return To Earth (The Galaxy Series Book
Profile Image for Ronald.
149 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2017
If you read science fiction to escape reality for a few hours, then this book is not for you. The book is supposed to be about three lost astronauts who want to return to their timeline on earth. While this is the underlying premise behind the storyline, the book does not deliver. Most of the book’s rhetoric is about global geological decline and slavery in the future; the cause of which is tied to our current administration’s environmental policy and the divisiveness it creates in our population. I see this book as being a political blog pretending to be a sequel to a science fiction book.

There was a lot of political ranting in the “Beyond the Milky Way”, the first book in this series, but I attributed that to this being a fairly new author who happened to be wrapped up in a present-day political moment as he wrote the book. I rated that book highly as I saw potential in the author, Aithal. Many other reviewers criticized him for the political rants. After that, I would have expected him to take the criticisms to heart. He did not. Instead, Aithal chose to double down on the political rants in the second book.

I read the whole book hoping that he would redeem himself. He never did.

Although I agree with several of Aithal’s political positions, a book intended for sci-fi enthusiast is not the appropriate place to air these views. The title and description of this book are misleading. My expectation was that it would be escapist reading, not doom and gloom like today's daily news feed.
Profile Image for Cat Imb || The Reading Cat ||.
418 reviews42 followers
March 28, 2017
I received an ebook of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Aithal!

Another thought provoking book by Aithal. The sequel to Beyond The Milky Way deals with many additional topics; the treatment of Native Americans, Racism, Homophobia, Censorship, as well as Environmental Responsibility, and Human Greed. Although this is a shorter book, it does by no means minimize the importance of these topics.

The novel also touches upon the political system, and how our actions have consequences. How NOT acting has consequences. How the media forgets its primary purpose, and becomes just like another prime time show on television, and is no longer an informative programming.

Lastly, the author did not disappoint with that ending. I read the last line, and was frantically tapping my screen to "find" the end, even though it was clearly stated that I had reached it...
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. I did not enjoy this story nearly as much as I did book #1.The plot was very good and kept my interest all the way through. And the new characters that were introduced were very well developed. Again there were lots of typos and wrong words used that really did interrupt the flow of the story. The biggest problem was spending so much space just repeating the messages about wrongs and how they are destroying the world. There was a new ethical situation about slavery that was well done, but it was not repeated over and over and over. I hope part 3 has more story to it.
Profile Image for Boundless Book Reviews.
2,242 reviews78 followers
September 5, 2017
I read Beyond the Milky Way and Return to Earth together and I recommend all readers to do the same. They were definitely unique stories and well thought out; however, I found them a bit “too wordy.” There were too many details of the characters every movement with no real purpose; just a lot of words adding nothing to the story.
I liked the book but feel it could have been better. Both were 3 Boundless Stars books.

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Profile Image for Dr. Monidipa Dutta.
1,071 reviews17 followers
May 6, 2023
"Return to Earth" is an exceptional science fiction book that takes the readers on a thought-provoking journey. The story revolves around the three astronauts who accidentally travel to the future after an accident and are shocked to find their beloved planet in ruins. The author, Aithal, has crafted a compelling plot with well-developed characters that keep the readers engaged from beginning to end.

The book provides an insightful look into the future of Earth, where the world has been divided, and hatred and separation have taken over. The story is not just about the future but also raises questions about our present actions and their consequences. It highlights the importance of treating our fellow humans with respect and kindness and the impact it can have on our existence.

The emotional rollercoaster ride that the characters go through is beautifully portrayed, and the reader can't help but feel empathetic towards them. The detailed descriptions of the places the characters visit and the people they meet make the book even more captivating.

The author's writing style is impeccable and flows seamlessly. The book is easy to read, and the language used is simple yet effective. The themes of the book are relevant and relatable, and the author has done an excellent job of weaving them into the story.

Overall, "Return to Earth" is an excellent addition to The Galaxy Series and a must-read for all science fiction fans. The book is a reminder of the importance of our actions and their impact on the future. It is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will leave a lasting impression on the reader. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Mae-Anne Bryant.
37 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2025
Aithal's "Return to Earth" is a heartfelt and exciting science fiction story that combines thrilling adventures with deep reflections on humanity. Three brave astronauts find themselves stranded on an unfamiliar planet after a terrible accident, but a gentle alien steps in to guide them back home. The story doesn't make it easy for them, revealing that the Earth they return to is filled with division, intolerance, and moral struggles. The writing is clear and compelling, blending action-packed moments with quiet scenes that reveal the characters' inner lives. The author's skillful use of precise descriptions and compassionate character development keeps the story grounded, even as the tension rises. The pacing is excellent; the tension builds steadily through encounters in a transformed America, while giving us peaceful moments to pause and ponder. At its core, the book explores themes of belonging, dignity, and resilience. Through the astronauts' experiences, we feel the shock of returning to a place that no longer seems like home, and the small acts of kindness that keep hope alive. I warmly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys speculative fiction that invites reflection on moral questions without rushing the story. Fans of character-driven dystopias and uplifting realism will find plenty to enjoy. It's a beautiful reminder that kindness can survive even when society is struggling, inspiring us to reflect on our choices today.
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