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Spaceman Chronicles #3
Retrograde
Clayton Shepard dropped from the sky. Twice.
Now, in the wake of twin cataclysmic blasts of energy from the sun, he is earthbound and far from home.
While his family and friends seek safe harbor in an increasingly dangerous Texas, Clayton is forced underground in Colorado.
He must free himself and finally find a way home in a world quickly slipping farther into the dark ages.
Now, in the wake of twin cataclysmic blasts of energy from the sun, he is earthbound and far from home.
While his family and friends seek safe harbor in an increasingly dangerous Texas, Clayton is forced underground in Colorado.
He must free himself and finally find a way home in a world quickly slipping farther into the dark ages.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
About the author
Tom Abrahams
100 books358 followersTom Abrahams is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning television journalist and member of International Thriller Writers.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 26, 2017
Clayton Shepard just wants to get home to Texas and his family. He miraculously landed back on Earth in Canada after two CMEs knocked the power out on the ISS as well as all the planet. After finding an older model plane that still flies he crashes it in a field near the Denver airport. A secret government group finds him and imprisons him in their underground facility. Once inside no one is allowed to leave.
Abrahams third novel in The SpaceMan Chronicles, Retrograde: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller, focuses on the new society that is holding Clayton hostage while waiting on those outside to die off. This gut wrenching story shows the determination of a man who wants nothing but to get home. And, Clayton is not the only one who wants to leave this underground lair.
I have enjoyed this trilogy and hate to see it end. It was nice to depart from the land based prepper story and see things from outer space. If anything, this series is unique in the post-apocalyptic genre in that respect.
5 out of 5 stars.
Abrahams third novel in The SpaceMan Chronicles, Retrograde: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller, focuses on the new society that is holding Clayton hostage while waiting on those outside to die off. This gut wrenching story shows the determination of a man who wants nothing but to get home. And, Clayton is not the only one who wants to leave this underground lair.
I have enjoyed this trilogy and hate to see it end. It was nice to depart from the land based prepper story and see things from outer space. If anything, this series is unique in the post-apocalyptic genre in that respect.
5 out of 5 stars.
March 23, 2026
My ultimate rating for this book is a solid 4.6 stars.
This narrative has been more than just a story about the characters; it has been a voyage for me as well. Throughout the progression of the plot, I found myself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions towards the characters, oscillating between admiration and disdain. My initial judgments about some characters evolved as I discovered hidden depths and unexpected traits, while others quickly became predictable in their betrayals and alliances. The author skillfully crafted a web of shifting loyalties, keeping me on my toes as allegiances changed with the slightest provocation.
The buildup of tension was masterfully executed, especially as various groups navigated their way through multiple crises that threatened their very existence. The stakes were consistently high, drawing me deeper into the unfolding drama.
Then there's Clayton Shepard, the protagonist, who quite literally dropped from the sky—not once, but twice.
In the aftermath of catastrophic solar explosions, known as twin cataclysmic blasts, Clayton finds himself stranded on Earth, far removed from his home and all that he knows. As chaos ensues in Texas, with his loved ones scrambling to find safety amidst a rapidly deteriorating situation, Clayton faces an entirely different set of challenges. He is forced to take refuge underground in the depths of Colorado, where danger lurks in every shadow.
Now, trapped in a desperate situation, Clayton must summon every ounce of strength and ingenuity to free himself from his subterranean prison. His ultimate goal is to navigate the treacherous landscape above and find a way to reunite with his family, all while witnessing the world around him succumb to a descent into the dark ages. The tension escalates as he races against time, grappling with the harsh realities of survival in an increasingly hostile environment.
This narrative has been more than just a story about the characters; it has been a voyage for me as well. Throughout the progression of the plot, I found myself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions towards the characters, oscillating between admiration and disdain. My initial judgments about some characters evolved as I discovered hidden depths and unexpected traits, while others quickly became predictable in their betrayals and alliances. The author skillfully crafted a web of shifting loyalties, keeping me on my toes as allegiances changed with the slightest provocation.
The buildup of tension was masterfully executed, especially as various groups navigated their way through multiple crises that threatened their very existence. The stakes were consistently high, drawing me deeper into the unfolding drama.
Then there's Clayton Shepard, the protagonist, who quite literally dropped from the sky—not once, but twice.
In the aftermath of catastrophic solar explosions, known as twin cataclysmic blasts, Clayton finds himself stranded on Earth, far removed from his home and all that he knows. As chaos ensues in Texas, with his loved ones scrambling to find safety amidst a rapidly deteriorating situation, Clayton faces an entirely different set of challenges. He is forced to take refuge underground in the depths of Colorado, where danger lurks in every shadow.
Now, trapped in a desperate situation, Clayton must summon every ounce of strength and ingenuity to free himself from his subterranean prison. His ultimate goal is to navigate the treacherous landscape above and find a way to reunite with his family, all while witnessing the world around him succumb to a descent into the dark ages. The tension escalates as he races against time, grappling with the harsh realities of survival in an increasingly hostile environment.
May 31, 2017
This was a fitting end to the spaceman journey. I have listened to all three of the books and it seemed that the series just kept getting better. There's a lot to like about this series. The separate story lines seem to converge just at the right time to make an even better storyline. Our main characters are fabulous and you just can't help but to root for their success and happiness. Again, the author does a great job of using his wit with the combination of pop culture references to have me laughing out loud at points of the story. Throughout this third installment there are some things that are left to mystery, which I'm OK with but obviously would prefer to have known a little bit more about just because I'm nosey LOL. Personally I might smell a couple of spinoff stories or Novellas. I loved the road trip aspect of this book. 1/2 of our crew just kept spinning in circles and the other travelled thousands of miles to be with them. It was just a great overall story and very enjoyable series. What more can be said about the narration from the start of the series to the end of the series it was great! Characters, whether female or male were voiced very well and you can really sense the urgency that was needed in some of the scenes. Give this one a try there's not more left to be said other than read the whole series or better yet listen to the audiobook version. I was gifted this audiobook by the publisher, author or narrator in exchange for an honest review from audiobook boom. This in no way reflected my opinion on this book.
July 28, 2017
What will the SpaceMan get into now?
4.5 out of 5 stars
This series, in general, has taken a big leap from where it started, but I've been enjoying the new twists and turns that Abrahams writes into each new chapter. Retrograde is a novel about a crash astronaut trying to find his family and return to them. Along the way, he finds out a lot more than he bargained for.
Retrograde is a novel about a crash astronaut trying to find his family and return to them. Along the way, he finds out a lot more than he bargained for.
Retrograde was much more "conspiracy theory" focused than the other two books and honestly one of the first books in the post-apocalyptic genre that I've read that was this focused on a government-wide conspiracy. The scary part about it is that it didn't seem far from the truth. Abrahams wrote about it in a way that didn't feel kooky or far fetched. It was incredibly realistic and believable.
The sad thing about this book is that if I write any more I will give it away. There are definite twists and turns and some new characters introduced, but Retrograde is full of "endings" to stories that were brought up in the first two books. The series could end here and I would walk away happy. But, I have a feeling there are one to two more books left up Abrahams sleeve.
The story itself felt like it competed with the first book in the series for "most complete". It really followed a nice arc throughout and didn't leave a lot of things hanging. As a reader, I always enjoy finishing a book that feels finished.
Kevin Pierce narrated Retrograde and, as always, does a wonderful job with it. His narration allowed an already enjoyable story to become more enjoyable. It flowed from beginning to end with his narration leading the way.
4.5 out of 5 stars
This series, in general, has taken a big leap from where it started, but I've been enjoying the new twists and turns that Abrahams writes into each new chapter. Retrograde is a novel about a crash astronaut trying to find his family and return to them. Along the way, he finds out a lot more than he bargained for.
Retrograde is a novel about a crash astronaut trying to find his family and return to them. Along the way, he finds out a lot more than he bargained for.
Retrograde was much more "conspiracy theory" focused than the other two books and honestly one of the first books in the post-apocalyptic genre that I've read that was this focused on a government-wide conspiracy. The scary part about it is that it didn't seem far from the truth. Abrahams wrote about it in a way that didn't feel kooky or far fetched. It was incredibly realistic and believable.
The sad thing about this book is that if I write any more I will give it away. There are definite twists and turns and some new characters introduced, but Retrograde is full of "endings" to stories that were brought up in the first two books. The series could end here and I would walk away happy. But, I have a feeling there are one to two more books left up Abrahams sleeve.
The story itself felt like it competed with the first book in the series for "most complete". It really followed a nice arc throughout and didn't leave a lot of things hanging. As a reader, I always enjoy finishing a book that feels finished.
Kevin Pierce narrated Retrograde and, as always, does a wonderful job with it. His narration allowed an already enjoyable story to become more enjoyable. It flowed from beginning to end with his narration leading the way.
August 4, 2020
The Spaceman returns
Clayton Shepard is an astronaut, or was, since he jumped into a Soyuz spacecraft with 2 dead fellow Spacemen, rocketed back to Earth, crash landed on an ice sheet in northern Canada, and began a LONG trip home to Texas. Some of his trials and travails were previously covered so I won't belabor the details. The part covered here, I will leave you to discover for yourselves. I'll simply say that tihe trip was no picnic!
Jackie Shepard, her kids, and her neighbors, strengthened by the addition of Deep Six Nikki, MMA fighter and badass extraordinaire, were struggling to survive in a rapidly devolving Texas heartland. Bad enough fighting off thugs and criminals who want everything they have, lives included, but the government seemed to be making things worse instead of better. Crammed into FEMA camps riddled with disease and desperation, those in charge seemed to care less about their survival, but showed their efficiency for getting them buried in huge mass graves.
Wow! Amazing storyline, both loveable and disgusting characters, and an incredible story arc keeping all the puzzle pieces in play. This series is getting even better! Gotcha some! I'm off to find the next book in this series!
Clayton Shepard is an astronaut, or was, since he jumped into a Soyuz spacecraft with 2 dead fellow Spacemen, rocketed back to Earth, crash landed on an ice sheet in northern Canada, and began a LONG trip home to Texas. Some of his trials and travails were previously covered so I won't belabor the details. The part covered here, I will leave you to discover for yourselves. I'll simply say that tihe trip was no picnic!
Jackie Shepard, her kids, and her neighbors, strengthened by the addition of Deep Six Nikki, MMA fighter and badass extraordinaire, were struggling to survive in a rapidly devolving Texas heartland. Bad enough fighting off thugs and criminals who want everything they have, lives included, but the government seemed to be making things worse instead of better. Crammed into FEMA camps riddled with disease and desperation, those in charge seemed to care less about their survival, but showed their efficiency for getting them buried in huge mass graves.
Wow! Amazing storyline, both loveable and disgusting characters, and an incredible story arc keeping all the puzzle pieces in play. This series is getting even better! Gotcha some! I'm off to find the next book in this series!
February 26, 2023
The solar flare.
The author Tom Abrahams is one of the known for writing excellent books and doing it beautifully.
This one is a trilogy and once again shows us how fast humans turn into animals when the complete infrastructure collapses because of lost of electricity and everything that uses microchips.
As I’m writing this review of the trilogy I’m still not done listening and as of now it’s very similar to all of books of this genre so nothing special yet which is disappointing for now with some very stupid behavior that you wouldn’t accept from adults.
The only thing that could save this trilogy is a very good twist or a few twists because that as of now if it continues the same way there is no hope and for me a waste of 22 hours of listening.
Yep this was a waste of time, Tom Abrahams is an awesome writer but not with this trilogy,
The Traveler series starting Marcus Battle is so much better and recommended.
I’m sorry but I can’t
Recommend this trilogy.
Oded Ostfeld.
The author Tom Abrahams is one of the known for writing excellent books and doing it beautifully.
This one is a trilogy and once again shows us how fast humans turn into animals when the complete infrastructure collapses because of lost of electricity and everything that uses microchips.
As I’m writing this review of the trilogy I’m still not done listening and as of now it’s very similar to all of books of this genre so nothing special yet which is disappointing for now with some very stupid behavior that you wouldn’t accept from adults.
The only thing that could save this trilogy is a very good twist or a few twists because that as of now if it continues the same way there is no hope and for me a waste of 22 hours of listening.
Yep this was a waste of time, Tom Abrahams is an awesome writer but not with this trilogy,
The Traveler series starting Marcus Battle is so much better and recommended.
I’m sorry but I can’t
Recommend this trilogy.
Oded Ostfeld.
October 1, 2019
I read the first three books in this Spaceman Chronicles and, while I found the premise plausible and many of the charterers compelling, I also found the prospects that there would be a total shut down of all governmental agencies and that so many people seemed to "disappear" to the point that three men are stopped in-front of the Bowie TX town hall, in broad daylight, with one of the few operational vehicles to not only refill their fuel tanks but to take enough fuel from an abandoned delivery truck and no one stopped them... a bit of a stretch.
I probably will continue this series just to see if the author will "pull a rabbit out of his hat" because I do like his writing style enough to have read books 1 - 3 non-stop... however I am approaching with caution.
I probably will continue this series just to see if the author will "pull a rabbit out of his hat" because I do like his writing style enough to have read books 1 - 3 non-stop... however I am approaching with caution.
October 8, 2017
Tom has quickly become a favorite.
I started reassign this series as a stop gap between three other series I have been reading and waiting for their sequels. The Spaceman Chronicles is a true testament to how quickly mankind can fall apart in the face of total life changing events. This series, like his Traveler series, will leave the reader waiting to find out what can happen next and wanting to follow the character struggles through all that gets thrown their way. A good read for anyone, with a mixture of relatable comedy and heartfelt sorrow on that emotional rollercoaster that the writer puts us on.
I started reassign this series as a stop gap between three other series I have been reading and waiting for their sequels. The Spaceman Chronicles is a true testament to how quickly mankind can fall apart in the face of total life changing events. This series, like his Traveler series, will leave the reader waiting to find out what can happen next and wanting to follow the character struggles through all that gets thrown their way. A good read for anyone, with a mixture of relatable comedy and heartfelt sorrow on that emotional rollercoaster that the writer puts us on.
June 4, 2017
Amazing! !!
I have read all of Tom's books and this one is one of the best, most suspenseful series that I have read. The places are all too familiar since I lived in Colorado and have flown out of DIA many times. Is the underground compound really there? I bet it is!!! The Texas references are great as well since I was born and raised here. If you like suspenseful thrillers, this a definite read. GREAT JOB TOM, keep up the fantastic writing and can't wait for more. Thank you.
I have read all of Tom's books and this one is one of the best, most suspenseful series that I have read. The places are all too familiar since I lived in Colorado and have flown out of DIA many times. Is the underground compound really there? I bet it is!!! The Texas references are great as well since I was born and raised here. If you like suspenseful thrillers, this a definite read. GREAT JOB TOM, keep up the fantastic writing and can't wait for more. Thank you.
May 30, 2017
An excellent addition to 'The SpaceMan Chronicles'! Mr. Abrahams continues to impress with vivid characters, realistic environments, and an absolutely fantastic story!
I really hope this will not be the end of the adventure. I'm always looking forward to more from this exceptional author. Extremely well done!
I really hope this will not be the end of the adventure. I'm always looking forward to more from this exceptional author. Extremely well done!
May 30, 2017
An excellent addition to 'The SpaceMan Chronicles'! Mr. Abrahams continues to impress with vivid characters, realistic environments, and an absolutely fantastic story!
I really hope this will not be the end of the adventure. I'm always looking forward to more from this exceptional author. Extremely well done!
I really hope this will not be the end of the adventure. I'm always looking forward to more from this exceptional author. Extremely well done!
July 29, 2017
Retrograde. Tom Abrahams
A solar flare has shut down everything. EMP. A classic struggle for survival. Everything we took for granted is a rare commodity. Everything that controls a civilized society is being torn apart. This is an epic story of survival, hardship and heart wrenching losses. A truly fantastic read!! I highly recommend!!
A solar flare has shut down everything. EMP. A classic struggle for survival. Everything we took for granted is a rare commodity. Everything that controls a civilized society is being torn apart. This is an epic story of survival, hardship and heart wrenching losses. A truly fantastic read!! I highly recommend!!
April 6, 2019
Didn't disappoint
Mr. Abrahams continues to tell the tale of Astronaut Clayton Shepard who continues to have travel issues while attempting to get home to his family. A second CME crushes the planet again while the bad actors put their nefarious plans into action. Hoping for a fourth installment!
Mr. Abrahams continues to tell the tale of Astronaut Clayton Shepard who continues to have travel issues while attempting to get home to his family. A second CME crushes the planet again while the bad actors put their nefarious plans into action. Hoping for a fourth installment!
May 31, 2017
Post apocalyptic with a salesman twist. The escape from the USE was fantastic. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thank you for a rousing read in my favorite genre. Is it my imagination or are half the writers in post apocalyptic prepper fantasy from Texas.
Thank you for a rousing read in my favorite genre. Is it my imagination or are half the writers in post apocalyptic prepper fantasy from Texas.
June 28, 2017
This is a good book by a gifted wordcrafter. It is a fine finish to the series.
The action inside the underground facility should have been much shorter and the story extended another two months or so.
Again , it is a good book and I recommend this whole trilogy to everyone.
The action inside the underground facility should have been much shorter and the story extended another two months or so.
Again , it is a good book and I recommend this whole trilogy to everyone.
January 23, 2018
Great conclusion of this trilogy
Earth has been hit by exttreme sunflares and an astronaut tries to return to his family after this disaster. No electricity and people trying to survive. Loved this series. Great characters and well written action. Recommended
Earth has been hit by exttreme sunflares and an astronaut tries to return to his family after this disaster. No electricity and people trying to survive. Loved this series. Great characters and well written action. Recommended
December 16, 2020
Concluding part of Clayton Shepard's journey home, having crashed a second time, Clayton finds himself a prisoner. Meanwhile, his family continue to struggle in the new post power world. Will they be reunited or destined to to be apart.
May 16, 2017
Clayton’s grueling journey continues in this third installment of the SpaceMan Chronicles. Author Tom Abrahams has crafted another brilliantly layered suspense/thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. For those who enjoy the post-apoc genre, I highly recommend this series.
Oh, and without giving away any spoilers...the ending was wonderful:)
*I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Oh, and without giving away any spoilers...the ending was wonderful:)
*I was given an ARC for an honest review.
May 30, 2017
YAYYYYYY!!!! Another editing project is now a published book! RETROGRADE, Book 3 in Author Tom Abrahams' THE SPACEMAN CHRONICLES is out today!
June 6, 2017
Excellent
This was an exceptional series of books. So well written and enduring. It was a SHTF book but it was also a love story
This was an exceptional series of books. So well written and enduring. It was a SHTF book but it was also a love story
June 7, 2017
A satisfying conclusion to a great series. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2017
The Spaceman comes home
I'm sure I'm not giving anything away when I say Clayton come home. But what a journey he has. I can't wait for the next installment!
I'm sure I'm not giving anything away when I say Clayton come home. But what a journey he has. I can't wait for the next installment!
June 13, 2017
Outstanding series
I love this series. It has lots of action, a great story line and memorable characters. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a great thriller.
I love this series. It has lots of action, a great story line and memorable characters. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a great thriller.
June 27, 2017
This has been one of the best post-apocalyptic series that I have read. Everything is not entirely wrapped up at the end, but enough that you feel good about it. Sorry to see this end. Well done!
July 3, 2017
Third book in the series. It was pretty good but the end felt rushed and disappointing.
August 2, 2017
Not as good as the first two of the series.
January 20, 2019
Ending was predictable and perhaps slightly disappointing but the journey to the ending was fun and interesting to read.
February 25, 2021
Excellent
Excellent series. I think the main theme for this series is never give up hope. That is what all the characters did, they had hope.
Excellent series. I think the main theme for this series is never give up hope. That is what all the characters did, they had hope.
July 12, 2021
A good conclusion.
I'm a little skeptical, though, that the government won't come after them again.
I'm a little skeptical, though, that the government won't come after them again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews