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Orbs #1.1-1.2
White Sands and Red Sands
The thrilling short stories set in the Orbs universe.
Jeff and his little brother, David, are alone. Their parents have disappeared along with the rest of the world, replaced by glowing blue orbs and a terrifying army of aliens. But the boys are survivors. Living in the tunnels beneath the White Sands military base, escaping from hungry aliens, and searching for supplies, they hatch a plan. The boys will fight back, and before they're through the white sands will run red with blood.
Jeff and his little brother, David, are alone. Their parents have disappeared along with the rest of the world, replaced by glowing blue orbs and a terrifying army of aliens. But the boys are survivors. Living in the tunnels beneath the White Sands military base, escaping from hungry aliens, and searching for supplies, they hatch a plan. The boys will fight back, and before they're through the white sands will run red with blood.
- GenresScience Fiction
Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2018
91 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
103 books2,381 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
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Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 22, 2021
A great short story!!
White Sands and Red Sands is a short story/ prequel to the Orbs Series. The story begins with Jeff and David going to White Sands to visit their dad at work, and the story tells of how they survived before Sophie and Overton found them. Also the reader gets a glimpse into Dr. Hoffman’s plans and his escape from earth.
White Sands and Red Sands is a short story/ prequel to the Orbs Series. The story begins with Jeff and David going to White Sands to visit their dad at work, and the story tells of how they survived before Sophie and Overton found them. Also the reader gets a glimpse into Dr. Hoffman’s plans and his escape from earth.
April 2, 2018
Two young boys witness the alien invasion of Earth. They somehow manage to survive and fight back against all odds.
Michael Fitz was a guard for the New Tech Corporation at the White Sands Missile Base. Each year at this time his two sons made the trip to White Sands to see where their father worked. His wife Paula made the drive with her stepsons. There was a lot of activity this year, centered around a huge black spaceship with the name Secundo Casu - The Second Chance.
It was his oldest son Jeff's eleventh birthday and Michael had something special planned. He was giving Jeff an old rifle handed down in his family for many generations and taking Jeff and seven year old David to the White Sands Target Range to teach them firearm safety and let them practicing firing the weapon at some targets. Soon after getting set up at the range, a huge roar drew their attention to sight of the Secundo Casu arching into the heavens.
Jeff had only managed to hit the target once, but was quickly getting used to the heavy kick of the rifle jammed into his shoulder. Another roar heralded the appearance of several of the new X90 fighter jets. Michael new no flight was expected and was carefully watching them streak toward the Base. He yelled at the boys to gather their things and get in their truck immediately. As they watched, the jets suddenly dove toward the ground with no power. They were headed directly at Michael! He jumped in the truck and turned the ignition. . . There was no power to the starter - all systems were dead. And if they didn't move quickly, the falling jets would make them just as dead!
He and the boys ran away from the area at full speed, but Michael wasn't far enough when a jet hit the ground behind him and exploded. The growing fireball engulfed him and crisped his back like sizzling bacon. Where were the boys?
Their story had just begun. Days of witnessing the aliens destroy the Earth and wrap up living creatures and people in glowing blue orbs. Absorbing the water from the living, and stealing all the water from the land, they saw the beginning of the end.
Many of the questions I had from reading the Orbs books, were brought to light in these stories. How the boys survived against all odds, and actually found ways to fight back, is an amazing story. You quickly find yourself admiring the heart these youngsters display, the courage they found in themselves. You can't help but cheer for them!
Personally, I find these stories fit best after reading Orbs I and before starting Orbs II - Stranded. The storyline fits best there. No spoilers for Orbs I's contents, and explanations for your questions before continuing with Stranded.
The boys are amazing and their survival story is inspiring. These short stories provide backgrounds for the characters and fill some pretty conspicuous holes in the main storyline. You have got to secure this book and satisfy your curiosity. This is a great read!
Michael Fitz was a guard for the New Tech Corporation at the White Sands Missile Base. Each year at this time his two sons made the trip to White Sands to see where their father worked. His wife Paula made the drive with her stepsons. There was a lot of activity this year, centered around a huge black spaceship with the name Secundo Casu - The Second Chance.
It was his oldest son Jeff's eleventh birthday and Michael had something special planned. He was giving Jeff an old rifle handed down in his family for many generations and taking Jeff and seven year old David to the White Sands Target Range to teach them firearm safety and let them practicing firing the weapon at some targets. Soon after getting set up at the range, a huge roar drew their attention to sight of the Secundo Casu arching into the heavens.
Jeff had only managed to hit the target once, but was quickly getting used to the heavy kick of the rifle jammed into his shoulder. Another roar heralded the appearance of several of the new X90 fighter jets. Michael new no flight was expected and was carefully watching them streak toward the Base. He yelled at the boys to gather their things and get in their truck immediately. As they watched, the jets suddenly dove toward the ground with no power. They were headed directly at Michael! He jumped in the truck and turned the ignition. . . There was no power to the starter - all systems were dead. And if they didn't move quickly, the falling jets would make them just as dead!
He and the boys ran away from the area at full speed, but Michael wasn't far enough when a jet hit the ground behind him and exploded. The growing fireball engulfed him and crisped his back like sizzling bacon. Where were the boys?
Their story had just begun. Days of witnessing the aliens destroy the Earth and wrap up living creatures and people in glowing blue orbs. Absorbing the water from the living, and stealing all the water from the land, they saw the beginning of the end.
Many of the questions I had from reading the Orbs books, were brought to light in these stories. How the boys survived against all odds, and actually found ways to fight back, is an amazing story. You quickly find yourself admiring the heart these youngsters display, the courage they found in themselves. You can't help but cheer for them!
Personally, I find these stories fit best after reading Orbs I and before starting Orbs II - Stranded. The storyline fits best there. No spoilers for Orbs I's contents, and explanations for your questions before continuing with Stranded.
The boys are amazing and their survival story is inspiring. These short stories provide backgrounds for the characters and fill some pretty conspicuous holes in the main storyline. You have got to secure this book and satisfy your curiosity. This is a great read!
December 7, 2018
This is a prequel of sorts. I say of sorts because it should really be read only after reading books 1 and possibly even book 2 of the Orbs series in order to truly enjoy its content.
This is a short story about some characters critical to the Orbs tale and not your typical characters either.
I can’t really elaborate any further without giving away important series details.
Let it be suffice to say that this tale shows how truly horrible an alien invasion could be if the aliens were first, vastly more advanced than we are and second, looked at us like we look at insects, maybe a little interesting but totally unimportant with the exception that we provide a critical resource for them.
Obtaining that resource ends in human death.
This story is an awesome story of survival and a to a lesser degree, vengeance, but mostly just survival. Throw in a huge dose of terror!
You’ll find that these particular characters are easy to root for and hope they do indeed survive as much as anyone could under the circumstances and for how long?
The Earth is in real trouble. This story shows how much.
This is a must read if you’re enjoying the Orb series and I wholeheartedly recommend the Orb series.
But again, wait until you’ve read at least Orbs book 1 before reading this short prequel.
March 31, 2018
The Orbs series is such a great series and I was delighted to see that there were a few extra short stories as well. In White Sands, we see brothers Jeff and David, along with their stepmom, heading to see their dad, Michael. From there we see what happens them from the moment the Orbs appear. In Red Sands, we see more of the boys and also get a look at Dr. Hoffman and his escape ship.
Both of the short stories were very much needed, in order to answer some unanswered questions from the main books. I loved seeing the boys and getting to know what exactly happened them. I was also glad to read about Dr Hoffman, though I'm still not sure what to think of him!!
Well written and developed, these shorts, and indeed the whole series is a must read!!
Both of the short stories were very much needed, in order to answer some unanswered questions from the main books. I loved seeing the boys and getting to know what exactly happened them. I was also glad to read about Dr Hoffman, though I'm still not sure what to think of him!!
Well written and developed, these shorts, and indeed the whole series is a must read!!
April 1, 2018
I am a very visual person, so when I read a scifi book, I not only want to love the story line, but be able to put my imagination to work and really see the images. These two short stories have both a punch of a story line and visually descriptive scenes that keep you reading til the end. This prequel to the Orbs series centers around the devotion of two young boys, Jeff and David, as they try to figure out what's happening and how to survive after their parents and the rest of humanity have disappeared. You are emotionally pulled into the young boys struggle for survival, trying to stay strong to make their dad proud. Exciting intro to the Orbs series.
September 21, 2024
So I read orbs 1-3 before reading white sands/ red sands. This prequel was nearly exactly how I would think some people would react to this situation. Confused,scared,angry. Two young brothers, not quite knowing what to do but not just sitting around crying and doing nothing about it. Love these 2 boys.
Gives a good introduction to the rest of the series. This series, like most others from the author, is fantastic. If you like action, suspense, and human emotions then get on board and read the orbs series.
Gives a good introduction to the rest of the series. This series, like most others from the author, is fantastic. If you like action, suspense, and human emotions then get on board and read the orbs series.
March 31, 2018
Two of the most endearing characters in the Orbs series are Jeff and David, orphaned brothers who quickly learn what’s needed to survive. In these two prequels, we get the perspective of the alien invasion from humans living outside the Biospheres. The reader is also given refreshing insight into some of the main characters who will figure prominently later on. White Sands and Red Sands are quick reads filled with superlative action and suspense. Highly recommended!
April 1, 2018
Exciting Introduction to Science Fiction Thriller
Our story begins with a deadly dust storm and a roller coaster ride for the leader of our bio dome. We get the big picture while our characters fight for their lives. Having met our first challenge we meet our fascinating cast of characters as they gear up for the beginning of their indispensable mission. This introduction move fast, was exciting and I did not want to put it down.
Our story begins with a deadly dust storm and a roller coaster ride for the leader of our bio dome. We get the big picture while our characters fight for their lives. Having met our first challenge we meet our fascinating cast of characters as they gear up for the beginning of their indispensable mission. This introduction move fast, was exciting and I did not want to put it down.
April 6, 2018
Scary
Like everything else I've read from NSS, this is a great story. Aliens and humanity on the brink. Orbs swallowing almost every person and giant spiders to finish the job of hunting down any remnants. A great sideways look into the "Orbs Universe". And two young heroes that must age beyond their years to not only survive, but take the fight to the spiders and get a little payback.
Like everything else I've read from NSS, this is a great story. Aliens and humanity on the brink. Orbs swallowing almost every person and giant spiders to finish the job of hunting down any remnants. A great sideways look into the "Orbs Universe". And two young heroes that must age beyond their years to not only survive, but take the fight to the spiders and get a little payback.
January 27, 2020
Short stories, Quick reads.
I like how the author took a step off the beaten path using the universe built in this series to offer us a different story within this universe it's definitely very much science fiction and I enjoyed that it was also fun to have this experience which is not often offered in other books I very much suggest this book I also liked the introduction to the first book in the series at the end
I like how the author took a step off the beaten path using the universe built in this series to offer us a different story within this universe it's definitely very much science fiction and I enjoyed that it was also fun to have this experience which is not often offered in other books I very much suggest this book I also liked the introduction to the first book in the series at the end
March 31, 2018
I was anxiously waiting for the arrival of this book. I received it & I could not stop reading . It is a perfect prequel to the ORBs series, which is a favorite of mine... The author did a great job, as always. Well written, exciting, Action Packed. Orbs 4, will be available for purchase on April 6th..Solar Storms is another prequel. Another must read, by this award winning author.
April 21, 2018
Amazing side story.
If you haven’t read this series, you need to start. This pre-cursor will give you the back story of two of the main yet youngest characters throughout the story. The veracity of these two to survive could teach us all a few lessons about how growing up sometimes makes us weaker in our thoughts of what is possible for those we love.
If you haven’t read this series, you need to start. This pre-cursor will give you the back story of two of the main yet youngest characters throughout the story. The veracity of these two to survive could teach us all a few lessons about how growing up sometimes makes us weaker in our thoughts of what is possible for those we love.
July 5, 2018
Imagine an alien race that doesn't come for humans... They come for ALL water on the planet. It doesn't matter if it's in a living being or not.
Loved that Smith wrote these stories. It brings more understanding to the b characters and even brings the invaders in more. I love this whole series and can't wait for the new one to release.
Loved that Smith wrote these stories. It brings more understanding to the b characters and even brings the invaders in more. I love this whole series and can't wait for the new one to release.
April 6, 2018
These two, I call them companion books for the Orbs series, are great! They offer a bit more insight into some of the people you really come to know in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed these! Best bit of money I've spent.
March 31, 2020
These books are the second prequels to the ORBS series. You are introduced to Jeff and David. Two young boys who go to visit their father at a military base in New Mexico, just as Aliens invade the planet.
May 15, 2018
If
If you like science fiction novels, Nick Smith's are in the higher end of the top . His imagination and creativity earns him a 10 in my rating scale.
If you like science fiction novels, Nick Smith's are in the higher end of the top . His imagination and creativity earns him a 10 in my rating scale.
July 7, 2018
Excellent story.
This was listed as a collection of short stories but is actually more like one continuous book. It is an exciting story though.
This was listed as a collection of short stories but is actually more like one continuous book. It is an exciting story though.
July 12, 2018
Wow
Loved these two books...Can't wait to see what happens next...Very strong main characters and strong storyline about aliens landing and taking over the earth
Loved these two books...Can't wait to see what happens next...Very strong main characters and strong storyline about aliens landing and taking over the earth
September 16, 2018
Simply too short.
October 3, 2018
Very Interesting
Although it is a short story, it still kept my attention throughout the story. It was intriguing how the boys managed to survive.
Although it is a short story, it still kept my attention throughout the story. It was intriguing how the boys managed to survive.
July 30, 2019
It was nice to get a little more info on what happened to the characters before the invasion.
August 19, 2019
Great introduction to the Orb series. Short, sweet and to the point.
February 10, 2020
Good i production to some characters
Two short introductions to a few main characters from the main story. Not a terrible amount of new information but it does fill in a few holes.
Two short introductions to a few main characters from the main story. Not a terrible amount of new information but it does fill in a few holes.
March 19, 2022
100% Fantastic
I have been loving this series. I have only read 1&2... and now I have made a sidetrack with this one with no regrets.
I have been loving this series. I have only read 1&2... and now I have made a sidetrack with this one with no regrets.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews