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Far Beyond #1

Fire At Will

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The Galaxy's in big trouble, and it's up to Kevin, his dog Boomer, and a quirky talking cat to save the day. What could possibly go wrong?

After saving the Arcadian Confederate from certain destruction, Kevin's consciousness is cast back to Earth. Victory is sweet, but life on Earth is boring. It doesn't take long for him to start missing his galaxy-trotting adventures.

But you should be careful what you wish for: when a Kregan operative bent on revenge shows up to hunt Kevin down, everything starts to unravel. The galaxy's in grave danger, and it looks like Kevin's the only one who can save it.

Not to worry! The Arcadians have sent their best engineer to help Kevin in his quest...who also happens to be a talking cat with a less than ideal attitude.

If Kevin can't whip this motley crew into shape, the galaxy's doomed. Which means Earth is doomed...and as boring as it is, Kevin's starting to realize there's no place like home.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2018

453 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Christian Kallias

80 books151 followers
Aided by an abundance of Sci-Fi characters with supernatural powers, Bestselling Sci-Fi author Christian Kallias has a secret. He lives two lives. One in the real world and one inside his own creations, in worlds where he can lay down the foundation of his universes for both his and your enjoyment. Guess which one he prefers?

Christian Kallias is the bestselling author of the award-winning Universe in Flames Space Opera series.

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5 stars
112 (46%)
4 stars
62 (25%)
3 stars
49 (20%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
35 reviews
November 26, 2018
Light popcorn reading, but subpar story and subpar character development. Entertaining enough but don't look for anything deep.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
October 21, 2018
Christian Kallias’ Fire At Will, “book 1” in his new Far Beyond series, is the final liftoff of a great new epic series. I phrase it that way because the series really starts with its prelude book 0, Across The Galactic Pond, a fantastic story (separately reviewed) in which we meet our hero, Kevin, and witness his consciousness being projected into the midst of a losing space war it to some day save the way for the Arcadian Confederate. Well, now in this book we learn that the job is in no ways done. Kevin is back, along with his dog Boomer (who is no mere dig) and aided by the Arcadian Confederate best engineer, who happens to be in the form of a talking cat with attitude. Earth - the entire universe - is on the kind here and the result is one heck of a great (and true space opera) adventure. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
3,992 reviews14 followers
October 21, 2018
"I think we have a problem."
Returned to Earth, Kevin finds himself even more of a laughing stock when he tries to share his account of the adventures he has had, and how he wasn't just a nerd but an hero. But he had nothing to show for his earlier adventure: he'd even lost his multicoloured consciousness transfer pill when sneezing. Then from the blue dreaded screen of computer death comes a voice calling for him, wanting his help. The princess he'd almost missed has been taken prisoner and Kevin's help was needed once again.
Kevin, Boomer the fog, a strange cat and the AI, Mira, form a very uncomfortable alliance to rescue the princess and this time Kevin's life is on the line.
An easy to read story of space daring do, with constant hicoughs and juvenile humour. More a cartoon in words than a fully fledged novel, but good fun, nevertheless.
Profile Image for Timothy VanderWall.
146 reviews
February 8, 2020
Imagine you are a nerdy teen inside a video game, or rather the best parts of all video games that you've played (and you've played a bunch). Then imagine being in the game with the objective of saving an entire alien race. Add to that a talking dog, an alien feline genius engineer, and an artificial intelligence with a sexy female "voice". Oh, I forgot! And a beautiful alien princess to save. Got it? Well that is the essence of Fire at Will and it's short story predecessor, Across the Galactic Pond.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! However not being a video game nerd, I missed many of the game references; but I did catch the Star Trek ones. All in all, this was an enjoyable and quick read.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,489 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2019
Bit of a mismatch

Ok the theory is sound , Human gets caught up in the fight between Ailens and after remote controlling a super ship saves the day.
In this book he tries to return with the help of a super intelligent alien cat with the ability to do technological marvels that stretch the bounds of incredulity.
Few mistakes in the writing which takes it down a star otherwise it might have been 4 if you can just go with the story and action.
This feels like it might need a tone down or further explanation and expansion to give the fast pace a bit more subtext. For all that I will read the next book as I'm more curious than overenjoyed to see what happens.
Profile Image for Jay Van Emmenis.
38 reviews
July 19, 2019
Aye aye Captain

Kevin's talents are once again required by the Arcadian confederate, this time to rescue their Princess who was abducted by a Kregan Prince. However his dog Boomer is with him. When both are beamed aboard the Osiris, they meet an odd, blue furred, talking cat. This is the funniest book I've read in ages, the author does an excellent job of mixing humour and peril in equal measures making for a truly enjoyable read. If you're young at heart this book is for you. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Michael Lynn.
334 reviews
October 15, 2023
So torn on this one. In a way it really only deserves 3 stars due to the MC being really hard to take at times and he is also a bit OP. On the positive side loved the Babylon 5 reference and a few other bits of geek gold scattered about. Having said that the story does have good flow and though it borrows a lot from the Last Starfigjter it is just unique enough to stand apart from it. So if you want something that is a bit on the YA side and just want a fairly quick bit of sci fi this might count as the after dinner mint.
Profile Image for Ken Robson.
336 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2018
All I can say is WOW. Great book!
Love the characters and the inclusion of some quotes from THHGTG is a great touch.

Kevin is again called on to help the aliens when the princess is captured.
As you expect from a Christian Kallias book, lots of action, space battles and land based ones.

All i can say is Kevin should have had a towel and a really hot cup of tea with him ;-)

I received a free copy of this book
Profile Image for John F. Wells Jr..
191 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2019
Everyone needs a Boomer.

So this book was recommended by another author and I want to thank him. Daniel was right great read exciting from start to finish and a great sense of humour. Kevin and Boomer are the best of pals on a level no one else can even come close to. Lessons are learned and missions are won so read the first book while I move on to the second. Thank you Christian for this wonderful book, I will be reading more very soon.
Profile Image for Mick Bird.
830 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2018
Once again Christian has given his readers a great start to what I am sure will be a interesting series of books. We see a young man who uses his skills at playing video games to help save another civilisation. The Arcadian Confederate is fighting the hostile Kregans and Kevin helps defeat the Kregans this time but what will happen in book 2. Looking forward to reading the next book.
56 reviews
November 9, 2018
What an adventure for a young man and his beagle! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the next offering by
Christian, from his newest series "Across the Galactic Pond". It has lots of adventure, with plot twists and turns in abundance, especially related to the characters. I'll say no more, or I'll have to check the spoilers box, except that it's an enjoyable book.
239 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2018
A good read that got some surprises

A good read that has a few surprises for you. It starts of with a kid from nowhere doing his impression of tron but in a different universe not a computer. It ends up him being the hero who needs saving. So if I was you spare some time and enjoy the read.
420 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2018
The book has a little of everything space, action, adventure, a cat, a dog, a boy, aliens, a princess and unique shape shifting. A well spun story had turning pages until the very late into the night. VERY ENJOYABLE!
Profile Image for Bonnie Hunsaker.
72 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2018
Love the Boomer

Talking Cat, Dog and a video game nut off to rescue a princess. What more could you ask for. Fast and fun read. Love the series. Waiting for the next book. Recommend for fun read. All ready got my grandson reading it.
Profile Image for Jim Garrison.
72 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2018
Sci-fi-fantasy at the least

This story is an escapism banquet. Great humor and enough action to keep your attention. The target audience may be young people. Be that as it may. this old cart really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for The One Tree.
210 reviews16 followers
August 19, 2019
No spoilers...

This is a fun space opera, with a touch of game-lit thrown in.

The protagonist is relatable to anyone that’s been through (or still in) that geeky, gangly age where everything seems to be both possible and yet impossible too.

I read this in one sitting... yes, I was that entertained. Looking forward to reading the next one.
1,014 reviews11 followers
May 13, 2022
awesome space opera

Read this series! You really should. For the effort you get great space battles, fantastic characters, and fabulous dialogue littered with lots of sarcasm and humour. Oh and Star Trek quotes. It’s a hoot!
12.7k reviews189 followers
October 16, 2018
An amazing as always scifi by a superb author. The galaxy is in trouble and only Kevin, his dog Boomer and an obnoxious cat to help. Not to be missed. Entertaining for sure.
152 reviews
October 29, 2018
Fun read!

A good book for kids 10 to ? Engaging story, lovable characters. Just a fun read! Looking forward to the next story!
213 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2019
Dog Gone

I'm not saying this is a bad book in fact it's great. But definitely for the younger reader. But this author does have away of keeping your attention.
Profile Image for Nancy Phy.
314 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2019
Another fantastic series

Christian has done it again. This series is well written with exciting characters a fantastic story with lots of action. I can't wait to read book two.
570 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Fun read

reasonably good character development and the collection of plot lines opens up nice sequel opportunities. Suggest reading it as soon as possible.
174 reviews
April 9, 2019
Great YA yarn, lots of fun to read

Both book 0 and book 1 have the same spark of sci fi fiction fantasy. This is a rollicking fun story to read.
Profile Image for Monisha.
Author 1 book1 follower
May 13, 2020
This is my first space opera book. I generally don't read science fiction but this was nice.. I liked the characters and the final cliffhanger
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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