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Jewel of The Stars: Season 1 #2
A New Reality
Would you really want your vacation to last forever?
Avaline wanted a perfect honeymoon on board the luxury cruise ship Jewel of The Stars, but when an alien invasion of Earth forced her ship into unexplored space, her vacation turns into a life sentence. She's determined to fight with everything she has to hold onto her perfect dream, but why isn’t her new husband fighting with her?
A series of lootings on the ship turn violent, prompting security chief Jaylen Banks to investigate potential organised crime, while first officer Maya Rice leads a supply mission to a mysterious earth colony that shouldn’t exist. When the invading aliens catch up and strand them on the planet, they meet what might be a new ally.
The big question is, can they trust him?
Avaline wanted a perfect honeymoon on board the luxury cruise ship Jewel of The Stars, but when an alien invasion of Earth forced her ship into unexplored space, her vacation turns into a life sentence. She's determined to fight with everything she has to hold onto her perfect dream, but why isn’t her new husband fighting with her?
A series of lootings on the ship turn violent, prompting security chief Jaylen Banks to investigate potential organised crime, while first officer Maya Rice leads a supply mission to a mysterious earth colony that shouldn’t exist. When the invading aliens catch up and strand them on the planet, they meet what might be a new ally.
The big question is, can they trust him?
- GenresScience Fiction
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2019
9 people want to read
About the author
Adam David Collings
17 books73 followersAdam David Collings is an author of speculative fiction. He lives in Tasmania, Australia with his wife and two children. Adam draws inspiration for his stories from his over-active imagination, his life experiences and his faith.
Adam is the host of the Nerd Heaven podcast, where he discusses sci-fi and fantasy stories from film, television and books. You can also find his content on youTube.
Adam is most known as the author of the Jewel of The Stars space opera series.
Adam is the host of the Nerd Heaven podcast, where he discusses sci-fi and fantasy stories from film, television and books. You can also find his content on youTube.
Adam is most known as the author of the Jewel of The Stars space opera series.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 30, 2020
A New Reality continues the journey of Jewel of the Stars as it tries to escape from the hostile aliens that have invaded Earth. There are tensions on board and increased difficulties for both the crew and the passengers. This leads to more encounters with the aliens as they try and work out how to survive.
I enjoyed this, the second book in the series. It had several different story threads that linked together, and I must confess I found that a little difficult at times as the pace and setting stopped and restarted frequently as the story switched between the different threads. However, it wasn't hard to follow and the story still joined together to meet at the conclusion.
While some things were resolved in A New Reality, some story threads were left open for continuation in the next book. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series.
I enjoyed this, the second book in the series. It had several different story threads that linked together, and I must confess I found that a little difficult at times as the pace and setting stopped and restarted frequently as the story switched between the different threads. However, it wasn't hard to follow and the story still joined together to meet at the conclusion.
While some things were resolved in A New Reality, some story threads were left open for continuation in the next book. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series.
December 24, 2019
This is the second episode in Adam David Collins' 'Jewel of the Stars' space opera. Passengers started out on the space cruise of a lifetime, but now find themselves adrift with no home to return to after the fall of earth to an alien invasion. Pleasure has turned to survival. How can they stay out of range of the alien invading force? How will they find enough food and other supplies? How will the crew manage panicked passengers? And what does the future hold for them now?
As I read Episode 1 more than a year ago, I appreciated the brief 'story so far' synopsis at the beginning of the book. If you haven't read Episode 1, you could start here and still have the gist of what's going on. However, as with all continuing stories, you would appreciate it more if you read the episodes in order.
It's hard to say much about the plot without giving spoilers, but there are some new challenges for the crew. Food is going missing, and there is talk of an organised crime ring. Young security chief Jaylen was geared up for a pleasure cruise. Does he have what it takes to protect the staff and passengers from this new threat? First officer Maya finds herself in a different kind of danger when she and her team try to salvage essential equipment from another planet. The new alien seems friendly, but is he? And what of the honeymooners who suddenly have their romantic holiday turned into a fight for survival?
I loved the first book in the series and enjoyed finding out what happened next. Collings writes well and did a great job of posing the different dilemmas. I would have liked to find out a bit more about the main family from the first episode, but I understand that in this sort of series, different characters will pop in and out of the limelight as situations change, much like a TV series. I also wasn't crazy about Avaline, as she seemed quite selfish at the start. She did change a little as the book went on, so maybe we'll see her in a different light as time goes on. I felt more for Jaylen and the challenges he faced. With such a cast of characters, it's easy to find some you care about. The book finished on a twist, which made me want to read on. Don't take too long, Mr Collings. We need to know what happens!
If you like sci-fi shows like Star Trek and its later incarnations, you'll find much to enjoy in this book. A solid episode with the promise of good things to come.
As I read Episode 1 more than a year ago, I appreciated the brief 'story so far' synopsis at the beginning of the book. If you haven't read Episode 1, you could start here and still have the gist of what's going on. However, as with all continuing stories, you would appreciate it more if you read the episodes in order.
It's hard to say much about the plot without giving spoilers, but there are some new challenges for the crew. Food is going missing, and there is talk of an organised crime ring. Young security chief Jaylen was geared up for a pleasure cruise. Does he have what it takes to protect the staff and passengers from this new threat? First officer Maya finds herself in a different kind of danger when she and her team try to salvage essential equipment from another planet. The new alien seems friendly, but is he? And what of the honeymooners who suddenly have their romantic holiday turned into a fight for survival?
I loved the first book in the series and enjoyed finding out what happened next. Collings writes well and did a great job of posing the different dilemmas. I would have liked to find out a bit more about the main family from the first episode, but I understand that in this sort of series, different characters will pop in and out of the limelight as situations change, much like a TV series. I also wasn't crazy about Avaline, as she seemed quite selfish at the start. She did change a little as the book went on, so maybe we'll see her in a different light as time goes on. I felt more for Jaylen and the challenges he faced. With such a cast of characters, it's easy to find some you care about. The book finished on a twist, which made me want to read on. Don't take too long, Mr Collings. We need to know what happens!
If you like sci-fi shows like Star Trek and its later incarnations, you'll find much to enjoy in this book. A solid episode with the promise of good things to come.
December 31, 2019
Episode 2 of <Jewel of the Stars - A New Reality by Adam David Collings continues the journey of the crew and passengers of spaceliner, the Jewel of the Stars. In episode one, they managed to survive the devastating alien invasion of Earth Space and avoid the aliens to escape into relative safety of unknown space. Now the Captain and Crew need to discover a new equilibrium, to solve problems while far from any help or normal supplies and while dealing with the different reactions of the various passengers (from panic, resignation, bravery, to power plays and outright violence).
Collings introduces us to new characters, keeps us connected with characters we've come to know an care about and brings new challenges that keep the story moving.
A great second episode. Looking forward to number 3 :)
Collings introduces us to new characters, keeps us connected with characters we've come to know an care about and brings new challenges that keep the story moving.
A great second episode. Looking forward to number 3 :)
September 8, 2023
Space cruise liner captain Les Miller is about to leave for a routine space tour when a wild -eyed man confronts him. He mustn’t take the Jewel into space, the man says, because something terrible will happen. What does one do when confronted by a wild eyed psycho? One calls security and gets on with one’s responsibilities, of course. But when Earth falls to alien invaders, the cruise ship may be humanity’s last hope. Unfortunately, this isn’t some expertly assembled military force or colony. They’re just a group of regular Joes on vacation who happened to be in the right place at the right time.
No regulations cover alien invaders. Captain Les Miller has built his record of outstanding service by doing everything by the book, but his beloved regulations become not only useless, but also a liability in the face of alien attack. When his cruise ship becomes a target, he’ll have to find a way to not only defend her, but contain the rising anxiety of the passengers.
Former Commander Braxton White was honorably discharged, on the condition that he never work in space again. That might be just as well, since he’s not especially good at following orders. Dalia Spring, the billionaire that was the architect of his fall from the military, has decided to hold court on the Jewel. The captain wasn’t consulted. But is a vacation all she has planned?
Haylee Scott just wanted a quiet getaway with her husband and two children. She never wanted to be dragged into a battle for survival against aliens, but she’ll do whatever is necessary to keep the Jewel, and her family, safe.
This book features an ensemble cast, an inventive concept, some really well executed action scenes and characters with depth. In some ways it reminded me of Bablyon 5, one of my favorite shows. Though the author’s Christian worldview permeated the story, there was nothing overtly religious about Episode 1. When I first bought Jewel of the Stars, I was so busy that I couldn’t get into it. When I picked it up again, though, it was hard to put down. I read it in two nights, almost unheard of for this busy homeschool mom. It really does come across like a TV show- I can see it actually being made into one some day. I especially enjoyed the authentic Australian accents of some of the characters. Since the author is from Tasmania, I’m pretty sure they were done right. I’ve always wanted to go vacation with kangaroos, but tickets to Down Under are so expensive! My fare to come aboard the Jewel was considerably cheaper.
Not that it’s perfect. There were a few clunky bits of dialogue. Like a TV show, it isn’t that long, and not everything is resolved by the end of the first episode. There were some plot threads that had lots of foreshadowing, but the main part of the thread never appeared- reserved, no doubt, for a future episode. Normally I detest cliffhangers, but this doesnt really feel like one because with the TV show format, I already understood that the story wouldnt be over after episode 1. I’ve already bought the second episode and am planning to read it too. The third episode is now on pre-order, and I will probably buy it, too.
Heat: an advertisement is briefly described that features a woman naked from the back. A married couple make mildly earthy jokes about um, what married couples do. A small amount of mild kissing. There’s a newly married couple on their honeymoon.
Profanity: none
Violence: Mild. Humans fighting with aliens. Nothing gory or gratuitous.
Age Recommendation: 16+, due to the mature themes (see heat section).
Disclaimer: Adam Collings is an author friend of mine, and I’m appearing on his YouTube show to help him promote book three. He has also reviewed my book.
Jewel of the Stars Episode 1 is available on Amazon, Kobo, and probably several other places as well. Episode 2 is already available (and yes, I’m almost finished devouring it too) and Episode 3 is already available for preorder. Highly recommend enjoying this one- just watch out for the cinnamon
This review first appeared on www.hhalverstadtbooks.com
No regulations cover alien invaders. Captain Les Miller has built his record of outstanding service by doing everything by the book, but his beloved regulations become not only useless, but also a liability in the face of alien attack. When his cruise ship becomes a target, he’ll have to find a way to not only defend her, but contain the rising anxiety of the passengers.
Former Commander Braxton White was honorably discharged, on the condition that he never work in space again. That might be just as well, since he’s not especially good at following orders. Dalia Spring, the billionaire that was the architect of his fall from the military, has decided to hold court on the Jewel. The captain wasn’t consulted. But is a vacation all she has planned?
Haylee Scott just wanted a quiet getaway with her husband and two children. She never wanted to be dragged into a battle for survival against aliens, but she’ll do whatever is necessary to keep the Jewel, and her family, safe.
This book features an ensemble cast, an inventive concept, some really well executed action scenes and characters with depth. In some ways it reminded me of Bablyon 5, one of my favorite shows. Though the author’s Christian worldview permeated the story, there was nothing overtly religious about Episode 1. When I first bought Jewel of the Stars, I was so busy that I couldn’t get into it. When I picked it up again, though, it was hard to put down. I read it in two nights, almost unheard of for this busy homeschool mom. It really does come across like a TV show- I can see it actually being made into one some day. I especially enjoyed the authentic Australian accents of some of the characters. Since the author is from Tasmania, I’m pretty sure they were done right. I’ve always wanted to go vacation with kangaroos, but tickets to Down Under are so expensive! My fare to come aboard the Jewel was considerably cheaper.
Not that it’s perfect. There were a few clunky bits of dialogue. Like a TV show, it isn’t that long, and not everything is resolved by the end of the first episode. There were some plot threads that had lots of foreshadowing, but the main part of the thread never appeared- reserved, no doubt, for a future episode. Normally I detest cliffhangers, but this doesnt really feel like one because with the TV show format, I already understood that the story wouldnt be over after episode 1. I’ve already bought the second episode and am planning to read it too. The third episode is now on pre-order, and I will probably buy it, too.
Heat: an advertisement is briefly described that features a woman naked from the back. A married couple make mildly earthy jokes about um, what married couples do. A small amount of mild kissing. There’s a newly married couple on their honeymoon.
Profanity: none
Violence: Mild. Humans fighting with aliens. Nothing gory or gratuitous.
Age Recommendation: 16+, due to the mature themes (see heat section).
Disclaimer: Adam Collings is an author friend of mine, and I’m appearing on his YouTube show to help him promote book three. He has also reviewed my book.
Jewel of the Stars Episode 1 is available on Amazon, Kobo, and probably several other places as well. Episode 2 is already available (and yes, I’m almost finished devouring it too) and Episode 3 is already available for preorder. Highly recommend enjoying this one- just watch out for the cinnamon
This review first appeared on www.hhalverstadtbooks.com
March 29, 2023
Stars! What a great little book. This is book 2 (or episode 2) of the first season of Jewel of The Stars. I enjoyed it as much as the first episode. There's plenty more well written fingernail-biting action, this time on an alien planet. But also nice romantic relationship stuff happening ... (something for everyone).
I fell in love with a newly introduced alien character and can't wait to see what happens with him in the next episode. I hope he'll be okay but considering the violence that has been happening on the ship lately, I worry for him.
Every episode resolves issues by the end to a satisfying conclusion, while leaving some threads to be continued in further episodes.
Looking forward to the next one!
I fell in love with a newly introduced alien character and can't wait to see what happens with him in the next episode. I hope he'll be okay but considering the violence that has been happening on the ship lately, I worry for him.
Every episode resolves issues by the end to a satisfying conclusion, while leaving some threads to be continued in further episodes.
Looking forward to the next one!
March 1, 2023
With the setup in place, Collings introduces us to the new normal. This is what life is going to be like on a refugee ship, and these are the problems we are going to deal with. This episode focuses much more on the passengers and how they are adjusting to life on the run. Bad apples rise to the fore, but so too do some characters get to grow beyond themselves. And just when we think we've got things figured out and know where Collings is taking us, he pulls the rug out from under us again and sends the Jewel careering in another new direction.
April 15, 2025
So good!
I usually don’t have time to binge a series, but I managed to get the first three episodes at the same time, and I dove straight in. I hope there are many more episodes because the writing style, so similar to the way a television drama jumps from key scene to the next, had me wanting more. I don’t want to give anything away, but I didn’t trust that character when they made a brief cameo in expisode 1, and my suspicions look like they are going to be proven true.
I usually don’t have time to binge a series, but I managed to get the first three episodes at the same time, and I dove straight in. I hope there are many more episodes because the writing style, so similar to the way a television drama jumps from key scene to the next, had me wanting more. I don’t want to give anything away, but I didn’t trust that character when they made a brief cameo in expisode 1, and my suspicions look like they are going to be proven true.
June 20, 2023
The passengers and crew of The Jewel continue their adventures and tensions rise on the cruise ship.
Adam continues to develop his characters and plot nicely. The overall shape of the story is unfolding and characters are gaining more dimensions.
Adam continues to develop his characters and plot nicely. The overall shape of the story is unfolding and characters are gaining more dimensions.
March 6, 2020
Still an interesting premise. Now to wait for the next "episode" to come out.
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August 28, 2023TBA
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews