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Black Stars #4
These Alien Skies
Accidents happen in the strange realms of the African Union system. One of them sends two humans to the far side of a star gate in a thrilling short story of hope, survival, and new dimensions.
Copilots Msizi and Tariro are testing a newly constructed wormhole jump that presumably leads to unsettled habitable worlds. Then an explosion sends them off course, far from where they started and with little chance of ever making it back. Now they’re stranded on their new home for the diaspora. It’s called Malcolm X-b. But they’re beginning to wonder how many light-years from civilization they really are.
C.T. Rwizi’s These Alien Skies is part of Black Stars, a multi-dimensional collection of speculative fiction from Black authors. Each story is a world much like our own. Read or listen to them in a single sitting.
Copilots Msizi and Tariro are testing a newly constructed wormhole jump that presumably leads to unsettled habitable worlds. Then an explosion sends them off course, far from where they started and with little chance of ever making it back. Now they’re stranded on their new home for the diaspora. It’s called Malcolm X-b. But they’re beginning to wonder how many light-years from civilization they really are.
C.T. Rwizi’s These Alien Skies is part of Black Stars, a multi-dimensional collection of speculative fiction from Black authors. Each story is a world much like our own. Read or listen to them in a single sitting.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2021
310 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
C.T. Rwizi
6 books338 followersC. T. Rwizi was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in Swaziland, finished high school in Costa Rica, and got a BA in government at Dartmouth College in the United States. He currently lives in South Africa with his family, and enjoys playing video games, taking long runs, and spending way too much time lurking on Reddit. He is a self-professed lover of synthwave.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
November 6, 2023
In a Nutshell: An interesting futuristic Afro sci-fi short story. Great themes, intriguing characters, stunning ending. Enjoyed this.
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Story Synopsis:
This standalone story is a part of ‘Black Stars’, described by Amazon as ‘a multi-dimensional collection of speculative fiction from Black authors. Each story is a world much like our own.’
There were plenty of things I loved about this story that gave me strong Wakanda vibes. The Afrofuturism experience is built upon fabulously through the characters as well as the setting and the tech.
Msizi makes for an interesting lead character. It is easy to see that there’s something he is struggling with, so his emotions bely his inner turmoil. Honestly, it wasn’t that difficult to guess why he was struggling, but I was still curious to know the hows of the matter.
Though a scifi story in essence, the heart of the story is all about respect, whether for your peers or for the planet. I loved the way this idea was explored through the various interactions in the story. The ending of the story further elevated the concept of oneness with the planet, giving this 25 page story a beautiful finish.
The only negative? If you have watched some popular Hollywood movies, you will easily be able to see where things are going. There’s a bit of Black Panther, a bit of Avatar, and a couple of other movies whose names will be major spoilers.
Regardless, despite the mild feeling of déjà vu, I enjoyed this story. Of the three stories I have read so far from this collection (the other two being ‘The Visit’ and ‘The Black Pages’), this one is a clear favourite. Now to see how the rest of the stories perform.
Recommended to short story lovers looking for a sci-fi story that focusses not just on the tech stuff but also on the human experience.
4.25 stars.
This standalone work is the fourth story in the “Black Stars” collection, and is currently available free to Amazon Prime subscribers.
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Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Story Synopsis:
Msizi, along with his co-pilot Tariro, is testing a new wormhole that supposedly leads to a potentially habitable planet. However, an explosion destroys the wormhole and forces them to land on a planet called Malcolm X-b. With no way of communicating with their home planet, Msizi wonders why their new locale seem familiar and how they can use local resources, if any, to return home.
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Msizi.
This standalone story is a part of ‘Black Stars’, described by Amazon as ‘a multi-dimensional collection of speculative fiction from Black authors. Each story is a world much like our own.’
There were plenty of things I loved about this story that gave me strong Wakanda vibes. The Afrofuturism experience is built upon fabulously through the characters as well as the setting and the tech.
Msizi makes for an interesting lead character. It is easy to see that there’s something he is struggling with, so his emotions bely his inner turmoil. Honestly, it wasn’t that difficult to guess why he was struggling, but I was still curious to know the hows of the matter.
Though a scifi story in essence, the heart of the story is all about respect, whether for your peers or for the planet. I loved the way this idea was explored through the various interactions in the story. The ending of the story further elevated the concept of oneness with the planet, giving this 25 page story a beautiful finish.
The only negative? If you have watched some popular Hollywood movies, you will easily be able to see where things are going. There’s a bit of Black Panther, a bit of Avatar, and a couple of other movies whose names will be major spoilers.
Regardless, despite the mild feeling of déjà vu, I enjoyed this story. Of the three stories I have read so far from this collection (the other two being ‘The Visit’ and ‘The Black Pages’), this one is a clear favourite. Now to see how the rest of the stories perform.
Recommended to short story lovers looking for a sci-fi story that focusses not just on the tech stuff but also on the human experience.
4.25 stars.
This standalone work is the fourth story in the “Black Stars” collection, and is currently available free to Amazon Prime subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
June 29, 2022
"I look through the starboard windows, beyond the sheet of fire and glimpse twinkling oceans and continents rich with foliage...and I am struck by the idea that dying in these alien skies would not be such a terrible way to go."
C.T. Rwizi's These Alien Skies hearkens back to African spirituality as it posits the future of the African Union system and mankind as we travel to new worlds. After an accident in a wormhole, Copilots Msizi and Tariro crash into what they had suspected was an uninhabited planet. What they find takes them on a far more mysterious future than they ever imagined. First, let me say that the writing in this short story was great. My complaint was that it was too short and, while I liked the ending, it seemed a bit abrupt to me. It did leave me wanting to read more of this author.
C.T. Rwizi's These Alien Skies hearkens back to African spirituality as it posits the future of the African Union system and mankind as we travel to new worlds. After an accident in a wormhole, Copilots Msizi and Tariro crash into what they had suspected was an uninhabited planet. What they find takes them on a far more mysterious future than they ever imagined. First, let me say that the writing in this short story was great. My complaint was that it was too short and, while I liked the ending, it seemed a bit abrupt to me. It did leave me wanting to read more of this author.
May 3, 2025
2.5 stars
short review for busy readers:
An Amazon Original Short Story from the "Black Stars" sci-fi series.
Two major craft problems prohibit this one from being better than it is.
1. the author tries to pack way too much into such a short space making the story cramped and overburdened with topics. Less would have been far more here.
2. the calm narrative voice doesn't change with the danger/tension of particular scenes. It's the same voice throughout which creates a 1-note experience and robs the narrative of any urgency.
Otherwise, the use of the art and language of African Nile cultures adds vibrancy and texture to what otherwise is a fairly recycled plot and "twist". That's forgivable, though, as this one fits the prompt for the series.
Fine for what it is, but not great.
short review for busy readers:
An Amazon Original Short Story from the "Black Stars" sci-fi series.
Two major craft problems prohibit this one from being better than it is.
1. the author tries to pack way too much into such a short space making the story cramped and overburdened with topics. Less would have been far more here.
2. the calm narrative voice doesn't change with the danger/tension of particular scenes. It's the same voice throughout which creates a 1-note experience and robs the narrative of any urgency.
Otherwise, the use of the art and language of African Nile cultures adds vibrancy and texture to what otherwise is a fairly recycled plot and "twist". That's forgivable, though, as this one fits the prompt for the series.
Fine for what it is, but not great.
October 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this Kindle short story. I thought it was going to be mostly a space faring adventure tale but it turned out to be so much more and it will stay with me. I now have a new author to follow as well.
Recommended.
Recommended.
September 18, 2021
A deeply imaginative, engaging, and moving short story. Another gem from Amazon Original stories’ Black Stars Collection. I found a new favorite author and look forward to discovering his other books. Loved it!
September 2, 2023
Gem of a short story that adds a deft touch of decoloniality to the African diaspora. My first time reading this South African author; these Amazon Originals are a quick way to discover exciting new talent.
January 14, 2022
One of the best SF short stories I've ever read - very moving and beautiful!
July 24, 2022
4.5 stars
Excellent short story! I'm impressed with how much ground These Alien Skies covers. The African diaspora now includes space and two co-pilots go through a wormhole. I don't want to say too much because it's a quick story, but there is alien sentience, African culture on other planets, and grief. Cool, interesting, and whet my appetite for a longer work set in this world.
Excellent short story! I'm impressed with how much ground These Alien Skies covers. The African diaspora now includes space and two co-pilots go through a wormhole. I don't want to say too much because it's a quick story, but there is alien sentience, African culture on other planets, and grief. Cool, interesting, and whet my appetite for a longer work set in this world.
Read
February 16, 2023These Alien Skies is the 4th book in the Black Stars Amazon Original Series and my 3rd because I read them out of order. (See reviews for Clap Back #5 & We Travel the Spaceways #6)
This is my first time reading C. T. Rwizi's work and it was a colorful introduction. I'm not sure if it is because of the striking cover or what exactly but the descriptions in this story leaped off the page and embedded themselves in my mind.
The characters are bold and full of life.
I loved the way the author was able to transport me to another world.
For such a short story, it's amazing how the message of hope is so easily translated. There are other themes and emotions as well, but the hope pierces the heart and leaves quite an impression.
Beautiful tale.
This is my first time reading C. T. Rwizi's work and it was a colorful introduction. I'm not sure if it is because of the striking cover or what exactly but the descriptions in this story leaped off the page and embedded themselves in my mind.
The characters are bold and full of life.
I loved the way the author was able to transport me to another world.
For such a short story, it's amazing how the message of hope is so easily translated. There are other themes and emotions as well, but the hope pierces the heart and leaves quite an impression.
Beautiful tale.
July 9, 2022
An okay bit of afrofuturism, that nonetheless feels a bit obvious, and is clunkily written. The story is peppered with little exposition dumps that feel forced and unnatural, and Rwizi has the tendency to overexplain every part of his story. In a way the story feels a bit childish.
I'm certainly not against emotional sci-fi, but here it maybe feels a bit too manipulative - look at all the feels here and ignore the pedestrian worldbuilding and plot..
I'm certainly not against emotional sci-fi, but here it maybe feels a bit too manipulative - look at all the feels here and ignore the pedestrian worldbuilding and plot..
October 7, 2021
This was interesting. Very simple and I almost gave it 3 stars but it's a very short story with a lot of world building and ideas packed in. So I can forgive such a simple plot. Plus it was good enough to make me want to try the authors longer work or even read a longer work set in this world.
January 26, 2023
Best story in the series so far.
September 8, 2021
My 4th story of the series, and hands down one of the best, most touching stories I've read all year. Rwizi is a new author to me, and one that I will seek out for my next read.
December 8, 2021
Rwizi's contribution to the short story collection Black Stars was a commanding story, especially given its brevity. Here is what short stories should be (actually this whole collection pretty much does it right). What starts as something with all these feel of a buddy space-trip, ended with something so full of wonder and beauty that I had to continually adjust my assumptions of its direction while listening to it.
Yet another story from this collection that has all the brilliance and encapsulation of an episode of The Twilight Zone.
This series is easy to devour in one binge. I'm here for this.
Audiobook, as narrated by Indya Moore: Moore has a wonderful reading voice — soft and subtle while still demanding attention and layering in the undercurrent of a wide net of emotions. Moore was a standout narrator for this surprisingly crescendoed short story.
Yet another story from this collection that has all the brilliance and encapsulation of an episode of The Twilight Zone.
This series is easy to devour in one binge. I'm here for this.
Audiobook, as narrated by Indya Moore: Moore has a wonderful reading voice — soft and subtle while still demanding attention and layering in the undercurrent of a wide net of emotions. Moore was a standout narrator for this surprisingly crescendoed short story.
July 4, 2022
Rwizi is the only new-to-me author in this series, and based on this story I will certainly be looking for more of his work. Beautifully written, creative, and emotionally evocative.
May 16, 2024
Solid
I thought these alien skies was really great. I like the idea of a future version of the African subcontinent and all the nations within it starting to explore the universe. I definitely like the little twist we get and the hopeful ending.
I thought these alien skies was really great. I like the idea of a future version of the African subcontinent and all the nations within it starting to explore the universe. I definitely like the little twist we get and the hopeful ending.
November 17, 2021
Into the Wormhole
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (August 2021)
These Alien Skies was especially excellent in the extent of its world building during the limited space of such as relatively short story (25 pages in its Kindle edition). It involves two interplanetary travellers who journey via a human generated wormhole to a "goldilocks" planet (i.e. just right for human habitation) but encounter something totally unexpected. Too much information would be a spoiler but there are twists upon twists and it was all very well done. This was the standout story of the Black Stars series so far (I have 2 more to go).
These Alien Skies is the 4th of the 6 short stories making up the speculative / fantasy / science fiction series Black Stars, released simultaneously on August 31, 2021 as an eBook by Amazon Originals and as an audiobook by Audible Originals.
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (August 2021)
These Alien Skies was especially excellent in the extent of its world building during the limited space of such as relatively short story (25 pages in its Kindle edition). It involves two interplanetary travellers who journey via a human generated wormhole to a "goldilocks" planet (i.e. just right for human habitation) but encounter something totally unexpected. Too much information would be a spoiler but there are twists upon twists and it was all very well done. This was the standout story of the Black Stars series so far (I have 2 more to go).
These Alien Skies is the 4th of the 6 short stories making up the speculative / fantasy / science fiction series Black Stars, released simultaneously on August 31, 2021 as an eBook by Amazon Originals and as an audiobook by Audible Originals.
April 24, 2022
A sf short story with romantic overtones, kind of space opera-ish, kind of a 60s sf tv show episode plot. Set in an African diaspora universe, and that was (to me) the most interesting and memorable detail.
Plot and worldbuilding are very ambitious, perhaps too ambitious for the length and writing and it all feels very superficial. You know those OG Star Trek episodes where contact with an alien civilization and there is this tour guide alien showing off the wonders magic seeming of their world? Well, it feels like that, stuff happening as if by magic without any real cost to anybody. (Also space ships manouver like atmospheric aircraft...)
Some of the plot is about feelings and main PoV´s (the pilot) mental state but again I thought it too ambitious for what is actually written there and all characters including the main PoV seem wooden.
Plot and worldbuilding are very ambitious, perhaps too ambitious for the length and writing and it all feels very superficial. You know those OG Star Trek episodes where contact with an alien civilization and there is this tour guide alien showing off the wonders magic seeming of their world? Well, it feels like that, stuff happening as if by magic without any real cost to anybody. (Also space ships manouver like atmospheric aircraft...)
Some of the plot is about feelings and main PoV´s (the pilot) mental state but again I thought it too ambitious for what is actually written there and all characters including the main PoV seem wooden.
October 11, 2021
Massive Depth Packed Into A Small Package
I don't even know what to say about this one, other than: It. Is. So. GOOD. (Extraneous punctuation required.) I could explain the plot, but it'd be a great disservice to this story to even risk spoiling anything. What I can say is: This one made me think, then it made me feel, and finally it left me so entertained that I wished it were a full-length novel just so I could spend more time with the characters and setting.
I don't even know what to say about this one, other than: It. Is. So. GOOD. (Extraneous punctuation required.) I could explain the plot, but it'd be a great disservice to this story to even risk spoiling anything. What I can say is: This one made me think, then it made me feel, and finally it left me so entertained that I wished it were a full-length novel just so I could spend more time with the characters and setting.
December 14, 2024
This is a very interesting short story I really enjoyed it very quick read
October 8, 2021
A story about space travel, love, mourning and hope.
Msizi, a Martian and a third generation South African immigrant is on a journey through a wormhole in the distant parts of the universe. He hopes to explore a uninhabited planet.
Tariro, his sole companion is a brilliant Neo-African (African born in space).
After meeting a trouble they are forced to land on planet Malcolm Xb.
As Msizi battles for survival in this new place, he learns certain things about himself.
I teared up as the twist was revealed.
Though only 25 pages long, the story has a beginning, a middle and an end.
It was so cool and will probably be my favourite story in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Msizi, a Martian and a third generation South African immigrant is on a journey through a wormhole in the distant parts of the universe. He hopes to explore a uninhabited planet.
Tariro, his sole companion is a brilliant Neo-African (African born in space).
After meeting a trouble they are forced to land on planet Malcolm Xb.
As Msizi battles for survival in this new place, he learns certain things about himself.
I teared up as the twist was revealed.
Though only 25 pages long, the story has a beginning, a middle and an end.
It was so cool and will probably be my favourite story in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 1, 2023
Keeps me thinking
June 9, 2022
Wow. I'm blown away by how much depth was packed into 25 pages. This short has been the best in the collection so far! The ideas presented, the plot; it's absolutely incredible what C.T. Rwizi did here.
March 14, 2022
I was ready to give this one three stars, as I believed the writing is not up to the standards of the rest of the series that I've read, and then . . . the ending slapped me hard, making my head spin and bringing tears to my eyes.
Sigh.
Sigh.
December 26, 2021
DNF! I’m no longer forcing myself to read a book. If I lose interest, then I’m not finishing it. That time spent can be on a book I’m actually enjoying.
February 17, 2024
The best out of all that
potential
. I was initially excited to read through this series of short stories but my initial high speed quest to read took a nosedive with each installment. So, I'm glad I'm ending on a high.
It reminds me of The Expert System's Brother by Adrian Tchaikovsky- there's even a massive tree with ancients or in this case Elders. Where the former are Data and tech left behind by the first humans, the Elders are an intelligent nonhuman species who've basically adopted the alien invaders aka humans.
A solid 3.5⭐. You know what; I'd watch a limited series if it ever got a small screen adaptation.
Plot/Storyline/Themes:
If anything, this story made me go down a rabbithole and look into space programs in Africa. I noticed only Egypt in the north and South Africa in ... well the south seem to have something beyond theoretical. Very interesting.
Two Sentences,A Scene or less- Characters:
I was once an unapologetic optimist. I can relate to Tariro Murisa.
"You and I are going to be friends. Whether you like it or not.” - Tariro to Msizi in the beginning.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene: :
Grief. The Tariro Effect
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “that’s impossible,” I say, though what I really mean is, it’s too terrible to be possible. Surely the universe has more kindness for me than to allow such a thing to happen.” (Msizi on ... what is this? Murphy's Law?)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts :
■ Einstein-Rosen Bridge leading to Malcom X-b, Mahali System, Sol etc etc
■ African Union Space Command
■ Neo-Africans
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Short Stories by 2025
It reminds me of The Expert System's Brother by Adrian Tchaikovsky- there's even a massive tree with ancients or in this case Elders. Where the former are Data and tech left behind by the first humans, the Elders are an intelligent nonhuman species who've basically adopted the alien invaders aka humans.
A solid 3.5⭐. You know what; I'd watch a limited series if it ever got a small screen adaptation.
Plot/Storyline/Themes:
If anything, this story made me go down a rabbithole and look into space programs in Africa. I noticed only Egypt in the north and South Africa in ... well the south seem to have something beyond theoretical. Very interesting.
Two Sentences,A Scene or less- Characters:
I was once an unapologetic optimist. I can relate to Tariro Murisa.
"You and I are going to be friends. Whether you like it or not.” - Tariro to Msizi in the beginning.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene: :
Grief. The Tariro Effect
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “that’s impossible,” I say, though what I really mean is, it’s too terrible to be possible. Surely the universe has more kindness for me than to allow such a thing to happen.” (Msizi on ... what is this? Murphy's Law?)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts :
■ Einstein-Rosen Bridge leading to Malcom X-b, Mahali System, Sol etc etc
■ African Union Space Command
■ Neo-Africans
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Short Stories by 2025
September 11, 2022
Very touching and interesting.
I think it’s one of the most intense sci-fi short story I have read this year.
I think it’s one of the most intense sci-fi short story I have read this year.
September 11, 2021
The purest science fiction tale of this series and also the one with the most humanity. I read this series in the order that they appeared in my library rather than in series sequence and by coincidence that led to a steady progression from one set in what feels like an alternate 21st century through the near future and finally ending up some time in a far future of interstellar travel, an order which really enhanced my enjoyment.
One notable take away from reading this series is that the best people to write science fiction stories are science fiction writers with the best entries here coming from authors with a long track record in the genre while the author with the more literary pedigree and general critical acclaim presents a solid story which feels as if it just happens to have had a sci-fi element grafted on. As always the best science fiction is about the fiction first and the science second while the most alien of settings are the ones which teach us the most about our humanity.
This series has been a brilliant initiative and one which I am sure will lead me on to read many other works by the featured authors.
One notable take away from reading this series is that the best people to write science fiction stories are science fiction writers with the best entries here coming from authors with a long track record in the genre while the author with the more literary pedigree and general critical acclaim presents a solid story which feels as if it just happens to have had a sci-fi element grafted on. As always the best science fiction is about the fiction first and the science second while the most alien of settings are the ones which teach us the most about our humanity.
This series has been a brilliant initiative and one which I am sure will lead me on to read many other works by the featured authors.
September 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
New author to me. I really enjoyed this story. Wormholes, new planets and old issues (climate change; political and socioeconomic strife).
New author to me. I really enjoyed this story. Wormholes, new planets and old issues (climate change; political and socioeconomic strife).
October 1, 2021
Very nice addition to the collection! 4.5/5
“History can be a burden sometimes.”
In These Alien Skies (Black Stars #4), author C.T. Rwizi pulls together a clear and concise science fiction fantasy that is engaging, moving, and well-written. I am not familiar with the author’s work beyond this novella, but with this introduction I’m sure I will be reading more of him.
Two co-pilots are doing testing when an explosion occurs that lands them stranded in their new uninhabited home in Malcolm X-b. They are forced to consider their odds for survival within this habitat and can only hope that what they see and what they know is all real and true.
The writing was solid, the characters well developed and the plot line was definitely thoughtfully constructed.
“History can be a burden sometimes.”
In These Alien Skies (Black Stars #4), author C.T. Rwizi pulls together a clear and concise science fiction fantasy that is engaging, moving, and well-written. I am not familiar with the author’s work beyond this novella, but with this introduction I’m sure I will be reading more of him.
Two co-pilots are doing testing when an explosion occurs that lands them stranded in their new uninhabited home in Malcolm X-b. They are forced to consider their odds for survival within this habitat and can only hope that what they see and what they know is all real and true.
The writing was solid, the characters well developed and the plot line was definitely thoughtfully constructed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews