Call from a Distant Shore

by Stephen L. Burns

Five people have been chosen.They have heard the voice in their heads. A voice calling for help. A voice that must be answered...or the entire world will die.

But to answer it, they must find it.

Unfortunately, the voice is not of this earth...

Call From a Distant Shore is the amazing second novel from Stephen Burns, the fast-rising star known for his stories in Analog and his smash debut novel, Flesh and Silver. Now, Burns takes a major step forward with a novel that is part Close Encounters of the Third Kind, part Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and all original.

Genres: Science Fiction, Aliens, Fiction

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Stephen L. Burns has been selling fiction since the mid-eighties, the bulk of his work short SF to ANALOG magazine. Bulk is a fair description; at last count ANALOG has published 42 of his stories.
His 1999 novel FLESH AND SILVER was the winner of the Baltimore SF Society Crook/Tall Award for best first novel.
His 2000 novel CALL FROM A DISTANT SHORE was a finalist for, but not the ultimate winner of that year's Philip K. Dick Award for best paperback original novel.
In the years since those novels came out his relationship with his agent collapsed. He kept writing novels, certain he could secure the services of another. That never happened.
So, reluctantly, he has begun publishing Kindle Direct e-book editions of some of those novels.
His somewhat off-center fantasy novel FESTIVAEL just came out in e-book, and can be checked out with the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4J6O6K
He plans to have two more novels available before spring, the satiric SF novel ZERO DAY BABY and the feminist SF/Fantasy thriller BLOOD AND BREAD.

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am beside myself on this one. Sci-fi with a strong human element. Bit of swearing in this one I don't normally tolerate in my stories, but oddly appropriate for this book. It is a genuine page-turner. One of those rare books we book hounds salivate over. I don't agree with all of the book, but the fact is I almost kept this one. Just the fact I am writing more than just a one sentence review stated yaya I read and moved on. This book is a solid read and the characters make you care about them and their ridiculous situation. Enjoy! I know I did even though to finish this book while waiting for my absent wife to come home after her boss took her employees out for supper and drinks while poor stay-at-home dad gets pooched again. Thank heavens I have a mountain of books to read. Lol. =)

[Debbie is on Storygraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after prodding from a friend who had loved it. While I enjoyed the book, I couldn't say that it was the best book I've ever read, though still highly enjoyable. It had a very interesting premise and a wonderful cast of quirky characters. The plot is tight and makes sense, which is a step above some of the other SF stuff I read. The plot was fast-paced and made me keep reading. Burns had a good grasp of how to tell a darn fine story. He uses odd turns of phrase that are funny and made me chuckle a few times. I'd have to say this is better than your average SF fare and is worth picking up.

[Blarg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love sci-fi but this book did nothing for me. The essence of the plot is given away on the back of the book: An alien stranded on one of Mars' moons is sending a telepathic message for help. The six people on Earth who receive the message must come together against all odds to help him. The author never discusses any of the theories or concepts behind how telepathy could work or how it could work across great distances. The entire plot has the feel of a bad 80's movie. There are no surprises and everyone is a caricature.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

just finished re-reading this book.

good SF book. Interesting to re-read. Trip to Mars, Alien on Phobos, protector of Humanity, needs rescue/help.

Mental contact creates havoc among the small group of people being touched.