To Flee a Starless Sky

The Waystations Trilogy #0.5

by N.C. Scrimgeour

Her future is waiting. But to claim it, she'll need to face the dangers of her old life one last time...

Artifact hunter Ridley doesn't care about the expedition across dark space that's captured the imagination of her entire planet - all she wants to do is delve below the surface to discover ancient mysteries that have long been buried.

But when a trip into the mines forces her to confront the life she's been trying to leave behind, she'll have to decide whether to stick with the world she knows or take the chance on the mission of a lifetime.

'To Flee a Starless Sky' is a short story prequel to the Waystations Trilogy, an epic space opera adventure from science fiction author N. C. Scrimgeour. Get it for free when you sign up for her author newsletter.

Genres: Science Fiction

ebook

Published December 8, 2022

About the author

N. C. Scrimgeour is a science fiction and fantasy author whose books focus on character-driven stories in vibrant worlds, from folklore fantasy to space opera.

After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.

She lives in Scotland, where the weather often provides the perfect excuse to sit in front of a computer and work on her next book (while occasionally getting sidetracked by video games).

When she's not writing, she enjoys reading as much fantasy and science fiction as she can get her hands on and cheering on Edinburgh Rugby.

Reviews

[Machiavelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was my first read of this author. Nice little novella… could see this turning into something good. Interested to read more

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this short story a lot. The descriptions were vivid, the character was believable, and the risks and rewards matched the feelings of the MC as they were happening. I do think this story works better though if you’re already invested in this character after having read Those Left Behind. I’m not sure this snippet of her life would’ve been quite as powerful if I didn’t already know her better ahead of time.

[Lorre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good prequel! I look forward to read the rest of Riley's story.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Waystations Trilogy 0.5 To Flee a Starless Sky by N.C. Scrimgeour

challenging hopeful informative inspiring sad tense

Fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes

3.5 Stars

I'm actually glad that I read this AFTER reading The Waystations Trilogy 01 Those Left Behind...the first book of the trilogy. Even though...this novella/short story is chronologically BEFORE the events of the first book, I think I paid more attention with the character and the story being told, BECAUSE I knew what had happened in the first book (which made the weight of this story, more poignant).

Ridley is my favourite character in the first book, and since this is truly her "origin" story, the events that directly preceeded the story within the first book...it was really good.

This is a single pov (Ridley's), and tells a story what she's good at, and how she's sacrificed everything to get Top Side, to find that going back...was also going forward.

Really well told story. I now get it. Yes. Well done.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

TO FLEE A STARLESS SKY is a prequel short story to the Waystations trilogy, set before the opening of THOSE LEFT BEHIND, the first book. It follows one of the POVs, Ridley, as she heads back to the surface after years in the sky, in order to get data from a mural in the mines.

The novella is about her feeling suspended between two worlds. Too much topsider to be part of the surfacer, but never one of the topsiders because of her "humble" origins. It's nice to get a sense of her before everything kicks off, see her uncertainties in her home, not just compounded by everything happening on the ship.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author as well as the first book of this trilogy.

I am really glad I read this short story since it made me excited to check out the first novel. Within a small number of pages, Scrimgeour was able to make me curious about this world and find Ridley to be a relatable and endearing character. I also thought the writing was engaging and flowed. I cannot wait to read "Those We left Behind" next.

If you are not sure of the trilogy, I think this book gives you a taste to decide if the author's writing style works for you so definitely check it out.

[Laura Juntunen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 0.5 to an amazing book! I read Those Left Behind (go see my review over there), and I knew I had to go back and read Ridley's origin story! It gave insight to where she came from and how it impacts her story in the main series.

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting conflict in society and this alien world is ending for human life but this world created by the author has not gelded to make sense yet, this is a prequel to a series of books. Obtained for free from Amazon not sure when ...

[Simon Atkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short that sets up one of the characters in Those Left Behind. I enjoyed the explanation of her background and how she came to be on Those Left Behind.