Outside of Space is a science-fiction / fantasy novel which encompasses the best of both genres. Set in the far future, it describes the reuniting of the high-technology and magic-using cultures, viewed from the perspectives of a small group of members from each, primarily an engineer and a sorceress. There are some darker elements in this work as well as some technical details about both the science and magic, all of which makes this appealing to a wide range of readers.
In the depths of inters6tellar space, the ancient mile-long starship Zaspar’s Pride encounters a massive and enigmatic alien artifact. What could have constructed an object larger than the average star, and more importantly, why?
Tobar Rus, the technician whose blunder causes the Pride to become stranded far beyond any hope of rescue, must find out if he and his crew-mates are ever to leave.
In the course this investigation Rus becomes himself trapB007R9L1Q4ped inside the unnatural object. There he finds a pocket dimension that contains a star and a single planet. On this world live the descendants of a human crew that had become trapped inside there several thousand years ago. Within this artificial dimension magic is possible and the humans have built two separate societies based upon it.
On the surface are pastoral, agrarian peoples, while deep underground lives a race of genetically-modified cannibal wizards and their human food supply. When Rus encounters them, the wizards are on the verge of exploding out of their long isolation. If he can somehow avoid becoming food himself, his next challenge will be to win his own freedom and that of those destined to be devoured as 'meats'.
Join Tobar and his new companions as they push their wits and luck to the extreme limits in an epic quest to uncover the horrifying truth that lies Outside of Space.
Excerpt
"Just then, Tala teleported into the room. “Father! We are under attack! Even now a scout descends from the surface. What are your orders?”
The king glared suspiciously at Pihn, then Sapphire and Kyri. In a tone that promised no tolerance or mercy he replied, “I will question him.”
To Sapphire, he said icily, “If you are forerunners to an invasion, you and your entire nation will die.” " (Chapter 11, 'Guests')
Professional Reviews
New Indie author shows great promise
I recently came across a new indie author who shows great promise, Timothy Burns. This is his first (and only, as far as I know) novel.
Tobar Rus, a general technician aboard the huge ancient starship Zaspar's Pride, imperils his ship and crew when his attempts to investigate an alien artifact the size of a star end up stranding the generational ship far from any hope of rescue. In a desperate attempt to save everyone he knows, he ventures to the artifact and becomes trapped inside it where he discovers a pocket dimension that contains a single star and lone planet. On this world are two distinct cultures, the magic-using surface dwellers and a long-isolated race of cannibalistic wizards. When Tobar arrives, the Haxalantha wizards are about to explode out of their under-world caverns and devour the surface peoples. With the help of the sorceress Sapphire, her winger lover Kyri and their valiant companions, he escapes the clutches of these sadistic killers and, after long struggles, eventually makes contact with the alien intelligence that created the reality bubble.
This is a rather long book at 600+ pages, and the first offering by a first-time writer, but well worth the read. The blending of technology and a realistic magic system add up to quite an enjoyable romp in a book that can best be described as hard science-fiction/fantasy cross-over. It is available as a trade paperback and Amazon Kindle ebook.
(Thorin Odinsson, reader)
A Powerful new voice
From The Science Fiction Buzz: “Timothy Burns is a powerful voice in the realm of high-technology science fiction who tells a story that is believable at every turn yet filled with wonder and surprise.”
Great Read
I dove into this not expecting too much and was rewarded with an book that sucked me in blending elements of Sci-Fi with Fantasy. I really enjoyed the switching back and forth between Sci-Fi & Fantasy with the eventual blending of the two. Fantastic!
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