The Galaxy Chronicles (The Future Chronicles Book 8) Kindle Edition

Humanity is always striving for something more… something beyond their grasp. One small step into the universe, a voyage to discover, a journey to unknown frontiers. The Galaxy Chronicles takes that desire and brings us new worlds, new visions to view through the eyes of twelve talented authors.The collection starts out with “A Mercenary in Escrow” where we are introduced to a mercenary captain who does three years in prison in an effort to save his crew from the consequences of breaking a contract. But, as he soon learns, it’s the actions of his crew that will really determine his future. 5 Stars“Excelsior” takes us into a Cold War between two factions that control the earth, and the political maneuverings that could destroy - or save - humanity. Could a new world be the answer to save them all? 4.5 StarsPippa DaCosta gives us her story “Falling,” introducing us to how Caleb Shepperd first met Fran. For fans of her Girl from Above series this will give you a peek into the past, and it’s a great introduction to the characters for those new to the series. 4 Stars“Apogee” is a thrilling story of the start of a revolution, as a planet seeks to reclaim its freedom from the heavy rule of the Earth Alliance. But starting a war is never easy, and sometimes decisions have to be made that are difficult to live with. Could you do what needed to be done? 5 StarsGiraffe is Felix R. Savage’s story “Keep Off the Grass” is an interesting individual, and this story - showing us a future where Japanese Catholics are living in space to save themselves from persecution - makes me want to read more. I’m very interested to see what this author can come up with next! 4 Stars“Ser Pan Comido” leads us on a merry chase as three urchins scramble to free themselves, and a starship pilot, from a planet that seeks to rip away their futures. 4 Stars“The Kasant Objective” is probably my favorite of the collection, with Chris Reher giving us a new twist on the Grey Alien mythos. While the story started out a little slow, it soon filled with surprises, and the ending made me go back and re-read the story, happy with the new perspective I had on this tale. 5 Stars“Symbiont Seeking Symbiont” illustrates the danger found on unknown worlds, and the author does a great job at really making us wonder what will happen next. It’s Alice in Wonderland in Space, but with a potentially deadlier ending. 4 StarsDavid Adams brings gives us a story that is at once futuristic but also reminds me of the struggle that our own Veterans go through, home again after war, often missing limbs and loved ones. “The Immortals: Kronis Valley” can be read as a stand-alone but is also part of a larger universe of work. 4.5 StarsEvery good collection about Galaxies and Space Exploration has to have an invasion story. “Earth Fall” brings us back home as we watch the final days of Earth’s civilization, as it is brought down by a technologically superior race. But is it really the end? 4.5 Stars“The Stars that Bind” is a strange story that shows us multiple generations and their quest to save and protect the Empire from being lost in the expansion of the universe. But can this Binding actually be done? While this story is good, it felt a little disjointed and I would have liked to see the ending expanded upon a little more so the reader actually really understands what happened. 3.5 StarsThe last story is another favorite of mine, and it’s a great story to close out the collection. “Multiply” by Nicolas Wilson is the tale of two AIs, trapped together, forced to work beyond their programming to protect others. Reading this tale, I was left with the thought that I was watching a new civilization emerge to take its place in the galaxy. 5 StarsAs usual, Samuel Peralta has managed to put together an excellent collection of stories to make you wonder what else is out there, what is possible, and what our future may bring. 4 ½ Stars overall.While I did receive a review copy of this book in exchange for a review, I enjoyed it enough that I also purchased a copy!

I have just about all of The Future Chronicles and have very much enjoyed them. This installment is no exception. I've three favorites from this one and by favorites, I mean, I want to read longer works from these authors, hopefully within the worlds presented here. Excelsior by Jasper Scott pulled me in and I'm still wondering what's going on on both sides of that wormhole. Apogee by G.S. Jennsen was another compelling read. And Keep Off the Grass has me wondering what's next for Giraffe, a guy who goes seeking water on a comet, runs into some Heaven's Gate type cult & winds up with a solution to his water problem and a new job he hasn't asked for by a mysterious ship's captain. As always, these collections are great for introduction to authors that aren't new, just new to me. I've still one or two books more waiting on my Kindle & I'm still all in on this series. Definitely recommended for fans of science fiction & open to finding new worlds in small bites.

Too many stories are 'pilot episodes' for larger works, and most aren't even good. A lot of the world-building is lazy. If your story is set centuries in the future, the challenge is to extrapolate how new technologies and social changes will effect humanity. Technology is going to make the future *weird.* It won't be like the past, except with space ships and lasers. To take that route shows a lack of imagination.One of the stories, "Excelsior" is set in the 28th century . . . and has a capitalism vs. communism cold war. The technology is about what you'd expect a hundred years from now. "Earth Fall" is a thoroughly by-the-numbers 'desperate war against alien invaders' story which the author even admits is something he dusted off from twenty years ago. "The Immortals: Kronis Valley" is a 'war weary soldier can't adjust to civilian life; joins secret military program' tale. You've seen it before, and there's nothing unexpected: you know where these stories are going from the first page.A few break the mold, however. "Keep Off the Grass" is my favorite--the near-ish future, hard-science setting is fascinating, and while it is a prequel to another work, it stands on its own. "The Kasant Objective" has a clever twist I didn't see coming, and "Symbiont Seeking Symbiont" and "Multiply" are both pretty funny.All in all, though, this volume isn't as strong a collection as The Time Travel Chronicles (The Future Chronicles), The Future Chronicles - Special Edition and The Doomsday Chronicles (The Future Chronicles), but it's still worth reading.I look forward to reading the others.

Well worth the read. A good book for the digital collection. I cannot imagine anyone in this filter bubble getting to this point in their search for something to read not liking it.

Still to read

Almost all stories were good science fiction. Some authors I liked so much, I turned to further stories from them. A clear recommendation for those who like to read SF.

Another collection of short stories in the excellent Future Chronicles anthology series, this time set (mostly) out of this world. Once again, Samuel Peralta has brought together a group of talented writers to give us twelve stand alone tales to delight, some action packed, some thought provoking, all well written, very different and very readable. Of course, some appeal more than others and my personal favourites were, curiously, the first and last stories in the book - A Mercinary in Escrow, by Erik Wecks, a quiry tale of trying to survive the breaking of a contract with an all-powerful and unpleasant corporation, and the funny, fast talking artificial intelligences sent on a mission by their mother ship in Multiply, by Nicholas Wilson. But these are beautiful bookends to the entire library of great stories.It is always a delight to discover new-to-the-reader authors whose work bring pleasure and so opens up more possibilities to follow. This book gives us that opportunity twelve times over, thanks to Mr.Peralta's discerning selection. I was fortunate enough to receive this book in return for an honest review and my thanks go to everyone who made The Galaxy Chronicles so enjoyable. Highly recommended to all science fiction fans or anyone looking for something a little bit different.

I love these short story books. Lots of creativity, all were good, some were great. A great way to get to know some new authors!