Young Kevin is about to discover we're not alone in the universe. His first mission: save a gazillion lives. When young Kevin has a chance encounter with a dying alien, he discovers not only that humans aren't alone in the universe, but that this encounter propels him into the middle of an intergalactic war. Now at the frontlines of a massive, far far away war, he’s sent Young Kevin is about to discover we're not alone in the universe. His first mission: save a gazillion lives. When young Kevin has a chance encounter with a dying alien, he discovers not only that humans aren't alone in the universe, but that this encounter propels him into the middle of an intergalactic war. Now at the frontlines of a massive, far far away war, he’s sent to the last remaining ship of the losing side. The crew of the ship? All dead. His mission is simple: he must save the good guys from certain doom. From College reject to War Master, Kevin learns he must adapt quickly or billions will die.
Across the Galactic Pond
Young Kevin is about to discover we're not alone in the universe. His first mission: save a gazillion lives. When young Kevin has a chance encounter with a dying alien, he discovers not only that humans aren't alone in the universe, but that this encounter propels him into the middle of an intergalactic war. Now at the frontlines of a massive, far far away war, he’s sent Young Kevin is about to discover we're not alone in the universe. His first mission: save a gazillion lives. When young Kevin has a chance encounter with a dying alien, he discovers not only that humans aren't alone in the universe, but that this encounter propels him into the middle of an intergalactic war. Now at the frontlines of a massive, far far away war, he’s sent to the last remaining ship of the losing side. The crew of the ship? All dead. His mission is simple: he must save the good guys from certain doom. From College reject to War Master, Kevin learns he must adapt quickly or billions will die.
Compare
The Mysterious Reader –
I loved (really, was totally smitten with) Christian Kallias’ Universe in Flames and have been in major withdrawal since the last book. So now along comes Across the Galactic Pond, the “Book 0” prequel to his new Far Beyond series. Did I grab-and-gobble? You betcha. I gobbled this up at light speed. That was entirely appropriate as Kevin’s story itself is one that goes at an adrenaline filled rate. Read the publisher’s blurb to find out what it’s all about and then, trust me, this is a wild and I loved (really, was totally smitten with) Christian Kallias’ Universe in Flames and have been in major withdrawal since the last book. So now along comes Across the Galactic Pond, the “Book 0” prequel to his new Far Beyond series. Did I grab-and-gobble? You betcha. I gobbled this up at light speed. That was entirely appropriate as Kevin’s story itself is one that goes at an adrenaline filled rate. Read the publisher’s blurb to find out what it’s all about and then, trust me, this is a wild and fun thrill ride. It’s great as a stand-alone tale, and perfect as a prequel. Christian Kallias is going to have another mega series. I can just tell based in this book. Just: wow. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to book 1 in this series.
Nancy –
Kevin’s father considers him a ne’er-do’well, so when Kevin comes across a crashed spaceship with a wounded alien inside, it’s his chance to earn respect. The alien is dying and convinces Kevin to accept a consciousness transfer device to save his people, under siege from a powerful enemy. Kevin wakes up in the mobile dead body of a starship captain in a galaxy far, far away. Using his video game skills, he works with the ship’s A.I. to defeat the enemy. The short story ends as his mind is trans Kevin’s father considers him a ne’er-do’well, so when Kevin comes across a crashed spaceship with a wounded alien inside, it’s his chance to earn respect. The alien is dying and convinces Kevin to accept a consciousness transfer device to save his people, under siege from a powerful enemy. Kevin wakes up in the mobile dead body of a starship captain in a galaxy far, far away. Using his video game skills, he works with the ship’s A.I. to defeat the enemy. The short story ends as his mind is transported back into his biological body. This was over way too quick, and I wanted more. It’s an enthralling story that will have you looking for the sequel.
Norma –
"Deep fried or extra crispy?" A short prequel to the Far Beyond series introducing Kevin and his faithful dog, Boomer ( although Boomer has little part in this story). Kevin is a "geek doubling as a nerd" , laughed at and ridiculed. Star gazing one evening and wishing he could do something spectacular which would change others opinion of him, he sees a red, falling meteor which turns out to be an alien ship. Kevin's wish is about to come true. Easy and quick to read, the book has dying aliens, con "Deep fried or extra crispy?" A short prequel to the Far Beyond series introducing Kevin and his faithful dog, Boomer ( although Boomer has little part in this story). Kevin is a "geek doubling as a nerd" , laughed at and ridiculed. Star gazing one evening and wishing he could do something spectacular which would change others opinion of him, he sees a red, falling meteor which turns out to be an alien ship. Kevin's wish is about to come true. Easy and quick to read, the book has dying aliens, consciences transfer, battles, a friedly AI, and a princess. And nerdy Kevin to save a planet. Good youthful fun with a sense of humour.
Robert F. Merchant –
Really enjoyed this short story. Not usually a fan of short stories but this one was quite impossible to put down until it was finished. Couldn't put it down until finished. Action from the first page to the last. Excellent! I have read several other full length books written by Christian Kallias and have never been disappointed. Really enjoyed this short story. Not usually a fan of short stories but this one was quite impossible to put down until it was finished. Couldn't put it down until finished. Action from the first page to the last. Excellent! I have read several other full length books written by Christian Kallias and have never been disappointed.
Wilson E. Stevens Sr. –
Kind of a fun read but was a short story much to my surprise. I didn't know that when I purchased the book looking for a new series to read. I enjoyed the book a lot, and I think the series will be well worth the time and money to read. However, I want the series finished before I start. I hate finishing one book and then required to wait for a year for the next book. Kind of a fun read but was a short story much to my surprise. I didn't know that when I purchased the book looking for a new series to read. I enjoyed the book a lot, and I think the series will be well worth the time and money to read. However, I want the series finished before I start. I hate finishing one book and then required to wait for a year for the next book.
Jay Van Emmenis –
Cool Great read though very short. Kevin looks set for some cool adventures, a likable character, Kevin feels his father might be correct, he can't do anything of note, rejected by MIT, Kevin feels useless, that is until he sees a UFO crash and from what Kevin can gather, the pilot looks injured. What follows is an awesome. Cool Great read though very short. Kevin looks set for some cool adventures, a likable character, Kevin feels his father might be correct, he can't do anything of note, rejected by MIT, Kevin feels useless, that is until he sees a UFO crash and from what Kevin can gather, the pilot looks injured. What follows is an awesome.
Susan –
Across the Galactic Pond is a novella (Book 0) in the Far Beyond series. This can be read as a standalone, though I hope that the author continues Kevin's story in this series as I would like to find out what happens for him next. There is violence. This is a short quick read and the author packs a lot of information into a few pages. Definitely worth taking the time to read. Across the Galactic Pond is a novella (Book 0) in the Far Beyond series. This can be read as a standalone, though I hope that the author continues Kevin's story in this series as I would like to find out what happens for him next. There is violence. This is a short quick read and the author packs a lot of information into a few pages. Definitely worth taking the time to read.
Julian White –
Kobo edition (no separate sbn) A short story, in themould of Only You Can Save Mankind or The Last Starfighter - wish fulfillment fantasy adventure in which a loser/loner saves a planet. That;s a biy dismissive, true - but this is a readable story and may be the opener to a series.
Paul Cecil –
Young Adult Novel Not what I was expecting. This was a very light read with decent action but not much more. I don't think I have read anything by the author, and I can only hope that other books by him have more depth. Young Adult Novel Not what I was expecting. This was a very light read with decent action but not much more. I don't think I have read anything by the author, and I can only hope that other books by him have more depth.
David Bos –
Hard pass Dont like to poohoo someones work. . . But. . . Hmm. Good points. . . If youre looking for a short story that reads like a teenager wrote it then this is your chapter length. . . Story
Gilbert Dumas –
Great novella. I like this Kevin youg adult.
Mick Bird –
Loved this short book, it has introduced us to a new hero, and also a new alien race. I am looking forward to seeing where the author goes with this series.
Jacquelyn Brown –
Great, as usual. I can hardly wait to read his books. I have read the previous 10 UIF books . Encourage you to read his books!
Tim –
This is a short book. Very bare bones and a quick read.
David Murray –
A VERY quick read. But fun, park your brain at the cover & enjoy
Jimbo –
Well written short story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next installment. It is a quick read and I would recommend to all SiFi lovers.
Jackie –
What a wonderful scifi story. Young Kevin finds a dying alien and finds out we’re not alone. An intergalactic war is actually going on. Loved this book.
Jonas Berg –
I want more of this series. The plot had such a nice twist to it!
Deana St. John –
Fun read, but I didn't realize how short this short story was going to be. Fun read, but I didn't realize how short this short story was going to be.
Mr Geoffrey Bowlt –
what a well written story,couldnt put it down!gonna start the next book soonest.
Danice James –
Jim Perfect –
A G Street –
Troy Jeffries –
Daniel Wolf –
Alex Rouge –
Galactic Pond is a wonderful book that sent me back to my most innocent moments when I dreamed I could be the captain of a ship, a rescuer or even the super hero of a day. Kevin’s adventures seems to be located in between our world (in 2018) and a far distant world. A world that may be reached over the Galactic Pond. The introduction describe Kevin’s supposedly bright universe with very limited chance to shine. When entering a dark universe for which he, unexpectedly become the last hope, Kevin’s Galactic Pond is a wonderful book that sent me back to my most innocent moments when I dreamed I could be the captain of a ship, a rescuer or even the super hero of a day. Kevin’s adventures seems to be located in between our world (in 2018) and a far distant world. A world that may be reached over the Galactic Pond. The introduction describe Kevin’s supposedly bright universe with very limited chance to shine. When entering a dark universe for which he, unexpectedly become the last hope, Kevin’s take his destiny in hands and eventually shine after being the hero of a moment. This short novella has the perfect pace for a space opera. Not too fast, not too slow. Just perfect in my sense. Christian Kallias has managed to create a dimension within the hero. A dimension where good and bad are not absolute values. Where all decision taken have positive and negative impacts. It was a real great moment to read this novella. So far, my best experience with Christian Kallias books. Thank again for this nice story that ends wonderfully.
C.S. Wade –
Oren –
Jacob R. Lynch –
Louw –