Andrew M. Crusoe

Juvenile/YA Science-Fiction.

Though he’s gone on to become an apparently successful and well-adjusted young profesionnal, the protagonist remains haunted by his mother’s unexplained disappearance several years ago. When he discovers a wondrous spaceship and its pilot temporarily stranded, he seizes the opportunity to go look for answers, go places, have adventures, meet a quite special girl, and possibly help quite a few people.

Optimistic, fairly pleasant if a bit lightweight overall.… (més)

I've been mulling over my feelings about The Truth Beyond the Sky for a few days now. It's been quite a while since the last time I read a science fiction epic. It took me a bit to get back into the groove. Following stories like these is never easy at first but, once you are fully immersed, they have the power to drag you away into their worlds. That was true in this instance as well. Once I was really into the story, it was tough to look away.

What's really interesting about this book is how multi-layered it is. At its base, this is a book about a boy who is in search of his mother. However it's so much more than that. Zahn's story manages to pull from the world around us, while also incorporating elements of mythology and hero epics. This is a coming of age story of the highest caliber. The Zahn we meet at the beginning is much different from the one we find at the end.

My biggest issue with this story, and the reason I was so unsure about my rating, is that Zahn's characterization wasn't always my favorite. I completely understood the need to make him seem young and unformed, especially since he was only beginning his journey. Still, I can't deny that he was very tough for me to fall into step with at first. I'm glad I stuck with him. I just want readers to know that he truly does grow.

On the flip side, the world building in this book is gorgeous. Andrew Crusoe has managed to create a beautiful setting for his characters that he allows them their adventures. I was truly impressed at the writing style in The Truth Beyond the Sky. The descriptions are informative, without being overbearing. The writing allows the reader to see the world being build around them. It's an easy, flowing story that is honestly a pleasure to read.

So, despite any qualms I may have had, this did ultimately end up being a book I enjoyed. Many thanks to Andrew Crusoe for reminding me why I have loved science fiction for so very long. There's something about being lost in another world that is without compare. I hope you'll enjoy being lost in Zahn's world as much as I did.… (més)

ABR's full The Truth Beyond the Sky audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This is a great story. There’s not too much in the way of hard-core techie sci-fi, and definitely an amazing adventure for all. Myth, fantasy, a little transcendental regrouping and one amazing ship along with a host of interesting forms of life; some are “down-to-earth” though not from earth at all and some are, well, quite evil, and then there are those intriguing minor creatures that fill a scene or are only hinted about and all create the basis for “The Truth Beyond the Sky: The Epic of Aravinda.”

So who wouldn’t want a spaceship that is alive, or the chance to explore space? What would you do if an alien asked you for help? Ahhhh, you think you know but at the moment of truth would you open up your heart and hands to save another in need? From planets far, far away these opportunities, or dilemmas as you might see them, and many more are presented to one young man who sets out to save his planet, his family, and maybe even himself.

It’s not really a coming of age story, but more finding out the truth about oneself and what one is capable of achieving. The protagonist has suffered a horrible loss and is haunted by strange and often terrible nightmares, also he has only known space through a telescope and then he’s confronted with the reality of the galaxy and all that lives there. The descriptive scenes captivate the imagination and one truly feels a part of the story.

The Truth Beyond the Sky has a rather fast but even pace that is easily followed and the narrator gives an incredible performance. There’s nothing choppy, just smooth sailing throughout the ocean of space….ok the characters might have to fight their way through some amazing battle scenes but the narrator just keeps a great flow and his voices are perfect.

I truly enjoyed it and think others will too.

My thanks to the author, Andrew Crusoe, for providing this audiobook for me to review. It was a pleasure to listen to and I look forward to the next installment in the series.

Audiobook provided for review by the author.… (més)