Forbidden Space is a place where two innocent young men must face the challenges of their world to become an epic love story told to those for many years to come.

Emerald is a planet several galaxies away from Earth where the inhabitants arrived to escape the inevitable doom of their home planet from volcanic activity. The colonists choosing Emerald as their new home signed on to a charter of zero technology. They were unhappy with the way civilization developed on Earth and believed a fresh start would alter the path of social and political development they were so dissatisfied with. Starting over for them meant a world free from a lifestyle dominated by the advancements of technology and one governed by a fair and democratic form of government to lead them forward.

Not all goes as planned. A group of self-interested individuals set themselves up as the ruling family. A society is born under the principles of autocratic rule instead of the society they had hoped for.

Out of this world of abuse, control and heavy taxation  comes two young men, Jordy and Muskel. Jordy is an apprentice with the prophets to become a healer. Muskel is a member of the Ghostmen who’s main objective in life is to take down the ruling family and establish a governing system of fair play with the people of the land. Together with the help of the prophets, they form a union based on their love for one another and the desire to make the world a better place to live. 

Reviews for The Other Man’s Space

5.0 out of 5 stars

Jon Swank at his best

One of the best things about this author is that his books are never cookie cutter, nor are they ever dull. The Other Man's Space is an intergalactic odyssey but to me it was more of an interpersonal odyssey. There is no way to predict this book. The story kept surprising me in each chapter and the ending was tear worthy. It was actually the perfect ending for this story. Dag and Tobit are the epitome of opposites. One is borderline sociopath and the other is emotionally and socially secure but still needs human interaction to survive. And then there is Andy, the android. Oh, my, sooo good. The perfect foil for these two guys. The world building is clear but not intrusive into the story and as a Trekkie since the 1960s, I adored the references to the Star Trek universe that snuck in here and there.. I also especially liked that the trials that they endured were not solved with imagined special effects or super intelligent Android knowledge. Overall, this was an amazing story full of spunk, interesting characters and a believable outcome. I highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Jon Swank's books keep getting better and better!

Stuck on a starship for months and months with a hot straight guy... Sounds like my worst nightmare!! But Jon Swank delivers another wonderful entertaining and engaging story. As usual, his characters are highly likeable, even the obnoxious Dag Maxz. This book also goes where no gay man has gone before, oh, except maybe George Takei... I thoroughly enjoyed the science fiction story and the let's say, complicated relationship between the two human characters. Swank continues to develop his stories that realistically show people like us living their lives with unusual challenges but characteristic grace and strength. With some great plot twists and surprises, this book made me laugh out loud at times and cry happy tears! If I could give it 6 or more stars, I would!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Inward and Outward Journey.

The author takes us far into the future of an imperiled earth and on a mission to a new settlement beyond. Besides the suspense and danger that such an outer space voyage entails, are the risks and challenges that the ship's crew bring with them on board and must face, if they are to survive both their own flaws as well as the surprises that the ship carries with it. Besides the two very unlike personalities of the main characters, is the added presence and crucial role of artificial intelligence in the "person" of a highly developed android. This is another thoroughly entertaining novel by author Jon Swank.