More than a thousand years in the future, Earth suffered losses from both natural disasters and debilitating pandemics. Earth’s population has dwindled, yet man’s ability to survive with the advent of technology is at the core of humanities survival.
Tobit Willows, a young botanist, is selected from a pool of the Earth Command’s scientists as the mission commander on a cargo ship to a distant galaxy. His task is to deliver plants and people to Planet Emerald, then to return to Earth and continue his research. Captain Dag Maxz is selected as the pilot on the cargo ship. The organizers of the mission believe the two men’s character profiles are suited for the twenty-six months long journey to Emerald and back.
Tobit isn’t so convinced he and the pilot share a social compatibility profile. His crew mate, Captain Maxz, is a crude military man with no penchant for socializing with Tobit whom he refers to as a science nerd. They two men must learn to navigate the time required to complete the mission without allowing their dislike for each other to jeopardize the mission.
The Other Man’s Space is an intergalactic journey that will take the reader through the space between galaxies as well as the space between two very different men.
Reviews for Forbidden Space
5.0 out of 5 stars
FORBIDDEN SPACE - a "did it again" novel by Jon Swank
The author has created an engaging futuristic story that lives up to his reputation as an excellent storyteller. The twists in the plot and the surprise ending, which most probably is the threshold to a sequel, leaves the reader both perplexed and eagerly anticipating the continuation of the story. The details of life on another planet that involves a settlement from earth with challenges not unlike the earth they left, provides the backdrop for the story. The description of the situation is detailed and realistic enough to make this fictional story very believable. And the author’s portrayal of the main characters and their personalities, Jordy the young apprentice prophet and Muskel also a young apprentice among a band of rebels, provides the reader with truly lovable, heroic characters. However, the book provides a disorienting twist at the end. Another engaging novel by the author, and highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jon's latest book creates a world to get lost in
Have you ever wondered if you've had a past life? How about wondering if you are going to have future lives? In this book by Jon Swank, these questions form the basis for a tight story of emerging love between two young men. The book is loosely tied to another of Jon's books "The Other Man's Space", but it is definitely a stand alone. There is enough explanation throughout the story in Forbidden Space to cover questions and historical information. I adore Jon's stories and this one is no exception. Jordy and Muskel live in a world reminiscent of the late middle ages on Earth--a tyrant in charge pf the planet Emerald controls all information sources while an active opposition harasses and plots to overthrow those tyrants, and a group of "prophets" who are actually from the future are there to guide and protect our heroes. I really like that this is a "slow burn" sort of love between our two MCs. No quick jumps into the bedroom. I also like that the sexual awakening and exploration is gentle and reasonable for our MCs. I adore Prophet Andy and his factual guidance and lack of embarrassment in discussing specifics. He offers a humorous break from the life and death struggles of the main characters. I am loathe to put too much detail in a review but I can say this is a very enjoyable story that also makes you think a bit about colonization, governmental oppression and redemption. It is not a heavy book, just thought provoking, too.