FEATHERED QUILL 2026 Finalist!

Space is vast, mostly empty, extremely cold, very dangerous, and just generally a rotten place to travel.

But what if a spaceship out there had no passengers? Would it get lonely? Would it go searching for new customers? And what if…it found us?

This is the story of Flynn Hopper, a graduate assistant in astrophysics and a last-minute addition to a team making humanity’s first trip to the outer planets. The expedition is privately funded…it employs a hazardous and technically unexplainable craft…and it may be just a bit illegal.

Who would go on such a thing? (That is, if it weren’t for the cheap tickets and high potential for career-making discoveries.)

What adventures might a young crew member on such a mission fall into?

Who would he have to leave behind?

And what would he find there in outer space—or rather, what would find him?

* * * *

Praise from NetGalley Reviewers:

“A quick-paced, quick-witted adventure through space, a la Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I enjoyed Flynn's antics and escapades. It was a little too quick-paced though; I wish it had been longer. I could definitely enjoy a series of adventures from Flynn or even his cohorts!”—Samantha D., Reviewer

“Fun and entertaining novella which was encompassed of elements of Red Dwarf (similar humorous style as well as with the ship having its own voice), the action of Babylon 5 and the comradery and shenanigans of the Orville. Falling Through Space had me laughing and gripped from start to finish. …an inventive and uniquely engrossing sci/fi novella.”—Jenny M., Reviewer

“What a fun space story! It was an exciting read, with a great cast of characters….I hope to read more from the author too!”—Aubrey W., Reviewer

“This short novella reminded me of a cross between Douglas Adams' wit (Hitchhiker’s Guide) and Andy Weir's humanity (Hail Mary Project) I loved Flynn, a very likeable main character, and his adventures kept me reading and laughing. He’s an everyman in space, a coming-of-age story unfolding in the most unlikely of situations … Five stars for this one!”—Book Trade Professional 1468596

“A clever little novella with elements of Farscape and pulp sci-fi. It reads easy and the story progresses quite well. A living ship and travel within the solar system and at times very retro noir. … A fun read!”—Fernando F., Educator

“Despite its brevity, this novella felt cinematic. The imagery is vivid, the world-building is well-crafted, and the balance of science and storytelling is spot-on….I found this to be a fantastic read, and I think it would be suitable for middle schoolers, with high schoolers being completely in the clear. If you enjoy science fiction—or know someone who does—this is a terrific choice”—Molly H., Reviewer

“We met so many interesting characters on this short jump through space. Those characters include a colony of robots, spiderbots, an alien, and Oscar.… If you like space operas that are short and very fast paced, then this is the book for you.”—Kelsey L., Reviewer

“It was clever, and fun, and I would definitely enjoy reading more stories set in this universe.”—Amanda H., Reviewer

“A fast paced space opera with great humor…. lots of fun adventures.”— Reviewer 1651748