Description

Twenty-three years after the disappearance of the Mars I space shuttle, NASA receives a mysterious transmission from Adrian Palmer, the commander of the mission. Adrian's brother, Kevin, wastes no time funding the Mars II rescue mission, commanded by Jake Palmer, Adrian's son. 
 
Jake and Dr. Steven “Skip” Hendricks, a NASA physicist, travel through a wormhole that Skip believes was the reason the Mars I crew disappeared. They eventually crash-land on the planet Terrest and are thrust into a dangerous conflict. The native Terrestrians are at war against a super-race of humans called the Gnols, led by Koroan Chast. 
 
The Terrestrian's struggle is futile because of the godlike abilities of the Gnols. Now, the only hope mankind has may rest on a 2000-year-old prophecy discovered in an ancient temple on Terrest. But before the prophecy can come to pass, Adrian and Jake must first stop the Gnols from attacking Earth and enslaving the human race.

Praise and Reviews

5 out of 5 Stars.
One of the best books I have ever read!
Shaun Messick has redefined the science fiction genre. He wonderfully mixes LDS doctrine with science fiction into a page turner that I could not put down. I bought this book on a Monday and finished it the next day. I am surprised that this author hasn't been signed by a traditional publishing house yet. His writing style is fast paced and action packed. He left me hanging at the end of each chapter, so I had to keep reading. I highly recommend this book for readers of every age! Shaun Messick is my new favorite author and I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series.  (Amazon.com Customer Review)

5 out of 5 Stars
What an Adventure . . .
Shaun F. Messick has written an excellent story (book 1 of 4) that includes fantastic character development and thrilling narrative. His descriptive storytelling makes one feel as if they were truly present.

The family bond that exists between Adrian Palmer and his son Jake after a few decades of separation from Adrian's errant Mars expedition, was refreshing nonetheless. The book also demonstrates the need for individual and collective faith in moments of nearly insurmountable circumstances. I sure felt the emotional rainbow, so to speak, throughout the entire book... sadness, greed, fear, pain, helplessness, love, happiness, humor, courage, etc.

Mr. Messick also creatively uses a tangent from John 10:16 to set up the framework of his "Beyond Mars" saga. In this Bible verse, Jesus Christ states, "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." This book creates another viewpoint of this commonly-misunderstood verse.

I read the book in one day, while on a business trip in Mexico, and am not sure how I can wait until the next one is released in 2007. Thrilling, yet faith inspiring, "Beyond Mars" is both an easy buy and an excellent read. (Amazon.com Customer Review)

5 out of 5 Stars
Amazingly Written!
Shaun F. Messick has really turned the genre of Science Fiction around. I'm not much of a schi-fi reader, but when I picked this book up, it really drew my in. The complexity of the writing is well done. Every paragraph is littered with excellency, powerful words, and capturing lyrics. The way another race and planet like ours was created was unique, drawing upon what someone like this man could only imagine. I rate it five out of five stars. I can't wait for the next three to come out.  (Barnes&Noble.com Customer Review)

4 out of 5 Stars
If you enjoy science fiction, expanding your imagination and well-developed characters, this is definitely a series you want to put on your reading list. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series! (Goodreads Review)

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