Stephen Brandon

I've loved westerns and science fiction since I picked up my first book at the public library.
I've been writing on my computer for years. I never planned on any of my stories being published, just to be read by myself, family, and friends. The base journal is on forty spreadsheets with links to about a thousand files of short one day paragraphs plus other stories.
{My claim to fame, written by someone else. Thanks.} "As an earthbound retiree, Stephen writes mostly science fiction and short stories. He is a voracious reader and has written for a few years, publishing his stories on Smashwords."

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action fiction    adult fiction    adventrue    alien abductee    alien attack    alien logic    alien short story    alien technology    alien worlds    aliens    alt future    alternate future    alternate time    alternate timelines    alternative fiction    alternative future    alternative history    alternative scifi    alternative timeline    alternative timelines    ambitions    arizona    assasination    assault    asteroid belt    biological war    border security    call for help    calumets    colonies    computers take over    conspiaracy    conspiracy    contact    dimension crossing    easy reading    economy idea    escape plan    fairy stories    feud    fiction    fire    first contact    free    future fiction    gentic twist    grandpa    herding cats    hot sauce    hurricanes at sea    ingenuity    invasion from space    invasions    jobs    journal    kidnapped    laws of nature    magic    mars    military stories    mob contract    murder    nightmares    oil rig    overcome obstacles    parents plans    peppers    retribution    revenge    saturn    sb journal    sci    sci adventure    sci fi    sci fi action    sci fi action adventure mystery    sci fi adventure    sci fi aliens    sci fi ebook    sci fi fiction    sci fi general    sci fi historical    sciece fiction    scienc fiction    science fction    science ficion    science fiction    sciencefiction    scifi    scifi alien    scifi ebook    secrets    self help book    selfimprovemet    selfpreservation    sf conspiracy    short ficiton    short stories    short stories fiction    short story    space colonisation    space colonization    space diaries    space pirates    space warfare    spy story    survival science fiction    tax ideas    time line    time lines    unusual story    war    war fiction    warfare in space    western    wilderness    work ethic    your life   

...and 41 more

• Mass Effect: Humanity First on May 13, 2012
  
  First time I've read a story in this format. Very interesting. I read it two times using the options both ways. Both held the story to a character profile that the reader chose. Very good!
  
• Peace Warrior on May 25, 2012
  
  This book takes the liberal agenda to one of its possible conclusions. It also shows what a single well trained leader can possibly accomplish if given help. Inconsistancy I noted was the weapons and ammunition left in the so called museums and private collections. This could indicate that conformity to societies norm is only surface deep and I think true to life. I enjoyed this book immensely! I'll be getting the rest of the series in the future.
  
• An Acquired Taste on May 31, 2012
  
  Even with the technical errors the storyline was excellent. The end caught me by suprise, even with the battle clews. A good quick read!
  
• The Halo Wave on July 25, 2012
  
  This story reminds me of what happens when a government consideres itself more important than its citizens. Also what one person can do to make a difference. Good short story.
  
• Strange New World (Artifice: Episode One) on Dec. 15, 2012
  
  Very interesting, can't wait to read #2.
  
• Mission Beyond The Stars: Book #1 of "Saga Of The Lost Worlds" by Neely and Dobbs on Dec. 23, 2012
  
  This story is great, the authors kept me wondering what was next. I'm compelled to get the next in the series.
  
• Prisoner 721 on March 22, 2013
  
  I'm old enough to remember when the only computers around were in air conditioned rooms and built with vacuum tubes. Nowdays I have one more powerful than the ones in the space shuttles. However they aren't smarter that the first, programed in binary. This story is more about software. A concept that can be confused with the knowledge we have in our own brains. In simple words, the instructions of a lifetime and how to interpret them! Art interpretation and music interpretation would be the true test of an AI. This writer hit the nail right on the head and did an excellent job. A very good read and I recomment it to 'ALL!' after the Bible.
  
• Syzygy on March 25, 2013
  
  Interesting story and that could come true with the way corporations operate today. However, one man's decision when forced; makes the turning point!
  
• Declination on April 15, 2013
  (no rating)
  A very great story. I wish I had your talent for storytelling. 5 stars!
  
• Chase Fleet: Origins on July 05, 2013
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed the fact that the Chase was human with all the failings that we all have. His growth as a Christian through his misfortunes is inspiring. Good Christian literature is rare.
  
• Beyond Uranus on July 25, 2013
  
  Well someone once told someone to Get A Life. Well this teacher didn't have one until ... I enjoyed the way his normal life got twisted. Looking forward to his next story.
  
• Escape to the Stars! on Oct. 08, 2013
  
  I just finished Escape to the Stars! I enjoyed it! The only thing I missed was the reason the sun started acting up. The only conclusion I could come to was that an outside influence like a rouge planet or planetoid impacted it and the original scientist, Professor Keene, diagnosed the results. Just a thought! I say again, I enjoyed it and hope you do a followup, maybe GenStar two.
  
• A Leap of Fate Episode 5 The Journey Home on Oct. 26, 2013
  
  I've read all 5 of A Leap of Fate Episodes. Loved them, especially the way you kept me on the edge wondering what was going to happen next. However the end of The Journey Home is really cold blooded. Don't leave us hanging to long waiting for The Games of the Triad! 4 1/2 to 5 stars for all five episodes!!!
  
• On the Great Wall of Texas on May 06, 2014
  
  Very interesting twist on 'Global Warming". Also an (in the best British style) unusual twist on border security. Short but well written.
  
• Maelstrom: The Downing of Eagle21 on July 12, 2014
  
  Even though I've been using computers since the 80's, I still print out most of the files I have. This story goes one step further than my paranoia. I've been aware for quite a few years that if you hack a file and change data you can cover your trail. Having an AI do it in this electronic age, well. The story line is great. The writing is great. I'm looking forward to the next in this series!!!!
  
• Prophecy of the Stars on July 16, 2014
  (no rating)
  i just finished it. it was great!!!
  
• Alaris. Episode Two: Struggle on Aug. 07, 2014
  
  I've read Cracks and Struggle. Both published in 2012. There are good enough to be an excellent series. What happened?
  
• Artifact on Aug. 08, 2014
  
  Enjoyable well written short story with a twist at the end. NOW WHAT HAPPENS! You set the stage for a nice series. We are waiting.
  
• Bypass Gemini on Sep. 29, 2014
  
  Lex is like many young men, almost a perfect wannabe steriotype. Some risk are just to much and then he meets K (certified mad) and then the adventure begins and he matures. Well written and even has a few twisted subplot that I liked.
  
• The Rookie on Dec. 28, 2014
  
  Oh for Pete's sake. She started developing the characters in an unusual situation, and then stopped on page 6. WHAT HAPPENS? This should not be a flash fiction story. There are to many variables and situations to explore. Saturn2020
  
• First Fruits on Feb. 16, 2015
  
  Changing the past to change the present. Well written.
  
• Driftmetal on March 01, 2015
  (no rating)
  An intereqsting world. Good hero with enough falts to fill a warehouse. I kinda liked a few of the people that he thinks betrayed him. The story kept me to the last page, and wanting more! I couldn't put it down!
  
• Seas of Chaos on March 31, 2015
  
  The PDF file was scrambled and unreadable.
  
• Liquid Blue, Book 1, Part I on April 05, 2015
  
  Interesting build up to a seemingly fatal ending. Character development was great along with the youthful interaction. Loved it!
  
• Pathspace on June 04, 2015
  
  I just finished Pathspace and enjoyed it. The story has enough of everything to keep most people interested in reading it. Appendix 1: Pathspace is thought provoking and an interesting way of looking at physics.
  
• Revenge: Book 1 of the T.E.N. series on June 15, 2015
  
  When you kill a man's pregnant wife and then his dog, what do you expect him to do? Short, but fast paced. Just enough character development to to make it interesting and leave room for the unexpected. I liked it and look forward to the next episode!
  
• I Am Alpha on July 05, 2015
  
  Cold and calculating, maybe, but it could happen. It and the first book in this series lay a foundation for something new. The demands on the characters and their reactions are great. Looking forward to the next.
  
• The Watchers from within moments, Revealed on Sep. 11, 2015
  
  A nicely put together story with an unusual ending. I liked it!
  
• The Bright Black Sea on Oct. 10, 2015
  (no rating)
  As an author with several books of my own; I am jealous. This is more than a novel by basic definition. I would describe it as a hybrid consisting of a Sci Fi story, a biography, a travel journal, and a paintiing. "If only I had half your tallent with a story." This story describes the complete life of a man with (what word may use) an attitude that is admiral. Circumstances drive him, however he does what is right. His last act is beyond reproach, and leads to the destruction of his spacecraft and his assumed death. I rated this at 5 stars, because 6 stars isn't allowed in a 5 star system.
  
• Definitions on Oct. 31, 2015
  
  I usually read science fiction, but the title looked good. The story was fast paced and interesting. Talk about luck, the hero, sucked up the luck of his opponents by using his hard earned skills. I loved it.
  
• The Bright Black Sea on Jan. 06, 2016
  
  The Bright Black Sea is superb. I've read it through and then reread several sections of it. I am anxiously awaiting for the next ... part of the story!!!
  
• Leave the Angels to Worry on Jan. 10, 2016
  
  Mr. Jordan combined to much in this book to separate out. The characters are great, the action is great, and the last few chapters --- WOW! If he is working on a sequel, I can't wait. I'd give it six stars if I could, just like some of Asamov and Bradbury's books.
  
• Reality Zero on March 11, 2016
  
  I found Astraes5 and today finished Reality Zero. Both were well written and I enjoyed them. I liked the little twist when they confronted the reality that started the whole adventure. I also like the little twist you left at the end of Reality Zero. Let me know when you have the next episode written.
  
• The Last Load on March 13, 2016
  
  Really, can you see the beach from your plantation in Fxxxxxx. This story was a relief to read. It incorporated several bits of information not commonly brought together and was serious and comical at the same time. For a fun read, I strongly recommend it.
  
• Kaman's World on March 13, 2016
  
  I really enjoyed Marty, Sam & Betty's last adventure. A pleasurable read. Can't wait for more!!!
  
• Hunted on May 20, 2016
  
  I liked the story line! It's different!
  
• Mother on June 12, 2016
  
  A well written story showing unintended results. Scientist and programmers don't know everything. I read it in one sitting and will go searching for more as soon as I hit the Submit button!
  
• The Defender of Rebel Falls: A Medieval Science Fiction Adventure on Sep. 21, 2017
  
  There were enough holes left in the story to let my imagination roam, yet a story line I wish I could write. William and the others were to real to ignore, and their adventures plausible. I'm marking this one to be reread again!
  
• God's Word For An Insane World on Jan. 19, 2018
  
  There are a few more verses I might have added, but it's commentary is right-on!
  
• The Dark Sea War Chronicles - Volume I - Fighting the Silent on June 25, 2018
  
  Just finished it. Very good story and character development.
  
• The Ship on Jan. 31, 2019
  
  An interesting story that parallels one I'm working on, however I don't have an Angie and she wouldn't fit into my story. However including her in The Ship makes it!!! About the Author, my history is 20 years in the Army then working for a civilian company for 17 1/2 years until they retired me. Michael, it takes experience to weave an excellent story, and you've done it. I can only rate this 4 out of 5 stars, because there is only one perfect Book.
  
• Sacred Honor on Jan. 31, 2019
  
  This book starts with Vic's unfortunate story. The series of circumstances in her life believable. All I'll say about the last chapter is, as an Army veteran, I understand it and it provoked a tear from my seventy year old eyes that have seen more than I wished to and remember more than I want to. Well done Michael!!!
  
• Curved Space to Corsair on March 19, 2019
  
  just finished Curved Space to Carsair. I was very good. I also enjoyed the first book in the set, The Perihelix. Can't wait for the third book in the series!
  
• Endurance on June 29, 2019
  
  As Helen stated, this story does wrap up the series. I agree that each is better than the last. However, I noticed several call loose strings, were other stories could be added. I enjoyed these so much that I reread two twice!
  
• Journey to the Stars on Sep. 29, 2019
  
  Read it in one sitting. Had a hard time setting it down to go eat. Very good!
  
• A Daughter of Kings on Sep. 06, 2020
  
  I started this expecting something else. However, I greatly enjoyed this book, and now I have to read A rose in the Desert. This was a great read and I'm looking forward to your next book.
  
• Terra Firma on Oct. 07, 2020
  
  This is almost beyond belief. Unfortunately I realize that there are groups of people that would do what is outlined in this book. Characters are to realistic to ignore.
  
• Endpoint: Book 2: New Life on July 28, 2021
  
  I've read book 1 & 2, so I'll review them together. Seperately they are complete stories that leave one wondering what's next. Combined they are great. That makes JW Griffin a word weaver, and that is the best compliment that I can think of. His weaving of the story and development of each character in a disesterous situation is almost perfect. He defintly earned five stars for each of the first two books.