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    The Sphere Of Travel (TSOT2) by Steve Simons
    Science Fiction

    FAMILY FRIENDLY: Safe for family listening

    Click the arrow below to listen to the first episode of this free audio book:

    This story is rated 12 as there is a romantic theme and also death, but nothing explicit, it's still a clean story.

    We find the team of David and John set to adventure out again. This time in an improved sphere and both of them are going to travel together. A new member is introduced to the team, Debbie Gill. Debbie takes over David's role, predicting the location of the black holes.
    The trip does not go according to plan, but oh no,
    don't look to me to spill the beans as to what happens, you just have to listen to the story to find out. Oh here's a teaser then, this is not just the one story, this time you get double the value,
    as it is two stories wrapped up in one book.

    This one runs into 32 chapters and our test audience just couldn't wait for the next installments to hit their players. In fact they are so keen they already want the next book! Oh yes there will be a final book in the Trilogy.


    Creative Commons License


    This work is licensed under a
    Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivatives 3.0 United States License.



    Current Podiobook Ratings Login to Podiobooks to rate this book yourself
    Audio Quality: 4.5 star(s) Out of 5 ratings Narration Quality: 4.5 star(s) Out of 6 ratings Writing Quality: 4 star(s) Out of 6 ratings Overall Rating: 4.5 star(s) Out of 6 ratings

    All ratings are on a scale of 1 (Poor) to 5 (Excellent)

    By: swerve
    The following is feedback I sent direct to the author. I felt so strongly about it that I have posted it here too: I grabbed TSOT1 from podiobooks and was intrigued enough to get TSOT2. However, now that has finished, it seems that the only way to get TSOT3 is to pay for it? Is this true? If so, I am very, very dissappointed in you. While I totally understand the desire and need to make money from your creations, I beleive you are going about it in a deceitful, duplicitous way. I feel like I had not been given enough honest information to make my decision to listen to TSOT2 - if I had been told it was only part, and that part 2 required me to pay, then I would have been able to make an informed decision. But I was not told that I would have to pay for the second half of the book, and so I feel mislead and betrayed. I have been known to pay for audio books that I got free from podiobooks if I feel the deserve it, but I am far more reluctant to pay now that I am being forced to - that is no way to treat your customers. You may not think that TSOT3 is just part 2 of TSOT2, but in my mind it certainly is. So many plot threads were not resolved that the story was not finished in any sense. Sure, they got back to Earth, but so what - we don't know what Earth, what time, what circumstances, so the only thing that was 'resolved' is essentially not resolved at all. Therefore, nothing was resolved. Therefore, TSOT2 is not a complete book. Comparing this to other series, or even trilogies, like Lord of the Rings, there is a definite resolution at the end of the book, but avenues are left open for the next. And even then, you knew you were going to pay for the subsequent books ahead of time. Sure, TV series use cliffhangers at the end of seasons (which is becoming increasingly despised anyway), but they don't force you to pay for the next season. An apt analogy is drug dealers that hand our free samples to get people addicted so they can sell more drugs. Is this a business model you can adopt with a clear conscience? Do you also realise you are bypassing podiobooks's system, and therefore depriving them of a share of the fee you charge? If you appreciate creators getting paid, then you should appreciate (and pay) podiobooks for their had work in creating their site and promoting your books. Also consider the price for a minute. It is effectively 7GBP for me in New Zealand - that is about $15 NZD. Sure, I get all 3 'books' but lets be honest - all I want is TSOT3. I can buy a full, published novel for $15 that includes professional illustration, editing, publishing, and writing. While I got engaged in your work, I am afraid I have to be honest and say it is not professional in any of these regards, and yes, I felt this before I found out about being forced to pay. I find the writing often pulls me out of the story by switching from 1st person to 3rd person and back etc - something any writer is told to never do. And saying things like "John thinks..." is very lazy exposition - professional writers are very artful and clever in conveying the same things without stating it outright. It may be tolerable in screenplays, but not in novels. Audio production was generally quite good, with a few moments that impressed me, but was still not professional - e.g. the music often had varying lengths and in general lasted too long, loosing momentum and getting frustrating. So you may be wondering why I care to hear TSOT3? I was intrigued by some of the concepts, and I am curious about the unresolved elements (what happened to Paul, how there could be a plausible explanation for people being deleted, etc). However, given my experience so far, I am not 100% confident that these will be resolved plausibly and satisfactorily. Therefore, I was just willing to invest my time in hearing TSOT3, intending to donate if I thought it deserved it. However, that seems impossible now. Please bear in mind even free transactions have a transaction cost - readers have to contribute their time - considerable hours - to downlaod and listen. So I currently feel like I paid (my time) and did not receive the product implicitly promised (aka a story, which by definition has a start, middle and end). I would be (just) willing to pay more of my time to receive what I originally expected, but I am certainly not willing to pay money because 1) I feel forced, 2) I feel it is only half a book, and 3) it is priced at a professional level, which it is not. I would appreciate you: 1) making TSOT3 available for free, or 2) making it very clear in TSOT2 in at least 2 or 3 ways that the story is not resolved until TSOT3 and that people are forced to pay for TSOT3 (though this still leaves many existing, disgruntled listeners). I would be interested in hearing your response.

    By: swerve
    BE WARNED: This book ends without any real resolutions. The resolutions are offered in TSOT3 - which you are forced to pay £4 to £7 for - outside of podiobooks!! I feel this is misleading to readers and disrespectful to podiobooks. At the least, I thought potential readers should know this and be able to make an informed decision.

    By: morley williamson
    Steve, Love your writing and narration, but really cant get past the intrusive music. Can't listen. Good work though.

    Discuss this book! | Report a problem with an Episode




Chapters


Title Description Date Created
TSOT2 01 - Preparations
(18.71 MB)
This book picks up few years on from the earlier adventure, when Engineer and Scientist, John Latham, managed to successfully travel back in time. We find the team of David and John set to adventure out again. This time in an improved sphere and both of them are going to travel together. A new member is introduced to the team, Debbie Gill. Debbie takes over David's role, predicting the location of the black holes.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 02- Well Here We Are, What Now?
(18.14 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 03 -Where Are We?
(15.51 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 04- Close Encounters
(16.19 MB)
Close Encounters ~~~~~~~~~~ The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 05 - To Safety
(11.5 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 06 - Return
(12.59 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 07 - Cut Myself Off
(12.94 MB)
[The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 08 - Who's Who and What's What
(15.67 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 09 - Project Update
(13.03 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2 10 - Meet The Crew
(17.25 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2-11- People Issues
(21.64 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2-12- Paint As You Might, Covering Up Is Difficult
(19.83 MB)
When you bring a group of strangers together, something has to make them bind together, could this be the way?Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2-13- Tour of The Sphere
(20.18 MB)
Lets Find out what the new sphere looks like and what facilities it has.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2-14- Final Inspection
(18.58 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2-15- Testing Times
(18.39 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about.Apr 15, 2009
TSOT2-16- Play Your Cards Right
(13.82 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. Music: In The Circle-Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy (c) 2007 hungrylucy.comApr 27, 2009
TSOT2-17- Three's A Crowd
(17.88 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. To find out more about the TSOT series check out www.SciFiStories.co.uk May 2, 2009
TSOT2-18- Room For One More
(19.14 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. Check out www.SciFiStories.co.uk for more information about the TSOT series Also check out the podcast "Steve Simons Today" on http://SteveSimons.mevio.com or via www.SciFiStories.co.ukMay 2, 2009
TSOT2-19- Lift Off Or Something Like That
(19.81 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. Check out www.SciFiStories.co.uk for more information about the TSOT series, including the final book in the series "The Sphere of Transition" Also check out: http://twitter.com/SteveSimons and Audio Podcast: http://SteveSimons.mevio.com You can catch up on all the latest news and on the Audio Show hear work in progress of the latest story or book. Get in there first! May 21, 2009
TSOT2-20- Are-We-Alone
(20.8 MB)
The clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. Check out www.SciFiStories.co.uk for more information about the TSOT series The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel.May 21, 2009
TSOT2-21- Shifts
(16.41 MB)
Some of the crew realise that they cannot work 24 hours a day, but their boss has forgotten that factor. Check out www.ScoFistories for the latest on the TSOT series and also Steve's other work including current projects. You acn also follow Steve Simons on twitter.com/SteveSimons ---{How tweet Music in this episode "In the circle - Kew Mix" by Hungry Lucy (c)2008 HungryLucy.comMay 31, 2009
TSOT2-22-Gone and Forgotten
(16.84 MB)
One of the crew members has gone missing, but what has happened to them, have they just been kidnapped or is it worse. That's not all...the clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. You can NOW buy the WHOLE series on a special MP3 CD Set, including the otherwise unobtainable THIRD book in the series TSOT3 - The Sphere of Transition, check out SciFiStories.co.uk for more information.Jun 13, 2009
TSOT2-23- What To Do With Him
(17.99 MB)
Someone has done a really good job of destroying every trace of the missing crew member, including their bedroom, yes can you believe that? There are no signs of a struggle, in fact no signs that the room was anything other than the medical room. In this episode Debbie thinks she has found out who is involved, but still not sure exactly what they have done or why...the clue is in the title, but you'll just have to listen to this chapter to find out just what it is all about. You can NOW buy the WHOLE series on a special MP3 CD Set, including the otherwise unobtainable THIRD book in the series TSOT3 - The Sphere of Transition, check out SciFiStories.co.uk for more information. Jun 17, 2009
TSOT2-24- In Search Of
(19.35 MB)
Graham is hiding something, Amanda knows it, but just what is it? Is he the one who has hidden or killed Janice? Whilst John wants to find the truth out about the Professor, what has he done and why? But the Professor is as cool as a cucumber, but can he keep this up? Check out SciFiStories.co.uk for more information about the TSOT series. Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel. Jul 10, 2009
TSOT2-25- The Truth, but The Whole Truth?
(18.64 MB)
Amanda and John take a break from their interviewing to discuss their findings with Debbie.  Amanda has discovered some very interesting things about Graham; whereas John  is quite frustrated with his progress, but is sure he can make the Professor crack.  Is there anyone else involved? Check out SciFiStories.co.uk where you can buy the whole TSOT series, including the 3rd book. Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel.Jul 15, 2009
TSOT2-26- Noises
(16.5 MB)
John is still frustrated with his interviewing of the Professor.  He takes another break and suggests an idea to Debbie to see if she can retreive the missing crew members database record.  When John leaves Debbie on the bridge, alone again, she hears noises.  Just what is going on?  Check out SciFiStories.co.uk where yu can buy the whole TSOT series, including the 3rd book. Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel.Jul 18, 2009
TSOT2-27- Not So Secure
(16.19 MB)
John is concerned about Amanda when he calls her, there is no answer from her Raccune.&nbsp; Someone has escaped, but just who and what are they planning to do?<br><br>Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. <br><br>The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of TravelJul 18, 2009
TSOT2-28- New Possibilities
(18.52 MB)
John and Paul arrive on the equipment deck, but they cannot get through the airlock door.&nbsp; Can anyone crack the code?&nbsp; They cannot leave Graham to his own devices on the equipment deck, goodness knows what havoc he could cause. <BR><BR>Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. <BR><BR>The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel. Aug 11, 2009
TSOT2-29- Some Kind Of Greeting
(15.6 MB)
John takes the injured William up to Amanda's office to treat the wound.&nbsp; When they get to the bridge they are told that two alien craft are heading towards the sphere.&nbsp; Just what is their intention?&nbsp; Will the crew be safe or is someone else going to need more than first aid? <BR><BR>Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel. <BR><BR>No More downloads, buy the whole series including the third book, SciFiStories.co.uk for details. Aug 11, 2009
TSOT2-30- Partners
(14.4 MB)
With Graham still posing a threat, something has to be done to catch him or to take him out, but without doing any damage to the sphere or any of the rest of the crew.&nbsp; In this episode Zack has a plan, but will it work?&nbsp; What about those alien craft?<br><br>Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy (www.Hungrylucy.com).<br><br>The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel. Aug 11, 2009
TSOT2- Chapter 31- Repairs
(20.49 MB)
With the sphere damaged, those pesky alien craft out of the way now, Paul Harker's spacewalk skills are going to come in handy in this episode, but can he repair the ship without further problems? Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy. The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Travel.Aug 17, 2009
TSOT2-32- There's Nothing Like Home
(17.56 MB)
The sphere repaired, the mystery hanging over Paul's fate, its time to say goodbye to the Gharjians and head off home. Finally homeward bound, but will things have changed or it will be the same as when they left it? This is the end of book 2, but not the story, you can only get the 3rd book from SciFiStories.co.uk The Adventure continues.... Just make sure you are aboard The Sphere of Transition. Music In The Circle Kew Mix By Hungry Lucy.Aug 17, 2009