The good news is a whole lotta honesty could save us all forever.
The bad news tells itself.
On a lonely world in a star system under siege, an ex-military whistleblower buys the certified rights to question anyone while investigating a classified disaster—backed by threat of corporate law. But instead of answers, The Interviewer finds a trail of lies leading directly to the untouchable overlords of the Board.
In the Unified Fiduciary Dominion, truth is just a negotiable line item, and Fleet Eternal is the ultimate accountant. Every month, the vast, terrifying alien armada blinks into orbit, attacking with brutal force. Luckily a mere .01% Kill Rate triggers full retreat, if you destroy their vessels fast enough. But when greedy defense contractor Crowley Vanderbilt starts meddling with tactical plans that have survived decades of battle, the security of the entire system is imperiled. Despite the storied reputation of Admiral Seersa Kudaibergen, casualties start mounting, and time is suddenly running out for everyone.
Now, The Interviewer must partner with Zhou, cantankerous Ruby District madame, and Bartimus Caldwell, whiz kid sensor Scry, to assemble a declassified public report that could rewrite history and save the UFD...
But first they've gotta survive long enough to finish writing it.
A nosy journalist type buys the rights to a military disaster in order to find out what actually happened up there, but in this reality - whistle-blowers aren’t too popular.
This is a reality where corporations have more rights than people, money is everything, and the military holds an uncomfortable level of power. Every month, a force surrounds the planet and lays siege to it, however, if they can achieve a 0.1% casualty rating the Fleet Eternal will automatically retreat and reset. However, one incursion causes far higher losses than is acceptable and one curious person has managed to secure the authorisation to investigate and publish what happened.
Even with the legal right to investigate the process isn’t easy. The Interviewer must compel the interviewees to talk, but they are scared and often disinclined to share what they know for a myriad of their own reasons. There are also those who would like to end the investigation even if that means murder. Teaming up with Madam Zhou might be the only way for The Interviewer to stay alive and finish the investigation. With helpfully assigned security and an increasing network of contacts, The Interviewer pursues the truth – that is to say the facts – of the incursions and what exactly is going on with the board.
Presented to the reader in the form of a report, complete with interview transcripts, Tiny Planet Filled With Liars may at first appear difficult to start reading. With a somewhat non-traditional point of view and some distinctly non-traditional characters, Stephen M. A. has created an interesting and absorbing read. Thanks to the witty prose and disconcerting humor, a reader could easily miss the deeper themes of Tiny Planet Filled With Liars and assume it is merely an amusing adventure sci-fi thriller. In fact, Tiny Planet Filled With Liars blends satire and dirty jokes into a genuine philosophical debate.
Supporting the well-formed plot is the perfect intersection of phenomenal world-building and character creation. Thinking about this book within the premise of a report published by The Interviewer, readers of this book gain a visceral understanding of the world that is described therein. This transfer of information is done skilfully and without belaboring the point. To top it off, the characters, who at first seem rigid and unmoving, prove to be surreptitiously developing into favorites that readers will end up rooting for in the end.
Sci-fi fans will find something to enjoy here as will all those who enjoy sharp humor with a side of social commentary.
Political and social satire masquerading as a sci-fi thriller, Tiny Planet Filled With Liars turns an uncomfortably sharp yet entertaining philosophical spotlight on society.
Tiny Planet Filled With Liars is a work of fiction in the science fiction, paranormal, and mystery sub-genres, and was penned by author Stephen M. A. The work is intended for an adult reading audience, due to the presence of moderate scenes of violence, the use of explicit language, and some scenes of a sexual nature. We find ourselves in a far flung world where money and the military make the world go round, and the Unified Fiduciary Dominion is in big trouble as its star admiral seems to be on the wane. It’s up to no-nonsense investigator The Interviewer and the enigmatic Madame Zhou to figure out what’s causing the fault and fast, against an unstoppable alien adversary.
Author Stephen M. A. has crafted a deeply considered and well-developed work of fiction with plenty of detail, intrigue and action to offer its readers. One of the most essential features of this work, and indeed a key feature of the genre, is the talent the author displays in worldbuilding. From the consideration of an economic, profiteering ethos of the ruling forces to the small, atmospheric details in the way of life under such a dark rule, every moment feels wonderfully tense and immersive to live through. When you add to this the development of some very interesting characters with inventive jobs to do, the terrifying Fleet Eternal and the unique, sharp parlance of the work’s dialogue, what results is a true masterpiece of storytelling. Overall, I would highly recommend Tiny Planet Filled With Liars to fans of thrilling science fiction, military mysteries and immense worldbuilding.
Author Stephen M.A. unleashes a shockingly creative sci-fi future in Tiny Planet Filled With Liars, roping readers into a savage space dystopia where military contractors rule over a crumbling empire of secrets. Brought to life with linguistic gymnastics and an impeccably sharp ear for dialogue, this is tech-heavy futurism for those who want to give their minds a workout, but the commitment is well worth the effort. Layering vivid history and mind-bending exposition between splashes of gritty action, acerbic wit, and experimental style choices, this nontraditional adventure is both challenging and thrilling.
