A Thanksgiving Sci-Fi Give Away: The Abduction of Joshua Bloom

The Abduction of Joshua Bloom tells the story of a teen and his alien abductors who justify their act in an attempt to save their people. Joshua finds himself in a world dominated by women, and men are subjugated to their whims. He travels to a dinosaur world, visits a water planet, and a world doomed by a star about to nova. Space exploration and time travel are just two elements science fiction junkies will love about this original space opera by award winning author, Michael Thal. 

I began writing this book forty-four years ago and over those four decades it went through an evolution. (Read “The Evolution of a Novel.”) Last August, I republished it on Amazon at $2.99 for a Kindle copy. However, for this Thanksgiving, I’ll go one step further. From November 27-December 1 the Kindle version of The Abduction of Joshua Bloom will be given away free. 

Here’s what Red City Review had to say about Abduction: “Michael L. Thal’s The Abduction of Joshua Bloom is a book filled with excitement and constant intrigue. The action in the novel never reaches slow points, and the reader is always shocked and surprised with the twists and turns throughout. Readers will be sure to empathize with the emotions Joshua undergoes throughout his years away from home, just as they are sure to really feel for him during his return to Earth. Combining elements of love, loss, and legacy,The Abduction of Joshua Bloom is a read for those of all ages and interests.” – Red City Review

Here are two 5-star reviews on Amazon about The Abduction of Joshua Bloom:

Anne Loader McGee had this to say: When 16-year-old Joshua Bloom awakens aboard an alien ship, he not only discovers the craft is being manned by a group of technically and socially-evolved teenagers from an alien culture, but that his abduction has a purpose. The Oceanians, as they are called, intend to train him to act as intermediary between the leaders of their own planet and the governments of Earth. They are desperate to leave their planet, and Earth has been chosen as the place most suited for relocation. In exchange for this, they are prepared to share their technology, their way of life, and their philosophy. And so begins a fascinating journey for Joshua Bloom in this fast-paced science fiction action story, guaranteed to hold your attention from beginning to end. I highly recommend this well-written and enjoyable novel.

Reader Maria Catalina Egan says: Joshua Bloom is not your everyday teen. Clever and resourceful he takes the reader on a brilliant intergalactic journey. His point of view and knowledge compared what he experiences with his Hebrew Culture. This makes the read relatable. It is a clever, fast paced, interesting read. The depth and growth of the main character felt real enough to touch.My favorite intergalactic creatures were in a planet with a fascinating underwater culture. There is an intricate diversity in settings and otherworldly creatures.The plot makes sense and is well developed, a most recommended read.

And two 4-star reviews:

Amazon’s Nick said this about The Abduction of Joshua Bloom: This book is perfect for the middle-school child who is too big for the typical chapter book, and too young to take on Ayn Rand. This is a lengthy read, full of extensive attempts to describe all sorts of fantastical worlds, creatures, and beings. The author takes great efforts to explain many beliefs and he also does well in comparing current life in the world to futuristic possibilities. I really liked the Oceanic theme of peace and tranquility, of uniting all things. I like how the alien beliefs make us seem so primal and not advanced at all in our thinking and actions. It makes their suggestions seem so sensible and makes the reader wonder why we haven’t achieved a higher-level of thinking, and are still living in our violent, intolerant ways. I am not sure if the author means for a sequel, mentioning a particular group of people meaning to attack, but it would be interesting to see the efforts of the earth combatting an alien force. The book is written with a young reader in mind, there are some hints at adult behavior (relationship with Anita) and a few bits of adult language, but overall, it is not offensive or handled inappropriately. This book is great for the sci-fi lover, the dreamer, the comic book reader. The different characters and planets make the read fun for those who like this genre. Good job!

Donnielle Tyner had this to say: I’m a fan of YA and Sci-Fi, so I was excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint. Although, I’ll admit, at first, I thought this was going to be some sort of boy’s wet dream come true story (Boy abducted by a group of strong women, one of whom flirts with him instantly). And I’m so glad I was mistaken. The world Thal builds is exciting and full of hope for the future of mankind.

The MC Joshua, is a typical teenage boy. At times, Joshua was immature, but what sixteen-year-old isn’t? It’s great that Thal allowed him to be smart and tough, yet still pass out and cry. Allowing a boy or man to be at one with his masculine side and his emotions is a concept that is severely lacking in the YA genre. Most YA boys are tough mans-men, but sensitive boys are usually not the heroes. Thank You Thal for that!

Anita and the other Oceana’s are an interesting race and you get plenty of backstory of the main characters and the history of the race as a whole. I felt they were a believable alien race. It was interesting how the sex-dynamic was reversed in Oceana and how Joshua was forced to experience the struggle that Earth women have to deal with.In short, The Abduction of Joshua Bloom is an enjoyable read.

There are fifteen global reviews of the novel on Amazon.com. Seventy-three percent of those reviews were five stars and 23% four stars. If you decide to read the book, please leave a review, too. For those of you who do leave a review, contact me and let me know. I’ll send you free a paperback copy of the award-winning novel, Koolura and the Mayans, winner of the 2018 eLit Awards in Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction. 

From November 27-December 1 The Abduction of Joshua Bloom will be given away free. All you need to do is click on the link and download the book onto your Kindle. Easy, peasy.

Most importantly, have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Imagine waking up deaf! Goodbye, Tchaikovsky an emotional autobiography by Michael Thal