Space Opera Gets a Make-Over

The Abduction of Joshua Bloom has had two different publishers. On both accounts, the book covers lacked pizzaz. When I decided to self-publish my sci-fi masterpiece, I hired a phenomenal digital artist, told her what I wanted, and April Klein did not disappoint. 

In the early part of this 232-page space opera, Joshua Bloom, a high school track star, is out for his morning run. He ignores warning signs of an escaped lion from the Central Park Zoo, which he figures is a publicity stunt. Though Josh is fast, he can’t out run a lion and is close to becoming cat chow when a mysterious beam of light plucks him from the animal’s claws just in time. Though they saved his life, the aliens also change it and potentially the history of planet Earth.  

Here’s what people are saying about The Abduction of Joshua Bloom: 

Maria Catalina Egan, author of Defined by Others, gave this five-star review on Amazon.com: 

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 is compared with his Jewish cultural experiences, making the read relatable.

The Abduction of Joshua Bloom 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 on a planet with a fascinating underwater culture. Throughout the novel there is an intricate diversity in settings and otherworldly creatures. The plot makes sense and is well developed, a most recommended read.

Amazon reader, Future Boy, gave this four-star review: 

This book is ambitious, suggesting ways we can make mankind–and the planet better, in a new era of co-operation and collaboration by nations, several of which have merged to form “super-states.” But most of the book focuses on the space adventures of Joshua Bloom, a Jewish teenager who is abducted into space. Typically, alien abductions are mysterious or hostile, but this time, it’s a friendly crew of inter-galactic women that take him in. They tell him that they need him in order to save a dying planet and to persuade Earth–in the most forceful but appealing way possible–to accept this massive influx of a space race.

I enjoyed it when Joshua remarks something to the effect of, “How can Earth accept a new species in peace when we bicker among ourselves?” It does make me wonder why we can’t simply all get along, how delightful it would be to have real, lasting peace in our lifetimes!
Another enjoyable book by this author!

Anne Loader McGee gave her “Great Read” review 5-stars:

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 an intermediary between the leaders of their planet and the governments of Earth. They are desperate to leave their world 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. 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.

Other reviewers say The Abduction of Joshua Bloom is vividly written, an imaginative tale, and the author paints beautiful pictures and gorgeous other-worldly images. 

I’ll leave you to decide for yourself, and once you do, please leave a short review on Amazon.com. 

Thank you!