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Twisted Planet #2
Twisted Planet Book Two: An eclectic collection of sci-fi short stories
Welcome to Peter Schinkel's second anthology of sci-fi short stories, exploring themes of love, fear, hope and fun. From the journey of an interstellar taxi pilot questioning the direction of her life, to the tale of a man who wakes up in his childhood bedroom, each story is unique in its exploration of humanity.
JOURNEY with four friends who fall from a cliff, landing in the Stone Age. Will the future ever be the same again?
TRAVEL with Walter, flung from 19th century Manhattan into modern times.
HOPE for the best as Alex struggles above the clouds of Venus, far from his husband in Melbourne.
LAUGH with Melitta and Johnny as they navigate a challenging time in ancient Egypt.
PLUS NINE more enjoyable stories.
‘Allow yourself the exhilaration of being spirited away to worlds beyond your wildest imagination. Peter Schinkel triumphs again, captivating his readers with his entertaining, page-turning sci-fi stories.’
- Graeme Goldsmith. Author.
‘Twisted Planet is an apt name for Peter Schinkel’s sci-fi anthologies. His spellbinding story The Perfect Machine is a captivating look at new-age AI. Peter’s stories evoke memories to which we can all relate, making us dream about the possibilities of creating our own reality.’
- Beverley Young. Author.
‘His stories are so quirky and cool! … Awesome prose and poignant dialogue ... This author encapsulates joy and adventure in his books—something we could all use more of.’
- Dan. Goodreads reader.
JOURNEY with four friends who fall from a cliff, landing in the Stone Age. Will the future ever be the same again?
TRAVEL with Walter, flung from 19th century Manhattan into modern times.
HOPE for the best as Alex struggles above the clouds of Venus, far from his husband in Melbourne.
LAUGH with Melitta and Johnny as they navigate a challenging time in ancient Egypt.
PLUS NINE more enjoyable stories.
‘Allow yourself the exhilaration of being spirited away to worlds beyond your wildest imagination. Peter Schinkel triumphs again, captivating his readers with his entertaining, page-turning sci-fi stories.’
- Graeme Goldsmith. Author.
‘Twisted Planet is an apt name for Peter Schinkel’s sci-fi anthologies. His spellbinding story The Perfect Machine is a captivating look at new-age AI. Peter’s stories evoke memories to which we can all relate, making us dream about the possibilities of creating our own reality.’
- Beverley Young. Author.
‘His stories are so quirky and cool! … Awesome prose and poignant dialogue ... This author encapsulates joy and adventure in his books—something we could all use more of.’
- Dan. Goodreads reader.
188 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2024
34 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Peter Schinkel
23 books10 followersFun and adventure are at the heart of Peter Schinkel's quirky, entertaining short stories. The characters living within his pages bring warmth, love and a dash of humour into the world of science fiction.
From the tale of a woman who discovers the true history of her planet, to the journey of a man who wakes up as a thirteen-year-old in his childhood bedroom, each story is unique in its exploration of humanity.
Peter loves Douglas Adams' humour, Isaac Asimov's informal style, and Becky Chambers' fantastic world building imagination.
Visit 'Twisted Planet Books' on Facebook and Instagram.
From the tale of a woman who discovers the true history of her planet, to the journey of a man who wakes up as a thirteen-year-old in his childhood bedroom, each story is unique in its exploration of humanity.
Peter loves Douglas Adams' humour, Isaac Asimov's informal style, and Becky Chambers' fantastic world building imagination.
Visit 'Twisted Planet Books' on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 11, 2025
Twisted Planet Book Two: An Eclectic Collection of Sci-Fi Short Stories by Peter Schinkel is an excellent second book in the series. Schinkel delivers a blend of science fiction tales, each with a different concept and world. Ranging from advanced technology to interstellar travel, the tales are full of intriguing concepts and escapades.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the diversity of the stories. Some are quick and action-packed, while others are more about profound questions regarding technology and the future. Schinkel does a great job of making each story unique, so you never know what to expect next. The characters are also well-developed, so it is easy to care about them and what happens to them.
It combines entertaining adventures with compelling concepts regarding the future and challenges readers to consider what may lie ahead for technology and humanity. If you enjoyed the first Anthology, this is well worth the read!
What makes this book so enjoyable is the diversity of the stories. Some are quick and action-packed, while others are more about profound questions regarding technology and the future. Schinkel does a great job of making each story unique, so you never know what to expect next. The characters are also well-developed, so it is easy to care about them and what happens to them.
It combines entertaining adventures with compelling concepts regarding the future and challenges readers to consider what may lie ahead for technology and humanity. If you enjoyed the first Anthology, this is well worth the read!
November 16, 2024
Another enjoyable round of short stories encapsulating adventure and joy. Some good humour and even romance. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2025
This is a great collection of short stories with a good variety of themes and settings. I would recommend for any avid reader.
April 2, 2025
The second anthology of Peter Schinkel’s unique science fiction stories. Thirteen in all, ranging from cozy and cute to exciting and adventurous.
Interstellar Taxi Ride — Lonni Elm is the titular taxi driver. One poignant passenger makes her question everything. Awesome prose and dialogue. Intriguing tale.
Awakening — Two years on, and James continues to mourn his mother. The time travel brings quiet revelations and brand-new perspectives. Beautiful. One of Schinkel’s best stories—and the strongest in this collection.
Yesterday’s Manhattan — Walter finds an interesting object in Mrs. Frost’s thrift shop. Shows how much things can change—and how much they can also stay the same—in a good way. 😊
Melitta & Johnny III: Budapest — Our favorite grandparents get the traveling itch again. Sonja Henie and the ballpoint pen. Patrick guest stars. Sweet and comfy.
Once Was Sarajevo — Ben and three friends travel to Sarajevo—and get so much more than they’d bargained for. Different worlds, and different visions. One of the author’s more plot-driven works. Nice landing.
An Astronaut and a Doctor — We learn, early on, how a mission several years ago altered Alex. Despite the nature of his change, his relationship with husband Lincoln remains strong. Well-written; just needs a further push towards the end to be the five-star story it has the potential for.
The Perfect Machine — Set in the 23rd century, where AI has saved humanity—and revolutionized the world.
Each human on Earth is paired with his own personal AI assistant.
George, our MC, is paired with Charlie.
A dark—but not unwelcome—conclusion. Super creative. Third best of the bunch.
To The Ocean — A future dystopian Sydney, Australia is the setting. Heavy on climate hysteria, though the governmental conspiracy and propaganda bits are all too relatable, and save this story. Still…weakest of the bunch.
My New Sweetest Memory — Eliza and her Nan’s prized journal. Uses magical realism as well as science fiction elements.
Melitta & Johnny IV: Ancient Egypt — Another M&J story. 😊 These just keep getting better and better. Spud, the neighbor’s cat, plays an interesting role. Charming and enjoyable.
Reasons for Living — Caleb, LUNA, and Piper end up stranded on an unfamiliar planet. Heartwarming. Could use that push (à la Astronaut) to get to five-star territory.
Entitled Island — Michael is quite the student prodigy. His prize for winning the Artificial Intelligence competition? An exciting trip to Mystery Island. Interesting world-building. Cool ending.
Sixty-Six Million Years — Saves the second-best for last. Ryan’s time machine. BFF Lorraine, and cat Albert. The dinosaurs and the comet. A fun and delightful read with a gorgeous ending.
Overall, a more consistent collection than book one. Retains the cozy style of science fiction. Less ideological. Beautiful reminders of life’s joys.
(And he thanks the readers. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻)
Interstellar Taxi Ride (4 ⭐️)
Awakening (5 ⭐️)
Yesterday’s Manhattan (4 ⭐️)
Melitta & Johnny III: Budapest (4 ⭐️)
Once Was Sarajevo (4 ⭐️)
An Astronaut and a Doctor (4 ⭐️)
The Perfect Machine (5 ⭐️)
To The Ocean (3 ⭐️)
My New Sweetest Memory (4 ⭐️)
Melitta & Johnny IV: Ancient Egypt (4 ⭐️)
Reasons for Living (4 ⭐️)
Entitled Island (4 ⭐️)
Sixty-Six Million Years (5 ⭐️)
Interstellar Taxi Ride — Lonni Elm is the titular taxi driver. One poignant passenger makes her question everything. Awesome prose and dialogue. Intriguing tale.
Awakening — Two years on, and James continues to mourn his mother. The time travel brings quiet revelations and brand-new perspectives. Beautiful. One of Schinkel’s best stories—and the strongest in this collection.
Yesterday’s Manhattan — Walter finds an interesting object in Mrs. Frost’s thrift shop. Shows how much things can change—and how much they can also stay the same—in a good way. 😊
Melitta & Johnny III: Budapest — Our favorite grandparents get the traveling itch again. Sonja Henie and the ballpoint pen. Patrick guest stars. Sweet and comfy.
Once Was Sarajevo — Ben and three friends travel to Sarajevo—and get so much more than they’d bargained for. Different worlds, and different visions. One of the author’s more plot-driven works. Nice landing.
An Astronaut and a Doctor — We learn, early on, how a mission several years ago altered Alex. Despite the nature of his change, his relationship with husband Lincoln remains strong. Well-written; just needs a further push towards the end to be the five-star story it has the potential for.
The Perfect Machine — Set in the 23rd century, where AI has saved humanity—and revolutionized the world.
Each human on Earth is paired with his own personal AI assistant.
George, our MC, is paired with Charlie.
A dark—but not unwelcome—conclusion. Super creative. Third best of the bunch.
To The Ocean — A future dystopian Sydney, Australia is the setting. Heavy on climate hysteria, though the governmental conspiracy and propaganda bits are all too relatable, and save this story. Still…weakest of the bunch.
My New Sweetest Memory — Eliza and her Nan’s prized journal. Uses magical realism as well as science fiction elements.
Melitta & Johnny IV: Ancient Egypt — Another M&J story. 😊 These just keep getting better and better. Spud, the neighbor’s cat, plays an interesting role. Charming and enjoyable.
Reasons for Living — Caleb, LUNA, and Piper end up stranded on an unfamiliar planet. Heartwarming. Could use that push (à la Astronaut) to get to five-star territory.
Entitled Island — Michael is quite the student prodigy. His prize for winning the Artificial Intelligence competition? An exciting trip to Mystery Island. Interesting world-building. Cool ending.
Sixty-Six Million Years — Saves the second-best for last. Ryan’s time machine. BFF Lorraine, and cat Albert. The dinosaurs and the comet. A fun and delightful read with a gorgeous ending.
Overall, a more consistent collection than book one. Retains the cozy style of science fiction. Less ideological. Beautiful reminders of life’s joys.
(And he thanks the readers. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻)
Interstellar Taxi Ride (4 ⭐️)
Awakening (5 ⭐️)
Yesterday’s Manhattan (4 ⭐️)
Melitta & Johnny III: Budapest (4 ⭐️)
Once Was Sarajevo (4 ⭐️)
An Astronaut and a Doctor (4 ⭐️)
The Perfect Machine (5 ⭐️)
To The Ocean (3 ⭐️)
My New Sweetest Memory (4 ⭐️)
Melitta & Johnny IV: Ancient Egypt (4 ⭐️)
Reasons for Living (4 ⭐️)
Entitled Island (4 ⭐️)
Sixty-Six Million Years (5 ⭐️)
March 10, 2025
Twisted Planet Book Two: An Eclectic Collection of Sci-Fi Short Stories by Peter Schinkel is an interesting assembly of varied science fiction stories. Each one has something different, ranging from quick action to profound thoughts on technology and the future.
Schinkel's writing is easy to read and fun, with good character development and interesting plots. Whether you're a science fiction reader or a newcomer to the genre, this anthology is a fun and stimulating read. It's a good sequel to the first book in the series.
Whether you’re a long-time science fiction fan or new to the genre, this anthology is sure to provide a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Peter Schinkel has once again proven his talent for crafting compelling stories that captivate and challenge readers.
One of the best things about Twisted Planet Book Two is the way that the author can mix entertainment with more profound contemplations regarding mankind, technology, and the unexplained. Schinkel doesn't merely write entertaining tales; he also makes people think about the ethical and philosophical consequences of the worlds he writes about.
Schinkel's writing is easy to read and fun, with good character development and interesting plots. Whether you're a science fiction reader or a newcomer to the genre, this anthology is a fun and stimulating read. It's a good sequel to the first book in the series.
Whether you’re a long-time science fiction fan or new to the genre, this anthology is sure to provide a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Peter Schinkel has once again proven his talent for crafting compelling stories that captivate and challenge readers.
One of the best things about Twisted Planet Book Two is the way that the author can mix entertainment with more profound contemplations regarding mankind, technology, and the unexplained. Schinkel doesn't merely write entertaining tales; he also makes people think about the ethical and philosophical consequences of the worlds he writes about.
March 10, 2025
Twisted Planet Book Two: An Eclectic Collection of Sci-Fi Short Stories by Peter Schinkel is an intriguing sequel to the initial book of the Twisted Planet Anthologies. In the second book, Schinkel again presents a variety of science fiction short stories with their own distinct approach to future worlds, technology, and the human condition.
The series is varied, with each tale presenting a new theme and location, making it an extremely enjoyable read for readers of the genre. From discussing the effects of artificial intelligence on society to musing over the effects of space travel, Schinkel's tales encourage readers to think about what the future may hold and the possible issues we might encounter.
Schinkel's prose is readable and engaging, with richly developed characters and compelling plots. Some of the stories are action-oriented and quick-paced, while others explore more cerebral ideas and the emotional aspects of futuristic situations. This combination of pace and tone makes the book fascinating and guarantees that there is something for all types of readers.
The series is varied, with each tale presenting a new theme and location, making it an extremely enjoyable read for readers of the genre. From discussing the effects of artificial intelligence on society to musing over the effects of space travel, Schinkel's tales encourage readers to think about what the future may hold and the possible issues we might encounter.
Schinkel's prose is readable and engaging, with richly developed characters and compelling plots. Some of the stories are action-oriented and quick-paced, while others explore more cerebral ideas and the emotional aspects of futuristic situations. This combination of pace and tone makes the book fascinating and guarantees that there is something for all types of readers.
May 13, 2025
This follow up to Peter Schinkel's first book of anthologies is a very worthy sequel. A varied collection of very well written and enthralling short stories that will cater to fans of all genres.
Peter’s stories are less about aliens, war and dystopian futures, and more about exploring the human condition, looking at themes like love, fear, mortality, hope and fun. A great read for fans of short stories.
Peter’s stories are less about aliens, war and dystopian futures, and more about exploring the human condition, looking at themes like love, fear, mortality, hope and fun. A great read for fans of short stories.
June 15, 2025
A fun and entertaining collection, just as good as "Book One". There were some serious stories too. My favourite was "The Perfect Machine", a look at AI and humanity's role together in the future. My favourite fun story was "Melitta & Johnny Ancient Egypt". Also loved "Awakening" and "Sixty-six Million Years". Both beautiful and warm. Loved most of the stories. Will look forward to Book Three.
June 15, 2025
I loved this collection of short stories! Peter cleverly address themes about humanity through quirky, funny & thought provoking sci-fi stories that stay with you long after you've finished reading. This is exactly the fun trip through the galaxy I needed. If you're looking for something to escape into, get ready to have your planet twisted!
November 2, 2024
Awesome collection of stories. Serious, fun, heartwarming, quirky, a bit of everything. Some deep messages in here and some good laughs too. Highly recommend reading this fresh take on science fiction.
May 4, 2025
Sort of mediocre. I'd rather spend my time reading something better.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews