Red Sands

Orbs #1.2

by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

A thrilling prequel to the bestselling Orbs series.

Jeff and his little brother David are alone. Their parents have disappeared along with the rest of the world, replaced by glowing blue orbs and a terrifying army of aliens.

But the boys are survivors. Living in the tunnels beneath the White Sands military base, escaping from hungry aliens, and searching for supplies, they hatch a plan. The boys will fight back, and before they’re through the white sands will run red with blood.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Aliens, Short Stories, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

Nicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.

Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.

Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/

Reviews

[BookzBookzBookz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orbs is a science fiction thriller that keeps you cringing and worrying about what's out there and what could happen if it came here! Set in the far future, earth is in trouble- we've abused natural resources and now, what's left is wanted by another more ominous, vicious being. Can humanity be saved? The Orbs series, written by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, is one of the best sci-fi tales I've read this year so far!

Red Sands is the fantastic story of Jeff and David, as well as a few others during the alien apocalypse. The story is so much stronger with this short story, and honestly, it tells more than I imagined. To me, it's very necessary, strengthening the saga instead of just filling in.

This installment also tells of the intended plan for the hidden settlements, and you begin to understand the monsters. The purpose of the spiders and a little something about who's controlling them. Read It!

The full Orbs series review:
http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...

Orbs Series
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Simon & Shuster/Simon

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella tells us more about what happened to Jeff and David, the young brothers abandoned at the Edwards Air Force Base when the Organics arrive, before they met up with members of the team from the Cheyenne Biosphere. We also follow a bit more of Dr. Hoffman's thoughts and reactions as he flies away from Earth, destination Mars.

Smith does a great job of seeing the events through a kid's eyes. He masks the terror and gore (which we should know well from the other ORBS stories) out well, only giving the kids as much as they can handle. Yet he doesn't quite let up on the kids either; there are a few tough choices for them to make. I also really appreciated getting into Hoffman's head a bit more, and seeing that he actually does have doubts. He's done his best, but has his best been enough?

Another well-written story that fills out the ORBS story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the story started in White Sands. Jeff and David have survived alone for an unknown amount of time. They are staying ahead of the aliens and hoping that maybe their father was able to do the same. The writing is still very clear with a nice feel for who the boys are. There is also a look at the man in charge of the NTC, Dr. Hoffman, who seems to want to save humanity but if it might risk his life he will not try very hard.

Another nice entry in the Orbs saga leading us to what is behind the invasion and what we can do to win.

[Aletia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a fan

of the short story, but with Nicholas' writing, it gives you a fully fleshed out tale and always leaves you wanting more :D Thankful I have Orbs II - Stranded, and don't have to wait to see what happens.

[Samyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible. This review addresses the entire Orbs Series, Books 1-4 including two shorts, Red Sands and White Sands. Suggest reading the prequel shorts first, but it doesn't matter. Just read from the beginning of the series to get the most from this exciting SciFi story. Several characters traverse the entire series.

Plot. Earth is invaded, a handful of humans survive to save the human race, and the earth itself - even taking you to Mars. The aliens are sucking up all the water on this planet, and other worlds in the cosmos. Lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, the snow from mountain tops, ice, and ... the human body. As the climate changes, temperatures soar, and more humans are gobbled up. Cut to a huge space ship that has abducted some humans and other life forms and it is speeding through space headed for........no spoilers. Did you know alien blood is blue?

Liked. Length. Just a personal thing. Long stories are yummy. This series is close to 40 hours of listening in unabridged audiobook format. Narration, production is fine, no sex, no language inappropriate to the scene. Given this is very futuristic, sexism is not an issue - there are many strong female characters - yea!

Not so hot? Not too much. You may get attached to a few characters that become alien munchies, but that's SciFi. Hard to roll your eyes at fantasies - but you may. 🙄

Written by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, narrated by Bronson Pinchot, released in 2019 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. Okay for the SciFi fan world, but no so much if you are not a fan of gooey aliens and monster spiders.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff and his little brother, David, are alone now, their father having sacrificed himself to keep them safe from the invading aliens. With both their parents gone along with the rest of the world, they are surrounded by glowing blue orbs and a terrifying army of aliens. Living in the tunnels beneath the White Sands military base, escaping from hungry aliens, and searching for supplies, they hatch a plan. The boys will fight back, and before they're through the white sands will run red with blood.

[Robert Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second short novella between book 1 and 2. The story continues to revolve around Jeff and his little brother David whom we met in book 1 at the NTC base. We also get a little more back story on the ship bound for Mars with Dr. Hoffman.

These novellas are a good lead into book 2 which I just started.

[N.W.Wisniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story picks up where white sands ends. Continuing the story of the young boys that appear in the main series. This one also gives the perspective of another cheaters that you hear ALOT about but don't know his story. Read this one and you will.

[Christine E Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

This is a perfect addition to the Orbs series. I enjoyed learning a little more about Jeff and David. But frankly, I didn't think I could hate Hoffman any more.

[Todd Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dripping red sands

This story is so compelling, I look forward to the next book!!! I hope the blue goo goes away soon!!

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked reading the rest of this. I loved how it showed the development of how they got and it ended with when you first see them.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably better than the 1st ORBS book

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short story but lost me towards the end. Not sure why. Probably distracted by the blizzard outside.

[Mike Zahajko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lot of overlap with the original story. Unnecessary short story addition.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow… the plot holes and inconsistencies are back. Yikes.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two young boys vs. the deadly spider aliens

RED SANDS is another prequel to author Smith's fantastic ORBS series. It continues the story of Jeff and David, young brothers who were brought to the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico by their stepmother. Their father worked as a guard at the site and the boys were supposed to be safe there with him.

But it is becoming apparent very quickly that nowhere on Earth is safe since the Organics - giant murderous spider aliens from space - invaded.

Also included in this short story (totaling six action packed chapters) is an update from Dr. Hoffman, escaping Earth in his spaceship SECUNDU CASU on its way to Mars.

I love the ORBS series and am looking forward to book 3 ORBS III: REDEMPTION coming out next month (March 2015). The series, including this story, is action packed, chilling, and has me rooting for the few human survivors left on our once beautiful planet, as the aliens destroy everyone in their path during their quest for Earth's water.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Red Sands: An Orbs Prequel” by Nicholas Sansbury Smith is another prequel to his excellent ORBS series. Like the rest of the series it is well written with great suspense and a gripping dramatic curve. After “White Sands” brothers Jeff and David have some more nail biting adventures, this time involving alien spiders/ the organics.
Additional episodes to a series are a hit and miss for me but this prequel adds nicely to the characterisation and the plot.
If you read and enjoyed any of the ORBS books don’t miss out on this little gem.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite science fiction series. We get the background story of Jeff and David. They survive on their own battling the alien spiders. I love Mr. Sansbury Smith's books and was happy to learn more about David and Jeff.

[Michael Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Short Prequel And Continuation Of White Sands

Amazing prequel, yet unfortunately short. Is an awesome continuation of White Sands and its two biggest characters. Highly recommended if your a fan of Orbs or sci-fi alien invasions.

[Kathy Ann'tie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short story about Jeff and David. They have finally met up with Overton and Sophie. I am ready for the 2nd Orbs book!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting enough for me to want to start reading in earnest.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story! I can't wait to start the Orbs series!