Treasures From Afar

by Troy D. Wymer

Shane Aslat is attending an art festival when he is desperately urged to search for a treasure. He soon finds that the Galactic Government is also searching for this mysterious treasure. Running from the government with a scroll and a hunch, Shane flees to space and escapes the Galactic Government’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, some rapid changes are happening inside the Galactic Government. After an assassination, a new threat sets himself up as emperor and merges with the Universal Expanse Church.

Shane’s adventures lead him to distant worlds, to a sail ship on the sea and to the rescue of his girlfriend, Shanda. Shane realizes which planet the treasure is on and travels there with Shanda, only to be followed by the newly reorganized Third Tiffan Siram Empire. On their way to the ancient temples, Shane proposes marriage to Shanda. They soon discover and befriend an alien who has also been searching for the treasure. Finally, in the depths of the dark temples, the mysterious treasure is revealed.

Together, they travel to the alien’s home world and join in a galactic war against the evil empire and church. Even in the midst of a chaotic galactic war, beautiful things can take place…

142 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2018

About the author

Troy D. Wymer is a science fiction space opera novelist from Michigan, US. He started writing in 1984, but it wasn't until 2016 that he formed the WymerNovels imprint and began to publish novels. Troy enjoys reading, writing, and listening to various subgenres of metal music.

Reviews

[Infinity Sisters Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

While attending a historic art festival, Shane discovers a missing document hidden behind a piece of art. He's handed a chance to find treasure, but it's an adventure that could get him killed. As he runs from the Galactic Government, he hides in an abandoned hotel where he meets Ariel. Together the two embark on an adventure that will change their lives. While Ariel seeks a fresh start, Shane is determined to rescue his girlfriend, Shanda. His search for treasure brings them to an unexpected alien ally and together they make a startling discovery. Shane is pulled into the middle of a war as a new emperor takes the throne and merges the empire with the Universal Expanse Church.

In Treasures From Afar, author Troy D. Wymer plays with multiple meanings on the idea of treasure as Shane discovers that treasure comes in various forms. A surprising twist on the treasure everyone is seeking reflects the overall plot dealing with religion and government. It's unexpected, but also fits perfectly into the world Wymer has created. The most important treasure comes in the form of the relationship he has with Shanda. On the surface the story feels like a treasure hunting adventure, but Wymer digs deeper into this gritty world by tackling a controlling government and freedom of religion, while also exploring a sweet romance. Through various perspectives different aspects of this world are explored, giving a well-rounded view of the war against the empire and church as these characters are pulled into the middle.

Wymer tackles the idea of freedom through the control of the empire which forces specific beliefs onto the people, while also exploring second chances for many of the characters. Ariel is living off the Galactic Government's radar, but what she truly wants is a fresh start and finally gets her chance when she meets Shane. He's the first one to really be nice to her and forms a genuine friendship with her. He gives her a real opportunity to find a new life for herself. Shane has a personal journey as he's been separated from Shanda for about a year so he wants nothing more than to get her back. Their romance adds a sweet undertone to the story as they have someone that grounds them through everything they experience. Treasures From Afar is an action adventure mixing treasure hunting fun with a science fiction setting.

[Diana Kathryn Penn · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an early, and ambitious project from Author Troy D. Wymer, "Treasures From Afar" is an intriguing story that intersects science fiction, fantasy, and religion. It's got a little bit of something for nearly every reader. Rich in the details of a society that has yet to evolve beyond its chronology, the curiosity of how the government aligned itself with religious sects, and then somehow fused their combined dogma into an immature galaxy coalition, makes for an interesting study of human (and alien) nature.

I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the worlds that Troy created. However, at one-hundred-thirteen pages, I was left wanting much more... I had more questions than the pages could answer. I wanted more detailed conversations, more tender, romantic bedroom scenes, more despots arguing in the preparation of a war, and more screams of anguish in the heat of battle. This novella is an excellent beginning to what I hope the author will develop into a long saga, one that unpacks all the tension of decisions made, and secrets kept.

I was impressed with the timeline provided in the back of the book. Clearly, there is a lot to this war, this galaxy, and it's inhabitants - they've been around for a while, with a lineage that seems rich and diverse. I wanted to see all those details in the story, and unfortunately, I was left at a loss. I would love to know the history of this story. Perhaps the author will, one day, expand on the novella, and create a series that delves into the layers hidden in between these pages.

I know that Troy has written other books, and they rest patiently on my TBR pile; he and his works will not be forsaken... I can only hope that they expand on this universe and the story that has captured my imagination and left me hungry for more.

[Lisa Winden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Troy D Wymer has taken the classic treasure hunt to new heights. This story will take you on a whirlwind of action and excitement. From the humble beginnings at a historical art festival to a mad race for survival across galaxies. Will Shane ever get out of Metro City? Will Ariel ever find happiness and safety? How will Shanda escape her imprisonment and will she ever find her soul mate again? What is the Lost Scroll that everyone seems to be looking for? The answers to these questions are wrapped up in intergalactic travel, overthrown governments, and war. You will be on the edge of your seat from the very first page. If you are a fan of science fiction, new species, and intergalactic travel, this book is for you. It has found a permanent place on my bookshelf and I am looking forward to Troy D Wymer's next work.

[Troy Wymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasures From Afar is an inspiring science fiction novel that captures the imagination. It is a story of friendship, government intrigue, of personal change, of a chase, a rescue, a story of love. It is a story of a search, a discovery and a war…all on a galactic scale.