The Unsung

After the Galaxy #1

by Scott Bartlett, Mark Boyett (Narrator)

We colonized the galaxy - then abandoned it

Famine swept the stars, and most of humanity gave up, uploading by the trillions into a digital utopia free from pain and want.

It’s Commander Joe Pikeman’s job to protect what’s left: not just the computer servers, but the flesh-and-blood people huddled in fortified settlements, praying to be overlooked by pirates and other predators.

When raiders start abducting children from those settlements, Joe uncovers a galaxy-wide conspiracy bent on enslaving everyone.

They hit Joe where it hurts the most – where he keeps his heart buried. Now, he’s going to use all his training and skill to make them pay.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Space Opera, Fantasy, Military Fiction, Artificial Intelligence

Audible Audio

Published March 27, 2019

About the author

Scott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.

Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.

Here are some more believable statements:

Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.

During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…

...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.

In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.

Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:

https://www.scottplots.com

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one strange book! That doesn’t necessarily mean it was bad, but the concept of this universe was hard to understand. You see, humans have some how evolved to the point they don’t want to be in the “real” world. VR and the ability to completely immerse yourself into the virtual world you create, has taken over all humanity so that there are very few “real” people left. The Bacchus Corporation began offering people a way to get out of their boring lives and into something that would be perfect and would always stay perfect. They found a way to digitize a human conscience and load it into a data server. There, this new digital person, could create whatever environment they wanted to live in. More and more people found that real life was getting too hard and they opted to “upload” and leave their physical bodies to the Bacchus Corporation. It wasn’t know if they could actually come back to their bodies, but the Bacchus Corp. had agreed to store all these bodies until a way could be found to reverse the original upload.

So, apparently, the various galactic systems have huge data servers located somewhere in that system. The Guardsmen is an organization that was formed to protect those servers at all cost. Guardsmen were real humans who for whatever reason didn’t feel the need to “upload” and were perfectly fine in the real world. They were trained like the military and once trained earned the title of “Troubleshooter”. They had the authority to use whatever force necessary to protect the subverse data servers and terminals within their area of responsibility.

There still did exist communities of humans who were living in the real world and the Guardsmen kind of took care of them also. Our main character, Commander Joe Pikeman grew up on the planet Calabar and in Brinktown (a common name for all human settlements). So, Commandeer Pikeman is on a current assignment that takes him to Earth to check on the Sol Subverse server. Something seems to have opened the door to the server room and that’s not ever supposed to happen unless it’s done by a Guardsman. He lands on Earth and enters the Brinktown that contains the terminal for this subverse only to find out that all the inhabitants have been slaughtered. Apparently, Pirates are very common in the universe and they have struck this Earth Brinktown for some unknown reason.

And that makes the rest of the story plot. Commander Joe Pikeman has to track down these Pirates and find out what they are up to. They appear to be attacking Brinktowns on every planet, killing the adults and kidnapping all the children. As thought this wasn’t enough of a problem for a single Guardsman, he’s also contending with a teenaged daughter who think she knows everything and resents the fact that her Father, Joe Pikeman, has gone off and become a Guardsman while leaving her in the care of an Aunt. He comes to visit every so often, but that’s not good enough for Harmony, his daughter. Oh, Harmony’s Mother, she uploaded a long while ago, but Harmony doesn’t seem to blame her Mother for leaving as much as she blames her father for not being around.

Anyway, Harmony gets it in her head that she can do what she wants and she wants to go after the Pirates just like her Father, except she has no training and apparently not much of a brain either. That kind of trouble Commander Pikeman doesn’t need, but he gets plenty. Not only does he have to find his daughter, but he’s also still got to go after the Pirates and find out what they are up to. Makes for a pretty good story, but there are a lot of unusual concepts in this book.

While this one seems to come to an end fairly completely, I guess there are other books in this series. I will probably read them since I have already been exposed to this weird environment and kind of understand what’s going on, I think!

[Daniel Kablaoui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written on a dare! It includes:

Boss fights
A Lone Ranger
And therefore scared townsfolk
Lazers
Pirates
The Force
And therefore Jedi (no
An emergent technological God intelligence
Zombies
A Giant Snake
Ornery Robots who hate each other and disdain humans.
A Mage
Magic (not force) lightening from said mage
A Bridge Crew
One explicit Asimov reference
...
And on and on all the elements (it begins to feel like the author lost a bet)

And a bit of meditation in general upon, child soldiers, unrealistic space physics, livestreaming for money, MMORPG (upload) metaphysics, and how rich people screw up everything generally.

Delightful all around, something you'll want to read in a day and shake your head in incredulity and satisfaction (the book is nothing if not hilariously satisfying). Bring this one to the beach or take it camping.

All around addictive. You will probably Like this book. Let's not think to hard.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Unsung is the first book in the After The Galaxy series. While you could read this as a standalone, it is clear that the story continues beyond this book. There is violence. While I love most of what this author writes, I had a harder time enjoying this book. Not sure if I will read more in this series or not yet.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of fun geeky fun here. A fun mix of fantasy and sci-fi aspects.

[David Munch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Unsung by Scott Bartlett is a first person science fiction story set in the future, where humanity is divided between living in the real world, and a virtual reality world. By uploading yourself to giant servers, one lives out ones life in a ‘better’ reality with everything one could wish for. Of course, despite being the far future, there are still real life pirates around..

We follow Commander Joe Pikeman, a guy who’s very old school anti-‘virtual life’ minded, and his mission to track down the pirates who have destroyed his home town. We encounter pirate lords, have space battles, hear about a very cliché daughter/wife plot, and get a tour around this highly digitalized world.

The book as such wasn’t bad. It is pure space opera, with space battles, plenty of action, virtual life styles, and a good mixture of future technology. The main character is likeable, and something is happening on almost every page, along with plenty of action scenes. In addition I found it quite well written, with scenes and dialog flowing very nicely.

The plot wasn’t too complex, but I frankly found the entire scifi side of it too superfluous. The ideas are no where near novel, and most of them have been overused way too much. The upload to the virtual world wasn’t fleshed out sufficiently, and the space pirates and space battles was run of the mill. And the main character acts like he’s a superhero. And then there was the very cliché daughter and wife side plots. For some reason the teeange daughter is Indiana Jones, a super hacker, super spy, etc., which didn’t fit at all, as if she came straight out of a super cliché young adult book.
The first four chapters were mostly info dump, and there wasn’t much of a story to start things up with. In general the whole book was riddled with a lot of useless and forced details throughout, so I got the feeling that the author had done a lot of random world building, and wanted to include it all. I think another good round of editing would have done good. Second part of the book was the best for me, when all the minor useless details got out of the way, and the story was the center.

I listened to the audiobook version, and really enjoyed the narration by Mark Boyett, which fit the story quite nicely.

For fans looking for a well written, light headed scifi space opera with a plot that isn’t too deep, but with a story that will keep you guessing as to where it is going, with a likeable main character, this is a good pick. Just don’t expect something completely novel that pushes any litterary boundaries.

I received this audiobook for free, in return for a review.

[Wayne Scace · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** SPOILER ALERT ***
Bartlett delivers a fine tale in "The Unsung: After The Galaxy Book 1" Audible edition.
We meet Joe, Dice, The Aries and Maneater in quick succession.
Joe is the point of view character, you'll find out about the others as you read.
The author does a fine job of worldbuilding and character development. Especially Joe Pikeman's character as an elite Galactic Guard Trouble Shooter. With an emphasis on the shooter part...
Q: Can Joe figure out who destroyed the server room on Sol?
Q: Can Joe discover why only the adults were killed in the Sol Brinktown?
Q: Can Joe rescue his daughter and the daughter of an influential society member?
A: Read this fine tale and find out!
I highly recommend this book in whichever format that you prefer. I read it via Audible and I am looking forward reading the next book in the series.
I've talked about the author, now let me talk about the talent that brought the story to life.
Mark Boyett's voice if familiar to me from other books that he's narrated. Mr. Boyett does a great job of bringing Bartlett's story to life. I've listened to audio books since I was about eight and the narrator is CRUCIAL. A great narrator can make a great story even greater. Mr. Boyett does that in this case. Having been a Talking Book patron for a few decades the highest compliment that I can bestow upon Mr. Boyett is that he is on par with Bob Askey.
In the interest of transparency, I was given a review copy and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
This is my own opinion.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bartlett does an amazing job of transitioning from one series to the next in a relatively short amount of time. "The Unsung" is the beginning of his newest series, "After the Galaxy."

Humanity has left the building, metaphorically speaking. The majority of humanity has uploaded into server farms across the galaxy. They have transitioned from physical life to digital. While living their digital existence, there are those left behind who do not wish to give up a corporeal existence, or can't afford it. Some of these people have to handle the operational aspects of maintaining these server farms.

Joe Pikeman is a trouble shooter. He is responsible for investigating and fixing issues with these services across the galaxy. Unfortunately, everything is not what it seems to be. What looks like a routine mission puts Pikeman on a dangerous path. Someone is destroying these servers, and therefore, killing uploaded digital constructs. Pikeman now plays a dangerous game with deadly consequences for those he loves.

While different than Bartlett's previous works, this series shows promise. I look forward to seeing where Bartlett takes us.

Note: this reviewer received an ARC from the author in exchange for constructive feedback and an honest review.

[Sheila Beitler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has taken a step back from his wildly popular Battle cruisers, star ships, and Alien books for a new, slightly different series. Joe Pikeman is a Troubleshooter. He's tasked with finding and repairing Terminals housing the Subverse. These Terminals house duplicates of humans repeatedly in many different places, trying to expand their lifetime and are free to act, well, play different ways they were intended to on Earth. The author starts on page one setting up the scene that takes Joe Pikeman to places and doing things he never dreamed of. You'll be captivated immediately and will find it hard to put this book down. It's like nothing you've ever read before!

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Bartlett’s After the Galaxy: The Unsung is really a commanding achievement. A totally - and wildly - imaginative are of universe-building into which he has provided one heck of an excellent action filled sci-fi novel with a fantastic cast and the start of what I can already tell will be a great story arc. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid sci-fi here. The premise is intriguing, and the use of the "sub-verse" as a sort of VR world a majority of humanity has retreated to is a rather depressing prophecy of where mankind could go. The first-person narrative took a little to get used to, but Bartlett made it work. I found myself drawn into the story and eager to see what was going to happen next to the main character. The ending was a little vague (though it did tie up most of the the story arcs it opened up), but with it being the first book of a series, that is to be expected.

All in all, pretty good. I'm curious to see where Bartlett takes the series.

[Clint the Cool Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great story. Had a lot of interesting elements. It kind of came across as an interesting mashup of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Ready Player One, and Black Mirror. I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.

The main character is pretty unique. He’s a loner, kind of a jerk, actually. And shockingly violent. But that makes him a very interesting protagonist, especially when you see him try to do the right thing, oftentimes struggling to figure out what even is the the right thing.

It’s a good book. The more I’ve read of this author, the more I’ve gotten to like his stories. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series. Recommended!

[Barbara Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Pikeman is not a lovable character but carries this first-person action-filled space opera where he lives aboard a spaceship, a lone human, with a bot that calls him a flesh bag and 4 digitized crewmembers. The future is humanity living forever in a digital virtual reality. Flesh bags are what the few humans left that haven't uploaded are called by the bots and VR folks. Once this book gets going, it starts a bit slow, it is fast-paced and action-packed. It is a well thought out future world.

[Kerry Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start but worrh the wait.

The universe is carefully crafted and believable. It raises all sorts of questions about 'life the universe and all that' and to its credit makes an effort to deal with them.
Characters start as stereotypes but develop. The action, when it eventaully comes, is heroic and impossible but that's the genre.
First in a series but concludes the story arc, with an ethical hook to the next books.
All in all a good read.

[Tom McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humans have mostly given up living in the real world and are instead up loaded into computers where they can live forever. Not everyone wants that life and a few become guards to combat pirates in the real world and preserve the order of the worlds where those that did not upload their conscience reside. This is the story of one of the guardsmen and his adventures fighting corruption and pirates.

[Ilene G> · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of this series.

I really enjoyed this. I liked the action and characters. I liked the descriptions of the world's visited, and the real and virtual worlds. Joe, the hero, believes in what he does and is flawed. He is a human being who makes mistakes. I like him a lot. There are surprises and twists in the plot. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Mick Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of I must say that was given a copy of this book as part of the author ARC group. I think we have another awesome new series on our hand here! In this book we meet a new hero Joe, who is thrown into one fight after another but is he going in the right direction? It should be interesting to see what Joe gets up to next can't wait to read more.

[Vero]

Stopped reading after 40%.

It was a good story, well-written, really original world-building.

But I went out the door when it started to remind me too much of star wars, and the layers within layers became confusing. Still, a good read, just not for me, and not right now. Not enough entertainment value, too much drama.
And I really really didn't appreciate the teenage daughter.

[thomas roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ; After the Galaxy: The Unsung

Enjoyable reading, sometimes a little confusing. Strong characteristics and story line. Some times the main character seemed a little less professional than an experienced hunter that he was supposed to be. Although he managed to get the job done. Maybe it is human to error some of the time. Good reading overall.

[David Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started out good and then somewhere around the halfway point, it turned into Star Wars Episode V. Complete with a mysterious guy in robes who wants to train the main character in the mythical ways of the deity and a back guy bent on starting a new galactic order...

Then, just as suddenly, that whole plot line got dropped...Wholly unsatisfying

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a strange story, but strange enough to make me order the next book!

At first I almost quit reading this book because I did not like the main character ( still don't even after finishing the book) . I am confused about the "real life" vs the Subverse. However I am curious about the Shiva Knights and how Lineman thinks he will ever be good enough to become one.

[Roza · Rating 2 out of 5]

A perfectly serviceable style and a handful of truly interesting in theory ideas mixed in with the multitudinous tepid ones are thrown directly in the garbage in service of tried but not true riffs on star wars, anime, and various other properties that the most boring of authors always come running back to when they threaten to break into the scary territory that is something unique.

[Frank Geimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good read, full of action and adventure that will keep your imagination going. The storyline is different for a space opera, but in a good way. It seems more like real life in the far future. Anyway,I recommend this novel and can't wait to see what's next.

[Charles Kibby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok digging this so far

It looks like this author has another good story and new universe worked out. Characters are good and developing nicely. One of the coolest things is all three books are already out so j do not have to wait, woot woot. Thank you

[Frank Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best

The writing style is first class. The hero is engaging. His personality makes following his adventures easy and compulsive. The plot is imaginative beyond the usual sci fi novel. This was really enjoyable.

[Paul Madsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Space Lora novel

This space Lora novel was gripping from start to finish. The concept of several scenarios and factions bring several new concepts to the readers mind. This would make an interesting movie.

[Paul Gover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy read with a good blend of story and action just what I was hoping. gave it a chance and will finish the series now if you like space stories pick it up. Nothing super deep or amazing but if you like the category give it a shot.

[Krzysztof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Bartlett new series is on the same level as his others series

Commander Joe Pikeman travels through universe with his “upload” crew trying to found out why raiders started to abduct children.

did enjoy listening to this audiobook

Like always Mark Boyett did a great job narrating this book

[Michael Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I liked this book. Kinda of an anti-hero, or a reluctant hero story. Plot moves fast, no slowing down to decode. Recommended

[John Alvord · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be brief here. I really enjoyed this one. If I didn't already have so many books on my reading list I'd buy the next one in the series.

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

The book was filled with spaceships, robots, and a galaxy wide internet that people loaded their minds into. It was awesome!