Space is vast, mostly empty, extremely cold, very dangerous, and just generally a rotten place to travel. But what if a spaceship out there had no passengers? Would it get lonely? Would it go searching for new customers? And what if...it found us? This is the story of Flynn Hopper, a graduate assistant in astrophysics and a last-minute addition to a team making humanity's first trip to the outer planets. The expedition is privately funded...it employs a hazardous and technically unexplainable craft...and it may be just a bit illegal. Who would go on such a thing? (That is, if it weren't for the cheap tickets and high potential for career-making discoveries.) What adventures might a young crew member on such a mission fall into? Who would he have to leave behind? And what would he find there in outer space-or rather, what would find him? "...a fun mix of soap opera, love story, first contact, and solar-system exploration that pokes fun at bureaucracy, academia, and relationships."-John E. Stith, author of Manhattan Transfer and others "...sharp storytelling with heart and humor."-Nadine Keaney, Front Row Entertainment "Much like Becky Chambers' Monk and Robot and Wayfarers series and Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, Falling Through Space provides an engaging imagining of life beyond human experience and the potential for unlikely friendships."- Sarah K. "It's sci-fi that doesn't take itself too seriously but still delivers the goods. The author clearly has a good head, a good heart, and a slightly warped imagination (the best kind)."-Dean S. "'Andy Weir meets Douglas Adams' in this spirited space opera from actor/playwright Michael L. Stevens."- Lianne Downey, author of Perception, Cosmic Dancer, and others "Definitely not predictable...more please!" - Bill S. "This rollicking space adventure tale unfolds with great imagination and humor. Fast-paced storytelling..."-Liz Morton Duckworth, author of Poker Alice Tubbs: The Straight Story Michael L. Stevens was born and raised in the Midwest, eventually moved to Colorado, and now resides in the Pacific Northwest. In college, he enrolled in English Literature because he enjoyed it, but later studied Information Technology, not only to get a "real" job but also because he was fascinated by computers. After leaving graduate school, he cleverly evaded the draft by enlisting in the Army. He then ended up in a combat zone, where he was shot at without result and returned fire with equal precision. In the end, he was fortunate to leave the zone with a few holes but all major organs intact.Michael has worked as a technical writer, systems analyst, and database designer. He has also worked as a Jeep tour guide, driving folks to the summit of Pikes Peak and sometimes demonstrating minor skill with a bullwhip by wrapping it around volunteer passengers, fortunately without damage, injury, or lawsuit. He has published cowboy poetry, and for more than thirty years, served as co-owner, actor, and scriptwriter for two theatrical companies specializing in murder mysteries. Falling Through Space is his debut novella. He finds that he enjoys writing mostly true stories which are also mostly untrue. Such is fiction.You'll find him at www.michaellstevens.com