Richard

Distant Son

By: Michael W. Hickman

Narrated by: Ron Allan Fouts

Richard is an average 15-year-old from the hills of Ohio whose biggest concerns are studying for tests and asking Becky out next Saturday. Everything changes one day when, while lying on the sofa in his parents’ basement, he hears someone whisper, "I am your gift." A moment later, the sofa shoots straight up into the air, passing like a ghost through the house and then soaring into space.

The sofa doesn’t stop until it reaches the moon. There he meets AAL, an artificial life form, who reveals a shocking secret: Richard is the rightful heir to a kingdom spanning the Milky Way galaxy.

With AAL’s help, Richard will travel to the distant planet of Krel, the kingdom’s capital, to claim his throne. Along the way, he will encounter wondrous creatures that he once thought mythical: centaurs, satyrs, pure white pegasuses, and many others.

But powerful forces are already gathering against him, and after centuries without a ruler, many in the kingdom are not ready to accept a boy from a backwater planet as their king. It will take every ounce of strength Richard has, along with help from some unlikely allies, for him to seize his destiny.

©2020, 2022 Michael W. Hickman (P)2024 Ron Allan

A new world and new life the Sci-Fi way!

A king’s bloodline is thought to have ended, however, amongst the planet hides one with the bloodline.

It was a normal day in Ohio for Richard. At 15 years of age, he was a normal gangly, shy boy with hopes of asking a girl out on a date, having fun with his friends, and keeping his grades up. Those were the days, now Richard is soaring on his sofa into outer space and meets his keeper, an artificial life form with a mission of finding the king’s bloodline and preparing him to take over.

The author, Michael W. Hickman, captures the awkwardness of a teenage boy and transforms him slowly and deliberately into king material. The storyline flows smoothly with plot twists that fit well. The plot twists are interesting and intriguing. The development of the characters is well done and deliberate. Hickman’s imagination is rich and intriguing.

The narrator, Ron Allan Fouts does a very good job of narration. He speaks clearly and with rich, expressive tones. His delivery is steady, and he speaks clearly. He does keep the story moving forward and keeps the interest growing as well.

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.