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The Space Between Us (The Enceladons Trilogy) Kindle Edition

by Doug Johnstone (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,618
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When three people suffer strokes after seeing dazzling lights over Edinburgh, then awake completely recovered, they're convinced their ordeal is connected to the alien creature discovered on a nearby beach... an adrenaline-soaked, deeply humane, life-affirming first-contact novel from one of Scotland's most revered authors...

Lennox is a troubled teenager with no family. Ava is eight months pregnant and fleeing her abusive husband. Heather is a grieving mother and cancer sufferer. They don't know each other, but when a meteor streaks over Edinburgh, all three suffer instant, catastrophic strokes...

...only to wake up the following day in hospital, miraculously recovered.

When news reaches them of an octopus-like creature washed up on the shore near where the meteor came to earth, Lennox senses that some extra-terrestrial force is at play. With the help of Ava, Heather and a journalist, Ewan, he rescues the creature they call 'Sandy' and goes on the run.

But they aren't the only ones with an interest in the alien ... close behind are Ava's husband, the police and a government unit who wants to capture the creature, at all costs. And Sandy's arrival may have implications beyond anything anyone could imagine...

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Enceladons Trilogy
  2. Print length
    289 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Orenda Books
  6. Publication date
    March 2, 2023
  7. File size
    1198 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

The Space Between Us

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Doug Johnstone has written a science fiction novel with all the drive, curiosity and wonder one expects to find from his crime and mystery novels because building suspense and storytelling are his hallmarks. One of the qualities that distinguishes Johnston’s writing is the immediately-approachable and quick prose that deceptively pulls the reader into extremely smart and exciting ideas using an imaginative story as the vehicle: one that is as effortless to submitting to a ride at an amusement park ... Rather than a departure from his usual genre, this feels like a personal expansion of his own established oeuvre. Johnstone makes it fun and science fiction gains a new author." —Derek B. Miller --This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

Doug Johnstone is the author of fourteen previous novels, most recently Black Hearts (2022). The Big Chill (2020) was longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and three of his books, A Dark Matter (2020), Breakers (2019) and The Jump (2015), have been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year. He’s taught creative writing and been writer in residence at various institutions over the last decade, and has been an arts journalist for over twenty years.

--This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BDTZ56HN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orenda Books (March 2, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 2, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1198 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 289 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,618

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Douglas Johnstone

Douglas Johnstone

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Doug Johnstone is the author of fifteen novels, most recently The Space Between Us (2023). Several of his books have been bestsellers, The Big Chill (2020) was longlisted for the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, while A Dark Matter (2020), Breakers (2019) and The Jump (2015) were all shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year. He’s taught creative writing and been writer in residence at various institutions over the last two decades including festivals, libraries, universities, schools, prisons and a funeral directors.

Doug is a Royal Literary Fund Consultant Fellow and works as a mentor and manuscript assessor for many organisations, including The Literary Consultancy, Scottish Book Trust and New Writing North. He's been an arts journalist for over twenty years and has also written many short stories and screenplays. He is a songwriter and musician with six albums and three EPs released, and plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
1,618 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Chris Beakey
5.0 out of 5 stars A fast and magical ride . . .
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
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Doug Johnstone is one of the best thriller writers we have . . . and now he's worked his brilliant brain around another genre and turned out a masterpiece. This story about a group of strangers thrown together by what seems at first like a terrifying phenomenon and later becomes a unifying force for good moves at light speed, with a heart that gets bigger with every scene. I loved it and hope we see more.
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roger
4.0 out of 5 stars Science Fiction that could happen tomorrow.
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2023
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As soon as I met Sandy I knew what he was. A little short on character development, A little too many changes of naration, and way short on science. But a fun read of what could happen any day now. Maybe more aimed at the young reader but I liked it. I'll stick with my four.
One person found this helpful
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Nana
5.0 out of 5 stars The Space Between Us
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023
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This is a interesting concept for meeting a new Alien race, that has come to the Blue Planet for a new life. I wish that the writer could have expanded the ending, it was ended a bit abruptly. Overall a good story with a message of embracing the unknown with an open mind.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Doug Johnstone's "The Space Between Us"
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
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The author has done an excellent job of keeping the reader entertained through the character's adventures and interesting plot twists while addressing the bigger overall concept. A good read and highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
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J. GAUDET
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023
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A good Alian comes story with lots of activity and an interesting mix of characters. I doubt the aliens would actually want to stay on our climate and population problems!
2 people found this helpful
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PatriciasBooks
5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievably great
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023
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I am not a science fiction fan. At all. But, because I've enjoyed the Skelf series by Doug Johnstone and his other writings, I gave this a chance.

Holy cow. I could not tear myself away from this book. I read it in 3 hours. The characters are all completely different yet mesh. This story takes you beyond belief but makes you think in so many possibilities. I can't recommend this enough.

This is crying to be turned into a Steven Spielberg movie.
10 people found this helpful
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Dr. Dora L. Baiely
5.0 out of 5 stars what now?
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
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The way the book ends is great! I wish we could have a friendly first contact. Just understanding an alien point of view is challenging. I wish we did not have to have destroyers in the universe. Or in our imaginations.
2 people found this helpful
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Rowan
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this.
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2023
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Loved this. I would like to think that beings from across oceans, or galaxies could meet and find a common ground w
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Corinne04
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in France on January 28, 2024
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I read this book in 2 days. I was originally doubtful about the plot as I've never been much of a sci-fi reader but this is different. If you lived ' The shape of water's, you will love this. A dampening report on how we've lost our humanity & what connects us to each other but also a message of hope.
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Spicewalker
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning story of strangers and belonging
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2023
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I do not read sci-fi. Just putting it out . It’s not my preferred genre and whilst I have a very scientific mind, it’s just not a genre I’ve ever been engaged by. If there was one author I would be willing to make an exception for, then it is Doug Johnstone. I love his writing style and I know that he can be trusted to deliver a book which goes far beyond what the blurb may suggest.

This is absolutely the case with The Space Between Us which, whilst having it’s roots – or perhaps tentacles – in science-fiction, goes far beyond a simple first contact story with a being from another planet, into a story which is an exquisite look at human nature, a need to find our place in life, and the trials and harsh tribulations we endure on our journey. Yes, Sandy – the alien life form in question – is an intrinsic part of this story, the reason that binds three very different people in one united quest, but they are not all this story is about. They are a conduit, a channel through which our focus and attention flies while we contemplate the much bigger picture. Loss, loneliness, and domestic violence all feature and inform the story combining to create a novel which I didn’t want to end.

The story begins as our three main protagonists face very different twists in their fate. Lennox is a teenager living in care, faced with the wrath of some local bullies. Heavily pregnant Eva is trying to find a way to escape an abusive marriage. Heather is deep in grief, mourning the loss of her daughter and her own failing health. All of them have one thing in common – they are all outside when a mysterious light passes over Edinburgh, one which causes people to black out and to suffer from debilitating, if not fatal, strokes. The three make a miraculous recovery, and, drawn together by their experience, set out to find out just why they thrived where others did not. This brings them face to tentacle with ‘Sandy’, an octopus style creature which has washed up on a nearby shore.

For me, the wonderful characters that Doug Johnstone has developed are what really drew me into the story. I could really feel Lennox’s defiance and his need to feel like he belongs. The bond he formed with Sandy, that closeness that surpasses anything that Ava or Heather feel, really enthralled me. The communication between them, the understanding, is reminiscent of the bond between a certain short legged, waddling alien with an obscenely long finger from a well loved 80’s movie, and his new friend Ell-ee-ot, but there is so much more to Sandy, a real cognisance which helps to develop our understanding of what is happening. It is a beautiful bond.

As for Ava, her journey is as much emotional as it is a literal. Breaking free from a marriage marred by coercive control and a constant threat of violence, and reconnecting with family she though lost is truly moving, portrayed in a way which creates as much anger as it does sympathy. As for Heather, she created a mixture of emotions. At times she seems strong and fully in control, and yet the sense of loss emanates from her and her vulnerability and sadness is always there, just below the surface. Doug Johnstone is a master at manipulating our emotions and he does a brilliant job here. I felt myself willing them to succeed, not only in their quest to help Sandy, but in their personal journey. And the literal journey is fraught with danger, as they are persued not only by Ava’s husband but by people who want to take Sandy for their own fortunes.

Sandy is an amazingly well imagined creature. I was actually really drawn to them, so much so I really think we need a line in Sandy plushies to accompany the book. But their journey is far more than just a bid to return home, They too are looking for a place to belong, a safe haven from violence which is very reminiscent of scenes far less galactic and much closer to home. There is a socio-political statement wrapped up in this book, subtle but effective. Its about displacement through invasion, the search for safe haven and, more importantly, finding a way to communicate even when the barriers are far more substantial than the lack of a Sandy-Scottish Duolingo course.

I wish I could adequately convey how much I loved this book. I know I’ve made a horlicks of it so far. But if you are looking for beautifully lyrical writing, a heartwarming, fast paced, often tense look at friendships that surpass all boundaries, an exploration of the very basic need for connection and a place to belong, then this is the book for you. As I said before, I don’t read Sci-Fi, but I wouldn’t hesitate for one minute to recommend this book. It’s divine.
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I love my cat
5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun!
Reviewed in Australia on August 14, 2023
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Oh this was a lovely surprise! So glad I got this book. SF set in the present. Highly recommend this feel good book and audiobook.
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Amazonian Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining hokum
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 22, 2024
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The Space Between Us is the story of three strangers and the alien encounter that brings them together.

Following a meteor strike, Ava, Heather and Lennox wake up in hospital having suffered major strokes from which they have all miraculously recovered overnight. One thing leads to another and the unlikely trio end up joining forces to save the octopus-like alien that washed up on a nearby beach on the same night.

You definitely need to suspend disbelief to enjoy this book, and not just because of the interstellar telepathic octopus. The three protagonists are a heavily pregnant woman, a suicidal older woman and a teenager with no family. They go on the run with the octopus and somehow manage to stay ahead of both the police and the shadowy men in black following them.

It's a real page turner, with plenty of action driving things along, so it isn't a surprise to learn the author normally writes thrillers. The characters are mostly likeable, although the bad guys are somewhat two-dimensional. Also, I didn't particularly like the ending, but I've since discovered that it is the first part of a trilogy so it makes a lot more sense now.

It's a light easy read and if the plot is a bit daft in places it more than makes up for it by being a whole lot of fun.
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The Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2024
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I felt it was slow to get going, but suddenly, it took off and dragged me in. Riveting story and great characters. There are three main protagonists, four if you count Sandy - but just one evil antagonist and another who seems, in the main, very misguided. They pursue them doggedly from early in the book. By the last page, I was completely rapt. I loved the ending, despite the sad bits.
The character of Sandy is a beautiful creation. I am totally in love! I can't wait for the follow up. Such brilliant, clear writing and a few surprises along the way. The writer knows how to draw the reader in, create tension and, basically, press all our buttons throughout this gripping story.
Don't miss this beautiful book. Science fiction at the highest level of authorship.
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