Welcome to the home

of the writings of R.B. Banfield
 

THE LATEST BOOK:

The Man Who Flew Too Much

It’s a whimsical tale about dreams, love and a little bit too much of a good thing. It’s also about those who dare to underestimate cats.

This novella is based upon a recurring dream about being able to fly, that many of us probably share. It didn't come together until I found the character of Fennel, a woman who thinks a little too highly of her cats. Just what would those critters be like if they were given a decent education?

Available for purchase or Kindle download at Amazon.

Waving At Strangers

A light hearted mystery about police investigator Dan Ironwright trying to figure out what's going on between two writers in the town Gendry. Sophie is staying with her grandmother, where she can enjoy the quaint small town while have a chance to write her novel. Max, meanwhile, is writing his own novel, and he knows a little too much about Sophie.

AND TO COME: 

THE BURNING STAR SERIES

The story of the early days of space colonisation, following ace pilot Johnny 'TC' Beggs and his indifferent son Jupe, as they battle unforeseen problems, and each other. Rival groups compete to be dominant, including the government-backed DSE (Deep Space Exploration), various gangsters such as Lars Best, and the shadowy Tanner Group.

Too often the view portrayed of future space exploration is that of a perfect and sanitised “Star Trek” fantasy. It will never be that easy. Even if humans can live away from Earth for any significant time, the vast distances between stars make it impossible to travel anywhere much beyond our solar system. To get to our nearest star would take over four years if a vessel could travel near to the speed of light. Even if such a speed could be achieved, and it would have to be if the stars are to be reached, there is little chance of humans surviving at wherever they end up, let alone being establishing a new world to colonise. To find an Earth-like world amongst our closest neighbouring stars is similar to winning a lottery. If such a world could be found, it is conceivable that robotic building machines could be sent to distant planets to create living environments, and then the human colonists arrive later, but again, the chances of their survival would be remote.

But there are other factors that would make early space colonisation very difficult. The main obstacle is the nature of man. If a speed technology greater than light speed was found then three groups would seek to control space. First, the governments of the world, perhaps uniting but not necessarily so, would launch many secret missions and create as many secret galactic bases as they could. Second, private companies would pull their resources and both work with government missions and begin their own. Third, crime syndicates would take their chance to make money, by working with the other two. In truth, there is little difference between all three, and all three will represent mankind’s first foray into the galaxy. Aliens beware.

This series of novels is set during such times, as a man and his son try to go their own way, and find problems at every turn. Such problems are magnified by the fact that they don’t like each other much. The story is also about the nature of the hero, about what kind of man risks his life to help others, that he does not do it to seek glory. He is also not necessarily a nice person, although everyone thinks he must be.

Book One: Shadow of a Burning Star

With everyone wishing they could be chosen to become a colonist to the newly found paraside world Ancia, some seek to go their through illegal means. Johnny 'TC' Beggs may be a famous pilot, but they don't realise he's washed up and bitter that it was his rival Baxter Gammond who found Ancia.

COMING SOON:

Book Two: Companion of a Burning Star

Jupe Beggs, seeking to find the truth about what he discovered during his venture to space, becomes part of Lars Best's plan to go to Ancia. He also finds that people whom Jupe thought were his friends, were only using him to get to Ancia.

COMING SOON:

Book Three: Dawn of a Burning Star

Dawn-Star Beggs has not heard from her husband Robbie for three years. The official report is that he is on deep space assignment, but she fears for his safety and seeks answers. Meanwhile, Jupe Beggs is trying to live a normal life on Harax Pras, but finds that Ancian colonists have also arrived.

COMING SOON:

Book Four: Horizon of a Burning Star

When T Station finds evidence of an unknown enemy, alien expert Parry Langdon is sent to investigate. The Morgan family of Harax Pras offers Jupe Beggs the chance to command his own exploration mission.

COMING SOON:

Book Five: Bright of a Burning Star

Beta Dillour, lone survivor of a space disaster, becomes a celebrity on Harax Pras, and the subject of con artist Buddy Shane. Together they organise an exploration mission, with the help of Jupe Beggs, who prefers to remain incognito.

COMING SOON:

Book Six: Legend of a Burning Star

Tarron Rees tries to find what happened to his mysterious grandfather Jupe Beggs, with the help of Freefall Calp, at the cost of ignoring his work on the Rees Estate. The world Harax Pras is facing problems with its terraforming.

COMING SOON:

Book Seven: Glow of a Burning Star

Space historian Tavars Reyn begins an educational tour of the "old worlds", to remember how the first explorers lived. His interest is triggered by the discovery of an ancient ship that may or may not contain the remains of legendary pilot Wille Kran.

COMING SOON:

Book Eight: Rise of a Burning Star

Willie Khan's rise through the ranks of space cadets and pilots did not come easy, as he is rejected by UDE's DSE. It is left to fellow rebel Johnny Beggs to help him, and together they make history.

COMING SOON:

Book Nine: Birth of a Burning Star

Despite having no money or family connections, Johnny Beggs becomes a space pilot. In contrast, sports star Doniel Tanner has everything he needs to get into space, but find he needs to go home. The two help each other in ways they did not plan or could ever realise.

OTHER BOOKS:

Heavenly Children, a Biblical fantasy novel set in the future millennial kingdom. Follow the story of five ordinary people who are amongst the first to question the leadership and rules of their apparent utopia.

Against the Night, an historical novel about the life of Irenaeus of Lyons. In this accurate and well-researched book the historical figures of the second century A.D. come to life, including Polycarp, Justin Martyr and Tatian. The book is available for Kindle download at Amazon.com.

The Great Assumption, a novel set in the near future about a man who suspects he's missed the rapture. This book is an exciting page-turner that exposes the many weaknesses in popular Christian theology and society. The book is available for Kindle download at Amazon.com.

The author can be contacted at

rbbanfield@storiesfrommyhead.com.