The aliens have landed. The humans are panicking. The scouts have
been sent.
J’s mission is clear — find an alien outpost, observe, report back. Simple enough. It’s what he’s trained to do. But he’s always worked with his team, never as a party of one. Now he’s been sent out alone to blindly navigate a dense, dark forest until he finds his target. The dynamics are foreign to him, the stakes never higher. Resources are scarce. Comms are down.
And he’s found the enemy.
J is shocked when everyone’s true allegiances are revealed. And the consequences of betrayal will be deadly.
I’ve always been a fan of alien stories, and The Gate by this author was a five star read for me. When I learned of this short story set within that world, I was anxious to get my hands on it while waiting for book two of the Astral Conspiracy series.
First, let me say The Scout stands on its own and prior knowledge of The Gate isn’t required; however, this novella is enough of a taste to whet your appetite and make you curious about the alien invasion taking place in that book. Although a quick read, the author did a fantastic job at making me care about J. I felt his loneliness and sense of betrayal from both his own people and the aliens. By the end, I wanted to continue with his story – but maybe that will be an option in the future. A reader can hope. Now, I’ll have to return to impatiently awaiting book two of the Astral Conspiracy.
Books and Such 
Well maybe the authorwill hear you Teri 😉
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Me too, Sophie!
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I really enjoyed this novella too, Teri. It was a great look into the Astral Conspiracy world, and so easy to become caught up in J’s story. I’m hoping for more Astral Conspiracy books soon!
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Soonish. I promise.
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I guess I can settle for soonish – yay!
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Adding this to TBR. I love short stories and haven’t read an alien-themed one in.. well I can’t even remember!
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That’s a lot of pressure! I hope you enjoy it.
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Oh, no worries. I read scifi plenty, just haven’t had a scifi short story in particular in quite a while. I’m sure it’ll be awesome!
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Sounds like this one’s perfect for you, Jonny! Guarantee you’ll be reading the series after the novella.
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There’s a series? O.O omg!
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Teri, this made my morning. Er, D.L.’s morning. 🤫
Thank you so much. And you’ll be happy to know the ENTIRE SERIES drops this summer. As for whether you’ll see J again? Well… I’m not telling. You’ll have to read the rest to find out. 😉
Thanks so much!
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Woohoo! All at once! No anxious waiting to see what happens next.
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If most readers gobble up all five, I’ll know I did my job. Fingers crossed!
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I loved this story. Nice to see it getting some press today.
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Thanks, Craig.
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So did I, Craig. J was an easy character to like.
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Super review, Teri. Thanks.
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Thanks, John!
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Yes! To everything you said, Teri! Great story, and I can’t wait for more of the Astral Conspiracy series, too! 🙂 ❤
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Appreciate that, Marcia.
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Great minds, Marcia, lol. And I’m right there with you.
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
This is a great review for D. L. Cross for Dark Crossings. You sci-fi fans will find a good book to read.
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Much appreciated, P.H.
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You’re welcome. This is right up my alley and a good book to highlight. Best wishes.
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Thanks so much, P.H.!
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You’re welcome.
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A lovely review of this book, Teri. I have also read it and have The Gate on my TBR.
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Wow. Thanks, Robbie.
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I promise you’ll enjoy it, Robbie. Some awesome characterization (some you love, some not so much) and a lot of action.
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I think I love writing the “love not so much” characters the best. lol
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Wonderful review, Teri. I’ve read, and enjoyed, both of these books, as well. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Thanks, Jacquie. June soon enough?
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Marking my calendar 🙂
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Thanks, Jacquie! And same.
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I enjoyed this one too, Teri. It’s a great unfolding of the relationships with momentum building until the explosive end.
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I couldn’t have said it better, Diana.
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Thanks so much, Diana.
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I haven’t t read this one yet, but it’s right up there on my list!
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Read faster so you can get to it, Jessica!
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Haha!
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I look forward to your thoughts afterward, Jess.
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You’ll have them 🤗
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I don’t read a lot of science ficiton but I enjoyed both The Gate and The Scout. I look forward to the rest of the series.
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Sounds like Staci made a convert out of you, Joan.
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She did!
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Aw. Thanks, Joan. That’s really saying something.
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