Commander John Russell is recalled from an unpromising leave in a rainy Tasmania to take urgent command of a new starship. In Revelations, the author, Robert J. Hamilton, launches straight into the action when our hero comes under attack while on his way back to his command headquarters to receive his orders. The attackers are members of a dangerous cult, one which is determined to bring about the Armageddon described in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. Surviving the attack, he eventually reaches his base where he is immediately elevated to the rank of captain and charged with a secret mission which could put an end to the suicidal cult and prove to be a critical factor in preserving the human race. A short while into their mission, however, the ship’s new, and to some extent experimental, engines malfunction and the ship, along with crew and passengers is astonishingly flipped into the Andromeda galaxy, millions of light years from home.

As the tale unfolds we learn how Captain John Russell and his crew explore this strange new star system, which is peppered with exotic planets, meeting new and sometimes far from friendly life forms while striving to find a way back to their own galaxy. Encountering a friendly space-faring humanoid species, they discover that somewhere in the galaxy there exists an advanced race of beings which has mastered the art of intergalactic travel by developing a technology which enables them to fold space itself. Can they find these beings? And if they can, will it be possible to acquire the technology and make it back to their home world?

Revelations is sound science fiction fare - Robert J. Hamilton has created a credible starship crew who have huge obstacles to overcome in order to get back to their own galaxy. In the meantime, we have the entertainment of meeting new alien races, visiting strange planets, and witnessing action packed encounters with the not so friendly, sometimes violent aliens that they meet. Personally, I would have liked to know a little more about the Dawn of Revelations cult, but I am sure that more will be revealed in the following installments. One for the science fiction aficionados.

Newly promoted Captain John Russell and the crew of the Starship Destiny are sent on a mission to deliver a hundred colonists to Mars. They are also on a secret operation to prepare for and annihilate a religious cult, the Dawn of Revelations, whose sole purpose is to bring about the apocalypse and destroy humanity. While en route, Destiny is flung far into the Andromeda galaxy, millions of light years from home. They try to seek a way to go back before the Dawn of Revelations destroys Earth, while discovering a number of aliens, both friendly and hostile.

Revelations: Far From Earth by Robert J. Hamilton is a sci-fi adventure that has a bit of a Star Trek vibe to it. As an avid sci-fi reader, the story concept is a classic one for me, but Hamilton has a good and adventurous tale to tell and the plot has a good pace. The world building and character development are sufficiently constructed to move the story along with Hamilton’s straightforward narrative. Plus, Revelations’ old school sense of space adventure would appeal to sci-fi fans. In terms of demographics, I do think that it has room for both YA and adult readers. In a nutshell, this is a good debut from Hamilton. This sci-fi series has potential with its space adventures and ensemble characters. Revelations can definitely cement its place in the sci-fi genre.

Revelations: Far From Earth by debut author Robert Hamilton is a strong first work in the genre of science fiction. In Hamilton's story, Earth has been overrun by the Dawn of Revelations, a religious cult convinced that they must bring about the end of days. Those who might be able to save the world, namely Captain John Russell and the crew of the Sol Star Alliance ship, Destiny, are fighting valiantly to return to their home planet and are prepared to battle those that will likely end humankind. The only problem? They are lost in the Andromeda Galaxy, and have much to face before they can even make it back to deal with their biggest challenge. Will they make it back before it's too late?

I thought that this book was a very solid effort for a genre already crowded with first time novelists. I appreciated author Robert Hamilton's willingness to meld religion and science fiction in one work. I also thought he did a good job in describing space exploration and the adventures of Captain Russell and his crew. Readers who enjoy science fiction, thrilling, adventurous reads, or new works of fiction by promising new authors would do well to read Revelations: Far From Earth. It's easy for me to give this book a solid rating and to say that I am genuinely interested in seeing where author Robert Hamilton takes this series. I certainly hopes he keeps up his work in this regard!

In an interesting and creative work by debut author Robert J. Hamilton, Revelations: Far From Earth is a story that will grab readers from the very start and will keep them reading all the way through to the end. Follow the story of Captain John Russell, the leader of the Sol Star Alliance ship, Destiny, as they wend and weave their way through the Andromeda Galaxy, desperately seeking a way home. Earth is being overrun by an extremist group that professes the Christian faith, the Dawn of Revelations, and if they can't be stopped, they might bring down the Apocalypse upon Earth and all its people. Will Captain Russell and his crew make it home in time to stop their plans? You'll need to read the book to find out!

I very much enjoyed Revelations: Far From Earth. Author Robert J. Hamilton has done a great job in writing an exciting and adventurous science fiction with a unique premise, combining the risks of aliens, space travel, and overzealous religious groups all in one. This story kept me reading long past when I should have been sleeping, I was that engaged and determined to find out what happened in the end. Any reader who enjoys science fiction, action, adventure, thrills, or just an unusual work of fiction in general should definitely grab this book. I am pleased to recommend Revelations: Far From Earth, and look forward to reading more from the promising author, Robert J. Hamilton, in the future!