The Cloud [Kindle Edition]

Elmore Hammes (Author)

Book Description

A story of hope, love and redemption set against the stars.

An unstoppable cloud hurtles through the cosmos, annihilating all life in its path, absorbing the energy of living creatures as it passes from system to system.

A lone survivor of an advanced civilization is rocketed from his doomed planet in an attempt to preserve a race, heading toward the solar system and the green-blue orb called Earth. A simple farm girl holds the key to stopping the approaching menace, but she must find her way to love to do so.

With a beginning inspired by Superman and pulp fiction such as Flash Gordon, the story then transitions into modern space opera. The second half of this novel takes some surprising turns, with a darker tone before the final resolution - in the end a story that shows both the good and the bad side of human nature, crystallizing in the saving power of love and empathy.

The Cloud is science fiction with romance, action and adventure, appropriate for teenage readers and above.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elmore Hammes has published several novels, including The Holmes & Watson Mysterious Events and Objects Consortium: The Case of the Witch's Talisman (middle grade mystery/fantasy), The Twenty Dollar Bill (contemporary fiction) and The Cloud (science fiction). His short stories have recently appeared in The First Line and Espresso Fiction.

Product Details

• File Size: 952 KB
• Print Length: 240 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615147151
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Kanapolis Fog Publishing Emporium; First edition (June 10, 2008)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B001BBIO1Y
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,509 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book that keeps you guessing! August 12, 2009

By Athenagwis

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the second book I have enjoyed by this author. The idea behind this book was inventive. The author does a good job of allowing the reader the opportunity to suspend their disbelief. Even though this story is completely unbelievable, I felt as though it *could* be happening. That is a sign of a good book, one that can make the fantastic seem real. I was kept guessing the whole time and really had no guesses as to what would come next, it kept me intrigued and pressing the next page button long past my bed time. This book is a good size at about 4794 kindle locations, and had very good formatting, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. overall an excellent read!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars 3 1/2 Stars November 23, 2009

By Lynn ODell

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Storyline/Plot: 3 1/2 Stars

This was an extremely original tale that combined science fiction with fantasy. The story was told through several different viewpoints giving the storyline a well-rounded feel.

The science fiction portions, told from the cloud's and Hugh's points of view, were somewhat long-winded and a bit technical at times. The technical portions were out of step with the rest of the storyline. This created disparity especially in the beginning.

I especially enjoyed the first half when Hugh first lands on Earth. This was where the story really picked up momentum. The love affair between Char and Hugh unfortunately came across as very far-fetched. This was especially true with her father in the background condoning the `union' of his daughter and an alien, with no reserve whatsoever. However, if you can take that little tryst in stride, the storyline for how Hugh attempts to save Earth and the consequences is pretty interesting.

The realistic feel suffers somewhat with the leeway the military guys give to Char. I can't imagine any military allowing a civilian such autonomy with the first alien to make contact with Earth.

Also, there was an extraneous character, a spy, who served no real purpose in the story. The storyline could have progressed easily without this side character, so I'm not really certain why they were included.

The second half shows Char and Char's father in a more believable light with their actions. It also portrays more realistic military action, eventually.

The last quarter went a little too far for me. The ending was pretty good, though.

Character Development: 3 Stars

Hugh was a pretty believable alien. I was impressed with his thought processes and actions once he arrived on Earth. Although, I did feel that his knowledge of `earthly things' was a little convenient, it made for easier transition.

Char was not developed very well. I found her character trite and overdone with her simplicity and instantaneous emotions.

Oddly, though I enjoyed the story more in the first half, the character development was far better in the second half.

Writing Style: 3 Stars

While the descriptions were verbose, they were still vivid and made for interesting reading.

I was disappointed in the dialogue and sentence structuring. Both were weak and simplistic. Having read Mr. Hammes' other work, I expected more from him.

Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars

Both were of professional quality.

Rating: PG for some Sexual References and Violence

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping and creative science fiction novel October 6, 2008

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

What's out there in the cold dark depths of space? "The Cloud" tells of a presence that annihilates all life that it touches throughout the atmosphere. An otherworldly man flees his soon to be destroyed planet and heads toward its next destination - Earth. With only a farm girl as an ally, he must find some way to put an end to the needless destruction. "The Cloud" is a gripping and creative science fiction novel, highly recommended.

More About the Author

Elmore Hammes is primarily a writer of fiction. His short stories have appeared in publications ranging from obscure e-zines to nationally distributed magazines. His writing is as eclectic as his reading habits, including young adult fantasy, science fiction, contemporary literature, humor and superhero stories.

He participates in Mainstage Community Theatre in Anderson, Indiana. His favorite roles would include Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, Professor Marvel in the Wizard of Oz and Uncle Barnaby in Babes in Toyland.

Twice a year, he goes on mission trips with St. Patrick's Church of Oxford, Indiana to help build homes in Mexico.

He shares his home with two cats, Chuck and Snuggles, although Snuggles does not acknowledge Chuck's existence. He volunteers for the Animal Protection League in central Indiana, and is currently fostering Holly, who was unhappy with being caged at the shelter. If she decides to play nice with the current residents, she may just stay!