J. Sheldon Jones

She of Strangeness - What Secrets Lie Beyond the Stars?

In She of Strangeness, interstellar explorer Karel uncovers a mysterious planet with a hidden past. As she delves deeper, she faces secrets that could change her mission—and her fate. An unforgettable sci-fi adventure awaits.

Reviews From Readers

I enjoyed this original story of a pair of scouts sent to explore new worlds and their cultures. The progression was not predictable, and really addressed how complicated communication and behaviors between societies can be. As our hero Karel learns over time, there are shocking actions that become understandable, but none the less appalling during her time as a captive. I would recommend to any sci fi fan. The characters are interesting, frightening and relatable.

This book is an interesting exploration of humanity. The world the author has created is plausible and explores difficulties encountered entering a society if you don’t know its norms. I enjoyed the story and I would be interested in reading more about this world and these characters. The book explores why and how sexism can form differently in different societies. I had trouble putting the book down, oh and I loved the telepathic curls.

I'm not usually a fan of science fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. I was amazed at the detailed world the author invented and the different (and warring) communities that resided there. The characters were so real, and it was interesting seeing the world through each one's eyes. I was impressed, confused, intrigued....and just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

5 stars for originality of plot, world-building, and (my favorite part) the creation of a special language/ phrasing—different and special enough to be part of this unique world, but also clearly understandable, clever, and not overbearing. The author uses distinctive descriptors in painting and explaining this world that, while fiction here, has been unfortunately all too real for too many on our planet.

About The Author

J. Sheldon Jones

I was born in December of 1943 in Santa Fe, the capitol of NEW Mexico, the only state of the 50 that (until 2010) added USA to their license plates to keep from being confused with OLD Mexico. The main thing I remember about living in Santa Fe was that we had an ice box. I remember being fascinated watching the man come in carrying a huge block of ice in those gigantic tongs. When I was three, we moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where we heated with coal and I got to watch the stuff being funneled down the chute. I also learned that, no matter how hard you try, snow gets between your glove and your sleeve and doesn’t feel good. Same goes for down the back of your neck. After three years in Grand Junction, we lived in Albuquerque — back in New Meico — for six years, then to El Paso, Texas where I graduated from high school and joined the Navy.