King Liam, First of His Name by Bryan Chaffin is an intriguing dive into the isolated mind of a man on a perilous mission. King Liam, driven by ambition, sets his sights on an uninhabited planetoid in the distant Oort Cloud. His aim? To claim a fortune without the interference of government regulations. But as he embarks on this interstellar odyssey through the vast emptiness of space, his journey takes unexpected twists, testing his skills, cunning, and experience to their limits. Unfortunately for Liam, the solitude has taken a toll, leaving him as unstable as a bag full of squirrels.

Chaffin’s story, a captivating addition to the Tales from the Quantum Vault series, is a sharp exploration of the perils of isolation, obsession, and the consequences of disregarding safety protocols. Liam, a self-proclaimed ‘King,’ fumbles through his disastrous quest for wealth, unaware of the larger mysteries that await beyond the known boundaries of space. Despite its brevity, the story stands out thanks to Chaffin’s masterful use of voice and tone, which pulls readers deeper into the unraveling sanity of its protagonist. The author’s skillful integration of stellar terminology and realistic physics adds a layer of authenticity that will especially appeal to fans of hard science fiction. Yet, the straightforward narrative ensures that even casual readers can enjoy this tale.

This story captures a timeless human narrative: the pursuit of fortune in uncharted territories, often leading to unexpected ruin. Though its rustic prose and short length may not appeal to everyone, King Liam-First of His Name offers an engaging and thought-provoking read that is well worth including in any anthology. Due to its colorful language, it’s best suited for teens or older audiences.

Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0D4V57TDJ