The Gavin Baller Collection, Volume 1

By: Steven Heumann

Narrated by: Steven Heumann

Length: 22 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Gavin baller isn't a hero...but he plays one on tv.

The aliens who just arrived to kidnap him don't seem to care.

As Hollywood's number one A-Lister, Gavin has it all except one thing: a purpose. Now with extra terrestrials on his tail, an estranged best frien, and a beautiful protector by his side, this actor has to become the hero he's always pretended to be.

Join Gavin on this epic and hilarious adventure as he discovers that space travel is nothing like Captain Kirk or Luke Skywalker promised. Plus Gavin's forced to go toe to toe with a galactic tyrant ready to rain down death and destruction merely to avoid his own boredom.

A self-absorbed celebrity verses the biggest threat in the universe?

Yeah, this isn't going to end well.

Listen to the entire saga now!

The Gavin Baller Collection, Volume 1 completes the first trilogy in the series with:

• Book 1: Hollywood Clone
• Book 2: Empty Universe, and
• Book 3: Galactic Kingpin.

©2019 Steven Heumann (P)2019 Steven Heumann

Everything that makes sci-fi fun is in this book.

I was looking through a selection of sci-fi audiobooks that were listed for review. The title gave me pause and I thought to myself, 'I've got to check that one out.' The summary held my interest. The audio sample clinched my decision to request the book. I received a free review copy of the 3-book bundle. I now leave a voluntary review.

Book 1 is an aliens-come-to-earth story. Specifically. to abduct a human names Gavin Baller. This first book is also a chase-adventure story. Gavin gets pretty adept at running from aliens. Along the way, nuggets of world-building information are sprinkled in so that we better understand the motives of the aliens trying to capture Gavin. This first installment sets up the series very nicely. I especially love the dialogue; it seems so natural.

Book 2 is where the world-building really gets going. Gavin has stopped running and is now travelling through space. We get great descriptions of the people, ships and planets of the author's galactic creation. These descriptions put you right there with Gavin. We learn more about the political structure of the alien species' worlds as well. Plus: epic space battles.

Book 3 continues the experience of alien worlds and species. This book culminates with a final showdown (that I will not spoil, so no details). There are no cliff-hangers. You get a sense of completeness.

Moving on to narration, the author, Steven Heumann, is also the narrator. What an excellent decision on his part. Mr Heumann has committed whole-heartedly to conveying every action, every reaction, every suspenseful moment and every emotional moment to the fullest. We are travelling along with Gavin on his journey of discovery. This performance rivals any others I've listened to and betters many of them. Great job!

This book appeals to more than just the sci-fi fan. The universe the author creates is alien, but not so alien that we can't find comparisons in our own environment. It will appeal to those willing to let their imagination go along on a well-written, well-described ride. Let Steven Heumann take you on this fun adventure through the galaxy. You won't find a better value than this 3-book, 22-hour epic. I could listen to more of Gavin's adventures.

Highly recommended.

Excellent series!

This three volume/episode story provides and introduction to Gavin Baller and follows him through a number of adventures, some successful and a few that are less successful, all involve well developed characters and a good dose of humor. The following are my thoughts on each episode.

The Hunt for the Hollywood Clone – Gavi Baller #1

What happens when you learn you who you believe and that you have a purpose much different than the life you are living? This introduction to Gavin Baller is what you get. This light-hearted story grabbed from the get-go and held my interest throughout the entire story. From almost loathing Gavin baller, I grew to like him and really began to feel for him and the experiences he was going through in this episode.

Empty Universe – Gavin Baller #2

This episode finds Gavin in space without the woman he loves and with little or nothing to do. However, this doesn’t last once Gavin visit’s a galactic zoo. Once again Steven Heumann weaves humor, action, character development and unrequited love into a very compelling story.

Galactic Kingpin – Gavin Baller #3
If you have been following this story through the first two episodes you know Gavin is a clone of Abraxas-Mon the “hero” of this galaxy. This third episode ties up all the loose ends from the first two episodes as well as blazing new trails filled with several twists and turns that really bring Gavin Baller’s story to an interesting yet unexpected conclusion. To say I truly enjoyed this series would be an understatement.

Steven Heumann's narration brings the Gavin Baller collection to life, his ability to give voice each character really makes this an enjoyable listening experience.