Title: Tomorrow May Never Come
Author: Lyle D. Westbrook
Publisher: Ewings Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-88640-415-9
Pages: 489
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Margie Przybylski
Hollywood Book Reviews
Author Lyle D. Westbrook’s Tomorrow May Never Come is an ambitious and sprawling science fiction novel that intertwines intergalactic warfare with humanity’s origins. Set against the backdrop of Earth in approximately 11,000 BC, the story delves into cosmic battles, complex characters, and high-stakes decisions which affect not only the fate of Earth – but the entire galaxy.
The novel opens with a prologue introducing the reader to a world where Earth’s early history is shaped by beings from another star system – the United Planets of Nirvana. In this universe, a Great War between the forces of Light and Darkness has already ravaged multiple planets in the Canis Star System. The war’s primary antagonists, the Black Lords, are eventually imprisoned on Mars after being pursued to our solar system by the First Fleet of Nirvana. However, even though they are confined, the Black Lords bide their time, building underground bases and warships in preparation for a future assault.
At the heart of the story is Captain Amun, commander of the Galactic Battle Cruiser Intrepid, who is responsible for monitoring Earth and Mars. Amun, weary after a long shift, faces a dire situation when a garbled message from Captain Chu Jung aboard the Defiant warns that Mars’ containment grid has been compromised. The Black Lords have escaped, leading to a terrifying confrontation that threatens the existence of Earth. What follows is a high-stakes race against time as the Galactic Battle Fleet prepares to intercept the enemy forces before they reach Earth.
One of the novel’s most striking elements is its intricate world-building. Westbrook creates a universe that feels fully realized, from the advanced battle cruisers – equipped with devastating weapons like Starburst missiles – to the subterranean colonies on Earth built by Admiral Gabriel and the remaining fleet. The genetic engineering of early humans, who are portrayed as creations of these alien beings, adds an intriguing layer to the story, connecting humanity’s development with interstellar events. The author’s attention to detail is meticulous, and the scope of the conflict is immense, with multiple factions, star systems, and technological advancements at play.
The characters, particularly Captain Amun and his fellow officers, are well-drawn, and their interactions provide moments of levity amidst the tension of impending war. Amun’s dedication to his crew and his duty contrasts with more personal moments, such as the relief of handing over command to Commander Montu or the longing for time spent with family. These small, humanizing touches help ground the larger-than-life story in relatable emotions.
What I found to be the most interesting aspect of the book is that it is told from the perspective of a dog. Without giving too much away – if you do pick up this book be sure to read all the juicy parts at the beginning. Prior to the revelation of who is the narrator of the story – there is a rhyming prose piece that mentions a New World Order, confirming the various allusions to conspiracy theories throughout the book.
Tomorrow May Never Come is a sweeping space opera that will appeal to fans of epic science fiction. Westbrook’s ability to blend cosmic battles with human emotions ensures that readers will be captivated by the fate of Earth and its unlikely protectors. The novel’s scale and ambition marks it as a standout in the genre, offering a thrilling tale of interstellar conflict, ancient secrets, and the enduring struggle between light and darkness.