Zack Jackson

"Breaking news from Cytherea!" "Cytherean Security is cooperating with troops from the Devoran Defense Force in a city-wide search for a 14-year-old student. If you see or know the whereabouts of Zack Jackson, please report immediately to the nearest authorities. Under no circumstances should you approach the suspect, he is considered armed and dangerous." It was natural for Zack to assume his second year at Cytherean Academy would bring fresh challenges and new friends. However, he never imagined being pursued as a criminal by the Devoran military. Meanwhile, something stirs beneath the city, in the crushing depths under the churning, acidic clouds. What are the Devorans hiding about the secret of Venus?

After discovering the secret of Venus, Zack Jackson thought he was in for the exciting adventure of a lifetime. Instead, he and his friends found themselves stranded on a dead planet 163,000 light years from the Cytherean Academy on Venus. Now, they worry about getting home before everyone they know and love thinks they're dead. As they struggle to survive the hostile alien environment, they uncover forgotten secrets that could destroy the Devoran Empire and change the Galactic Confederation forever. Hans Cummings is the author of the World of Calliome high fantasy novels and the Zack Jackson young adult science fiction series. Two of his short stories appear in Fear the Boot's Sojourn speculative fiction anthologies.He is also a voice over artist, having performed over a thousand narrations for Internet content creators, as well as having appeared in several audiodramas, narrated audiobooks, and currently is a cast member of I Should Roll, a Mass Effect expanded universe actual play podcast.Hans earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University in 2006. He grew up in Indiana, Germany, and Virginia and returned to Indiana when he was 21. He currently lives in Indianapolis with his wife and cat. His hobbies include tabletop and video gaming, cooking, gardening, and igniting young people's curiosity and passion for science and exploration.

It is an exciting time for Earth as the Galactic Confederation considers their application for membership. Interstellar travel is commonplace in the 43rd Century, and humans work and live alongside many alien species from all over the galaxy.Zack Jackson is an ordinary kid from Wyoming, embarking on his first intersteller trip with the Junior Rangers. He looks forward to exploring a strange new world and making friends with the kids in his troop.When an accident strands Zack and his new friends in the hostile wilderness of an alien world, they must rely on their wits and each other to survive toxic snows, avalanches, and deadly predators 260 light years from home.