FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Otherworld Bound about?
Otherworld Bound is a science fiction novel set in 2035, in a world governed by a single international body called United National. Greg Cordell, a young nuclear electronics scientist, forms an unexpected friendship with a supply clerk who knows far more than his job title should allow. That friendship draws Greg into a larger conflict involving an alien presence that has quietly taken control of Earth’s government. Greg and a group of friends travel beyond the solar system, develop extraordinary abilities, and fight to find a place where people can live free from covert rule.
Who is Richard Collins?
Richard Collins is the author of Otherworld Bound and a lifelong science fiction enthusiast. He served in the United States Marine Corps before building a career in insurance, project management, and technical writing. He lives in Oklahoma with his wife Patricia and has four children and several grandchildren. He is an avid fisherman and hunter and has spent much of his life wondering about what lies beyond the stars.
Is this book part of a series?
Otherworld Bound stands on its own as a complete story with a full narrative arc. Whether Richard Collins will revisit the world or characters in future work is a question worth asking him directly through the contact page.
Where can I buy the book?
Otherworld Bound is available in eBook, paperback, and hardback formats. It is published by Authors Publishing House and is available through major online retailers. ISBNs are listed on the About the Book page for easy reference.
Is this book appropriate for younger readers?
Otherworld Bound is written for adult readers and older teens with an interest in science fiction adventure. The story deals with themes of government control, resistance, and survival, handled in a thoughtful rather than graphic way. Parents or educators interested in using the book with younger audiences are welcome to contact us with specific questions.
Does the book require a background in science to enjoy?
Not at all. The science in Otherworld Bound serves the story rather than the other way around. Greg Cordell’s technical work gives the plot its footing, but the book is written so that readers of any background can follow and enjoy it. The focus is on the characters and the journey, not on technical explanation.
Can I use this book for a book club?
Yes, Otherworld Bound is a good fit for book clubs. The story raises questions about power, loyalty, freedom, and what people owe to each other, all of which make for productive discussion. If you would like discussion questions or a personal note from the author for your group, please reach out through the contact page.
How long did it take to write Otherworld Bound?
The ideas that became Otherworld Bound developed over many years before the writing began. The story draws on a lifetime of observation, curiosity, and the kind of daydreaming that Collins describes as a genuine and persistent habit. The book was first published in 2009.
What inspired the story?
Collins was drawn to the question of what happens when ordinary people discover something vast and threatening that the world around them has missed entirely. He was also interested in writing characters who are good at their work, loyal to each other, and capable of more than they initially know. The science fiction framework gave him room to explore those ideas without the constraints of the present moment.
How can I contact the author?
You can reach Richard Collins through the contact form on the Contact page of this website. He reads all messages personally and welcomes correspondence from readers, media, and event organizers.