A Galactic Meanderings Novel
Trust No One. Not Even Your Own Crew.
A smuggler. A crime war. A ship full of people that might kill each other before the pirates get a chance. Strap in for a fast-paced space adventure where every alliance is temporary and every deal could be your last.
★ 5.0 — 7 ratings on Amazon · 187 pages · by Adam Pike
About the Book
The Only Thing More Dangerous Than the Enemy
Is the People at Your Back
Marten is a small-time smuggler with a reputation for getting by on clever lies and shady deals. Alongside his alien partner, Rath, he navigates the murky waters of the criminal underworld, running petty cons and smuggling goods.
But when a routine job turns into a violent crime war, Marten unwittingly picks up two new passengers: Pfizel, a rat-like alien who survived the bloodshed, and Bart, a sales rep for the cutthroat Imperial Rod and Pile Fuel Company — whose life is split between two personalities: naive Bart and the cunning Ted.
As their tenuous alliances unravel, Marten quickly realizes that the only thing more dangerous than the external threats is the deadly tension brewing within his own ship.
Perfect for fans of Firefly, Redshirts, and space operas that don't take themselves too seriously.
Smuggling & Survival
Petty cons, shady deals, and staying one step ahead of everyone.
Space Conflict
A routine job disrupted by a violent crime war leads to a chase across the stars.
Unstable Alliances
A motley crew where everyone has their own agenda — and secrets.
Moral Grey Zones
No heroes here. Just survivors doing whatever it takes.
Galactic Underworld
Pirates, harbour authorities, and the criminal networks between them.
The Author
Meet Adam Pike
Adam Pike first drafted Swindled Stars in 2006 — then lived nineteen transformative years before he was ready to publish it.
Those years taught him that the best stories come from characters who survive impossible odds with sarcasm intact and family by their side. Now a self-published author specialising in humorous, character-driven science fiction, Adam writes for readers who love space opera but hate taking things too seriously.
Swindled Stars is his debut novella and the first book in the Galactic Meanderings series — a universe where loyalty is rare, danger is everywhere, and the best plan is usually the one you make up on the fly.
Indie Storyteller
Character-driven sci-fi
Debut Novel
Swindled Stars, 2025
Series Planned
Galactic Meanderings
What Readers Say
Transmissions from the Crew
"A Fun Intergalactic Thrill Ride"
"This was a fun and enjoyable read. The world building is lean but effective. I was less than 30 pages in and I felt immersed in it. The characters are well developed and their voices are distinct. I am genuinely looking forward to the sequel."
— Amazon Customer
United Kingdom
"Irreverant and fun"
"If you're a fan of Firefly, or Han Solo and Chewbacca, you will enjoy this book. The life of a cargo hauler isn't glamorous, but it sure is eventful. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to more from this author!"
— Jennifer Deby
Canada
"A really fun read."
"Enjoyed the characters, the ship names are perfection. It's funny, fun, strange and just the right amount of chaotic. Space cats, rats, pirates and smugglers. Who could ask for more?"
— John Duggan
Canada
"Great wee story"
"Great story, it's been a good read when I'm at the racetrack watching my son."
— John Davidson
United Kingdom
Join the Crew
Sci-fi, writing, behind-the-scenes nonsense, and outtakes from the author of Swindled Stars. Subscribe to read chapters as they drop and be first to hear when the next Galactic Meanderings book launches.
Join the Crew on Substack
The Series
The Galactic Meanderings Universe
Swindled Stars is just the beginning. More misadventures, more double-crosses, more questionable decisions.
