This continuation of the Merker's Outpost story is simply amazing! J A Bard creates an intense world where every action does have a consequence and lessons take on a planetary scale. That Jina Gari Zohra and Harriet Alexandra become a part of it all and rise above adversity is no surprise. I love the world that is presented, but I love even more the twist that this writer gives to the concept of having your characters evolve! I really cannot wait to see this in print, I know I'll be first in line to buy a copy. - Andy - Jun 19th, 2003   

J.A. Bard has outdone herself in this, the sequel to 'Merkers Outpost.' In creating Arnica, this author has created an incredibly diverse and rich planet full of its own brand of mysticism and power that is quite unique and imaginative. She draws you in to its wonder as it draws in the participants from the previous tale and meshes them wonderfully into an even greater tapestry. I can't wait to see what happens in the next sequel! Brava!! An intriguing and wonderful SciFi/Fantasy for everyone! - J. Bradley - Jul 1st, 2003   

Another GREAT story. It is fast paced, lot's of adventure, wonderful new world to explore. You can find this story on the Author's website. - Anonymous - Oct-30-2010   

I thought this story was very fast paced and tense. I liked it alot. The only thing I would have liked was a little more backround on Claire. I hope there is a sequel so we can get to know all the great charactors better in this story. - Swampaa - Sep 27th, 2003   

Sequel, sequel please. - Anonymous - Apr-12-2007   

Awesome story. Was surprised with the ending. Love the characters, but would love to know more about them, how they came to be such great friends. Please pre-sequel or sequel. (G) - rosii59 - Mar-02-2010   

I liked the story. - Wheezie - Mar-06-2013   

The story is interesting if you can get past the point that the main character seems kind of clueless for her chose profession. Not my favorite from J.A. Bard but a decent read if you're in the mood for a straight mystery/crime drama. - Stacia - Mar-06-2013   

This is a really great story. Not easy to get into initially but well worth the perseverance. Well done Bard. Hope there is a sequel coming soon. - soopi - May-03-2014   

Loved it!!!! - Anonymous - May-04-2014   

fantastic!! - Anonymous - Aug-23-2011   

This novella has a very unusual story line with characters that the author reveals slowly, a passage at a time. Well worth the journey. - wasabigrrl - Sep-12-2009   

This story is finished. Its status should be changed. - Anonymous - Nov-06-2011   

There were lots of interesting developments in these stories. Enjoy the ride. - Wheezie - Apr-18-2014   

nice sequel. looking forward to the next installment - Anonymous - Oct-30-2010   

Just finished reading this wonderful story, and hope J.A. Bard is planning a sequel ! - gail - Sep 4th, 2004   

just finished but didn't want it to end...can't wait for the sequel.. - dodie - Sep 14th, 2004   

This is a great story! Enjoyed this one very much. I hope for a sequel soon. - L'Nara - Oct 13th, 2004   

Marvelous! If you like intrigue and romance mixed with the "High Life" of the Entertainment industry in a futuristic setting, then this is the story for you! This tale is well-crafted, the plot-line well thought out and the descriptive prose puts the reader right in the middle of the action. Thanks for a thrilling read, JA -- where's the sequel??? - Therese - Jan 2nd, 2006   

I do not recommend this story for anyone that wants to get to sleep on time. Once I started this story, I had a hard time pulling myself away to get some sleep. This story had drama, intrigue and passion. It was well written and the plot was not predictable. I cannot wait to read the sequel. - Gabsfan - Jan 26th, 2006   

Great story but it really needs a sequel. The end was very abrupt and rushed. I still have a lot of questions. - Anonymous - Apr-11-2007   

Awesome story! Just want a sequel! :oP - kaysy_1994 - Apr-22-2007   

Great story. I stayed up late to read this. Just couldn't stop. - Linda aka cygirl1 - Dec-05-2007   

fantastic
wonderfully wrote - Anonymous - Dec-10-2007   

enjoyed this SciFi very much. Good characters. But I do have some unanswered questions...so on to the sequel. - rleef - Jan-25-2009   

Wonderful story. Highly recommended. This is a wonderful mystery story with lots of intrigue, twists and turns. Kept me engaged until the very end. Now off to the next installment. Will Lonnie and Kali find their way back to each other - I have to know. - Anonymous - Jun-01-2010   

Whoa! This is a fantastic sci-fi story that has intrigue, mystery, spying,white water rafting, climbing, hiking, running and superb dancing! And the characters and future technology are second to none. I very much enjoyed this story. And, there's more--a sequel! Thank you, J.A. Bard for sharing your imagination and The Atheneaum for giving it a home! - Teresa - Aug-12-2013   

more please? - Anonymous - Feb-04-2008   

please tell me the story continues... I have enjoyed Galaxy Dancers immensely. Wonderful characters, intriguing plot. You are a very talented bard. Thanks for sharing your talent ! Oh - will Kali and Lonnie ever get back together. I have to know - ha. - Anonymous - Jun-01-2010   

These stories are so interesting and unusual. I noted when I began the sequels that they were not finished but continued reading due to the storyline being so engaging and the characters so endearing. Now that I've read what there is I don't feel left in mid air without finality. In fact, I feel like a friend has left for a time and I can't wait to hear from her again. Plus, Leona is so unique that whether she ends with Kali as her beloved matters little because Leona is constantly surrounded by love. I only hope that her beloved love her with as much love as she'll receive. I will say though, that Part II had me wanting to leave the setting as much as Lonnie wanted to, also. Thank you, JA Bard, this is a genuine journey with friends. I hope to be in there presence again soon... - Teresa - Aug-12-2013   

incredible story. I couldn't stop reading it. I can't wait for the next part. I hope it comes soon. - Anonymous - Jan-18-2008   

Great read. I do hope that this story is continued. Following her training and the changes she goes through, has given life to the main character. I hope to see what the characters develope into. I don't know if I'd agree with the "finished" statement in the synopsis though. There seems to be alot of story yet to tell. - Anonymous - Jan-29-2008   

interesting..waiting for ore - leia - Jan-29-2008   

I really enjoy the story. Can't wait for more. - Pat - Mar-29-2008   

wow! this is a wonderfully written piece of work! ive read it over and over again and im looking forward to reading the rest of the work. it is the type of book i will spend my money on.
looking forward for the next part. - sabetin - Dec-16-2009   

A wonderful fantasy fiction. The characters are all interesting, unique. I hope the writer continues with this story. There is no romance yet, but the seeds have certainly been set. Looks very promising. There are a few stories by this writer that have remained 'unfinished' I hope that is not the fate of this one, too. The writer has a fascinating imagination! - Teresa - Dec-19-2009   

Do you plan on finishing this at all? I would really love to see it finished. - pickles - Jun-03-2011   

wondering if the continuation of the story is on another site or if it just wasn't completed?

for what it's worth if it's worth anything, i've thoroughly enjoyed the story so far. from the first paragraph i was hooked. a great read! - Aahi Young - May-21-2014   

This was a little long and I got confused once in awhile. However, it was a good story on many levels. I have to say I enjoyed it for the most part and it kept reading on. - Starry - May-26-2011   

Reminds me of the old vintage roleplaying computer programs (the ones like Zork, which relied on words, no pictures). The author use of Gabrielle's having to explain the environment to Xena, gives the reader a vivid view of their everchanging surroundings and challenges they must face. Combine this with a wonderful use of dreams and desires to move the story (and reader), it is definitley a 'do not read at work' story. ;) - Tryxter111 - Aug-18-2008   

This was a really good story! Once i started reading it, i couldn't stop until I had finished it. - Anonymous - Jan-25-2010   

I'm looking forward to when this comes out in print, I enjoyed it and it captured my imagination. One of the best pieces of sci-fi I've read in a while. - Andy - Mar 7th, 2003   

"Merker's Outpost" is a sexy, action filled, sci-fi fantasy, with a complex plotline and interesting characters. (I really worried about them at times and wonder where they'll end up, even some of the more minor players, and this involvement is a very good thing). The settings are easy to visualize, a testimony to the author's vision of the outpost and other alien environs. J A Bard has created an expansive universe of societies, populated by an interesting variety of aliens. Constructionwise, with the background and interlocking character development segments, I was reminded of the "Dune" series by Frank Herbert. "Merker's Outpost" is a very good read, well worth the time, but I'll be looking for its continuation in "Arnica", since I felt that the ending left me hanging. (J A, unlike many readers, I wouldn't have a problem with a single 600-700+ page story, ). There's still some dancing to do. - Phantom Bard - Mar 7th, 2003   

Excellent! I read the published work. Purchase it and you will not be disappointed. I look forward tou buying her next book. Untill then I am reading her online work. - BJ - Jul-15-2008   


This is a sci fi lover's dream.
It's fun to feel as though you're living on this planet called Merker's Outpost.
Our heroine is dropped off on the surface of the planet in what seems to be a gigantic sand storm but her survival suit is damaged and she's starting to black out.I swear I could hear the wind and feel little pieces of sand coming through the mask.It's tough to breathe when your oxygen supply is dwindling rapidly.
I was fascinated by the gadgets this author dreamed up.The "bots" that prepare your food and clean up after you were a special favorite of mine.Where can I buy one?Oh yeah,it's only make believe.
I.Christie has quite an imagination and has created a world in turmoil.
Smugglers are trying to invade the planet and steal the technology that the "Guardian" has created but more importantly they want to control a special secret about Merker's Outpost.I'm not telling you what it is.
Lady Harriet is the main character.She and Sargent Major Zohra were cadets in a military academy.Of course they have a history together but it's been 9 years since they've seen each other.A lot of emotional trauma has occurred to each of them.
They suddenly find themselves thrown together in this conflict and they're not sure if they can trust each other.
I enjoyed everyone of the 300+ pages in this story and am looking forward to the sequel.
- Pat - Jun-28-2009   

Yeah, what's up with this story? there is no link :( [Editor's Note: It's a published work. 7-6-2009] - CM - Jun-30-2009   

I have so enjoyed all of this author's works. I went and bought Merker's Outpost. Loved it. If you are looking for a great sci-fi story, read this series. Highly recommended. Check out the author's website for more of her stories. - Anonymous - Oct-30-2010   

This was an interesting story dealing with the supernatural. It’s very educational on the supernatural and other such things (spells,beasties,vampires,fairies). However the writing could have been a bit better. I had to loop back a couple of time to get what the characters were trying to say. I’ll definitely read the sequel when it come out. JA Bard, thanks for sharing your story, it was truly interesting. - -bk - Jan-03-2017