Blogiversary: Top Sci-fi

Now we're on to sci-fi books. You can access these books, along with others and some generic articles by clicking on the "science fiction" link in the left hand column, or by clicking the "science fiction" tag at the bottom of this article. 

Number 3: Knox's Irregulars, by J. Wesley Bush

This one is worth the read if you enjoy sci-fi military action with a dash of faith and sprinkle of humor. While it wasn’t my favorite, it still makes for a good book if your TBR pile is shrinking too rapidly.

Number 2: Firebird, by Kathy Tyers

First off, how have I not gotten around to book two yet? This is a serious problem.

Secondly, this is a good sci-fi novel with some epic space battles and balanced with good character development. The worldbuilding is excellent, but it's number two for being a little difficult to get into.

Number 1: A Star Curiously Singing, by Kerry Nietz

The wit and character voice in this story catapulted it into first place, even though it isn't as heavy on the action as the above books. Sandfly's sense of humor is spot on. The book couples great world-building with this for a nice read.

Honorable Mention:

The Word Reclaimed, by Steve Rzasa
-I'd like to revisit this series. The political intrigue at the end was interesting, but it needed just a little more to get it into the top three.

Talon's Test and the Shield of Faith, by Nicholas Downing

-This was my first book review, so of course it should be mentioned!

Blogiversary: Top Middle Grade Books

Hey, look at this! I've been blogging a year as of this week. In celebration, I'll be sharing some of my favorite books in various categories. Today, we tackle Middle Grade books. I included books that easily stood alone or the first book in a series for consideration. You can find more books by typing "Middle Grade" into the search bar at the top of the page.

Number 3: Kingdom's Edge, by Chuck Black 

While this is the third book in an allegorical fantasy series, this book stands alone nicely. It's a 5/5 for the age group. Adult readers may find the plot and characters a little shallow, but it's still enjoyable. 

You can also find my review for the first two books in the series here. 

Number 2: Spirit Fighter, by Jerel Law

A fun urban fantasy for younger grade readers with strong spiritual themes, this one was my number 2 pick for this year in Middle Grade. Older readers may not enjoy it as much, but I think it's still worth a read. 

Number 1: Dreamtreaders, by Wayne Thomas Batson

This one might edge over into "teen" a little bit, but it's definitely my top pick for younger readers. The character development is more substantive than the other books, which would make it enjoyable for older readers as well. Plus, the idea of travelling between worlds in your dreams is pretty sweet. 

Honorable Mention:

Kiriath's Quest, by Rick Barry.
-While it's a nice quest-style story, this one just didn't stick with me as much as the others did. It would be suitable for middle-grade readers looking for an easy fantasy read.

One Realm Beyond, by Donita K. Paul.
-This one almost edged out Kingdom's Edge for number three. The length might be discouraging to readers at the younger edge of this age range, but it's definitely a fun read.

Well, that's the end of day one of the blogiversary extravaganza! Tomorrow, we'll cover sci-fi. 

Friday Fiction Fix: "The 13th Tribe"

The Short:

The 13^th Tribe

Immortal Files, #1

By: Robert Liparulo

5/5 Stars

What: The Tribe has been seeking out sinners and meting out justice for thousands of years, but this plan might push things too far.

Recommended to those who like: Thriller, (sci-fi?), Christian, Darker Stories

Not recommended to those who dislike: Stronger violence

The Long:

To start out, I don’t know how to classify this book. Thriller doesn’t quite cut it because there’s speculative weirdness of Biblical proportions happening. But it’s not fantasy—though it involves swords and immortal people. And it’s not quite sci-fi—though it involves invisibility suits.Regardless of what it is, I liked it. And I thought you guys might like it, too, so I figured I’d share.

The Tribe used to be part of the nation of Israel—until they worshipped the golden calf in the shadow of Mount Sinai. Their punishment? Immortality and a futile, never-ending attempt to regain God’s favor by killing sinners that the law can’t control. This next project might be their ticket out. Or, it might ensure their eternal damnation.

Jagger used to be a man of faith—until he lost his arm and his best friend in a horrendous drunk-driving accident. When he crosses paths with the Tribe, will they confirm his suspicions that God is a spiteful entity?

First off, the theological questions raised by this book were magnificent. Is salvation by grace or works? How can a loving God exact justice? It also leaves the questions open-ended and doesn’t come across as trite or preachy in its answers.

The premise of this story was also excellent. I mean, “Immortal vigilantes from the time of Moses have planned the unthinkable.” That excerpt from the back pretty much hooked me out of curiosity.

Although Jagger wasn’t the deepest character I’ve ever met (something about him felt a bit distant), I loved the questions that he struggled with. The Tribe was loveable and despicable at the same time.

The book was action-packed, though it took a while for me to really become invested in the story. Once it got going, it was really good. The plot twists at the end kept me guessing. *Pounds head into keyboard repeatedly*. Don’t read this book late at night unless you plan on staying up to finish it.

My main warning about this book is how dark it was. If you’re sensitive in regards to violence, this is not the book for you.

Bottom Line: A good, speculative twist on the thriller genre, this book would be an appropriate pick for mature readers who would like to delve into some serious questions of faith.

Does this book fit into Speculative Fiction? How would you categorize it?

I will be slow to respond to comments this weekend. See you Monday for the start of the Blogiversary Celebration!

Reality, Meet Fiction: Careers

Reality:
Someone working 40 hours per week (standard here in the U.S.) spends approximately one quarter of their time at work, meaning that it's a substantial pull on their time. Their life at work affects their outlook, their income (and thus living conditions), habits, perspective on life, personal hygiene, schedule, and more.

Credit to Pexels; Eric Bailey

Some jobs are considered "good" jobs--whether because of pay, flexibility, or other benefits. Other jobs may be considered "bad" jobs or have a stigma attached to them, sometimes in spite of good pay. For example, here in the U.S. we have a "skills gap" where fewer and fewer young people are entering into the skilled trades--such as welding and electrical work. As the group of workers in these jobs approaches retirement, there's a real demand for the jobs.These jobs pay fairly well--especially when considering the lower educational investment cost for them--but are often seen as less desirable. The educational system has also shifted to preparing students for four-year college degrees, rather than vocational school, further exacerbating the problem. (Check out this article from Forbes if you'd like to learn more).

Jobs also have health risks and unique hazards associated with them. For example, many men and women who worked in factories have hearing loss or lung problems associated with their jobs.

Fiction:
Fantasy
If you're basing your Fantasy story in historical reality, remember that the majority of your population will (most likely) be employed in agricultural work. These societies also tended to be more rigorously structured and stratified into distinct social classes.

However, that doesn't mean that you can't have fun with your historically-based characters. Is there a stigma attached to being a wizard? What are the occupational hazards for being a bard? Is there a guild that shopkeepers have to belong to in order to keep their business open?

And, since it's fantasy, you can always change up the rules. What if magic beans take care of themselves, allowing for more specialization in society and less time being spent on agriculture? What if farmers are held in high esteem, instead of being looked down upon?

Sci-fi
I think careers are where steam punk could be really fun as a genre. Blending old-style technology and new concepts could be interesting.

What jobs are available to your futuristic characters? Are they like the Jetsons, where they only have to work a few hours a day? Are there masses of unemployed people looking for jobs because machines do most of the work? Do people have more leisure time?

Do people who work with their hands seem less intelligent? What jobs are held in high esteem? Are there "rival" jobs created as one type of job replaces another?

Fun Facts
-Many hatters (hat-makers) in the 1800's suffered from mercury poisoning (which can cause neurological problems) as a result of their work. This may have given rise to the phrase, "As mad as a hatter".
-The Discovery Channel had an entire show called Dirty Jobs devoted to disgusting and undesirable jobs that are necessary for society to function. It makes for some great inspiration.
-In the middle ages, one guild for shoemakers required that nails be pounded into the bottom of a show only three times. Pounding in a nail more times was possible cause for dismissal from the guild.

Samara's Peril Blog Tour: Author Interview and Book Review

Please welcome Jaye L. Knight, creator of the Ilyon Chronicles! She's here as part of her blog tour for her release of Samara's Peril, which is book 3 in the series. 

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Which of the Ilyon Chronicles was the hardest to write and why?

Well, I have yet to write the final book, but right now I would say book four. I got really frustrated while writing it, and it took longer than the others. The funny thing is though, now that it’s written, it’s my darling. I adore it and can’t imagine why it was so difficult.

I see you have your own imprint for your books. What made you decide on the indie publishing route and what makes it rewarding?

I didn’t really have a choice in the beginning. I wanted to publish, but I had no idea how to go about it. Originally, I published my first book through a self-publishing company. I wouldn’t make that choice again now, but I learned a lot from the experience. It taught me enough to pursue indie publishing completely on my own. Now that I’ve sort of learned the ins and outs, I’m very happy with where I am. I love having control over the entire process. That way I know I can work on a book until I’m completely happy. Plus, I just could never work under strict deadlines. I have a hard enough time actively writing as it is. Throw in a set deadline by a publishing company, and I would probably just fall apart. :P

You describe yourself as a "shameless tea addict". What's your favorite type of tea?

It used to be English Breakfast tea, but then I tried Irish Breakfast tea and fell in love with it. I have at least a mug of it every day.


What's your favorite part of writing Christian books?

The hope that is in them. Even when things are at their very worst, there is hope in the fact that God works all things together for good. That hope is missing in non-Christian books. Like The Hunger Games, for instance. Part of the reason I found them so depressing was because there was no hope. No strength they could reach out to, no faith they could hold on to.


And finally, if you could master any fantasy skill/weapon what would it be and why? 

A sword, most definitely. :) I’ve always wanted to learn how to wield a sword. My brother was always more the archer type, but for some reason I always loved the hand-to-hand combat in swordplay. There’s something really epic about skilled swordsmen/women.

Thanks for taking the time out for an interview!

Book Review: Samara's Peril

The Short:

Samara’s Peril

Ilyon Chronicles, Book 3

By: Jaye L. Knight

4/5 Stars

What: When the Resistance discovers that Samara is Emperor Daican’s next target, they spring into action. And who is the stranger called Elon?

Recommended to those who like: Fantasy, Christian, a bit of romance, and have read books 1 and 2.

The Long:

It was my pleasure to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Jaye for being awesome and interviewing with us today! Now, let’s hear a little bit about her new release. I’ve tried to keep it spoiler-free in regards to both Resistance and The King’s Scrolls.

Kyrin and her friends embark on a dangerous journey to obtain Daican’s plans for Samara, the neighboring kingdom that still largely follows Elom. More secrets than just his plans come to light, however. Can Jace come to grips with new secrets from his past? And is the healer Elon the one who was promised?

I really wish that I could have given this book five stars. However, the beginning was a bit…scattered. I felt really disconnected from Kyrin and it was hard to keep track of all the minor characters (it’s been a while since I’ve read the other books in the series).

Yet, some aspects of the book were stellar. Jace is still one of my favorite characters--from any book series. He feels real. Also, hats off to Ms. Knight for some fantastic dragon battle scenes at the end. The action sucked me right in.

In spite of some of the hiccups with this book, I’m really excited for the next book in the series. The ending to this one had me worried for a few pages, but I was very pleased with where it left off. There’s a promise of some more great action in the next installment.

As always, Ms. Knight offered a thoughtful Christian message, though some readers might find it a little strong. This book also gets into a little romance.

Bottom Line: Samara’s Peril, while a weaker installment in the series, has a lot to offer to fans of Christian fantasy, including a nice lead into the next book. 

U.S. Residents, be sure to check out the cool giveaway associated with the book!

There will be no Friday Fiction Fix tomorrow due to today's post. See you on Tuesday!

Have you checked out any new releases lately? 

Reality, Meet Fiction: Disease

Okay, so it's time to kick off a new post series! In this one, I'm going to be discussing different things in everyday life that could be used to liven up a story a little. Hopefully I'll come up with something original every now and again. 

Reality:
As most of us know, disease can take many forms, from the plague to botulism to polio to influenza to the common cold to cancer. Some are contagious between people, some are genetic, and some can be contracted through food or contact with infected animals. Some diseases are considered normal or insignificant, such as acne, while others, like lung cancer, may have a stigma attached, due to the lifestyle that likely caused it.

Diseases have a phenomenal impact on society--they shape whole professions, spawn branches of government, drive demand for products, and create events such as fundraisers and public awareness campaigns, even when there's not an epidemic at the time.

Epidemics can create fear, re-direct entire economies, and impose crippling trade and travel restrictions.

Source

Fiction:
Fantasy
If you're working with a fantasy-style world, you have endless possibilities for diseases and plenty of help from historical examples. Quarantine tactics? Check out ancient practices regarding leprosy. How trade can impact the spread of disease? Look no further than the plague. (Liz might be happy to talk to you about it).

Old fashioned medicine/home remedies and ancient ideas of medicine are also interesting, but I think we'll save those for another day.

Sci-fi
Just because you're working with a more contemporary or futuristic world doesn't mean that you get to miss out on the fun. What new or emerging diseases are there? How will this affect your world and your characters' journey? Are antibiotics still effective, or do they work against too few pathogens to be of use?

Disease Fun Facts
-Rabies travels from the site of entrance to the brain along nerves at a rate of about 3mm a day, but no symptoms are shown until it reaches the brain.
-According to the CDC, there were at least 15 cases of the plague in the U.S. last year.
-According to MythBusters, sneezes only travel about 30-40 miles per hour, not the 100 mph typically cited.

Friday Fiction Fix will be on Thursday this week and will feature a special interview with Christian Fantasy author Jaye L. Knight. 

Friday Fiction Fix: Auralia's Colors

The Short:

Auralia’s Colors

The Auralia Thread, Book 1

By: Jeffrey Overstreet

5/5 Stars (And Going on the Favorites Shelf)

What: In a society where only the privileged are allowed to wear bright colors, an orphan is about to change everything.

Recommended to those who like: Fantasy, loosely Christian, darker stories

The Long:

I borrowed this book from the library a few years ago and loved it. I couldn’t recall exactly what it was about when I came across it in a local used bookstore, but I sprung for it. To my delight, I enjoyed it just as much as (if not more than) the last time I had read it.

Auralia is an orphan with mysterious origins. Taken in by the outcast “Gatherers” of the city, she seems to be an odd bird. She’s always wandering through the woods, gathering brightly colored objects to make gifts for her friends. This colorful habit gets her into trouble with the law, as only the royal family is allowed to wear colors. But she’s determined to teach House Abascar something that even she doesn’t fully understand.

Okay, so it doesn’t sound all that exciting, but I ask you to give it a chance if you’re a fan of fantasy. We have strange beasts, magical powers, and some good world-building. While I wouldn’t call myself “close” to Auralia, the supporting cast of characters is extraordinarily vibrant and very human.

The story’s a bit slow at the start and Mr. Overstreet’s writing style does take a little while to adapt to. 

However, the action picks up about halfway through and everything starts to click together.

One of the other reasons I like this story is that it provides an interesting perspective on greed and materialism. It isn’t preachy, but it certainly made me think about what I value most. There are also some other themes involved, like the importance of art. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing how those plot threads are developed.

The Christian element to this story is rather minimal and I don’t know that I would have called it Christian, save for the fact that it’s published by a Christian publisher. I would recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of fantasy (this probably wouldn’t be a good intro story for someone who isn’t already a fantasy fan), doesn’t mind some darker elements, and is open to a different writing style.

I wish I could provide a more in depth review for the book, but I don’t want to give too much away. If you do pick it up, go into it with an open mind and don’t expect it to be your “normal” Christian book.

Bottom Line: A good pick for fantasy fans who are open to trying a new author with a new style. 

Have you read any books lately that didn’t fit into the typical mold for the genre? Did you like it?