Christian Author & Story
Brightstar: Energematrice6
VERDICT: HIGHLY Recommended
Concern Level: Low
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelLow
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
Refreshingly, and as you would hope and expect from a Christian author, there is almost nothing here from a concerning content standpoint, but it is really important to make sure that this book is right for your reader. See more discussion on that in the next section below. A couple of times we are told a character swears (e.g., swears under his breath), but the word is not listed.
VerdictHIGHLY Recommended
Our Thoughts
God knew we needed a solid Christian title to review after a string of disappointing secular books and this one did not disappoint. This book is a much-needed addition to Christian literature, providing the type of fantasy/sci-fi feel that many find so appealing while never moving into being weird, dark, immoral. The story is interesting and has enough Christian allegory to it to keep it tied to the all-important journey we find ourselves on as Christians (we read of the “Lightmaker”, the “Brightstar”, and our favorite – a really cool view of something very Holy Spirit like). One of the things we love about Christian titles is that Christian authors have really ‘good’ good characters. That is certainly the case here. They also truly grasp the nature and danger of real evil. That is also the case here. We see evil in its manipulative and hidden form. We see evil in its out in the open uber-dangerous form. We see it as it is. And that really brings us to the one thing we would say as a caution. At the climax of the book the characters encounter this out-in-the-open evil face to face and it does make a situation that may be scary for some (think of Lord of the Rings and the effect of those books taking evil very seriously as a parallel). This book should probably be considered for young adults, older teenagers, and more mature young/mid teenagers. Honestly adults who like this type of story will really enjoy it as well. It is a relatively short title, so it is certainly one you can pre-read if you are on the fence for your particular reader. We also want to say that we really appreciate the author directly owning his faith every chance he gets as well. The books starts with a great dedication (“To Christ, who will always be my Hero.”), moves into a set of thank yous, culminating with thanking Him and ends with an author bio that again mentions his faith. This book is a great reminder to us that God has given people all over the world awesome Christ-honoring stories. Some people, such as this author, have listened to the call and done the hard work to bring their story to us (and in this case our teens and young adults). These stories are out there is we will only be intentional as Christian parents and seek them out. Excellent book. Highly entertaining. Meaningful and ‘good’. HIGHLY Recommended.
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.
"Only the void is content to wait in peace." Brightstar is the beginning of an epic space adventure that introduces readers to Nate, a boy desperate to escape the prison of an ordinary life made unbearable by his autism. When he is unexpectedly transported to another universe, Nate's perceived disability is transformed into a near superpower. In the Aurora Galaxy, where his arrival has been prophesied for thousands of years, Nate finds the weight of expectations difficult to bear. After being greeted by an ancient ally, Nate begins gathering a misfit group of "odds" from every corner of the universe. Nate's odyssey, which starts in the most prestigious school in civilization, will end battling monsters from the darkest imaginations of an ancient, captive Earth. Coping with greater and greater adversity, Nate finds himself confronted by enemies who all seem to be connected in suspicious ways. In the end, Nate must stand before the Lightmaker Himself, who sent Nate to the Aurora Galaxy in the first place. Brightstar is the beginning of a myth in the tradition of authors like C.S. Lewis, written to introduce young people to the most important stories and values of Western Civilization. Rich language and an epic story provide the backdrop for an exciting, yet thoughtful space fantasy.
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Scripture Reflection
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
— Romans 12:1-2
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