To me, there is one genre in literature, more than any other, that is a true “make-or-break” mine field: Science Fiction. I believe the primary cause is for two major factors. 1.) The field has already been set and played by some amazing minds. 2.) The basic skill sets required both in writing as well as, well, science!
As to the first point, Isaac Asimov has to be one of my favorites. And rightly so. He was a genius. Add Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, and then throw in some more modern Michael Crichton and you have a vast wake that would make any would-be sci-fi author quiver in their boots.
But more than being a good writer, and secondly a good fiction writer, you have to know what in the world you’re talking about. Why? Because even the most novice teen these days is raised in a technological society where they can tell the genuine from the counterfeit in the blink of an eye. Which means one thing; you didn’t get your bright ideas from a Cracker Jack box. You have to earn those stripes.
Today I would like to introduce you to someone I gladly add to the names mentioned above, and not for his sake (though it has a lot to do with it), but for mine! (How selfish, I know). Why? Honestly? Because it’s sometimes hard to find fantastic sci-fi. Period. But fantastic sci-fi plus a little something more? Plus the “x” factor? Then you have Austin Boyd.
Not only does this man have the ability to write a thick plot full of surprises, great characters and chilling scenarios (both technological and theological), but he has paid his dues in the filed from designing private space craft to working for NASA itself. And what’s more (there’s more?), and this is the “x” factor, the special sauce, if you will: This guy is a fellow Believer–a Jesus following, Bible memorizing died in the wool Christian. And proud of it.
I actually had the honor of writing him an e-mail this morning and felt I should include a bit of at pertaining to the subject of writing and Christianity:
“I wanted you to know that I’m thoroughly enjoying The Return and ecstatic that I get to post about an author who I can truly endorse from my heart. In fact, while reading last night in bed (my routine), I had a thought from the Holy Spirit impressed upon me, or rather confirmed once again, that Christian authors wield the most powerful pen of all, because we are able to maneuver through all “typical” genres of writing, yet provide a whole other element for the reader–the spiritual. And not just some humanistic attempt to talk about the supernatural, but if we’re listening to Him, a true reflection of the divine–a thought provoking injection acutely designed to draw the reader past the temporal and into the eternal.”
And I believe Mr. Boyd has done just that. He has successfully navigated the waters of science fiction with astounding dexterity while weaving a tale of spiritual exploration (sometimes quite haunting, and an all-too-real look of theology gone wrong). I have to admire a man who can allow his three obvious loves in life to collaborate into a believable tapestry of ingenious beauty: science, family and God.
I’ll let you go read the reviews and plot summaries by someone else on Amazon; they’ve done a much better job than I would do. But what I wanted you to know is that the true wealth of this man’s writing is hidden in the divine agenda of his heart, not the skill of his pen or the calculations of his ingenuity.
So go pick up The Return. While it can certainly stand alone, I would highly recommend the previous two novels in the Mars Hill Classified series (The Evidence and The Proof).
My hat is off to you Mr. Boyd. Thank you for your work and may the Lord richly bless you and your family.
Happy reading!
CH
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CSFF Blog Tour Participants
Trish Anderson
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Lisa Cromwell
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Merrie Destefano or Alien Dream
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Christopher Hopper
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Rachel Marks
Karen McSpadden
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Christopher
I’m going to bronze this blog! Wow! What an honor and what great writing… you have a wonderful command of the language, sir.
Christopher and I shared an email this morning while I was in Washington, D.C. on business. We’re working in my engineering job on a new technology for the aircraft industry that will completely transform the way you and I fly in 20 years… perhaps sooner. I was also in D.C. to meet with Oliver North, with whom I’ve been honored to join forces on a coming novel that will mix future issues and a new twist on the war on terror.
Christopher’s complimented me in a huge way to lump me in with the masters. But the real Master is Jesus, the King of storytellers. He used fiction to share truth, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do, to use fiction to share the good news. “A novel approach to truth” is my tag line, and it’s the novel that we can use to reach people for Christ, when a tract or an invitation won’t penetrate their heart… but a good story will. That’s why Jesus told stories. They get you in the gut, get your attention, and perhaps open a door for the Holy Spirit.
Blessings on you all, and thanks Christopher for your wonderful words. I am humbled and honored.
Yours in Christ,
Austin Boyd
http://www.austinboyd.com
Great intro, Christopher. I was particularly struck by your point that with today’s information delivery systems, novices are technologically savvy and can spot phony information quickly. Having an expert in the fields of science and technology–whether by trade or serious research (n.b. Tom Clancy)–always makes for a more believable read, something indispensible for us as believers who’ve given our lives in the service of the Truth.
Well, I for one hope Christian sci-fi is here to stay.
On which subject, Christopher, if you happen to have ordered a little-known book in that genre, the order may have got lost somewhere, so drop me an email. And then I’ll stop pestering you by comment.
Great to hear from you, Steve. And thanks for the reminder. I’ll e-mail you shortly as I would really like to get my hands on your book.
All my best,
CH
You are a wonderful book reviewer.
That’s awsome!
Really piqued my interest!
I’ve read some sci-fi ((not as much as fantasy)) and I must say, this sounds good!