Above the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Above the Circle of Earth is a standalone work of science fiction that explores an aspect of the expansion of the human race into space that we don’t often contemplate: the mission field. Imagine a world that is edging closer to a utopia from a secular perspective, but in which those who practice one of the current world religions find themselves relegated to preserves. These preserves are seen as a blessing by many in these faith communities, as it provides them with protection and insulation from the outside world. But how does this effect the Great Commission? We as Christians were commanded to “go ye therefore,” so should we be content to stay in our own insular bubbles because it’s safe and inoffensive to the outside world? And what about when planets beyond Earth begin to be populated? Do we let entire worlds of people live and die without ever hearing the Gospel of Jesus? When we neglect to share our faith out of fear, do we realize the blood that’s on our hands?

These are questions that plague Brock Rivers, our protagonist. Evangelistic zeal led Brock and his wife to make a mistake as a recently married couple, a mistake that drove them from not only their home preserve, but from Earth itself. They’ve resided on Mars for the past seven years, trying to keep a low profile while also not only keeping food on the table, but starting a small, underground Christian community. When they are called back home and given the opportunity of a lifetime to captain a space missionary journey that is sanctioned by the Church, the couple is ecstatic. But dangers arise. The enemy (or Enemy) will stop at nothing to see the Space Mission grounded. Permanently.

In this story, we see persecution on a few different levels. We see the obvious persecution from secular society, as well as from other religions. But we also witness persecution of Christians by fellow Christians out of fear, both of change and of repercussions, as well as out of a sense of superiority. This last type of persecution felt particularly apt, as we’re seeing a lot of this currently in our world. No one can tear down a Christian more ruthlessly than other Christians who differ on some minor point. Which is such a slap in the fact to the love we as the Church are supposed to present to the world.

Aside from the depth of faith in this novel, there were a couple of elements of the story that I really loved. First, there’s a level of tension that permeates the entirety of the plot, making for a story that is equal parts deep and fast-paced. I also really enjoyed the characters, particularly Brock and Alicia. Their romance was so lovely, and felt very true-to-life. It’s refreshing to see such a wonderful married couple in fiction, a couple who not only loves each other but sees each other as a best friend. That’s the kind of marriage I have, so it was a joy to see that type of married partnership presented on the page.

Above the Circle of Earth is so intrinsically Christian. I would go so far as to say that this is the most Christ-saturated work of science fiction I’ve ever encountered. Jesus was present on every page. Brock’s thoughts are undergirded with Biblical references and prayer. And I loved that. I don’t think this book will land well with readers who are not followers of Jesus, or who aren’t at least interested in the faith from an intellectual stance. But for Christian readers looking for speculative fiction that not only entertains but also edifies, this is going to be a wonderful new addition to their favorites shelf.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Celebrate Lit Tour for this book. And as part of that tour, there’s a giveaway you can enter! 

You can also purchase your own copy directly from the publisher here.

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, E. Stephen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 25

Novel Notions, March 25

Guild Master, March 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26 (Spotlight)

A Reader’s Brain, March 27 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 28 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, March 29

The Lofty Pages, March 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, April 1

Fiction Book Lover, April 2 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 4 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Simple Harvest Reads, April 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

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