Into the Fire

I just finished Austin’s Boyd’s The Proof after reading his first offering The Evidence. There’s one more to go titled The Return in the moderate Sci-Fi series.

I am not a sci-fi or fantasy fan at all. Oh yeah, I’ve seen my share of Star Trek episodes and even films, and my husband and son get a kick out of alien films, but usually I don’t. So, it’s kind of strange that I decided to buy Austin’s first effort, but I’m sure the reason for it is, as a reader, I love authenticity. Even when it’s over my head (no pun intended).

One of the reasons I loved Tom Morrisey’s In High Places was because it felt real. I had to grab the ol’ dictionary to determine how to pronounce those climbing tools, but the scenes and the rocks themselves were integral to the story. Reading Randy Singer’s stories convey the same sense of realism whether it’s behind the scenes with lawyers leading up to trials or with Judge Oliver Finney from behind the bench. And when you engage a Brandilyn Collins story, you know that even though you’re going to encounter some ugly evil, the details in uprooting whoever it might be will be genuine. Robert Liparulo’s wild adventures dare to stretch the boundaries, but they “feel” possible and threatening as you’re zooming along with his characters.

Austin Boyd is more than qualified to write about space travel. I won’t spoil his credentials for you, but they’re impressive. He’s written an intriguing tale, and the middle edition leaves you impatient for the final book. He gives you ample clues to keep you savvy but still doesn’t reveal the source of all the intrigue. The second book causes a few gut wrenches—the first one you don’t see coming, at least I didn’t. The second one felt too horrific. There were only a couple small glitches in the plot, not significant enough to cause distrust or irritation. More like it took a little too long to develop the answers to the questions raised. I’ll be anxious to find out how this all goes down and how he intends to wrap it up.

Poised to buy book number 3 in a Sci-Fi series—I can’t believe it.

Father, you are the Creator of all things true and real and perfect. Thank you for building creativity into your people in so many wonderful ways. Help me to always use whatever you’ve given me for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.