The Word Unleashed (Volume 2) (The Face of the Deep) Paperback – October 14, 2016

OK, these are quite old—from Marcher Lord Press now Enclave Publishing: 2009 & 2010. They are also excellent Christian science fiction. To quote the blurb:"Baden picked up the wrong book.In the far future, the civilized worlds have finally been freed of the curse of religion. Tolerance now rules the five colonies. Thanks to the secret police, no one has been bothered by so much as a hymn in two generations-much less a Torah, Koran, or that most dangerous of books, a Bible."Needless to say, the dreaded secret police are not only upset about the discovery of the Bible, but they are also thinking coup—over a duped king. As a group, and in the leadership, they are appallingly nasty.The world building is exceptionalThe politics and culture are done very well without being overwhelming. There’s no feeling of reading an atlas. The technology is loosely covered, almost glossed over in places. This is not hard science fiction.The romances are underplayed and realistic. The friendships are strong. The families are stronger yet. Their trials are gripping and well rendered.Spiritually, it’s great funMuch like the world building, Steve glosses over the details of when and how. I did have a bit of trouble getting into the book because of my conviction that we’re out of here within a few decades—max. Steve just ignores the fact that the Lord hasn’t returned. In fact, with a day of 2602, it’s clear that he hasn’t. But he quickly brings you into his created world and it’s really no problem.The Christianity is well handled with little stereotypical Bible thumping. If anything, the Christianity is shown as relatively powerless. Nonetheless, God is active and loving. He gets the job done. But this isn’t a book of spiritual power displayed.

Baden's book won't leave him alone. He'd like nothing more than to get rid of the Bible he found in the wreckage of a derelict starship. It's brought trouble - the secret police are closing in on him. He's fighting more with his father. And he fears that Gail may be falling under the book's spell. But he can't seem to let it go. Now he's sharing what he's read with believers who have awaited the return of God's Word for decades. His mysterious rescuer, Jason, wants the Bible taken to a safe place. So now it's his choice. He can hide it, or proclaim it.With Kesek in control of the Realm and coming after all its opponents, Baden will have to trust not only in his friends but in a contingent of elite soldiers determined to save the king. He'll have to come to grips with the power he has unleashed on the Realm of Five. And that power has plans of its own. (Description taken from Amazon.com)Wow. I can't say enough good things about this book. It was a worthy addition to the Face of the Deep series, and it was just amazing.The plot was brilliant. The action never stopped, and I found myself holding my breath several times as the story neared the end. From space battles to the kidnapping of the king; this book had it. Steve Rzasa pulled it off wonderfully.I personally couldn't imagine a world- er, worlds- without a Bible. It was just amazing to follow Baden as he finds out what kind of power he's really unleashed across the worlds... the Bible.Really, I'm rather at a loss for words. A race to Earth, the mystery of Alexandria... and the Word unleashed. Rated 9.2 out of 10.

I am a huge sci-fi nut and Christian. So often the two oppose each other in fiction, but here they converge. This is something I am thankful for. All in all, it is a good story with endearing characters coming to grips with faith. I, however, had some trouble following some elements of the story. There were so many devious plots and duplicitous characters that I got a little confused. Overall, though, it was wonderful to read and I feel gratified that sci-fi was used to further the gospel of Jesus Christ instead of dishonoring him like so many worldly sci-fi novels do.

Great story-line! Steve Rzasa masterfully extrapolates the current religious-intolerant and politically-correct worldview to a very possible, should the Lord tarry, intergalactic-traveling future storyline. His characters are varied, complex, and believably realistic. I found myself quickly invested in their lives and couldn't wait to find out where the story's twists and turns would take them next. ><<G>>

I enjoyed reading this book, a first for me since it blends a science fiction/outer space story with characters' faith journeys. The Word is outlawed. Death or imprisonment stalk those who read it. As a Christ-follower, I enjoy speculative fiction that includes faith issues. The Word is as powerful as the story suggests.

After reading this one I had to buy the next book right away. I loved all the awesome, original ideas. It left me with a lot to think about. Love the world Steve created. Though it was so out there it all felt real.

I would love to have this series continued. It was a page turner, even if I read it on my Kindle.

I never thought of saying Christian and sci fi in the same sentence, but this was great! I thoroughly enjoyed it.