A fantastic start to a series to keep up with

books:


	• Epic: Dawn of Destiny (Epic) Lee Stephen Stone Aside Publishing, L.L.C., 2006 - 340 pages average customer review:based on 32 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A fantastic start to a series to keep up with

Lee Stephen has created a fantastic universe in Epic. His characters are deep and very believable. From heroic and honorable Scott R. to funny and chauvinistic Becan M., these are sci-fi warriors you won't soon forget. This novel is Starship Troopers meets Aliens meets Halo. I find Scott's stalwart faith a refreshing and wonderful dynamic. While this novel can appeal to all who purchase it, Christians will smile. The storyline is fantastic. His explanations and descriptions of alien vehicles and weaponry are something to envy for an author like myself. Chapter after chapter, he masterfully witnesses these battles, all the while, keeping the relationships and storyline moving. You'll find yourself sprinting through this novel. You'll want to know as soon as possible how it ends. Then, you'll immediately want Outlaw Trigger.

Lee Stephen is a talent to watch carefully. His series is going to make a massive impact on the sci-fi world. George Lucas-- HERE COMES THE NEXT STAR WARS!

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Spectacular!

First off, for you non sci-fi fans, don't get scared off by the genre. It's so much more than `a genre'. I was enveloped in the story from start to finish. I ate up that book in a few hours (which is pretty good for me). I read it every moment I had at work, at home, and in between. The story sucks you in from the first page. The characters are well developed and believable - I think that's what attracted me most to them - they were people I could point out and say, "Hm, I know a guy like that" and mean it. There's a great mix of action wonderfully spaced throughout the book with a few dramatic sequences, tense moments, and plenty of comedic relief.

You follow the lead character, Scott Remington, through his experience as a soldier in Earth's global military. The story takes place in the future, with the dawn of world peace at hand. Contact is made with extraterrestrials (who are aggressive) and the unified Earth Defense Network (EDEN) is the first and only line of defense. This book is the first in a series of eight or nine to follow.

While the book has a clear beginning, middle, and end, it leaves much to look forward to. If there is one concern I had, it was that there wasn't an in depth look to how Earth became what it was - they adopted a new `era' called, the "New Era", so dates are described as 0002 NE. That's awesome, but I'm super intrigued as to how Earth got to even that point, what made them decide to unify, and how does the world exist in that time - are there still countries, governments for each? How does society function? EDEN gives plenty of insight into how their military functions, but the book steers away from much more than that. I'm anxious to see what answers are given in the upcoming book, Outlaw Trigger, the next in the series. Some of my favorite points DOD:

* The introduction and staying power of the characters - different personalities, characteristics, and even nationalities make each person unique, identifiable, and unforgettable.
* The fact that everyone in the book is `real'. No one is indestructible. No superheroes. And no outrageous feats. HOWEVER, characters show they CAN be heroes and accomplish amazing things. Just in the way that humans sometimes do.
* Intensity. There are a few battle sequences where I feel like I'm sitting across the street from the action watching every moment. Like I can almost feel the heat from the guns.
* Real fiction. What I mean by that: Lee Stephen makes the story as close to believable as you can be with aliens involved. The way they act, move, react, and relate is something lots of other sci-fi book/movies, miss. They become too `fantasy' or forced.
* It kept me entertained throughout the entire book. At no point did I say, well this chapter is moving kinda slow. I didn't want to put down the book and I didn't want to finish. I was actually upset that I finished the book because I wanted more.
* Undertones. While I believe they're obvious throughout the book, the undertones, messages, and morals flowed right with the story. Again, nothing was forced. Everything had it's place and it's place had everything. There is a strong Christian undertone throughout the book, some quite obvious (Scott Remington has a Bible that he keeps with him and often prays for guidance and strength) and others not so obvious until you've finished the scene, chapter, or even the book.

This is an excellent read for sci-fi and non sci-fi alike.

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Realistically, Unrealistically

Well, I can say that I got through this, and without missing the main point intended. But in the end I saw it as nothing more than a shoot 'em up, "let's clean this up in book #2" with planning. I enjoyed the action, and it has memorable characters, but stuff like this will never be among my favorite reading material. Just suppose for a moment that Lee Stephen himself wanted you to read his debut, hoping you would make him an instant favorite. Hey, I'll certainly give it a chance, but being a favorite is highly unrealistic. The reality in all this is God's planning, and our trust in Him. The reality is our composure and integrity, no matter how insane trials can get. When the going gets tough, where are you?

We're focused on Scott Remington and a group of men. Remington is away from his fiancée, and he doesn't exactly like his circumstances. But it is also discovered in the heat of things that Scott Remington is a natural leader. And with natural leadership comes overwhelming responsibilities at times. And always, nothing but the best expectations are viewed when you become a leader. And when the enemy comes to pick a fight, you better be ready! Get your guns ready, boys, the time has come to go to war.

The good thing about this was that it was a page turner. Everything kept moving along at a decent pace. But it take more then killing a few aliens and defending the Earth to keep my attention. God's plans when you are so unsure, I can easily relate to that. But that was even short-lived for the most part. The effort was great, and I can appreciate that. But I probably won't be appreciating book #2, because I ain't buying! I can appreciate a great effort in this one though, because it was worth it. At times.

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A Fantastic First Novel

It was difficult to put this book down. I'm halfway through the second as I write this review, and I'm anxious to see where the story goes. There are some great characters and good dialog. Battle episodes are separated by human scenes where the author demonstrates that there are people behind the armor, people with lives and relationships that extend beyond the war. I found the main character's references to his faith refreshing and honest.

A really great read and an amazing first foray into writing.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Some men go to war for the glory. Some men go to war to escape. For Scott Remington, war is entirely different. It is a belief. It is a calling. It is a destiny. Leaving everything behind-his fiancée, his future, his life-he embarks on a mission of faith into a battle he can barely understand. This is his story. This is his war. This is only the beginning.

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