Happy Book Birthday to Starganauts by C. E. Stone!
Star Trek meets the Power Rangers is how I would describe the debut novel of author C. E. Stone. Starganauts, a Christian space opera novel, is a book lovers of science fiction are sure to enjoy!
Book Blurb: The end of Earth was their beginning. When an alien gunship shatters their lives forever, a prophetess and a newlywed are hurled to a distant galaxy. Crash-landing on an alien world, they face a dwindling water supply and pursuit by the master of the gunship. Yet the discovery of eight mysterious orbs may prove their salvation. It could also change the destiny of galaxies.
First, this book is action-packed right from the beginning. And once those mysterious orbs are discovered, I literally had to sit up I was so enthralled! The characters and character development were well executed, but what I loved even more were the themes woven throughout the novel. Specific lessons of trusting God even in times of darkness, relying on your spouse and turning to God together, and how greatest growth often comes from difficult or challenging times. In addition, one is reminded of the need to listen to God and use God-given talents to glorify the Creator, and one is reminded of the freedom and salvation that rests in the name of Jesus.
Some of my favorite quotes that connect to the themes of Starganauts are as follows:
- “Fantasy can give us hope when the real world seems dismal.”
- “But when God gives you a gift and tells you to use it, only the faithless walk away.”
- “Sometimes, healing carries a cost. But if we endure, the bliss we experience afterwards far outweighs it.”
- “As a pot had no right telling the potter how to shape it, so she must submit to God’s role in shaping her life.”
- “We’re weighed down heavily by our sins, yet in an instant, Jesus lifts them from our shoulders. We are free from their bondage, and it is a wonderful feeling indeed.”
There were some parts of the book where I felt there was more telling than showing (ie. a paragraph references a fight between Sharko and Kaity; when the survivors test out the mysterious orbs). However, there is still a LOT of showing and action in the book.
I will admit that I struggled with the beginning of the book – but more for personal reasons than anything with the writing. The decimation of Earth, for some reason, made me think of the Left Behind book series (which caused me great anxiety as a child). However, Stone’s writing quickly reminded me that God has a purpose in all things – this book is a great story of faith, hope, and perseverance.
Overall, I give Starganauts a 4.5/5 star rating. I highly recommend it to adult readers of science fiction, lovers of space operas, and fans of Christian fiction. It is clean so young adult readers may enjoy this book as well.
Be sure to order your copy of Starganauts TODAY here! And follow C. E. Stone on Instagram, and check out her website. Also, get a FREE book from C. E. stone by visiting here.
*I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
3 thoughts on “Book Review: Starganauts by C. E. Stone”