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The Legacy Chronicles #1
Courage
Can one woman evade an alien empire to save her son's life?
Gilla and Elias have the perfect life—or as perfect as life can be for slaves living deep in the Esarelian Empire. Elias wants freedom for his precious wife and daughter, and the rest of their people, and he is willing to fight to get it. Pregnant with her second child, Gilla only wants a happy, healthy family who share a strong faith in the God of Old Earth and to get through her workload each day.
When the Esarelians decide to teach their rebellious slaves a lesson they will never forget, Gilla’s entire life is turned upside down. She must trust that God has a plan to protect her new-born son, and have the courage to follow it, choosing the strangest of allies in an effort to ensure his survival.
Gilla and Elias have the perfect life—or as perfect as life can be for slaves living deep in the Esarelian Empire. Elias wants freedom for his precious wife and daughter, and the rest of their people, and he is willing to fight to get it. Pregnant with her second child, Gilla only wants a happy, healthy family who share a strong faith in the God of Old Earth and to get through her workload each day.
When the Esarelians decide to teach their rebellious slaves a lesson they will never forget, Gilla’s entire life is turned upside down. She must trust that God has a plan to protect her new-born son, and have the courage to follow it, choosing the strangest of allies in an effort to ensure his survival.
- GenresChristian FictionFantasy
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2018
8 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Lauren H. Salisbury
9 books59 followersLauren H Salisbury writes science fiction and fantasy stories about courage, love, and redemption. She includes all kinds of relationships in her novels but loves a good found family trope when she comes across one.
When she's not engrossed in fictional worlds, she enjoys crafting, nature, food, and sleep. She lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband and a rampant cheese plant but tries to follow the sunshine south in winter.
A one-time avid collector of physical books, she made the switch to an e-reader when she discovered they could hold far more than one large suitcase. Her only complaint about them is that they're no good for taking bookish pictures.
To find out more, go to laurenhsalisbury.com
Happy reading!
When she's not engrossed in fictional worlds, she enjoys crafting, nature, food, and sleep. She lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband and a rampant cheese plant but tries to follow the sunshine south in winter.
A one-time avid collector of physical books, she made the switch to an e-reader when she discovered they could hold far more than one large suitcase. Her only complaint about them is that they're no good for taking bookish pictures.
To find out more, go to laurenhsalisbury.com
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 13, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It's the first time I've read a re-telling of a specific Bible story set in a completely different historical/geographical/technological context, and I started off with quite a few doubts. How can this work? The story of Moses is so deeply embedded in the whole background of ancient Egypt—won't it come across as rather corny and unconvincing to transplant it into some artificial fantasy world? And we aready know the story: won't that be a massive spoiler right from the start? I pictured myself sighing and tapping my fingers—"Ho hum, so he's hidden in the river, and any minute now Pharaoh's daughter will turn up, yeah, yeah, yeah…"
But I was amazed and delighted to find that it wasn't like that at all! Salisbury has created an entirely credible alternate world with fresh, believable characters whose background and story does not immediately recall the Biblical narrative. Yes, it's a slave society with harsh alien overlords—but within that framework the whole setup is quite different. Which has one wondering from the beginning, OK, so how will Moses fit into this? What will trigger the catastrophic events that cause him to be hidden? And above all, how will Pharaoh's daughter find him? Her identity is clear from the moment she's introduced, but she moves in a totally different world. As the story built up I found myself fascinated by the problem of how their paths would ever cross. And when they did, it happened in a totally believable, natural way that flowed organically out of the two storylines up to that point. The details are quite different from the Biblical narrative, but the principles and interpersonal dynamics are exactly the same. That single event was, to me, the most satisfying part of the story.
Those were the positives. What about the negatives? Well, ah, let me think. Umm—OK, maybe occasionally Salisbury had a little too much telling rather than showing when it came to revealing her characters' thoughts and attitudes. I know some people might find that off-putting. I didn't, because if that's a fault I'm also guilty of it in my own writing.
Otherwise…? I was so caught up in the story that if there were other flaws, I didn't notice them—which in itself is a notable tribute to her writing. I should add, as an additional plus, that the text flowed smoothly and was almost entirely free of spelling and grammatical errors—which, to me, is a big plus and definitely helped my immersion in the story.
In conclusion: If you're a Christian who enjoys speculative fiction, read this book! When you've finished I'm sure, like me, you'll be waiting eagerly for the sequel…
But I was amazed and delighted to find that it wasn't like that at all! Salisbury has created an entirely credible alternate world with fresh, believable characters whose background and story does not immediately recall the Biblical narrative. Yes, it's a slave society with harsh alien overlords—but within that framework the whole setup is quite different. Which has one wondering from the beginning, OK, so how will Moses fit into this? What will trigger the catastrophic events that cause him to be hidden? And above all, how will Pharaoh's daughter find him? Her identity is clear from the moment she's introduced, but she moves in a totally different world. As the story built up I found myself fascinated by the problem of how their paths would ever cross. And when they did, it happened in a totally believable, natural way that flowed organically out of the two storylines up to that point. The details are quite different from the Biblical narrative, but the principles and interpersonal dynamics are exactly the same. That single event was, to me, the most satisfying part of the story.
Those were the positives. What about the negatives? Well, ah, let me think. Umm—OK, maybe occasionally Salisbury had a little too much telling rather than showing when it came to revealing her characters' thoughts and attitudes. I know some people might find that off-putting. I didn't, because if that's a fault I'm also guilty of it in my own writing.
Otherwise…? I was so caught up in the story that if there were other flaws, I didn't notice them—which in itself is a notable tribute to her writing. I should add, as an additional plus, that the text flowed smoothly and was almost entirely free of spelling and grammatical errors—which, to me, is a big plus and definitely helped my immersion in the story.
In conclusion: If you're a Christian who enjoys speculative fiction, read this book! When you've finished I'm sure, like me, you'll be waiting eagerly for the sequel…
March 4, 2018
I don't know why, but Biblical retelling in other genres intrigue me, and this one was stellar.
Science fiction-wise, it was a comprehensive world, and like great science fiction should, it made me think about the world we have now. Especially the slaughter of innocents, a crime that should never be, yet was and still is.
Character-wise, Thanos is my favorite. He's just such a charmer. Though I also have great respect for Gilla and the rest of her family for the courage they revealed dealing with everything they had to. And, of course, there's the 'Pharoah's daughter.'
All in all, it was a thoughtful read and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Science fiction-wise, it was a comprehensive world, and like great science fiction should, it made me think about the world we have now. Especially the slaughter of innocents, a crime that should never be, yet was and still is.
Character-wise, Thanos is my favorite. He's just such a charmer. Though I also have great respect for Gilla and the rest of her family for the courage they revealed dealing with everything they had to. And, of course, there's the 'Pharoah's daughter.'
All in all, it was a thoughtful read and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2021
A Space Opera Exodus story. The symbol on the front cover is not explained.
May 13, 2019
This epic science fiction take of the story of Moses is compelling in every way-character, plot and setting. The characters are well developed and unique; the plot is powerful and personal; the setting is well described. This book is astonishingly good.
Characters:
Gilla is supposed to be the main character, but the other characters are well developed enough that they stand on their own as well. Elian, the faithful father, is noble and resilient. Than, the flirt, must learn to be responsible when the worst happens. Reemah, the rebel princess, discovers a calling she didn’t realize she had. Gilla also develops faith in God as she seeks to save her son. There are many others, but these ones stood out to me.
Plot:
From the outset, this book seems to be about a group of people fighting for their freedom. Yet, it took on a more complicated story when plans didn’t go well. Political intrigue, romantic tension, a classic oppressive king versus rebellion--this book has all of this in one. The plot is only more powerful because of the compelling characters, which make the events more relatable and heart wrenching.
Setting:
This book is filled with description. The author describes how the settlement is laid out, how the work is distributed, and how the society works in intricate detail. The science fiction aspect of it is believable, from the med-wands to the hangar bays, and purple landscape. I just wish I could have an actual illustration of this wonderful land.
Overall, this science fiction novel was an enjoyable read and I am definitely buying the rest in the series. And that ending? I promise I’ve only squealed a little bit.
Characters:
Gilla is supposed to be the main character, but the other characters are well developed enough that they stand on their own as well. Elian, the faithful father, is noble and resilient. Than, the flirt, must learn to be responsible when the worst happens. Reemah, the rebel princess, discovers a calling she didn’t realize she had. Gilla also develops faith in God as she seeks to save her son. There are many others, but these ones stood out to me.
Plot:
From the outset, this book seems to be about a group of people fighting for their freedom. Yet, it took on a more complicated story when plans didn’t go well. Political intrigue, romantic tension, a classic oppressive king versus rebellion--this book has all of this in one. The plot is only more powerful because of the compelling characters, which make the events more relatable and heart wrenching.
Setting:
This book is filled with description. The author describes how the settlement is laid out, how the work is distributed, and how the society works in intricate detail. The science fiction aspect of it is believable, from the med-wands to the hangar bays, and purple landscape. I just wish I could have an actual illustration of this wonderful land.
Overall, this science fiction novel was an enjoyable read and I am definitely buying the rest in the series. And that ending? I promise I’ve only squealed a little bit.
Read
August 15, 2018I’ve always been in awe of the women described in the book of Exodus. While not necessarily strong in the modern sense, they showed such faith and performed acts of such courage that I’ve been fascinated with them since I was a girl. Unlike their male counterparts, they remain mysterious and opaque in the Biblical account, with very little solid information available about them.
The idea of fleshing out their lives and imagining the gaps left in their stories has followed me for several years, sometimes with a doleful puppy-dog expression, until I stopped to pay it the attention it craved. I was probably as surprised as anyone when I realised it was going to be set in an alternate universe where timelines have been stretched and humans have been travelling through space since before the end of Genesis. The spark of inspiration was certain, however, so I sat down to create worlds where it had room to grow. Now it has a life of its own and, no longer content to simply shadow me, The Legacy Chronicles actively and regularly invades my waking and semi-sleeping hours, jumping up and licking my face at the most inopportune moments.
In all honesty, I’ve loved getting to know Gilla, Reemah, and the others, and I hope readers will too. Each novel tells the story of one of the women in Mahsan’s life, with maybe a few extras along the way, because I’ve discovered a universe where courage, conviction, strength, and faith have a greater impact on humankind than any one person could dream.
That’s what I think. You’ll have to pick up a copy to see if you agree…
The idea of fleshing out their lives and imagining the gaps left in their stories has followed me for several years, sometimes with a doleful puppy-dog expression, until I stopped to pay it the attention it craved. I was probably as surprised as anyone when I realised it was going to be set in an alternate universe where timelines have been stretched and humans have been travelling through space since before the end of Genesis. The spark of inspiration was certain, however, so I sat down to create worlds where it had room to grow. Now it has a life of its own and, no longer content to simply shadow me, The Legacy Chronicles actively and regularly invades my waking and semi-sleeping hours, jumping up and licking my face at the most inopportune moments.
In all honesty, I’ve loved getting to know Gilla, Reemah, and the others, and I hope readers will too. Each novel tells the story of one of the women in Mahsan’s life, with maybe a few extras along the way, because I’ve discovered a universe where courage, conviction, strength, and faith have a greater impact on humankind than any one person could dream.
That’s what I think. You’ll have to pick up a copy to see if you agree…
May 7, 2018
First, let me start by saying that I enjoyed the book. I'm glad that I read it. The writing is very well done. In fact, I'm a little jealous. The plot is simple enough. It's a retelling of a biblical story, only set in the future and some other part of the universe. Still, it doesn't take too long to realize where the story is heading.
Pros: The characterization is good. There are many characters to like and dislike. Choosing a favorite is nearly impossible. Just when you're about to settle of one, something changes. Again, it is well written and thought out. You feel the burdens of the people involved.
Again, the wording and imagery are good. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. I remember thinking at times that the wording and flow of the sentences were just beautiful. Very nice.
It had a beginning, middle, and clear ending. Thank you! I hate cliffhangers, especially those that seem as though a story is simply chopped off because... it has to end somewhere. Even in a series, I believe each book should have a clear end. Leave a hook large enough to catch a whale if you want. But, finish the story, which the author did.
The retelling is done in such a way that I still found myself wondering what was happening next. It is action packed and adventurous. The author creates a world situation in the future where our history is played out again. And, although I knew where the story would eventually go, I never got bored and became more curious as to how she would pull it off. When she did, I was pleased at how she did it. Good job!
Cons: Flow. There was scenes that I finished wondering what contribution the scene made to the plot. I would hold the scene in my mind, only to finish the book and realize that the scene didn't drive the story forward in any way. These scenes were few. Still, it took me out of the story, as though there were two different stories being written that had little to do with the other. I will say I suspect they are setting up something for book 2. However, they should serve more of a purpose to the current story.
The story started slow (for me). Eventually, we get to guts of the story and we even see the inner workings of the oppressors. This made it more interesting to me and added depth. Then, we don't see it (oppressors POV) again until much later in the book. Once that was dangled, I felt like it should have kept going, perhaps giving us more of that side and less of the above that I mentioned.
Again, this was a good story. I'm glad I read it. I do believe there is a certain challenge people face in writing a retelling. The reader knows where the story is going. The author has to keep the reader engaged and interested. Lauren does this.
Pros: The characterization is good. There are many characters to like and dislike. Choosing a favorite is nearly impossible. Just when you're about to settle of one, something changes. Again, it is well written and thought out. You feel the burdens of the people involved.
Again, the wording and imagery are good. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. I remember thinking at times that the wording and flow of the sentences were just beautiful. Very nice.
It had a beginning, middle, and clear ending. Thank you! I hate cliffhangers, especially those that seem as though a story is simply chopped off because... it has to end somewhere. Even in a series, I believe each book should have a clear end. Leave a hook large enough to catch a whale if you want. But, finish the story, which the author did.
The retelling is done in such a way that I still found myself wondering what was happening next. It is action packed and adventurous. The author creates a world situation in the future where our history is played out again. And, although I knew where the story would eventually go, I never got bored and became more curious as to how she would pull it off. When she did, I was pleased at how she did it. Good job!
Cons: Flow. There was scenes that I finished wondering what contribution the scene made to the plot. I would hold the scene in my mind, only to finish the book and realize that the scene didn't drive the story forward in any way. These scenes were few. Still, it took me out of the story, as though there were two different stories being written that had little to do with the other. I will say I suspect they are setting up something for book 2. However, they should serve more of a purpose to the current story.
The story started slow (for me). Eventually, we get to guts of the story and we even see the inner workings of the oppressors. This made it more interesting to me and added depth. Then, we don't see it (oppressors POV) again until much later in the book. Once that was dangled, I felt like it should have kept going, perhaps giving us more of that side and less of the above that I mentioned.
Again, this was a good story. I'm glad I read it. I do believe there is a certain challenge people face in writing a retelling. The reader knows where the story is going. The author has to keep the reader engaged and interested. Lauren does this.
April 26, 2018
'COURAGE' on display in spades within Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel
The science fiction/fantasy novel Courage by Lauren Salisbury deserves praise for portrayals of that courage. Despite the point-of-view of seven different characters, the glue that holds the tale together comes from a brave mother-daughter relationship between Gilla and Mirami, respectively.
In the year 6428, humanity finds itself slaves to the Esarelians, a powerful and brutal race of aliens. Gilla, Mirami, and other humans live on Planet U'Du in various settlements and perform tasks according to the color of jumpsuits they wear.
Living with their bleak circumstances, the humans carve out a meager daily existence and believe that God will free them from their oppressors. Meantime, Gilla carries the unborn child of her husband, Elias. Family and friends of support include Gilla's brother Than, her best friend, Damaya, and work companion, Amina. But, who wants to live life as a slave?
Lead by Resistance Leader Aronin, Willan, Elias, Than, and others the humans hatch their plan but the Esarelians abduct Elias. About the same time, Gilla has her baby who she decides to name after the father. Now, Gilla, Mirami, and baby Elias traverse the treacherous terrain to keep one another safe from the Esarelians. From this point on, the tension ratchets up with UD'u and interplanetary conflict that leads to the next chapter in The Legacy Chronicles.
Salisbury knows the landscape of Planet UD'u to space vehicles to weapons to futuristic technology. Gilla's courage and perseverance matched by her daughter, Mirami, holds the story together. The budding romance between Than and Menali I'm sure will continue in the next saga of The Legacy Chronicles. Other interesting developments among the oppressive Esarelians stems from Princess Reemah Ra'hos and her friend, Velay. The power struggle on the space cruiser between Ashal Ra'hon, Ruler of the Esarelian Empire and Reemah's father, and his inner tier of Lorith Na'hor, Nishaf, and Sunath will soon explode and prove worth reading more about.
I'd characterize the Courage narrative as a slow-burn maybe due to the book's details. Because it's a science fiction/fantasy novel and the first in the series, the story probably demands this type of genre setup. However, some of the nuances of say, the Than/Menali dynamic, I wished moved faster. The book's length encompasses less than 230 pages so it wasn't a long read. Courage doesn't have numerous plot turns or jaw-dropping developments, hence the slow-burn comment, but it did keep me turning the pages. What more can you ask for as a reader? Based upon where Courage ends its narrative, plenty of fireworks appear on the horizon of Planet UD'u and the Esarelian Empire. Four out of Five Stars. Good job, Ms. Salisbury.
The science fiction/fantasy novel Courage by Lauren Salisbury deserves praise for portrayals of that courage. Despite the point-of-view of seven different characters, the glue that holds the tale together comes from a brave mother-daughter relationship between Gilla and Mirami, respectively.
In the year 6428, humanity finds itself slaves to the Esarelians, a powerful and brutal race of aliens. Gilla, Mirami, and other humans live on Planet U'Du in various settlements and perform tasks according to the color of jumpsuits they wear.
Living with their bleak circumstances, the humans carve out a meager daily existence and believe that God will free them from their oppressors. Meantime, Gilla carries the unborn child of her husband, Elias. Family and friends of support include Gilla's brother Than, her best friend, Damaya, and work companion, Amina. But, who wants to live life as a slave?
Lead by Resistance Leader Aronin, Willan, Elias, Than, and others the humans hatch their plan but the Esarelians abduct Elias. About the same time, Gilla has her baby who she decides to name after the father. Now, Gilla, Mirami, and baby Elias traverse the treacherous terrain to keep one another safe from the Esarelians. From this point on, the tension ratchets up with UD'u and interplanetary conflict that leads to the next chapter in The Legacy Chronicles.
Salisbury knows the landscape of Planet UD'u to space vehicles to weapons to futuristic technology. Gilla's courage and perseverance matched by her daughter, Mirami, holds the story together. The budding romance between Than and Menali I'm sure will continue in the next saga of The Legacy Chronicles. Other interesting developments among the oppressive Esarelians stems from Princess Reemah Ra'hos and her friend, Velay. The power struggle on the space cruiser between Ashal Ra'hon, Ruler of the Esarelian Empire and Reemah's father, and his inner tier of Lorith Na'hor, Nishaf, and Sunath will soon explode and prove worth reading more about.
I'd characterize the Courage narrative as a slow-burn maybe due to the book's details. Because it's a science fiction/fantasy novel and the first in the series, the story probably demands this type of genre setup. However, some of the nuances of say, the Than/Menali dynamic, I wished moved faster. The book's length encompasses less than 230 pages so it wasn't a long read. Courage doesn't have numerous plot turns or jaw-dropping developments, hence the slow-burn comment, but it did keep me turning the pages. What more can you ask for as a reader? Based upon where Courage ends its narrative, plenty of fireworks appear on the horizon of Planet UD'u and the Esarelian Empire. Four out of Five Stars. Good job, Ms. Salisbury.
January 11, 2024
Courage is a fantastic sci-fi retelling of the story of Moses. The setting is intriguing, the plot is compelling, and the characters will move you.
Salisbury creatively incorporates elements of the Biblical tale in the Esarelians (Egyptians) and the humans they enslave, as well as a certain tragic event that mirrors the infanticide happening when Moses was born. Yet she also weaves in something new by showing us the perspective of the alien overlords and not 100% mimicking the Biblical account (while staying faithful to it).
This book kept me in suspense, inspired me, and moved me to tears. I especially felt for Gilla in her journey, and Courage had several unexpected plot twists. Except for a sad one, I really enjoyed not being able to predict what would happen next! 👍
Overall, I highly recommend Courage for Christian sci-fi readers. Salisbury's writing is top-notch, her pacing is perfect, and the emotions and world were brilliant. 5/5 and I would read it again.
Salisbury creatively incorporates elements of the Biblical tale in the Esarelians (Egyptians) and the humans they enslave, as well as a certain tragic event that mirrors the infanticide happening when Moses was born. Yet she also weaves in something new by showing us the perspective of the alien overlords and not 100% mimicking the Biblical account (while staying faithful to it).
This book kept me in suspense, inspired me, and moved me to tears. I especially felt for Gilla in her journey, and Courage had several unexpected plot twists. Except for a sad one, I really enjoyed not being able to predict what would happen next! 👍
Overall, I highly recommend Courage for Christian sci-fi readers. Salisbury's writing is top-notch, her pacing is perfect, and the emotions and world were brilliant. 5/5 and I would read it again.
May 10, 2018
Ms. Salisbury takes the tale of baby Moses and wraps it in a new Science Fiction package. Though the basic plot points remain true to the real story, she adds dimension and depth by creating characters that draw you into her alternate universe.
I must admit up front, I am not a fan of this type of literature. I find it difficult to read a true biblical story draped in new robes. And yet, I was drawn into the conflict by the courage of Gilla, Elias, Mirami, Than, Menali and their friends. Their struggle against abuse and slavery, and the life forced on them, touched my heart and my empathy rose, leading me to continue turning pages. There were enough twists to the story to make it feel fresh, especially the added dimensions of the growing attraction between Than and Menali, the futuristic feel of space travel and technology, and the Esarelians as an alien race. I especially liked the way the story was drawn to a satisfying end and yet offered a hint of coming trouble.
I did have a problem keeping names/titles straight for the Esarelians, and the names Menali and Mirami were too much alike for major characters. I needed to go back several times to make certain I remembered who was who before I finally got them straight in my mind.
All in all, this was a good read, well written and enjoyable. I recommend it especially for those readers who like retellings.
I must admit up front, I am not a fan of this type of literature. I find it difficult to read a true biblical story draped in new robes. And yet, I was drawn into the conflict by the courage of Gilla, Elias, Mirami, Than, Menali and their friends. Their struggle against abuse and slavery, and the life forced on them, touched my heart and my empathy rose, leading me to continue turning pages. There were enough twists to the story to make it feel fresh, especially the added dimensions of the growing attraction between Than and Menali, the futuristic feel of space travel and technology, and the Esarelians as an alien race. I especially liked the way the story was drawn to a satisfying end and yet offered a hint of coming trouble.
I did have a problem keeping names/titles straight for the Esarelians, and the names Menali and Mirami were too much alike for major characters. I needed to go back several times to make certain I remembered who was who before I finally got them straight in my mind.
All in all, this was a good read, well written and enjoyable. I recommend it especially for those readers who like retellings.
March 16, 2018
First sentence: Gilla wished her pregnancy could be over already; her back ached, her feet were sore, and her bump kept getting in the way of fusing the wiring in place.
About the story: Gilla and Elias are slaves to the Esarelian Empire, along with countless of others. Elias is working toward fighting the empire to obtain their freedom. Gilla is pregnant with their second child and wants nothing more for her family than to be happy, safe, and have strong faith in their God of Old Earth. Due to the rebellious slaves, the Empire decides to teach them a lesson, which forces Gilla to take drastic measures to protect the survival of her son.
My thoughts: When I first learned this book would be based on Moses’ story in the Bible, I was curious. On one hand, I was very intrigued. On the other, it’s science fiction, based on a story, I believe in my heart is true. The Christian faith is one you have to be careful with though, especially when it’s about something that’s in a genre of make-believe.
I wanted to see where Lauren Salisbury would take us in Courage, and I’m pleased to say I enjoyed the book. This would be a story even non-Christian would enjoy, but if you know the story of Exodus, you will begin to recognize bits and pieces. Of course, some of the details of the story were tweaked; however, the heart of the message still remained.
It took a while for me to really get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading. I’m interested in seeing more.
*For more book reviews, visit: https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...*
About the story: Gilla and Elias are slaves to the Esarelian Empire, along with countless of others. Elias is working toward fighting the empire to obtain their freedom. Gilla is pregnant with their second child and wants nothing more for her family than to be happy, safe, and have strong faith in their God of Old Earth. Due to the rebellious slaves, the Empire decides to teach them a lesson, which forces Gilla to take drastic measures to protect the survival of her son.
My thoughts: When I first learned this book would be based on Moses’ story in the Bible, I was curious. On one hand, I was very intrigued. On the other, it’s science fiction, based on a story, I believe in my heart is true. The Christian faith is one you have to be careful with though, especially when it’s about something that’s in a genre of make-believe.
I wanted to see where Lauren Salisbury would take us in Courage, and I’m pleased to say I enjoyed the book. This would be a story even non-Christian would enjoy, but if you know the story of Exodus, you will begin to recognize bits and pieces. Of course, some of the details of the story were tweaked; however, the heart of the message still remained.
It took a while for me to really get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading. I’m interested in seeing more.
*For more book reviews, visit: https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...*
July 12, 2018
At what length would you go to save your family?
Based on the story of Moses in Exodus of the Bible, Courage is a science fiction novel that captures the strength of a family even amidst the worst conditions. It is emotional, gripping, creative, and visibly related to the story so many of us heard as children at Church.
All of the main characters are exquisitely developed in how they act and react to their circumstances; their feelings and emotions are breathtaking during the proper moments; and the story flowed very well, without any holes to leave the reader disappointed.
I did find the beginning to get off to a slow start and caught myself skimming many pages of the opening chapters in anticipation of the action that I knew was coming. But looking back at those first chapters, I see that they were building understanding to how this foreign world worked so that once the action started, we could throw all of our energy into rooting for our favorite characters. Thus in the end, I was actually thankful for the world building to be presented at the beginning, rather than throughout the story, because it made the rest of the novel so much more enjoyable.
I do feel the need to mention that I find the action somewhere between “mild” and “graphic” during some scenes. So readers who are not fond of high action may not find this book enjoyable.
The only thing that put a slight damper on the story, was the Esarelian character’s names. A few of the enemy characters had chapters from their point of view and with so many odd and unfamiliar names to try to remember, I found it a little difficult to differentiate whose point of view we were following. But this wasn’t anything major and eventually I got it 🙂
Overall, I am immensely pleased to have found a clean, Christian, science fiction novel that did not “dumb down” the action or create helpless or silly characters. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com reivew.
Based on the story of Moses in Exodus of the Bible, Courage is a science fiction novel that captures the strength of a family even amidst the worst conditions. It is emotional, gripping, creative, and visibly related to the story so many of us heard as children at Church.
All of the main characters are exquisitely developed in how they act and react to their circumstances; their feelings and emotions are breathtaking during the proper moments; and the story flowed very well, without any holes to leave the reader disappointed.
I did find the beginning to get off to a slow start and caught myself skimming many pages of the opening chapters in anticipation of the action that I knew was coming. But looking back at those first chapters, I see that they were building understanding to how this foreign world worked so that once the action started, we could throw all of our energy into rooting for our favorite characters. Thus in the end, I was actually thankful for the world building to be presented at the beginning, rather than throughout the story, because it made the rest of the novel so much more enjoyable.
I do feel the need to mention that I find the action somewhere between “mild” and “graphic” during some scenes. So readers who are not fond of high action may not find this book enjoyable.
The only thing that put a slight damper on the story, was the Esarelian character’s names. A few of the enemy characters had chapters from their point of view and with so many odd and unfamiliar names to try to remember, I found it a little difficult to differentiate whose point of view we were following. But this wasn’t anything major and eventually I got it 🙂
Overall, I am immensely pleased to have found a clean, Christian, science fiction novel that did not “dumb down” the action or create helpless or silly characters. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com reivew.
August 28, 2018
What I signed up for: to help a fellow Realm Maker launch her second book with a blog tour. ('Cos I'm all about the blog tours!) And then I was told that to review book 2, I really should read book 1 as well, so here I am.
What I didn't know I signed up for: BABY MOSES IN SPACE.
So yes, Courage is a FANTASTIC science fiction retelling of Moses--well, the first part of his story anyway so far. Actually, if I hadn't known that going in, I wouldn't have suspected it until much, much later in the story. Salisbury takes her time to establish a credible planet of humans under Esarelian (aliens) rule. It's not an unfamiliar setting--forced labour under strict guard, an underground rebellion, a desperate bid to escape.
Gilla is a compelling protagonist--she's weak yet strong, pushing through her fears and devastating losses to make sure that her children are safe. Then there's Than, her brother, the dashing young playboy who has to grow up quickly and suddenly. Actually, to say that this is a Moses retelling is somewhat odd and wrong. It's actually a reimagining of what Moses's mother, Jochebed, went through to save him. We don't really know much about Jochebed in the Bible, only the bare bones of what happened and how the Egyptian princess came to find the baby in the Nile, so Salisbury has free reign to create her own story--and it's an exciting, action-packed one.
I'm glad I picked this up (on a chance) and am super looking forward to starting on Conviction!
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from the author. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.
What I didn't know I signed up for: BABY MOSES IN SPACE.
So yes, Courage is a FANTASTIC science fiction retelling of Moses--well, the first part of his story anyway so far. Actually, if I hadn't known that going in, I wouldn't have suspected it until much, much later in the story. Salisbury takes her time to establish a credible planet of humans under Esarelian (aliens) rule. It's not an unfamiliar setting--forced labour under strict guard, an underground rebellion, a desperate bid to escape.
Gilla is a compelling protagonist--she's weak yet strong, pushing through her fears and devastating losses to make sure that her children are safe. Then there's Than, her brother, the dashing young playboy who has to grow up quickly and suddenly. Actually, to say that this is a Moses retelling is somewhat odd and wrong. It's actually a reimagining of what Moses's mother, Jochebed, went through to save him. We don't really know much about Jochebed in the Bible, only the bare bones of what happened and how the Egyptian princess came to find the baby in the Nile, so Salisbury has free reign to create her own story--and it's an exciting, action-packed one.
I'm glad I picked this up (on a chance) and am super looking forward to starting on Conviction!
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from the author. I was given the book with no expectation of a positive review and the review is my own.
April 29, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I have always been fascinated by the retelling of biblical stories in other settings and this did not disappoint. The author has fleshed out the characters in a way that really makes the reader rethink their impressions of them.
The humans have doubts and moments of discouragement as well as faith and hope in a better future. Their struggles are recounted in such a way that you can feel their frustrations. Gilla and her daughter Mirami try so hard to protect the baby against the odds. Knowing the biblical account I was interested to find out how they succeeded in this and I found the author's solution very imaginative.
The Esarellians who represent the Egyptians are not just the bad guys. They have their own lives and dreams. They have to navigate the politics of a ruling race. Reemah, the 'Princess', is such a wonderful character and her exploits are a treasure. Her interaction with her father and her rebellion against his restrictions work so well to develop the plot.
This is the first book in a series and I look forward to the next installment to find out how the story develops.
I have always been fascinated by the retelling of biblical stories in other settings and this did not disappoint. The author has fleshed out the characters in a way that really makes the reader rethink their impressions of them.
The humans have doubts and moments of discouragement as well as faith and hope in a better future. Their struggles are recounted in such a way that you can feel their frustrations. Gilla and her daughter Mirami try so hard to protect the baby against the odds. Knowing the biblical account I was interested to find out how they succeeded in this and I found the author's solution very imaginative.
The Esarellians who represent the Egyptians are not just the bad guys. They have their own lives and dreams. They have to navigate the politics of a ruling race. Reemah, the 'Princess', is such a wonderful character and her exploits are a treasure. Her interaction with her father and her rebellion against his restrictions work so well to develop the plot.
This is the first book in a series and I look forward to the next installment to find out how the story develops.
September 22, 2023
Courage is an impressive blend of creativity and research. The world within is impressive for the fact that the reader can identify the ancient Egyptian empire in the Esarelians without invoking a cartoonish stereotype. Furthermore, Salisbury has taken an ancient text and converted the setting into one that is decidedly science fiction at its finest. Impressive technology, including varieties of space craft, are littered throughout. Like most fantasy or sci-fi books, the character and place names are just different enough from anything the reader would be familiar with to make them exotic, but not so much that they cannot be remembered or pronounced. Finally, there is an alternative history slipped in behind the action which is not always obvious, but gives added depth to the timeline.
From an academic point of view, this book is just begging for a colonialist reading. If I had time, I would do one.
Extended review posted on my blog, Reviews From the Stacks.
From an academic point of view, this book is just begging for a colonialist reading. If I had time, I would do one.
Extended review posted on my blog, Reviews From the Stacks.
March 11, 2018
Waiting for a deliverer
Lauren Salisbury weaves an excellent tale of a people waiting for God to rescue them while wondering if he really exists. She takes the story of Moses and sets it in an unfamiliar universe. Her characters are so much fun to read, and the plot is tightly knit. I loved Gilla, one of the main characters, and am excited to read what happens next.
Lauren Salisbury weaves an excellent tale of a people waiting for God to rescue them while wondering if he really exists. She takes the story of Moses and sets it in an unfamiliar universe. Her characters are so much fun to read, and the plot is tightly knit. I loved Gilla, one of the main characters, and am excited to read what happens next.
March 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this imaginative retelling of Moses's family and birth. Ok, I admit it, I cried more than once.
The setting was vivid, and the plot was spot-on. The narrative did feel a little clunky at times, but was not enough to distract from the emotional punch of the story.
I'm assuming there is to be a sequal--I am looking forward to reading it!
The setting was vivid, and the plot was spot-on. The narrative did feel a little clunky at times, but was not enough to distract from the emotional punch of the story.
I'm assuming there is to be a sequal--I am looking forward to reading it!
November 26, 2021
The Legacy Chronicles are an enthralling series. This Sci-Fi journey of a slave destined to liberate the oppressed, and the people who loved and protected him is both exotic and familiar, but the setting is out of this world.
Whether Lauren takes you into a high-tech society or dusty, downtrodden planets, you will discover that her Legacy Chronicles are a great place to lose yourself.
Whether Lauren takes you into a high-tech society or dusty, downtrodden planets, you will discover that her Legacy Chronicles are a great place to lose yourself.
June 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, even though it's very different to any science-fiction I've ever read. It's basically a retelling of the Exodus story from the Bible in a futuristic setting. I found it to be a thoughtful and interesting reinterpretation and one that peeks behind the corners into parts of the familiar story we often gloss over or haven't really thought about before. The faith perspective was thoroughly baked in, but didn't get in the way of the story. I'll admit, it was a bit slow-paced for my tastes, the action scenes came off a bit clunky and it sometimes strayed into over-explanation for things that were already implicit. Having said that, the only other complaint I would make is that there wasn't enough detail on the technology depicted, because what we glimpsed was fascinating, and I wanted to know more! I hope we learn more later in the series. The book is very character-driven and relationship-heavy, which some will appreciate more than others. The dialogue felt natural and the character interactions very believable - especially the shy love interest scared off by an overly forthright man who comes on too strong. The ruthless Esarelians were intriguing and I'm interested to see how the rest of the Exodus is rendered later in this series. The book was interesting, at times poignant and tragic, but always heartfelt and well-written.
July 16, 2019
3.5 Rounded up to 4
Overall this was a pretty solid story. I loved the strong themes of family, kindness, faith, and courage. It really was a very creative retelling of the story of Moses. There were several storytelling choices I just didn't enjoy so much(POVs rehashing events we'd already seen, thick prose), I had some questions about the theology and how the aliens were supposed to play into that, and I didn't enjoy the ending as much as I wanted to.
I liked Gilla but struggled with a lot of the other characters, especially the Esarelians. It took me half the book to figure out who was who. None of them were used very effectively. Even Reemah, who is crucial to the plot, ends up getting involved because of a super implausible coincidence, and her dramatic choices near the end of the book were very hard for me to swallow.
So many subplots/arcs were just dropped at the end and I just wished everything had tied together more cohesively.
Most of my complaints are subjective though. This is a bold, emotional tale of unwavering faith in the face of hardship. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then you should definitely give it a try.
Overall this was a pretty solid story. I loved the strong themes of family, kindness, faith, and courage. It really was a very creative retelling of the story of Moses. There were several storytelling choices I just didn't enjoy so much(POVs rehashing events we'd already seen, thick prose), I had some questions about the theology and how the aliens were supposed to play into that, and I didn't enjoy the ending as much as I wanted to.
I liked Gilla but struggled with a lot of the other characters, especially the Esarelians. It took me half the book to figure out who was who. None of them were used very effectively. Even Reemah, who is crucial to the plot, ends up getting involved because of a super implausible coincidence, and her dramatic choices near the end of the book were very hard for me to swallow.
So many subplots/arcs were just dropped at the end and I just wished everything had tied together more cohesively.
Most of my complaints are subjective though. This is a bold, emotional tale of unwavering faith in the face of hardship. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then you should definitely give it a try.
Read
January 29, 2022Good
This is a good story even if you don't know the Bible story. There were so many strange names, it became a little confusing. That might have been because I started the story, then put it down for a couple of weeks.
If you didn't know the Bible story, it might seem like a cliffhanger, which I dislike. But I was OK with the ending.
This is a good story even if you don't know the Bible story. There were so many strange names, it became a little confusing. That might have been because I started the story, then put it down for a couple of weeks.
If you didn't know the Bible story, it might seem like a cliffhanger, which I dislike. But I was OK with the ending.
October 17, 2022
Courage
This is a fun and interesting take on Exodus if that book in the Bible had been set in space. The Characters are believable and engaging. There is more than enough adventure and unexpected situations to keep the readers fully engaged and the world building is top notch! I wholeheartedly recommend this book and look forward to continuing the series.
This is a fun and interesting take on Exodus if that book in the Bible had been set in space. The Characters are believable and engaging. There is more than enough adventure and unexpected situations to keep the readers fully engaged and the world building is top notch! I wholeheartedly recommend this book and look forward to continuing the series.
July 31, 2018
This book shows a deep and amazing understanding of the egiptian slavery and desperation of the people in the early years of Moses
December 11, 2018
Great Story!
Loved the characters and the world-building in this science fiction retelling of the story of Moses. Can’t wait to read more of the series!
Loved the characters and the world-building in this science fiction retelling of the story of Moses. Can’t wait to read more of the series!
March 11, 2019
This book was hard to put down. A well-written book. The seemed real and believable. It was full of adventure. romance, tragedy and hope. It was also full of faith! I just loved it!
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