The Golden Rule

Raven's Record #4

by Debbie Hightower

Like the ancient Polynesian explorers of the same name, a fresh crop of Kon-Tiki settlers journey across the void of space hoping to colonize Proxima Centauri B. Survivors of the earlier Magellan become increasingly bitter over their circumstances. Is Freddie Ogunjobi's foray to the dark side of the planet brave or insane? And will he finally uncover the dark truth of alien operations on the dark side of the planet? Second in the science-fiction trilogy by Debbie Hightower, The Golden Rule documents the rise of these brave explorers who carry on after a catastrophic destruction of much of North America. Does General Leonard Bardick appear on the scene in a selfless attempt to save New Hope from their own ignorance, or does he have a hidden agenda? Read The Golden Rule to find out!

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2021

About the author

Debbie Hightower is an award-winning author specializing in post-apocalyptic science fiction, dystopian thrillers, alien invasion narratives, and hard science fiction. Her acclaimed Raven's Record series explores government conspiracy, space colonization, and humanity's resilience in the face of catastrophic alien attacks.

A retired journalist with 15 years of investigative reporting experience, Debbie brings authentic storytelling and meticulous research to her speculative fiction. Her work has earned multiple Reader's Favorite five-star awards and a Christlit Award for Inspirational Fiction, connecting with readers who crave intelligent, character-driven sci-fi that tackles complex moral questions.

Debbie's novels blend hard science with emotional depth, featuring strong protagonists navigating impossible choices in post-catastrophe America and beyond. Her Raven's Record series spans from Earth's darkest moments to humanity's leap toward the stars, exploring themes of truth, survival, corruption, and hope against insurmountable odds.

Born in High Point, North Carolina, Debbie combines her journalism background with her passion for science fiction to create stories that feel both authentic and thought-provoking. Her writing reflects on societal issues and the human condition, making her stories both entertaining and intellectually engaging.

SERIES:
📚 Raven's Record Series (5 books): American Survivor, Equinox, Kon-Tiki, The Golden Rule, Forged In Flames
📚 Standalone Works: Love You To the Moon and Back, Babylon 20/20, Raven's Revelation

GENRES: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction | Dystopian Sci-Fi | Alien Invasion | Hard Science Fiction | Political Thrillers | Space Opera | Conspiracy Fiction

Reviews

[Gavin Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how The Golden Rule explores both the bright and dark sides of Planet Equinox not just physically, but emotionally and morally. Freddie’s return to the dark side had everyone on the edge of their seats. We kept debating whether he was brave or just crazy!

[Debbie Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

The Golden Rule by Debbie Hightower, the fourth installment in her Raven’s Record science fiction series, expands the universe both literally and figuratively. The story takes place on Proxima Centauri B, where a new group of settlers from Earth arrives, creating tension and anticipation among the established residents of the New Hope colony. Central to the narrative is the character Freddie Ogunjobi, whose journey to the planet’s dark side promises to uncover the mysterious alien operations taking place there. As the settlers wrestle with their past and future, Hightower introduces complex characters such as General Leonard Bardick, whose ambiguous motives add to the intrigue. The narrative is dense with political and social commentary, reflecting on leadership, survival, and the morality of colonization.

The novel masterfully builds its world and seamlessly blends scientific elements with humanistic themes, highlighting the settlers’ fight to keep hope alive in a difficult new environment. Debbie Hightower effectively uses the setting of Proxima Centauri B, a planet divided into perpetually lit and dark sides, to explore themes of isolation, community, and the resilience of the human spirit. The prose is vivid, filled with detailed descriptions of the alien landscape and the settlers' technological advancements. The Golden Rule continues and deepens the series' world-building. With its blend of suspense, mystery, and speculative technology, this book offers a compelling look at the possibilities of human life beyond Earth, making it a significant addition to the Raven’s Record series. Science fiction fans won’t want to miss this one, and I had no problems following the story even though I haven’t read the previous books.

[Imani Rose]

General Bardick sparked so much conversation during the event. Half of us believed he came with good intentions, and the other half were convinced he was hiding something. That moral ambiguity is what made the political side of the story so gripping.

[Kelvin Hartley]

What really stood out to me is how the book blends real human struggles with futuristic sci-fi tech. The colony’s innovations, the alien landscape, and the mystery on the dark side all of it built a world that felt huge and alive. You don’t even need to read the earlier books to enjoy this one.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel expertly combines science fiction with social and political commentary. The arrival of new settlers sparks tension, mistrust, and ethical conflicts, which are explored thoughtfully throughout the book. Characters like General Bardick and Freddie Ogunjobi are multi-dimensional, making the story both exciting and intellectually engaging

[Evolution · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story explores survival, loyalty, and morality in a futuristic setting. Some sections were dense with political details, but overall it was compelling. Freddie’s courage and determination shine through in the face of danger.

[Emerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Hightower delivers a science-fiction story with heart and intelligence. The Golden Rule explores not only survival in a challenging environment but also human decision-making and morality under pressure. Highly recommended.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule balances thrilling adventure with thought-provoking themes. Freddie’s journey to the planet’s dark side is both perilous and morally challenging, while the story’s social and political tensions create a believable and immersive setting for the New Hope colony and its inhabitants.

[Basit Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provides a vivid depiction of colony life, from internal power struggles to external threats. The arrival of new settlers aboard Kon-Tiki introduces fresh resources and conflicts, allowing Hightower to explore leadership, morality, and human behavior under pressure in a compelling way

[Alex Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule combines suspenseful plotlines with reflective social commentary. The challenges faced by the New Hope colony, from scarcity to interpersonal conflict, provide context for the characters’ decisions, making the story resonate beyond the sci-fi setting.

[Abdul Samad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment is a thoughtful exploration of survival and morality in a futuristic world. The story highlights the tension between old and new settlers, the consequences of human ambition, and the courage of individuals like Freddie Ogunjobi, making it a well-rounded and immersive read

[Sienna Blake]

The moment the space elevator was destroyed… wow. It set the tone for the entire book. The tension, the fear, the scramble for survival. Debbie Hightower wrote it in a way that made us feel like we were right there with the New Hope settlers

[Usman Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule provides a compelling continuation of the Raven’s Record series. The story immerses readers in the New Hope colony, showing the struggles of settlers as they adapt to new arrivals from the mothership Kon-Tiki. Freddie Ogunjobi’s mission to uncover alien secrets adds suspense, while the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters give the story depth beyond typical sci-fi adventures.

[Blessing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule stands out for its combination of adventure, suspense, and ethical inquiry. From the perilous journey to the dark side of the planet to the colony’s social dynamics, the novel encourages readers to think critically about leadership, morality, and human behavior, all within an engaging sci-fi framework.

[Glory Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule immerses readers in the tense world of the New Hope colony, where survival depends on trust, cooperation, and quick thinking. The arrival of settlers from the Kon-Tiki adds fresh resources but also sparks conflict, and Freddie Ogunjobi’s journey to uncover alien secrets drives an exciting and thought-provoking narrative.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule is a sharp, thought provoking sci-fi with real heart. Debbie Hightower blends action with questions about morality and survival in a way that makes you stop and think, even as you’re pulled deeper into the story. A must read for fans of smart, character driven science fiction.

[Olawumi]

By book four, this series should feel tighter and more immersive, but The Golden Rule is the opposite flat characters, messy pacing, weak world building, and sloppy editing make it a frustrating, unfinished read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping continuation of the Raven’s Record series! The blend of science fiction with social and political themes makes this more than just a space adventure. Freddie Ogunjobi’s journey is tense and thought-provoking I couldn’t put it down

[Emmey Mighty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Golden Rule immerses readers in the struggles of the New Hope colony. I appreciated the depth of character development, particularly the ambiguity around General Bardick. Some plot twists were unexpected and added real tension

[Francis Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Hightower masterfully combines world-building with ethical dilemmas. The interactions between the original settlers and newcomers aboard the Kon-Tiki kept me engaged throughout. A must-read for thoughtful sci-fi fans

[Faith Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way the novel challenges readers to consider moral choices alongside sci-fi adventure. The dark side of the planet adds suspense, and the alien operations subplot kept me guessing until the end.

[Terry Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Golden Rule is an excellent mix of action and thoughtful exploration of societal issues. I enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and how each colony had its own culture and challenges. Great for fans of Kim Stanley Robinson or James S.A. Corey.

[PETER · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling continuation of Raven’s Record! The book balances high-stakes adventure with meaningful questions about leadership and ethics. Freddie Ogunjobi is a protagonist you root for, and the pacing keeps you turning the pages.

[John Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the novel can be complex at times, it rewards careful reading with rich world-building and intricate plot lines. The Kon-Tiki arrival creates believable tension and conflict that drives the story forward.

[Justus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters feel real and their struggles resonate. I especially liked the moral dilemmas faced by both settlers and leadership. The story is suspenseful and offers a fresh take on colony-based science fiction adventures.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Hightower’s writing stands out for its intricate world-building and moral complexity. The Golden Rule explores the consequences of power, survival, and human ambition in a futuristic setting, while keeping readers invested in the suspense surrounding alien operations and colony politics.

[Temmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strengths of this book is its attention to character development. Freddie’s bravery, the ambiguity of General Bardick’s motives, and the reactions of the settlers to new challenges make for a dynamic cast that drives both the plot and the thematic exploration of ethics and survival

[Divine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Hightower keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists, particularly around the alien operations and the morally ambiguous decisions of key characters. The novel encourages readers to question leadership, ethics, and the nature of loyalty, all while providing a thrilling sci-fi adventure.

[Walker Roda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Hightower combines classic science fiction adventure with social and political commentary. The story examines leadership, morality, and the consequences of human ambition, all while maintaining suspense and a fast-paced plot.

[Matthias J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book feel real and multidimensional. Freddie’s bravery, General Bardick’s mysterious intentions, and the settlers’ struggles make the story engaging, while also prompting reflection on ethics and responsibility in challenging circumstances.