Blue Earth

by Jeff Stover, Julian Burton (Editor), Moses Garcia (Editor)

FROM "Blue Earth is quite an accomplished novel, well laid out with very strong characterization, it was somewhat of a surprise to see a début novel of this caliber. The story is set sometime in the near future, and has a minimal amount of back story, concentrating more on fleshing out the characters and developing the plot. The pace is pretty fast and there's enough twist and turns to keep the interest going. The protagonist and antagonist are both richly detailed and really fun to read, full of character and wit. The story itself blends the latest technological development in genetics (which seems very plausible) and mixes this with a theological perspective, ultimately dealing with the human condition...the prose itself is both rich and creative, well structured and almost poetic in a few places. There is a really good story here, a fast paced tale of cat and mouse played out with style and creativity. Recommended." -- Ant. Blue Earth presents a future reality in which the application of science continues to erode worldviews favored by religion. Nevertheless, an unexpected culture of faith perseveres. This tale provides well-written entertainment for casual and avid book readers alike. Engaging, well-paced, and psychologically challenging, Blue Earth sets the new standard for popular Speculative Fiction. This is the inaugural title from Blue Throne Creative, LLC (www.bluethrone.com). BACK COVER As American culture decays and is rendered moot by the mingling of fact, myth, and propaganda, a new legend arises--one of human hope in the hands of non-human benefactors. The Thrones, a group of biological “mistakes” rumored to be less-than-human, have inspired the writing of new religious texts many regard as sacred. But an obsessed college professor, Ruth Long, is committed to dispelling such myths as farce. She soon discovers that the cost of unveiling the Thrones is greater than expected. As her hunt produces truths difficult to accept, Ruth must choose between a life of sacrifice, or of comfort. The exploration becomes more than academic when Jamal Battle, a thug indentured to capture and silence the Thrones, methodically uncovers the Thrones and their secrets. At his disposal are the full resources of a megalomaniacal plutocrat who regards the Thrones as “property.” Sparing no expense―or care for the damage he causes―Jamal attempts to reinvent himself with fire, force, and death. As he struggles for sanity, Jamal’s desperation collides with Ruth’s will to find her own identity. The result is a race to reveal the Thrones as divine saviors, or to hide their existence behind social hysteria and erase them forever.

290 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2009

About the author

Science Fiction, Action, Theology.

Poetry.

Reviews

[Big Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut novel with almost no technospeak in the pages as someone might half-expect. It reminded me of Blade Runner too with the "Thrones" characters being like the Replicants. Strong characters with not much back story to tell, and they become more full as the story goes ahead.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stover's exploration of the complex relationship between faith and modernity provides the moral and intellectual center of this engaging debut novel. Blue Earth is weighed down, however, by its backwards treatment of gender, and the inescapable sense that a book of ideas was saddled to the structure of an action novel. Deeply compelling, but imperfect.

[John Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Stover paints a unique picture of the not too distant future in this book filled with action and intrigue. The characters will grab you and pull you into their lives, making this story a personal one. I'm looking forward to more stories involving the Throne characters.