Customer Reviews

Black Storm Rising

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I must admit I am new to sci-fi/fantasy but this was a great read for me. Shane Burton placed my mind in some way-out places and kept me begging for more. His characters are strong, his dialog is great and his descriptions put you right there. The underlying Christian messages of grace and redemption are found throughout and give a little snapshot of the author's obvious love for Christ. It would make a great movie!

I don't know how I will ever be able to go back to secular sci-fi after reading this book!

Black Storm Rising is one of the most imaginative and faith filled tales I have ever read. It is set in a unique solar system with characters from ancient, modern, primitive, and advanced cultures, all of which have been creatively brought together. I am very picky about villains, so I was very pleased to discover that the Villains in this book are Star Wars and Lord of the Rings quality or above!

But most importantly, Jesus is not left out. Prayer is a big part of the character's lives...the Christian characters, that is.

This is a wonderful book that is well worth it.
Jamie Beck

I had heard really great things about this book, so I decided to check it out... I must say that I expected a lot! For the book and shipping all the way to Denmark cost almost 20$. I had great expectations.

And I must say, David Shane Burton really knows how to write an exellent story, and I did not feel dissapointet at all! Quite the opposite, actually.

The novel is filled with amazing charachters, technology and a faboulous writing skills. If you liked Lord Of The Rings... You're gonna like this.

From the very beginning you are (or at least I was) absolutely dragged into the story... even on the very first page, with a name as exciting as "Historical Background".
Usually I wouldn't think a "Historical background" could catch me, but this one did.

Shane has invented a whole new star system, with... maybe I shouldn't tell you!? You ought to read this novel, no doubt! You ought to find out yourself. An absolute must-read! The coolest novel I read - ever!

This book was recommended to me and I gave it a try. I love it. It's well written and the characters are just wonderful. I love how Shane draws you into each person's life and makes them seem part of yours. The fantasy/sci fi is awesome. What an imagination!

It's a long book but well worth getting into and now I'm off to read the next book in the series...When Worlds Rage

It was about time for a book of this caliber to be offered.
I took great pleasure in reading a well written book by a Christian and actually understood how the story line developed and made since too me. I thank the author for having not only an outstanding imagination but also keeping with sound Christian believes in developing the story. It was refreshing to see no demonic charters were needed or some outrageous story line to capture your attention. I am looking forward to this author's next book.

It is glorious to see a good Chriatian science fiction story that doesn't water down its content with ecumenical babbling. The story is a wild mix of science fiction and fantasy elements that is far from boring or predictable. There is a multitude of diverse characters in the book as well as a host of creative worlds, devices, and ancient relics. If you are a fan of uncompromising Christian text, crazy plot twists, and imaginative scenarios, then this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Peace out & God bless.

Wow, I have never read a self published book before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was not at all disappointed! This book is beautifully creative, with worlds, lifeforms, humanoids, and other creatures in a sci-fi realm. It took me a little longer to read this book than others, but it was a gripping story with action and turns in every chapter.

I enjoyed the off-planet venue of this story. I like sci-fi and I like creativity, but the best thing about this book is definately the Chistian message. This author proves that you can have a well-developed story, with make-believe characters and places, and still ingrain a good Gospel message with it.

As I understand it, this book is the first of a Trilogy. I expected it to end on more of a cliff-hanger, but it did not. It was a finished and completed story, which left a few ends open for a sequal, but it did not leave me hanging. I was happy.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an imagination, both Christian and Non-Christian alike. I am looking VERY forward to the next one! Great job, Shane!

Black Storm Rising by D. Shane Burton was an amazing read. I approached this book with an open mind. I was a bit leery about how science fiction and Christianity could be brought together but Burton did so flawlessly. The technical precision of Tom Clancy, along with the sci-fi storytelling of David Weber or Orson Scott Card is what I felt upon reading this book. There are those who have criticized the author for his unique writing style. I admit, after years and years of reading formulaic books it took some getting used to. After about the second chapter I was completely engrossed in the novel. The criticized style is one of the reasons this (and the sequels When Worlds Rage & Dark Tyrant's Ascension) novel is so enjoyable. I found myself excited about what would happen next. The characters are very well developed and their relationships with each other are equally so.
As was mentioned in another review, there are a few typos and errors. This is understandable since these books are self-published. These errors in no way detract from the story.
I would also like to address the Christianity of this book. There is no one denomination or viewpoint presented in these pages save for Biblical Christianity. It is not at all preachy or overbearing. It is however, an immensely important feature of not only the author's life, but of the lives of many of his characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the science-fiction genre.

Far from Earth, yet linked by penumbral rifts, the Orianus solar system exists. From ages past; plants, animals, and humans from Earth have passed to other inhabital(and for the unfortunate, uninhabital) planets of the Orianus system. Even the message of the Gospels have made their way through the penumbral rifts. On the planet of Kaeldon, modern scientists have accidently unleashed an ancient enemy set on world domination. Only from the help of millenia old wizards and warriors, ancient technology of unknown origin, and more importantly, through the faith in God, might the citizens of Kaeldon have a chance at survival.

"Black Storm Rising" (BSR) is a thrilling ride. D. Shane Burton does a wonderful job of allowing his characters to tease the reader with suggestions of hidden knowledge they hold but cannot divulge. This keeps the reader's interest to ponder what truly is happening. Much of the time, the plot twists catch you off guard, even though you were expecting them to show up somewhere. BSR is one of my top suggestions to a Christian Science Fiction reader. As an added bonus, BSR is twice the length of most novels, yet is priced as a regular novel. It is an excellent buy for the money and excellent choice for libraries to add their catalogs.

CSFFC ratings:
Teen Friendly: A (With the detail of writing, the BSR would be considered an adult story, but with no cursing or sexual scenes, it is definitely teen friendly.)
Christian Message: A (D. Shane Burton focus's greatly on morals, prayer, and trusting in God. Well Done.)
Drug or Alcohol Content: A (none)
Crude or Profane Language: A (none)
Sexual Content: A (none)
Writing: A- (Writing style is clear and descriptive. Only a few minor editing mistakes.)

Leathel Grody
Author of "The Foundations of Hope Trilogy"
Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Central Reviewer

Black Storm Rising is an awesomely inventive story. It had everything and more that I enjoy in the sci-fi/fantasy genre; different worlds, advanced technology, elves, dwarves, and the battle between Good and Evil. What put it over the top for me was that the Good side consisted of servants of Christ and the battle was the Lord's. I so appreciated the inclusion of the spiritual realm in this novel. I count Stephen R. Lawhead, Terry Brooks and Stephen R. Donaldson as the authors of some of my favorite books in this style of writing and now include D. Shane Burton to the list. I eagerly await Book Two in this series.