Customer Reviews

Light at the Edge of Darkness (Lost Genre Guild Books)

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Light at the Edge of Darkness brings together speculative fiction stories guaranteed to make you confront your faith.

In the very first story, Undeniable, the modern day character finds just how much suffering he is willing to face rather than deny God.
In Adam Graham's science-fiction story, Your Average Ordinary Alien, an ultimate SciFi fan gets his wish to meet an alien, but finds it's nothing like the movies.
Another story by Adam Graham, The Agent, tells the story of a writer ready to do what ever it takes to get ahead. But is he willing to pay the ultimate price?
Alisha K. Moore's story, The Marks, involves a time travelling hit-woman. What happens when she must decide between killing evil or killing the innocent?
In Guilty, by Daniel I Weaver, Francis is on the run from his ex-fiancee's father. Their final confrontation in a spooky old house will change both of their lives.
Fair Balance, by S.M. Kirkland, involves a modern gothic girl who no longer attends church with her mother and brother since starting college and making new friends. But who is right? The answer will surprise you.

This book is a very enjoyable read. It runs runs the gambit of fantasy and science-fiction to suspense and even westerns.
Best of all, the stories within will make you stop and think long after you have finished reading.

As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "Light at the Edge of Darkness". Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. In a nutshell, the characters are believable and yet a little out of the ordinary and the story line unique. Give this book a try.
The Christian fiction book that I have written main story line is about ten years in the life of a little girl who was "chosen by God" to be the next Madonna in the second coming of Christ.
Tommy Taylor
Author -The Second Virgin Birth

This book is a must for any readers, Christian or otherwise, who like speculative (sci-fi, fantasy, horror) fiction. "Light at the Edge of Darkness" is an anthology of biblical speculative fiction compiled by the Lost Genre Guild. The authors do a great job of telling stories with Christian themes without becoming "preachy" in the process. All of the stories are good, but among the best are Donna Sundbland's "Caleb Sees the Light," C.E. Lavender's "Protected," Daniel I. Weaver's "Taken," and Stephen L. Rice's "At the Mountains of Lunacy." Awesome reading, and a real steal at Amazon's pricing.

One of the advantages of having an online presence is that you sometimes get perks. One of those perks arrived in my mailbox a few months ago. It was an advance copy of this book. The book features "Biblical Speculative Fiction" which the book defines as " speculative fiction that is written from a Christian world view intended to inspire and entertain readers.

The book covers a wide spectrum of speculative fiction including horror, fantasy, supernatural and science fiction. The mood ranges from light hearted parody, as in Stephen Rice's "At the Mountains of Lunacy" with a light tip of the hat to H.P. Lovecraft and Andre Norton to "Undeniable," a haunting, horrific story of martyrdom and triumph.

Several of these stories project dark times ahead for Christians. Even though, I personally tend not to fall for the more paranoid prognostications of repressive western governments stifling Christianity. Mostly, I believe this because, Satan doesn't need to resort to such extreme measures. The popular media, the greedy televangelists, and the politicizing of Christianity has been doing the job nicely for him over the past 75 years or so with Europe having a head start on the U.S. No one needs to ban the Bible in America. There's one in every home but hardly anyone reads it anyway. Spiritual apathy among non-believers, and secularization of believers has done more in America to neutralize the Christian witness than the persecution of Nero did in Ancient Rome.

However, these apocalyptic tales are powerful, with strong characters, and lots of action. They are not my favorites, but that is a matter of personal taste. The craftsmanship in these stories is superior and the equal of anything to be found in the major science-fiction magazines.

Beware, though, as you read through these stories many may be disturbing because they cause you to see the world differently. You will meet greedy aliens, doubting martyrs, and a righteous man rewarded for his righteousness ... well, I don't want to give that one away, but it may mess up your theology when you read it.

It is important to remember, that these are works of speculative fiction. That means they are unrealistic by nature. In some ways they are the parables of the 21st century. If you spend too much time nitpicking the theology of aliens or even the ethics of militaristic martyrs, you will miss the power of these stories. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy these stories of Light at the Edge of Darkness.

Terri Main
Editor
WayfarersJournal.com: Science Fiction with a Difference

British theologian Dean Stanley once wrote, "The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way." That is precisely what the authors culled together by editor Cynthia MacKinnon have done in the anthology "Light at the Edge of Darkness". Using fantasy and science fiction, genres that were once closed to Christian writers in the minds of many, these wordsmiths have crafted stories that are as meaningful as they are entertaining. Because of their efforts, the genre of Biblical speculative fiction has a new work by which to define itself.

The opening story, "Undeniable" by A.P. Fuchs, instantly lets a reader know that this anthology means business. It is a tale of determination and sacrifice that slaps shackles on a reader's wrists and allows him or her to experience the demands of faith under extreme circumstances. From page one, a reader is compelled to ask him or herself, "Would I do the same for my God? Is my faith strong enough?" Soul-searching questions indeed. However, not every piece is as emotionally demanding. For example, Deborah Cullins-Smith's "The Rider" is a refreshing visit to the Old West that redefines the classic image of "The Man in the White Hat." In a story which is accurate even to the dialect, geography, and mise-en-scene of the setting, Cullins manages to weave in elements of fantasy so seamlessly that not only do they not seem incongruent, one wonders why other authors of western fiction have never taken the time to do the same.

For the historical buffs, Steve Doyle's "The Waking of the Dead" is a pleasing piece, and science fiction fans will relish tales such as "Small and Simple Things," a new take on space travel from new author Alethea Knight, "Your Ordinary Average Alien" by Adam Graham, and "Chairman" from the Frank Creed, an author who grows more original and uplifting with each story he writes. For those who prefer narratives from the here and now, Daniel I. Weaver's "Guilty" and Stephen L. Rice's "One Taken, the Other Left" will more than wet one's literary whistle. In short, reading this anthology cover to cover is akin to visiting a revival tent of itinerant preachers. Each author shares his or her testimonial tales, and the result is nothing less than a blessing.

Readers will run the gamut when reading "Light at the Edge of Darkness," not only of genre, style, and subject matter, but also of emotion and spiritual growth, which is only fitting. After all, each Christian who comes to know God arrives at His feet via very different paths, and no two stories of salvation are identical. That is why this anthology could not have come at a better time, for, in addition to helping define a new genre, it can reach out to modern readers and touch those who might never otherwise be exposed to any aspect of the Christian faith.

Biblical speculative fiction, not seen much these days (unfortunately) is alive and well thanks to The Lost Genre Guild. The title fits this book of short stories like a glove. These stories guide the way to hope, life, and light--even when things look their darkest.

There's something for just about everyone in this collection, from sci-fi to fantasy to supernatural thriller and lots in between. Variety married with solid writing makes this a keeper. Discover the true identity of an alien in "Caleb Sees the Light" or enter a house of nightmares in "Guilty." Travel to the old West in "The Rider" or inside an alien spaceship in "Your Average Ordinary Alien."

In the first story by A. P. Fuchs, "Undeniable", Duncan and his son have been imprisoned for their faith and mercilessly tortured on a daily basis. Though they must walk by faith and not by sight, sometimes God gives supernatural sight so that we gain understanding and He gains greater glory. This vivid tale is not for the faint of heart. I found myself tensing and cringing most of the way through.

Karen McSpadden's dark "Edge of Water" similarly paints a bleak picture of a believer's future. The author takes us on a journey with two desperate characters, satisfying the reader with a thoughtful and believable ending.

"Seeing Blind" is a wonderful sci-fi/Biblical history piece that ties together a dying alien world and the world in which Jesus walked. Daniel Weaver is definitely an author to watch. I simply loved this story.

My favorite above all was "Fair Balance", by S. M. Kirkland. Celisa and her brother Cain, at odds with each other from the start, must choose sides when it comes to their family and their faith. I'm a sucker for twists and this one delivers big time.

Andrea Graham's "Frozen Generation" explores the possibility of technology bringing frozen fetuses to term artificially, resulting in humans being used for spare parts. One woman tries to save as many babies as possible by smuggling them away and saving them from an uncertain future.

It's hard for me to compare this to similar works because I've not read many spec-fic short stories, much less an anthology of them. However, I'd say that many of the stories reach the high standard set by today's "Christian" fiction. Some of the stories were outright strange, and others I didn't understand. But most had good characters, interesting plots and themes that will make you think far after the last page is turned.

Light At The Edge Of Darkness is an anthology of Biblical Speculative Fiction. The stories contained in the book were written by members of The Lost Genre Guild, a group of talented writers dedicated to increasing awareness of their particular genres-science fiction, cyber punk, and horror just to name a few.

Since it's an anthology, odds are a reader will find favorites among the collection. For me the most powerful story was "Undeniable" by A.P. Fuchs. "Fair Balance" turned some stereotypes on their ear. "Small and Simple Things" was familiar yet totally different at the same time, while "Soar On Wings" has a point of view that is most unusual.

Light At The Edge of Darkness is an unusual book, from the standpoint of the different story genres it contains. The members of the Lost Genre Guild have done a good job with their first anthology. I hope to see more from LGG members in the future.

A man who's been robbed of his eyes and soon his only son by those demanding he deny Christ, crying out to God for mercy, justice, and sight...and receiving it. A man named Steven caught by a sadistic killer, denying not only his faith, but the tremendous gift he's been given....even though it's his only hope for survival. Futuristic societies in which believing in God is a crime, because all Christians must be registered with the government. Alternate universes who have sworn allegiance to the dark, rather than the One who died for them, and a writer so obsessed with success, he sells his soul to his agent...and the devil Himself...to become the next literary great.

If you're lingering on the edge of darkness and you see the light, do you dare cross over to what waits beyond...or do you lie immobilized by your fears and sins in the dark, until what waits in the shadows claims you?

Light at the Edge of the Darkness, edited by Cynthia MacKinnon and published by Writer's Café Press, is an introspective and eclectic anthology of dark, speculative tales musing about what goes on in the shadows we don't dare think of in the light of day, and how God's mercy shines at the shadow's edge, beckoning to all, saving some, and judging others. Consisting of genres ranging from science fiction, cyberpunk, fantasy, suspense, and horror, this anthology is a collection of talented writers; some making their first published foray into the writing world, others simply adding to their resume these dark and haunting tales.

Among the notables are stories from writers Frank Creed, Daniel Weaver, and A.P. Fuchs, writers who are clearly making their way in the world of fiction. Both Frank Creed and Daniel Weaver are writers/reviewers active in several different book review blog organizations, and Daniel Weaver himself is currently seeking a home for his current project, When Nightmares Walk; and AP Fuchs is the creator of the comic book Axiom Man.

Light at the Edge of the Darkness was created by The Lost Genre Guild, a collective of writers who focus on creating a place of Biblical speculative fiction in the publishing world.

"An Anthology of Biblical Speculative Fiction" - a mouthful, yes, but it's worth finding out what it means...

Biblical speculative fiction is the hobbyhorse of the Lost Genre Guild - bridging the gap between traditional secular fantasy and our Christian faith as a living, breathing reality. Many have said it couldn't be done. This book is proof that it's possible. All it needs is a little tolerance on both sides. Some Christians may need to adjust their ideas of what is acceptable, and mainstream fantasy fans may need to get used to a bit of spirituality. Let me tell you, it's worth it. When I met this group of authors, I knew they were set to make history... and now they've done it.

The speculative tales in this volume cover a great many sub-genres, such as science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, time travel, cyberpunk, futurism and horror. Now you don't need to have a soft spot for all of these genres to get a lot out of this book. Take me, for example - I can't stand horror. Guess I've got a delicate constitution in that respect. Easily solved: skip the four stories labelled as horror - it's all defined in the contents list. By the way, you might want to make sure those are kept out of the reach of children, too. If you like a good scare, go for it! For me the enjoyment centres on the other twenty-three tales...

Here begins a journey through fantastic realms near and far, and the occasional true story. Spiritual planes interact with everyday life. Biblical prophecies are fulfilled in rather surprising ways. Futuristic scenarios challenge the faith of those living there, and perhaps your own, too. Don't be shocked if the undead show up now and again, or if insects turn out to be spiritual, too. Oppressive governments can't stifle the light within. Saving the children becomes a matter of life and death. And some farcical tales use fantasy elements to make fun of a great many things.

It's so hard to pick out the best among so many magnificent tales, but I have to say my two favourite stories are "Allison" by Deborah Cullins-Smith, all about a little girl who lives in Heaven - it might just bring tears to your eyes - and "Your Average Ordinary Alien" by Adam Graham, where an abduction scenario isn't quite like one sci-fi fan imagined it would be.

In short, this collection is a tour of many surprising aspects of the Lost Genre. I enjoyed having my horizons widened once more - laughter and tears and unexpected twists, beauty and hardship, farce and danger, evil and bravery, trials, faith, and the ultimate supremacy of God.

Tearing down the barriers of mediocrity in Christian fiction writing LIGHT AT THE EDGE OF DARKNESS proves to be just the tool for the job. These aren't your "usual" Christian stories. From light fantasy to dark horror, these stories are written by masters of the craft. When I started reading LIGHT AT THE EDGE OF DARKNESS I was new to Biblical speculative fiction. Now I'm a fan. Even in writing my mystery novels I've learned a lot about sharpening the edge of a story through these people. Although basically unknown, these writers are truly fantastic and you won't want to miss stories like, "Seeing Blind", "Allison" and about 20 some other stories. Each told in the author's own style, from whimsical to fantastic to comdecic. Although I give the book a 4, that's because I can't put a 4.75 star on here, because it is at least that good. You owe it to yourself to get this book and enjoy the works of true contemporary masters of the writing craft.

David Brollier, author of THE 3RD COVENANT, nominated for the David G. Sasher, Sr. Award for Best Mystery Novel of 2006 by Deadly Ink.