Customer Reviews

The Shadow at Evening (The Lamb among the Stars)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am awed by the masterpiece that Walley has created. It is rightly compared to C.S. Lewis's space trilogy, but I would not compare it to Tolkien as it has a very different style and flavor to it. It fits squarely in the science fiction genre as opposed to fantasy. After finishing the first book I am deeply thoughtful of the many theological and philosophical issues that have been raised, and the swift, meticulous current in which they were presented. God and His dealings with man and evil, as well as how technology and evolution fit into our understanding of God are the central themes. Even though this is a "Christian" book, I would suggest that those who do not claim to be Christians but enjoy science fiction might find it interesting and engrossing as well.

However, I would not have placed this book in the teen fiction category, as I think that it would be much more appealing to adults. There is nothing inherently offensive or adult in content, but the concepts and the style in which they are presented would be more appreciated by adults. I do think middle school age and below would have trouble both in understanding the major themes as well as finding it enjoyable.

This is the first book that I have read which has such an unusual twist on the much used genere of good vs evil. It looks at the concept from a whole new angle and highlights perfectly the battle for mankinds soul. Starting with a pure society where only goodness and truth abound, it shows what happens when evil begins to encrouch on this perfect society. It begins with subtle changes in personality to then full blown war, isolating one of the newly created worlds from the rest of the Assembly. This is the first book in the series The Lamb Among the Stars and I look forward to reading the follow on books to see if evil is indeed defeated once again.

BLURB: Imagine a future that men and women can only dream of. It is a time where a trillion people live under the gentle rule of the Assembly on over a thousand inhabited worlds. A time where peace and stability have reigned unbroken for nearly twelve thousand years; a time where war and evil are merely ancient history.

Now imagine what happens when, on Farholme - a Made World at the very edge of the Assembly - strange things begin to happen. A girl sees an impossible creature, a stranger from Ancient Earth comes in answer to a troubling vision and people begin to say, do and think things that oppose everything the Assembly stands for. And slowly, incredulously, a handful of men and women come to recognise the unthinkable: evil has returned and that, once more, it must be fought.


The main thing I found fascinating about this book and still do was the long-term creation process of the Made Worlds. I found that sci-fi aspect alone brilliant and intriguing; I had never come across an idea quite like that before (and I read a lot of sci-fi). I found the characterisation in this book well done, especially the development of Merral and Vero's characters, and the society in which they live was also extremely well written. I mean, really - can YOU imagine what the world(s) would be like after Christ comes back and everyone is at peace? Most people wonder how that could be and the people still live productive lives, but Chris Walley has written what I think is a great example of a society that lives in total peace, but not unrealistically lovey-dovey or anything ridiculous like that. The people are realistic and solid in personality, which I applaud loudly. The sci-fi aspects of terraforming, Below-Space and other technology of the Assembly worlds were facinating, and (I believe) handled in a realistic way.

I give this book five stars, because I thought it was a really great addition to the Christian sci-fi genre - and the sci-fi genre in general. Those who aren't Christian may find some aspects of this strange, being obviously Christian in origin, but they may enjoy the major theme of good and evil and the sci-fi aspects interesting enough to read this anyway.

I would definately not class this book in the 'teen' catagory. I think the themes and some of the sci-fi aspects would be better appreciated by older readers, but that's not to say that teens wouldn't enjoy it thoroughly as well, just that adult readers would also be well-satisfied.

My compliments to the author! :)

I'm not much of a reader of fantasy but I admit to enjoying this first volume of a proposed quartet of novels set twelve millennia in the future in a universe populated by a trillion people and ruled by a benevolent Christian dictatorship. Tracking the re-entry of evil into the lives of people is fascinating. I look forward to the rest of the series.

Chris Walley has brilliantly crafted a fully realized futuristic sci-fi / fantasy epic for young people and adults. The well thought out characters, compelling situations, and sweeping landscapes will keep the reader immersed, excited, and thoughtfully challenged. Regardless of individual background, an inspiring story of good and evil and the difficult decisions, sacrifices, and mistakes made in times of trouble will be richly revealed with each passing page. With the battle for hearts and minds in our own culture, both on an internal and external level, Mr. Walley's imagined world resonates provokingly with our own changing world. There is much to keep coming back to in "The Lamb Among the Stars" series, and readers will doubtless be reflective after finishing each book, as well as excited to find out what happens next! In a genre where there just doesn't seem enough of this type of literature, more from the imagination of this fresh, new author is anxiously awaited!

This book is an addictive opener to an excellent story.
Don't be misled by the "Teen Fiction" label as I am a 40+ attorney and thought it was great. The plot is good, the character development is done well and, of course, the basis for the story is excellent.

I picked up this book as I am a Christian sci-fi/fantasy writer, and I am researching the genre. I was somewhat hesitant to read a book which was written clearly as a Christian novel as others I've read are so kitch and cheesy. The complexity of plot, background, technology, theology and human nature Chris Walley has put into this book is amazing. He outstrips the other Fantasy and Sci-Fi writers who I had previously held dear. I am very impressed and have quickly ordered the other two books in the series. I can't wait to see how it evolves and ends. Chris' characters are three dimensional, real and appealing. Their struggles and humanity are genuine and beautifully expressed. The story line really makes you think about what you hold dear, and how we actually think compared to how we'd like to be! Inspiring and a very entertaining read.

I honestly don't see the draw of this book. I got it based on all the 5-star reviews. First of all, it took me forever to get to any kind of action! I was so bored, I read three other books in the mean time. It is an interesting concept, but the language is bumpy and weird, the descriptions overbearing, the concepts repeated page after page, and the action is non-existent until the last 4 or 5 chapters. Disappointing. I'm surprised I got this far. If it had been a library book, I would have returned it by now.

I am totally awed by Chris Walley's talent! I love Tolken, and it is wonderful to see his style reflected by Walley. The smoothness, clarity, and detail are fantastic and make the story come alive. His characters are believable, which is a great accomplishment in a fantasy setting where sometimes the strangeness of the setting builds a wall between the reader and the characters. Some people complain about this book starting out slow. That is true, but necessary. The reader gets a good, solid introduction to the world and characters which causes the rest of the book to flow smoothly. Science fiction fans and anyone who calls themself a writer will enjoy studying the excellent style of this suspenseful portrayal of the battle between good and evil.

This was one heck of a good book! Walley uses such a brand new, fresh approach in his sci-fi that it is a very original masterpiece. Man, if you are sick of the same old boring sci-fi cliches, I can tell ya, this book is one incredibly new voyage.
Nonstop action with a very unique storyline and plot, sparkling dialogue and well developed characters make for a great tale. I hafta admit that it is slow in the beginning, but once you are through the beginning, the plot soars! A new experience.
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