Rating: 
Summary: "Tomb Raider meets Star Wars meet Pilgrim's Progress...
Review: ...meets Lord of the Rings!"
What does it take to make a non-science fiction fan (as far as books are concerned) become a science fiction fan? Answer: D. Shane Burton's "Black Storm Rising" - Book One of the Orianus Creation Series
This book is a fantastic read. The characters are unique and extremely addictive, from the planetary sciences professor Miguel Spieder to the nine-foot tall Marriotian named Broadcast to the mechanical wizard Zefram, the list of interesting heroes and villians is amazing. Oh, can't forget to mention that one of D. Shane Burton's creations left me wondering what it would be like to own a "shaggy-ghost-bear" as a pet. "Wugga-wugga!"
The story line flows at a reader-pleasing pace, and at no time did I find myself asking why a segment of the book needed to be included in the novel. Burton manages to piece together an amazing adventure on 372 pages (175,597 words, smaller font) - intricate details abound as we are led on a journey to worlds we've never heard of.
As a writer myself, I realize the difficult task of crafting scenes for a story; it can often be the most complicated process in the creation of a new novel. D. Shane Burton does a brilliant job creating scenes under intense pressure - the need to explain planets and surroundings we know nothing about. I had no problem developing mental pictures of the verbal paintings Burton created.
This book is a must read for any Christian fiction fan. This novel allows the reader to look from-the-outside-in at the way religion has been distorted and abused, ignoring the true gift of salvation - a salvation we can never earn for ourselves. The battle between good and evil is not your typical clear-cut, good guys wearing white, etc., but this story tackles the never-ending struggle all of creation must endure until the day we stand before the One who created us all - whether we believe it or not.
I highly recommend this novel to ANY reader. It is obvious Mr. Burton put a great deal of time and effort into this book, and when you compare the word count to an average book, you just can't beat the price. If you enjoy the works of Frank Peretti, C.S. Lewis, Randy Alcorn, Ted Dekker, Bill Myers, or Alton Gansky, you will enjoy this book. I know I did.
See ya next review.
Dan Blankenship
author of THE RUNNING GIRL
Rating:
Summary: READ THIS BOOK!!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: READ THIS BOOK!!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful first novel by D. Shane Burton
Review: I am a avid reader (of all genres), and I will say that this is an excellent first novel. Those of you who like "Lord of the Isles" by David Drake or the detail of a Tom Clancy novel will appreciate this book. If you are searching for reading material with a strong message that does not waiver, or succumb to "current events" then I suggest this book. The message: "Jesus is our Savior" is unequivocal throughout the book. My congratulations to the author and I am definitely looking forward to book two. Great Job Shane!
Rating: 
Summary: Great First Book
Review: I am a avid reader (of all genres), and I will say that this is an excellent first novel. Those of you who like "Lord of the Isles" by David Drake or the detail of a Tom Clancy novel will appreciate this book. If you are searching for reading material with a strong message that does not waiver, or succumb to "current events" then I suggest this book. The message: "Jesus is our Savior" is unequivocal throughout the book. My congratulations to the author and I am definitely looking forward to book two. Great Job Shane!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing book! An absolute must read
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful first novel by D. Shane Burton
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: It was about time for a book of this caliber to be offered.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing and captivating book!
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: 4 1/2 Stars...A Wonderfully Thoughful Story and Message
Review: 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!
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