Eustis Grimes, an idealistic cyber-nerd, has to go on the run when his best friends are murdered by the evil Admiral Strafe. Eustis is thrust into a Solar System where just the mention of outlawed ideas can get you killed in a dozen creative ways. Since he has no ship, no money, and no connections, he is forced to sneak aboard a rattle-beaten freighter of smugglers as they set out into the wild black yonder. He embarks armed with stubbornness and an unstoppable drive to share an important message with the Solar System before Admiral Strafe finds him.
This unabashedly Christian sci-fi novel mixes humorous characters with poignant themes to create a message of hope, faith, and love that blends seamlessly into a grand space adventure. Missionary To Mars is a family-friendly novel even die-hard science fiction fans will love.
I don’t normally read Sci-Fi. I want to be a science fiction fan but whenever I try to read it. I don’t like. Outside of Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game books, I haven’t found Sci-Fi that I enjoyed and I have tried a descent number of books looking for something I like. I really enjoy Fantasy but I’m not a big fan of Christian fantasy. So Christian Sci-Fi, no thanks. When I saw Lucas Kitchen came up with a Sci-Fi book I was kind of sad. I like Lucas, I like his books, so I felt like I needed to read it, but I wasn’t looking forward to it. Because I don’t like Sci-Fi and reading this would probably be more of a homework than an enjoyment of reading a fiction book. I started slow. Reading a couple of pages a day like it was a homework assignment, but as the book went along I read more and more pages each night until I realized I was going to need to review this book without giving away the story. Fiction reviews aren’t my thing, but I’m going to give it a try with this book that greatly surpassed my expectations: Missionary to Mars. And it is not about being a missionary to aliens. Let me tell you what this book is about. Welcome to Rev Reads, if you want to discover more often overlooked or shareable books to pass onto a friend, please subscribe to the channel to stay up with the most current reviews. Like and share this video to help others know about what it means to be a Missionary to Mars. First, let me tell you what this book is about. Missionary to Mars again is not about a missionary to Martians who are invading earth but the book is set hundreds of years in the future when mankind has colonized the solar system and settled in various planets, including Mars. In this future time, Christianity is also illegal to the point of death and been driven to near extinction. Our story’s protagonist, Eustice is part of what he believes may be the last group of Christians in the solar system with Eustice owning what may be the last Bible in the world. The book begins with a shocking attack that leaves Eustice the last living Christian and now he is public enemy #1 so he flees earth searching both to escape his pursuer who is an excellent villain I might add and also to share the Gospel across the solar system. The title Missionary to Mars comes from Eustice’s desire to share the Gospel on Mars and turn Mars into the central location from which the Gospel can spread from planet to planet. Thanks to God’s grace, Eustice becomes a stowaway on a spaceship that is crewed by small band of smugglers. The rest of the book will cover Eustice’s evangelistic efforts to his new crew and the moon where they are marooned. It’s not earth’s moon by the way. Now when I say that the rest of the book is Eustice’s evangelistic efforts, I don’t in anyway mean that the rest of the book is filled with sermons and philosophical debates on the Gospel. Far from it, the book is filled with dangerous threats, dozens of comedic moments, and even a little romance along the way. For the most part, Eustice’s evangelistic efforts drive the plot forward as the reader will be left thinking, Why? Eustice. Why share Christ like that? You are like the world’s worst evangelist. And for me the moment that made the book is when one of the other characters confront Eustice with that exact complaint. Eustice is terrible at sharing his faith, no wonder he’s the last one. He’s brave. He’s bold but he can be really stupid with people for someone who is excellent with technology. And this allows for this wonderful journey of growth by our main character. It also provides as excellent lesson for those who share Christ but feel like they are terrible at it without being preachy or demeaning. In fact, the way Lucas structed the growth of all the characters, it felt natural, organic and never came off like I was reading a TV movie turned into a book that is filled with forced Christianity or morality to make a point. The one character that annoyed me the most was Rudwick a one armed space pirate whose other arm was robotic and had pet cats including one that was genetically modified to act like a housecat but be the size of a jungle cat. He spoke like a pirate in the worst and most corny way. And I was initially thinking – yeah Lucas this bad mistake on Rudwick, you should have cut that guy from the book. But in the end Rudwick gets redeemed with one of the most poignant moments in the book, he gives this brief speech with his terrible pirate slang and I find myself looking back and being like man that Rudwick was the best and I hope there is second book and he’s still a main part of it. I think he would be a terrible main character, but he ended up being excellent for the role he played. So who is this book for? I think it is for someone who enjoys Sci-Fi or Fantasy fiction already. If you know someone who likes Orson Scott Card, Brandon Sanderson, JK Rowling, Star Wars novels --- this would be ideal for them. It could be a great, long form Gospel track to an unbelievers who loves those kind of books would never read a 3 page track or have a 3 minute conversation on the Gospel. As far as age range, I do think this book is written for adults because there are some deaths that are crucial to moving the plot forward and the characters are adults who act like adults with all the warts and flaws you would expect. This isn’t a kids book. I will encourage my 11 year old son to read it. He probably will once he finishes the Reckoners trilogy by Sanderson. If you are encouraging someone in that age range to read it, you need to know that they will be able to handle death and even the murder of a child at one point in the book. I’ve had parents ask me about fiction books for teen boys to read before and this book will now sit comfortably in the books I recommend. I would personally love to hear a review of this book by a woman but one thing about SciFi is that well written books for men and boys end up appealing to all audience male and female alike and I think the same should go for Missionary to mars. I still say the best recommendation I can give is the simple fact that I started reading a couple pages a day and read more pages each day the closer I came to the end. While this book isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or Adventure books there is a good chance you won’t get this, but for those who do and give it a try. I think you are bound to enjoy the journey of Missionary to Mars and even be inspired to bold in how you share Christ but to do so with more wisdom that our main character Eustice. You can watch my reviews on YouTube by searching for Rev Reads.
This is Christian sci-fi delivered with all the nuance and subtlety of a cinder block thrown through a plate glass window.
There's so much I'd love to say about this book; it brings out all the conflicted feelings. It's a great, albeit simple, *Christian* story while being an exceptionally mediocre and stereotypical Christian *story*.
The protagonist is Eustice, "the last Christian in Sol". I don't recall how old he's supposed to be, but I think the book pegged him to be about thirty at least once? However old he is, he's got the singleminded drive, maturity, and forethought of a 12 year old. He has no overt flaws and zero character arc. His overzealous drive to be a Christian where religion is outlawed consistently endangers himself and his friends. It's endearing, in part, until you realize just how little he cares for the people around him. I could go on.
Character design overall is mixed. Rudwick is my favorite. Mariana's transformation and subsequent coupling is predictable. The villain is one-note and comically evil. Most everyone comes across as a caricature instead of real people with depth.
Editorial issues are common enough to be distracting. one reference in the last quarter of the book referenced a "coy pond".
The book's not horrible. It's best for mid-grade kids. It tries to be better than it is. We need more books like it. Shrug.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
DNF at 20%: The concept sounds awesome (The book of Acts… but in space), but the execution just wasn’t there. The “missionary”, Eustice, verges on being mindlessly robotic and his propensity to endanger others over and over again with his share-the-gospel-at-all-costs-even-if-it-gets-a-spaceship-full-of-strangers-killed mentality is a perfect example of all of the things they taught us NOT to do in missions school.
The bad guy was equally over the top. I almost want to finish to see how he inevitably becomes the Apostle Paul analog (surely that’s where it was going), but… I just can’t.
I was looking for a new sci-fi book and this appeared on my Instagram to download through Amazon for free. I thought why not? I try almost anything.
I really loved this book. It was not what I was expecting or will be everyone’s cup of tea.
But I really enjoyed it. You have a crew that’s found each other which definitely felt like Star Wars Rebels which I loved the show. The similarity with Book of Eli is more the story. There is action but NOT that type of action throughout.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s some brutality but it’s not throughout and absolutely necessary for the story.
My only only only issue with this book and story is that the main character Eustis is I believe suppose to be 29 years old.
It’s hard to think of him over 15 years based on how the book starts and maybe the first 1/4. After that the thought of his age slowly dissipates and you’re really into it. It does capture you and you want to find out why the heck is he being hunted!?
But the thought of his physical age conflicting with what seemed to be a teenager personality was on the back of my mind for a good portion of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Christian sci-fi is a narrow niche. So I was enthused to find this space-faring adventure. On a dystopian Earth, Christianity is prohibited with the punishment of death. When Eustis’ friends are killed, he is sent on the run. Unfortunately for him, a psychopathic hunter known as Admiral Strafe will stop at nothing to destroy him for his faith.
Eustis joins a space crew on passage to Mars with the goal of sharing the gospel message to a planet who has not yet heard the story of redemption.
This book is smart sci-fi. It has good pacing and characters with their own struggles and arcs. Eustis has the level of faith that some may see as naïveté, although I suppose if there remained only a single disciple, perhaps their faith would exceed your everyday churchgoer.
I enjoyed the book the whole way through and thought it did a good job in staying true to the thoughts of a Bible believer without being exceedingly preachy. Really any age would enjoy it — it’s as much a book for adults as it would be for a teen.
For fans of sci-fi who are willing to dabble into a Christian worldview, give this book a shot. It is uplifting, but still adventurous.
I needed a light read after having just finished the very heavy and overly long Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. This fit the bill. I like science fiction and I'm a Christian. This seemed like a promising read.
One issue I find with a lot of Christian fiction is that the story-line seems so contrived. There is some of that here but, it's an enjoyable story. My favorite part is when the protagonist Eustice is schooled in evangelism by the seeking-but-not-quite believing Enzo on how to evangelize. In that respect the youthful Enzo showed a wisdom that can apply to us all. Eustice is trying to evangelize in an environment in which to do so, is a literal life and death decision.
Christian Science Fiction is a rare thing, but the author makes it work here. This book is a blend of action, suspense, comedy, heartwarming, and the gospel. Interesting characters (with a truly evil villain), including a hero who is somewhat naive as he is thrown in with a pirate-like group of scoundrels but determined to get himself to Mars to preach the gospel. Of course, things don't go as he wanted, but it all works out in the end. I really liked this book, and I would have given it five stars, but for a large number of typos and some clunky dialogue. An editor would have helped improve this book.
Eustice Grimes might just be the last missionary in the galaxy. As far as he knows, he is. After all, he listened to his fellow believers be martyred. Now he feels compelled to share the good news with anyone on the surface of Mars. But how will he get there? And will anyone listen?
I enjoyed this book despite omitted words and other errors a competent editor would catch. However, I share Eustice’s affection for Jesus Christ, so others might not be as amused by his determination. As “religionists” are considered lawbreakers, scenes of persecution could trigger some readers.
Lucas Kitchen has created a compelling story with rich characters and deep character development. It is a Christian sci fi book and the story is a skilled blending of both. The story is not predictable and doesn’t shy away from violence as it depicts a world initially without the gospel or any value of the preciousness of the individual Life. The book also is full of quick wit and humor among the dialogue. A great read and has me longing for a sequel and also longing for such a life of significance.
This book was worth the read. I liked it more as I read through it. I appreciate the author’s intentions in writing this book to advance the kingdom but I would have liked him to take it a step further in this presentation. Believing in Jesus is the main thing but I would like to see mentioned the need to receive God’s gift. Then lives are changed.
This book, further out of the box than what I usually read, kept my interest throughout. Probably because of the weird and lovable main characters. The tension followed every page.
This is a very well written story. Even though it is sci-fi, it was very believable. Highly recommend this book to those who are Christians and sci-fi fans.
Missionary to Mars is a wonderful Christian Science Fiction Novel about the only Missionary for left in the whole universe that has enough boldness to bring the Gospel to anybody and everybody no matter the cost. A great read by Lucas Kitchen.
Characters that capture your heart and mind as they live in a society that condemns any type of belief that puts anything in the way of the government’s ideas.
The tag line I saw for this book about Star Wars collides with the Book of Acts is totally apt. I enjoyed this thoroughly. It has humor and suspense artfully mixed by a masterful story teller. Recommend it 1000%.
Such an interesting concept! I wasn't quite sure where it was going in the beginning, but I was hooked and read it in 24 hours. I appreciated how it represented the importance of church community and acts of service. Also, I enjoyed the juxtaposition with Admiral Strafe representing the Devil.
I was curious about the premise of this book. Is it possible to meld sci-fi with seeking God? This book proves it is. I heartily recommend it. A great book with well-developed characters, this book is a riveting read. Enjoy!
What a great story! I really enjoyed this book. I hope it turns out to be a series. I found the world that it built to have depth and the characters were interesting with good development throughout.