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Abiding Flame

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Darkness can be overcome…

Terminally ill Lynette Lamb is forced to reunite her wayward son and grandson. Her options are as limited as her strength and mobility. Through a fateful series of events, the rejoined pair will leave Earth to become part of a colony orbiting a new planet. Sam Austin and his wife mourn the loss of their only child and decide to make a fresh start at the space station. The same ship holds the one who will fulfill the dark planet’s prophecy, but a demonic force boards to stop the vessel. The demon’s obedient but unwilling servant is sent on a suicide mission to keep the ship from reaching its destination.

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First published June 9, 2014

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About the author

Pauline Creeden

76 books578 followers
Pauline Creeden is an award-winning author, horse trainer, and overall book ninja. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and 2014 Gold Award for First Place YA Horror Novel.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Tina.
Author 6 books323 followers
June 24, 2014
I loved this story. It is about a future that doesn't believe in God. This futurist world also travels to other planets and on the newest mission things start happening on the ship and to the ship that know one knows why. Before the ship took off, a dying grandmother sends her grandson to his father because she no longer can take care of him. The father has turned away from what his mother had taught him but his son hasn't. The son has a lot on his shoulders as he has to keep his faith in God and teach the passengers aboard the ship to trust in God that they will make it safely the planet they travel too. With so much happening, it is hard to believe that everything will work out. You will have to read this amazing story to see what happens to all these people and if God will answer prayers. This story is well written from the beginning to the end and will inspire whoever reads it.
Profile Image for Simone.
474 reviews17 followers
June 30, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

This story is set many years in the future, where Christianity is practically extinct and Bibles no longer in print. The Tulamites believe that a savior will arrive on their planet from Earth. To make sure this occurs they require 50 civilians to arrive on the new colony once a year.

Lynette Lamb is dying and raising her grandson has become too much for her ailing body. Now she is forced to send Jeremy to live with the father he barely knows on a space colony. Lynette has raised Jeremy no to conform, but to follow God’s word and look to him for guidance. Lieutenant Lamb avoids his mother and so at all costs and has wanted nothing to do with him son since his wife’s demise.

Sam and Tanya are excited to be on their way to the space colony. Tanya had been withdrawn and sad since the accident that caused the death of their 19 year old son two years prior. This will be the fresh start they both so desperately needed.

William Huxley was given to be of service to a demon since birth. Celfarus taunted Bill to no end, and when Bill didn’t obey the repercussions were unbearably painful. When Bill takes the final spot for the space colony, the battle of good versus evil ensues. Will they be able to overcome the problems that arise? Will they be able to stand firm and trust God in the midst of the storm?

I have never read a Christian Science Fiction novel before and this one was just fantastic! The characters were wonderful, with each person having their own unique personality. This book was fast paced and very engrossing. So much so, that I read it in one afternoon! My favorite character was Jeremy. He could have given in to his father’s wishes and saved himself a lot of problems, instead he decided to stand firm in his beliefs. He had an admirable strength in character, even for a twelve year old. All in all, a wonderful book about trusting God even in your darkest hour. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Profile Image for Becca.
219 reviews116 followers
July 10, 2014
This story was definitely something different than I was used to but in a great way! It tells the story of many years in the future where the Bible and Christianity are pretty much extinct. The Tulamites are in the belief that there is going to be a savior that comes to earth and will make sure that everything is running smoothly. They are so sure that this is going to happen that they need to make sure that they have the fifty civilians arrive to the colony each year. This is one of the things that is supposed to make the savior come. Lynette is one of those characters that is strong within her own right. She is dying but still manages to take care of her grandson even though it is taking a toll on her. She has to make the decision to send Jeremy away to live with his father on a space colony. Jeremy does not know his dad well at all. Lynette has told Jeremy to follow God’s word and to make sure that all his guidance comes from Him. She does not want him to turn out to be brainwashed and conform to society.
There are also the characters of Sam and Tanya that are also on their way to the space colony. They are eager to see what awaits them. Tanya had not been herself since their nineteen year old son died. The workings of what would be a fresh start on the space colony give the reader hope that she will be able to cope and start a new life without all the hardship and grief. Questions are also arisen from the other characters in the book as to whether everything will turn out the way it is supposed to. I have honestly never thought of putting a Christian themed novel together with Science Fiction, but it was amazing. The characters were so well developed and they each had their own story to tell. The book moved along at just the perfect speed so that I did not get bored or even worse, lost. Pauline Creeden is one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint with this book!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this novel for my open and honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
Author 0 books59 followers
July 15, 2014
This is completely unlike anything I have ever read before. In the past, the mere thought of Christian Fiction would send me running for the hills. Not because I’m scared of religion, but because I don’t like being told what to believe, and I have this preconceived notion about Christian stories. Having read several books by Pauline already, I knew that her religious topics were more on the relaxed side. She advocates being kind and making the right choices, more than she does Christianity. Abiding Flame, however, is the most religious of her books that I have read to date. There are quotes from scripture throughout, as well as discussions about the validity of God.

And you know what? I didn’t burst into flames reading it!

Not only that, but I really enjoyed it! It’s a fascinating sci-fi story following several characters as they embark on a voyage across space. The mostly fascinating creature of them all is Celfarus, the demon. He is by far the most mysterious character, not speaking much and largely skulking about in the background, but he is also a huge driving force for the entire plot. Without him, the trip would have had nothing but smooth sailing.

What I loved most about this story were all the shades of gray. No character was entirely perfect, and there is so much room for growth and change. There is also a lot of room for error and corruption. I kept wishing that everyone would pick the right path, but that wouldn’t be realistic, and Pauline isn’t afraid of stepping into the Darkness.

Now on the other end of this book, I am really glad to have read it. Pauline makes me a more rounded, and open-minded reader.

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Rae Ryans.
Author 8 books177 followers
June 30, 2014
4.5
This soft sci-fi read takes place in a futuristic world where the majority of the world’s population looks the same. This idea has been presented before, but the author twines in her own twists, characters, and plot lines to craft a compelling read. The multi point of view was a bonus too as it is my preferred format when done well and Pauline Creeden does it very well.

The world is a combination of future Earth and space, but the meat of the story takes place on the shuttle. The minimalist description allowed my imagination to paint each scene, always giving me enough, but not too much description or mind numbing words. This extends over the whole of the book and adds to the ease of reading without, well, numbing your mind with unpronounceable jargon. Some readers might prefer that but I don't, so I was happy to see a strong vocabulary from the author without having to take notes as I read along.

The character voices were each unique and strong enough to carry their weight through the story. From the antagonist to the protagonist, we see the world and plot through their eyes as the story evolves. Each scene popped and moved things along. This is a difficult part of multi POV novels, but again, she did a great job.

I’d recommend Abiding Flame to anyone who enjoys soft sci-fi/low fantasy. There is a strong message hidden within the pages, but it's a clean, entertaining read for all ages that makes you wonder if this could actually become the future. *I received a copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becky Stephens.
270 reviews11 followers
August 13, 2014
In Abiding Flame, Pauline Creeden bravely combines science fiction and religion into a fast-paced story. In a futuristic world of enhanced technology, faith has become nearly extinct. But Lynette Lamb and her grandson, Jeremy, are among the last believers on Earth. Lynette has an inoperable disease which leaves her dying, and she is forced to send Jeremy to live with his estranged father, Lieutenant Harold Lamb, who is leaving Earth to reside at the Sorin Space Station. Lt. Lamb can’t stand Jeremy because he is so different, and refuses to comply with the “normalization” process.

“The boy reminded him of a wild weed, a dandelion sullying an otherwise pristine lawn—unchecked, unassimilated, and unnormalized.”

Also traveling on this star cruiser is Bill, a lonely, deeply disturbed character, whose only companion is Celfarus, an evil, terrifying demon. Because Bill has “the Sight,” he can see and communicate with his demon instead of Celfarus possessing him like it did other humans, yet his influence on Bill is no less powerful.

As civilian passengers aboard the same star cruiser, Sam and his wife, Tanya, play a huge role in Jeremy’s life as they attempt to put their lives back together after the death of their only son.

With dazzling characters, a wonderfully descriptive science fiction setting, and a well-paced plot, this was a suspenseful, intriguing read!

This review originally posted to Twisted Book Junkie.
Profile Image for Emerald Barnes.
Author 24 books122 followers
August 15, 2014
Wow. Simply amazing!

When I picked up this book, I wasn't entirely sure what to think about it. I thought it might focus more on the Lynnette, the grandmother who has cancer, than anything else. I am a fan of all of Pauline Creeden's books, so even though I wasn't sure I would like this one, I had to give a try. And boy am I glad I did!

This is a Christian sci-fi novel that brilliantly blends sci-fi with spiritual warfare.

Jeremy is a sweet kid who is completely different than anyone else around him. He refuses to be made over to look perfect; he's a Christian; and he's so compassionate and caring! He loves his grandmother, but since she is dying, he's forced to live with his worldly father - who resents him and his grandmother for being "religious fanatics."

Since his father is a military man, Jeremy is forced to go with him to a colony on a different planet. So, the book is set entirely on a star cruiser heading to this planet. Jeremy's faith is strong, and it's something that starts spreading to Tanya and Sam who kind of take him in.

Bill is plagued by a demonic force who has an assignment to destroy the ship, but it's harder to take down because of the Christians.

This was a beautiful reminder that spiritual warfare is real, and it isn't easy to defeat. But with Jesus, all things are possible. Absolutely LOVED this novel!
Profile Image for Kristin.
527 reviews20 followers
June 30, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. All I can say is wow. This book was INCREDIBLE!!!! It's a science fiction book with strong overtones of Christian fiction throughout, pr perhaps its Christian fiction with a scifi background. Either way, this was an awesome book to read. Reading the synopsis, I didn't expect such a heavy Christian theme to the story.
The strong good versus evil in a society where religion has been erased was an interesting theme as though it doesn't matter what humans say, there will always be a struggle between the forces of good versus the forces of evil. It was very obvious that it was the forces of the Christian God versus the forces of the Christian Satan, as the Bible held a very large sway over whether one became a force of good (or light), and if they remained neutral.
The author's writing was so good, I couldn't put the book down, I needed to know more and more, read just one more page. This was definitely a one day read, not because it was short, but because I truly couldn't part myself from it.
In the end, I couldn't help but feel pity for the humans on the evil side as they were manipulated and coerced. But the very end...what was that? Was it a cliff-hanger? Could this be the first of a series? What was that speck of light?!
Profile Image for Merisha28.
330 reviews19 followers
July 4, 2014
Abiding Flame by Pauline Creeden
Print Length: 218 pages
Publisher: Prism Book Group (June 9, 2014)

My Review~~
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
Okay, I love this cover but it is what is hidden beneath the pages that is amazing. This book is an edgy paranormal read that meets sci-fi futuristic read. This book is a fast paced read full of suspense, creepiness, and intrigue. This book will have the readers ensnared til the last page. Warning: ending just leaves you hanging, so this book will be part of a series. This book blew my mind and kept me riveted, so I know if anyone likes the paranormal/scifi genre this is the book for you. Must read!!

Amazon Book Description~~
Darkness can be overcome…

Terminally ill Lynette Lamb is forced to reunite her wayward son and grandson. Her options are as limited as her strength and mobility. Through a fateful series of events, the rejoined pair will leave Earth to become part of a colony orbiting a new planet. Sam Austin and his wife mourn the loss of their only child and decide to make a fresh start at the space station. The same ship holds the one who will fulfill the dark planet’s prophecy, but a demonic force boards to stop the vessel. The demon’s obedient but unwilling servant is sent on a suicide mission to keep the ship from reaching its destination.
Profile Image for Victoria.
Author 10 books14 followers
June 15, 2014
In a world centuries into the future where the Bible is unknown and God has been forgotten, Lynette Lamb must make the difficult decision to send her beloved grandson to live with his father.

Lieutenant Lamb has no use for his son or the God to whom he prays. If not for Tanya and Sam Austin, the boy would have no one to love and care for him on a mission to a new space colony.

Needing to fill an extra seat on the ship, the lieutenant picks Bill, a poor choice who has an ever present demon. Bill has his eye on the captain’s daughter, but the demon wants Bill to sabotage the ship.

Murder, intrigue, and suspense fill the pages of this novel and the hope of a handful of believers delivers God’s rescue.

Science fiction and space travel are not usually my first choice in a read, but I couldn't put this one down for long. It is well written and Ms Creeden’s imagination and attention to detail makes for a very good story.
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 7 books35 followers
September 8, 2014
5.5/5 Stars!

When the book started out in a futuristic world of computerized houses and a crew equipping a cruiser for intergalactic travel, I thought I knew what was coming. When the purpose behind the trip was explained by negotiations with an alien race for our use of their tech, I settled in for a good old sci-fi adventure.

When the demon showed up and started talking about a prophecy concerning one of the passengers... I sat up and read with renewed interest.

"Renewal" is a great word to describe Pauline Creeden's treatment of the sci-fi genre in this book! She seamlessly combines elements of the supernatural within a "traditional" sci-fi setting without ever feeling overdrawn or forced.

I really enjoyed this book, and would readily recommend it to anybody! [For a more in-depth review, check out my blog: The Upstream Writer]
Profile Image for Antionette.
388 reviews
August 6, 2014
Set in the future, this story is of a boy named Jeremy. And how faith can bring you to a whole new loving life when your previous life was coming to an end. Living with his grandmother most of his life, she begins to die with no recourse by even the most modern medicine. So his father has to come and take him. Just so happens his father is about to embark on a trip to a space station. There is no love between the two and he finds love and compassion in a couple who lost their son. Lots of twists and turns in this book. Faith in god being the primary focus of this book. I was very surprised in the setting...and really enjoyed it. I was inspired to pull out my own bible and read a few verses. I really hope there is a second book in the works. The way faith in god is spread after many years of god being an old timers religious freak way. Bringing faith back and spreading his word on the ship... Inspirational.
Profile Image for Melissa Lee.
Author 7 books256 followers
June 26, 2014
Abiding Flame is a creepily awesome futuristic sci-fi story following several characters into space. We start with Lynette Lamb and her grandson Jeremy who are among the few Christians left on the planet. Lynette is dying and has to send Jeremy to live with his father who is about to leave for space again. On board the ship is a man named bill who acts a bit crazy because of the demon attached to him.

It was like CS Lewis meets Star Trek. The characters are really fleshed out. The pacing is great and keeps your attention.

Pauline Creeden is a very talented author who made me think and rethink how often the spiritual realm is at work in our daily lives without us realizing it. This must be a first book in a series because the story stops more than ends, but I really want to know more.
Profile Image for Niki.
230 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2014
When Lynette gets terminal ill, she has no choice then to contact her son to pic up her grandson.
She took care of Jeremy since his mother died and his dad buried himself in work.
He is part of a ship that will go to a new planet where they meet Sam and his wife Tanya, who both take a liking in Jeremy. There is someone on board of the space ship who tries to sabotage the ship, There is an part that is there only change to get through a wormhole but it is damaged. Then there is a murder. They arrest to people but do they have the right people? Thanks to strong faith and prayers things do look up. Will they make it on time to reach the wormhole and planet safely??
That you need to find out for yourself, I assure you, you won't regret it. A book well written with very likable characters, I sure look forward to read more about Jeremy???? Or any other book fro this author.

Profile Image for Arlene Mullen.
517 reviews8 followers
July 5, 2014
Jeremy has been living with his grandmother but now she is to sick to care for him. So he goes with his father into space. He's is one of the few people left who still believe in God. He also has a future that is unknown to him. Now in space with a father who can not stand him, they just hope to survive.
This book takes place far in the future where religion is not common and everyone strives to be the same. It's strange to read about people who all want to be fake and the same. It is a great story. The mystery and all the characters are interesting. I love how all the characters start off so far apart but as the story goes on, their stories become intertwined. Will keep you interested until the end. I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynn.
Author 115 books137 followers
July 2, 2014
WOW! This was an amazing story. The characters are deep and so well developed. They are the type of people you think about long after you have finished reading the story. Although the story is in the future and in a nearly God-less world, it is believable and relatable to our culture today. This author is very blessed with a gift for telling a remarkable story that keeps you wanting more. And makes you think about how we live and tolerate things that (maybe) we should be more wary and keep our own flame burning for God's glory. LOVED this story and HIGHLY recommend it to everybody who enjoys a fun and yet deep story.
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
837 reviews
September 18, 2015
Fast moving story about travelling people. Travelling in body and soul. From earth to a space station. Towards faith and God or away from Him. And: what happens when you have a demon aboard a space vessel...? A thrilling story! And not only for people who like to read Christian fiction.
Thank you, Pauline Creeden, for giving me a chance to read this!
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,846 reviews112 followers
July 3, 2014
This was a great read that definitely grabs you. It is very well written and once you start reading, you will have a very difficult time putting it down. It moved along at a great pace, has an amazing story and great characters. This has to be on your must read list, no doubt about it.
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