Shatterworld

Shatterworld Trilogy #1

by Lelia Rose Foreman

Fleeing persecution and low on fuel, religious refugees from Old Earth find themselves stranded on a planet with a dark history. The promise of a future is shadowed by a dreadful past. Twelve-year-old Rejoice Holly is expected to someday become a farmer's wife, and set aside her dreams of astronomy. But the discovery that their Promised Land is already inhabited isn't helping her struggle between duty and dreams. Peace seems precarious, and the voice of reason is being silenced by one of fear.

As a new danger looms, the friendship or enmity forged could save or doom them all. Will the colonists and natives be able to set aside their differences for the sake of survival?

Genres: Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kat Heckenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire time I was reading this book, I could not help but think of Madeleine L'Engle. No, it doesn't mean I felt the author ripped off L'Engle, but I could totally see L'Engle writing a book like this. Which is a good thing! Foreman doesn't dumb down her writing just because she has a middle grade audience. The science is an active part of the story, the main character is smart (an astronomy-loving 12-yr-old), and the intelligent sea creatures on the planet are something that would fit well in an L'Engle novel.

Shatterworld focuses on a community of Christians who have fled the Earth in search of a new place to live, where they can freely practice their beliefs. A mix of sci-fi and what felt like an Amish lifestyle, that somehow completely worked for me. One of my big complaints about Christian fiction is the contrived nature of the way faith is woven in, often coming across as preachy, often feeling like an extended Sunday school lesson--but this was not the case with Foreman's book, even though the characters' faith was at the forefront of most of the story.

Looking forward to the next in the series.


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My YA fantasy series:
book 1

book 2

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

"Fleeing persecution and low on fuel, religious refugees from Old Earth find themselves stranded on a planet with a dark history. The promise of a future is shadowed by a dreadful past.
Twelve-year-old Rejoice Holly is expected to someday become a farmer's wife, and set aside her dreams of astronomy. But the discovery that their Promised Land is already inhabited isn't helping her struggle between duty and dreams. Peace seems precarious, and the voice of reason is being silenced by one of fear.
As a new danger looms, the friendship or enmity forged could save or doom them all. Will the colonists and natives be able to set aside their differences for the sake of survival?"


Series: I believe so.


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Scriptures are quoted & mentioned; Talks about God, His will & being vain; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of prayers, fasting & hymns; Mentions of praising & thanking God; Mentions of God & Christ; Mentions of the Lord’s day; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, Bible studies & sermons; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of Christians being persecuted; Mentions of sins & pride; “God be with you” and “God bless you” are said many times; Every adult is called Brother or Sister; Everyone is named after a biblical phrase or concept;
*Note: Stronghold doesn’t believe in God; “I’ll have to stay damned” is said; A couple mentions of a person named “Thou Hadsn’t Been Damned”; A mention of Hell’s gate; A mention of primitive squids; A couple mentions of the Kraken; A talk that “Sometimes [God] calls us to die.”.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘butt into’, a ‘butting in’, a ‘gah’, an ‘idiot’, two ‘shut up’s, five ‘stupid’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Tantrums, Hating & (verbal) Fighting; Pain, Blood, Injuries, & Knives (semi-detailed); Mentions of killing & limbs being cut off (up to semi-detailed); A couple mentions of suicide; A couple mentions of a girl who died from leukemia.


Sexual Content- Rejoice doesn’t intent to get married; Mentions of who-likes-who, gawking, boys & boy-crazy girls; Mentions of marriages; Mentions of miscarriages, babies conceived & birth control; A few mention of breeding; A mention of hormones.

-Rejoice (in the Lord’s Salvation) Holly, age 12-13
P.O.V. switches between her, Ur-Veena, and others
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Future
172 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
{Add 1-2 Stars for girls who like Sci-Fi/Fantasy}
Well, this was…interesting. This book had a fair chance with me, as I kept my mind open to the Sci-Fi aspects—a genre I don’t read much—however, the alien/squid/crab things was more than a bit weird to me. Okay, positive elements first then what I wasn’t a fan of. Quite a bit of Spiritual Content (though I didn’t agree with everything said). The author did a pretty good job painting the picture and scenery (though some parts could have been turned down in details). For the parts I wasn’t a fan of: The alien/squid/crab things. (I was not expecting those things at all and since I couldn’t picture them (even though the author describes them), I ended up skimming all the parts with the creatures in it.) The talking between Rejoice, her people and the hexacrabs reminded me of the whole caveman grunting (which/who I don’t believe existed) (Example: “Exist under feet this, then rock”). The names. Oh goodness, the names. Very over the top. (Examples: Rejoice in the Lord’s Salvation Holly. Be Still and Know That I AM God Hardesty. No Confidence in the Flesh Cruz. (Brother) Grace to the Humble Hammer. Blessed in the Pure in Heart Olson. While I’m sure the author meant well, it just didn’t come across well to me.) Everyone was supposed to be equal, like once when Rejoice’s mom put up a wreath on the door, she was called vain. Yet, they all dress the same and have the same screens (tablets?). I wasn't a fan of any of the adults and had a hard time knowing who-is-who.
While I’m sure others have/will enjoyed this one, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.

[Jordyn Redwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am posting this review for my 11 y/o daughter, Lindsay.

"Shatterworld is an amazing book. It's filled with loads of detail and I liked how the story came from not only the humans point of view, the hexacrabs point of view was included, which I thought was creative. The ending was amazing, too. I will definitely recommend this to my classmates, but the reason I am giving this book four stars is because I was a bit confused in the beginning. There is not much of a reason included on why they need a new planet. Other than that it's an awesome book!"

Lindsay did receive a free copy of the book and a nominal fee to read it. A positive review was not required.

[K.M. Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. The story and characters are fascinating, but the legalism of their religion is killing the main characters by inches. That was hard for me to stomach.

But then I pushed on with it, and of course the back of the legalism is broken in the face of serious crisis. It has a very good ending, and the sequel sounds fascinating.

The stars of this book are the alien hexacrabs. I kept wishing for pictures of them, because I wasn't sure if I was imagining them properly. Their conflicts and concerns are more engrossing than the humans's. I think I could read a whole book about them alone, and their hunt for females who can still speak.

Big sense of wonder in this book. Highly recommended.

[E. Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly Different and Interesting!

A wonderfully unique world and plot-line with plenty of interesting mystery to the natural world that the colonists land upon... and the threat of doom was very nicely laid out, very realistic, and very dooming!!!
The eventual wrap up was very satisfying and realistic, at the same time being heroic and fun-adventure-y!
And the next book's chapter included in the back was definitely a hook... it had me eager for the sequel, which is a rare find these days!!! ;-)

Five Stars to Shatterworld!

[I received a complimentary review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.]

[Zachary Totah · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if the story of the Pilgrims took place in space?

If you’re thinking, “what a cool idea,” you’re right. Shatterworld takes the story of colonists fleeing persecution and plants it in a sci-fi setting complete with advanced technology, hints of dark times on our world, and an alien race of crab-like creatures both realistic and easy to sympathize with.

You might have a picture in your head of Pilgrims being dull, boring people who didn’t know how to have a good time or joke around. When I started reading and it became clear the characters were futuristic Pilgrims, it made me wonder if I was in for a story with uninspiring, fit-in-the-box characters.

To my delight, they’re not the stereotypical Pilgrims I feared I would find. They joke around, pursue fun things like astronomy, suffer the problems of modern-day people, and don't go around with dour expressions and a scripture verse handy for every little thing that happens. Rejoice doesn’t fit in and struggles to find her place, and her family is far from stable and goody-goody. Just like real life.

This is a middle-grade and young adult level story, so the plot didn’t capture me or blow me away, and the writing—while there was nothing wrong with it—didn’t cause me to beam with satisfaction because of its subtlety and brilliance.

The religious aspects are present in an obvious but not obnoxious way—something I was grateful for.

Shatterworld was a fun, quick read that younger readers should find entertaining.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rondi Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHATTERWORLD begins with a group of religious conservatives aboard a spaceship called the "Starflower" examining a planet to see if it is habitable. If that sounds a little bit like the Pilgrims, it's because SHATTERWORLD was clearly inspired by the tale of Plymouth Colony. There are even indigenous people who, despite facing cultural extinction, form friendships with the settlers. For this reason alone SHATTERWORLD is worth a read. I often found myself thinking, "Those people should have stayed on earth," only to remind myself the Pilgrims faced similar odds.

I would say this book is best for the middle-grade reader. The protagonist, Rejoice, is 12 at the beginning of the book, although she does age several years by the time the story ends, and there are more books in the series. The content is appropriate for younger elementary school kids who are either strong readers or who will have the book read to them. I certainly enjoyed it as an adult.

My only complaint with the book would be Rejoice is something of a Mary Sue. Her only "flaw" is her desire to be an astronomer in a society where she is expected to be a farmer's wife, and that is, of course, no real flaw at all. Still, I look forward to reading the rest of the series and expect to see Rejoice grow as a character.

[Chris Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatterworld focuses on a group of Christians who've crossed the void of space to a planet where they can start anew. They arrive intent on setting up a pre-industrial agrarian culture, seeped in religious faith, free from the restrictions and danger Earth society had posed. Conflict arises in Rejoice's family, though; her brother is embittered at their new life; and she has dreams that, in a culture intent on staying alive, seem to have no place in the world.

However, the planet is not devoid of life. Intelligent squids known as "hexacrabs" live in the seas, and are not sure about the intentions of their new neighbors. Can the two live together in peace?

I enjoyed Foreman's worldbuilding, in particular the unique attributes of the hexacrabs. It's a gentle novel, with little sustained conflict but constantly pushing into interesting ideas. Recommended.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't quite remember how I found this book, but I'm so glad I did! It's a young adult, or 'tween science fiction novel that this adult enjoyed quite a bit.

The characters were well-drawn and sympathetic. I loved the interaction of the settlers with the intelligent lifeforms that inhabit the planet. While the book has a gentle, pastoral feel, it still has a plot full of adventure and wonder. And not a little suspense!

I appreciate the respect given to faith and the way it works together with science in this story.

I hope that a sequel will eventually see print as this is one of my favorite books and just cries out for more storytelling. I reread it often and cry every time I do.

SUCH a good book!

[H.L. Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of reading Madeline L'Engle but more scientific than philosophical. I really appreciated the gentle handling of some very deep and complicated ideas, both spiritual and scientific (laws of physics are even explained in a way young children can understand and relate to.).
Occasionally I found myself frustrated with how calm the adults were and how legalistic the system felt, but this was addressed towards the end and my frustrations were mirrored by the younger characters. I really got into how the Squid Folk looked and communicated.
The whole thing felt very real and very well thought out.

[Hailey]

I won this book on goodreads! i am very eager to read it and will update my review when i finish! :)

[R.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shatterworld combines Christianity with Science Fiction on a doomed planet far away from Earth.

To say that this book was interesting would be an understatement. I’ve read lots of Christian sci-fi, however I’ve never read one quite like this one, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Shatterworld follows a group of people who are searching for freedom to practice their Christianity away from fallen Earth and after years aboard their space craft, they finally find their new “home”. However this foreign planet is anything but that feeling of “home” to Rejoice and her brother.

After reading this, I’m left with mixed emotions. One side of me was quite taken with the story and I even enjoyed the content of aliens and faith. However the other side of me was just a bit too overwhelmed with the Christian content, which is saying something, because I’m a very strong Christian and love Christian fiction.

The characters’ names are phrases from the Bible, not just words or names. So you’ll have a character with a name that’s 5 or 6 words long such as “No Confidence in the Flesh”. I love the idea of this, don’t get me wrong, however understanding this alien planet is difficult enough without also trying to remember multiple phrases and associating them to their proper characters. Especially when the characters are only mentioned in one or two scenes and then not again for the rest of the book.

The story also took a bit to build up some action. The first several chapters is mainly Rejoice and her brother complaining about their new planet and several of the scenes seemed to repeat each other. But once the story took off, it did contain a good plot and I did like it.

But honestly, I’m only going to be giving this book 3 out of 5 stars for the simple reason that I did only “like” it. This book may find itself another reader’s favorite, especially if you’re a really big fan of Christian sci-fi, however this book was not for me.

I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book maybe 15 years ago. A chance find at my local library that now has me following the author, cheering her on and wanting to own all her books. Oh my wow is this good.

[Abby Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I was pretty excited about that because it was the first time that had happened for me. J I’d seen other bloggers get books for free to review, but I’d never gotten one before. Exciting.

Shatterworld is Christian science-fiction. It is the perfect example of good writing taking something that probably sounded odd/dumb/crazy and making it engaging. I think anything well-written and developed will be enjoyable regardless of how silly or cliché it might be. This book is proof that I’m right. J

This is the story of a young girl who’s is part of a fundamentalist, theonomist religious group who flees persecution on Earth to form their own society on a new planet. Yes, my brain kept thinking Amish in space. The book begins just as they select a planet and details out the establishment of their colony. Conflict comes when Rejoice’s love of astronomy goes against the rural and agriculturally focused life the Elders have planned. How does star-gazing help grow crops?

Now, before some of you give up on this story based on the ‘Amish in space’ part, hear me out.

This book has hexacrabs.

It is amazing the way Foreman makes everything feel logical, real, and well-developed. But, the beauty comes in her alien race, because *Spoilers* the humans aren’t alone. The hexacrabs are fascinating. Their culture, language, and characteristics are appealing even as they are foreign. I relished every interaction with them. They are the element that keeps this story from being preachy or underdeveloped. Foreman has a gift with cultures, a real gift.

Without spoiling the story for you, I also loved how Rejoice is challenge throughout the story to be herself and yet weigh her own selfishness in that. I love how not only does Rejoice grow and change, but everyone does: parents, teachers, elders, siblings, friends, and hexacrabs. The world feels very rich because no one is static. They are all affected by what they believe, why they came here, the choices they made, and the world around them. This book, while simple in many ways, was a great example of the idea that side characters should all think they’re the main character.

I enjoyed the moment when disaster strikes and Rejoice waits to hear from God to see how she should proceed. At first, I worried she might actually hear God, instead she applies her God-given gifts to the situation and heroically save the day with the help of her autistic brother Makepeace. A perfect example of God using means within his sovereignty.

While I obviously don’t agree with all the theology because it’s a story about a fundamentalist/theonomist space travelers, the story never becomes preachy and the flaws within that belief system are easily seen. I think some good conversations could be had with your children as they read this book about the nature of sin, selfishness, gifts, family, church authority, and so much more.

If I was to nitpick this book, my only complaint would be the huge amount of characters to keep up with complicated by the names of some of them. This wasn’t a big deal to me, but I can see it being a minor hang up for some people.

Overall, this book is a wonderful adventure for both boys and girls, clean, with a strong family structure and plenty of opportunities for discussion. Plus, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Aaron DeMott · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, basically we have here, "What if the Pilgrims happened in the future, and instead of coming to America, they went to a different planet?"
Most of the characters are the stereotypical Puritan types, follow the rules to the point of legalism, don't listen to the kids, do your job, etc. The main character, Rejoice, is a teen girl who wants to study astronomy. Most of the adults don't see how that would help the colony at all, so she's "encouraged" to pursue something "useful."

The neatest part of the book are the aliens. One of the challenges to the status quo of the colony is that the world is inhabited. Foreman did a great job with the aliens, they're actually alien. No "lets slap some putty on his nose and call him an alien" here (I get why Star Trek did it, but why do so many books? Sure, you can still have a compelling story that way, but it's nice to explore a world where imagination is let loose and you can actually explore the "what if's" of what alien life would look like.)

I don't want to spoil the ending, but Rejoice gets to use her passions for practical purposes, and everyone learns some lessons along the way.

This was a fun read, and I really enjoyed it. Four stars.

[David Bergsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mid-school: cutting it slack
Yes, there’s some of that as the story gets going. This is a tale for pre-teens and teens. But once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. That is: I enjoyed it until it suddenly stopped just as it was getting interesting. Sometimes I dislike series a lot.

The world-building is intriguing and believable. It’s geared toward younger humans, but as an old, jaded reader, it was satisfying. I really like the story. The characters are complex, interesting, and very likable.

Spiritually, I’m giving it a 3+2 stars
Technically, it’s mainline, no rebirth, no baptism in the Spirit. But the reality of the faith and the Lord’s interaction with His people is very close to 5-star. Spiritually, it was a joy to read.

I recommend it especially for pre-teens. But teens will like it and seniors will like it (at least this one certainly did). I recommend the book with no reservations.

[Kim O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatterworld drew me in more and more, the longer I read. The descriptions of an alien planet and an alien lifeform are amazing, particularly the chapters written from the alien point of view. The community of simple-living religious folk rings true-to-life, with well-rounded main and secondary characters who have deep backstories that are revealed gradually and wonderfully. The plot was engaging for me, as an adult, but is well within the reach of the middle-grade audience it aims for, despite dealing with some complicated subject matter and difficult decisions. How the author managed to treat teenage dreams and rebellions with respect and understanding without vilifying authority figures speaks of her skill as a writer. Highly recommended. Do yourself a favor and push through the odd names and unfamiliar behaviors and delve into this wonderfully alien world.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shatterworld by Lelia Rose Foreman is an entertaining science fiction story for preteen readers. I was drawn into the story right from the start, although a little confused by the introduction of the alternate characters in chapter 4. Foreman does a good job of developing both sets of characters over time, though, and I enjoyed the way the two cultures/story lines were woven together as the story progressed. Considering this is book 1 of a series, the ending was satisfying and made sense. I turned the page to read the sample of the next book, and would be interested in seeing how the story continued. This book is written by a Christian author and promotes the Christian values of family, respect for others, helping others, and worship.

[Jchesky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think of Science Fiction as a genre, you do not often add faith to that mix, but Shatterworld by Lelia Rose Foreman, does, and does it well. Science is explained the way young children can understand and relate to, which adds broadly to the age range for readers. No stereotypes allowed in this original story. Shatterworld builds a unique and well conceived world that is the new home to pilgrims fleeing from earth. They long for a simpler lifestyle and work to make their new earth, their home, but the dark history of this planet is the reason why this is called Shatterworld. I enjoyed this book.

[Cyril Patrick Feerick · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Shatterworld' by Lelia Rose Foreman feels like YA sci-fi, though the writing does lend itself to younger readers. It had a strong, enjoyable narrative and nicely balanced dialogue. There was some religious aspects but nothing is rammed down your throat, or portrayed in a cringing fashion. There was a wonderful slow build of suspense to the final showdown, with action of all kinds in the sub-plots. Overall, it was an easy read with an interesting cast of characters. I think there’s appeal for both young teens and curious adults. Also there are some mind-bending concepts as well, so expect to be intrigued and puzzled :)

[Rebel Rider · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up from StoryCartel. I’d been wanting to read it for a while, so getting to review it gave me a good opportunity to snag the trilogy.
The concept of Shatterworld, a group of pacifist colonists going to a planet and finding aliens, intrigued me. It was something I’d never read before, so it was a refreshing change from my normal reading material. The one thing I disliked was it seemed like the scenes were a bit choppy, and the family conflict didn’t really mesh well with the alien plot line, but overall, it was an entertaining read. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the alien POV, which was really original.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shatterworld

Even though this is written for a younger audience, anyone of any age would enjoy this story. There were so many layers to the story and that is what kept it intriguing and interesting. Rejoice was amazing and I loved how her mind worked. Every character in this book was interesting and unique; I wonder if it had something to do with their names. The names of the characters had you wondering if their name fit their personality. I was really interested in the Hexacrabs and their way of life. Excellent story, I highly recommend it.

[Marc Secchia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent sci-fi tale. Pilgrims colonise a new planet coupled with a very well-conceived first contact scenario. While ostensibly written for the younger set I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, right until what I felt was a very odd choice of place to end. The story had built up nicely, we had a plan to defeat an impending disaster, and suddenly it stops. I don't want to spoil so I won't say more than this, but you will need to be prepared to purchase the second book to hopefully find a satisfying conclusion. A worthy read that hits all the right notes - well done!

[Kate Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fangirl for Lelia Rose Foreman after reading the first installment of this series. There is an effortless weaving of characters, worlds, and drama in Shatterworld. This is a savory read, head of the class in it's genre for being believable, holding truly honest characters, and being super scifi.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book with lots of detail, and surprises along the way. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess to reading the last book in this trilogy fist. I loved it so much I decided I should read the first two books.

Another reviewer said of Shatter world, "pilgrims in space." His statement was accurate.

That being said, I loved getting to know young Rejoice Holly. She has a bright scientific mind, and it's being stiffed by the stiff rules and religious obligations of her community. Add to all of that the physical and psychology problems that come with terraforming an new planet for human life.

Anyone who can remember those tough years of net fitting in will relate to Rejoice's story. I can't with to read the next book.

[Xena Elektra]

DNF 12%