Supraphysica

by Drew Boudreaux

For Philip, a sociology student at N.Y.U., January 25th was supposed to be a normal start to the spring semester. That definitely didn't happen. As the day unfolded, he came to faith, unknowingly befriended an angel, and was recruited into a covert project to literally build a new world. The next two weeks were equally paranormal—yet a lot more trying as Philip's newfound faith is stretched nearly to the point of nonexistence.

Join Philip, Encar, and their respective families in this modern story of faith, hope, and love—and a healthy dose of geoscience. Can your faith move mountains?

****Please an earlier version of this novel contained some profanity, as pointed out in a few reviews. I’ve prayed about this, decided to accept the constructive criticism, and cleaned up the language. —Drew

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Christian, Supernatural

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2016

About the author

My name is Drew Boudreaux. I’m 28 years young, and I live in Covington, Louisiana with my wife, Shana; my son, Remy; and my baby2 on the way! The following probably won’t come as a surprise since I’ve written a Christian Fiction novel: I’m a Christian!

Also, I’m not a writer. Well, I guess technically I am now. My actual career is as a Petroleum Geologist. I currently work for Chevron as a Development Geologist supporting one of their deepwater Gulf of Mexico oilfields. I really love my job. Basically, what I do is make models of the subsurface and figure out the best way to develop their oil and gas reservoirs.

I want to be totally frank about my lack of literary clout. In school, I’ve always done better with math and science than I did with English and literature. I have never been to a writing conference. I learned just 2 years ago what a literary agent was. Occasionally, I go through phases in my life where I enjoy reading fiction—but I have never considered myself a book worm.

So, why did I write a novel? I don’t just ask that question as a transition to the next paragraph…I genuinely still ask myself that sometimes. Below is how I usually answer my inquisitive mind.

Initially, my motivation for writing Supraphysica was trifold: One, I wanted to undertake a big project and develop a part of myself that I never felt very strong in: creative writing. Two, I love exploring the mash-up of faith and science and saw this effort as a way to glorify God. Three, I think this book could potentially help people, whether that be conservative/republicans/Christians who discredit scientific reasoning (particularly with respect to climate change), or liberal/democratic/secularists who don’t believe science and God can fit in the same universe.

After writing the novel, I decided to self-publish and use the book sales as a fundraiser. Supraphysica leaves the characters and reader with a call to action, and as the author, I think it’s only appropriate for me to model the very call to action I propose. As such, I’m donating 100% of all after-tax royalties to charitable causes.

I hope you will consider giving the novel a chance. Whether you decide to buy or not, thank you for expressing interest in Supraphysica

Reviews

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic copy of this novel from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Christian fantasy and science fiction tend to be very hit or miss for me. While I try my best to support the genres because I really want to see them grow, some the novels tend to feel unoriginal and poorly written. I have read many works of Christian speculative fiction that left me frustrated and underwhelmed. In my opinion, Christian art of any kind, be in fiction or music or visual media, should hold itself to a higher standard than its secular counterparts in order to more powerfully proclaim the message Christians are sent out into the world to share. There are indeed novelists and poets and musicians that hold themselves to said standard, but this is far from the norm. Just as we wouldn’t stand in awe of a shanty simply because the builder slapped a cross on the front door, so we shouldn’t praise Christian art that offers little of merit outside of the Christian message plastered across it. There have even been multiple artists throughout that years that, when turned down by the secular market, have reworked novels or lyrics into something PG and sprinkled some Jesus into their work so that they could market their music or books as Christian, not because they felt any strong calling to share the message of Christ but because Christian markets were notoriously easy to break into.

Thankfully, in the past fifteen years or so there has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of Christian art. Slowly but surely, more artists are honing their craftsmanship and presenting something that has merit outside of simply being safe enough to stock in Christian bookstores. Things have changed so much in fact that the Christian marketplace is now considered oversaturated by many publishers and record labels, resulting in fierce competition for fewer slots. This leaves many Christian artists who are genuinely passionate about proclaiming Christ to the world through art, and have actually spent time honing their craft and creating something original, without a way to share their work on any type of larger scale. This is were technological advances and changes in how the general public finds and consumes their goods has helped tremendously. There are a plethora of talented authors and bands who have found ways to self-publish and market themselves. Generally, however, this is a only pursued by those who are incredibly passionate about their work, as it is costly and time consuming and oftentimes not very rewarding. But I’m thankful that artists continue to pursue their passions and share them with the world to the best of their abilities, because while there are definitely some self-published works that are disappointing, there are many hidden within the masses that are diamonds just waiting to be discovered.

I found Supraphysica to be one such book. Boudreaux took a genre that often feels cheesy, Christian sci-fi, and developed a story that was unique, well researched, and very well told. Three angels are tasked with gathering and training a group of young adults to complete an assignment that is unlike any other. The students are tasked with creating a new planet capable of sustaining life. Obviously this is not something remotely feasible for the richest and most intelligent of scientists, much less of group of kids. However, they are informed that they will not actually be creating; utilizing a method called “supraphysica,” these kids will direct the creation process through prayers to God. The group must still research every intricate facet of their assigned tasks in order to know what exactly they are to pray, and they must have absolute faith that their prayers will be answered.

I loved the inclusion and importance of science in this story. Often in modern society Christians are viewed as less intelligent than their non-Christian counterparts, and our interaction with the sciences are the most common example of Christians choosing willful ignorance instead of accepting things many now believe to be concrete facts. We are portrayed as backward-thinking and hostile towards the sciences, when in fact the vast majority of the scientific community’s founding fathers were themselves Christians. I believe that science is more likely to draw a person toward belief in God than to push them further from Him. I think that science reveals incredible facets of life that we would never see otherwise, and that said revelations point more and more strongly to the existence of an intelligent Designer of the universe. Boudreaux does a great job of honing in on this concept in his story.

The prose in this book was straightforward and concise, and the writing was immaculate. Throughout my reading, I never once recall finding a grammatical error or typo, for which I am always on the lookout. The cast of characters was fun and fairly believable, though there were a couple of things that threw me off just a bit. Firstly, there were a few conversion experiences that I thought were just a bit too easy. Coming to a faith usually involves internal struggle and time to consider, whereas there were three conversion experiences in this story that were unnervingly quick. The inclusion of one of these converts into the supraphysica group on the very day of his conversion was also a bit much for me as a reader to swallow. Secondly, there were maybe a dozen or more instances of cursing in this book. While I have no problem with this, there are many people in my life who, if they picked up this book after seeing it billed as Christian fiction, would be incredibly offended by the inclusion of the f-word and such. I am not one of these people, but I can see this resulting in some upset messages from readers.

I really enjoyed this book, and am incredibly impressed at the quality of writing and the concept. While it wasn’t perfect, it was definitely original and unique, and was difficult to put down. Boudreaux is an author I would definitely read again, and one I would recommend to any sci-fi fans who would like a story from a Christian perspective.

[Sean Elliot Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew Boudreaux has written a fine premiere novel with his sci-fi fantasy (with a dash of romance), “Supra Physica.”

With strong spiritual underpinnings, the story follows Philip and Encar, two young adults who suddenly find themselves thrust into a project with other young people of the most incredible proportions, what comes to be known as “Blank Canvas.” Guided and aided by angelic beings, specifically Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael, I found the story imaginative and interesting, especially the explanations of how angels assimilate with our physics-bound universe. Philip as a new Christian is shown to be believable, on a journey of learning about his new faith attitudes versus old attitudes, sexual temptation, and how to activate genuine "faith." Encar was nicely developed and three-dimensional, a free spirit girl who captures Philip's heart but who resists commitment.

We also follow several secondary characters, the parents of Philip and Encar, who wrestle with their own struggles--loved ones who've died, depression, suicide, marriage partners going in different directions, and unbelief. These were presented in a way that was realistic, hard-hitting, and identifiable. And the author also withheld from giving a "perfect ending" in regard to these characters. The world of Supraphysica is one in which tragedy befalls both the godly and the ungodly. And we see the lead characters querying and petitioning the Lord in prayer--but with realistic outcomes.

[REVIEW KEY w/MY RATINGS BELOW:]
Story Originality: How creative was the concept from page one onward?

Story Inventiveness: How surprised was I by the flow of the plot? Any twists?

Characters: How real and how drawn was I to the story’s characters?

Descriptive Power: How well did the author control description, dialogue, etc?

True to Scripture: Were all elements true to Scripture’s worldview?

Fictive Dream Strength: How much was I immersed into the novel—wanting to read page after page?

Proofreading: How well was the book proofread (typos, etc)?

Cinematic Flare: How strong were key scenes (that I could easily see as a motion picture)?

Overall Satisfaction: What was my overall feeling/enjoyment level after reading novel? Did I want it to end?

MY PERSONAL RATINGS (w/Key Below):
Story Originality: 5/5
Story Inventiveness: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Descriptive Power: 4/5
True to Scripture: 5/5
Fictive Dream Strength: 3/5
Proofreading: 5/5
Cinematic Flare: 4/5
Overall Satisfaction & Rating: 4/5

There was, for me, a really neat moment within the book that struck me as cinematic in scope—the scene at “Blank Canvas” where two characters have their special moment (while dressed in their astronaut suits). Talk about a unique way to show a romantic scene (quite literally made in the heavens). It was really nicely done!

Several items that would strengthen the book would be to do more showing than telling, to strengthen the final act which didn’t punch as hard as I’d have liked, and to possibly add more conflict throughout the story (although there is quite a bit of internal conflict). The author could do this by elevating the enemy's threat level and presence. Still, I must emphasise that this novel is good, original, and presents the Gospel in a way that’s subtle but honest. Both youth and adults will enjoy this novel.

The novel is a good premiere work for Bordreaux. I recommend the novel. And I hope we get to see more from this author!

[Joanne Rolston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Angels had a project. Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael were going to choose a few select members of the church how to build a world. The project was called “Supraphysica.”
The Angels built a place called “The Grounds” where the training took place. The eleven members of the group were taught Supraphysica and given the plan for building the new planet. They were then teleported from the Grounds to Blank Canvas on their assigned creation days.
These angels were with the Creator when the earth was built. They were there cheering as God laid the foundation of the earth. They would teach the group to call upon the Lord to manipulate the physical construct.
The angels knew the things they asked for would not happen under the natural laws of physics. But the Creator is beyond those laws. They trusted that anything they asked for in accordance with God’s will would be done. They had faith.
Philip and Encar were the main characters from the group at the Grounds. Philip was Encar’s partner for creation on the third day.
Philip had not yet come to the Lord when Gabriel was sent to recruit him.
Gabriel had to pose as a student at Ryan’s University in New York in order to meet Philip.
The interaction between the human characters and the angels was carefully done and believable.
When Gabriel is introduced the reader is told “the interaction was always a delicate and complicated affair,” “Gabriel had to keep things as normal as possible around the humans, which was tough to do considering his lack of an actual physical body.”
Gabriel awkwardly navigated the human terrain while posing as a man. We see what Gabriel had to do to appear as a human in the physical construct. He had to repurpose and bend light to make himself appear solid, walk in a believable way, and figure out how to handle food and drink. He even had to think about the clothing he appeared to wear.
There was café scene I thought was clever. Ryan, a friend of Philip, was presenting the gospel to Philip. Gabriel couldn’t interfere, Philip had to come to the decision about salvation on his own. All “Gabe” could offer was “I’m already on that side.” To keep the scene interesting, the author had Gabriel trying to convert the coffee he was “drinking” from matter to heat. “Man, is it getting hot in here or what?” Ryan asked. It kept the scene interesting.
One of the most exciting scenes for me was the action between the angels and Lucifer’s demons at the hospital when Philip went to see his mother. It is what I imagine would happen behind the scenes in spiritual warfare with angels.
This story was well written and engaging in the way it unfolded. It was good to read an original story.
I loved the way the Gabriel, Raphael, angels were portrayed, the author thought of everything right down to the English the guardian angels used.
While the author deals with God and faith, it’s not laid on too thick for the non-Christian reader.
I recommend this book to young adults, or those interested in the supernatural and science fiction.
I think anyone that would like to read a book that is totally unique would enjoy this.

[Glen Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of young people is recruited by angels to be involved in the creation of a new world. The author does an excellent job of seamlessly blending the requirements of science and the expectations of faith into a universe where they can co-exist. It's a fascinating, unique scenario, one that I haven't seen before. One thing that the author is very good at is being thorough, and if you're interested in plate techtonics and other geology stuff and how they would fit into a week-long creation, this story offers a lot for you.

In addition, the author brought some good Christian principles and concepts into the story, something I see lacking in a lot of Christian fiction these days. And it wasn't just spouting Christian dogma, but dealt with issues relating to individuals' relationships to God.

That's the good side. On the side that needs some help? I found it dragged through the middle. While there was lots of good information, the author's ability to tell a story was lacking somewhat, and there was no real climax to the story. There were two main characters, Philip and Encar, who develop a relationship, and that keeps you interested somewhat. But there just wasn't enough conflict, I guess. There was one good surprising scene in the hospital about 3/4 of the way through.

The premise was terrific, I need to say that. And I thought it was well supported by factual information. I just wanted more story, more drama, I guess.

[Peter Younghusband · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one very promising offering from Boudreaux with this debut novel. I really liked it. I found it entertaining, it kept me wondering what is going to happen next, how are these adolescents/young adults are going to create this new world with all its astronomical logistical issues. On this subject, the author employs his knowledge and experience of geology (his occupation) to address this issue including knowledge of geology's associated fields as well. From this platform, he successfully marries this field of science with the faith and how they validate each other. I applaud the author for doing this as it takes courage and conviction to address this issue in a world that is anti-Christian and hostile to what the Bible says on any topic. We need more Christians in the science and medical fields to take a stand like Boudreaux has in whatever way they can to get the message out there, that the evidence of Creation and its Creator is found in this physical world we live in.

I pray that Boudreaux can continue to create novels along these lines. He has a knack for being persuasive and making a compelling case while making the read entertaining and educational.

I am not sure if the author intended to add humour to this tome, but I found it quite funny having the angel Gabriel manipulate physics in various ways to appear as human as possible in walking, eating, drinking. Other authors have not considered this type of manifestation from the supernatural to the physical, they just have their angels take human form and that is it. Even the Biblical account of angels do not, as far as I can remember from these accounts therein, address this question of how angels appeared in human form. I was not too fussed on this aspect of how I just accept that they do appear as fully human for the purpose they do as outlined in this novel. However, I did enjoy the author's take on this, it was very clever.

I again applaud Boudreaux for the spiritual/biblical aspects of this novel. The Gospel is presented as it is in a testimony type format which is fine as this is one effective way of evangelisation without it being preachy or long-winded. I enjoyed the newly found zeal and enthusiasm that Ryan had from his recent conversion and the change in his emotional, mental and heart attitude. That brought back very fond memories of my own conversion and illustrates how that should not change or diminish as the Christian gets older, not just in a physical sense, but as they experience life in this fallen world. I enjoyed seeing the faith of Philip be challenged as events affecting his mother and father deteriorated and him being thrust into spiritual warfare that resulted in him growing spiritually and learning to trust in God as Sovereign.

I would have liked more of the spiritual warfare to be further developed as I feel this would have not only added more suspense to the plot but showed how spiritual warfare is not just sporadic occurrences in our lives but a continual one as we are encouraged in the Word to always be on guard and ready to fight, to daily put on our spiritual armour etc. It was refreshing seeing Philip's peers encourage him and build into his spiritual life and enable him to grow spiritually. These are good examples of Christian/biblical fellowship and relationship and allowing God to be the author and finisher of their faith, focussing on Philip in this example.

I have stated in many reviews that I am not one for romance as the general genre but if it is included as a subplot, then I am a happy reader. Boudreaux shows the beginnings of expertise in this area. I also love Christian romance from a male's perspective and Boudreaux can be added to my list of successful male authors who portray romance from a biblical point of view. I found it refreshing that he touched on the sexual temptation/lust that exists in developing adolescents lives and how Philip's male peer was able to assist him in dealing with this from a biblical perspective. Sexuality is one very hot potato in Christian circles as the Church does not handle this well and thus Christians are more affected by the humanistic effects of sexuality than what should be and can be moulded into our lives from the model that God has provided in the Bible and His intention.

There is only one major issue I have with this novel. The ending. Everything leading up to the creation of this new world was exciting and had a great build up, but when the real reason the group built this world was explained, I found it a letdown. Not saying that this reason or the author's message is not valid as to how we have and are treating this planet that God has given us, but it just did not seem to fit into this part of the plot or its build up to the end. However, the description of what the members of the group and notably Encar and Philip planned to do once they have returned to their real world/lives seems to have rescued this let down somewhat.

I can see why Drew has been awarded a Redemptive Speculative Fiction Award by Reality Calling. It is appropriate and I pray that Drew continues to be courageous, daring and faithful in including biblical themes, doctrines, attitudes and discipleship in future novels and using his scientific expertise to show God as God and Creator of this home He has given us to steward and to thwart the false scientific theories that exist to deny the existence of God.

All in all a very impressive debut novel. I look forward to more from this author. I can definitely see that God has not finished with him as a novelist yet!

Strongly Recommended. 4/5 Stars

[Sherri Moorer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip thought that January 25 would be the start of another semester at N.Y.U., and another dull day in the life of a full time student, until Gabe walked into his first class. The day takes a strange turn when Gabe asks to join him and his best friend, Ryan, for a lunch that turns into evangelism and a deep discussion on faith. Just after the meal, Gabe reveals that he's actually the angel Gabriel, and has come to recruit Phillip for a planet-building project with ten other people much like him. Soon, Phillip is spirited away to a compound, where he's sequestered for a planet building project for two weeks with several other people his age, while life moves on without them in dramatic fashion. Supraphysica, by Drew Boudreaux, is an intriguing tale that mixes faith with geoscience and science fiction to create a unique story of the power of the Gospel, faith, and redemption.

I enjoyed Supraphysica, because it is a unique tale that tells a genuine and compelling story. The plot is engaging, and I found the points of the power of love, faith, and prayer to be inspiring and encouraging. Drew Boudreaux does a great job tackling tough issues like demonic attack, doubt, why God allows bad things to happen, and environmentalism throughout the plot of this story, and weaves it into the tale flawlessly. The characters are also great examples of young Christians trying to understand their faith in a complex and confusing world. I love the faith themes, and recommend this to anybody with an interest both in Christianity and science fiction.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected. Unusual. Interesting.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a minute but,

Although it took a minute or two to find my reading rhythm for this book, once I did the story held my attention. The author has included many Biblical truths, weaving them into the fantasy parts in a delightful manner. Yes, I enjoyed this story!

[Zebrongwing1yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to Put Down!

What did I enjoy most about this book? Wow. It gave all the glory to God. It convinced me that it COULD really happen. It taught me more about how to pray & why I should praise. It made me smile. It made me think...a lot. What did I NOT enjoy?! I enjoyed it all. Every. Single. Word. :-)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent and interesting story for Christian specfic. Equal parts evangelism and science with fairly well defined characters. More than anything, though, it's a romance, which is strange but refreshing. Recommended if you're like me and need your faith and your fave genre to go together once in a while.