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Alone
After her family is killed in the cleansing, Bethany’s purpose in life has changed. No longer will she be allowed to work to save her dying planet. As a slave, endurance is her goal as she marks each day as one moment closer to an eternity spent reunited with those she loved. But when her planet is invaded, everything changes. Now she must decide either to align herself with those from her planet who condemned her faith and killed her family, or with the warriors who have conquered her world. Ultimately her choice will mean life or death for more than just her planet’s ecosystem. She alone holds the key to a powerful secret, and the fate of the entire galaxy depends on her decision.
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2016
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Edie Melson
23 books127 followersEdie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers who has been known to announce that she's creative out of self-defense. With an artist-mother and musician-turned-photographer-father, she'd have been a disgrace if she hadn’t been true to her own brand of creativity. She’s a writer who feels lost without her camera and a reluctant speaker who loves to encourage an audience. And she embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative.
As an instructor, she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. She lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she spends time off hiking with her husband and her camera. Connect with her on www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.
As an instructor, she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. She lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she spends time off hiking with her husband and her camera. Connect with her on www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 28, 2016
Truth or lies. Life or death.
Debut novelist Edie Melson sweeps the reader into the world of tomorrow where planets and people collide and belief systems are for the weak. Move over Sci-Fi super writers, Melson will give you a run for your bestseller list.
Who can Bethany trust when those around her are responsible for sending loved ones to their death? But the giants who have invaded her planet are enemies. Both planets face extinction without her knowledge, but will she be able to use it? Will life ever be the same for her dying planet with it’s harsh restrictions and prejudice against Seekers?
Debut novelist Edie Melson sweeps the reader into the world of tomorrow where planets and people collide and belief systems are for the weak. Move over Sci-Fi super writers, Melson will give you a run for your bestseller list.
Who can Bethany trust when those around her are responsible for sending loved ones to their death? But the giants who have invaded her planet are enemies. Both planets face extinction without her knowledge, but will she be able to use it? Will life ever be the same for her dying planet with it’s harsh restrictions and prejudice against Seekers?
December 12, 2016
Reminiscent of the best Robert Heinlein or Arthur C Clarke stories, Melson explores the Christian faith spread through the galaxy. What might it look like over time and adulteration? It’s not all that different from ethnic cleansing on earth.
A dying world exploited to the extreme by a small group of powerful people are led by an influence of evil greater than time…a race of appointed spacefarers bent on taking over…an interpretation of moral codes passed down from generation to generation and now at great cost…and the cypher to a great formula the price of which is life as known.
I confess to changing my mind several times about the true identities of the good guys and the bad guys, who was telling the truth, but most importantly, who was trustworthy. Melson’s science fiction draws in echoes of my favorite stories, from Romeo and Juliet to Michael Crichton to CS Lewis. I enjoyed trying to decide whether the people of Bethany’s world understood what was at stake, how I might react if such a thing happened on earth, and whether the warriors were based on stories of the Nephilim from Scripture. I wondered what Bethany would decide to do, and who she would trust. Thought-provoking, action-packed, and well told, those who like Christian science fiction will find much to like in Alone.
A dying world exploited to the extreme by a small group of powerful people are led by an influence of evil greater than time…a race of appointed spacefarers bent on taking over…an interpretation of moral codes passed down from generation to generation and now at great cost…and the cypher to a great formula the price of which is life as known.
I confess to changing my mind several times about the true identities of the good guys and the bad guys, who was telling the truth, but most importantly, who was trustworthy. Melson’s science fiction draws in echoes of my favorite stories, from Romeo and Juliet to Michael Crichton to CS Lewis. I enjoyed trying to decide whether the people of Bethany’s world understood what was at stake, how I might react if such a thing happened on earth, and whether the warriors were based on stories of the Nephilim from Scripture. I wondered what Bethany would decide to do, and who she would trust. Thought-provoking, action-packed, and well told, those who like Christian science fiction will find much to like in Alone.
May 8, 2021
I read the digital version of this book on Hoopla. I did enjoy seeing a Christian viewpoint infused into SciFi. The bones of a good story seemed evident, but I missed the depth and nuances that my favorite authors weave together.
My reading proved to be piecemeal, and I think that's because the characters didn't quite grab me emotionally. One reason may be the constantly switching points of view. The author bounces from the viewpoint of (1) Bethany, a Seeker of "the One" on the planet of Sintue who'd been enslaved by the government for ten years after her parents' execution; to (2) Josiah, the giant R'hoban commander leading the One's invasion/rescue mission on Sintue; and then to (3) Simon, an unbelieving childhood friend of Bethany who betrayed Bethany's renowned biologist father to the Sintue government (led by "the Prince" - presumably the devil himself).
The plot revolves around betrayals within the R'hoban council of elders and by various individuals in the Sintue government. Simon probably bears his name for a reason, and that choice--plus the enigma of the book's title--may constitute the only subtleties I noted in the novel. Characters seem to constantly spill their guts regarding motives and past actions, and as a result, there's not much for the reader to figure out: the plot becomes readily predictable.
The romances within the novel come off as cheesy--due, in part (I think), to stereo-typed characters and superficial treatment of the relationships. If the novel had been written solely from Bethany's viewpoint, perhaps the emotion and intrigue may have presented better.
Certain details (or lack thereof) made no sense to me. How did the R'hobans manage to spend hours renovating Bethany's home compound and restoring it to its former splendor when they'd barely invaded Sintue and had not even secured control of the planet? When Aven's forces camped in tents lined with talarium to avoid detection, why didn't R'hoban heat sensors pick up movement of individuals between tents? Why did most of Sintue live clicks underground if living on the surface of the planet wasn't harmful? These questions seem like holes in either plot or world-building.
Finally, as a former English teacher, I cringed over the frequent misuses of "who" and "whom" and incorrect pronoun form (e.g. "between he and Japheth"). But I do realize that the correct forms sometimes make an author come across as sounding pretentious rather than real-world. Maybe these misuses were meant to serve a purpose?
On the bright side, the novel proved a positive, clean read--wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a teenager who devours books a toddler with Easter candy.
My reading proved to be piecemeal, and I think that's because the characters didn't quite grab me emotionally. One reason may be the constantly switching points of view. The author bounces from the viewpoint of (1) Bethany, a Seeker of "the One" on the planet of Sintue who'd been enslaved by the government for ten years after her parents' execution; to (2) Josiah, the giant R'hoban commander leading the One's invasion/rescue mission on Sintue; and then to (3) Simon, an unbelieving childhood friend of Bethany who betrayed Bethany's renowned biologist father to the Sintue government (led by "the Prince" - presumably the devil himself).
The plot revolves around betrayals within the R'hoban council of elders and by various individuals in the Sintue government. Simon probably bears his name for a reason, and that choice--plus the enigma of the book's title--may constitute the only subtleties I noted in the novel. Characters seem to constantly spill their guts regarding motives and past actions, and as a result, there's not much for the reader to figure out: the plot becomes readily predictable.
The romances within the novel come off as cheesy--due, in part (I think), to stereo-typed characters and superficial treatment of the relationships. If the novel had been written solely from Bethany's viewpoint, perhaps the emotion and intrigue may have presented better.
Certain details (or lack thereof) made no sense to me. How did the R'hobans manage to spend hours renovating Bethany's home compound and restoring it to its former splendor when they'd barely invaded Sintue and had not even secured control of the planet? When Aven's forces camped in tents lined with talarium to avoid detection, why didn't R'hoban heat sensors pick up movement of individuals between tents? Why did most of Sintue live clicks underground if living on the surface of the planet wasn't harmful? These questions seem like holes in either plot or world-building.
Finally, as a former English teacher, I cringed over the frequent misuses of "who" and "whom" and incorrect pronoun form (e.g. "between he and Japheth"). But I do realize that the correct forms sometimes make an author come across as sounding pretentious rather than real-world. Maybe these misuses were meant to serve a purpose?
On the bright side, the novel proved a positive, clean read--wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a teenager who devours books a toddler with Easter candy.
February 21, 2018
Title: Alone
Author: Edie Melson
Publisher: Prism Book Group
ISBN: 978-1-943104-67-3
Buy Link: http://prismbookgroup.com/store/index...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
After her family is killed in the cleansing, Bethany’s purpose in life has changed. No longer will she be allowed to work to save her dying planet. As a slave, endurance is her goal as she marks each day as one moment closer to an eternity spent reunited with those she loved. But when her planet is invaded, everything changes. Now she must decide either to align herself with those from her planet who condemned her faith and killed her family, or with the warriors who have conquered her world. Ultimately her choice will mean life or death for more than just her planet’s ecosystem. She alone holds the key to a powerful secret, and the fate of the entire galaxy depends on her decision.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Bethany's life was destroyed when her parents were killed during the clencing where many believers of The One were killed. In spite of being used for slave labor, Bethany's belief in The One never wavered. She life as a slave living underground never seeing the surface was terrible until the day they came. The aliens invaded, but Bethany was astounded when she and other seekers were released and were treated with more care then their own people. Things are not always what they seem and Bethany is forced to choose her own people or with the aliens.
This was an incredibly intricate story where a belief in The One was the pivot point for their society. I was fascinating to note the differences in individuals who believed versus those that did not. Their actions of the seekers had a moral basis while those that didn't seemed to waver with what they were willing to accept. This is an interesting story when you look at the structure of modern day society. I hope that their stories are not over yet.
Author: Edie Melson
Publisher: Prism Book Group
ISBN: 978-1-943104-67-3
Buy Link: http://prismbookgroup.com/store/index...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
After her family is killed in the cleansing, Bethany’s purpose in life has changed. No longer will she be allowed to work to save her dying planet. As a slave, endurance is her goal as she marks each day as one moment closer to an eternity spent reunited with those she loved. But when her planet is invaded, everything changes. Now she must decide either to align herself with those from her planet who condemned her faith and killed her family, or with the warriors who have conquered her world. Ultimately her choice will mean life or death for more than just her planet’s ecosystem. She alone holds the key to a powerful secret, and the fate of the entire galaxy depends on her decision.
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Bethany's life was destroyed when her parents were killed during the clencing where many believers of The One were killed. In spite of being used for slave labor, Bethany's belief in The One never wavered. She life as a slave living underground never seeing the surface was terrible until the day they came. The aliens invaded, but Bethany was astounded when she and other seekers were released and were treated with more care then their own people. Things are not always what they seem and Bethany is forced to choose her own people or with the aliens.
This was an incredibly intricate story where a belief in The One was the pivot point for their society. I was fascinating to note the differences in individuals who believed versus those that did not. Their actions of the seekers had a moral basis while those that didn't seemed to waver with what they were willing to accept. This is an interesting story when you look at the structure of modern day society. I hope that their stories are not over yet.
June 17, 2017
This is the first novel that I ever read by this author so I had no idea what to expect. I enjoy a good young adult dystopian novel, but it’s rare to find one within the Christian Fiction genre. Alone by Edie Melson doesn’t disappoint. This was a fun futuristic novel that where people from different planets and worldviews collide. In a world where Seekers (or Christians) are being persecuted for their beliefs and where believing in God is seen as weak.
This is one of the best sci-fi novels that I have read from a Christian perspective. While the world-building is quite far fetched, it is very realistic at the same time. Our world could easily look like this in the future.
This was a fast-paced read with many unexpected twists and turns. I often found myself questioning who were the good and bad guys and what was really happening the entire time. Melson did a fantastic job crafting this one. I longed to know how the people were going to respond to the message of what was really going on as well as the choices that Bethany was going to make.
Melson gives a clear gospel message and encourages readers to take a bold stance in what they believe.
The romance was insta-love and almost hard to see in the beginning so it seemed to move a little too quickly, but overall, it was beautifully done.
Highly recommended for everyone of all ages!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is one of the best sci-fi novels that I have read from a Christian perspective. While the world-building is quite far fetched, it is very realistic at the same time. Our world could easily look like this in the future.
This was a fast-paced read with many unexpected twists and turns. I often found myself questioning who were the good and bad guys and what was really happening the entire time. Melson did a fantastic job crafting this one. I longed to know how the people were going to respond to the message of what was really going on as well as the choices that Bethany was going to make.
Melson gives a clear gospel message and encourages readers to take a bold stance in what they believe.
The romance was insta-love and almost hard to see in the beginning so it seemed to move a little too quickly, but overall, it was beautifully done.
Highly recommended for everyone of all ages!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 7, 2017
I rarely read speculative or science fiction, but ALONE transcends the label of a particular genre. This is a compelling read. The story is a universal one, a heroine's quest with a Christian message. Bethany's character is relatable and real. Her world is believable, a product of Melson's excellent writing and masterful world building. I look forward to reading Melson's future books, regardless of the genre.
February 14, 2017
I really liked this book up until the end. Really interesting concept, good world-building, I could envison both the book's present depiction of the planet and the memories that the characters had of how it looked when they were young. But I thought the book ended rather abruptly, with several plot lines left hanging. I assume a sequel is planned, but a little more resolution, or even some acknowledgement at the end that, say, the research on the father's work would continue, would have improved the ending. Also, I would have liked to see a little more in-depth characterization before the conclusion of the Simon character's plot (trying not to give away spoilers). The jump from the last section from Simon's POV that we read to how his plotline concluded was considerable, and it seemed like there should have been a few more clues along the way to indicate his state of mind/the decision he had made before the last few scenes of the book. As it was, his final actions almost seemed out of character, as his feelings for Bethany were never portrayed as anything other than wanting to possess.
November 15, 2016
Couldn't Put It Down
Alone by Edie Melson is a wonderful story I didn't want to put down. The plot was complex but could be followed. I loved the characters. It reminded me a little of the original Star Wars movie. I'd definitely recommend this book!
Alone by Edie Melson is a wonderful story I didn't want to put down. The plot was complex but could be followed. I loved the characters. It reminded me a little of the original Star Wars movie. I'd definitely recommend this book!
December 23, 2016
Interestingly well written novel with a futuristic setting. The characters are believable making this novel well worth the read. The author has an expansive imagination and takes the reader along on an edge of the chair adventure.
March 27, 2017
Okay just to get this off my chest I am going to start with my biggest pet peeve: Titles that do not go with the story. (And no I do not think this is a spoiler.) Why is this titled Alone? Bethany, the main character is never Alone. In fact she seems to suffer from a perpetual lack of privacy. The title should have been "will everyone please leave me alone!" I'm sorry if that's a stupid reason to deduct a star but there you have it.
Now I can review the rest of the book. Bethany is a seeker, a Religion I thought had more in common with Judaism than Christianity. Her people have been hunted persecuted and enslaved. So it's kind of neat when an alien invasion results in freedom for her people rather than more enslavement.
Okay I have to stop now or risk major spoilers. I did like this book. It moved fast and had an interesting premise. One of the main Characters has a surprisingly redemptive story arch.
But, least you think the three stars thing was only about the title--I found the outcome to be predictable. The romance is an instantaneous and chaste love (not that I'm encouraging unchaste love in anyway). You can have passion without crossing into the line into smut. Even the mild environmental agenda came across in the most non-threatening way.
So to sum up, this book is a safe choice.
Now I can review the rest of the book. Bethany is a seeker, a Religion I thought had more in common with Judaism than Christianity. Her people have been hunted persecuted and enslaved. So it's kind of neat when an alien invasion results in freedom for her people rather than more enslavement.
Okay I have to stop now or risk major spoilers. I did like this book. It moved fast and had an interesting premise. One of the main Characters has a surprisingly redemptive story arch.
But, least you think the three stars thing was only about the title--I found the outcome to be predictable. The romance is an instantaneous and chaste love (not that I'm encouraging unchaste love in anyway). You can have passion without crossing into the line into smut. Even the mild environmental agenda came across in the most non-threatening way.
So to sum up, this book is a safe choice.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews