The Dark Foundations

The Lamb Among the Stars #3

by Chris Walley

The Dark Foundations continues the epic story begun in The Shadow and Night. Far beyond the tranquility of the Assembly worlds, Nezhuala, Lord-Emperor of the Dominion, is preparing a merciless and crushing attack on Farholme as a prelude to an onslaught on the Assembly. Back on Farholme, Commander Merral D’Avanos recovers from his wounds after the battle at Fallambet where the intruders were destroyed. Yet even as Merral dreams of a return to peace, he receives a warning of imminent war on a massive scale he cannot ignore. Amid the urgent preparations for battle, Merral and his friends realize the inadequacy of their defenses. Then, with weeks to spare before the predicted eve of ware, Merral receives an offer of assistance from the strangest of sources. But can it be trusted? As the wave of war finally crashes over Farholme, Merral must find the answer to other questions in the heat of Can Farholme survive the growing internal strains? Who will pay the price for victory? Will his own weaknesses undo both him and his world?

Genres: Science Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

560 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

I was born in Wales in 1954 but grew up in northern England. I studied geology at university, gaining a BSc from Sheffield University and a PhD from University of Wales, Swansea. I taught at the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon from 1980-84, where I met my wife and where our two boys were born.

From 1984-94, I was based in Swansea, where I was a consultant for the oil industry. I did fieldwork in a number of African and Asian countries and wrote numerous synthesis volumes on the geology of different countries. In the late eighties, I began writing in my spare time. I had two novels, Heart of Stone and Rock of Refuge, published under the pseudonym of John Haworth.

In 1994, I was asked to return to Lebanon to rebuild the Department of Geology at AUB and we were there as a family 1994-98. During that time I managed the department, taught and also did research. I travelled extensively within Lebanon and got to know all the major geological localities very well, partly through interest, and partly through setting innumerable student mapping projects. My wife and I were also involved in setting up a large environmental project in the Bekaa with A Rocha Lebanon.

In 1998, we returned to the UK. Needing to go back to Swansea where there were few geology jobs, and fancying something of a change, I began to make a new career in writing and editing, in particular for the Christian market. I retained my geological interests, in particular in Lebanon/the Middle East, however, and led field trips for Wheaton College, Illinois in the Middle East and the UK.

In September 2004 I started teaching again, at Gower College Swansea (Gorseinon), on the edge of Swansea: geology and environmental science.

My wife and I live in an old cottage on the edge of Swansea and are very much involved in Pantygwydr Baptist church. Our sons, John and Mark, no longer live at home but remain a real blessing to us.

Reviews

[Megan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a bit generous with the rating because that ending was on point. Wow.
This book has taken me an absurdly long time to read.

[Carissa Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked The Dark Foundations better than The Power of Night. I have found with this series that in each book I am pretty bored at the beginning, but then they really pick up about half way through and then I can't put them down. I am enjoying following the character's stories.

I struggle with the theology of the books at times because making perfect people seems forced and unrealistic, thus, I still find it hard to identify with the characters. It also seems that the author places heavy blame for sin on external forces. These people would be great if evil hadn't come back, but sin isn't external, it is internal. The author at times doesn't seem to agree with himself, arguing for an external influence and internal guilt. Maybe it would be better if he made clear external TEMPTATION and internal sin.

Merral is my favorite character and the main character. He's entirely likable and I always root for him. But I also find him very naive and obtuse. There are things he should figure out quickly and he doesn't. It annoys me how many times the reader can see something coming a mile away before the characters and then it is thrown out like, "Oh, you didn't know this was going to happen," but I did. Still, I am enjoying the books and will read the last one. I haven't regretted reading them.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walley really took the series to a new level with the second volume. The story advances by leaps and bounds and it is apparent that he's a more mature writer.

The adventure doesn't let up and the suspense builds and leaves you eager for the finale.

If you enjoyed the first volume, you'll surely love this one. Highly recommended!

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. It starts out a bit slow initially, but it does build up the pace over the course of the novel to the crazy ending. I thought it had good character development in that some of the various characters make decisions that have long-term consequences and ramifications that they never thought about when making the initial decisions. What is interesting is that there always seems to be a moment where they have two choices in front of them (minimum), which is a nice mirror of what life is like for us. The action builds up over the course of the novel and is pretty intense in various parts. The "suspense" does build up over the course of the story, too; that being said, the intensity does not last the entire novel but there are moments where it does seem to "ratchet down" a few levels before picking back up, which is fine. There is a sense of mystery over the course of the novel, but not as much as in the first two books. The author also does a nice job of creating a sense of "horror" without being exceptionally gross or obnoxious or what-have-you. I think it is because he does a nice job of creating various images through his choice of words without "taking it too far" and ruining the words with too much verbiage.

It has some "miraculous moments" in the story, which are always interesting to read. It can be difficult to write such a moment without it seeming contrived, and I felt the author did a good job of making the miraculous moments seem natural and not forced. I guess they are still a kind of "Deus ex Machina" for the story because of how those moments are written, but I have read enough Christian biographies and books about the mission field for it not to bother me in the context of this book and its narrative. I still feel like the "miracles" are "natural, organic, and fluid" within the story and also help the narrative along.

This book also reveals that there are two other "branches" of humanity in the galaxy and over 400 light years away. There are the "Free Men" and the Dominion, neither of whom believe in the Lamb. The Dominion is heavily involved in the demonic and interacts with demons on varying levels. The "Emperor" of the Dominion has made multiple pacts with demonic forces in order for his human forces to triumph over the forces of the "Free Men," but there is always a terrible cost involved.

There were various moments in the book that I liked.
For example, during the awards ceremony it is mentioned how Merral entered the enemy vessel by himself, fought with and killed members of its crew, and successfully escaped the ship. During the speech, members of the medical community suddenly realize they have no idea what Merral may or may not have been exposed to in terms of deadly diseases, pathogens, germs, or whathaveyou, so he is rushed into quarantine for forty-eight hours (38-39). Fortunately, he is “clean” so there are no issues, but it is still a great moment in the book because it is something I did not think of, either.

I forgot to note the page number, but Merral is given a personal bodyguard named Lloyd. The early moments are amusing as Merral struggles with learning how to accept he might just need a bodyguard because of how important he has become to his planet's war effort and global morale. However, Merral does come to see the need for his bodyguard, not only begrudgingly accepting his bodyguard but learning to rely upon Lloyd as his new friend and protector over the course of the novel. It was pretty cool how their friendship and relationship developed.

Merral has his second meeting with the envoy on pages 93-98. He is strongly chastised for how he handled the growing situation with Isabella, how short-sighted and hurtful his comments were, and that he could have gone a different route that would have spared him the future consequences of his reacting out of the flesh and not responding in the spirit. It is really good, because Merral had used Holy Scripture to justify not only what he said but how he said it (in the most polite-but-mean-and-spiteful-and-hurtful way possible) and thereby sinned against the One and Only Holy God in the process. As the envoy put it, “Retaliating would be a more honest word. Is that the way of grace? And to hide such a deed under a veneer of goodness and sacrifice? To wrap it in the words of Scripture to give it weight?” When Merral tries to justify his responses based on her actions, the envoy points out, “What Isabella did is a matter between her and the King. You were not to be her judge. And there was a way out given to you. ” Something to think about. Merral is also given a vision of what could happen if he continues disobeying the Lamb as well as how powerful the enemy’s forces can be. It was pretty sobering. But, as sobering as this section was, it was also filled with grace and mercy; the consequences could not be avoided, but there would be grace and mercy to walk through them if Merral opened himself up to the Lord and continue to be obedient.

Then there was the painful narrative of Merral trying to make amends with Anya while discussing what she has learned and any ideas she might have for tactics (115-118). It is painful for both of them, and he beings to realize how rash his words were during his speech in his hometown when he completely swore off all “romantic” relationships until the emergency was over and the enemy fully defeated. He failed to count the costs of his words ahead of time and is only now realizing the bitter harvest he will be reaping for some time to come. It was a well-written section because of how emotionally painful it was to read.

In this later visit with Anya (133-135), Merral takes more steps to try and make things right between them; right enough that they can at least work together in a friendly, civil manner when it comes to defending their planet. He discovers even more deeply the consequences of his actions with both Anya and Isabella and how painful those consequences can be, even after forgiveness has been given. Another powerful moment in the book, as Anya tells Merral that she has no choice but to forgive lest she herself become imprisoned by evil through bitterness and unforgiveness. It is painful to read because of how deeply Anya has been hurt, but at least it also shows there are opportunities for reconciliation and healing.

Merral's third visitation with the envoy occurs (139-142). Merral receives another rebuke and (profound) response (teaching moment) from the envoy. Merral is asking why Yahweh is allowing the Assembly to be tested like it is, and the envoy replies, "Why? All must be tested. That is why. And your duty, Man, lies in not guessing your Lord's purposes but in doing His will." Again, powerful stuff that I think most American Christians, anyway, would have a problem with. In any case, the envoy goes on to explain the Enemy's tactics, how the Enemy wants "to win men and women to himself, to have them yield to his power and will," how the Enemy's goal is "the entire Assembly turned to his ends and the creation of a dark empire whose emblem would not be the Slain Lamb among the Stars but the serpent triumphant over them" (141). I did find it funny that Merral suddenly asked if the envoy liked music and that the envoy responded with a smile and a statement about that, yes, the envoy did like music.

I really enjoy the different technologies available in this future society, even if some of that tech is from the Dominion. I thought it was a clever idea that spaceships could be hiding at varying levels of Nether Space (the Nether-Realms) and yet be able to "spy" on a planet or strongpoint via a cable extended from the ship and attached to a satellite in standard space. This allows the Dominion vessel to remain hidden from prying eyes and any sensors while keeping track of what is going on in standard space. It's a pretty cool concept; it does remind me of some of David Weber's ideas in his books (mainly Honor Harrington, but also The Apocalypse Troll), but I like Walley's ideas "better").

Merral has an interesting discussion with the Dominion ambassador Tinternli and wonderful insight as well. When asked what he believes in, Merral states, "We trust in the Lamb - the One Who died, rose, and will come return in power." I had the feeling that Tinternli was trying to seduce Merral, myself, during their discussion but then she makes the mistake of saying, "This return. Long years have passed since that belief was formulated. Thirteen . . . thousand . . . years . . . " (as she drops sand slowly out of her hand) "And has he been seen? In all that time? In all those long years?" His rebuttal (and epiphany) is great: "Ambassador Tinternli, I am a forestor, not a theologian. But I know that great forests do not grow overnight. Oaks take centuries. The test of whether a forester has created a living forest will be generations away. And if it is so for trees, why might it not be even more so for worlds and cultures? God's time is surely the right time, however long it is" (301).

Perena sacrificed her life so that the enemy's vessel might be destroyed and their control of "the ultimate high ground" from orbit might also be shattered. She left a letter for Vero in hopes he would understand her sacrifice and why she had to do it despite their growing and great love for each other. She says something profound when she writes, "Our lives are like stories. AS much as we can, we must drive them to the right endings. The right ending is not always the longest one" (359). I thought this was amazing insight because Western culture strives to embrace immortality and live forever; we refuse to accept death as a normal part of the cycle of life. We are born, we live for a period of time, and we die (and then face eternity on the other side). Other cultures "get this," but Western culture does not. But it is beautiful insight to strive to live the best story we can so that it has the "right ending" even if that ending is not the "longest" one.

I loved how the majority of the Krallen forces were destroyed. Their destruction truly was not at the hands of the human army as much as it was at the hands of the Lord. The wind shifts direction and starts blowing inland from the sea. Trees are set ablaze and soon the rushing wind blows the fire ahead of it and away from the human army towards the Krallen "army," creating a firestorm in the process. I have only recently learned how hot the temperature can become in a forest fire / firestorm and the fire in conjunction with the extreme heat levels kills the Krallen. Definitely one of the better moments in the book.

There was a moment in one of the final battles where Anya is described as fighting with two swords and killing Krallen right and left. Vero sees her and observes that she is a "very determined woman." It was a great moment in the book!

It is funny; as the reader, I want to grab Merral and shake him and ask him, "What is wrong with you? Why do you not obey? Why do you make the decisions you make?" because of how much he struggles. And yet, his struggles are no different than ours as "real, live, normal" humans. How often might Yahweh not want to grab each of us and shake us and ask, "Why do you not listen to me? Do you not understand I have what is best in mind for you?" So the author has done a great job of making Merral a normal, "human" hero who is imperfect, has feet of clay, and struggles. Somebody that most readers can probably relate to on some level. He is given multiple warnings and "commands" and yet constantly disobeys or stops trusting Yahweh and begins trusting in his own judgment more, and it costs in him the end. There is still grace and mercy and forgiveness, but there are also consequences to his decisions that must be faced.

However, when the demon warrior tries to claim his life at the end of the book and the envoy opposes him before allowing Merral's young cousin Elana to take its life by cutting off its head. What is so cool about this moment is how the envoy does not necessarily disagree with the charges levied against Merral as much as he points out how those charges have been forgiven because of the debt being paid by the Lamb and that the baziliarch and its master no longer have any claim over Merral or Merral's life. Pretty awesome stuff. It was also cool how Elana immediately obeyed the envoy, unlike her cousin who was slow to obey more than once.

I forgot to note it, but Vero does receive a warning from the envoy at one point when the envoy tells Vero that "cleverness is not the same thing as wisdom" (in so many words). Something that Vero tried to take to heart but did not fully understand until after a couple more brutal battles whereafter he acquired painful wisdom and insight.

The church officer put in charge of the army as its “master chaplain” (“chief chaplain”?) believes he can control the envoy using some kind of commands or Christian versions of “spells” or something. I kept expecting him to get his spiritual comeuppance at the “hands” of the envoy, but it (sadly) never happened. In any case, Merral refuses to obey orders to return to the planet’s capital from both the envoy and the political leader of the planet (I cannot remember what his office is called), which also causes more problems down the road. So it is interesting how Merral continues to have to process through the consequences of his poor/bad decisions and how he struggles to learn from prior mistakes (just like any other normal human does).

It is a good book; it is a "great" book. Definitely four stars. Sure, it has a slow build-up, but the slow build-up is worth it in the end (or, at least once the momentum really gets moving). I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would (I was a bit worried it might turn out to be a bit of a disappointment after the first two) and I can only hope the fourth and final book also ends on a strong note.

[M.G. Bianco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this as book two in the Lamb Among the Stars trilogy, since books one and two were eventually combined into book one.

In this book, Merrall finds that his planet, Farholme, has been contacted by humans from below space, from the Dominion. They are seeking to establish an alliance with Farholme, and Merrall is part of the team that negotiates with them while trying to determine if their offer is trustworthy or demands war.

In this book, character development really takes off. The characters, who remain essentially good or evil in book one, start combatting evil in their own lives that really adds depth and complexity to them. You begin to see what types of temptations are more threatening to some characters while less so to others, and vice versa. You also start finding yourself loving and hating characters, or feeling ambivalent to some. All of the same positives from book one continue into book two.

Chris Walley, who apparently is a Christian geologist living in Wales and attending a Baptist Church there, is a really good writer. His insight into humans is remarkable for someone who plays with rocks all day. Quite impressive.

[Valerie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best what-if Christian fiction series ever. I can't stop reading it.

Watching a society deteriorate from a sinless state to one that slowly develops signs of selfishness and self-absorption is fascinating. Behavior which we consider normal is shown for what it really is. Yet this problem isn't even the primary plot, it's just a symptom of what the protagonists are battling both in their society and within themselves.

Chris Walley's science background helps flesh out the worlds he has created. One more book to go.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues with our first glimpse of Earth and a peek into the Dominion. This trilogy remains a compelling look at evil and its often subtle effects on humanity. It also remains a first-rate science fiction work, avoiding the tediousness that at times plagued the first book. As the middle of a trilogy, it lacks closure, but is highly entertaining (and riveting). It's told so well that I am disappointed there's only one book left.  

[Richard New · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Dark Foundations, Book 2, of The Lamb Among the Stars trilogy by Chris Walley, the Lord-Emperor of the Dominion prepares to attack Farholme, then the Assembly. Farholme’s Commander Merral D’Avanos braces for war amid doubts about the planet’s defenses and his own weaknesses, but then receives an offer of assistance from a most unexpected source.

This reviewer notices the action improves from Book 1. There is still a lot of dread and discussion of things though, but mishaps, mistakes, and their aftermaths occur with increasing frequency as the tension builds to the inevitable battle.

Commander D’Avanos gains authority and is seen by this reviewer as a type of Saul, the first king of ancient Israel. Like King Saul, Commander D’Avanos defeats many of the enemy in initial battles. He is a courageous and generous leader admired and respected by the people and leaders of the planetary society. But D’Avanos is sometimes impulsive and can act unwisely, especially when he allows his emotions to lead instead of following directions from God’s Envoy.

I highly recommended Book 2 of this trilogy. Sci-fi based and family friendly, this romp through a war among the stars is interesting because of, like God leading Moses and early Israel, so does God lead the Farholme defenses.

[Anna Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm afraid I didn't like this one as much as the first book. It was a little too long and drawn out--things starting blending together. I honestly can only remember a few big events, and couldn't tell you what filled the numerous pages in between. It seemed like there were some scenes that weren't necessary, particularly from the POVs of other characters. Or if they were necessary, they could have been much shorter. The Christian elements, particularly Merral's struggles to obey, mostly fell flat for me. As did the death of a major character.

However--this book had two big highlights. The first was the times the dialogue made me laugh out loud. The story takes place waaay in the future, on a different planet, and some of the characters try to use our modern-day idioms and phrases, but they don't really know what they mean. Walley was quite clever with their misinterpretations and it certainly adds a dose of humor to the book.

The second was the God's envoy that helped guide and assist Merral. While not always the case, in a few of their discussions, there was some excellent insight and wisdom in what the envoy said. I appreciated those little make-you-think moments.

[Roger A Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story and even better Theology

Emphasis on how important it is to follow God's leading and being obedient in every thing. God is truly in control and is faithful even we are not.

[John Terragnoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite series of all time

I can’t praise this book enough! It makes me so excited and I hope I can be part of an epic adventure like this some day. The author is good at bringing up moral principles in the story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really been enjoying this series. Not sure why the description says this is book three, it's actually book two.

It's full out war with the Dominion, but the Dominion doesn't understand the power of the One they are fighting against - now if the people of the Assembly would figure out that surrendering their lives to the One true God and trusting in Him, they will find victory!

This is a clean read.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding new genre of Christian SciFi

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much a series on spiritual warfare!

[Micah Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing or plot. Still enjoyed some elements. Nothing really bad happened even when it kept feeling like it should.

[Michael C Gremillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read. Love how the author keeps your attention and at the same time unpacks the trials of man. Highly recommend

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: A
Writing: D
Vocabulary: B
Rating: PG13 (demonic attacks, monsters, battles, betrayal, disintegrating relationships)
Level: Intermediate
Message:

[Sara Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third in the series, this one continues the story of Farholme, the world cut off from the Assembly and now under attack from the Dominion. I had a bit more trouble getting through this one. More and more, Walley shows that he lacks a basic understanding of human nature--his story hinges on this universe that has been "kept" from evil, but he seems to forget that evil is inside each and every human being. The only way the Assembly would work is by prohibiting free will, and since God GAVE us free will, it just doesn't fly. Because of this "protection" from evil, Walley's Assembly characters are overly naive and lacking a depth that a character who has encountered both good and evil has.

I got very annoyed at the main character, Merrel, because he seemed to get more and more dense--he doesn't learn his lessons, he doesn't grow. At least in this one some of the other characters stepped up to play a more rounded game. However, a lot of the characters in this one also lack depth--the annoying ones are just annoying, the evil ones are just evil. It's hard to relate to such flat characters.

Yes, I'll read the last book, but more because I still want to see who ends up with who, and if Vero ever gets back home.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. I do have a few little things that annoyed me. 1 - Vero's ancedotes. Like all the phrases from the past...that he got wrong. I mean can't the man speak without sticking in one of those sayings? 2- Vero's stuttering. No offense to anyone with a stutter. But he didn't have it to begin with. Why couldn't the author just let it go? There was no real point to him having a stutter. 3 - How Merral never confronts anyone with his suspicions. He always keeps things to himself. It will just be written in italics. And lastly 4- Merral.is a little slow lol. Ok..but I did really like it! Honestly! I was like *gasp* on last pg. Can't wait to read last book.

[Chris Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sin continues to encroah upon the inhabitants of planet Farholme. Courage and honor are tested. Battles, battles, and more battles with robot attack dogs called "Krallen", a demonic "balrog" type figure called a "Bazilarch" and a variety of other evil characters - 13,000 years in the future with a cliff hanger at the end. I plan to eventually read the third and final installment called The Infinite Day but not just yet.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first book, this one reminds of a science fiction version of Lord of the Rings. At times the pace was slow, but this adds a layer of depth missing in many shorter works. I love how the spiritual aspects are so relevant to us in this day, even though the novel takes place thousands of years into the future. Can't wait for book three, which I promptly ordered after turning the last page of The Dark Foundations.

[Ann Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part 3 of the Lamb Among the Stars series, an amazingly-conceived world where there was no crime, until an insidious evil crept in. Here we meet the bad guys, who are a bit over the top, and there is a huge, seemingly impossible battle for the planet of Farholm. The spiritual struggle is very well portrayed. They are now racing to Earth for the final battle - and I have to wait for another book!

[Debby Kean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was simply amazing... (Not in my opinion as good as the first book, but still brilliant. A little weird (his world takes a bit of getting used to) but overall, just consistently great characterisation, a suspenseful story and non-stop adventure!

[Jeremy Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Book in the Lamb Among The Stars Trilogy. Read It. If you like Sci-fi, if you like Narnia/Lord of the Rings style, you will like this. You will like this regardless. I found myself being convicted of things that might be so trivial in our day.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Dawson Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable