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Prelude and Abduction: in A Minor
Khalen just wants to start over.
In an effort to forget his painful past, he joins a pair of Arrangers and embarks on a quest to track down ancient musical artifacts of great power. When a shadowy enemy abducts the family of a wealthy noble, Khalen and his partners are swept into a twisted plot of mystery, deceit, and betrayal. Aided by a trio of hardened mercenaries, this motley crew of characters falls deeper into events that may be the prelude to war in the Twin Galaxies.
Enter a universe of alien technologies and exotic worlds - a universe where music flows through creation as a spiritual energy shaped by powerful maestros for either harmony or discord.
The first note of a galactic war has been struck, and all must choose what part they will play in the Master Symphony.
In an effort to forget his painful past, he joins a pair of Arrangers and embarks on a quest to track down ancient musical artifacts of great power. When a shadowy enemy abducts the family of a wealthy noble, Khalen and his partners are swept into a twisted plot of mystery, deceit, and betrayal. Aided by a trio of hardened mercenaries, this motley crew of characters falls deeper into events that may be the prelude to war in the Twin Galaxies.
Enter a universe of alien technologies and exotic worlds - a universe where music flows through creation as a spiritual energy shaped by powerful maestros for either harmony or discord.
The first note of a galactic war has been struck, and all must choose what part they will play in the Master Symphony.
- GenresChristian
462 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2019
14 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Keith A. Robinson
24 books19 followersKeith A. Robinson has dedicated his life to teaching others how to defend the Christian faith. He is a public speaker and author of apologetics fiction—a new genre that incorporates apologetics into the plots of sci-fi and action/adventure novels. He is also the audiobook narrator of his own novels and those of other authors.
Since the release of Logic’s End, his first novel, he has been a featured speaker at Christian music festivals, homeschool conventions, and apologetics seminars and churches, and been a guest on numerous radio shows.
He is currently the Publicist for Defender publishing with a passion about countering secular culture in the church. He is a professional violist and musician with a love of the outdoors. In his spare time he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife kayaking, hiking, and chasing chickens!
Since the release of Logic’s End, his first novel, he has been a featured speaker at Christian music festivals, homeschool conventions, and apologetics seminars and churches, and been a guest on numerous radio shows.
He is currently the Publicist for Defender publishing with a passion about countering secular culture in the church. He is a professional violist and musician with a love of the outdoors. In his spare time he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife kayaking, hiking, and chasing chickens!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 30, 2021
I rate books based on how well they make me care about the story. This book failed to do that.
I really wanted to like this one. I could feel the author's passion for music through the story, and I can tell that he put so much time and effort into the worldbuilding. It's complicated and intriguing, and I would truly love a handbook that's just dedicated to explaining music through this world.
But, in story format, there was just ... too much? There were a lot of names bandied about, and a freak-ton of characters that all just blended together. Most of the characters, outside of the six main-est characters (Khalen, the official guy who had his family kidnapped, the two Perfects, and the two orphans), I rarely remembered who they were, let alone their motivations, and I even forgot official guy's deal. (though I blame that on having read a very similar scene in A Wind from the Wilderness where the character being bullied very much say no to the authority figure bullying him. Still, I rarely get scenes confused like this, even when I read them at the same time and they had such similar tones as this, so ... again an example of how little I was invested).
The story was also ... very preachy at times, and I wasn't quite impressed with how non-Christains were portrayed. Like, I know there's hostility there, buuuut, Roakel was like "my dad was there, he remembers this, I have an eyewitness account," and one of the other characters was just like, "how nice for you to believe that and I was just like ???? It's a thing that bothers me about a LOT of Christian fiction, so ... *shrug.* Tov's baby talking also bothered me. I get that he's special needs, but I've worked with a lot of special needs kids. In my experience (which, granted, is my experience and I don't know every mental disability there is), they don't baby talk with a lisp like Tov was portrayed. They have speech impediments, but it's different from a developing child who hasn't learned to use their mouth yet.
There were some awesome moments and amazing lines. There were portions that I really liked. But, ultimately, it was just too fragmented and all-over-the-place for me to connect.
But, I would still recommend the book to fans of Star Wars or music theory. It's by no means perfect, but you would probably get a lot more out of it than I did.
I really wanted to like this one. I could feel the author's passion for music through the story, and I can tell that he put so much time and effort into the worldbuilding. It's complicated and intriguing, and I would truly love a handbook that's just dedicated to explaining music through this world.
But, in story format, there was just ... too much? There were a lot of names bandied about, and a freak-ton of characters that all just blended together. Most of the characters, outside of the six main-est characters (Khalen, the official guy who had his family kidnapped, the two Perfects, and the two orphans), I rarely remembered who they were, let alone their motivations, and I even forgot official guy's deal. (though I blame that on having read a very similar scene in A Wind from the Wilderness where the character being bullied very much say no to the authority figure bullying him. Still, I rarely get scenes confused like this, even when I read them at the same time and they had such similar tones as this, so ... again an example of how little I was invested).
The story was also ... very preachy at times, and I wasn't quite impressed with how non-Christains were portrayed. Like, I know there's hostility there, buuuut, Roakel was like "my dad was there, he remembers this, I have an eyewitness account," and one of the other characters was just like, "how nice for you to believe that and I was just like ???? It's a thing that bothers me about a LOT of Christian fiction, so ... *shrug.* Tov's baby talking also bothered me. I get that he's special needs, but I've worked with a lot of special needs kids. In my experience (which, granted, is my experience and I don't know every mental disability there is), they don't baby talk with a lisp like Tov was portrayed. They have speech impediments, but it's different from a developing child who hasn't learned to use their mouth yet.
There were some awesome moments and amazing lines. There were portions that I really liked. But, ultimately, it was just too fragmented and all-over-the-place for me to connect.
But, I would still recommend the book to fans of Star Wars or music theory. It's by no means perfect, but you would probably get a lot more out of it than I did.
September 17, 2019
It's like Star Wars, but with music instead of the Force; it's like Star Trek, but with a Christian worldview.
.
I really enjoyed this book. The worldbuilding especially was captivating. Maybe just because I'm into music theory, but even so, this was the first book I read where I wanted to keep reading just because of the storyworld. Not even half way through the book I knew I would want to buy the rest of the series.
.
Imagine all the symetry and beauty of music theory expanded into a whole sci-fi universe. It was amazing. I'm excited for the rest of the trilogy.
.
Some things I didn't like about it:
- I didn't like the obvious parallel between our world and the storyworld. It was most obvious when it came to religions. Because it's "apologetics fiction" they had to make it obvious, I guess. Still, I would have liked it better if he had tried to be a little more original and let the readers do the comparisons themselves.
- Some of the storytelling was unclear. That is to say, a character would be introduced, then leave the scene, then they would show up later and I had forgotten who they were. Just a little thing.
- Finally, there was a chapter of the book that was dedicated to apologetics exposition - In the form of an argument. It wasn't bad, but still...
.
All told, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad I bought it. Definitely going to be passing it down to my younger siblings.
.
I really enjoyed this book. The worldbuilding especially was captivating. Maybe just because I'm into music theory, but even so, this was the first book I read where I wanted to keep reading just because of the storyworld. Not even half way through the book I knew I would want to buy the rest of the series.
.
Imagine all the symetry and beauty of music theory expanded into a whole sci-fi universe. It was amazing. I'm excited for the rest of the trilogy.
.
Some things I didn't like about it:
- I didn't like the obvious parallel between our world and the storyworld. It was most obvious when it came to religions. Because it's "apologetics fiction" they had to make it obvious, I guess. Still, I would have liked it better if he had tried to be a little more original and let the readers do the comparisons themselves.
- Some of the storytelling was unclear. That is to say, a character would be introduced, then leave the scene, then they would show up later and I had forgotten who they were. Just a little thing.
- Finally, there was a chapter of the book that was dedicated to apologetics exposition - In the form of an argument. It wasn't bad, but still...
.
All told, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad I bought it. Definitely going to be passing it down to my younger siblings.
March 17, 2022
*Audiobook Review*
This novel takes place in a galaxy far far away from our own. there is no Earth, no humans and music is the most powerful force in the universe.
The story itself was engaging. It had a large cast of characters with names that made me glad I chose to listen to the audiobook.
Kalen seemed to be the primary protagonist and was the character that resonated with me most. He is a believer in the great composer who struggles with his own faults, such as anger. He's a good guy but he has issues, as do we all.
I loved the music element to the story, and the fact that the author went the extra step to have original music produced for the audiobook was amazing. The score is haunting and mystical and everything you would expect from music that can manipulate the universe.
The narrator for the his book was the author himself and I approve. He did a great job giving each character their own voice and even adding effects for when they were speaking over radios or using thoughts.
All together Prelude and Abduction in A Minor is a musical sci-fi adventure that will make you think about it's deeper themes while entertaining you with it's action and haunting melodies.
This novel takes place in a galaxy far far away from our own. there is no Earth, no humans and music is the most powerful force in the universe.
The story itself was engaging. It had a large cast of characters with names that made me glad I chose to listen to the audiobook.
Kalen seemed to be the primary protagonist and was the character that resonated with me most. He is a believer in the great composer who struggles with his own faults, such as anger. He's a good guy but he has issues, as do we all.
I loved the music element to the story, and the fact that the author went the extra step to have original music produced for the audiobook was amazing. The score is haunting and mystical and everything you would expect from music that can manipulate the universe.
The narrator for the his book was the author himself and I approve. He did a great job giving each character their own voice and even adding effects for when they were speaking over radios or using thoughts.
All together Prelude and Abduction in A Minor is a musical sci-fi adventure that will make you think about it's deeper themes while entertaining you with it's action and haunting melodies.
Read
June 22, 2020This is such an interesting setting and detailed sci-fi culture based on music, I really wanted to like it. I've kept going, hoping to get more connected with the characters, but it's not happening. I do recommend it to sci-fi buffs. Guess I'm not as into sci-fi as I thought I was!
July 27, 2020
Fast paced action in a musical fantasy world with a healthy dose of politics and religion
I really enjoyed reading "Prelude and Abduction" and am looking forward to the next book in the series. The characters quickly caught my interest and the action was high-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I was really impressed at the way topics such as prejudice, disabilities, politics and religion were all woven into the fantasy story. The magic system based on music was novel and the music theory that I have heard a little bit about over the years actually made sense as explained by the characters.
I appreciated how strong faith was woven into the story particularly in the lives of Roakel and Saryn. The songs that Saryn and Roakel sang to The Great Composer were beautiful and so inspirational. Khalen's struggles with his faith were also very well written.
Sex - none
Language - It is stated that some characters curse but no profanity or swearing is ever printed.
Violence - People are wounded/killed in battles but little description is given of the details.
Religion - belief systems have been created for this world and they are discussed in detail
I really enjoyed reading "Prelude and Abduction" and am looking forward to the next book in the series. The characters quickly caught my interest and the action was high-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I was really impressed at the way topics such as prejudice, disabilities, politics and religion were all woven into the fantasy story. The magic system based on music was novel and the music theory that I have heard a little bit about over the years actually made sense as explained by the characters.
I appreciated how strong faith was woven into the story particularly in the lives of Roakel and Saryn. The songs that Saryn and Roakel sang to The Great Composer were beautiful and so inspirational. Khalen's struggles with his faith were also very well written.
Sex - none
Language - It is stated that some characters curse but no profanity or swearing is ever printed.
Violence - People are wounded/killed in battles but little description is given of the details.
Religion - belief systems have been created for this world and they are discussed in detail
February 22, 2021
Okay, first of all, I just want to say that “Prelude and Abduction in A Minor” is quite possibly one of the best titles I’ve come across recently. Seriously, that’s a completely awesome title, and it fits the book perfectly.
Anyway.
End title geek.
I started this book expecting it to be fantasy, for some reason. I’m not exactly sure why, when it clearly says “alien” in the description, but for whatever reason, I was expecting more fantasy and less sci-fi. It threw me for about a chapter, until I could get my head into the fact that I was reading (fairly) hard sci-fi and immerse myself in the world.
If I’m being honest, it took me about a third of the book to actually get into the story. The worldbuilding is pretty heavy in the first third, with a lot of names that I had to stop and pronounce in my head, and a lot of sci-fi races introduced at once. But once I got my head around how the world worked and what the races of people were, the story was absorbing.
And boy, is Keith A. Robinson a master at coming up with creative alien races. Seriously, this book has four-armed immortal beings and reptilian beings with headcrests that can be styled and shaped! And somehow, he makes said alien beings relatable and…well, human. His writing is at at its best when it comes to characterization and character voice. (And I really, really love Khalen. He’s just endearing and snarky and likeable and I love his personality so much.)
The “magic system” (which I realize is more of a fantasy term, but it’s a good descriptor here) is super unique, using music to control elements, and yet it also felt very “sci-fi,” i.e. it felt like there was an in-world scientific explanation for it rather than simply magic, which fit the tone of the story. The plot is well-paced, and the climax is masterfully orchestrated (heh, couldn’t resist). And the ending has me super excited for the next book—I need to know what happens with these characters and this universe!
Anyway.
End title geek.
I started this book expecting it to be fantasy, for some reason. I’m not exactly sure why, when it clearly says “alien” in the description, but for whatever reason, I was expecting more fantasy and less sci-fi. It threw me for about a chapter, until I could get my head into the fact that I was reading (fairly) hard sci-fi and immerse myself in the world.
If I’m being honest, it took me about a third of the book to actually get into the story. The worldbuilding is pretty heavy in the first third, with a lot of names that I had to stop and pronounce in my head, and a lot of sci-fi races introduced at once. But once I got my head around how the world worked and what the races of people were, the story was absorbing.
And boy, is Keith A. Robinson a master at coming up with creative alien races. Seriously, this book has four-armed immortal beings and reptilian beings with headcrests that can be styled and shaped! And somehow, he makes said alien beings relatable and…well, human. His writing is at at its best when it comes to characterization and character voice. (And I really, really love Khalen. He’s just endearing and snarky and likeable and I love his personality so much.)
The “magic system” (which I realize is more of a fantasy term, but it’s a good descriptor here) is super unique, using music to control elements, and yet it also felt very “sci-fi,” i.e. it felt like there was an in-world scientific explanation for it rather than simply magic, which fit the tone of the story. The plot is well-paced, and the climax is masterfully orchestrated (heh, couldn’t resist). And the ending has me super excited for the next book—I need to know what happens with these characters and this universe!
July 5, 2021
In the novel Prelude and Abduction in A Minor by author Keith Robinson, this reviewer found a story where music plays an unhinged monopoly on all types of events. Music both sung and instrumental, is used like technology in other stories. Music produces transport between worlds via a portal. Music is a protection device against intruders. Music—simple air vibrations—somehow brings forth light and energy as tools and weapons. This reviewer found this concept very odd and difficult to grasp. His ability to believe in this fictional world went lacking.
Musical terms were used as technical items to illustrate the “technology.” Again, this remained disconcerting to this reviewer and not readily grasped.
Also, the character names were difficult to understand, not to mention, difficult to read.
Overall, this reviewer found the story lacking—or, excessively complicated. A reader with a graduate degree in music composition would have a better understanding of this story. Not your average reader.
Musical terms were used as technical items to illustrate the “technology.” Again, this remained disconcerting to this reviewer and not readily grasped.
Also, the character names were difficult to understand, not to mention, difficult to read.
Overall, this reviewer found the story lacking—or, excessively complicated. A reader with a graduate degree in music composition would have a better understanding of this story. Not your average reader.
March 5, 2025
I read one older book by the author and I can see that his writing style has improved and flows with the story better.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews