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Planets Shaken Series #1
The Rogue
2019 Audie Award finalist in the Faith-Based category
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner in Christian Fiction
"Enormously satisfying and exciting … bolstered by excellent scientific background" — Amazon review
"A pulse-pounding page-turner … well-plotted, well researched, and well-written" — Amazon review
When rookie astronomer Irina Kirilenko discovers a planet-size comet in the Kuiper Belt on a collision course for Mars, she first faces stonewalling from the Minor Planet Center, then coercion and stricture from NASA. They press her to embrace an ingenious reinterpretation of her discovery and ban her from talking about it.
It slowly dawns on her that the government is fostering a massive conspiracy to keep the public oblivious to the truth—Earth is facing an existential threat. Unwilling to be silenced, she recruits fellow astronomer Ariele Serrafe to evaluate her discovery, placing both in the crosshairs of government agents.
The Rogue is the first volume of the Planets Shaken series, a thought-provoking thriller based on the mysterious line in Luke 21:26, "the powers of the heavens shall be shaken."
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner in Christian Fiction
"Enormously satisfying and exciting … bolstered by excellent scientific background" — Amazon review
"A pulse-pounding page-turner … well-plotted, well researched, and well-written" — Amazon review
When rookie astronomer Irina Kirilenko discovers a planet-size comet in the Kuiper Belt on a collision course for Mars, she first faces stonewalling from the Minor Planet Center, then coercion and stricture from NASA. They press her to embrace an ingenious reinterpretation of her discovery and ban her from talking about it.
It slowly dawns on her that the government is fostering a massive conspiracy to keep the public oblivious to the truth—Earth is facing an existential threat. Unwilling to be silenced, she recruits fellow astronomer Ariele Serrafe to evaluate her discovery, placing both in the crosshairs of government agents.
The Rogue is the first volume of the Planets Shaken series, a thought-provoking thriller based on the mysterious line in Luke 21:26, "the powers of the heavens shall be shaken."
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this novel centered around biblical prophecy and an approaching asteroid. The U.S. government silences anyone reporting on the approaching and very dangerous object under the guise of preventing panic while preparations are made. The stakes are high as one evangelical feels she must make the asteroid's approach public. She may be incarcerated in a FEMA retention camp for her efforts. The narrative follows two other people subsequently involved in her dilemma.
There are some interesting explorations of controversial astronomical ideas, such as false assumptions regarding the red shift and the expansion rate of the universe. There are also interesting ideas about biblical prophecy and the possible role of an asteroid. And there is plenty of secretive action and subsequent suspense.
There is much to think about in this novel. Just what responsibilities do Christians have making sure the truth is known? When is disobedience to the government right?
The novel is informative too. I really liked Brainard's attention to detail, including topics of astronomy and prophecy and even fly fishing and mountain camping. His writing style is very good. Even though there were long passages of prose in between the action or dialogue scenes, they were very interesting.
This is a good novel for readers who enjoy possible narratives of the coming end days. The novel leaves us hanging so I will be looking for the sequel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through NetGalley. My comments are an independent and honest review.
There are some interesting explorations of controversial astronomical ideas, such as false assumptions regarding the red shift and the expansion rate of the universe. There are also interesting ideas about biblical prophecy and the possible role of an asteroid. And there is plenty of secretive action and subsequent suspense.
There is much to think about in this novel. Just what responsibilities do Christians have making sure the truth is known? When is disobedience to the government right?
The novel is informative too. I really liked Brainard's attention to detail, including topics of astronomy and prophecy and even fly fishing and mountain camping. His writing style is very good. Even though there were long passages of prose in between the action or dialogue scenes, they were very interesting.
This is a good novel for readers who enjoy possible narratives of the coming end days. The novel leaves us hanging so I will be looking for the sequel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through NetGalley. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 20, 2018
Combining astronomy discoveries, scientific language and governmental conspiracy, «The Rogue» presents a dystopian world with backdrop of nowadays United States of America, where FBI and Homeland Security are portrayed more like men in black (and I am referring to their attire and not to the famous movie starring Will Smith), and remind KGB in the Soviet Union.
Irina Kirilenko and Ariele Serrafe, two scientists and fellow college students, who play a great role in the discovery of the Rogue comet, both came across as spoiled, vain and uninteresting characters.
They seemed empty. They seemed spoiled and completely unrelatable.
Lee W. Brainard did a great job with making the book feel very scientific, due to the scientific terms, historical references and presentation of different theories. Sadly, this wasn’t applied to the characters to make them more versatile, more interesting and lovable.
When we are reading about the end of the world, I would love to have a group of people I do want to survive, instead of feeling rather indifferent towards their feelings, worries, and lives.´
Another predominant characteristic that stood out to me was the mishmash of various events. There were pages and pages about Ukrainian civil war and Russia’s involvement, tension in Libya, Iran, and Iraq. While these are all interesting and current subjects, the idea of the whole plot was behind this ginormous comet that is approaching Mars, and these news-like reports didn’t add anything to the plot, just made me skip pages and pages of the book to get to the actual events.
«The Rogue», with the promising blurb and intriguing plot, unfortunately, did not live up to my expectations, mainly because of poor character introduction and development and various sidetracks from the main storyline.
Irina Kirilenko and Ariele Serrafe, two scientists and fellow college students, who play a great role in the discovery of the Rogue comet, both came across as spoiled, vain and uninteresting characters.
They seemed empty. They seemed spoiled and completely unrelatable.
Lee W. Brainard did a great job with making the book feel very scientific, due to the scientific terms, historical references and presentation of different theories. Sadly, this wasn’t applied to the characters to make them more versatile, more interesting and lovable.
When we are reading about the end of the world, I would love to have a group of people I do want to survive, instead of feeling rather indifferent towards their feelings, worries, and lives.´
Another predominant characteristic that stood out to me was the mishmash of various events. There were pages and pages about Ukrainian civil war and Russia’s involvement, tension in Libya, Iran, and Iraq. While these are all interesting and current subjects, the idea of the whole plot was behind this ginormous comet that is approaching Mars, and these news-like reports didn’t add anything to the plot, just made me skip pages and pages of the book to get to the actual events.
«The Rogue», with the promising blurb and intriguing plot, unfortunately, did not live up to my expectations, mainly because of poor character introduction and development and various sidetracks from the main storyline.
March 18, 2018
“the powers of the heavens shall be shaken”
The Rogue by Lee W. Brainard is the first book in the Planets Shaken series. This story is so good. I wish the second book were available to follow the story through. Not being a science nerd, it took me a while to get into the story, but once I did the book was very hard to put down. And then to have it end like it did, wow! It's going to be a hard wait to see what happens.
Irina is a rookie scientist who discovers a very large planet that is on it's way to Mars. When she reports it to her supervisor, he take the information and almost claims it as his. When the government finds out she has knowledge of the comet, they start investigating her. She knows she has to get this information to someone so she mails it to a former classmate, just prior to being taken into custody. Anyone who has knowledge of the comet and talks about it, gets taken to the FEMA area, they lose all their belongings and never see their families or friends again.
Ariele receives a mysterious package in the mail that contains information about a very large comet that could destroy the world. She starts researching and using the telescope at her job to get more information. When her research is finished, she reports her findings to her supervisor, who has to report her to the FBI. After being questioned by the FBI, she meets with a colleague and he tells her she has to run to save her life. Her colleague starts getting followed by the FBI, he also goes on the run.
I really enjoyed this book, it gives a different look at the end of the world than most of the books I have read in the past. Using Biblical prophecy, the author writes a fascinating story based on the Gospel of Luke 21:26. What stands out to me is how smart the characters are. As well as how far they will go to stand up for what they believe in. This story is full of action and suspense. I think anyone who enjoys a good thriller, will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author through BookCrash. This is my honest review.
The Rogue by Lee W. Brainard is the first book in the Planets Shaken series. This story is so good. I wish the second book were available to follow the story through. Not being a science nerd, it took me a while to get into the story, but once I did the book was very hard to put down. And then to have it end like it did, wow! It's going to be a hard wait to see what happens.
Irina is a rookie scientist who discovers a very large planet that is on it's way to Mars. When she reports it to her supervisor, he take the information and almost claims it as his. When the government finds out she has knowledge of the comet, they start investigating her. She knows she has to get this information to someone so she mails it to a former classmate, just prior to being taken into custody. Anyone who has knowledge of the comet and talks about it, gets taken to the FEMA area, they lose all their belongings and never see their families or friends again.
Ariele receives a mysterious package in the mail that contains information about a very large comet that could destroy the world. She starts researching and using the telescope at her job to get more information. When her research is finished, she reports her findings to her supervisor, who has to report her to the FBI. After being questioned by the FBI, she meets with a colleague and he tells her she has to run to save her life. Her colleague starts getting followed by the FBI, he also goes on the run.
I really enjoyed this book, it gives a different look at the end of the world than most of the books I have read in the past. Using Biblical prophecy, the author writes a fascinating story based on the Gospel of Luke 21:26. What stands out to me is how smart the characters are. As well as how far they will go to stand up for what they believe in. This story is full of action and suspense. I think anyone who enjoys a good thriller, will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author through BookCrash. This is my honest review.
November 28, 2017
A review will appear on my blog in December. This book is the first of a series, "Planets Shaken." Lots of technical information (for you nerds) about astronomy. Government cover-up. No overt Biblical prophecy stuff (yet). So far, so good. Brainard is a Goodreads author.
Look for the review around December 18 at http://paulageister.com
Look for the review around December 18 at http://paulageister.com
March 16, 2020
This was a interesting book and it’s one that you can read in one afternoon. If you like science fiction then you will like this book
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for my honest review.
November 21, 2017
The Rogue was jam packed with information, Biblical prophecy and suspense. I was invested in the story from the first sentence, so when things started getting technical, it was worth it to press on. There was a lot of technical information presented, partly to set the stage for the story and explain why this comet was a big deal, but I think partly because the author simply loves astronomy (from what I can see from social media).
Several themes found their way into the book. Regarding Jesus, the theme of relationship being more important than religion was a point that was obviously important to the author. Several characters ended up losing everything they owned due to the attempted cover-up of the danger of the Rogue comet. Their attitudes despite this was a great reminder that possessions are meaningless in the scheme of things.
Here are some particularly good quotes from the book:
There were a few main characters that we followed from the near future to the recent past and back to the future again. And there were a few minor characters that will most likely make longer appearances in the future books, judging on the way they were introduced. The story was told from a third-person perspective - but only telling one person's thoughts at a time. (I do wish the author used some sort of visual cue that the perspective was changing. There were a couple of places where it changed and all of a sudden "her" no longer referred to the woman who was telling the story. I was able to figure this out fairly quickly, but the some sort of divider between these sections would have been helpful.)
I did find it a little hard to keep my focus on the book through the technical parts. The author did a good job in making it interesting, but despite this, I wish there wasn't quite so much time spent on explaining the astronomy.
This is the first book of the series. The book ends with a cliff-hanger. I am waiting anxiously for the next book and the next one now. :-)
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookCrash in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Several themes found their way into the book. Regarding Jesus, the theme of relationship being more important than religion was a point that was obviously important to the author. Several characters ended up losing everything they owned due to the attempted cover-up of the danger of the Rogue comet. Their attitudes despite this was a great reminder that possessions are meaningless in the scheme of things.
Here are some particularly good quotes from the book:
A premonition of darkness in high places sent a shiver down my spine.
It never feels right to do right when everyone thinks that right is wrong
don’t they understand that black SUVs and men in suits and ties are a dead giveaway?
he was numb . . . banging his head on the iron wall of cognitive dissonance . . . yet unable to deny the facts.
There were a few main characters that we followed from the near future to the recent past and back to the future again. And there were a few minor characters that will most likely make longer appearances in the future books, judging on the way they were introduced. The story was told from a third-person perspective - but only telling one person's thoughts at a time. (I do wish the author used some sort of visual cue that the perspective was changing. There were a couple of places where it changed and all of a sudden "her" no longer referred to the woman who was telling the story. I was able to figure this out fairly quickly, but the some sort of divider between these sections would have been helpful.)
I did find it a little hard to keep my focus on the book through the technical parts. The author did a good job in making it interesting, but despite this, I wish there wasn't quite so much time spent on explaining the astronomy.
This is the first book of the series. The book ends with a cliff-hanger. I am waiting anxiously for the next book and the next one now. :-)
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookCrash in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 27, 2020
An asteroid is on a collision course with earth and the government is trying to cover it up.
This plot line has been done many times before, but it’s still an interesting idea. Brainard’s take is just fresh enough that my interest was held throughout.
Unfortunately, cliched characterization, information dumping, and writing style fought the interesting idea my whole way through. My rating declined as I went. It’s too bad because I want to see how things turn out...I just don’t think I’ll feel it was worth my time in the end.
I received a copy of Rogue from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This plot line has been done many times before, but it’s still an interesting idea. Brainard’s take is just fresh enough that my interest was held throughout.
Unfortunately, cliched characterization, information dumping, and writing style fought the interesting idea my whole way through. My rating declined as I went. It’s too bad because I want to see how things turn out...I just don’t think I’ll feel it was worth my time in the end.
I received a copy of Rogue from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 10, 2017
I have to do this backward. I LOVED this book. This book is definitely Top 10 for me this year. Yes I know it’s only a 4 star rating which seems a bit backward but… Here’s the total truth. There is two reasons for the rating I gave it, yet a million reasons for why it’s a Top 10. The truth is the absolute abuse (OK perhaps overkill is a better choice) of ellipses. Words … more words … and a whole paragraph goes by like that. 15-20 pages later another paragraph like that. I mean it wasn’t as if they were used incorrectly per se but they drove me absolutely batty. Secondly, the technical. Oh, for the love of gravy I haven’t read anything so technical, probably ever. Here’s the deal though, it was overly technical and throwing out all the acronyms that make up government agencies that I can never remember what they stand for and what they mean and the physics and math and … there was a LOT of technical. Here’s the secret though, while I go so bogged down in all of that it actually enhanced the story and I don’t think the book would have been as great without it. Even though I was sinking in the bog of stuffs.
There’s something about apocalyptic fiction that draws me in and makes me need to read it. There’s something to be said about astronomy and the heavens that draws me in. The idea that there are things out there that I can’t begin to understand interests me. I can’t imagine having the knowledge and education and technical understanding to be in Irina or Ariele’s shoes. I’ll never have that, heck I didn’t even truly understand any of the depth and technical aspects of the book. I didn’t need to though. I do know that I saw too much in what is happening in our world society in this book. I do know that there is not one scenario that came up in this book that did not feel real. I do know that sometimes I’m scared that this is not science fiction but is a realistic vision of reality. I do know that Biblical prophecy is real and while I don’t know how or when it will happen I do know that it will happen. I do know that I’m on the right side of that scenario but I also know that knowledge doesn’t make it any less scary.
This book sets a stage of a potential threat from space, a rogue planet or oversized comet, something that potentially could wipe out civilization as we know it on a good chunk of the planet. This book takes things that have legitimately happened in the course of history and provides a plausible explanation that correlates to this impending scenario. With a discovery of this magnitude government steps in, takes over, shuts down research and reexplains it as something that wouldn’t be end of the world. FEMA camps, NASA taking over all public and private telescopes (the big research ones), the FBI delving into things that aren’t normally part of it’s scope, targeting ‘preppers’ as potential domestic terrorists. Any of this starting to sound familiar? These things are happening. Does that mean that The Rogue in this book is based on fact? I’m not that much a conspiracy theorist. I also can understand why the government would take the steps they took in this book. I feel like it was over the top and alarmist but if there was something out there that could wipe out part of the planet what would you do? Most of us would panic. Wipe the bank, the grocery store shelves and head for somewhere we assume would be safe. Those actions would decimate society before there was a chance for an external force to do so. I don’t agree with the government actions and ‘Big Brother’ attitude that this book portrays but I can realistically see it happening. That scares me just as much as whatever might be out there.
The truth is, there are many options for apocalyptic fiction out there, both secular and Christian. Most of them have merit and at least a grain of truth to them. Relying heavily on Biblical prophecy this book paints a world that I can truly imagine. It paints a world that I feel like is straight out of current events. I came across this book on Book Crash and I was intrigued by the premise. The idea that it’s the first book in a series makes it even more interesting. This book is just the beginning, the setting of the stage, and I hope that I am able to read the next book and the next book and the entire series as it comes out. It’s just that good. It’s just that real. There’s so much to still experience and explore and find out as this unfolds.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Book Crash. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-ro....
There’s something about apocalyptic fiction that draws me in and makes me need to read it. There’s something to be said about astronomy and the heavens that draws me in. The idea that there are things out there that I can’t begin to understand interests me. I can’t imagine having the knowledge and education and technical understanding to be in Irina or Ariele’s shoes. I’ll never have that, heck I didn’t even truly understand any of the depth and technical aspects of the book. I didn’t need to though. I do know that I saw too much in what is happening in our world society in this book. I do know that there is not one scenario that came up in this book that did not feel real. I do know that sometimes I’m scared that this is not science fiction but is a realistic vision of reality. I do know that Biblical prophecy is real and while I don’t know how or when it will happen I do know that it will happen. I do know that I’m on the right side of that scenario but I also know that knowledge doesn’t make it any less scary.
This book sets a stage of a potential threat from space, a rogue planet or oversized comet, something that potentially could wipe out civilization as we know it on a good chunk of the planet. This book takes things that have legitimately happened in the course of history and provides a plausible explanation that correlates to this impending scenario. With a discovery of this magnitude government steps in, takes over, shuts down research and reexplains it as something that wouldn’t be end of the world. FEMA camps, NASA taking over all public and private telescopes (the big research ones), the FBI delving into things that aren’t normally part of it’s scope, targeting ‘preppers’ as potential domestic terrorists. Any of this starting to sound familiar? These things are happening. Does that mean that The Rogue in this book is based on fact? I’m not that much a conspiracy theorist. I also can understand why the government would take the steps they took in this book. I feel like it was over the top and alarmist but if there was something out there that could wipe out part of the planet what would you do? Most of us would panic. Wipe the bank, the grocery store shelves and head for somewhere we assume would be safe. Those actions would decimate society before there was a chance for an external force to do so. I don’t agree with the government actions and ‘Big Brother’ attitude that this book portrays but I can realistically see it happening. That scares me just as much as whatever might be out there.
The truth is, there are many options for apocalyptic fiction out there, both secular and Christian. Most of them have merit and at least a grain of truth to them. Relying heavily on Biblical prophecy this book paints a world that I can truly imagine. It paints a world that I feel like is straight out of current events. I came across this book on Book Crash and I was intrigued by the premise. The idea that it’s the first book in a series makes it even more interesting. This book is just the beginning, the setting of the stage, and I hope that I am able to read the next book and the next book and the entire series as it comes out. It’s just that good. It’s just that real. There’s so much to still experience and explore and find out as this unfolds.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Book Crash. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-ro....
December 10, 2018
I love science. When sci-fi is packed with good science, I'm in reading heaven. This is a great premise and much better executed and believable than most end-of-world story plots. Quite frighteningly believable. All the science fits together very well. Very interesting that the Rogue is coming from the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) in Taurus. Everything seems to happen in Orion these days, so I was pleased to see Taurus pop up.
But this book proves the norm of real-science/fictional stories however. Most science-based novels are top-heavy with science and very weak on character development, and have a rather disjointed story flow with zero transitions from one point of view to the next. That kind of writing makes it very hard to get caught up in the story and really care about what happens to the characters.
Brainard does a pretty good job with helping you to care about the characters. The most likable one is Woody, although it was tough to figure out who he was at first. Introducing Ariele first and then switching to Irina would have been okay except the two characters that were supposed to be so opposite (Ariele = free spirit, hippy-like, Irina = conservative Christian) actually acted so similar I couldn't tell them apart until well into the story. Also, beyond them being athletic, they had very few physical features and no speech patterns that were different so they blended together.
The flip-flop in time and characters at the beginning is very confusing. I guess I was just supposed to know that the description of the two women at the beginning was giving me clues at how different the characters were so I could tell them apart. Good plot point that didn't come off at all. Another bit of confusion is the lack of transitions from one POV to another. The itallics helps to differentiate between characters' thoughts, but then head-hopping drives me crazy anyway, so I might be prejudiced in that regard.
Brainard throws in news about happenings in the Middle East that could literally be taken from this morning's paper. These things did not move the story along at all, had no effect on the characters, and did not provide any tension, story line, or flashpoints in the story. I know they were to provide a set up for conflict later in the story. It would be much better for the story flow if Brainard had just left that out and introduced all that when it actually matters for the story.
This is a really good story premise. With a bit of old-fashioned developmental editing and character development, this will be a terrific series.
But this book proves the norm of real-science/fictional stories however. Most science-based novels are top-heavy with science and very weak on character development, and have a rather disjointed story flow with zero transitions from one point of view to the next. That kind of writing makes it very hard to get caught up in the story and really care about what happens to the characters.
Brainard does a pretty good job with helping you to care about the characters. The most likable one is Woody, although it was tough to figure out who he was at first. Introducing Ariele first and then switching to Irina would have been okay except the two characters that were supposed to be so opposite (Ariele = free spirit, hippy-like, Irina = conservative Christian) actually acted so similar I couldn't tell them apart until well into the story. Also, beyond them being athletic, they had very few physical features and no speech patterns that were different so they blended together.
The flip-flop in time and characters at the beginning is very confusing. I guess I was just supposed to know that the description of the two women at the beginning was giving me clues at how different the characters were so I could tell them apart. Good plot point that didn't come off at all. Another bit of confusion is the lack of transitions from one POV to another. The itallics helps to differentiate between characters' thoughts, but then head-hopping drives me crazy anyway, so I might be prejudiced in that regard.
Brainard throws in news about happenings in the Middle East that could literally be taken from this morning's paper. These things did not move the story along at all, had no effect on the characters, and did not provide any tension, story line, or flashpoints in the story. I know they were to provide a set up for conflict later in the story. It would be much better for the story flow if Brainard had just left that out and introduced all that when it actually matters for the story.
This is a really good story premise. With a bit of old-fashioned developmental editing and character development, this will be a terrific series.
November 4, 2017
Irina Kirilenko makes a huge, and troubling, discovery of a large body in space on a trajectory that will take it dangerously close to Mars. When she goes to her superiors with this, it is squelched and she is warned to not pursue it or talk about it. Soon, she and several other people find a conspiracy to keep this information from the public. Risking freedom, they work to let people know about The Rogue.
Growing up, I really enjoyed learning about space, so this book piqued my interest when I saw it. I wasn't sure what to expect, as apocalypse stories can go several different ways. I liked The Rogue, both for the subject involved and the story line.
The plot moves at a good pace; fast enough that you don't get bored, but still easy for you to keep up with it. The characters are well developed, and you can imagine their personalities from their descriptions. There were many technical terms and theories mentioned. Some I was unfamiliar with, but I could look up what I didn't recognize, so that wasn't a problem for me.
Lee W. Brainard did a great job in writing this book. With conspiracy theories, science, Christianity (especially the last days), and a few other themes, there are plenty of things to keep your interest. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book as part of the BookCrash program, but all opinions are my own.
Growing up, I really enjoyed learning about space, so this book piqued my interest when I saw it. I wasn't sure what to expect, as apocalypse stories can go several different ways. I liked The Rogue, both for the subject involved and the story line.
The plot moves at a good pace; fast enough that you don't get bored, but still easy for you to keep up with it. The characters are well developed, and you can imagine their personalities from their descriptions. There were many technical terms and theories mentioned. Some I was unfamiliar with, but I could look up what I didn't recognize, so that wasn't a problem for me.
Lee W. Brainard did a great job in writing this book. With conspiracy theories, science, Christianity (especially the last days), and a few other themes, there are plenty of things to keep your interest. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book as part of the BookCrash program, but all opinions are my own.
March 15, 2018
I received a free copy of The Rogue by Lee W. Brainard in exchange for an honest review. In this novel, the fate of the planet is endangered by remnants of Planet X, which the scientist speculate was destroyed by colliding into another planet millennia ago. The government seeks to control the information and imprisons everyone who speaks out in internment camps. Despite this, several of the characters risk their freedom to get the information to the public. The book primarily follows three scientists as they individually learn of the possible catastrophe and determine their reaction to the news in the context of extreme governmental censorship. This appears to be the first in a series because the novel ended before anything was resolved.
The underlying themes explore how long-held scientific beliefs can become a religion, how giving away your rights in the name of security can lead to abuses of power, faith in the face of adversity, and how the “right thing” is never situational no matter the emotions or the consequences at the time. The book is based on a verse from Luke and does not explore Revelation, so don’t expect the rapture or the tribulation to make an appearance in this book.
#TheRogue #NetGalley
The underlying themes explore how long-held scientific beliefs can become a religion, how giving away your rights in the name of security can lead to abuses of power, faith in the face of adversity, and how the “right thing” is never situational no matter the emotions or the consequences at the time. The book is based on a verse from Luke and does not explore Revelation, so don’t expect the rapture or the tribulation to make an appearance in this book.
#TheRogue #NetGalley
February 6, 2020
This was an enjoyable and suspenseful read that will leave you wanting more. The plot is well developed. The book is well researched; but often goes too far sharing the technical data about astronomy and other things. The excess data sometimes bogs down the story. I do realize this is the first book in the series and a lot of this background information is necessary to the overall plot. The book is classified Christian science fiction and does a good job of subtly working in characters who pray and discussions of prophecy. There are characters of different faiths and some who proclaim as being atheist.
The really frightening aspect of the book is the seeds of doubt it sows that this situation could be a reality. It seems possible that a massive comet could be headed for earth and possible that the world governments would silence and cover up the knowledge of it to avoid panic. It is horrifying to think that people could be put away in camps to keep them silent with all their possessions confiscated and no further contact with the outside world. These ideas are what make this an intriguing read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
The really frightening aspect of the book is the seeds of doubt it sows that this situation could be a reality. It seems possible that a massive comet could be headed for earth and possible that the world governments would silence and cover up the knowledge of it to avoid panic. It is horrifying to think that people could be put away in camps to keep them silent with all their possessions confiscated and no further contact with the outside world. These ideas are what make this an intriguing read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
October 5, 2021
Astronomer Irina finds herself with information regarding of danger in the near future involving a comet that is noticed to be the size of a planet. This book is similar to the apocalypse genre which involves a threat to the world’s life and the Earth itself.
A ideal book for readers who are intrigued by Christian fiction, Sci Fi and Fantasy genres.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TheRogue #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 18 March 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 05 October 2021 going to write my review will be post on my blog, Facebook blog, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks. My WordPress blog is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
A ideal book for readers who are intrigued by Christian fiction, Sci Fi and Fantasy genres.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TheRogue #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 18 March 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 05 October 2021 going to write my review will be post on my blog, Facebook blog, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks. My WordPress blog is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
December 30, 2019
Overall this was a very good story - but, it sure had a lot of scientific information and often went overboard on descriptive scenes. I listened to the story and occasionally found myself zoning out when I came to a place where something was described or explained - and I really didn't care to have that much information or need that much information.
The rogue is a comet heading towards Mars - a huge comet. The government doesn't want anyone to know that this comet is there and when the information starts to leak out they give it another spin and lock up anyone who tries to change their story. There are several main players in this story and it goes back and forth between them. Usually I mind that, but I didn't in this story - the author made those changes blend together.
Yep, a cliff hanger ending! This is a clean read.
The rogue is a comet heading towards Mars - a huge comet. The government doesn't want anyone to know that this comet is there and when the information starts to leak out they give it another spin and lock up anyone who tries to change their story. There are several main players in this story and it goes back and forth between them. Usually I mind that, but I didn't in this story - the author made those changes blend together.
Yep, a cliff hanger ending! This is a clean read.
May 6, 2018
The Rogue Is Biblicly exciting, how is it? Well that is one thing you have to find out for yourself. It is also suspenseful and prophetic. There is a lot of astronomy terms and I love it because my father brought me up on it and to appreciate it - you will find it so as well. There is secrets to be had more like a cover up. How very sad. Will it stay that way or will it come out about the Rogue comet? It also comes out with a meaning for the whole book which is - - - nah you have to find out for yourself - it's more fun that way. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
April 12, 2020
PROS:
- Intriguing premise built on a tie-in of biblical prophecy and an incoming catastrophe from space.
- Endearing characters.
- Nice apocalyptic foreshadowing and dystopian touches.
CONS:
- Far too much info-dumping. Dozens of pages of a dissertation defense was radically over the top.
- Too heavy on technical detail that didn't advance the story.
- Book ends literally mid-story, with no conclusion whatsoever. A series with a continuing story is fine but each book needs to have an arc that concludes.
All in all, I'm pulling for this author and hope he devotes some serious effort to craft and releases more books.
- Intriguing premise built on a tie-in of biblical prophecy and an incoming catastrophe from space.
- Endearing characters.
- Nice apocalyptic foreshadowing and dystopian touches.
CONS:
- Far too much info-dumping. Dozens of pages of a dissertation defense was radically over the top.
- Too heavy on technical detail that didn't advance the story.
- Book ends literally mid-story, with no conclusion whatsoever. A series with a continuing story is fine but each book needs to have an arc that concludes.
All in all, I'm pulling for this author and hope he devotes some serious effort to craft and releases more books.
April 10, 2018
Interesting book. Book one of three...can't wait for book 2! Kind of scary because it's subject matter that could happen and it got me to thinking about the "what ifs". The first 50 or so pages are a little technical and were a little dry and hard for me to get through but necessary for the plot...which by the way is awesome! Very well written,. Liked the way the author tied in the Biblical references and different religion to the possible comet event.. I liked the characters, and there are several. Glad I chose to pick this one up and anxiously awaiting book 2!
May 5, 2018
Interesting read. Very technical and detailed, particularly in the astronomy bits but nothing you can't get through. Interesting to have female main characters as that's not common in post-apoc fiction. The annoying part? Feeling like the book started twice. The first several chapters introduced Aeriel and Irina, as well as the exchange on information about Rogue, then started all over again with Irina defending her thesis, joining the team, discovering Rogue, etc, etc. Have to admit though, I do look forward to the next in the series.
May 13, 2018
I really liked this book and found there is a lot of science in astronomy I had not known before.. When a comet is discovered that could endanger the earth, the goverment races to cover it up locking away anyone who shares information about the comet in dentention camps. How terrifying to think that this could actually happen if a situation like this were to occur. The biblical prophecy along with the science made the book all the more believable and terrifying and I can''t wait to read the next book when it comes out!
May 18, 2018
I found the first half of this book slow and filled with repeated details, but I couldn't put it down during the second half. It is a credible premise and refers to bible prophecy in a believable way, The ending seemed abrupt, and obviously there is a second book in the series being written. I can't wait! I hope Lee W Brainard writes rapidly and there won't be a long wait for the next installment!
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley!
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley!
December 16, 2017
Very well written
The book was very engaging and written so you wanted to continue till it was finished. It left off in a perfect spot and if course will read the next in this series. The author has a lot of knowledge on various subjects addressed in the book making it very real. I like that! Read it, you wont be disappointed.
The book was very engaging and written so you wanted to continue till it was finished. It left off in a perfect spot and if course will read the next in this series. The author has a lot of knowledge on various subjects addressed in the book making it very real. I like that! Read it, you wont be disappointed.
August 30, 2017
ACK! DON'T WANT TO WAIT!
This is a really technical book in some ways, and that at moments could be distracting, but the story overall is a captivating and riveting one and I will certainly be anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
This is a really technical book in some ways, and that at moments could be distracting, but the story overall is a captivating and riveting one and I will certainly be anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
February 15, 2020
Asteroid sighting on Collision course with earth
A moving book except for the introduction of players in the story. It seems the major player was working on her PHD and went on at least 40 pages on her thesis. I almost out the book down, glad I did not.
A moving book except for the introduction of players in the story. It seems the major player was working on her PHD and went on at least 40 pages on her thesis. I almost out the book down, glad I did not.
March 1, 2020
With lots of reviews from readers smarter than I, I'll just say that this is pretty good. If you like espionage and some technical aspects, and astronomy, this is probably for you. A little cliched at times.
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!
June 5, 2020
A little technical
It’s a good story and I love astronomy but I think it gets bogged down a little with a lot of technicalities. It could discourage some readers who don’t want to plow through that.
It’s a good story and I love astronomy but I think it gets bogged down a little with a lot of technicalities. It could discourage some readers who don’t want to plow through that.
May 13, 2023
Riveting from start to finish
The characters are believable and you can easily identify with each one. With things going on in the world now this saga seems more like nonfiction than fiction. Can’t wait to read the next book!
The characters are believable and you can easily identify with each one. With things going on in the world now this saga seems more like nonfiction than fiction. Can’t wait to read the next book!
November 9, 2024
Out of your Bible?
Very believable plot! Have you wondered as I do about what is going to happen in the end times? The author provides a very believable scenario. Good read. Already starting number two.
Very believable plot! Have you wondered as I do about what is going to happen in the end times? The author provides a very believable scenario. Good read. Already starting number two.
July 1, 2017
Surprisingly good read!
This had an interesting topic, astronomy and possibility of death. Who could refuse? The science is firm and it hints at a real danger we should consider.
This had an interesting topic, astronomy and possibility of death. Who could refuse? The science is firm and it hints at a real danger we should consider.
July 14, 2017
Good But Need More
I know it's Book 1 but could have used more action. Anyways, looking forward to book 2. Please be better.
I know it's Book 1 but could have used more action. Anyways, looking forward to book 2. Please be better.
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed the book very muesch, especially, the espionage. I am interested in what happened to Woody from the train. It left me hanging.
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