Eetoo

by Robby Charters

The Ben Hur of Eetoo, a shepherd from an obscure planet, was the one prophesied to seek the truth from the birthplace of humanity. He has help from fellow humans as well as non humans. Some species would rather see humanity extinct, and for good reason. The ancient Nephteshi Empire showed how evil humanity can be. The paradox keeps Eetoo searching for answers, taking him to first century Earth

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian

Nook

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Hello. That photo you see there is of me and my son. It's actually a few years old. My son was about nine when I took that selfie but now, he's twenty, and is in Uni in Scotland, becoming smarter than me. I still like that photo, and I'll keep it until he tells me to take it down. And I probably look a bit older than that as well. Anyway, my wife and I live in N. Ireland. I write stories, draw pictures, design books, and work at a day job. In some of my books, there's a character named Boz, probably with the surname of O'Brian. If you happen to come across him, that's me making a cameo appearance. From Boz, you'll know that my roots are in Thailand, where I was born of an Irish dad and American mum. Though American, my mum was also born in Thailand. We're all missionaries. You'll read about that bit of history in The Eurasian. In Pepe, you'll find that I worked for a year in a homeless children's shelter similar to the one you'll read about there. I still think fondly of that place. The Zondon will tell you about the school I attended for two years that I think define my childhood in Bangkok, with other missionary kids. If you like how my covers look, and the interior design of my books, I can do yours as well - if you're a self published author. To find me, just Google "Robby Charters", or go to my website: www.RobbyCharters.co.uk.

Reviews

[D.C. Wolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if The Eurasian, by Robby Charters was tongue-in-cheek humor, or over-the-top sarcasm or not, but it was not my cup of tea.

The story takes place in the late 21st century (sometime after 2055, as that was referenced in the book as in the past). This was not very believable to me. Sixty, seventy, eighty years from now, not much had changed except for a few gadgets thrown in, almost as bookends to a story that is mainly a religious journey. One city was described more so in the future, and some futuristic travel vehicles, but most of the book felt like it took place in 2015, with Google Glass.

It is noted as a Religious & Inspirational Fiction/Christian/ Futuristic novel and within the Science Fiction and Science Fiction & Fantasy categories at Amazon, but I would add Dystopian to that list.

The book felt loosely structured, was in real need of editing, and disjointed. Sometimes it was hard to know who was talking within the dialogue. And some of the geographical references seemed off. The book alluded to California breaking at the San Andreas Fault line, but strung together Baja (currently in the South) to San Francisco (currently in the North) of a very large expanse of land.

Included are a lot of pop culture and current day references, and too-many-to-list stereotypes and cliché’s. Neo-Nazi’s, Rednecks, Mafia, the extreme religious fanatics, and fat, dumb Americans are just a few, unless you were religious and believed in God. There was no imagination, which I look for in a science fiction novel. Nothing new, just Big Evil American Empire, and, Big Evil Corporations. Americans with character names like Yorba Linda (a city in California) and Monterey Jack did not seem funny to me if that was the intent.

Third world imagery in America, discussion of sustainability, and not feeding their own were also a part of dystopian America. But, nowhere else it seemed.

The book is very anti-American and especially anti-White American, with so many references to race and skin color. “White Privilege” straight from today’s headlines screamed out. I typically will not pick up such a heavy handed political treatise like this when it comes to reading science fiction.

The religious journey, visiting various religions was interesting enough, but this did not feel like a science fiction novel. There were a few characters, especially Philip and Mickey, who were endearing to the heart.

I found the targeted anger of the author particularly hypocritical given that it is a Judeo-Christian based book. Very intolerant and disingenuous. I did not find it particularly compelling in spreading the word of God, by bashing others so loudly. So much for Love Thy Neighbor.

Too bad. I love science fiction, and felt a bit deceived by the premise.

To be clear, some in my family have deep ties to humanitarian work (in third world nations, so I am familiar with it up close and personally), and I have lived in three countries (Ireland being one, coincidentally), and traveled extensively (including China), and this is not the right approach if you want to spread God’s voice in my opinion.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the 1st person presentation -- it really helped the story along. I liked the descriptions and the concept, especially through the first half to two-thirds of the book or so. The overall message of helping your fellow man was also very apparent.

That all being said, I'm not typically one for religion (personal spirituality, yes -- organized religion, no), but I do like to challenge myself to consider and reconsider the opinions that I form. That was one of the reasons I picked up this book. I thought it was more than a little lame to title it "Allegory," because that made it seem more heavy-handed and preachy than it needed to be. Also, it wasn't really that much of an allegory toward the end, since it basically changed into flat out religious dictation. Yes, the setting, plot, and characters do have many allegorical features in the beginning, but the allegory disappears the second the story stops being SYMBOLIC. At that point, it's basically a sermon (which is fine -- I expected some religious message in a book called Allegory).

I do embrace one of the core concepts that this book deals with (specifically, that of helping your fellow man), but I don't believe people should help their fellow man because God said so. I think they should help their fellow man because it is the right thing to do. My personal view of life and religion got in the way of my enjoyment of some of the latter parts of this book, but I did enjoy the story overall, and I did enjoy following the journey of the characters.

All in all, though, it was a quick read, covered interesting subject matter, and let me reevaluate some of the opinions I've formed over the years. As I've said in many other reviews, I like books that make me think, and this one made me think about myself and my views.

[Serena Ivo · Rating 3 out of 5]

My exposure to dystopia is Divergent on screen, meaning it is scant. I do not gravitate to books staged in the future. (My favorite genre transports me back two-hundred years.) Thus, The Eurasian immersed me into an unfamiliar genre.

My first observation is about the title of the book. The Eurasian is not set in Europe or Asia, but America. It is the inverse of The Martian in terms of how informative the title is on the contents of the book.

Secondly, the book reads like a screenplay--heavy in dialogue and light on ambience. The cast is lengthy, and new characters are added regularly throughout the plot. We witness prejudice of many flavors. The dialogue feels natural, which is an accomplishment because of the variation in characters.

The Eurasian weaves several themes at once but does not dive deep into any one theme. It has the potential of possibly three different books if the tracts were fleshed out more. I did gain insight into how this creative genre can challenge notions on how society will evolve.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tried to read this earlier and it was just not too good. Even tonite, at first I found it a little confusing until about 1/3 of the way into the book. I don't know if it is the brouhaha over the CEO of Chick-fil-a's opinion or what but I must have been in the right frame of mind. By the end, I actually liked it a lot, and I didn't expect the ending the way it occurred, maybe because I was caught up in my own thoughts and wrestling with my own feelings about organized religion and many of the other topics.

Doing what's right is hard, pure and simple. If it is easy, then everyone would.

Sensitive readers: It is very heavy on the Christian message in places. It also refers to (doesn't include all the gory details) a variety of social ills like hate crimes and sexual abuse.

[Tina Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written in a style I don’t care for (1st person), but the story is great. I’ve read it twice. Once in 2016 & again in 2017.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This whole novella is an allegory for salvation through not only belief in Jesus but living the faith as I've heard it called.
I really don't want to tell you anything about it. It was certainly strange and beautiful at the same time. It did get a little confusing during a few discussions of faith. Perhaps I just needed to read it more closely but I don't think so.
If you enjoy Christian writing you will most probably enjoy this.

[Jacci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robby Charters is a great observer of the world and takes things that are happening now into the future in this novel. The future world he created, unfortunately, is plausible. I enjoyed reading it and found the story line was unique. I learned about different parts of Asia as well as some Native American customs. There is a strong Christian theme woven throughout the story.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book more than I would have thought. It seemed like a very strange book on the surface, but as the title implies it is an allegory, an extended metaphore. It was pretty religious on a deeper level, but I still enjoyed it throughly as an extremely non-religious person.

[Karen B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story/parable. The use of the story presents how to not just say one is a Christian but the importance of LIVING Christian. I liked the idea that characters are all in different places on their walk but that it is the influence of the Light that draws them and transforms them.

[DK]

Available to lend through B&N "Lend Me" - see link below for info and reviews. Leave a comment if you are interested in borrowing.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alleg...

[Bob Mathias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just keep walking toward the SON for he has called you to do something - A good quick read that holds your intrest. Starts a little slow and for me weird but the allegory comes alive at the middle and end.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay a little too pointedly reglious for my taste.

[Audra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just could not get in to this one. I should try it again later on.

[Louise Van Der Leek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, but strange at the same time.

[Robby Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I wrote it myself, of course, I think it's great! However, I hope it doesn't offend too many nationalistic sensibilities. Asians might like the Singlish spoken by some of the characters.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird but fun

[Kelley]

I read 39%.