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Above the Circle of Earth
The fight for the space mission begins in his homeworld.
Brock Rivers never wanted to be a repairman on Mars. Years ago, he failed to protect his family, and now he labors across a frontier planet to keep his children alive and escape CAUSE. But the spacefaring humanist regime is taking over Martian colonies, forcing all to join the secular state.
Back in Brock’s homeworld, his people summon him to fulfill old hopes with a new dream. After decades of cultural isolation, they plan to restore missions for the 22nd century, voyaging beyond Earth to share the gospel in space. Brock must find a ship and recruit a team of misfit believers. They expect opposition from the formidable CAUSE, but not from a more deceptive enemy.
One adversary attacks from the shadows to destroy the faithful. Others unify to oppose the project. Brock and his family must fight to resist these enemies of the space mission or else return to exile forever.
Brock Rivers never wanted to be a repairman on Mars. Years ago, he failed to protect his family, and now he labors across a frontier planet to keep his children alive and escape CAUSE. But the spacefaring humanist regime is taking over Martian colonies, forcing all to join the secular state.
Back in Brock’s homeworld, his people summon him to fulfill old hopes with a new dream. After decades of cultural isolation, they plan to restore missions for the 22nd century, voyaging beyond Earth to share the gospel in space. Brock must find a ship and recruit a team of misfit believers. They expect opposition from the formidable CAUSE, but not from a more deceptive enemy.
One adversary attacks from the shadows to destroy the faithful. Others unify to oppose the project. Brock and his family must fight to resist these enemies of the space mission or else return to exile forever.
403 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
11 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
E. Stephen Burnett
2 books82 followersE. Stephen Burnett explores fantastical stories for God’s glory as publisher of Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He coauthored The Pop Culture Parent and creates other resources for fans and families, serving with his wife, Lacy, in their central Texas church. Stephen's first novel, the sci-fi adventure Above the Circle of Earth, launches in March 2025 from Enclave Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 1, 2025
Wow! I really liked the missionary aspect of this book! I highly doubt there’s ever been a sci-fi book published about trying to get a spaceship onto mars to evangelize with the people living there. And this book did a great job at showing the difficulties and tensions missionaries face trying to get ready for their mission.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi and missions, this might be a great next read for you. Also, shout out to the author for crediting Adventures in Odyssey as a source of inspiration for them. As a fellow Adventures in Odyssey fan, I’ve definitely been inspired by its fantastic storytelling.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi and missions, this might be a great next read for you. Also, shout out to the author for crediting Adventures in Odyssey as a source of inspiration for them. As a fellow Adventures in Odyssey fan, I’ve definitely been inspired by its fantastic storytelling.
March 4, 2025
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” Isaiah 40:22
This is an action packed sci-fi story that will have you holding your breath as you race to the finish to find out if the space mission that Brock feels led to will come to fruition. This multi POV (point of view) story is written in third person which really creates the tense and urgent atmosphere this story needed.
I loved how the story could be read with many layers of focus. This was a science fiction about the beginning of interplanetary space travel by a group of people who wanted to explore new frontiers. As a fan of Star Trek, this story met all my expectations with incredible tech like phasing from one location to another, spaceship travel, colonization of Mars and expansion to other planets, wearable weapons and communications tech. Then it went deeper as the space missions team was coming together to not only start space travel for their Christian community, but to share the gospel with all peoples and all nations wherever that may be. Brock and his crew faced opposition like many missionaries today do, and the characters go through many struggles and trials that deepen their faith and ultimately their representation of Christ.
It was such a pleasure to read a science fiction book that was based in the gospel as well as exciting and action packed. If you love engaging sci-fi that has good vs evil, intense action, family, gospel missions, faith building and community, I highly recommend Above the Circle of Earth!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from E. Stephen Burnett and Enclave Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is an action packed sci-fi story that will have you holding your breath as you race to the finish to find out if the space mission that Brock feels led to will come to fruition. This multi POV (point of view) story is written in third person which really creates the tense and urgent atmosphere this story needed.
I loved how the story could be read with many layers of focus. This was a science fiction about the beginning of interplanetary space travel by a group of people who wanted to explore new frontiers. As a fan of Star Trek, this story met all my expectations with incredible tech like phasing from one location to another, spaceship travel, colonization of Mars and expansion to other planets, wearable weapons and communications tech. Then it went deeper as the space missions team was coming together to not only start space travel for their Christian community, but to share the gospel with all peoples and all nations wherever that may be. Brock and his crew faced opposition like many missionaries today do, and the characters go through many struggles and trials that deepen their faith and ultimately their representation of Christ.
It was such a pleasure to read a science fiction book that was based in the gospel as well as exciting and action packed. If you love engaging sci-fi that has good vs evil, intense action, family, gospel missions, faith building and community, I highly recommend Above the Circle of Earth!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from E. Stephen Burnett and Enclave Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
July 14, 2025
Seeing my loves of speculative fiction and doctrine combine was a gift.
Longer review to come, hopefully!
Longer review to come, hopefully!
February 13, 2025
If you mix Star Trek, Elon Musk, and a Baptist missions board into a novel, you get Above the Circle of Earth. Yes, you heard it here: we have space missionaries!
As silly as I make it sound, this story is an authentic answer to how Christians might one day go about evangelizing interplanetary colonies. If Elon got his moon base and Martian colony—if humanity became interplanetary—how would Christians fulfill the Great Commission? This book answers the supposition with surprising logic and nuance, never painting with broad strokes of "Christians good," "other religions bad" or any other short-sighted generalizations. Yes, the book establishes that Christianity is the one true religion, but that doesn't make all Christians saints, nor non-Christians devils.
In fact, this might be my favorite part of the novel. It's clear that Stephen has interacted with a wide range of Christians, from enthusiastically genuine to hardheaded troublemakers, and that added realism to something you'd typically expect complete fantasy from. Having gone through plenty of church drama and seen plenty of Christians twist Scripture to support hyper-biblical stances, I found the way he wrote opposition to the Space Mission 100% convincing.
My other favorite part of the novel was the subtle authoritarian government that loomed over everything. CAUSE takes a mostly backseat place in the story (for now), but carries just enough threats and overreach to make me think of Brother Andrew's biography, God's Smuggler...but...on a spaceship.
So step aside, Kirk and Picard. Captain Brock Rivers is boldly going where no Christian has gone before, and he's taking the Great Commission with him.
As silly as I make it sound, this story is an authentic answer to how Christians might one day go about evangelizing interplanetary colonies. If Elon got his moon base and Martian colony—if humanity became interplanetary—how would Christians fulfill the Great Commission? This book answers the supposition with surprising logic and nuance, never painting with broad strokes of "Christians good," "other religions bad" or any other short-sighted generalizations. Yes, the book establishes that Christianity is the one true religion, but that doesn't make all Christians saints, nor non-Christians devils.
In fact, this might be my favorite part of the novel. It's clear that Stephen has interacted with a wide range of Christians, from enthusiastically genuine to hardheaded troublemakers, and that added realism to something you'd typically expect complete fantasy from. Having gone through plenty of church drama and seen plenty of Christians twist Scripture to support hyper-biblical stances, I found the way he wrote opposition to the Space Mission 100% convincing.
My other favorite part of the novel was the subtle authoritarian government that loomed over everything. CAUSE takes a mostly backseat place in the story (for now), but carries just enough threats and overreach to make me think of Brother Andrew's biography, God's Smuggler...but...on a spaceship.
So step aside, Kirk and Picard. Captain Brock Rivers is boldly going where no Christian has gone before, and he's taking the Great Commission with him.
March 25, 2025
Above the Circle of Earth is a standalone work of science fiction that explores an aspect of the expansion of the human race into space that we don’t often contemplate: the mission field. Imagine a world that is edging closer to a utopia from a secular perspective, but in which those who practice one of the current world religions find themselves relegated to preserves. These preserves are seen as a blessing by many in these faith communities, as it provides them with protection and insulation from the outside world. But how does this effect the Great Commission? We as Christians were commanded to “go ye therefore,” so should we be content to stay in our own insular bubbles because it’s safe and inoffensive to the outside world? And what about when planets beyond Earth begin to be populated? Do we let entire worlds of people live and die without ever hearing the Gospel of Jesus? When we neglect to share our faith out of fear, do we realize the blood that’s on our hands?
These are questions that plague Brock Rivers, our protagonist. Evangelistic zeal led Brock and his wife to make a mistake as a recently married couple, a mistake that drove them from not only their home preserve, but from Earth itself. They’ve resided on Mars for the past seven years, trying to keep a low profile while also not only keeping food on the table, but starting a small, underground Christian community. When they are called back home and given the opportunity of a lifetime to captain a space missionary journey that is sanctioned by the Church, the couple is ecstatic. But dangers arise. The enemy (or Enemy) will stop at nothing to see the Space Mission grounded. Permanently.
In this story, we see persecution on a few different levels. We see the obvious persecution from secular society, as well as from other religions. But we also witness persecution of Christians by fellow Christians out of fear, both of change and of repercussions, as well as out of a sense of superiority. This last type of persecution felt particularly apt, as we’re seeing a lot of this currently in our world. No one can tear down a Christian more ruthlessly than other Christians who differ on some minor point. Which is such a slap in the fact to the love we as the Church are supposed to present to the world.
Aside from the depth of faith in this novel, there were a couple of elements of the story that I really loved. First, there’s a level of tension that permeates the entirety of the plot, making for a story that is equal parts deep and fast-paced. I also really enjoyed the characters, particularly Brock and Alicia. Their romance was so lovely, and felt very true-to-life. It’s refreshing to see such a wonderful married couple in fiction, a couple who not only loves each other but sees each other as a best friend. That’s the kind of marriage I have, so it was a joy to see that type of married partnership presented on the page.
Above the Circle of Earth is so intrinsically Christian. I would go so far as to say that this is the most Christ-saturated work of science fiction I’ve ever encountered. Jesus was present on every page. Brock’s thoughts are undergirded with Biblical references and prayer. And I loved that. I don’t think this book will land well with readers who are not followers of Jesus, or who aren’t at least interested in the faith from an intellectual stance. But for Christian readers looking for speculative fiction that not only entertains but also edifies, this is going to be a wonderful new addition to their favorites shelf.
These are questions that plague Brock Rivers, our protagonist. Evangelistic zeal led Brock and his wife to make a mistake as a recently married couple, a mistake that drove them from not only their home preserve, but from Earth itself. They’ve resided on Mars for the past seven years, trying to keep a low profile while also not only keeping food on the table, but starting a small, underground Christian community. When they are called back home and given the opportunity of a lifetime to captain a space missionary journey that is sanctioned by the Church, the couple is ecstatic. But dangers arise. The enemy (or Enemy) will stop at nothing to see the Space Mission grounded. Permanently.
In this story, we see persecution on a few different levels. We see the obvious persecution from secular society, as well as from other religions. But we also witness persecution of Christians by fellow Christians out of fear, both of change and of repercussions, as well as out of a sense of superiority. This last type of persecution felt particularly apt, as we’re seeing a lot of this currently in our world. No one can tear down a Christian more ruthlessly than other Christians who differ on some minor point. Which is such a slap in the fact to the love we as the Church are supposed to present to the world.
Aside from the depth of faith in this novel, there were a couple of elements of the story that I really loved. First, there’s a level of tension that permeates the entirety of the plot, making for a story that is equal parts deep and fast-paced. I also really enjoyed the characters, particularly Brock and Alicia. Their romance was so lovely, and felt very true-to-life. It’s refreshing to see such a wonderful married couple in fiction, a couple who not only loves each other but sees each other as a best friend. That’s the kind of marriage I have, so it was a joy to see that type of married partnership presented on the page.
Above the Circle of Earth is so intrinsically Christian. I would go so far as to say that this is the most Christ-saturated work of science fiction I’ve ever encountered. Jesus was present on every page. Brock’s thoughts are undergirded with Biblical references and prayer. And I loved that. I don’t think this book will land well with readers who are not followers of Jesus, or who aren’t at least interested in the faith from an intellectual stance. But for Christian readers looking for speculative fiction that not only entertains but also edifies, this is going to be a wonderful new addition to their favorites shelf.
March 4, 2025
A Thought-Provoking Blend of Faith and Sci-Fi
"Above the Circle of Earth" by E. Stephen Burnette is a compelling debut that seamlessly blends science fiction with a powerful exploration of faith and human fallibility. Set a century in the future, Burnette paints a world where religious practice is relegated to "preserves."
The story centers on Brock Rivers, a man of deep Christian conviction, exiled to Mars with his wife Alicia and their three children. When Brock is called back to Earth for an "impossible dream"—to restore gospel missions in a secular, CAUSE-dominated world—the narrative takes off. Burnette skillfully portrays the challenges Brock faces, from powerful secular rulers to hidden enemies within his own ranks.
What truly resonated with me was the authentic portrayal of Brock's faith. He's a man who "prays without ceasing," yet he's refreshingly flawed, battling pride and grappling with his own shortcomings. This isn't a story of a perfect hero; it’s a story of a man striving to do right by his God, even when he falters. The depiction of his loving marriage and the impact of his mission on his family added a layer of emotional depth that I greatly appreciated.
The Midwestern setting, particularly Cincinnati, was a welcome change from the usual sci-fi backdrops. The "Star Trek" influences, with chest-mounted com badges, transporter-like "quantum vaults," and "glazer" weapons, were clear and provided a familiar yet fresh visual experience. I could easily picture the ship and uniforms.
Beyond the sci-fi elements, "Above the Circle of Earth" also delivers a compelling murder/mystery vibe. Brock's quest to uncover traitors within his team is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings, keeping you guessing until the very end. The intricate plot and the constant sense of intrigue made this a real page-turner.
A particular line in the book struck a deep chord with me. "Some explanations must wait until the Resurrection at Jesus' return, and in that eternal future, the answer might not matter..." This reminder of eternal perspective was incredibly comforting and timely as I dealt with some personal issues recently.
Burnette has crafted a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. It raises important questions about faith, freedom, and the sacrifices we make for what we believe in. I highly recommend "Above the Circle of Earth" to fans of science fiction who are looking for a story with substance and heart.
I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
"Above the Circle of Earth" by E. Stephen Burnette is a compelling debut that seamlessly blends science fiction with a powerful exploration of faith and human fallibility. Set a century in the future, Burnette paints a world where religious practice is relegated to "preserves."
The story centers on Brock Rivers, a man of deep Christian conviction, exiled to Mars with his wife Alicia and their three children. When Brock is called back to Earth for an "impossible dream"—to restore gospel missions in a secular, CAUSE-dominated world—the narrative takes off. Burnette skillfully portrays the challenges Brock faces, from powerful secular rulers to hidden enemies within his own ranks.
What truly resonated with me was the authentic portrayal of Brock's faith. He's a man who "prays without ceasing," yet he's refreshingly flawed, battling pride and grappling with his own shortcomings. This isn't a story of a perfect hero; it’s a story of a man striving to do right by his God, even when he falters. The depiction of his loving marriage and the impact of his mission on his family added a layer of emotional depth that I greatly appreciated.
The Midwestern setting, particularly Cincinnati, was a welcome change from the usual sci-fi backdrops. The "Star Trek" influences, with chest-mounted com badges, transporter-like "quantum vaults," and "glazer" weapons, were clear and provided a familiar yet fresh visual experience. I could easily picture the ship and uniforms.
Beyond the sci-fi elements, "Above the Circle of Earth" also delivers a compelling murder/mystery vibe. Brock's quest to uncover traitors within his team is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings, keeping you guessing until the very end. The intricate plot and the constant sense of intrigue made this a real page-turner.
A particular line in the book struck a deep chord with me. "Some explanations must wait until the Resurrection at Jesus' return, and in that eternal future, the answer might not matter..." This reminder of eternal perspective was incredibly comforting and timely as I dealt with some personal issues recently.
Burnette has crafted a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. It raises important questions about faith, freedom, and the sacrifices we make for what we believe in. I highly recommend "Above the Circle of Earth" to fans of science fiction who are looking for a story with substance and heart.
I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
March 25, 2025
This is an entertaining science fiction novel but also a very thought provoking one. Its dystopian view of the future shows an era where Christians (and other religions) have been geographically confined to particular areas. That reminded me of how we might think of our church building and campus as a safe place with the rest of the world “out there.” It is an era when the missionary concept has been lost. That again may be how we see our own church. Brock has a plan for a mission but some oppose his vision. Is there opposition to new mission ideas in our own churches?
There are many additional issues this novel made me think about. Do we dare go out of our comfort zones to share the gospel with others? What are we willing to do to when it might mean we risk persecution? How does one know for sure when called to a particular mission? How do those outside of the church view Christians? Those are only a few of the discussion ideas generated in this novel.
It's a good science fiction novel with lots of technological devices and unique ways of travel. Some of the item names and uses might have been a bit beyond my understanding! There are good references to possible social and spiritual struggles in the future. It is a good science fiction novel that will entertain you but also make you think.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
There are many additional issues this novel made me think about. Do we dare go out of our comfort zones to share the gospel with others? What are we willing to do to when it might mean we risk persecution? How does one know for sure when called to a particular mission? How do those outside of the church view Christians? Those are only a few of the discussion ideas generated in this novel.
It's a good science fiction novel with lots of technological devices and unique ways of travel. Some of the item names and uses might have been a bit beyond my understanding! There are good references to possible social and spiritual struggles in the future. It is a good science fiction novel that will entertain you but also make you think.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 28, 2025
Y’all! This book was fantastic! It’s one of the best science fiction books that I’ve read. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to start it all over again.
The worldbuilding was excellent. I could see something similar actually happening in the future. It was a very immersive read. I felt like I was right there beside these characters.
I loved that this book featured a married couple. I liked Brock and Alicia a lot and enjoyed seeing their loving and supportive relationship.
I loved how passionate the characters were about spreading the Gospel. It was inspiring to see them working so hard on getting the Mission started. There were definitely problems along the way. Big ones. Seemingly insurmountable ones. But I loved their resiliency and continued trust in the Lord.
The danger and excitement kept ramping up, and I found myself losing all track of time. I was so absorbed in it.
This was an absolute blast to read. It was very inspiring. I really hope there’s a sequel. If you’re looking for science fiction with a strong Christian message, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly, highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
The worldbuilding was excellent. I could see something similar actually happening in the future. It was a very immersive read. I felt like I was right there beside these characters.
I loved that this book featured a married couple. I liked Brock and Alicia a lot and enjoyed seeing their loving and supportive relationship.
I loved how passionate the characters were about spreading the Gospel. It was inspiring to see them working so hard on getting the Mission started. There were definitely problems along the way. Big ones. Seemingly insurmountable ones. But I loved their resiliency and continued trust in the Lord.
The danger and excitement kept ramping up, and I found myself losing all track of time. I was so absorbed in it.
This was an absolute blast to read. It was very inspiring. I really hope there’s a sequel. If you’re looking for science fiction with a strong Christian message, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly, highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
January 18, 2025
I really enjoy reading books about missions through YWAM and Voice of the Martyrs and reading this book was like reading a missions book, but in space! I loved the family dynamic and the healthy and loving relationship represented throughout the entire story. I would recommend this read for Star Trek and those who enjoy missions!
*I received an eARC from the publisher for my honest review!*
*I received an eARC from the publisher for my honest review!*
August 12, 2025
In the future, an agency called CAUSE took over rule of the Earth following a global war. All religion is banned on the planet except in private enclaves of religious believers. Brock and his wife are Christians who used to live in the Circle enclave until an incident caused them to be refugees on Mars, a planet out of CAUSE’s jurisdiction. There Brock has been able to provide for his family doing freelance repair jobs. After he rescues a construction crew from an air leak, he’s offered a permanent job with CAUSE or no further work. His grandfather offers him another option, he dreams of Circle buying a spaceship to fulfill the great commission and spread the news of Jesus beyond Earth. Upon the announcement of this dream at a public conference, a bomb goes off. Someone obviously doesn’t want this dream to become a reality. Is CAUSE behind it, another enclave, or a jealous individual? Brock tries to uncover who was behind the bombing while also trying to make his grandfather’s dream a reality, but he faces one road block after another. Are they doing God’s will, or should they just go back to a meager existence on Mars?
I think I picked this up at the wrong time. It just felt meh to me, a 2.5 star read. And I’m not sure why, except I started it on a very long flight (14-ish hours) and I was tired and it wasn’t pricking my exhausted self’s interest. But I didn’t have another book, and didn’t want to watch a movie, so I slogged on through half of this. When I got home, I switched to the audiobook to try and make it through the rest. And I did. I really like scifi, and well-written Christian fiction so I’m not sure why this didn’t strike a chord with me other than the timing. I was tired and the beginning of the school year is a very busy/stressful time, and this story is filled with all kinds of stress…so maybe it was just not providing the escapism I needed at the moment. I did appreciate the world building. Burnett obviously put a lot of thought into the finite details of living and working on Mars and such.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: A husband and wife are affectionate, but nothing other than kissing on page.
Violence: There are some bombings and fire fights with fatalities. Nothing super gory on page, sobering, but not gory. A woman is kidnapped and threatened with torture/death.
Ethnic diversity: Most of the characters live in future Cincinnati. Some characters from the Arabic nations enter the book, and people from a variety of Earth backgrounds are on Mars.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: There’s a lot about proselytizing, both among Christians and Muslims and in a way atheists. There’s infighting among a Christian group about tradition vs what the Bible really says. Two men have crises of faith when they face hard circumstances, both are tempted to turn away from Christianity, one does and one doesn’t. A family has to seek refuge on another family or surrender a child to the State.
I think I picked this up at the wrong time. It just felt meh to me, a 2.5 star read. And I’m not sure why, except I started it on a very long flight (14-ish hours) and I was tired and it wasn’t pricking my exhausted self’s interest. But I didn’t have another book, and didn’t want to watch a movie, so I slogged on through half of this. When I got home, I switched to the audiobook to try and make it through the rest. And I did. I really like scifi, and well-written Christian fiction so I’m not sure why this didn’t strike a chord with me other than the timing. I was tired and the beginning of the school year is a very busy/stressful time, and this story is filled with all kinds of stress…so maybe it was just not providing the escapism I needed at the moment. I did appreciate the world building. Burnett obviously put a lot of thought into the finite details of living and working on Mars and such.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: A husband and wife are affectionate, but nothing other than kissing on page.
Violence: There are some bombings and fire fights with fatalities. Nothing super gory on page, sobering, but not gory. A woman is kidnapped and threatened with torture/death.
Ethnic diversity: Most of the characters live in future Cincinnati. Some characters from the Arabic nations enter the book, and people from a variety of Earth backgrounds are on Mars.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: There’s a lot about proselytizing, both among Christians and Muslims and in a way atheists. There’s infighting among a Christian group about tradition vs what the Bible really says. Two men have crises of faith when they face hard circumstances, both are tempted to turn away from Christianity, one does and one doesn’t. A family has to seek refuge on another family or surrender a child to the State.
March 4, 2025
Disclaimer - I received an ARC of this book, though the opinions here are my own and not influenced by anything or anyone.
Above the Circle of the Earth is Mr. Burnett's first novel. The setting is a future earth where religion is limited to various settlements and otherwise outlawed. Humanism is the global practice with all that it entails. Mars is being colonized, though the settlements there regularly run into issues with resource shortages or atmosphere leaks. We begin the story with Brock Rivers, a freelance repairman on Mars, trying to eke out a living while staying out of the sights of the government, the CAUSE.
Brock and his wife Alicia were given little choice but to leave earth to go to Mars due to their Christianity and an early birth that would have placed them under the CAUSE and all of its restrictions on religious practices. At one point. Brock's quick thinking brings him to the attention of the CAUSE and he is placed in an unwanted spotlight. However, this eventually leads to him being summoned back to their religious home settlement on Earth. Here, he is asked to help lead a missionary effort to the settlements off of Earth where the CAUSE does not have full jurisdiction.
This sets the rest of the story in motion as Brock wrestles with whether this is where he should serve, how anyone could get a ship to fly to these settlements, how to fight the outside influences seeking to stop the missionary efforts, and then to intrigue as disasters strike and Brock and his people try to determine who is attacking them and how to stop it.
The book started a little slowly for me, introducing characters, backgrounds, how we got to this point, and other information that builds up the story. However, once moving, I was engaged to see what would come next, what plot twist led to shifting my thinking, and not knowing how the book would ultimately conclude. I found myself reading "just one more chapter" quite a few times because I wanted to see what came next and was often met with another revelation that caught me off guard and led down a whole different path than I was expecting.
I can recommend this for people who want a sci-fi novel that tells a good story. There is a strong Christian worldview presented, which could discourage some readers, but everything worked well to tell a good story. I was engaged throughout and wondering what would come next and how things could possibly progress. I appreciate that the book didn't wrap everything up neatly at the end. Yes, the plots were resolved, but we're left with a sense that there's more to these characters and these worlds after this novel concludes without it feeling like we're starting a series.
I enjoyed Above the Circle of the Earth quite a bit and will recommend those who want to know more to check out Mr. Burnett's writings and his podcast at lorehaven.com.
Above the Circle of the Earth is Mr. Burnett's first novel. The setting is a future earth where religion is limited to various settlements and otherwise outlawed. Humanism is the global practice with all that it entails. Mars is being colonized, though the settlements there regularly run into issues with resource shortages or atmosphere leaks. We begin the story with Brock Rivers, a freelance repairman on Mars, trying to eke out a living while staying out of the sights of the government, the CAUSE.
Brock and his wife Alicia were given little choice but to leave earth to go to Mars due to their Christianity and an early birth that would have placed them under the CAUSE and all of its restrictions on religious practices. At one point. Brock's quick thinking brings him to the attention of the CAUSE and he is placed in an unwanted spotlight. However, this eventually leads to him being summoned back to their religious home settlement on Earth. Here, he is asked to help lead a missionary effort to the settlements off of Earth where the CAUSE does not have full jurisdiction.
This sets the rest of the story in motion as Brock wrestles with whether this is where he should serve, how anyone could get a ship to fly to these settlements, how to fight the outside influences seeking to stop the missionary efforts, and then to intrigue as disasters strike and Brock and his people try to determine who is attacking them and how to stop it.
The book started a little slowly for me, introducing characters, backgrounds, how we got to this point, and other information that builds up the story. However, once moving, I was engaged to see what would come next, what plot twist led to shifting my thinking, and not knowing how the book would ultimately conclude. I found myself reading "just one more chapter" quite a few times because I wanted to see what came next and was often met with another revelation that caught me off guard and led down a whole different path than I was expecting.
I can recommend this for people who want a sci-fi novel that tells a good story. There is a strong Christian worldview presented, which could discourage some readers, but everything worked well to tell a good story. I was engaged throughout and wondering what would come next and how things could possibly progress. I appreciate that the book didn't wrap everything up neatly at the end. Yes, the plots were resolved, but we're left with a sense that there's more to these characters and these worlds after this novel concludes without it feeling like we're starting a series.
I enjoyed Above the Circle of the Earth quite a bit and will recommend those who want to know more to check out Mr. Burnett's writings and his podcast at lorehaven.com.
January 4, 2025
Missionaries in space is too simple of way to describe this action-packed, mystery-driven hard science fiction novel by E. Stephen Burnett. Brock and Alicia Rivers come to life in a future where war has ushered in a one world government that works to eradicate religion by instituting a secular society and regulating all other religions within preserves.
Their hold over the population means that if you test your boundaries as a believer and have children outside the preserve, you cannot bring them back in with you—they now belong to the secular world where sharing your faith openly is not only shunned but against the law.
Brock and Alicia must leave their loved ones behind in order to keep their faith and their son, but the call to missions in a hostile world still weighs heavy on their hearts. Life on Mars, though, is harsh and demanding just to stay alive. I imagine the temptation to return to Earth and embrace the secular way of life could have a strong pull, but this story begins what I think could be a saga of facing every hardship with an eye toward eternity.
My first impression was that I had a hard time imagining life on Mars and the technology, but knowing this is pretty much hard science fiction kept me from despairing as the characters developed and the plot revealed itself. And the technology, once you can imagine it, is very cool. Everything is connected and accessible through wearable tech, and space travel is advanced beyond our mundane dreams. While it felt far out, the tech did not seem far-fetched and slowly solidified my vision of the story in a not too distant future.
By the time tragedy strikes Brock, I was so invested I couldn’t put it down. Between the mystery of the plot and the deeper theological themes around mission work in a world that has suppressed all knowledge of Christianity outside restricted spaces, I was happily dragged along for the ride. If you love stories that have complicated future technologies, married protagonists, religious themes and questions, space travel, and conflict around every corner, Above the Circle of Earth is definitely for you. I recommend it to readers in their teens and above. It might actually be a great family read and open discussions about missions around the world!
This book was already on my TBR, but thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC. I’m sharing my review here for myself to remember and to help others discover new fiction to enjoy!
Their hold over the population means that if you test your boundaries as a believer and have children outside the preserve, you cannot bring them back in with you—they now belong to the secular world where sharing your faith openly is not only shunned but against the law.
Brock and Alicia must leave their loved ones behind in order to keep their faith and their son, but the call to missions in a hostile world still weighs heavy on their hearts. Life on Mars, though, is harsh and demanding just to stay alive. I imagine the temptation to return to Earth and embrace the secular way of life could have a strong pull, but this story begins what I think could be a saga of facing every hardship with an eye toward eternity.
My first impression was that I had a hard time imagining life on Mars and the technology, but knowing this is pretty much hard science fiction kept me from despairing as the characters developed and the plot revealed itself. And the technology, once you can imagine it, is very cool. Everything is connected and accessible through wearable tech, and space travel is advanced beyond our mundane dreams. While it felt far out, the tech did not seem far-fetched and slowly solidified my vision of the story in a not too distant future.
By the time tragedy strikes Brock, I was so invested I couldn’t put it down. Between the mystery of the plot and the deeper theological themes around mission work in a world that has suppressed all knowledge of Christianity outside restricted spaces, I was happily dragged along for the ride. If you love stories that have complicated future technologies, married protagonists, religious themes and questions, space travel, and conflict around every corner, Above the Circle of Earth is definitely for you. I recommend it to readers in their teens and above. It might actually be a great family read and open discussions about missions around the world!
This book was already on my TBR, but thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC. I’m sharing my review here for myself to remember and to help others discover new fiction to enjoy!
January 21, 2025
Above The Circle Of Earth, by E Stephen Burnett, is a Sci-fi novel that will inspire sci-fi-loving believers to share their faith. It is packed with action, is clean, and has a great Christian message.
With Bradbury-quality dialogue, Asimov-esque plot twists, Clarke-level technological concepts, and Herbertine political intrigue, Above the Circle Of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett stands out as a unique work of Science Fiction in its unrelenting drive to plant the Christian faith firmly in a secular sci-fi future.
Brock Rivers is determined to boldly preach where no man has preached before. Faith, the final frontier, stretches out black and daunting above his home world, but the true opposition to his Godly cause is CAUSE, a brutalist and tyrannical force that sabotages him beneath the circle of the earth’s horizon. Undaunted, Brock faces endless setbacks, yet the faith is strong with this one.
Considering the worldview from which the vast majority of sci-fi is written, it’s refreshing to experience a fantastical story that is unabashedly faith-based while being unsurpassed in its commitment to solid sci-fi world-building.
Burnett’s deep well of genre knowledge shows through as he effortlessly navigates into a universe where the Christian faith is in peril from a solar system-wide autocracy that aims to choke out its existence. The author’s approachable prose allows this work to avoid being campy in its Christian content or trope-ridden in its sci-fi set pieces. This book was one small leap for man but a giant leap for Christian sci-fi-kind.
Although its Christian aspects are firmly rooted in the story, the book is not preachy, pedantic, forced, contrived, or patronizing in its faith-focused content. Instead, the action follows a handful of mature believers who deal with unimaginable stresses with the poise and grace that their faith provides them.
For decades, Christian sci-fi fans have been forced to enjoy sci-fi content while warding off challenges to their worldview from the very genre they love. Not so with this book. Now, a sci-fi-loving Christ-follower can explore a futuristic solar system and grow in the faith while doing so.
This book reinforces the beauty and power of commitment and mission, showing the excellent faith-building tool that Christian science fiction can be. Thank you, E. Stephen Burnett and Enclave for this great work of Christian Sci-fi. We need more books like this.
With Bradbury-quality dialogue, Asimov-esque plot twists, Clarke-level technological concepts, and Herbertine political intrigue, Above the Circle Of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett stands out as a unique work of Science Fiction in its unrelenting drive to plant the Christian faith firmly in a secular sci-fi future.
Brock Rivers is determined to boldly preach where no man has preached before. Faith, the final frontier, stretches out black and daunting above his home world, but the true opposition to his Godly cause is CAUSE, a brutalist and tyrannical force that sabotages him beneath the circle of the earth’s horizon. Undaunted, Brock faces endless setbacks, yet the faith is strong with this one.
Considering the worldview from which the vast majority of sci-fi is written, it’s refreshing to experience a fantastical story that is unabashedly faith-based while being unsurpassed in its commitment to solid sci-fi world-building.
Burnett’s deep well of genre knowledge shows through as he effortlessly navigates into a universe where the Christian faith is in peril from a solar system-wide autocracy that aims to choke out its existence. The author’s approachable prose allows this work to avoid being campy in its Christian content or trope-ridden in its sci-fi set pieces. This book was one small leap for man but a giant leap for Christian sci-fi-kind.
Although its Christian aspects are firmly rooted in the story, the book is not preachy, pedantic, forced, contrived, or patronizing in its faith-focused content. Instead, the action follows a handful of mature believers who deal with unimaginable stresses with the poise and grace that their faith provides them.
For decades, Christian sci-fi fans have been forced to enjoy sci-fi content while warding off challenges to their worldview from the very genre they love. Not so with this book. Now, a sci-fi-loving Christ-follower can explore a futuristic solar system and grow in the faith while doing so.
This book reinforces the beauty and power of commitment and mission, showing the excellent faith-building tool that Christian science fiction can be. Thank you, E. Stephen Burnett and Enclave for this great work of Christian Sci-fi. We need more books like this.
March 29, 2025
Above the Circle of the Earth was an excellent read. I really enjoyed it and will likely read it again someday soon. It was a really good, clean, adventure-filled Christian sci-fi story. There were times that the action was intense, and I was holding on to the edge of my seat; that is how real it seemed. Of course, I was also trying to see what happened in the end, so it was page after page and before I knew it, that was the end to this one. Themes in the book cover faith, hard decisions, murder, and conflicts of faith and love.
Brock and Alicia Rivers have been on Mars for seven years because they refused to give up their son due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Brock is a repairman on Mars who must search for jobs daily to keep afloat and just to stay alive. He is trying to take theology classes while working and taking care of his family. Alicia is a stay-at-home mom who homeschools their children. Their home is a very small and cramped structure, but they make do.
CAUSE is a secular organization that has pretty much taken over Earth, and they are trying to take over Mars as well. They allow people to share their faith whether Christian or otherwise, yet they make them live on what they call preserves. It is okay to share there, but they better not get caught anywhere else outside of those preserves sharing. It is the same with Mars, so Brock must be very careful in sharing, yet bold.
You will be soaking in the rays and trying to breathe on Mars in no time when you pick this book up. I recommend this book while wearing your Star Wars PJs and a glass of milk and some Wookie cookies- no such thing, but hey, why not. Seriously, this book was super good, and I cannot wait to see if there is a sequel. There is a hint at one, but it is not necessarily confirmed.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Brock and Alicia Rivers have been on Mars for seven years because they refused to give up their son due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Brock is a repairman on Mars who must search for jobs daily to keep afloat and just to stay alive. He is trying to take theology classes while working and taking care of his family. Alicia is a stay-at-home mom who homeschools their children. Their home is a very small and cramped structure, but they make do.
CAUSE is a secular organization that has pretty much taken over Earth, and they are trying to take over Mars as well. They allow people to share their faith whether Christian or otherwise, yet they make them live on what they call preserves. It is okay to share there, but they better not get caught anywhere else outside of those preserves sharing. It is the same with Mars, so Brock must be very careful in sharing, yet bold.
You will be soaking in the rays and trying to breathe on Mars in no time when you pick this book up. I recommend this book while wearing your Star Wars PJs and a glass of milk and some Wookie cookies- no such thing, but hey, why not. Seriously, this book was super good, and I cannot wait to see if there is a sequel. There is a hint at one, but it is not necessarily confirmed.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
March 4, 2025
This book covers so many interesting ideas and important themes, and I really respect it for that. It's exciting to see fantastical fiction tackle topics like:
- what gospel work could look like in the far future
- what happens when Christians are zealous but haven't fully evaluated the cost of their actions
- how to pursue unity among Christians when there's known treachery within a Christian institution
- the complexities of leaving a cult
- the pros and cons of sequestering each belief system away in its own little undisturbed world
Unfortunately, this book left me feeling like it tried to tackle a few too many different things, which meant these fascinating questions were mostly skimmed over at a surface level.
I think it's important for readers to know that this book isn't about Brock and Alicia going into space and spreading the gospel across the planets. The main characters spend almost the entire book on Earth dealing with conflicts related to getting the Space Mission off the ground in the first place. It's also not a book about the humanistic CAUSE opposing the Space Mission; the main conflict quickly goes off in a different direction and leaves the interesting antagonist of CAUSE as little more than background noise. I did find many of the book's events intriguing, but I think I would've appreciated them more if my expectations had been more aligned with them.
I think this book will appeal most to readers who already love hard sci-fi and who enjoy a tech-heavy, character-light story that is still thought-provoking and thematic.
- what gospel work could look like in the far future
- what happens when Christians are zealous but haven't fully evaluated the cost of their actions
- how to pursue unity among Christians when there's known treachery within a Christian institution
- the complexities of leaving a cult
- the pros and cons of sequestering each belief system away in its own little undisturbed world
Unfortunately, this book left me feeling like it tried to tackle a few too many different things, which meant these fascinating questions were mostly skimmed over at a surface level.
I think it's important for readers to know that this book isn't about Brock and Alicia going into space and spreading the gospel across the planets. The main characters spend almost the entire book on Earth dealing with conflicts related to getting the Space Mission off the ground in the first place. It's also not a book about the humanistic CAUSE opposing the Space Mission; the main conflict quickly goes off in a different direction and leaves the interesting antagonist of CAUSE as little more than background noise. I did find many of the book's events intriguing, but I think I would've appreciated them more if my expectations had been more aligned with them.
I think this book will appeal most to readers who already love hard sci-fi and who enjoy a tech-heavy, character-light story that is still thought-provoking and thematic.
March 4, 2025
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: 6/25
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Christian Science Fiction
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Crimson light flared in the darkness, beating with the emergency tone that pulsed in Brock's head.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: Come out from your preserve and look above.
Have you ever thought what it would be like to share the Gospel and be a Christ follower with Star Wars/Star Trek vibes? Well, search no more!
Above the Circle of Earth is now available for you to read! 🌏
So, this book is something new to me comparing to all of Enclave's books that I have already read. Usually, christian faith are written metaphorically, but with this one, Jesus is written as He is. That is probably one of my favorite things here.
While this is hard scifi, and I struggled a bit reading it, it didn't stop me to see what happened on the next page. Hopefully I'll love more "hard scifi" stories someday 🙈
Another thing I love is the "normal family things/problems" the characters do and experience, except that they are in space and has lots of futuristic things around them.
It was quite an adventure and interesting read for me.
Aside from the beautiful cover, this book is shelf worthy!
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Christian Science Fiction
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Crimson light flared in the darkness, beating with the emergency tone that pulsed in Brock's head.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: Come out from your preserve and look above.
Have you ever thought what it would be like to share the Gospel and be a Christ follower with Star Wars/Star Trek vibes? Well, search no more!
Above the Circle of Earth is now available for you to read! 🌏
So, this book is something new to me comparing to all of Enclave's books that I have already read. Usually, christian faith are written metaphorically, but with this one, Jesus is written as He is. That is probably one of my favorite things here.
While this is hard scifi, and I struggled a bit reading it, it didn't stop me to see what happened on the next page. Hopefully I'll love more "hard scifi" stories someday 🙈
Another thing I love is the "normal family things/problems" the characters do and experience, except that they are in space and has lots of futuristic things around them.
It was quite an adventure and interesting read for me.
Aside from the beautiful cover, this book is shelf worthy!
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
March 4, 2025
Above the Circle of the Earth, ACE, is an impressive debut novel that I relate to on many levels. It captures my hunger for the unknown as we follow a family, living on Mars, begin a mission to take the Gospel deeper into space. ACE appeals to my own desire to seek & save the lost. The battle begins at home as Brock & Alicia have to overcome naysayers, the religious spirit, denominational differences to get the mission off the ground. What they are doing has never been done & that captures the attention of many, even of a terrorist movement. The result, there’s not a sleepy moment in this book. Early in the story, we see the genuine passion of many of the characters to fulfill the Great Commission & we want them to succeed. The entire book leaves you wondering if that will happen.
Burnett does a great job with creating relatable characters as well as developing them through the story.
He also has done a fascinating job of creating a futuristic world that is ruled by a humanistic corporation with reserves for various groups of religious people. The scifi lovers will appreciate some unique futuristic tech, as well.
I am ready to preorder ACE, the sequel, but not sure how to preorder a novel that hasn’t been written. Can I preorder it straight outta his head?
Burnett does a great job with creating relatable characters as well as developing them through the story.
He also has done a fascinating job of creating a futuristic world that is ruled by a humanistic corporation with reserves for various groups of religious people. The scifi lovers will appreciate some unique futuristic tech, as well.
I am ready to preorder ACE, the sequel, but not sure how to preorder a novel that hasn’t been written. Can I preorder it straight outta his head?
March 25, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. I like the author and his work with Lorehaven. I LOVE Enclave Publishing and recommend their books all the time (I’ve read the majority of them). I love the heart behind this book.
But overall, it just wasn’t the right fit for me. It’s about wanting to send missionaries to other planets/colonies, and the politics and all that entails. For someone interested in missions, or for a missionary kid I think this would be a great book. I don’t think it’d be the right fit the majority of people or Christians. I’m not sure if it’s a young adult book, as the main character is married with 3 kids. So that alone wouldn’t classify it as YA to me. And I can’t think of adults who would enjoy it, apart from missionaries. I’m in ministry, and I just found it dull. But I truly love what the author was trying to do with the book, what he’s trying to make you think about, and take away—that I would rate much higher! The overall plot and entertainment of the book wasn’t very good though. But please don’t let my review discourage you! Two people can read the same book with one thinking it’s great and another not-so-great. What’s not-so-great for me could be wonderful for you, so give it a try and support more Christian fiction authors.
But overall, it just wasn’t the right fit for me. It’s about wanting to send missionaries to other planets/colonies, and the politics and all that entails. For someone interested in missions, or for a missionary kid I think this would be a great book. I don’t think it’d be the right fit the majority of people or Christians. I’m not sure if it’s a young adult book, as the main character is married with 3 kids. So that alone wouldn’t classify it as YA to me. And I can’t think of adults who would enjoy it, apart from missionaries. I’m in ministry, and I just found it dull. But I truly love what the author was trying to do with the book, what he’s trying to make you think about, and take away—that I would rate much higher! The overall plot and entertainment of the book wasn’t very good though. But please don’t let my review discourage you! Two people can read the same book with one thinking it’s great and another not-so-great. What’s not-so-great for me could be wonderful for you, so give it a try and support more Christian fiction authors.
March 29, 2025
Space has always fascinated me ever since I was a child. I remember watching science fiction movies where astronauts would travel to Mars. This book feels just like reading a movie script. It has action, vivid descriptions of another world and a nice blend of faith to make this a must read for speculative readers.
Brock along with his family have been living on Mars for a while. He is determined to keep his family safe but a mission may find him being put in danger. I loved reading how Brock is gifted to repair crafts and keep a calm head. His only goal is to always keep his faith and never lose hope.
I love that Brock wants to share his faith with others. Being banned from Earth has been hard for him and his family. His family has been through so much but their faith held strong. I appreciate the scriptures used during the story. Their desire to return to Earth may be possible but will there be danger?
Incredible story that shares the gospel in a way that is easy to understand. The different beliefs where Christians question other Christians is very well written. Get ready for an adventure where sharing your faith can be dangerous but the rewards are so much greater.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Brock along with his family have been living on Mars for a while. He is determined to keep his family safe but a mission may find him being put in danger. I loved reading how Brock is gifted to repair crafts and keep a calm head. His only goal is to always keep his faith and never lose hope.
I love that Brock wants to share his faith with others. Being banned from Earth has been hard for him and his family. His family has been through so much but their faith held strong. I appreciate the scriptures used during the story. Their desire to return to Earth may be possible but will there be danger?
Incredible story that shares the gospel in a way that is easy to understand. The different beliefs where Christians question other Christians is very well written. Get ready for an adventure where sharing your faith can be dangerous but the rewards are so much greater.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
April 5, 2025
I love Sci-Fi, and there's a very limited amount of it in the Christian category. Brock is on Mars, and that wasn't his idea at all. After "CAUSE" took over Earth, there was a defining moment, an uh-oh that landed Brock, his wife Alicia, and their three children being cast into what amounts to exile. Brock is a man of strong faith, and it's clearly shown. He and his family have an "underground" church group, and that's not a popular thing in this story. This book has a ton of action, lovely Sci-Fi references, and elements. It has so much worked into it to make people think, evaluate, open their eyes, and actually see. It will stick with you long after the last page, and it's good enough to get a physical copy for my home library. Don't miss this book, it's a worthy read, and topping it all off, this standalone book is a debut. I really hope the author writes a lot more of this genre.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is mine, all mine, and a positive review is never required.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is mine, all mine, and a positive review is never required.
April 7, 2025
Christian Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Above the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett is the most recent book I have read in this genre.
I will admit I am not a Science Fiction reader, but the synopsis of this book really intrigued me. The main character in this book is Brock Rivers, his wife Alicia and his family. The book really has an interesting storyline in that Brock and his family are exiled to Mars to serve as Missionaries. Brock and Alicia are steadfast in their faith, even on Mars which is very secular. Brock wants to escape CAUSE. I really LOVE how Brock and Alicia know they have work to complete on Mars, yet want to eventually return to Earth to continue their Missionary work. I also like that the book is looking forward to the 22nd Century. The book is fast paced, action packed and has a STRONG, but not Preachy, Faith aspect. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Science Fiction with a Christian aspect. GREAT BOOK!
I will admit I am not a Science Fiction reader, but the synopsis of this book really intrigued me. The main character in this book is Brock Rivers, his wife Alicia and his family. The book really has an interesting storyline in that Brock and his family are exiled to Mars to serve as Missionaries. Brock and Alicia are steadfast in their faith, even on Mars which is very secular. Brock wants to escape CAUSE. I really LOVE how Brock and Alicia know they have work to complete on Mars, yet want to eventually return to Earth to continue their Missionary work. I also like that the book is looking forward to the 22nd Century. The book is fast paced, action packed and has a STRONG, but not Preachy, Faith aspect. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Science Fiction with a Christian aspect. GREAT BOOK!
February 10, 2025
Christian missionaries in space: yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.
This action-packed story has a lot to say, not only about Christians struggling against the world, but also against the tensions that often exist within our churches and communities. It’s a clash to define what it means to live faithfully, no matter what the frontier.
I've been thinking about this novel a fair bit since I read an early release copy of it. And it's one of those speculative novels I'm eager to re-read once I get a physical copy because of how much depth is packed into this book.
This book is delightfully entertaining, and is worth reading just for that reason of course. But thoughtful readers will also find it to be rather rewarding in what it has to say about the ways believers engage with the outside world.
Highly recommend!
This action-packed story has a lot to say, not only about Christians struggling against the world, but also against the tensions that often exist within our churches and communities. It’s a clash to define what it means to live faithfully, no matter what the frontier.
I've been thinking about this novel a fair bit since I read an early release copy of it. And it's one of those speculative novels I'm eager to re-read once I get a physical copy because of how much depth is packed into this book.
This book is delightfully entertaining, and is worth reading just for that reason of course. But thoughtful readers will also find it to be rather rewarding in what it has to say about the ways believers engage with the outside world.
Highly recommend!
March 3, 2025
An excellent faith-friendly story! It includes a refreshing depiction of a committed marriage and normal family issues...all mixed in with unusual circumstances that risks that family's quiet life on Mars. It is refreshing to see a story where the family dynamics aren’t the driver of the conflict. Instead, family is shown as a stabilizing force when the world around them is going crazy.
Another strong point is the worldbuilding. While interesting worlds are common in speculative fiction, what isn’t as common is the overt tension between the secular and religious elements of this future society.
The mix of true friends and false allies makes for good intrigue. And the theme of persistence in the face of opposition resonates well.
All in all, a great sci-fi debut!
Another strong point is the worldbuilding. While interesting worlds are common in speculative fiction, what isn’t as common is the overt tension between the secular and religious elements of this future society.
The mix of true friends and false allies makes for good intrigue. And the theme of persistence in the face of opposition resonates well.
All in all, a great sci-fi debut!
March 5, 2025
Above the Circle of Earth is the first novel I have read by E Stephen Burnett. I thought it was written with a writing style that I thought was different and unique. I liked that the author was able to weave faith within the pages. It was a pleasure meeting Brock and going on this adventure with them.
I am going to give Above the Circle of Earth three and a half stars. It would be worth reading for those who enjoy books from the science fiction genre. I am curious to see what other books E Stephen Burnett has released, as well as, those to be released in the future.
I received a digital copy of E Stephen Burnett's Above the Circle of Earth from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am going to give Above the Circle of Earth three and a half stars. It would be worth reading for those who enjoy books from the science fiction genre. I am curious to see what other books E Stephen Burnett has released, as well as, those to be released in the future.
I received a digital copy of E Stephen Burnett's Above the Circle of Earth from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 1, 2025
The setting of this book is in the future with Brock and his family settled on Mars. Brock reminisces about the past and what could have been. But the good news is they are a Christian family who try to spread the good news in outer space. They live in dangerous space conditions where water and air are sparse. I must say that would be very stressful to deal with on a daily basis, but he handles all these issues quite well (strong in faith). I had a hard time getting into the book and I’m thinking maybe science-fiction isn’t my thing anymore. But if you’re into technical things and hard SF, then you will enjoy this over a nice glass of blue milk. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour. And the opinions I express are honest and my own.
April 23, 2025
I grew up reading and watching science fiction, and as young teen I wondered where the representation for Christians existed in these secular offerings. This novel dives into that imagination. What will Christianity look like in two or three hundred years, should the Lord tarry? How will the world react to ever increasing religious extremism?
Above the Circle of the Earth dives into these and other futuristic topics with relish. There is no doubt this is a Christian novel, AND it is an excellent science fiction read as well. The story is fast paced and exciting, and the characters are very relatable in their struggles.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excellent! I can’t wait for the sequel.
Above the Circle of the Earth dives into these and other futuristic topics with relish. There is no doubt this is a Christian novel, AND it is an excellent science fiction read as well. The story is fast paced and exciting, and the characters are very relatable in their struggles.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excellent! I can’t wait for the sequel.
February 12, 2025
As a lover of Jesus and sci-fi, I found this story super enjoyable. There was lots of action, theological debates, interactions between different Christian denominations and different religions, and of course space ships and space travel. I also liked that the story was centered around a married couple serving God, as someone who is married and trying with my spouse to serve God best I can. Above the Circle of seemed to be written for Christians like me. It was very refreshing and encouraging to read while at the same time downright entertaining fiction. I hope there’s a second book on the way! I’d love to see this story continue.
June 18, 2025
Non-Alien Sci-Fi adventure? Check!
Biblical Christian Sci-Fi? Check!
Space Travel, New Technology? Check!
Missionaries, Good V Evil? Check!
Twist, Turns and Great characters? Check!
This is the Sci-Fi Christian Book I did not know I needed. Until I read it. The drama was intense, the Plot was well thought out and tested. Character development was mostly good and strong as each character had a role and played it well.
Not a typical sci-fi book but I am not sure non Christians will enjoy the story line or the Biblical ideals.
Biblical Christian Sci-Fi? Check!
Space Travel, New Technology? Check!
Missionaries, Good V Evil? Check!
Twist, Turns and Great characters? Check!
This is the Sci-Fi Christian Book I did not know I needed. Until I read it. The drama was intense, the Plot was well thought out and tested. Character development was mostly good and strong as each character had a role and played it well.
Not a typical sci-fi book but I am not sure non Christians will enjoy the story line or the Biblical ideals.
April 8, 2025
What would it look like for a family to start an interplanetary Christian mission in a future where religious groups aren’t allowed to evangelize? This Christian adventure takes place on various continents across a future earth and a Mars! This story explores so many themes and especially disagreements within Christianity which isn’t always addressed in fiction. It’s exciting and *slight spoiler* The “bad guys” are not who you would probably expect!
It’s “hard” Sci Fi but it’s relational with a married protagonist and his children. (I would have loved to see more scenes with the kids!) I loved the vaulting technology!
Sci Fi can be so anti-human/dystopian while Christian futuristic fiction seems to often lean apocalyptic. It’s refreshing to explore a future where humanity is interplanetary and how the Christian remnant continues on!
It’s exciting and *slight spoiler* The “bad guys” are not who you would probably expect but makes so much sense!
The author’s writing style was a little hard for me to get into at first… and some of the dialogue was stiff. There’s a lot going on in this story and I would love to read some short stories that continue the adventure!
Audience: Adult, and teen safe
🌶️ Married couple PG not detailed kissing
Quotes:
“No one gets baptized in the rivers of Mars.”
“His beard had long outgrown the condition that Alicia teasingly called “unkempt theologian.” These days he more closely resembled a desperate prospector.”
“This was the same Mediterranean Sea that the Apostle Paul had crossed three times on his missionary journeys. What would Paul have thought if he had known that 2,100 years later, future disciples would hurtle a ship high over the waters . . . and now go faster, and faster?”
It’s “hard” Sci Fi but it’s relational with a married protagonist and his children. (I would have loved to see more scenes with the kids!) I loved the vaulting technology!
Sci Fi can be so anti-human/dystopian while Christian futuristic fiction seems to often lean apocalyptic. It’s refreshing to explore a future where humanity is interplanetary and how the Christian remnant continues on!
It’s exciting and *slight spoiler* The “bad guys” are not who you would probably expect but makes so much sense!
The author’s writing style was a little hard for me to get into at first… and some of the dialogue was stiff. There’s a lot going on in this story and I would love to read some short stories that continue the adventure!
Audience: Adult, and teen safe
🌶️ Married couple PG not detailed kissing
Quotes:
“No one gets baptized in the rivers of Mars.”
“His beard had long outgrown the condition that Alicia teasingly called “unkempt theologian.” These days he more closely resembled a desperate prospector.”
“This was the same Mediterranean Sea that the Apostle Paul had crossed three times on his missionary journeys. What would Paul have thought if he had known that 2,100 years later, future disciples would hurtle a ship high over the waters . . . and now go faster, and faster?”
May 31, 2025
This book takes on the political and religious intrigue of a futuristic Mars colony, and the result is a fascinating and unflinching look at the clashes between ideals and beliefs, and how these clashes shape humanity's future once we become a multi-world species. The main character is a Christian facing persecution for his beliefs and the twists and turns make for a page-turning read. Highly recommended.
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