There has been talk among LGGers about how CBA publishing houses will not pick up certain kinds of novels, such as fantasy, sci-fi and horror. And if, on the slim chance they do, the books are by an already established author or the books are labeled as a different genre.
Take Robin Parrish’s Fearless, for example. Several reviewers on the CSFF tour stated they thought it was more a superhero type (I guess sci-fi) book and not suspense, as it is labeled.
I think that The Void, by Mark Mynheir, is another such novel. It is labeled suspense, but has a sci-fi plot--demon inhabitation of clone bodies. Yes, it is suspenseful. But why isn’t the book labeled science fiction? Is it too “tame” or are there too many elements of suspense within? Perhaps.
I can see why The Void made the cut—it is well-written and thought out. The Christian worldview is clearly laid out and Christian characters provide the example sufficient to bring another character to Christ.
The Void is coming up on the CFBA tour in August, but I’d like to review it here in hopes that many others will read it. I think it’s a good example of how sci-fi can get published in the CBA. I’m very surprised that the CSFF blog tour hasn’t picked up this novel—I think it would be a fitting addition.
My review of The Void:
Robbie Sanchez works homicide cases for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Ever since her father was killed in the line of duty, she has determined she will rid the streets of criminals. A workaholic, she pushes away any real relationships and substitutes work in their place.
When a Palm Bay detective is murdered, Robbie and her fellow officers must investigate the crime. It seems to be the work of a cop killer. But the discovery of more clues bring attention to a large scientific research facility called Lifetex. The CEO claims ignorance, but cures for diseases aren’t the only things the center is searching for. Secretly, clones have been created and await their first breaths in the world. But have they unleashed hell in the process?
Mynheir, in an engaging and clear fashion, explores pushing the moral boundaries of science. He hypothesizes through story what clones would be like should any be successfully produced.
The author brings forth the theme of spiritual warfare as well. Do Christians look any different than other humans in the spirit realm? How do we, as believers, fight unseen evil? Should up close opposition to Christ cause us to fight more aggressively for what we believe?
Entertaining and thought-provoking, Mynheir pens something here that I know a lot of LGGers have pondered for years. This isn’t the first, nor will it be the last novel dealing with cloning and the reality of demons. I really enjoyed this supernatural suspense/sci-fi double whammie. Pick up a copy and judge for yourself—you’ll be glad you did.
