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bookzonereviews's review
5.0
Don't Count Out Our Youth!
The Next Fithian was a really great read! Geared towards young adults yet enjoyable for adults as well.
Teenager Rankin ends up in another dimension and is tasked with the job to spread the gospel to a world that does not believe. Sound familiar?
I enjoyed the author's creativity in the presentation of the gospel and the reminder that everyone can share their faith. Ageism which can sometimes be a stumbling block in life and in the church is shredded as the light shone on the fact that we tend to disregard our youth as viable conduits of the gospel.
I admired his skillful incorporation of biblical stories as the adventure heated up. This was not a book I could rush through, I slowed down and enjoyed every delicious bite.
Key Takeaway:
We all have a part to play in sharing the gospel message; our age, doubts, or circumstances are no excuse to avoid doing so.
Job well done Mr. Barry!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Next Fithian was a really great read! Geared towards young adults yet enjoyable for adults as well.
Teenager Rankin ends up in another dimension and is tasked with the job to spread the gospel to a world that does not believe. Sound familiar?
I enjoyed the author's creativity in the presentation of the gospel and the reminder that everyone can share their faith. Ageism which can sometimes be a stumbling block in life and in the church is shredded as the light shone on the fact that we tend to disregard our youth as viable conduits of the gospel.
I admired his skillful incorporation of biblical stories as the adventure heated up. This was not a book I could rush through, I slowed down and enjoyed every delicious bite.
Key Takeaway:
We all have a part to play in sharing the gospel message; our age, doubts, or circumstances are no excuse to avoid doing so.
Job well done Mr. Barry!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
randikaye's review
First and foremost, I must start out this review with the obligatory disclosure that science fiction is not my cup of tea, and being in my 30s, I am far from the target young adult audience for whom this book was intended for. So, when I say that it wasn't my favorite--- well, I honestly never would have expected it to be! But for those who DO enjoy science fiction, this story had a lot going for it that I certainly think they will enjoy. The author did a great job of creating this unique world and drawing the reader into it. I think it definitely takes a bit to sort out all the specifics, but then this could also just be me as again this isn't a genre that I typically read and it does take me longer to get into. As a mom, I think it's great to have options like this in the science fiction genre that have a Christian viewpoint so I can feel better about my teen reading it, if he chose to do so. Overall, a unique read. If you enjoy science fiction yourself or have a young reader in your life who does, this is certainly one worth checking out for yourself.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
55_sallymander's review
5.0
5 stars, Refreshing sci-fi adventure
THE NEXT FITHIAN: AN ORDINARY TEEN ON A STRANGE, NEW WORLD (NEXT FITHIAN #1)
By Rick Barry
Published by: Fithian Publications
As a constant reader, I've found that I adore The Next Fithian because it combines some of the aspects that I look forwards to in a novel and packages the story up in a pretty green book. Science Fiction, Fantasy, a Christian author, friendships, a superhero that anyone can relate to, which all combine to make an attractive novel, not only the cover but inside, as well.
It is refreshing not to have the vulgarities that are so often in adventure books, these days. Highly recommend. Though the book is set in a futuristic, fantasy world, it can help to solidify the morals and beliefs of the people in your life. As a middle-aged grandmother, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'd like to purchase the paper-back copy for my grandchildren. I know they'd love the adventure, as well.
I received a complimentary copy of #TheNextFithian @TheNextFithian from @RickBarry @FithianPublications @writerRickBarry #ChristianSciFi #inspyfiction #mustreadseries I was under no obligation to post a review.
THE NEXT FITHIAN: AN ORDINARY TEEN ON A STRANGE, NEW WORLD (NEXT FITHIAN #1)
By Rick Barry
Published by: Fithian Publications
As a constant reader, I've found that I adore The Next Fithian because it combines some of the aspects that I look forwards to in a novel and packages the story up in a pretty green book. Science Fiction, Fantasy, a Christian author, friendships, a superhero that anyone can relate to, which all combine to make an attractive novel, not only the cover but inside, as well.
It is refreshing not to have the vulgarities that are so often in adventure books, these days. Highly recommend. Though the book is set in a futuristic, fantasy world, it can help to solidify the morals and beliefs of the people in your life. As a middle-aged grandmother, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'd like to purchase the paper-back copy for my grandchildren. I know they'd love the adventure, as well.
I received a complimentary copy of #TheNextFithian @TheNextFithian from @RickBarry @FithianPublications @writerRickBarry #ChristianSciFi #inspyfiction #mustreadseries I was under no obligation to post a review.
sassybookishmama's review
3.0
This was a very interesting and creative story. There is a strong Christian theme and definitely perfect for young adults and adults as well. The message of the story is what captivated me the most. It is a great reminder that we all have been called to share the Good News with the world and everyone that comes across our paths. The main character encounters this and he is great and he only becomes stronger in his mission as the story goes on.
I definitely recommend this one for young adults but it would also work great as a read aloud if you happen to do that with your kiddos or are a homeschool family like we are.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I definitely recommend this one for young adults but it would also work great as a read aloud if you happen to do that with your kiddos or are a homeschool family like we are.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
natpatreads's review
4.0
Rankin is a teenager who is suddenly tasked with a mission from God - to be his witness (Fithian) to a world not in our dimension. Throughout this book, we follow along with Rankin's journey as he struggles with his calling from God, a new world, and how is he to share the good news with a planet that is desperately struggling with this new distance from their creator.
When I started this book, I definitely struggled to get into it. I found the initial writing to be a little choppy and the premise a struggle to follow. I also found a few of the chapter breaks to be disorienting and hard to follow what was going on in the plot. About one-third of the way through I started to become invested in Rankin and his friends and how he would fulfil his mission on this world.
One of my favourite things in this book was its description on how things were for the world before their separation from the Creator. Being a music lover, the sections that talked about singing and worship were especially meaningful and beautiful to me.
This book was a solid 3.5 stars (I typically uprate a half rating if the half is not available) for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book Triggers: Death and Violence. There is definitely a lot of description of death and violence within this book. It is never treated lightly and is almost always left me with a feeling of disgust, horror, and/or grief at the situation.
When I started this book, I definitely struggled to get into it. I found the initial writing to be a little choppy and the premise a struggle to follow. I also found a few of the chapter breaks to be disorienting and hard to follow what was going on in the plot. About one-third of the way through I started to become invested in Rankin and his friends and how he would fulfil his mission on this world.
One of my favourite things in this book was its description on how things were for the world before their separation from the Creator. Being a music lover, the sections that talked about singing and worship were especially meaningful and beautiful to me.
This book was a solid 3.5 stars (I typically uprate a half rating if the half is not available) for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book Triggers: Death and Violence. There is definitely a lot of description of death and violence within this book. It is never treated lightly and is almost always left me with a feeling of disgust, horror, and/or grief at the situation.
mrs_booklove's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
The Next Fithian is a Christian YA Fantasy.
I wasn’t sure whether I was going to like this book at first, but as I kept reading, I found myself wanting to know what would happen next. By the time I hit the major climax near the book’s end, I was completely hooked.
Things I liked: the interesting story premise, side characters that aren’t completely flat, a main character that has significant growth, good pacing, and creative world-building.
Things I didn’t like: some of the early dialogue seemed a little overly preachy to me especially near the beginning, however, in context of the story and the character speaking, it wasn’t wrong, just a little weird. One character late in the story was excessively evil, but again, it did fit within the story for a purpose.
Overall, I enjoyed The Next Fithian and would recommend it to older teens and young adults who like YA fantasy that is overtly Christian.
I received an advanced review copy of The Next Fithian for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
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