Interviews
I was recently interviewed by Dr. Michael Brown on his national radio program - Line of Fire - To listen to the interview copy and paste the link below into your internet browser.
http://www.lineoffireradio.com/2016/01/13/the-latest-in-christian-sci-fi-and-commentary-on-the-latest-news/
http://www.lineoffireradio.com/2016/01/13/the-latest-in-christian-sci-fi-and-commentary-on-the-latest-news/
Recent Interview with Randy and Monica Zackary - WBGL in Indiana
Reviews
I have never read a book quite like this one. It combines science fiction, fantasy, psychology, social commentary, theology and one man’s search for ultimate truth into a compelling adventure. It entertained me at the same time that it made me think. Maddux’s writing is very rich in imagination and detail. I think you are going to like this book and remember it long after you put it down. How about 5 stars! I think of the book as a fortunate collision between C.S. Lewis and George Lucas [at his best]. As an allegory it is a very fresh and insightful rendering of the greatest story of all time. I am also enjoying the veiled political commentary and innuendo regarding the dominant culture portrayed in the book as it relates to contemporary America. The characters are compelling and engaging and recognizable as types we have all come across in our daily lives - that is to say, they are believable. The passages dealing with the central character's use of halucinogenic or reality altering drugs are extremely rich and imaginative. The reader can "trip" without fear of side effects!
Mark Cowpersmith
San Diego, CA
Mark Cowpersmith
San Diego, CA
The beautiful world of Ebbern is but one of the dimensions where stories unfold in this tale of soul searching, deception, mystery, betrayal, hope and victory. The characters become endeared to you as they are revealed and at times the allegories in this tale prompt one to consider the things in our world a little differently.
The book is tolkienesque in how it lingers to set the stages, yet the pacing is justified with sections of action and tension being rewarding to read.
The Verdict: 4.5/5
Pick up a copy... you won't regret it. Hopefully a decorative hardbound edition comes out that I can sit down to read with my grand children.
Chris King
El Paso, Texas
The book is tolkienesque in how it lingers to set the stages, yet the pacing is justified with sections of action and tension being rewarding to read.
The Verdict: 4.5/5
Pick up a copy... you won't regret it. Hopefully a decorative hardbound edition comes out that I can sit down to read with my grand children.
Chris King
El Paso, Texas
Gem of the Wanderer is a novel that I found to be something new from my usual pool of reading material--short, thought-provoking and fine works to be inspired by. However, the Gem of the Wanderer features a few things that are greater than what I have read. Over 500 pages lies this adventure that I took, through the world of Ebbern--with its unique lore and earthly characteristics that make it a pleasing and rather memorable setting. The book contains some messianic themes-- such as Gem of the Wanderer's character the Prince of Wonder--who very much resembles the "Jesus figure" in many fantasy/sci-fi settings I have read in the past. The story is documented with the passing of seasons--in which the chronology in this book is unique, as the setting of Ebbern has eight seasons (which is appropriately further explained in the appendix of the book). I really can't get over how much work has been put by the author of this book--it really boggles my mind. Truly, it is a piece of literature; something that brings inspiration and embeds many questions in my head; yearning for answers and ultimately finding them after much needed re-evaluation and dissection of the text. Plot elements and unique, cultural aspects about the world of Ebbern further supports the fact that this is truly a world worth exploring, both inside the mind of each character, and from our own perspective. Characters aren't bland and their progression in terms of development over the course of the events in Ebbern are dynamic in a unique sort of way. Anyways, to put it short and sweet, the book opens a whole new portal to another dimension, which in turn opens the door to a journey full of bends, a few twists here and there and a tunnel of darkness leading to a light of hope and a resolved goal to achieve happiness in a world filled with chaos and confusion. ... Okay, that wasn't short at all, but whatever. If you're curious to even take a peek of what's in store for you in this novel, I must say it certainly doesn't hurt if you get this epic book that I've been ranting on about in this review, so you could see if such criticisms ring true--to determine the value of praise this work of art deserves.
Calvin Rieta
San Diego
Calvin Rieta
San Diego
Gem of the Wanderer is a novel that I found to be something new from my usual pool of reading material--short, thought-provoking and fine works to be inspired by. However, the Gem of the Wanderer features a few things that are greater than what I have read. Over 500 pages lies this adventure that I took, through the world of Ebbern--with its unique lore and earthly characteristics that make it a pleasing and rather memorable setting. The book contains some messianic themes-- such as Gem of the Wanderer's character the Prince of Wonder--who very much resembles the "Jesus figure" in many fantasy/sci-fi settings I have read in the past. The story is documented with the passing of seasons--in which the chronology in this book is unique, as the setting of Ebbern has eight seasons (which is appropriately further explained in the appendix of the book). I really can't get over how much work has been put by the author of this book--it really boggles my mind. Truly, it is a piece of literature; something that brings inspiration and embeds many questions in my head; yearning for answers and ultimately finding them after much needed re-evaluation and dissection of the text. Plot elements and unique, cultural aspects about the world of Ebbern further supports the fact that this is truly a world worth exploring, both inside the mind of each character, and from our own perspective. Characters aren't bland and their progression in terms of development over the course of the events in Ebbern are dynamic in a unique sort of way. Anyways, to put it short and sweet, the book opens a whole new portal to another dimension, which in turn opens the door to a journey full of bends, a few twists here and there and a tunnel of darkness leading to a light of hope and a resolved goal to achieve happiness in a world filled with chaos and confusion. ... Okay, that wasn't short at all, but whatever. If you're curious to even take a peek of what's in store for you in this novel, I must say it certainly doesn't hurt if you get this epic book that I've been ranting on about in this review, so you could see if such criticisms ring true--to determine the value of praise this work of art deserves.
Calvin Rieta
San Diego, CA
Calvin Rieta
San Diego, CA