The Shadow at Evening

This book is an addictive opener to an excellent story. Don't be misled by the "Teen Fiction" label as I am a 40+ attorney and thought it was great. The plot is good, the character development is done well and, of course, the basis for the story is excellent.

Chris Walley has brilliantly crafted a fully realized futuristic sci-fi / fantasy epic for young people and adults. The well thought out characters, compelling situations, and sweeping landscapes will keep the reader immersed, excited, and thoughtfully challenged. Regardless of individual background, an inspiring story of good and evil and the difficult decisions, sacrifices, and mistakes made in times of trouble will be richly revealed with each passing page. With the battle for hearts and minds in our own culture, both on an internal and external level, Mr. Walley's imagined world resonates provokingly with our own changing world. There is much to keep coming back to in "The Lamb Among the Stars" series, and readers will doubtless be reflective after finishing each book, as well as excited to find out what happens next! In a genre where there just doesn't seem enough of this type of literature, more from the imagination of this fresh, new author is anxiously awaited!

BLURB: Imagine a future that men and women can only dream of. It is a time where a trillion people live under the gentle rule of the Assembly on over a thousand inhabited worlds. A time where peace and stability have reigned unbroken for nearly twelve thousand years; a time where war and evil are merely ancient history. Now imagine what happens when, on Farholme - a Made World at the very edge of the Assembly - strange things begin to happen. A girl sees an impossible creature, a stranger from Ancient Earth comes in answer to a troubling vision and people begin to say, do and think things that oppose everything the Assembly stands for. And slowly, incredulously, a handful of men and women come to recognise the unthinkable: evil has returned and that, once more, it must be fought. The main thing I found fascinating about this book and still do was the long-term creation process of the Made Worlds. I found that sci-fi aspect alone brilliant and intriguing; I had never come across an idea quite like that before (and I read a lot of sci-fi). I found the characterisation in this book well done, especially the development of Merral and Vero's characters, and the society in which they live was also extremely well written. I mean, really - can YOU imagine what the world(s) would be like after Christ comes back and everyone is at peace? Most people wonder how that could be and the people still live productive lives, but Chris Walley has written what I think is a great example of a society that lives in total peace, but not unrealistically lovey-dovey or anything ridiculous like that. The people are realistic and solid in personality, which I applaud loudly. The sci-fi aspects of terraforming, Below-Space and other technology of the Assembly worlds were facinating, and (I believe) handled in a realistic way. I give this book five stars, because I thought it was a really great addition to the Christian sci-fi genre - and the sci-fi genre in general. Those who aren't Christian may find some aspects of this strange, being obviously Christian in origin, but they may enjoy the major theme of good and evil and the sci-fi aspects interesting enough to read this anyway. I would definately not class this book in the 'teen' catagory. I think the themes and some of the sci-fi aspects would be better appreciated by older readers, but that's not to say that teens wouldn't enjoy it thoroughly as well, just that adult readers would also be well-satisfied. My compliments to the author! :)

I am awed by the masterpiece that Walley has created. It is rightly compared to C.S. Lewis's space trilogy, but I would not compare it to Tolkien as it has a very different style and flavor to it. It fits squarely in the science fiction genre as opposed to fantasy. After finishing the first book I am deeply thoughtful of the many theological and philosophical issues that have been raised, and the swift, meticulous current in which they were presented. God and His dealings with man and evil, as well as how technology and evolution fit into our understanding of God are the central themes. Even though this is a "Christian" book, I would suggest that those who do not claim to be Christians but enjoy science fiction might find it interesting and engrossing as well. However, I would not have placed this book in the teen fiction category, as I think that it would be much more appealing to adults. There is nothing inherently offensive or adult in content, but the concepts and the style in which they are presented would be more appreciated by adults. I do think middle school age and below would have trouble both in understanding the major themes as well as finding it enjoyable.

I haven't read anything so simultaneously engrossing and edifying at the same time since CS Lewis's space trilogy. Walley's books really made me aware of evil, especially how smart people can rationalize themselves into advocating very dangerous ideas without even realizing it. I highly recommend this book.