NZ Fantasy/Adventure Novel Pushes Back Frontiers of Space and Science

NZ author, Michael Thorp, has completed a fantasy/adventure novel, Ben Brown's Adventure Beyond the Universe - The Return of the Nephilim, which is set for release in January, 2009 in New Zealand.

The book starts with the launch of the first manned mission to Mars and later takes us beyond our universe to a terrifying post-apocalyptic world of tyranny and oppression. In the process it challenges conventional theories of the universe, gravity, and time and space with new theories and technologies.Grounded in reality, it tries to push back the envelope of space and science, albeit through the realms of science fiction fantasy.

The synopsis and an excerpt from the novel follow. You can see some of its 58 illustrations and go into the draw to win an advance copy by correctly answering ten general knowledge questions associated with the book at its website: http://benbrownsadventure.bravehost.com

THE STORY
When the first manned mission to Mars mysteriously disappears and its crew explorer vehicle crashes onto the Brown's wheat farm in Louisburg, Kansas, what Ben discovers changes his final high school year and the future course of mankind.

It is the story of Ben. A young man who has lived his life in the shadows of poverty on a struggling wheat farm and is still reeling from his father's tragic death. What he discovers leads him to question everything he believes in and challenges him to take a major leap of faith and voyage beyond the end of the universe to a world all but destroyed. A world where he is forced to confront the tyranny of their rulers and make a stand to free its enslaved people in a destiny with time, which he knows could very well mean laying down his life.

It is ultimately the story of a son seeking redemption, love, and his place in the world in the face of extreme adversity.

AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK
Smiles and applause broke out all around. And from the bells on the steeple of the Immaculate Conception Catholic church on south Elm street, just a few miles from the Brown's farm, it rang out all across Louisburg and echoed on everyone's lips with great pride that Ben Brown, their local son and hero, had put Louisburg on the map and maybe on the road to greater prosperity. Mrs. Brown received phone calls from all over town: the Mayor, Ben's principal, the Louisburg Chamber of Commerce, the Mom's Club, the Busy Bees of Liberty, and many others with vitations to join groups and charities that she had never heard of. She even received a call from her old insurance company, offering free insurance for a year, which she gratefully declined.

Yet beneath all the furore and the church steeple and bells and its arched wooden girders and white washed walls, sat a solitary figure in a centre aisle pew, weighed down in thought, staring beyond the altar at the arched stain glass window of Jesus the good shepherd holding a lamb.

A shutter slid back in the dark confessional box, revealing the outline of a priest.
"Father, I'm not part of this church," Ben said in a weak voice. "But I was..."
"-God welcomes one and all."
"Even if you're not sure he exists?"
"Welcomes one and all. What's on your mind, son?"
"I was wondering about god's will. And… his hand, how far it might extend if he wanted to do something."
"No one can presume the infinite power and wisdom of god."
"He could use someone of little faith?"
"No one can presume the infinite power and wisdom of god. He can move in mysterious ways."
"Which means what?"
"Which means with faith, anything's possible."
"If you have no faith?"
"Who doesn't have faith? In the rising sun, the changing tides, changing seasons? To what extent, it's just a question of knowledge and understanding."
Ben contemplated his words and the priest looked around at him.
"If you don't mind, I should be preparing evening mass."
"Of course. Thank you."
The shutter slid shut.

Source: Free House Publishing
http://benbrownsadventure.bravehost.com