This is a tale of rediscovered faith in a universe where only one belief is tolerated. Francis finds himself struggling to come to terms with an urging in his heart that undeniably draws him away from the religion of the masses and into a new world of true enlightenment.
In a distant part of the galaxy, long after the origins of humanity and Earth faded into mythology, a religious movement, subservient to a pantheon of gods, was bound in a futile attempt to find spiritual fulfillment. With spiritual enlightenment as his mission, Francis accompanies the leader of the Fession order, Salvatore, and two other devotees, Giuseppe and DeAngelo, on a pilgrimage to the temple of Indowy.
What began as a pilgrimage will soon turn into a fight for survival on a savage jungle moon. In the middle of this life and death adventure, Francis is faced with an undeniable yearning for spiritual truth. Unfulfilled by the religion he has devoted his entire life to, he is confronted with deep convictions about his own spirituality and the new idea of a single God. Follow Francis through this tale of discovery and faith in a cold universe where you may feel the urge to look inward and examine your own heart.
Excerpt
"Where are the others?" General Drake impatiently demanded again. Francis almost choked as he convulsed under the blow he had just received, but he managed to keep quiet and again refused to answer. "Don't be mistaken, we will find them," General Drake began, "but why don't you make it easier on yourself and just tell me where they went. We are no strangers to interrogation," he threatened. "Don't you see, you’re standing at an abyss? The choice is yours, tell me what I want to know and I'll save you."
Francis looked up at Drake and said, "The abyss you speak of only threatens my body. I have stood at an even greater abyss, and I have made my decision. Do what you will."
..."We have no more need of this one, finish him…the hard way," he ordered. The two mercenaries expeditiously fell in on Francis and began the duty for which they were particularly selected. They carried out their task effectively and within moments, they rewrote the flesh and blood page of Francis with beatings and bruises that brought him within a stroke of his life. The pain had not lasted though. By the end of the initial blows, he began to feel as an observer in someone else's body, disconnected from feeling and emotion. Then nothing but dark and quiet silence engulfed him…
Want to review or comment on this book?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviews for "The Stars Bear Witness"
Reviewed by Zhongyu
3/21/2003
The Stars Bear Witnesses led one more journey of the philosophy but much more than that to the ultimate truth, quite simple but so true. The development of the fiction made me finally relax and well settled even through the not necessary fear of mine at the beginning of the journey. It is an enjoyable reading even the phrases in the book makes me more clear what is the second language means.
Reviewed by David Knifton
1/11/2003
Loved the book. Looking forward to the second one. It is nice to see some origninal creativity, rather than the cut and dried "standard" sci-fi. Only complaint was that I wanted the book to keep going.
'The Stars Bear Witness' by Mark Assi is an amazing metaphor of having a strong belief in God and the challenge to keep it while set against a science fiction world. Well done! This new Author shows potential to be a lasting literary creator.
Reviewed by Nathan
11/28/2002
The dialogue is superb and the characters are well developed. Mark did a great job painting a picture of his universe. The book deals with the difficult struggle of having to choose between the truth and established tradition. Embracing the truth often comes at the expense of forfeiting one’s social standing. All of this takes place as the main characters fight for their own survival while fleeing pursuit from ruthless space pirates. A great read!
Reviewed by Russ
11/22/2002
This is an excellent story written in an accessable style. Mark spent some time coming up with a world that is interesting to visit, and makes the reader thirst for more.
The story is about a man searching for the truth and finding it. It is most interesting that it does not stop there, but continues on with the more improtant question of what he would do with the truth.
An inspiring read.
Reviewed by Robyn Logan
11/16/2002
I really enjoyed The Stars Bear Witness. This book travels with Francis as he finds faith and learns to rely on God's timing. I look forward to a possible continuance of this story. I couldn't put it down.
Reviewed by Dave Potter
9/5/2002
The Stars Bear Witness was a wonderful example of demonstrated faith in a higher power we all look to in God. I really enjoyed the different personalities that Francis encountered in his search for God. I could relate to how he must have felt. My favorite part had to be the struggles they encountered in the jungle. I would be wondering what the next day would bring! It was a fun book to read.
“The year is 2011 and Samuel Elmsmore is adrift in the universe. After a series of breakdowns he awakens as a virtual prisoner in a hostel for the mentally ill. He’s estranged from his family and friends, and is jobless after an unfortunate incident
