Martin and Game of Thrones) Mullin avoids those pitfalls and introduces complete protagonists, both male and female, that we can root for as well as villains for us to hate.

Many are simply clichés that tend to reveal massive gender ignorance on the part of the author.

It is especially challenging for male writers to create authentic female characters. It should be noted that all three characters mentioned above are female. Among them, Dania-the reluctant, but ferocious gladiatrix, Talauna-the broken, mute, innocent, and exotic Maolori girl, and one of my favorites, Valasand-warden of the gate, selfless warrior and leader. The intrigue begins in earnest following a short time jump and the introduction of the rest of Mullin’s cast of fascinating characters. The novel begins slowly-an absolute necessity for full appreciation of the action and character notes that will follow. The story follows cousins Aric and Maurin, kidnapped from their home planet and thrust into a harsh world of slavery, hedonism, and quasi-supernatural civil war. Robert Mullin is one of the exceptions to the rule.īid the Gods Arise is an epic fantasy, with enough sci-fi elements blended in to keep even space opera fans engaged. Precious few Christian sci-fi authors are successfully navigating a good solid story-staying true to a faith message without bludgeoning the reader into a catatonic gospel-state.

The overabundance of message-heavy works, filled with awkward references, cheap conversion stories, and “God shows up, so everything is alright,” endings, is problematic. Even as an author in the genre, I generally avoid “Christian” sci-fi and fantasy.

Bid the Gods Arise by Robert Mullin