Launching in March 2025 ...
The fight for the space mission begins in his homeworld.
Brock Rivers never wanted to be a repairman on Mars. Years ago, he failed to protect his family, and now he labors across a frontier planet to keep his children alive and escape CAUSE. But the spacefaring humanist regime is taking over Martian colonies, forcing all to join the secular state.
Back in Brock’s homeworld, his people summon him to fulfill old hopes with a new dream. After decades of cultural isolation, they plan to restore missions for the 22nd century, voyaging beyond Earth to share the gospel in space. Brock must find a ship and recruit a team of misfit believers. They expect opposition from the formidable CAUSE, but not from a more deceptive enemy.
One adversary attacks from the shadows to destroy the faithful. Others unify to oppose the project. Brock and his family must fight to resist these enemies of the space mission or else return to exile forever.
Acclaim for Above the Circle of Earth
“Christian missionaries in space: yes, it’s as epic as it sounds. This action-packed story has a lot to say, not only about Christians struggling against the world, but also against the tensions that often exist within our churches and communities. It’s a clash to define what it means to live faithfully, no matter what the frontier.”
Josiah DeGraaf, fantasy author, writers’ coach, co-founder of Story Embers
“Above The Circle of Earth is an extremely impressive debut for E. Stephen Burnett. Filled with action and intrigue, this novel offers readers an exciting look into a future of missions that could take believers beyond the limits of this world.”
Clint Hall, author of Steal Fire From the Gods and Echo Nova
“Above the Circle of Earth skillfully incorporates themes of faith, sacrifice, and family in a taut tale that will challenge and convict readers. Intelligent and thought-provoking, this is an incredible story about one man’s fight to protect the right for religious beliefs under the stifling control and overreach of an interplanetary government. Burnett’s meticulous technical expertise and passionate theology combine beautifully in this riveting hard sci-fi adventure!”
Ronie Kendig, award-winning author of the Droseran Saga
“Above the Circle of Earth serves thrilling sci-fi adventure packed with based theology. I can’t wait to see where that incredible ship takes Brock and his crew next!”
James R. Hannibal, award-winning author of Lion Warrior
“Burnett wowed me with his unputdownable sci-fi debut. From heart-pounding scenes on Mars to one family’s defiance against an all too plausible Earthen regime, Above the Circle of Earth lands every punch it sets up. Get your highlighter ready for spiritual themes flying off the page at light speed. This fast-paced plot with bold characters risking everything to follow the truth will suck you in chapter after chapter. Fans of Star Trek, The Bourne Identity, and the book of Acts, pick up this novel!”
Lyndsey Lewellen, author of The Chaos Grid
“Burnett captures the joys and struggles of modern mission work and transforms them into an interplanetary adventure of faith and family. Readers who grew up on missionary biographies will enjoy some nostalgia along with wonder and excitement.”
L. G. McCary, author of That Pale Host
“This space-age tale takes humanity, and the Great Commission, beyond the Earth. An inventive fusion of space pioneering with lived religion, Above the Circle of Earth is a profound examination of the ties and trials of a shared faith.”
Shannon McDermott, author of The Time Door
“E. Stephen Burnett has accomplished a rare feat. He has written a story that captures the imagination even as it informs and shapes the soul. Spaceships, cults, colonies, and Christians, oh my! Brock Rivers is our hero, and he learns that some evils are sinister while others come with a handshake, and some goods are special while others are common. One thing I know is that Mars will never be the same due to Brock’s love for God and his neighbor, and perhaps the Mars living outside our front doors will never be the same either.”
Dr. Jared Moore, author of The Lust of the Flesh
“A sci-fi tale about missionaries of the future? How could that possibly work? In Above the Circle of the Earth, though, author E. Stephen Burnett takes what could be a challenging premise and fits it for the stars. With stellar worldbuilding, accessible prose, and well-drawn characters, his story is equal parts action and introspection.”
Kerry Nietz, award-winning author of Lost Bits and Amish Vampires in Space
“Those with a love for the Gospel, a heart for the lost and missions, and a love for Christ’s church and the Five Solas will bond quickly with this story and pursue a well-crafted and lofty tale, one that challenges our calling in the face of our weakness against terrestrial adversaries and the vastness of space. Fast-paced and engaging, yet imbued with wit, theology, and the fantastic ESB turn of phrase. Soli Deo Gloria!”
Marc Schooley, author of the 2011 Carol Award–winning novel König’s Fire
“With believable science and strong worldbuilding, E. Stephen Burnett writes a future in which Biblical Christianity stands fast against a secular, spacefaring government. I felt like I had actually struggled for breath on the surface of Mars.”
