Silent Stars

Silent Stars is the conclusion to Brett Armstrong’s Tomorrow’s Edge trilogy. I haven’t read the first two books, Day Moon and Veiled Sun, and I feel like I would have benefited from knowing the full background of events and characters. I was able to follow along well enough to enjoy the story, though.

Elliott is desperate to bring his grandfather’s plans to completion. The missing files continue to elude him, though, and when he learns of something even bigger, even more terrifying than Project Alexandria, he has to adjust his plans. The Babel Initiative must be stopped at all costs, for if it comes to pass, it will be the end of humanity as we know it. Elliott works with known allies and joins with some he doesn’t know in an effort to bring down Dr. Almundson’s horrifying scheme. One big unknown is The Informer, someone who has appeared to Elliott and his compatriots only as a digitally disguised figure who’s given to speaking in Shakespearean quotes. Is the Informer someone who can be relied upon, or is he part of a trap being laid for them?

The book is one big adrenaline rush. Elliott and Lara run from danger to danger, with only brief interludes of rest, until they face the final battle. I shared Elliott’s anxiety as he tried to discern who he could trust. I felt the tension as he worked to manipulate technology in their self-driving vehicle to keep them hidden from the network, to avoid capture by the powers that be.

The author’s faith is clearly on display here. Some stories hint at Christianity. This one has it in full view, and Elliott’s belief in God is an integral part of his character. Now, his isn’t the pat-answer, have-it-all-under-control variety of faith. He makes mistakes (as our pastor is fond of saying, “None of us walk on water,” and I think Elliott would agree that he does not). He runs from what he feels God nudging him to do. He chooses poorly and has to deal with the consequences of his choices. But he doesn’t give in to temptation when promised that things will fall his way if he’ll just renounce his faith in God. He holds fast when it counts most, and God is faithful. I’ll tell you what, I was cheering at the big climax of the book, and what the characters experienced reminded me that yes indeed, God is faithful, and He never leaves us or forsakes us.

Dystopian vibes in a near future, nail-biting tension, characters working through and living out their faith even in the face of overwhelming opposition, a vividly constructed sci-fi world that isn’t too hard to imagine becoming a reality – if these things appeal to you, I highly recommend Silent Stars and the entirety of the Tomorrow’s Edge trilogy. I’m glad I had the opportunity to get to know the works of Brett Armstrong. I’ll be reading more!