The Starlore Legacy by Chuck Black

The Starlore Legacy is a science fiction allegory of the biblical narrative. It is set in space, with different people groups occupying different planets around multiple solar systems. There is time travel and light- speed space travel, as well as advanced technology of weapons, robots, and spaceships.

This is going to be a 12-book series, though only 8 are yet published. Nova tells the story of the Raylean people’s exodus from slavery, then Flight, Lore, and Oath cover the Old Testament judges and kings. With Merchant, we are introduced to Jeshu, the promised Merchant who has come to pay the price to save humanity. In Reclamation, Jeshu provides the ultimate sacrifice of his own life, then in Creed and Journey his followers have to spread the message while trying to escape heavy persecution.

This series invites the reader to experience the familiar bible stories in an entirely new light. The details often are very different to the biblical accounts, but the emotions and themes come through clearly.

Reading Level: Ages 13-18
Read-aloud Age: 13+

I found this series so enjoyable to read, it was hard to put down! The Starelore legacy is well-written, fast paced, and action packed. The way the biblical story was brought into the galactic world was always different and creative and it was fun to keep finding the biblical links. For example, Daeson (while allegorizing the story of Joshua and the wall of Jerico) destroys the plasma shield around the city by flying into it on a pterodactyl.

The world building is well done, it took me a little while to wrap my head around it, but then it stayed very consistent throughout the series. The tech is explained in an understandable way and there are also diagrams of some of the weapons and spaceships.

I thought the choice to make the whole biblical history (from Isreal’s slavery in Egypt to the Early Church) span three generations was a great decision. The main characters have all the great faith and reliance on God that is shown in the real biblical heroes, but I felt even more connected with them when I was able to follow these characters through multiple books.

The Old Testament picture of a people who are constantly rescued and then turn away from God, the sin that has infused the galaxy, and the ongoing spiritual warfare that is happening around us are all really well portrayed. Believers were able to use the Protector (Holy Spirit) to enter the spiritual realm, and those who had stronger faith in Ellyon were shown as having better fighting skills and stronger armour in that realm. It was also a challenging reminder of the ever-present spiritual side of our life as Christians.

Both the male and female main characters were portrayed as strong, brave, wise, and loyal, while still celebrating their gender differences. There are female and male Oracles and Navi (which are the prophets, judges, priests and disciples). At one point Deborah is being referenced, and also Mary and the other women who followed Jesus.

Language:
Shut up, I hate you Tuvi, jerk, stupid

Sexual Content:
Every book in the series has a romance and the characters describe the feelings that come as they find they are falling in love. There are hugs, sometimes a small kiss, hand holding, then they get married (called bonding).
I struggled a bit with the ‘soulmate’ part of the romance, so this may be something you talk through with your children. Daeson also has a desire to die when he thinks Raviel has died. After death they are in a waiting space where they still have their relationship together, waiting for the merchant to make his sacrifice to save the galaxy.

Questionable Behaviors:
Risky behavior for adrenaline kicks, poor treatment of servants, slaves, and robots, there is murder, violence, and talk of suicide. These behaviors are shown as wrong, and the good characters repent of them.

Other Things to Know:
There is mention of a past war where humans fought AI and then mostly wiped them out. This may bring up some anxious thoughts with the AI focused world we are in at this time.
This is an allegory, the author states at the beginning of each book that it is not to be used to create theology, but to bring old truths from the bible to light in a new and exciting way. I think he does a wonderful job at showing Ellyon to be a loving and all-powerful God, Jeshu to be the son of God and the perfect sacrifice, and the Protector to be a powerful and wise companion to all believers.
It would be a good idea to read some of the biblical accounts after reading this series, to remind your children what is true and what is artistic license.

This review was written by Good Book Mom contributor, Sarita. To find out more about Sarita, click HERE.

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