
Author: Kerry Nietz
Published: January 14th, 2014
Word Count: 137,000
Genre: Science Fiction
Content Warning: Minor Violence/Gore
Recommended Age: 13+
Synopsis:
Jebediah has a secret that will change his world forever and send his people into space.
The Amish world of Alabaster calls upon an ancient promise to escape destruction. Then end up on a cargo ship bound for the stars.
But they are not the only cargo on board. Some of it is alive…or used to be.
Now, with vampires taking over and closing in on the Amish refugees, these simple believers must decide whether their faith depends upon their honored traditions or something even older.
Review by Sara
What I also liked about the book were many of the characters. Jebediah in particular. He easily became one of my favorite characters simply because I found him to be compelling and well-drawn. I also liked Singer as well, and I loved her take on things when she was talking to Jeb about faith. Seal/Captain Drake was another character I grew to like.
Having read Amish Vampires in Space, I'm now a fan of Kerry Nietz, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes science fiction, was amused by the sudden upsurge in Amish fiction (seeing it everywhere), and vampires. My rating is 5/5 platypires.
Review by Bob
When a friend told me about this book, we had a good laugh about the title. Then, of course, I HAD to buy it so that we could see what it was all about. I am SO glad that I did! The title may be silly, but the story is thrilling! This author has brought together some of my favorite genres and threw them all together in an exciting adventure. I would have read it all at once if my eyes hadn't started to crossed due to lack of sleep.
The story unfolded beautifully, making you feel like you knew the different characters, felt for them and their struggles. It's a long book, but it didn't feel like a lot of filler was thrown in to make it so, as with some other books I've read. Bravo, Mr. Nietz, I am officially a fan! Now...more, please!!!
Excerpt
Jebediah had a secret.
It was a weight, really. Something the songs of church service couldn’t lighten. Even daily prayers and scripture reading were no help. It was always present. Always hidden.
“It is Gelassenheit,” his father had said. “Surrendering yourself for others.”
So Jeb bore the weight. It was God’s will. Like Abraham tying Isaac to the altar. We hold the knife with the faith that God will stop us from using it.
With a groan, Jebediah pushed his way out of bed. Beside him, Sarah sighed and rolled his direction. Even with the passage of decades, she still appeared as beautiful to him as when they married. A day twenty years ago now. Her in a simple white dress and kapp. He in his best black suit. Family and friends, similarly attired. A simpler time. A happier time. An early spring.
Before the secret had passed to him.
“Is it morning so soon?” she whispered.
Jeb smiled. “Ya, it is.”
She made to get out of bed, but Jeb frowned and held out a hand. “Stay in,” he said. “At forty, you’ve earned a few more minutes.”
She put the back of her hand over her mouth and yawned. “So much to do today. The Troyers need breakfast. And Eli will need help with that baby. And the garden.”
Jeb glanced out the bedroom window. The sun had not yet begun to rise. And neither moon. Only a few distant stars and the mass of what was commonly called the Morning Nebbit.
Still very dark. That was a comfort, at least.
About the Author
He is a husband, a father, a technophile and a movie buff.
He has one non-fiction book, a memoir entitled FoxTales: Behind the Scenes at Fox Software. Amish Vampires in Space is his fifth novel.