FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jo Ann Halvorson, Promotions/Media Relations E-mail: mediarelations@wildflowerpress.biz
NOVEL EXPLORES HOW WELL CHRISTIANS MAY ENDURE FUTURE
New Book, Swordsman, by Terry Craig, Selected as Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's 2005 Book of the Year Awards
Margate, FL, April 21, 2006--Wild Flower Press, Inc., announces final novel in Terry Craig's prophetic trilogy, Swordsman, has been selected as a finalist in the category of Science Fiction for ForeWord Magazine's 2005 Book Of The Year awards. Swordsman brings the three-book series to a dramatic close and is the culmination of a vision which began nearly 30 years ago. The manuscript for Swordsman, first copyrighted in 1985, was considered a far-fetched scenario -- but has been turned by time into a highly plausible look into the future.
Swordsman lay dormant for two decades as Terry wrote two prequels. The first book, Gatekeeper (a top 100 Amazon title in its genre for two years, released by Creation House, in 1999) paralleled an American political race for the Presidency. Sojourner, book two of the trilogy (released by Wild Flower Press, Inc., 2003) outlined a series of catastrophic events so intense, they forever alter the lifestyle American's take for granted.
Recent real-life disasters seem a small foretaste eerily foreshadowing the future vividly forecast in Terry Craig's series. "I found myself continually planning what I would do to respond to situations in the book . . . and had to keep reminding myself that they had not really happened!" commented, K.T., of Puyallup, WA.
Wild Flower Press media relations representative, Jo Ann Halvorson, says: "Our aim is to publish 'intelligent fiction with a spiritual edge,' and I believe Swordsman, and its two companion books, Gatekeeper and Sojourner, definitely fit that description! We are aware that there's a lot of controversy about the timing of the rapture and what may happen to those who are left behind, but this series is not focused on our leaving or the when of Jesus getting here . . . its focused on how we live until He gets here. If we get too focused on particular scenarios, we run the risk of losing hope or resting when we should be working."
Sources: Wild Flower Press, Inc., and Author Terry Craig Writer: Jo Ann Halvorson
Swordsman opens in a world left to recover from devastating blows that have caused the loss of electric power, communication, and freedom. As the lights gradually go back on, it becomes obvious that basic amenities will be used as leverage to force populations to accept certain concessions: nontransferable and traceable identification, constant monitoring, limited movement, rationing of commodities and services (including healthcare), and a denunciation of any religious belief designated "non-inclusive."
Just when most religions are being successfully merged into one, a nonconformist preacher (dubbed "Swordsman" by the crowds he has drawn) publicly challenges prevailing thought and rekindles passionate feelings the current regime hoped were near dead. Christians who resist the homogenization of their faith are ridiculed, marginalized, and maligned--lumped into the same category as all other mono-theistic "fanatics," who are primarily blamed for recent middle-eastern conflagrations and world-wide acts of terrorism.
As pressure to accept an identifying code escalates, choices become increasingly difficult. Those who refuse to integrate with the system face loosing all their assets when currency is totally eliminated. A subculture develops on the fringes of recovering cities where black-market buying and illegal bartering flourish. Most Christians are forced into these unregenerate ghettos to survive among society's other outcasts. A few have made it outside established population zones where they have formed small enclaves--called "refuges" where they are free from oppressive government control but are vulnerable to the elements, criminals, roaming bands of disenfranchised soldiers of the former United States, and international trackers.
Terry masterfully weaves multi-dimensional characters through life-altering decisions and powerfully demonstrates the Nazi-like turn societies make when life is devalued and certain segments of the population are given privilege and power. The deterioration of society is contrasted against the development of Christian character as the pressure of persecution and facing the loss of every earthly good present two alternatives: compromise or steadfast faith.
All are eventually forced to choose to what or whom they will give their allegiance. The destinations of certain modern moral judgments, value decisions, and philosophical systems are exposed and clarified so the reader can decide whether the final fruit merits his/her life's investment.
Each of the three books (Gatekeeper, Sojourner, and Swordsman) can be read and appreciated separately but are best in the light of their two companions. All have strong Christian themes, and are usually found under the category of "religious fiction" but crossover well into "science fiction" or "general fiction." Wild Flower Press, Inc., recently purchased all the rights for Gatekeeper from Creation House in order to facilitate their sale in sets. All three are currently being shopped for film.
Swordsman (Wildflower Press, Inc., 2005) ISBN-13: 978-0-9618852-3-6 ISBN-10: 0-9618852-3-8 Suggested Retail: $15.99 Available at a bookstore near you, online at wildflowerpress.biz, or amazon.com.
For additional information, requests for author interviews, or speaking engagements contact Jo Ann Halvorson via e-mail at: mediarelations@wildflowerpress.biz
To see Author Bio and Swordsman backstory click here ---> Author Bio and Backstory for SWORDSMAN
