Into the Book

7

Knox's Irregulars - J. Wesley Bush

Recommended
Some would consider the pairing of “Christian” with “Sci-Fi” to be a contradiction in terms. Like Aubrey Hansen’s Red Rain, this book proves them dead wrong.

Randal Knox never wanted to be a leader, but as the eldest son of the Prime Minister of New Geneva, he appeared destined for the political arena. Averse to the idea, Randal enlists in the armored infantry, preferring a life in the military to being a political figure.

When the Khlisti – followers of a religion cobbled together from Marxism, Islam, and New age spirituality – seize control of neighboring Abkhenazia, Randal’s world is turned completely upside down. An overwhelming army of zealots cross the border into New Geneva, scattering its small defense force and sending the survivors running for their lives. Randal pulls together a handful of armored infantry and takes shelter in the mountain city of Providence.

But the respite is short-lived. With Providence under the control of Colonal Gregor Tsepashin, Randal Knox faces a choice between hiding safely in the catacombs… and leading his motley crew of fighters in guerilla warfare against the enemy.

Thus is the premise behind J. Wesley Bush’s new novel Knox’s Irregulars – a futuristic military thriller set in the 25th century and laced with science fiction, first-rate adventure, wry humor, and memorable characters. Needless to say, I’m impressed.

I can count on one hand the modern novels I’ve read that smoothly incorporate Christianity into the storyline. Most fail for one of two reasons: either the author hasn’t a clue about what he believes, or he doesn’t know how to communicate it without turning the book into an artistically-deficient soapbox. J. Wesley Bush avoids both these pitfalls.

Christian themes and characters (and a staunch respect for the Calvinist principals of the Reformation) are abundant, but they’re woven in without force – thus lending the story substance without reducing it to platitudinous sermonizing.

The characters – from Randal Knox to Arianne to the mad Belorussian immigrant Lebedev – are three-dimensional and wonderfully-imagined, developing naturally as the story progresses. No stale cardboard cutouts here, and thank goodness for that. Personally, I would’ve appreciated reading a little more about Colonel Tsepashin, but this is a minor complaint: the focus of the book is Knox and his irregulars, and in that regard, Bush’s character-crafting is more than satisfactory.

Best of all is the quality of the writing: it’s smooth, polished, and consistently good throughout. The dialogue is realistic, the pacing is smart, and the sprinkling of wry humor is funny without ever jeopardizing the overall seriousness of the story. Also worth noting are the action sequences, which are crisply written and exciting. Bush’s attention to the technical details – he previously served as an airborne infantryman, military intelligence cryptolinguist, and NGO worker – make his fascinating vision of futuristic warfare all the more believable.

For those wondering about content, there’s not much to be concerned about here. Of course, there’s quite a bit of war violence, as good guys and bad guys alike are annihilated by a plethora of futuristic armaments; and while these sequences are intense, they’re seldom gory. A smattering of mild language is present, and there is some (tasteful) discussion of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Sexuality is nil: the relationship between Randal and Arianne is a sweet one, and while they do share several kisses (which I would’ve preferred they save until marriage), their romance is overall as chaste and lovely a one as you could possibly hope for.

I was initially troubled by the fact that the two primary female characters were serving side-by-side with men in the New Genevan military force. After some consideration, however, I wouldn’t say Bush is endorsing this sort of egalitarianism, but rather merely presenting it as a likely – if less than ideal – scenario. Judging by the state of our present military, I’m inclined to agree that he is (unfortunately) correct.

All in all, I heartily recommend Knox’s Irregulars. As far as I can see, its only real “flaw” is in forcing the reader to wait for future installments of what looks to be a series-in-the-making. I think J. Wesley Bush is to be commended for skillfully taking on the challenge issued by C.S. Lewis decades ago: “We don’t need more Christian writers: we need more good writers, and composers, who are Christian.”

- Corey P.

Corey P. began reviewing books for Into the Book in July of 2011. Corey is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ, and this affects everything which he does. His favorite reads are history and Reformed Theology.

7 comments:

  1. Thanks Corey - great review.

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  2. That is an amazing book!! It's one of my new favorites!

    Thanks for the review!

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  3. Corey-

    I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read the book. That in itself is enough, but your kind words are the extra mile. So glad you and Jeffrey enjoyed the read.

    For the record, I'm definitely -not- an egalitarian. In the NGDF, women are restricted to non-combat roles such as Intelligence and the medic corps...

    I've decided against a series for Knox. Given my job, it would be a little close to home to write about a diplomat in a post-conflict situation (and it would almost impossible to get it approved by Uncle Sam.) Instead I'm writing a seven-book epic fantasy series. I'll definitely drop you a line once it's finished.

    Again, a million thanks for the review!

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  4. Well, while no sequels is a disappointment, I shall look forward to the fantasy series!

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  5. @J. Wesley Bush: While I'm disappointed there won't be a series, I completely understand your reasons. At any rate, I'm glad you're still writing, and I can't wait to read the fantasy series! :D

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