Category Archives: Sci-Fi

Review: Beyond Corista by Robert Elmer

Beyond Corista
Robert Elmer
Zondervan
Published May 1, 2009

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After a narrow escape from an intense battle on her home planet Corista, Oriannon and her friends head toward a way station, guided by the mysterious pilot stone. Oriannon’s mentor, Jesmet, appears to her and instructs her to take word to each way station, warning the people of an impending attack by the merciless Troikans. Oriannon wants to obey, but there are two problems:  she is saddled with the presence of their enemy, Sola Minnik, blinded in the attack on Corista, and no one seems to believe her visions of Jesmet and his message about the doom to come. Is Oriannon wrong? Are her experiences with Jesmet mere hallucinations? Can she lead her friends in her holy quest or will she have to face this task alone?

Beyond Corista is the third book in the Shadowside Trilogy. The story follows Oriannon, a young girl with a special gift to remember anything she reads, and a love for the Owling people– a humble group who dwell on the dark side of her home planet, Corista. In the footsteps of her father’s leadership, she struggles to make choices that protect the innocent, even in the face of great evil.

I liked this book better than the first book in the series, The Owling. Oriannon remains a sympathetic character, and the story world continues to be interesting. I like that it has kind of a Jesus thing going on with the Jesmet character. Sometimes it felt a little bit like a Star Wars derivative to me, which could be good or bad, depending on your feelings. I wanted some more original spark. But over all, I did enjoy reading the book and would recommend it to fans of light sci-fi.

Profanity/ Crude Language Content
None.

Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Oriannon learns that trusting God and following His instructions is not always easy. Nor does it always look like she expects.

Violence
There are some battle and capture sequences, but those are not graphic or explicit in nature.

Drug Content
None.

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