Book Jacket

 

rank 3353
word count 30571
date submitted 06.09.2010
date updated 29.01.2012
genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Christian...
classification: adult
incomplete

The Prodigal Planet

Edward Maurer

How would you feel if you "discovered" Earth?

 

For over sixty years, Earth has been sending-out its radio and television signals into deep space as a by-product of modern life. These transmissions are now beginning to find a new audience…and that alien audience is shaken by them. Eof, scientist and lone discoverer of these signals, begins the task of deciphering the signals and struggles to understand the new reality they uncover, a reality that threatens the very fabric of life on his tranquil planet of Frater. In a tormenting effort to protect and hide this discovery of Earth from his colleagues, his wife, and all of Frater, Eof is challenged by the forces of evil that wish to expand Earth’s chaos on his home planet. Find-out how Eof’s discovery is chronicled in the lives of his acquaintances and its unexpected consequences for Frater…and Earth.




 
rate the book

to rate this book please Register or Login

 

tags

aliens, catholicism, christian fiction, christianity, communication, demon, devil, evangelism, extraterrestrial, first contact, good vs evil, science ...

on 18 watchlists

42 comments

 

To leave comments on this or any book please Register or Login

subscribe to comments for this book
Sluggo wrote 76 days ago

Edward,

What an interesting and disturbing premise.



Dianna:

Yes, that was the intent. I believe we do need to look at our ourselves and how we are treating one another. What would our "neighbors" think?

God's peace...
Edward

Dianna Lanser wrote 76 days ago

Edward,

I'm so glad I stumbled across The Prodigal Planet. What an interesting and disturbing premise. Looking from the outside in, we are a mess aren't we? I'm so glad your book delivers a redeeming way out the doom we have created for ourselves. You tell a very compelling and convicting story. Highly starred!

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

malachiking wrote 79 days ago

I enjoyed the parallels between the two worlds. You put a unique prospective on our planet and everyday rituals. I also enjoyed the "outsider looking in" view you wrote about Christianity. Well done.

Malachi

Sluggo wrote 80 days ago

If Harper Collins doesn't publish it for you then you should try out that new book listing site www.book-submit.com. It's a new site (launching in January) and they are marketing books direct to agents in the UK and Ireland.



BuddingAuthor1958: Done. I was just able to add The Prodigal Planet to the site quickly & easily for free (http://book-submit.com/ads/the-prodigal-planet/). Thank you for this lead (and the kinds words about my story).

Edward

R K Alan wrote 80 days ago

Wonderful storytelling, Edward. I often wondered what other civilizations would think of our reverse SETI examinations of our putrid television and radio broadcasts. If they followed our development through our broadcasts I am sure they would think our civilization had reversed course and speeds toward our ruin. I enjoyed your telling of that moment as Eof received the first signals and then moved rapidly through "time" to see modern images of destruction and then apathy. Nicely told and moved along briskly into the story without it feeling like an info dump. Nice imagery and well told. I'll need to spend more quality time over the rest of your fine craftsmanship. Ray

Sluggo wrote 114 days ago

it presents an intriguing commentary of life on earth as seen through unfallen eyes. James



James...yes, this was a thought of mine for a long time. The Prodigal Planet is how I thought this might play-out. However, I couched it loosely on the gospel parable of The Prodigal Son. In my story, Earth is the "son" that goes-off and does it own thing. Frater (which means "brother" Latin), is the faithful son. It is just an idea of course.

God's peace.
Edward

JamesRevoir wrote 115 days ago

Hello Edward!

I read through the first few chapters of The Prodigal Planet and was pleasantly surprised at what a creative concept this story is! It really electrifies the imagination as to "What if?" Beyond the story, however, it presents an intriguing commentary of life on earth as seen through unfallen eyes.

Blessings to you!

James

Sluggo wrote 118 days ago


Please inform me when you update Prodigal Planet. I have already fallen in love with the characters and want to know how it will all end.
-Charmain


Charmain:

Thank you for the kinds words; it is a thrill when someone finds my stories entertaining. The Prodigal Planet was published back in July 2010. It is available at the below link in a variety of downloadable formats for many e-readers. You may find my second story interesting as well "The Building Of Joe"...about a baby saved from death by his guardian angel.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/23954

Edward

Charmain wrote 118 days ago

I am surprised more people aren't backing this book, its positively brilliant. I have often wished to read a story of another life form and how they perceive us. So, I was really glad to find your story. The added addition of the demon whispering in Eof's ear and trying to guide the planet into a downfall adds mystery and a sense of foreboding to the tale.
Please inform me when you update Prodigal Planet. I have already fallen in love with the characters and want to know how it will all end.
Rated six stars and backed.

-Charmain

Ellgain wrote 508 days ago

This is a really interesting concept! I don't think anyone has written from the perspective of aliens commenting on humanity in such a way since CS Lewis. Really nice to see it done.

Sluggo wrote 511 days ago


I like Sci-fi, and just have a few suggestions.

At the very beginning I had a hard time with a few things - where is Eof? on his planet? in a spaceship? How does he know that he's listening to another civilization? and if its the first time then how does he know how far away it is? and how would he know what an earth light year is if he's never met these people before?
These were a few questions I had right away. Perhaps you answer them later?
:)
Sherry



Sherry:

Your suggestions and feedback are gold. I will definitely see how to incorporate them into the story.

The reason I provided a prologue (which I'm told is to be avoided if possible) was to back-fill information needed to set the environment for which Eof (and Frater) exists.

Upon further reading of the story, it does become evident that Eof is on his home planet of Frater and that his "mission" is the search for life beyond. It is further revealed, that Frater's scientists have provided Eof the coordinates as to where to search, mainly, our solar system, Earth in particular. True, Eof has no idea about an Earth light year; this is only provided for you, the reader, so as the reader can get a feel for just how far away the two planets are from one another.

I agree with the sentence example you provided...it's a mouthful. I'll clean it up.

Peace be with you.

Edward

SChamblee wrote 511 days ago

Hi

I like Sci-fi, and just have a few suggestions. Much of your first chapter was hard for me to follow - you should make some sort of difference in the text when you are reciting Eof's thoughts. Usually a character's thoughts are italicized, makes them distinguishable.

Some of your sentence structure is awkward - "Eof had the capability to place the signal receiver spacecraft at various locations by using a technique enabled by knowled of the Universal Principle." What are you trying to say with this sentence?

At the very beginning I had a hard time with a few things - where is Eof? on his planet? in a spaceship? How does he know that he's listening to another civilization? and if its the first time then how does he know how far away it is? and how would he know what an earth light year is if he's never met these people before?
These were a few questions I had right away. Perhaps you answer them later? but I think you would serve your readers better if you made a few of these things more plain right from the start.

I wish you the best. It's always good to meet another Christian here, and to see others branching out into other genres.

:)
Sherry

Sluggo wrote 511 days ago

It's so original that it drew the attention of someone who tends not to like science fiction.



Walden:

Although the story could not happen without invoking science fiction (inter-stellar communications at real-time), The Prodigal Planet does not ride on this element. The story is just my attempt to show our civilization from a distance.

Edward

Walden Carrington wrote 511 days ago

Edward,
The Prodigal Planet has an enthralling concept for a science fiction novel. It's so original that it drew the attention of someone who tends not to like science fiction. I look forward to seeing the complete work. Backed with enthusiasm.

Andrew Burans wrote 513 days ago

You have written a very interesting and unique storyline, which I do like, and created a most memorable main character in Eof. The dialogue is realistic and well written, your Christian messages definitely come through and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Sluggo wrote 513 days ago

I searched under the genre "Christian" and your book came up. From reading your pitch I can't fathom how it is Christian. Is it a mistake?



Three Red Seeds:

No mistake, it is definitely a Christian story but may not immediately be evident; keep in mind, The Prodigal Planet is categorized in fiction & science fiction also. I wanted the story to be attractive to the secular reader as well so the Christian elements emerge slowly. For that reason also, I have to have my characters explain somewhat, Christianity within the story, for those not familiar with our faith. My concern with that, is that the secular reader may find my story too "preachy" (perhaps the religious reader as well).

Peace
Edward

Three Red Seeds wrote 513 days ago

I searched under the genre "Christian" and your book came up. From reading your pitch I can't fathom how it is Christian. Is it a mistake?

Sluggo wrote 514 days ago

Although I have written one novel with a prologue, my first, I try to avoid them. Prologue is basically back story. In the case of Prodigal Planet, a good deal of the prologue works very well, but dropping some of the information into later text would help to move things along.



Brinskie1:

To use a prologue is something I did not take lightly for the reasons you mentioned. However, I felt the circumstances warranted the use in this case, to set-up the first chapter. Yes, I probably could have provided some of this information throughout the story in retrospect.

Thank you for this feedback.

Edward

brinskie1 wrote 514 days ago

The Prodigal Planet - although the premise isn't new, what premise is? The important thing is your approach has an original feel to it. Although I have written one novel with a prologue, my first, I try to avoid them. Prologue is basically back story. In the case of Prodigal Planet, a good deal of the prologue works very well, but dropping some of the information into later text would help to move things along. Well written so far as I've read and deserving of shelf space.

G
Einstein's Road Trip [ I would be interested in seeing your take on Einstein when your time allows. Thanks ]

Sluggo wrote 516 days ago

The only question which leaves me wondering, and if it is significant, is that Eof notices that Earth is much more beautiful and has more variations of life than Frater.

Ali
THE FIREGHOST



Ali:

Yes, I was thinking that anything "new" is going to be more fascinating than what we know (even if the world we know is quite beautiful and fascinating in and of itself).

Thanks for the kind words.

Edward

Ali Headeach wrote 516 days ago

This is an amazing story, and I'm eager to see where it ends up. The idea of what Earth looks like from the outside is not new, but you have done it in an original way. The only question which leaves me wondering, and if it is significant, is that Eof notices that Earth is much more beautiful and has more variations of life than Frater. I would like to know, or will I find out later? I'm backing this book, for sure.

Very best wishes and good luck with it,

Ali
THE FIREGHOST

Sluggo wrote 517 days ago

Dear Edward,
This premise reminds me so much of Contact by Carl Sagan. Have you seen that movie starring Jodie Foster? It's wonderful. I simply love your creativity and the writing is great!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)



Greetings Elizabeth:

First, thank you all for the comments on my story. I’m quite stoked by the positive reception. Especially helpful, is the constructive feedback and the suggestions. For a writer, constructive and negative feedback is gold, so bring it on (after all, it's all about the story).

My apologies for not being able to return the favor of commenting or “backing” your stories. However, I sit at a keyboard and monitor my entire day as it is and the little time I have when on my machine at home, has me taking care of those domestic tasks (or dabbling about a new story).

Funny, but I really don’t read that much fiction (I do read a great deal of non-fiction). I worry that I’ll lose my writing “voice” and be too affected by other authors, perhaps hurting my originality. That’s just me. (I have seen the movie "Contact" though, "The Man Who Fell To Earth" is interesting as well.)

Regarding The Prodigal Planet, it’s been a story in my head for awhile and is loosely based on the gospel story of the Prodigal Son (Earth is the prodigal son in this case). It was a way to reconcile in my mind questions like “are we alone” (in the universe) and if not, how does that fit with Christianity.

The story was actually written during one of the most difficult times in my life. There were internal issues, like going through a foreclosure on an investment property, important and complicated work projects , a child in the hospital along with external issues like the state of the economy (will I have a job next week) and are we headed for all-out world war, little thoughts like that. (Now, I’m wondering if the story was a therapy or something. Happily, things have settled-down somewhat.)

Anyway, if my boss is reading, just kidding about wanting to write for a living. See you in the morning.

Edward

(I grok this site.)

Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 517 days ago

Dear Edward,
This premise reminds me so much of Contact by Carl Sagan. Have you seen that movie starring Jodie Foster? It's wonderful. I simply love your creativity and the writing is great!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

GK Stritch wrote 518 days ago

Dear Edward Maurer,

I was afraid I wouldn’t understand your book as sci-fi isn't my thing. Your premise is great, very, very interesting, and your story highly entertaining and readable with the weaving of pop culture and Christian belief – good job The Prodigal Planet. What would I do if I "discovered" Earth? Probably head the other way.

Best and backed.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

Barry Wenlock wrote 518 days ago

Hi Edward,
I've really enjoyed your story, so far. It's clever, funny and well written. The whole concept is intriguing.

'a young scientist called Enstran on this planet clasped his hands firmly...' (word order)

A little description of Eof might be an idea -- you say he's human, but I can't quite picture him by the end of chapter one.

I wondered why Eof was surprised to see the copulating couple -- as a scientist he might have figured out why that was being beamed across space. On the other hand what will he think of Archie bunker is a mystery.

I'll read more. Nice work.
Barry
LITTLE KRISNA AND THE BIHAR BOYS

CamilleS wrote 518 days ago

I'll be reading more to see how this pans out! Backing!

Camille
Curse of the Golden Fly

Bocri wrote 518 days ago

08 September 2010
The Prodigal Planet is virtually a blue--print on how to write an enthralling, suspend--the--belief opening for that oxymoron -- the credible fantasy. The author clearly is aware of the potency of incontrovertible fact extrapolated into another oxymoron -the realm of believable fiction. And does it so well that it goes without saying that the ability to put into quality prose the product of an imaginative and creative mind also helps immensely. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

zan wrote 518 days ago

The Prodigal Planet

Edward Maurer

I am not a big science fiction fan, but I love your premise.
"How would you feel if you "discovered" Earth?" Nice question - I guess like an earthman discovering life on another planet - either way, curious and highly imaginative. I love stories of alien life - aliens that is who are not earthmen. Ha! There was a Bollywood film I saw with a vaguely similar storyline - a scientist from earth sending signals through space picked up after his death and the alien in receipt descending to earth - with much drama and conflict to follow. Your plot of course has many unique qualities and I find it stimulating. I like Eof - easy to warm to him and I'll come back and read more when I get the chance. "What exotic creatures exist there". "You look exhausted. I'll get you your supper." I like the tone of your writing. Happy to back you and best with it.

K.Z. Freeman wrote 518 days ago

slick

KW wrote 519 days ago

The paradise on Frater may be destroyed by the chaos on Earth. It's an intriguing premise you have with this book. Eof hearing Duke Ellington for the first time. "Unbelievable . . . they sound so much like us. Certainly, they are at some elevated level of sophistication and intelligence." Ah, the greener-pastures syndrome at work. Close the flood gates before it's too late. I'm enjoying this very much. I'll come back and read more when I get a little time. Backed for now.

Eunice Attwood wrote 519 days ago

What a great idea. It is certainly an original concept. You have written a good story here, and I am happy to back you. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

SusieGulick wrote 519 days ago

You are totally fantastic, Edward! :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my memoir book? :)
God bless you. :) Love, Susie :)

Herschel Shirley wrote 519 days ago

A good idea. The first chapter is a little slow but not a bad start. Backed.

PATRICK BARRETT wrote 519 days ago

Sci-Fi is not my first choice but I could not put this down and I will read any more you decide to upload, well done. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

lj reads wrote 519 days ago

Thank you for the download information. Fascinating!!

Owen Quinn wrote 520 days ago

Good concept right up my street with solid sorytelling,good visuals aand characters very entertaining

Christian Piatt wrote 520 days ago

Edward:
I've not seen this concept taken on seriously in an adult literary format, so in that respect you have something rather original, I think. It's a great way to develop social commentary on our own culture from arm's length, and your incorporation of Christian theology into the narrative is definitely interesting.
Best of luck with your book. Backed.
Peace,
Christian Piatt
PULLING THE GOALIE

lizjrnm wrote 520 days ago

The idea that Earthlings are the evil aliens is afabulous premise Ive not seen anywhere before. This is well crafted so far and easy to see this published. Backed 100%

Liz
The Cheech Room
A Fine Pickle

Jack Hughes wrote 520 days ago

A very inventive and thought-provoking work. Intelligent and well written and with clear voice. An excellent story, best of luck.

Backed

Jack Hughes
Dawn of Shadows

name falied moderation wrote 520 days ago

Dear Edward


Talent and skill have been shown with this book for sure. I have to wonder on this site at the creations that come from peoples heads and of course the immense talent of those like yourself to animate such colorful characters. I truly wish I had half your talent. I loved your short and long pitch both really sell your book which they are meant too so CONGRATS, and love the way you write. Your ability with words to craft an orginal read is amazing. the characters have decided to take up permanent residence but i will insist they leave soom to go home. ha!

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK
also

The VERY best of luck to you

Denise
The Letter

memphisgirl wrote 520 days ago

Brilliant. Your prologue could be Lesson One in any Mass Media course at any university, a way of looking at the meaning of the messages those signals have carried over decades and what that cumulative message says about our society. You prove yourself as a wordsmith from premise to prologue to Chapter One. Good luck with this one.

Memphisgirl
Ashes By Now

SusieGulick wrote 520 days ago

Dear Edward, I love that you got the gospel into your story. :) God bless you. :) Philothea's prayer was extremely impressive. :) All marriages should be as amiable as this one. :) Your pitch was great, making me want to read more & your dialogue & paragraphs crisp, providing a quick read. :) May you write many many more books uplifting our Saviour. :) I've backed your book :) - could you please take a moment to back my memoir/testimony book? :) Thanks so very much. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."

1