Cross of Secrets: A Book Review
Reviewing the first in the Ransom: Shadow of an Empire series
Catholic fiction is a sadly neglected genre in modern times. While the 20th century was filled with the works of great Catholic authors, such as G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc, the genre of Catholic fiction has waned from its heights of the previous century. Consequently, when one discovers a great work of Catholic fiction written in modern times, it is very much like finding a lost coin, and it gives us just cause to tell our friends so that others may enjoy this work of literature.
I recently experienced such a joy when I read Therese Judeana’s science fiction space trilogy Ransom: Shadow of an Empire. Therese Judeana is a young Catholic author who writes science fiction and fantasy novels that contain authentically Catholic values. Her books are published through En Route Books & Media, the same publishing company that has generously agreed to publish Missio Dei’s book for the Eucharistic Revival. My dear friend Grace Bourget, a very talented artist, did the beautiful artwork for the series. Grace did the artwork for these articles as well, and I am most grateful to her for providing me with exclusive original pieces for these articles.
The first installment in the Ransom series is Cross of Secrets. I was immediately drawn into the plot line and fell in love with the main characters Marc, Samantha, and young Aiyra. Each of the characters has a past that they try to avoid at the beginning of the series (hence the title of the first novel). The titular Order of the Savior’s Ransom is reminiscent of the medieval orders of Catholic knights, giving us a delightful medieval aspect in the midst of the science fiction futuristic setting. The Order of the Savior’s Ransom works to save innocent people throughout the galaxy from the evil Marauders.
As the story progresses, readers are vividly reminded of Christ and Our Lady in the characters of Marc and Samantha, as well as of Marc’s late wife Talitha. As the first book in the series draws to its climactic close, we meet another key character in the series: Medrhos, prince of the evil Marauders. With the lives of Marc and Samantha—as well as the future of the entire galaxy—on the line, Therese leaves us anxious to read the next installment in the series, Shadow of an Empire.
Cross of Secrets is filled with drama, action, and characters to whom every reader will relate. Christian readers will especially appreciate the unmistakeable religious parallels and allegories throughout the entire series. Grace Bourget’s beautifully detailed illustrations throughout each book help readers immerse themselves even more deeply into the story. Ransom, Shadow of an Empire is a wonderful series for Christian readers of all ages, and I highly recommend reading them.
Chantal! Thanks for sharing this! Two questions--first, have you encountered Eleanor Bourg Nicholson? James and I really enjoyed her debut novel (A Bloody Habit) and its sequel (Brother Wolf). Second, have you read James’ serial here on Substack? I know there’s a ton of good stuff to read, so obviously no pressure, but he’s writing a fun little story geared for older kids/childlike adults that I’m really enjoying so far!