The Face of the Deep Series by Steve Rzasa

Baden picked up the wrong book In the far future, the civilized worlds have finally been freed of the curse of religion. Tolerance now rules the five colonies. Thanks to the secret police, no one has been bothered by so much as a hymn in two generations-much less a Torah, Koran, or that most dangerous of books, a Bible. Baden is a teenager with an attitude. He spends his spare time salvaging wrecks in deep space, claiming for himself whatever the pirates leave behind... moreBaden picked up the wrong book In the far future, the civilized worlds have finally been freed of the curse of religion. Tolerance now rules the five colonies. Thanks to the secret police, no one has been bothered by so much as a hymn in two generations-much less a Torah, Koran, or that most dangerous of books, a Bible. Baden is a teenager with an attitude. He spends his spare time salvaging wrecks in deep space, claiming for himself whatever the pirates leave behind. One day, Baden finds a book. A strange and very old book, preserved carefully against the ravages of deep space. Thinking he'll become rich if only for the value of the paper, he takes it. He counts himself lucky beyond all imagining. Until it begins talking to him. Amidst an interstellar war that threatens to overthrow the monarchy and drive great families to oblivion, Baden must evade the secret police and their attempts to get that book. Baden never had much use for religion. But it seems one has use of him. *** Steve Rzasa was born and raised in South Jersey, and fell in love with books-especially science fi cti on novels and historical volumes-at an early age. He and his wife, Carrie, have two boys and live in Buff alo, Wyoming. Steve's short story, "Rescued," which is set in the universe of The World Reclaimed, won the 2009 G.K. Chesterton Award in the Athanatos Christi an Ministries Writi ng Contest. less

Baden's book won't leave him alone. He'd like nothing more than to get rid of the Bible he found in the wreckage of a derelict starship. It's brought trouble - the secret police are closing in on him. He's fighting more with his father. And he fears that the young woman he loves may be falling under the book's spell. But he can't seem to let it go. Now he's sharing what he's read with believers who have awaited the return of God's Word for decades... moreBaden's book won't leave him alone. He'd like nothing more than to get rid of the Bible he found in the wreckage of a derelict starship. It's brought trouble - the secret police are closing in on him. He's fighting more with his father. And he fears that the young woman he loves may be falling under the book's spell. But he can't seem to let it go. Now he's sharing what he's read with believers who have awaited the return of God's Word for decades. His mysterious rescuer, Jason, wants the Bible taken to a safe place. So now it's his choice. He can hide it, or proclaim it. With Kesek in control of the Realm and coming after all its opponents, Baden will have to trust not only in his friends but in a contingent of elite soldiers determined to save the king. He'll have to come to grips with the power he has unleashed on the Realm of Five. And that power has plans of its own. less

Be careful what you fight for... In a realm where religious freedom has just been restored, Commander Brian Gaudette feels more isolated than before. His wife left with their daughter. His crew is bickering. Even his God seems distant. A distress call from a remote planet offers him a much needed distraction. But what he finds in responding to it will take focus and backup. Because, despite best efforts to disband the secret religious police, remnants have been biding their time... moreBe careful what you fight for... In a realm where religious freedom has just been restored, Commander Brian Gaudette feels more isolated than before. His wife left with their daughter. His crew is bickering. Even his God seems distant. A distress call from a remote planet offers him a much needed distraction. But what he finds in responding to it will take focus and backup. Because, despite best efforts to disband the secret religious police, remnants have been biding their time. And their new found weapon makes up for what they lack in numbers. With his faith shaken, will Brian’s broken sight be strong enough to see him through this conflict? less

So much for peace and quiet. Now that the government overthrow is said and done, a new frontier awaits colonization. That's where Zarco Thread and his wife enter. He and Ria head up a surveying crew, commissioned to report on worlds with potential for settlements. However, nothing is settling about what they discover. A conspiracy threatens to unravel the progress the Five Realms made in the last decade. Not to mention, strain the development of Zarco and Ria's marriage... moreSo much for peace and quiet. Now that the government overthrow is said and done, a new frontier awaits colonization. That's where Zarco Thread and his wife enter. He and Ria head up a surveying crew, commissioned to report on worlds with potential for settlements. However, nothing is settling about what they discover. A conspiracy threatens to unravel the progress the Five Realms made in the last decade. Not to mention, strain the development of Zarco and Ria's marriage. This time it's more serious than revenge... A dominating force exists in the Realm that has recruited their long-time enemies, tempting them with a greater plot, one that will endanger the Word once again. less