Alpha Redemption

Author: P. A. Baines

I never thought I'd be recommending Christian science-fiction with family-friendly content, but that day has come. I'm dulling the atheist in me with a good few stiff drinks as I write this and I can finally say that Alpha Redemption is one of the most entertaining artificial intelligence, sci-fi novels available, providing a wonderful character study into what it means to be human with the back setting of a space opera, which should appeal to hard core sci-fi fans. Alpha Redemption's protagonist volunteers to be the pilot for a trip to another planet knowing he may not survive the trip. He's selected, and soon is awaking from a nutrient bath designed to protect him from the shock of jumping into FTL speeds. His only companion is the ship's on-board computer, Jay, and though Brett is annoyed by Jay at first, they become friends as the prototype spaceship travels at light speed towards Alpha Centuari. Brett's a lonely man in his 40s with a dark past that he's still traumatized and grieving over. Through a desire to understand humanity, the artificially intelligent computer helps Brett reconcile with this past and in turn understands about human emotions and reactions, like fear and pain. As the voyage ends, Jay's self-awareness develops to a point where he begins to believe in a higher power like God, and has to make a huge sacrifice.