When I read Thane’s background I decided to share this book. Those of you that enjoy realistic military fiction will enjoy this book.
To view a book trailer and read a Q&A with Thane Keller, click this link: DOOMSAYER.
Doom Sayer by Thane Keller.
Military science fiction books are often criticized for their unrealistic and incorrect war sequences. But in the case of the book series “The Conquests of Brokk,” author Thane Keller has made certain the military aspects of his series are realistic. As an active duty soldier with deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Keller’s first-hand experiences are evident, as is his understanding of the parallel lives of the biblical characters Isaac and Ishmael which he portrays in the book series. He has worked beside many Muslims over the past decade, and he has learned much about their beliefs in juxtaposition to his own Christian faith. With the release of book three, “Doomsayer,” Keller says he hopes the book series helps build understanding.
“I had never before been exposed to the subtle differences of the religion that acknowledges Isa (Jesus) as prophet, but not as a Savior,” says Keller. “Islam acknowledges Abraham, but as he relates to Ishmael, not Isaac. It acknowledges the concept of a warrior savior that will return, but as he relates to the Islamic Savior, the Mahdi, not the second coming of Christ. Superficially, I’ve tied these themes into ‘The Conquests of Brokk,’ but I’m not a scholar. I hope the undertone in this story encourages readers to think deeply.”
Keller says religious differences have not been a factor in his interaction with Muslims, who he says have suffered under Salafi groups that seek to impose a strict and fundamental view of Islam.
“I have had great joy interacting with my Muslim Brother’s-in-Arms,” says Keller. “I’ve taken them to shooting ranges, gone on patrol together in dangerous areas, and had dinner with them. Christians owe the world love and compassion. We must engage them in dialog; dialog creates understanding and builds the foundation of a relationship. If we trust that our God is sovereign, where is there room for fear?”
Keller says engaging Muslims about the Christian faith is tied to one issue.
“I suggest the Gospel of Jesus is where we start and end,” he says. “Who is Jesus? This question sets the pace for everything else.”
In “Doomsayer” and the other books in the series, Keller takes seriously the strategies of war and combat, even though the setting is fictional.
“This series is unique because of the military expertise I bring to Science Fiction. I am a cavalryman with significant experience leading soldiers in combat. Every aspect of this fictional book has been strategically thought-through. For me, one of the biggest let downs in space opera is how they ignore the effects of weapons in combat. They don’t echelon their fires, engage in realistic maneuver, or leverage the assets available. In addition, I use real army doctrine and apply it everywhere — the fundamentals of Offensive Operations, the Principals of Reconnaissance, Thrust and Velocity as factors for space combat, and the effects of fear, guilt, and anger on all of us. I believe this provides the reader with a far more interesting look at what space combat could actually be. I also hope it gives the reader a look at true-to-life combat.”
Keller says the series fans are typically young adults, but that all age groups will relate to the characters.
“I am always looking for clean entertainment that is provocative and enjoyable,” says Keller. “Unfortunately, I have to close books more times than not because they are either unwholesome or unedifying. I’ve been deliberate to avoid sexual themes, foul language, and grungy undertones. This is a story that adults can be comfortable letting their teenagers read. My brand of science fiction is something you can share happily with your kids or enjoy casually as military space opera. But I don’t want you to stop there — the species in ‘Doomsayer’ should encourage you to consider the science of genetic diversity, the nuances of spirituality, and the nature of man.”
About Thane Keller:
Thane Keller is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in psychology and a minor in English. Following college, Thane married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, and started his career as a cavalryman in the United States Army. Over the course of his career, he has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was personally engaged in ground combat. He has earned two Bronze Stars and numerous other awards and decorations. He and his wife have four children. For more information, visit www.ThaneKeller.com.