| Tuck Jameson vows to stop his brother Clay from joining The Body, a religious cult that uses nanotechnology to turn its members into Christian automatons. But Clay disappears—and in three days, his nanotechnology conversion will be complete. Desperate to find Clay, Tuck enlists the aid of former high school mentor Adam Shimura, now a black ops agent with potentially mixed motives. Brother Moody, the cult’s Chief Elder, mobilizes his acolytes against Tuck. Worse, a shocking prophecy ups the ante, making Tuck realize the stakes involve not only him and Clay, but all of America—and perhaps, the world. Genre: Christian Science Fiction Release date: October 26, 2023 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Mike
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I got the idea for the novel when I considered reversing the theme of 1956’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In Body Snatchers, humans become Pod People who lose all emotion and possess only the instinct to survive.
I thought, what would happen if instead, people’s compassion became dominant and their instinct to survive annihilated? Hence, the seed of my tale of seemingly perfect Christians who are actually anything but.
In addition, I think some Christians might find the notion of no longer needing to struggle with their faith a welcome relief. What if a technological process could force your brain to make the right moral decisions according to Scripture? You would lose your free will, but your actions would become more moral—at least, superficially.
I got the idea for the novel when I considered reversing the theme of 1956’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In Body Snatchers, humans become Pod People who lose all emotion and possess only the instinct to survive.
I thought, what would happen if instead, people’s compassion became dominant and their instinct to survive annihilated? Hence, the seed of my tale of seemingly perfect Christians who are actually anything but.
In addition, I think some Christians might find the notion of no longer needing to struggle with their faith a welcome relief. What if a technological process could force your brain to make the right moral decisions according to Scripture? You would lose your free will, but your actions would become more moral—at least, superficially.
#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
Science fiction has always drawn me to books, stories, TV series, and movies. One of the first movies I can remember seeing on TV was 1953’s nightmarish Invaders from Mars. This quickly followed with TV series such as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, and of course Star Trek.
By the time I turned twelve, I became enthralled with adult science fiction movies such as 1968’s original Planet of the Apes and the same year’s groundbreaking 2001; A Space Odyssey. Both opened my eyes to what science fiction could do.
But what about books? Speculative fiction authors such as John Christopher captivated me. As a teenager, science fiction seemed the perfect genre in which to write my stories. Its imaginative scope and sweeping themes have continued to enthrall me through my adult years.
More specifically, Christan science fiction allows me to explore upcoming technology through a spiritual lens. For example, as Christians, should we welcome nanotechnology with an olive branch? Or reject it with a sound rebuke? Should we first evaluate its potential blessings and curses, then decide how far nanobots should be able to alter our bodies and brains?
Specific Christan science fiction books that have influenced me include Bill Myers’ Saving Alpha, David Gregory’s The Last Christian, Jerry Jenkins’ The Valley of the Dry Bones, and Steven James’ Synapse. The latter is a thoughtful combination of science fiction and thriller exploring an important spiritual issue—if an AI entity becomes self-aware, does that mean it has a soul? Can it become a Christian?
Science fiction has always drawn me to books, stories, TV series, and movies. One of the first movies I can remember seeing on TV was 1953’s nightmarish Invaders from Mars. This quickly followed with TV series such as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost in Space, and of course Star Trek.
By the time I turned twelve, I became enthralled with adult science fiction movies such as 1968’s original Planet of the Apes and the same year’s groundbreaking 2001; A Space Odyssey. Both opened my eyes to what science fiction could do.
But what about books? Speculative fiction authors such as John Christopher captivated me. As a teenager, science fiction seemed the perfect genre in which to write my stories. Its imaginative scope and sweeping themes have continued to enthrall me through my adult years.
More specifically, Christan science fiction allows me to explore upcoming technology through a spiritual lens. For example, as Christians, should we welcome nanotechnology with an olive branch? Or reject it with a sound rebuke? Should we first evaluate its potential blessings and curses, then decide how far nanobots should be able to alter our bodies and brains?
Specific Christan science fiction books that have influenced me include Bill Myers’ Saving Alpha, David Gregory’s The Last Christian, Jerry Jenkins’ The Valley of the Dry Bones, and Steven James’ Synapse. The latter is a thoughtful combination of science fiction and thriller exploring an important spiritual issue—if an AI entity becomes self-aware, does that mean it has a soul? Can it become a Christian?
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
The fact that all Christians struggle. On planet earth, we will always face temptation. But I hope my book conveys the struggle is worth it—indeed, not only worth it, but noble.
Scripture makes it clear God wants us to have free will. He has no patience with so-called Christians who coerce others to believe. But with newer technologies at their disposal, authoritarian Christians may force a framework of Christianity onto an unbeliever’s mind. This would be brainwashing on an unprecedented level, and a clear violation of free will.
The fact that all Christians struggle. On planet earth, we will always face temptation. But I hope my book conveys the struggle is worth it—indeed, not only worth it, but noble.
Scripture makes it clear God wants us to have free will. He has no patience with so-called Christians who coerce others to believe. But with newer technologies at their disposal, authoritarian Christians may force a framework of Christianity onto an unbeliever’s mind. This would be brainwashing on an unprecedented level, and a clear violation of free will.
#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I am a single retired educator living in Western Arkansas with my rescue cat Bendi—we regularly hold contests to see who can nap the longest in a single day.
While I do consider Bendi family, I have one sibling, Frank, who lives in Phoenix, AZ. My parents died years ago.
I also have many friends, both in the small town of Ozark in which I live and via the Internet. I regularly interact online with a group of follow Christian speculative fiction writers, and I do my best to encourage their writing ministries.
For fun, I like to read non-fiction, especially when the subject is TV or movies. But I also like to read non-fiction of a more serious nature, much of it involving Christian living and dealing with current topical issues.
Back in the day, I enjoyed singing in church, both in the choir and performing specials. But as a sixtysomething, I’m afraid my vocal skills have deteriorated. (No tragedy—I still sing when I pray at home.)
I am currently working on my next novel, Eden Colony. The premise: After a nuclear war, a group of Christian survivors discover they are immune to radiation..
I am a single retired educator living in Western Arkansas with my rescue cat Bendi—we regularly hold contests to see who can nap the longest in a single day.
While I do consider Bendi family, I have one sibling, Frank, who lives in Phoenix, AZ. My parents died years ago.
I also have many friends, both in the small town of Ozark in which I live and via the Internet. I regularly interact online with a group of follow Christian speculative fiction writers, and I do my best to encourage their writing ministries.
For fun, I like to read non-fiction, especially when the subject is TV or movies. But I also like to read non-fiction of a more serious nature, much of it involving Christian living and dealing with current topical issues.
Back in the day, I enjoyed singing in church, both in the choir and performing specials. But as a sixtysomething, I’m afraid my vocal skills have deteriorated. (No tragedy—I still sing when I pray at home.)
I am currently working on my next novel, Eden Colony. The premise: After a nuclear war, a group of Christian survivors discover they are immune to radiation..
#5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
If you really like an author’s book, the best way you can support him or her is to write a customer review on Amazon and perhaps Goodreads. The more customer reviews a book collects on Amazon, the greater the likelihood a potential reader scoping out the book may buy it. Yes, this does take a little extra time, but it could be a blessing for the author.
If you really like an author’s book, the best way you can support him or her is to write a customer review on Amazon and perhaps Goodreads. The more customer reviews a book collects on Amazon, the greater the likelihood a potential reader scoping out the book may buy it. Yes, this does take a little extra time, but it could be a blessing for the author.
Ms. Augustine, thank you for letting me speak to your readers.
More from Mike
“If brainwashing means losing my free will for God’s sake, so be it.”
Thus says a recruit for the religious cult The Body in my novel A Perfect Flock.
When planning the novel, I wondered—should Christians use technology to enhance their moral lives? What if technology forced us to be good? Should we use it? Should we advocate it? Would it make Christians, and therefore the Gospel, more appealing to non-Christians?
A Perfect Flock explores these issues. In the novel, technology that might have been a blessing becomes a curse in the hands of cult leader Brother Moody. Indeed, becoming Moody’s version of a perfect Christian might just cost you your soul.
In A Perfect Flock, you will confront the well-meaning but dark future into which technology may be taking Christians and society; experience a fast-paced quest in which an older brother is determined to save his younger brother from technological enslavement; and face the tension between free will and enforced will—if we had the technology to force others to become Christians, should we?
If you like near-future Christian science fiction novels such as Steven James’ Synapse, I think you’ll enjoy A Perfect Flock.
A technical note: The book was released last October 23, so it is available now.
Best of hopes and dreams,
Mike
Thus says a recruit for the religious cult The Body in my novel A Perfect Flock.
When planning the novel, I wondered—should Christians use technology to enhance their moral lives? What if technology forced us to be good? Should we use it? Should we advocate it? Would it make Christians, and therefore the Gospel, more appealing to non-Christians?
A Perfect Flock explores these issues. In the novel, technology that might have been a blessing becomes a curse in the hands of cult leader Brother Moody. Indeed, becoming Moody’s version of a perfect Christian might just cost you your soul.
In A Perfect Flock, you will confront the well-meaning but dark future into which technology may be taking Christians and society; experience a fast-paced quest in which an older brother is determined to save his younger brother from technological enslavement; and face the tension between free will and enforced will—if we had the technology to force others to become Christians, should we?
If you like near-future Christian science fiction novels such as Steven James’ Synapse, I think you’ll enjoy A Perfect Flock.
A technical note: The book was released last October 23, so it is available now.
Best of hopes and dreams,
Mike
 Mike Bogue | Why does Mike Bogue write speculative fiction? Because he finds it a perfect genre to explore timeless themes and timely science, as well as the collision between technology and faith. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys watching Godzilla movies, singing 1960s pop tunes, and munching Fiber One brownies. Single and retired, Mike lives with his cat Bendi in Western Arkansas, where he and Bendi regularly hold contests to see who can nap the longest in a single day. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate his tour, Mike is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!
a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8 (Author Interview)
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Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11
Artistic Nobody, October 12 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 13
Stories By Gina, October 14 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 14
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 15 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, October 16 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, October 17
Back Porch Reads, October 18 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, October 6 (Author Interview)
The Book Zone, October 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8 (Author Interview)
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 9
Through the Fire Blogs, October 10 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11
Artistic Nobody, October 12 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 13
Stories By Gina, October 14 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 14
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 15 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, October 16 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, October 17
Back Porch Reads, October 18 (Author Interview)
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