Choose by Thomas Macy is a faith-based fantasy novel that raises questions about the direction society is heading at present. Paul, a professor at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, is one of the few staunch Christians left in Western society these days and is growing increasingly concerned about the lack of tolerance and the outright hostility toward conservatives in general and Christians in particular. To Paul and his friends, it is as if the wheel has turned full circle in the United States and a country founded on religious freedom and tolerance is now fully hedonistic and lacking any moral compass at all. Christians are despised and physical violence brought against those who practice their faith is increasing every day. When a group of fellow Christians, who call themselves “The Chosen,” come up with a seemingly ridiculous and far-fetched plan to build a spaceship and escape earthly persecution to look for a new home for God’s chosen among the stars, it seems impossible. With his analytical mind, Paul begins to realize that the Chosen’s dream could be a reality and is certain that God will clear whatever obstacles confront them. A cadre of Satan’s demons led by the ambitious and dangerous Rophocol are determined to wipe out the few Christian voices for their master but are thwarted by the Chosen’s prayer warriors. Some members of the Chosen must decide if their love of Christianity and the dream of freedom is greater than their love for their non-believer partners.

Choose is a prequel to a book titled Star Song which I’ve read and it details the journey of the Chosen to their hoped-for new land. This book is an excellent grounding in the characters that make up Star Song. What I particularly enjoyed was author Thomas Macy using the book to raise questions about the direction of Western society in general, especially the discarding of Christianity and the embrace of extreme liberalism and the attitude that “if it feels good, then it is okay.” Yes, this is a faith-based book and the author’s faith shines through it on every page but that for me is not the crucial aspect of the story. What stands out for me is the lack of tolerance that is becoming the norm for those who disagree with the majority or profess differing ideas from the current paradigm. The absolute irony is that in a country founded on religious freedom, the tolerance for differing faiths is becoming almost negligible. I particularly enjoyed the relationships between Paul and Sylvia as well as Nora and Simon where Paul and Nora’s commitment to the journey and their desire to go on this great adventure was severely tested by their earthly love for their respective non-believer partners, Sylvia and Simon. I love stories that ask me to think and to consider different perspectives and although I may not agree with a character’s faith and beliefs, many of the truisms that come from Christianity are equally applicable in all aspects of life. More than once I found myself nodding sagely at one of Paul’s biblical quotations. This is a thoughtful, entertaining read and one I can highly recommend.

Choose is a work of fiction penned by author Thomas Macy in the fantasy, Christian, and adventure subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. The work is an intriguing prequel to Star Song that delves into the lives of the Chosen, a group of people facing increasing persecution in a hostile world. As fear and uncertainty permeate their existence, they grapple with their faith and their place in this changing landscape. The Chosen's search for safety takes them to unexpected places, including the possibility of finding refuge in space. This twist introduces a unique dimension to the story, blurring the lines between the possible and the fantastical.

Author Thomas Macy weaves a compelling narrative that combines elements of science fiction, spirituality, and supernatural intrigue from a Christian viewpoint. This blend of theological and supernatural elements creates a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience that is grounded in real-world morals and principles but also extends a sense of open-mindedness and exploration as we follow the human search for safety, comfort, and hope. I was especially impressed with the ethereal qualities of the narrative structure that made the work feel almost dreamlike and filled with revelation at times. What results is a captivating tale that combines science fiction and spiritual themes in a way that keeps you pondering the possibilities long after you've finished reading. Overall, Choose is a novel that challenges readers to contemplate faith, resilience, and the boundaries of reality in a really unique way, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.