Daphne Self: Spotlight on When Legends Rise & a Giveaway
I hope you enjoy this book spotlight from Daphne Self, Christian Sci-fi author, as she shares about her novel When Legends Rise. Comment below by April 4 for a chance to win a copy! Signed paperback or ebook for a US winner or an ebook for International.
It all started as an idea back in the late 90s. It came to fruition in May 2021. The inspiration was this: salvation is free.
That began the questions of: what if someone committed horrible acts, what if that person was indoctrinated and changed, how would they react when faced with the truth, and finally, what story from the Bible would work for my character? Of course, the story of Saul of Tarsus (Paul) came to mind. He had blood on his hands, yet found salvation in Christ.
Thus, the story of When Legends Rise was born. I needed to show that no matter the sin, Christ is there. We only need to accept and follow Him.
In When Legends Rise, I created Jules to not be the typical alpha male that you would find in most sci-fi novels. I wanted him to be more empathic, compassionate, protective, and quiet, yet have those alpha tendencies when the need arose.
He’s brilliant. A sharp mind that analyzes everything around him. And he can quickly form bonds, such as the one formed with JJ, whom he calls “brother.” Jules is complex. And sometimes I forget that he’s not a real person!
A fun fact is that Jules is actually the name of one of my great-uncles. I’ve always loved hearing about him and how he was awarded the purple heart. So, I made sure I used a name I could shorten to Jules. Julius was my favorite on the list.
For my secondary character, Abigail, her surname has a double meaning; du Soleil means “of the sun”, which in this story would fit since she’s part of the Christian Coalition. Her name would also mean “of the Son.”
Some may ask, did anything inspire this story other than the Bible? Well, I wrote this book before the show Halo was released, yet I had been playing the Halo video game since its release. I’ve always enjoyed the backstory of Master Chief, so Jules in When Legends Rise is a bit like Master Chief John-117.
Plus, if you have seen The Mandalorian, then you will see a few common themes between my book and that show. There’s also a bit of a Star Trek and Firefly vibe in When Legends Rise.
And although this is a science fiction novel, it does not contain aliens. Nor does it use “faster than light” travel. I took current sociological and scientific elements and, again, played the “what if” game. This created a futuristic and plausible world.
When Legends Rise is part of a trilogy called Legends of Light, and I am in the process of writing book two, What Legends Become.
Christian science fiction isn’t a genre widely accepted nor known, yet I always felt that Christian authors were missing out on an audience that would benefit from stories told from a Christian worldview. In a way, sci-fi is a lot like the parables.
Thanks so much for sharing about your inspiration for When Legends Rise, Daphne. I’m sure there are lots of Christians who would love to read an inspirational sci-fi story, my husband included! God’s blessings on you in your future projects.
Comment on this book spotlight with Christian #ScienceFiction author Daphne Self by April 4 for a chance to win a copy of her novel, When Legends Rise. #giveaway #amreading
TweetJoin the conversation. Do you watch or read sci-fi? Does a Christian sci-fi novel sound interesting to you? What do you think about the story premise for Daphne’s book? Do you have any questions or comments for the author?
When Legends Rise by Daphne Self
Click the book cover for purchase link
He was now one of them.
Genetically altered…. designed to kill….trained to eradicate….until he became more.
Juliet 7-A was the top elite assassin for the Global Federated Territories until an ambush deemed him beyond salvaging. He was scheduled for decommission. His only recourse for survival is a new identity and his search for the one friend he had―a friend who defected and deserted him. Those he once hunted will save him. Yet it comes with a price. A price that demands much of him.
What happens when an assassin awakens?
Daphne Self, formerly published under D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state planning adventures-never-taken. She pursues her dream as an author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours books in many genres.
Connect with Daphne: Blog / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest / BookBub
Please share this post on social media to help spread the word about Daphne’s book!
If you missed any recent posts, check out these interviews with Dana Mentink, Douglas J. Lanzo, and Allen Steadham.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
36 Comments
Daphne
Thank you to everyone who commented. And to everyone who read my guest post.
Sorry that I couldn’t pop in sooner, but just reading through the comments did wonders for me today.
I do hope that you connect with me on social media. I like to share about my books, my life, my fellow authors and their books, etc. Christian fiction in all genres is something I love and love to share with others.
Again, thank you for being here!
Deena Adams
Congratulations, Linda! You’re the winner of Daphne’s book. Please look for an email from me.
Linda
Thank you! I look forward to reading it!
Faith Cox
I am intrigued with the combining of science-fiction and Christianity! I would love the opportunity to read Daphne’s book “When Legends Rise!”
Deena Adams
I hope you get a chance to read it, Faith. Good luck in the giveaway!
Daphne
Faith,
I do hope you get to read it. Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook.
Linda
The first Christian fiction book I ever read (as far as I can remember), was science fiction. It was a trilogy about time travel. I enjoyed it. I didn’t take off with reading Christian fiction right away because I wasn’t reading much after becoming a mom. When I did read, it was Christian non-fiction. Now, I am really getting into Christian fiction. My favorite topics are science fiction and murder mysteries.
I’m curious about Juliet’s personality, how it comes through. The Iron Giant came to mind, a robot whom makers wanted to destroy because he was designed to be a weapon, but possessed a compassionate personality.
Deena Adams
Hi, Linda. I hope you get a chance to read Daphne’s book. Thanks for joining the conversation!
Daphne
I’ve heard of the Iron Giant but never read it. And yes! Science fiction was my first foray into movies and books. I’ve written some nonfiction, but fiction is definitely my genre for writing.
Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook. I share a lot on Instagram about Jules and the other characters.
Carol Ashby
I love some science fiction, including Firefly and The Mandalorian. The blurb is intriguing, and I just read some of the Look Inside. This is now on my shopping list.
Deena Adams
Wonderful, Carol! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Lynn Moore
I can’t remember ever watching a “book” trailer before. This one brings the book to life even before the first page is read! 📚
Deena Adams
Hi, Lynn. I love the book trailers some authors create. I hope to have one of my own one of these days!
Daphne
Thank you! I made this trailer and am in the process of making the next one for book 2. I used to make trailers for a publisher, too.
Book trailers have this unique why of bringing characters and the story to life.
Daphne
The Mandalorian has some pretty interesting character arcs lately, hasn’t it? As for Firefly, who couldn’t love Mal and his misfit crew!
I’m happy to hear it is on your shopping list! If your list is like mine, there are a lot of books on there.
Andrette Herron
I do enjoy watching and reading sci-fi. I am intrigued by the premise of this story. Sounds like a great book!
Deena Adams
I hope you get a chance to read it, Andrette!
Daphne
Thank you! I do hope you get the chance to read it. Connect with me on social media. I’m always sharing about the book, other books, and sometimes there are opportunities for readers.
Bethany
This sounds good! I just added it to my wishlist.
Deena Adams
Great! I hope you get a chance to read it, Bethany.
Daphne
Thank you! I hope you get to read it soon.
Traci Winget
I’m not a sci-fi fan at all, but add the Christian element and I’ll give it a go. Sounds intriguing.
I love the Saul/Paul reference to “all can be saved no matter the sin”. Difficult for a lot of people and an area I don’t think has been shared too often.
Deena Adams
I agree, Traci. I’m willing to try just about anything with a solid, Biblical message behind it.
Daphne
There is a strong Saul/Paul reference scene in the book. It was really hard to write that part, emotionally charged. And I also incorporated a parallel to Samson, too.
I hope you get a chance to read it.
Kera bell
I like sci-fi, but sometimes it’s hard for me to understand it, but I am excited to read this book. I’ve never read this author before.
Deena Adams
Hi, Kera. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a sci-fi book, but Daphne’s sounds intereesting to me. Thanks for stopping by!
Stacy Bebb
I don’t know that I’ve read too many sci Fi books that could also be considered Christian fiction. I’m excited to read this! I love sci-fi books and Christian fiction 🙂
Deena Adams
Stacy, I’m so glad you came across this post and were introduced to Daphne and her book. Good luck in the giveaway! And happy reading!
Daphne
I’ve ran across many books so far that are sci-fi and Christian fiction. I hope you get a chance to read it. And I share about a few other books on IG, too, that you may like. (not just my books, but also other authors).
Daphne
I hope my book won’t be too hard to understand. I tried to cut down on what some call “techno-babble”.
Kimallison
I’m excited to read this book. I’m a sci-fi/fantasy, steampunk kinda girl. The thought of quality Christian genre books other than romance is refreshing, because God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice are found in all types of stories.
Keep writing, Daphne!
Deena Adams
I agree, Kimallison, a variety of Christian Fiction genres is so needed! I hope you get a chance to read Daphne’s book.
Stephen Bebb
Sounds intriguing from the sample. What does someone designed for one purpose do when deemed unfit for what they were made? I’m saving this on my to-read list.
Deena Adams
Hi, Stephen. Yes, that is definitely an intriguing question! I hope you get a chance to read Daphne’s book and will love it. Thanks for stopping by!
Daphne
Stephen, I hope you get the chance to find out! And by the way, you’ll see the name “Stephen” in the book. It becomes a pivotal twist in the story. 🙂
Daphne
Thank you for the encouragement! It was needed.
Steampunk…I have a friend writing a Christian steampunk trilogy and I’m looking forward to its release.