"Hi Mr. Mapes, I hope you are doing good and enjoying your Friday. I haven't been reading much fiction lately, but was looking in the fiction section of the library here in Traverse City, MI. I was looking for something that would interest me and I guess at the same time appeal to my new found spiritual side. :) I was glad to find "Dark Star".

I am a music lover and grew up listening to the likes of Aerosmith and Guns and Roses...So yesterday, I picked up your book, out of the thousands at the library. I just opened it and read from the middle. That's how I pick my books. Not the first page. :) So I checked it out, and read the whole thing, all afternoon yesterday, and finished it this morning. There is no more books of yours at this library, but I am looking for other Christian fiction books.

Anyway, I just had to tell you. I really liked your book. The contemporary Christian story is very appealing. Keep up the good work. God bless you and your writing. -- A new fan

"I finished Dark Star tonight. I read the entire book in 3 days. Keep in mind that I do not typically read fiction. Creston, this book was fabulous. The way it was written kept me engaged throughout. I always hated to put it down!!!! You are a brilliant writer!!!!!!! (of course I am sure you hear that all the time)!!! Are you thinking about an audio version? I am picking up Full Tilt right now. I should be sleeping in order to get to the gym at 5:45 by I am going to risk being a bit sleepy!!!!! You have a great gift!!!"

"Hi Creston! I finished Dark Star! What a powerful book. What a picture of how we should never give up on our unsaved friends!!! I loved it loved it!!! My husband read Full Tilt and is now reading Nobody!! I think I'll make him a fiction reader after all thanks to your books!! Like I've said before, he doesn't read for pleasure because he reads so much day to day for his preaching etc... He totally got into your books and is loving Nobody as well. Can't wait to start Full Tilt! Thanks for writing such powerful books with such strong messages!!!"

"Just finished reading DarkStar. That was really riveting. I read the last 200 pages in two days. I don't know where my wife got it (she brought it home and read it first) but I will be going out to find Full Tilt tomorrow. In the meantime I will donate DarkStar to my church's lending library."

"Hey Creston, if I may call you Creston. I just want to say thank you x100 for your book Darkstar. My students LOVE IT! They are reading ahead, paying attention, doing their homework (for the most part). It is great - but then, I knew it would be. We are only half way through, but they are already asking if we can start looking for the sequel. The only books they have liked as much are Frank Perreti's Hangman's Curse and Nightmare Academy. I can never express my gratitude for how your book has helped. I think a couple of students are seriously thinking about their current situation and whether or not they are really saved. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and God Bless you and your family."

"Hey, i just finished reading your book. I'm sixteen years old and i live in oregon. i just wanted to tell you that i loved your book and i think that God is really using you and your writing for Him. i can hardly wait to read the sequel. i love reading about this kind of stuff but there's like no good books about it. i mean, i'm sure there is but it's like you can't really find any. i was totally amazed with the content of this book and have told my sister like five times that she has to read it. yesterday i went out and bought my own copy and i hadn't even finished reading it yet. my cousin got it from her library and told me to read it and then i told both my sisters that they had to read it too. thanks again for letting God use you like this."

"Dear Mr. Creston Mapes, My financee' and I really enjoyed reading your book Dark Star. Her aunt (a christian woman) came across the book and sent it to her. I started to read the first chapter and felt I would share it with her when she arrived home from work. We found ourselves well into the night reading on the tenth chapter. Each night after tucking our little one into her bed, we were excitied to pick up where we had left off. Upon reading the last chapters of the book, we were very inspired and up-lifted spirtiually. Looking forward to getting the sequel Full Tilt. I'm sure it will be a good read just like Dark Star. Thanks and God Bless Ya!!! Keep on writing Great Books!"

"Greetings Creston...I live in a city in Texas called Amarillo. I was planning a trip to New York recently, so I went to my local bookstore for some in flight reading material. Coincidentally, I picked up a copy of your book Darkstar. I have to tell you, I could barely put it down, even to eat. It was amazing! I ended up finishing it just as I arrived in New York, so about seven hours later. I look forward to reading the sequel, I am sure that it will be as good as the first! Keep up the excellent work."

"Hi Creston! I'm sure you have heapsa mail to get thru, so I won't keep u long. I LUVVD your book, but the whole time I was reading it, I thought it was a true story, coz of the beginning. Now I've come to the end & I'm a bit disappointed that it seems I was wrong. When Everett introduces himself & assures me "the encounters you're about to read are true" I guess I just went along with it??? Either way I think I could relate more to Everett, believing he was real & wishing I could be more like Karen Bayliss at the same time. I've been very encouraged by your novel, but only wish it was based on a true story with the name's changed or that they were in fact real people, so I could then write to Everett & Karen. Well, that's really all I had to say...I'm looking forward to the sequel & intend to pass DARKSTAR around to lotsa peeps."

"Hello, Mr. Mapes! It is after midnight and I should be in bed, as I have 4 children to look after in the morning but I was too riveted by your book and could not put it down. When I grabbed a handful of books at the Christian Book Store a couple of weeks ago the lady at the counter was commenting on my selections. She picked up Dark Star and said "I don't know about this one. It looked a little dark." I said, "I'll let you know how it is!" I will have to recommend she reads it! You did a great job with the story. I especially liked how the love story unfolded. It was riveting! I cried MANY times through the book. Can't wait to read Full Tilt! I'm going to try to get my unbelieving boss to read it. Thanks for writing books that help me grow in Christ!"

"Hey Creston, I'm a 21 years old and living it up in Kansas. Number one in my life is Christ and music is right afterwards. So, it goes without saying Dark Star appealed to me. I finished Dark Star about five minutes ago and had to jump on my computer to e-mail you! Thank you for such an edifying christian novel. I read A LOT! But I usually vere away form fiction because I feel like if I'm going to spend my time reading I want it to really deposit something in me. I don't really wanna feel my time and mind with fictional stories when I could be putting the Word or good edifying christian living material in my head. This fiction book delievered!!!!!!!!!!!! Im so pleased I pick this book up! You've re-instilled faith in me that fiction can still deposit a seed of faith in ones heart. Your story has encouraged me to be more bold in my faith and I desire to step out in faith like Karen did. I'm also thankful I read Dark Star after the sequel was written, now i don't have to wait:-) Now i just gotta find it....Always keep your writting Christ centered. Maybe someday, i'll have written a book that is being sold right alongside yours. God Bless brother! Keep using your talents for Him!"

"This novel has tremendous crossover potential, especially with disaffected young people. Many will be able to identify with Everett's search for contentment in worldly pursuits and the emptiness it delivers."

"Exciting. Enthralling. Moving. This novel brings fresh, new enjoyment to Christian fiction. Dark Star is a thriller you won't want to put down!"

"Finally, a novel that plumbs the depths of the rock 'n' roll world from a Christian perspective."

"I couldn't put it down! Mapes' innovative style will keep you on the edge of your seat. A new breed of Christian fiction."

"I picked this novel up on a Friday evening and couldn't put it down all weekend. It's a fantastic story that keeps you guessing - and wanting more!"

"Hi, I'm reading Dark Star. I LOVE this book! I'm almost finished and had to make myself put it down last night to go to sleep. I'm crazy about Everett and Karen - such a cool story! You've taken the spiritual warfare and made me feel as though I was right in the middle of the battle, feeling the pull of good against evil. I know an author has done a great job with believable characters when I actually want to pray for them in "real" life. It's also very inspiring in the areas of praying for celebrities/musicians, etc. It makes me wonder who was praying for Brian Welch (Korn member) all these years! I have no idea what the ending will be, I only hope it's not a sad one! I will be excited to read your next story. Truly the best christian fiction I've read in awhile. Great job! Recommending it to all of my friends, christian and non-christian."

"I loved DARK STAR! I was in tears at the end . . . can't wait until book two!"

"This is a wonderful book! It offers romance, suspense, courtroom drama and characters that come to life. Be prepared - it's a beautiful story that will work its way into your heart. It's hard to believe this is Mr. Mapes first novel, can't wait for the sequel!"

"Creston, I just picked up your book after reading a review of it on Infuzemagazine.com. Let me tell you, it is fantastic! I'm only 60 or 70 pages in, but I has got me hooked. It's like reading Rock Stars of God or Spiritual Journeys. I was riding along in the car with my friend this evening and wanted to start talking about Everett Lester's ordeal like it was front page news. I had to mentally remind myself it was fiction! Ha! Your writing is crisp and for a debut novel it is well above par. Writing a novel is difficult enough, but writing it in first person? I eargerly await the next installment of this dark star. Yahweh's peace."

"Just finished DARK STAR! I really could not put it down especially from page 200 on - I am amazed that you know so much about the rock star world! Are you sure you were not in Tommy Lee's band????????? - Congratulations! Will you continue the future books with the same characters? I feel I have gotten to know them."

"Envision me standing on my feet, cheering and waving my arms in the air as I say, "YOU DID IT! YOUR NOVEL IS FANTASTIC!" I've always believed actions speak louder than words. So consider this: I started reading it Saturday afternoon and finished it Monday night. I was captivated. I can't wait for the sequel.

You've written a page turner. The story flowed and gripped me until the very end, even though I figured the bad guy would get caught and Everett would go free. I hope sometime we can sit down and "talk shop" a bit about the process you went through compiling your research and such. The seance scenes were so realistic I figured you must have done a lot of reading and interviewing to know what you were talking about. And, since my first beat in the newspaper business after college was the courts, I know how well you wrote the courtroom scenes. In real life, trials are often mind-numbingly dull. Plus, I loved your portrayal of Karen's father. I feel there are a wealth of judgmental, spiritually smug pastors and other spiritual leaders out there."

"Just wanted to let you know I finished Dark Start and thought it was great! I think it will be an enjoyable book for people of all ages - that is, teenager and older. I look forward to giving it to my 16 year old nephew. Glad the sequel will be out in Feb 06!"

"Creston, Just a quick note to let you know that I really enjoyed your novel Dark Star. I read it on a recent business trip and enjoyed it so much I passed it on to a young man I met on the plane. I did buy another copy so that I can encourage my teenage son and daughter to read it as well. Bernie and I met at a business function this summer and he told me about your book. Thank you for reminding us that there is a battle raging every day. I look forward to the sequel next year."

"Dear Mr. Mapes, I just finished Dark Star and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! I am an avid reader and am always looking for good Christian fiction. This is one of the best I have read. Please keep writing!!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Star! It is well-written and moves along at a fast clip, not unlike a John Grisham novel. Bravo."

"First off I want to thank you for writing your book, Dark Star. I have enjoyed it so much and it is one of my most favorite books. Thank you for being obedient to God. Everett Lester symbolized to me my best friend, who is going through similiar trials and heartaches as Everett did. He is also searching for God I believe and pray that he will one day find peace and joy in Christ. I found that Karen symbolized me, and i know that it is like to constantly be praying for and loving someone who needs Christ and is hurting. After reading this book, God confirmed to me that i have been complicating the gospel too much for people and especially my friend. His GIFT and GRACE is enough, and i realize that more than ever even though i have been hearing that my whole life as a church kid. I have hoping, believing, and praying for my "Everett" for 5 years now and will continue as I wait for God's timing and plan. Thank you so much again!"

"We read this book for my church book club. I was a little skeptical because of the subject and really didn't want to read it. I even started it weeks early because I was afraid I would not get through it in time. Boy was I wrong!! I read it through in 3 sittings. I just couldn't put it down. I loved how it bounced back and forth from the past to the present. It really kept you hanging on and trying to figure out where this was going. I can't believe it is Creston Mapes' first novel. I highly recommend it. I have already read Full Tilt also and can't wait for the third novel to come out."

"Creston is a talented storyteller. The gritty, compelling narrative and original plot are guaranteed to draw readers in."

"Creston Mapes is an exciting, up-and-coming novelist, and Dark Star is destined to touch the lives of many people - especially those involved with the rock 'n' roll scene. This book has the potential to lead many to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ! "

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed DARK STAR. I stayed up way past my normal bedtime a few times this week reading your book! Looking forward to the sequel!"

"I just finished your novel, DARK STAR, and lemme tell you it was fantastic!! I couldn't put it down. I had to know exactly what would happen to Everett and Karen. I was on the edge of my seat as they read the final verdict and was crying at the end...What a fantastic read!! I work in a bookstore and have read my share of great novels, but I have found a new favorite author. Thank you, Mr. Mapes, for sharing your talent with the world. I am eagerly looking forward to your next novel. Your newest fan..."

"I'm telling everyone about DARK STAR...I truly think its a GREAT book with the ability to bring many people to the Lord. It's different from the "normal" inspirational fiction...it kind of reminds me of Randall Arthur's style...a little "gritty"...real life. I can't wait to read the next one!"

"This book is really great! At first, I thought I wouldn't be able to relate to the whole rock star gig, but I find myself completely relating to his struggles with sin and it has really drawn me closer to the Lord...the timeless principles of the Word of God never fail...It has the grace of God all over it and I am being blessed by it. It's funny, you think this type of material (a novel) would be a one time read but I really cannot wait to reread it and gain more nuggets."

"Hi, I just wanted to tell you how much I loved this book. I read a lot and it's one of the best books I have ever read, Christian or secular. It's been almost 2 weeks since I finished it and I have not been able to read anything else because the story is still lingering with me. It's really a great book for non-Christians as well. I'm a new fan of Mr. Mapes and am looking forward to his next work of fiction. I'm recommending it to all of my reader friends!"

"Hey Creston. I had a chance to read Dark Star over the weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the juxtaposition of the different periods in Lester's life. I was amazed at how neatly the details went together and how well they were developed. It was truly a page-turner, and I couldn't put it down. In fact, I'm a fairly slow reader, and I don't think I've read through a book that quickly since the Da Vinci Code. I found your book to be captivating in a similar way. Way to go! The whole time I was reading I was thinking about many people that I want to read the book. I'm even thinking about perhaps getting a reading group at my church together and using your book as one of the selections. I'm looking forward to the sequel! P.S. I will pray that God will bless you for your boldness and clarity."

"This isn't the type of book I usually choose to read, and I was a little leery about how the occult issues would be handled. But I had enjoyed Creston Mapes' NOBODY so much that I decided to give DARK STAR a try. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, FULL TILT. An action-packed page-turner for sure, but plenty of relationships and emotion, too...even a nicely done romance. Recommended--even for those who don't think you'd enjoy reading about a messed up rock star who's been charged with the murder of his psychic"

"I just finished reading your Book Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol. I must admit, that being in the "over 50 group", it was not a title that normally would draw my attention. I am not even quite sure why I bought it, but I picked it up with several other books at the time. It has been pushed aside time and time again as I chose other books to read. I was out of new books, so I finally picked this one up and started reading it. It took me a while to get interested enough to stay with it, but once I got into it, I really liked it.

My husband and I spent many years talking to young people about drugs, alcohol, the occult, and wrong music. I would recommend this book to any teen - I think it would be a valuable tool in getting them to see the dangers that are out there just lurking, wanting their attention - wanting their lives. At the end it says not to miss the exciting sequel ((coming in May 2006). Would you tell me the name of that sequel and where I might find it?

Thanks again for a time of enjoyable reading as well as deep insight into the lives of those dealing with today's worldly enticements."

"Greetings, I just wanted to say that I recently read Darkstar, and it totally rocked. I shared it with several of my co-workers, and they also absolutely loved it. I look forward to reading the sequel, and wanted to say thank you.
Gods Blessings."

"Creston, Just finished reading Dark Star today. Wonderful story. And all along, I found myself rooting for Everett, even before I new he'd been redeemed. My son read Dark Star for a book report at the academy where he attends school and his project was to design a new cover and include his report on the jacket."

"Mr. Mapes, I just wanted to let you know how much I truly loved your book, Dark Star. I bought this for my sister for Christmas and she loaned it to me yesterday. I started reading at 10:30 last night and I could not put it down. I was so engrossed in your story and in the life of Everett that I read the entire book, getting in bed at 3 a.m. I am a recovering addict (almost 15 months clean) and I could truly relate to much of what Everett was going through. Thank you for writing this book and touching my life."

"This is the second book of Creston Mapes that I have read the first being "Nobody" and he is such a great writer. This book is so realistic and reads like it could be a real story. The book is about Everett Lester the lead singer of Deathstroke a rock band. He is up for First Degree Murder for killing his Psychic Endora Crystal. The book skips back and forth from the present where he is on trial to the past telling his life story and his struggles. Everett lives the rock life doing drugs, booze, and everything that comes with it. Their is one person who keeps reaching out to him during his life and this is Karen Bayliss a Christian girl who belives God laid it on her heart to pray for Everett. This book deals with the struggles of a man searching for the right answer. It is such a great book and very well written. I cant wait to read the second book in this serieS, FULL TILT."

"Well I just finished reading Dark Star and I have to say this is probably my favorite book besides the Bible of course. You did a great job sir. Thank you for having such a sensitive heart towards the Lord. This book has truly inspired me to live a better life for the Lord and has made me understand the importance of prayer. Thanks again and God bless!"

"I simply loved reading Dark Star. I have lived my life knowing God's love, yet still love heavy metal music. So this story was absolutely tremendously enjoyable for me. I cannot wait to read Full Tilt.The reason for this contact though is to pose a question: Have you considered writing a screenplay for Dark Star? I believe it would make an excellent movie! Maybe with Chris Daughtry or Josey Scott as Everett Lester. I also believe it would be another way of getting the word of Christ's Love to more people. Everyone needs to know or - be reminded - of God's power and purpose and love for us."

"I finished "Darkstar" earlier this week, at the recommendation of the bookstore where I bought it along with a few other books, and found it to be a really fantastic novel. I will pass it along to my friends that are Christians as well as the ones who are not who really need some spiritual insight. I am planning to get you newer Everett Lester novel today, and can hardly wait to see what story it may tell. I will not be too winded here. Just wanted to tell you I enjoyed the novel."

"Thank you for showing me Christ...I'm looking forward to the sequel! Honestly, when I first picked up your book, I was a lot like Everett Lester. I lived only for myself, and often found myself thinking there was no hope. After I had finished Dark Star, the concept of God and Jesus Christ made sense to me. Now I realize that I am never alone. Again, I could never thank you enough, Mr. Mapes. In a way, you are kind of like my own Karen Bayliss. :) PS. Thank you for writing back!"

"Dear Mr. Mapes, I just finished reading DarkStar and I loved it! I bought your book while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC in August and just got around to reading it. I think I picked it up because I'm a Christian who happens to listen to heavy metal music (I know that seems contradictory). I read all the time but your book was the best I've encountered in a long while. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the sequel. I know I never mind getting a compliment so I thought you might not mind a little praise for the book. That isn't why I'm e-mailing though. I often take the books I read to school with me to read during spare time in class. People often take interest in what I read and I usually end up lending my boods to friends and never seeing them again. Several of my non-Christian, metal-head friends noticed this one. They thought it was a real biography. Now that I've finished the book, I plan to share it with them. I hope it might get through to them in a way I have been unable to. I've learned not to shove anything down these people's throats. Anyways, thanks for a subtle way to witness. Remember that God's word never comes back void."

"This story brings the vivid reality of Rolling Stone magazine in touch with the supernatural power of God's grace. A riveting battle between God and Satan for a man's soul."

"The characters, intrigue, and suspense will appeal to contemporary fiction fans of CBA authors Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Randy Alcorn, T. Davis Bunn, Bill Myers, and James Scott Bell."

"From the very first line of Dark Star, I was gripped by the story of Everett Lester. Creston Mapes has captured on paper the struggle that lies deep within each of us - a dark longing for power, fame, fortune, and even escape from the past. While many of us may never go to the extremes that Everett does, we certainly are tempted to seek our own way apart from God. Dark Star offers not only a wonderful read, it's a resource that can be passed on to others, who are searching for the living Truth."

"Just wanted to let you know that I finished your book this morning. I have to tell you that I REALLY enjoyed it! I found your writing ability on par with the best writers out there today. I read a lot and can be pretty picky about writers and writing styles...I got into the story and it ended up as being one of those books that I made time to read. I didn't want to put it down. I felt I could relate to the characters, with my background of rock-n-roll, drugs etc. I plan on buying another copy (the signed one is our family's) to let others read. Praise God for this! We will keep praying that these works of yours are spread to the world."

"I began reading DARK STAR the minute we arrived home on Sunday afternoon. I could hardly put it down...It was gripping...I finished it the next day! The characters were so engaging, the plot kept you enthralled. I thought it was exceptional writing; and I think the public will, too. The gospel message came out clearly. I just LOVED it. And I will be sharing "the find" with everyone. Where do I sign up for the fan club???"

"Hi Creston, I just finished this book! Loved it! Enjoyed the plot, characters and the spiritual content was precious. Loved the presentation of the Gospel, the prayers and the answers to the prayers. (I think every Christian Fiction Writer should be as generous about our wonderful Jesus) My only complaint is this: Don't want to wait until next year for the Sequel!!! Oh well. You would think at this age (71) I would have learned how to be a little more patient. Oh yes, this has certainly drawn my attention to Rock Groups for prayer. At my Intercessory Prayer Group last night, I just had to pray for them. I've prayed for the Entertainment Industry for several years but had never really singled out Rock Groups. May God's Awesome Presence continue to meet you in the darkness and give you wonderful things to say in the light, in Jesus' great name."

"I picked up Dark Star about 20 hours ago, and I just read the last page a few minutes ago. Thank you for listening to the words God put in your heart to write. I not only enjoyed the read immensely, I gain encouragement when other writers follow God's guidance and write the stories He whispers to them in the secret places of their souls. For too long Christian fiction has remained saccharine and irrelevant to today's world. I love seeing Christians bold enough to compete with the messages of the world and to spotlight the Gospel in inventive and entertaining ways. At the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference I attended in May, my favorite workshop challenged the assumptions that have plagued Christian writers for too long: we cannot create for the sheer joy of creating. When I read good fiction such as Dark Star, even with its in-your-face, no apologies message of salvation and redemption, I thank God for authors who so obviously revel in their craft. You want to see people saved, but you also want to create riveting works of art. Keep following God's leading to create and He will enter your creations of His own accord. I can't wait to share Lester's journeys further next year."

"I just finished reading your book ... It was riveting! I loved it! I read it in three days flat and would've been two had my wife not made me go to bed on time last night. I woke up early this morning to finish it. ... And as an avid reader, I must tell you that only Grisham and Dan Brown make me turn pages like that! It was a great story. I loved the creative way you told it ... And it was filled with hope at the end. Excellent job."

"I am an inspirational fiction junkie! In a nutshell, I loved Dark Star! It was wonderful. I'm not the typical reader in that if a book doesn't grab me in the first few pages I don't read it. So it's an extra big compliment when I like a book. Your writing style is very captivating. It reminded me a bit of a mix between the suspense of a Frank Perritti book and the relational interest of Karen Kingsbury. I was so happy to read that there is a sequel. I feel like I'm saying good-by to my friend Everett temporarily until next Spring. The story was very compelling, encouraging, and thought provoking. I will be passing the word on about Everett!!"

"Mr. Mapes, I just wanted to send you a quick email. I just finished your book. It was wonderful! I enjoyed it thoroughly! I was so caught up in the story; it was extremely real to me. The characters, the plot, the way you wrote it; everything was amazing. Thank you for writing such a great novel. I hope that you are enjoying writing Christian Fiction because this is definitely your calling. I hope that you can find time to read my own novel, once it is finished. I would really like your input. It is sort of an allegorical christian novel.Once again, EXCELLENT BOOK!!!"

"I just finished reading your masterpiece, Dark Star, and now that my heart has stopped pounding and I've wiped away the tears, I thought I'd tell you what a life-altering novel your book is. I am handicapped and home-bound and I depend on outstanding Christian fiction to keep me occupied. "Dark Star" certainly kept me occupied! The novel is so very well-crafted. The plot is unique; the characters rich and pure. Thank you for sharing your talents with me. I look forward to the sequel."

"Read DARKSTAR and ate up every page! I ordered it from Barnes and Noble here in NYC and read it in 3 days -- could not put it down. I am passing it around to friends here. You are a wonderful writer and you tell a great story and your research into all of the cities the characters travel through was right on."

"Hi. Ever since your book came out I was planning to sit down and read it. Caught up in moving, the kids, and the everyday stress we all have, I just never allowed myself to sit and read. Now that things have settled I finally sat and read your book. It was well worth the wait as I really was able to enjoy it this summer. I wanted to tell you what an incredible job you did! There is so much to it that can touch so many different types of people in so many ways. It was so nice to be taken away into someone else's world and really get my mind off everything else. This is the first time I have done this in years. I love the way it was written and it was a very moving story. It enables Christians to examine their own personal relationship with Jesus and help others who have not yet found Christ. I'm now looking forward to Full Tilt. Thanks for a great book!"

"I started reading Dark Star I couldn't put it down. I was up until 2 a.m. reading and I got to about chapter 15 where I made myself close the book and get some sleep. I picked up today where I left off and finished it, and all I can say is, I have got to buy this one for myself! I was enthralled by the whole story and the idea of praying for these rock stars whom most of us Christians just write off as already sold out to Satan so why bother? What an awesome story and like you said--well-written, too. I can't wait for the sequel! Thanks for recommending it--I have already told some people about it and encouraged them to read it too."

"I started reading it that night ... kept reading it Wednesday on the flight home ... and have had my nose stuck in it at every opportunity. It's wonderful, Creston! I can honestly say it's one of the best books I've read in a very, very long time. I read a ton of fiction (2-3 novels a week) and rarely does one capture me to the point where I have trouble putting it down!"

"Hey Creston, I'm relishing your book as one would a box of fine chocolates. Almost finished, but I don't want it to end. Love the gutsy stuff. The cool part is that you played by the rules and you've STILL written a crossover book. I adore Karen's parents, especially Jacob. That man has my heart, self-righteous, one who had to come to the end of his perfect little self to finally be set free. Creston, the book is soooooooooo good. The book is on a mission, one even stronger than Endora's. I believe in your book. I adore your book. Can't wait for the sequel. Thank you."

"Creston, Hello, I'm a music Minister at a church just north of Cincinnati, Ohio. I picked up Dark Star Thursday and I'm already on chapter 25. I'm diggin' it. It's cool to have a Christian fiction novel that's about some real world stuff. Anyway, I'm working on a Christian fiction novel myself and I just wanted to say that you've inspired me. I'm looking forward to the next book!"

"Creston...I read Dark Star Friday and Saturday afternoon in two sittings. Frankly, I have never been much into fictional reading, particularly Christian fiction. However, with your book I couldn't put it down! I felt like I was watching a good movie and couldn't get out of my seat. My son is reading it now as one of his first Lit Class assignments at school. He hates to read, but is already enjoying it! I am really excited for you and how God is using your writing talents this way. Looking forward to the sequels, too."

"I love your writing. I can relate to it as a musician, as a Christian that leans on Jesus, and at one time needed Jesus more than life itself. Sorry for rambling, I am just blown away by this book."

"The good news is that I convinced my library to buy this book, Dark Star by Creston Mapes. The bad news is that it took three months to actually buy and process the book before I could read it. It was worth the wait. I have never read a book like this. The two-tone narration was an excellent way to keep my attention. While I was reading about his trial, I wanted to read about Everett and DeathStroke. While I was reading about Everett and DeathStroke, I wanted to read about his trial. Ingenius, if you ask me. I found myself rooting for the rockstar's redemption long before I found out why he was on trial, and hoping that he would be free in more ways than one. I shuddered at Endora's evil, and breathed fresh air at Karen's sweet innocence and her pursuit of Everett's soul. I won't give away the end, but suffice it to say, I loved it and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Full Tilt!"