The Official Home Page for "Soulsaver" by James Stevens-Arce

"Great job! Good sense of humor. Absolutely original voice. Very unusual vision of the future, great specificity in your dialect. And talk about a 'BIG' climax. You also managed to do something really rare, i.e. make people think about religion without clubbing them over the head with your point of view. The right stuff. You should be proud." -- Sal Litvak, Los Angeles, California

"I really enjoyed Soulsaver. What a great novel! It's different, it's an awesome premise, it deals with the Big Themes(tm), and things I especially like: real spirituality versus the structure of religion, the lack of clear cut victories in any of these kinds of struggles, and all different kinds of relationships. . . and how they develop. The relationship between Juan Bautista and Angela was wonderful ... I loved Fabiola, of course (she's my kinda gal), and the bit with the twins in the van was hilarious. I also really liked what you had to say subtextually about violence and where it is and isn't appropriate and where you can't really say either way. Awesome novel." -- Kate Bachus, San Jose, California

"Soulsaver was terrific -- well written, thought provoking, by turns scary and hopeful. I've always had a fascination with religion in its more extreme manifestations ... and anything that makes me look at our collective relationship with God in a new way is bound to impress me ... You also did a good job of bringing off the surprise ending, which I think can be very difficult." -- Aimée Parrott, Boston, Massachusetts

"Soulsaver is the best SF book I have read in a long, long time. In fact, I had just about given up on reading new SF. Soulsaver reminds me a bit of Philip K. Dick, Anthony Burgess (the characters' jargon), and especially John Irving, with the book's mix of weird black humor and compassion. Although the story is a futuristic morality tale, much like Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, which it does resemble in subject matter, it's a hell of a lot funnier. I think that a lot of people who aren't SF fans will like this book. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. A wonderful book, a fun read, and a book I was glad I had read and was sorry to finish. A sequel? Eh? And it might very well make a wonderful movie!" -- Julia Morgan-Scott, Chattanooga, Tennessee

"An enjoyable read, as well as a book with substance. ... very engrossing; it pulses and ripples with energy ... I think Soulsaver is a great work of art: each word and chapter is exactly what it should be ... From the beginning I was caught up by the wave of energy that drives the story along, the enthusiasm pumped into every description. Each word has its purpose, and catchy phrases come like recurring musical notes in a symphony. All the characters, even minor players, are well-wrought. The world of the soulsaver would be ugly and grim, except that the sheer crazy power of the people's misguided belief raises them from the morass. All are striving to outdo one another in their closeness to God. But who is the true God and who is the Antichrist? Can miracles really happen? Exploration of these questions gives the book philosophical punch as well as shine and sizzle." -- Bonnie Freeman, Neptune, New Jersey

"Soulsaver challenges all people who consider themselves Christians to really examine their faith. Mr. James Stevens-Arce is an amazing storyteller. I savored each chapter because it brought me deeper and deeper into the soul of Juan Bautista Lorca. What a hypnotic ride! This is a book you read again and again, and discover new treasures each time. In short, it's 'Tommy Terrific!'" -- Silvia Cárdenas, Los Angeles, California

"[Soulsaver ] is so funny, farcical and thought-provoking, too, I had to stay up last night to finish it. Mark of a good book and a talented writer. I don't read much SF, but I truly enjoyed yours." -- Ethel M. Kersey, Indianapolis, Indiana, author of Women Philosophers: A Bio-Critical Source Book

"Just finished reading Soulsaver, and I'm sure Howie Happy I read it! Ingenious, imaginative, marvelous message, and extremely entertaining. Splendidly "sin"ematic too -- hope you get a hot movie deal! Soulsaver rocks!" -- Kristy Dark, Ojai, California

"Soulsaver is hard to put down. Look for it to be on bestseller lists, college reading lists, and every nightstand around. It's even got movie potential, although I'm not sure who could do it justice. Soulsaver is the kind of socially important science fiction novel that has its place in the general public as well as the academic world. This story should be read not only for its clear, concise prose, but also for its valuable message. It reminds me of Orwell and Bradbury, both masters of putting universal human conditions into futuristic worlds, if only to make them more palatable to those of us who fear the truth. That said, the subtle humor and catchy phrases make me Susie Sure that many of them will end up in our everyday language." -- Susan Rocha Bays, Houston, Texas

"I was fortunate enough to see the bound galleys for James Stevens-Arce's first novel, Soulsaver. I remember reading a short story of his by the same title in Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine in the early '80s. Stevens-Arce has developed that original intriguing glimpse of a dystopic future into a dizzying journey to the end of the 21st century, when Puerto Rico is the 52nd state in an America taken over by a televangelistic theocracy. The world Stevens-Arce evokes is richly textured and detailed. The book's narrator, Juan Bautista Lorca, is a rookie technician in a squad whose mission it is to quick-freeze suicides for subsequent 're-animation.' The fascinating, fast-paced, occasionally sexy and frequently hilarious narrative tracks Juan's voyage of discovery as all the tenets of his faith and sense of self are challenged and rearranged. The book's climax hinges on the most outrageous Second Coming since A Canticle for Leibowitz. In the grand tradition of Orwell, Huxley, and Brunner, Stevens-Arce has given us a terrible, fascinating, and convincing vision of a future that just might be only a hundred years away." -- Morris E. Schorr, Los Angeles, California

"Each chapter builds on top of the next like subliminal flashes from a scary and possible future. On one level, the book is funny, spiced with satirical riffs that bounce off all the glitter and hype found in organized religion. On a deeper level, the book functions as a mirror, letting the reader examine the foundations of faith in their own life. [Soulsaver] is a thinking man's book and promotes the expression of free will. It's definitely a book that opens the door for heated discussions about politics and religion -- two topics normally taboo but always on a person's mind to some degree." -- Steve Nagy, Ann Arbor, Michigan

"Soulsaver was a great read! Your story pulled me in and held me enthralled right through the end. You never let me down ... and that's saying something. Writing has to be GOOD before I can lose the critic and become lost in a book. James Stevens-Arce's Soulsaver is written in a unique style with clever tongue-in-cheek humor. An exotic place, a possible future, religion, politics, and even TV. A 'can't put down' read. Definitely a keeper!" -- Diane Dishman, Altus, Oklahoma

"Soulsaver is excellent. You did a wonderful job of updating Heinlein's premise of a devout believer and follower of a religious despot who has gained total political control of the USA. [Heinlein's book was orignally released as If This Goes On and released again as Revolt in 2100.] I especially enjoyed your portrayal of Juan Bautista (John the Baptist) Lorca and how you showed his change from devout follower to revolutionary. Moving the locale to Puerto Rico in 2099 gave this classic tale a fresh perspective and excitement." -- Barbara Karmazin, Lebanon, Pennsylvania

"A friend recently pointed out to me the works of James Stevens-Arce, and particularly Soulsaver, a short novel published in September 2000, expanded from a novella that shared the 1997 UPC Prize for Science Fiction. [Renowned writer, historian, and Science Fiction Grand Master Brian Aldiss has called this annual award, given by the Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, 'the most prestigious science fiction award in Europe.'] If you haven't read Soulsaver, look for it. Strong characters find their way through a morass of moral issues in a dystopic future Puerto Rico ruled by a U.S. theocracy. I'm not a fan of bad-fundamentalist/good agnostic stories. They're often done very superficially. This is anything but superficial, despite being a short novel. Very powerful. Thought-provoking. I really did enjoy Soulsaver tremendously. A 'makes you think' that leaves you glad you read it -- at least, it did me! Well worth reading." -- Susan Price, D3 Press, Warrenville, Illinois

"I finally got the chance to read Soulsaver. Now all I can say is that I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. The Kiddie slang is contagious. I find myself making up my own as I go. I even used at work on a whim, and now half the guys there are doing it too... I love the way the book is written. First, watching the world through Juan's naïve eyes, yet as a reader knowing better. And watching as Juan matures as his world view is first challenged, then shaken ... I loved the book, and will be sure to recommend it to all of my friends." -- Steve Perry, Ontario, Canada

"A masterpiece of style and wit! Once I started, I couldn't stop ... James Stevens-Arce mesmerized me and took me on a rollercoster ride of faith and sin, life and death, truth and lies ... The texture and tone of the story seizes your mind and the imagery lingers long after the last page. I'm telling everyone ... Go! Buy! Read! It's that good." -- Bill Dougherty, Jacksonville, Florida

"I've just recently read Soulsaver ... I thought it was terrific -- as a reader and as a writer. As a writer, I learned something about establishing time/place by reading it; the secret finally 'clicked' for me. As a reader, I enjoyed it as a satire of a possible future on par with The Handmaid's Tale and A Clockwork Orange. And you can quote me on that!" -- Mary Elizabeth Thompson, Woodbridge, Virginia

"A very well written book ... If some big wig at a movie studio somewhere does not see the movie or television potential in [this] book, they're seriously lame and need to be slapped." -- Fred Gutiérrez, Moreno Valley, California

"I recently finished James Stevens-Arce's Soulsaver and recommend it to anyone who wants a bizarre, horrific, cynical trip to a future where religion has gone over the edge. This book forces one to think, and I found myself shaking my head over and over again at the harsh truth in his fiction. There is also a very cool little lesson to be learned. Super cool dialogue! [Stevens-Arce] has created slang that is captivating, and I [even] found myself using it. I'm glad I bought the book. It was a great read and something I'd enjoy reading again. Not many books can do that for me. Five stars!" -- Katherine Irving, Blairsville, Georgia

"Soulsaver ... is the first science-fiction novel I've ever read ... The snappy, cut-to-the-chase dialogue, the multi-dimensional characters, and the twists and turns of the plot kept me turning the pages ...You blended these elements in a masterful way. Soulsaver should be a must read for every sci-fi fan." -- Don Vasicek, Littleton, Colorado

"Just finished Soulsaver. It's great! I couldn't put it down. Well done!" -- Gabrielle Prendergast, Sydney, Australia

"Brilliant! Or perhaps I should say, Freddie Fantastic! I absolutely loved this book. Just the right amount of irony and humor without smacking the reader in the face with it. I didn't see the end coming. Writing a novel like this in first person is a gamble that seldom works, but in this case it really helped make the story. Best science fiction book I've read this year." -- Jeffrey A. Katt, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT book. An utterly engaging voice; rapid-fire, without sacrificing profundity ... just plain, darned GOOD." -- Marcos Donnelly, Brockport, New York

"I loved Soulsaver. Great book!" -- Roger Eichorn, Durham, New Hampshire

"I don't read many books in this vein, as I'm more into historical fiction and romance, but Soulsaver is one that really sticks with you. And I sincerely hope I never live in that world! Having dealt in the past with people I've known who committed suicide, I found myself disliking the fact that the powers that be in your book forbade it to the point of reviving the dead. It was a reaction I hadn't expected. I loved all those two-word phrases to describe feelings like 'Nancy Neat' and 'Ricky Routine.' And what a thought-provoking and scary ending! Priceless!" -- Cindy Vallar, Olathe, Kansas

"This book is really excellent. I confess I have never liked science fiction much ... it tends to depress me, but this book is so well written that once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is fast paced and funny, and it makes us aware of a lot of things that we know, but we don't want to see. It's a wake up call for all of us that at the same time leaves us with hope and with the thought that it's all really up to us. I definitely recommend it." -- Camille Carrión, San Juan, Puerto Rico

"I had heard about this book from James Morrow and was anxious to read this 'incredible story.' I dove into the pages with a tremendous amount of excitement. It took me ONE day to read this fantastic book. I'm an extremely picky reader and I usually don't thoroughly enjoy books the way I did Soulsaver. I read sci-fi often enough, but my true love lies with the classics. James Stevens-Arce has himself a classic with this spectacular fable of a world on an extreme edge. This book hits so close to home that I had chills knowing that the world he portrayed is only but a few years away. If you're a fan of good, nay, excellent stories, this one is a definite keeper!" -- Brian Rose, West Bend, Wisconsin

"I simply loved this book. Great insight on what the future might hold. You really feel for the characters. I will certainly be first on line to see the movie!!! As Juan Bautista would say: 'This book was Sammy Spooky'!" -- Paul Vázquez, Los Angeles, California

"I just finished reading Soulsaver. It is a compelling, swift, rapid-fire page turner, even if you're not a sci-fi fan ... This is a 'fun read.' Of course, it's a lot more than that. But ... what really had me turning those pages was the style -- bravo!" -- Alfonso Rubiano, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico

"Soulsaver ... [is] one of the funniest books I've picked up in a long time. What a mind you have! I enjoyed it immensely. You managed to finger all the phrases that tickle the funnybone. I [was] laughing out loud and the kids think I'm strange. Thanks for a great read." -- Kathleen Ward, Salem, Massachusetts

"Soulsaver is a terrific book and I'm recommending it to friends. A very unexpected twist of 'endtimes' prophecies and good insight into some unscrupulous religious leaders. Thanks for writing it!" -- Judith M. McFerren, Merrillville, Indiana

"Excellent sci-fi book, very imaginative. Wonderful descriptions ... Loved it!" -- Tammy Turcotte, College Place, Washington

"If you like sci-fi you'll like this one. It's really good. I'd put it in the same [class] with Blade Runner." -- Andrew Spanoudakis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Soulsaver is one damn fine read. What literary cognoscenti call a page-turner. It's a wild blend of -- wild blends! Hair-raising adventure, comedy, satire, exotic locale, certifiable weirdness -- it's got it all! And it's going to be a blockbuster movie." -- Stuart M. DeLuca, Austin, Texas

"Wow. Soulsaver is one fun book. If you wanted to write a page-turner that people can't put down, you did it right! I ate up the plot twists, too. All too often, I read stories with plot twists that exist solely to create more plot convolution, or just to look clever, but this had some real symbolic substance to it. Bravo." -- Meredith Patterson, Houston, Texas

Available in hardcover at your favorite bookstore. From Harcourt. Or why not order Soulsaver online right now?

Clicking on this link [Amazon.com U.S.] or this link [Amazon.com U.K.] will take you to the appropriate Soulsaver order page, where you can buy this book online at a discount. In addition, you can buy any of the other books listed on this site, also at a discount, by clicking on the book's title. Use the search engine at the bottom of this page to find other discounted books, as well as discounted CDs, videos, and DVDs in the U.S. For books, CDs, videos, and DVDs in the U.K., click on this link [Amazon.com.UK] or on the Amazon.com.uk logo below.


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