While Shepherds Watch
Novels heroes work to subvert the extinction of Christianity
Army Vet Debuts Techno-Thriller Showcasing Dystopian Future
Novels heroes work to subvert the extinction of Christianity
2008-04-25
LONGWOOD, FL-Xulon author David K. Baker's new techno-thriller novel, While Shepherds Watch (paperback, 978-1-60647-211-8; hardcover, 978-1-60647-212-5), centers on a diverse group of clergy from various Christian denominations who pray and work together in the common mission of loving and serving God and His people. Ten years ago, the United States contracted with a private research institute to develop a biochemical artificial intelligence system for use in a very unique computer. That research was subcontracted to a firm in China. This year the early prototype is completed and released by that institute to the United States, while the Chinese firm covertly shares the information with their political and business allies, thus starting a new era. As the United States is pressured to join other world governments or lose all trade rights in the global market, there is a dramatically rapid increase in crime and a fear of economic disaster. But will the shepherds' race against time help subvert a future where Christianity is all but extinct?
Says Baker, –Much of what is happening today--the political structures in place throughout the world, the increase in cost of fuel and food, the decease in income, the development of artificial intelligence, the use of financial controls instead of military threats, the decrease in Christianity, the use of implants for identification and security–all point to a world in the near future where Christianity is threatened almost to extinction, and the lives of ordinary people are monitored and controlled through financial systems. I hope the reader will remain aware of this potential threat."
Baker previously served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, the first three of which included combat assignments. The rest of his military career–from which he has drawn on heavily for much of the book's technical detail–was as a special agent in the CID, and included conducting investigations and protective services.