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The Last Missioner

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Pub Date 1 Sep 2026 | Archive Date 14 Oct 2026


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Description

Faith, courage, and sacrifice converge in a far-future world on the edge of darkness.

John Micah Leers XIV was born into a utopia of unceasing light, a boy raised within the rituals and discipline of the Juran people. But when famine and rebellion threaten his world, he is called to leave the only life he has ever known. Guided by the enigmatic Orlen and his golden eagle, John Micah must journey into the uncharted dark side of the globe, where his powers of light falter and mystery and menace reign.

Pursued by Satan himself and a team of shadowy conspirators, John Micah’s path continually tests his faith and his endurance. With the support of a ragtag crew, he ultimately comes to discover the true heart of his mission in an act borne of trustful obedience and stalwart self-denial.

The Last Missioner is a scriptural fantasy of adventure and redemption, blending theological depth, imaginative worldbuilding, and pulse-pounding suspense to explore the cost of faith and the power of grace.

Faith, courage, and sacrifice converge in a far-future world on the edge of darkness.

John Micah Leers XIV was born into a utopia of unceasing light, a boy raised within the rituals and discipline of...


A Note From the Publisher

Brother John is a lay brother in the Capuchin Franciscan Order from a province on the American east coast. He spends his time sharing in the fraternal life of the brothers and engaged with whatever ministries he is called upon to do. In his spare time, he enjoys playing and composing music and writing fiction. In addition to his many musical works, he has written two novels, five feature film screenplays, some short stories and poetry. He currently resides in Rome, Italy serving in his order's General Curia.

Brother John is a lay brother in the Capuchin Franciscan Order from a province on the American east coast. He spends his time sharing in the fraternal life of the brothers and engaged with whatever...


Advance Praise

"John Paul Russo accomplishes the near impossible in his imaginative The Last Missioner: he makes quantum science not just easy to picture, like a father drawing water from the air while completing an ordinary household task, but he also makes it wildly entertaining. " — Readers' Favorite

"Russo has written a large-scale religious fantasy with a remarkably specific cosmology, and its strongest moments come when all that theology and invented history narrow down to one young person having to decide whether he’ll follow a calling he can’t fully explain." — Literary Titan

"Beneath its invented languages, quantum arts, prophecies, and futuristic societies, The Last Missioner is concerned with something very familiar: the terrifying moment when we begin to question everything we have been taught to believe. And once that questioning begins, there may be no going back..." — Independent Book Review

"On the edge of civilization, twelve-year-old initiate John Micah Leers of House Leers must interpret a newly revealed prophecy. Aided by his visions of the future and improbable friendships (not least among them, the secretive Nest of Moonix), John Micah sets out on a quest for survival. This epic science-fantasy chronicles the boy’s struggle to rescue his world from famine and ruin." — Arthur Jenkins, author of The Prince of Brown

"Beneath its glittering settings and deep spirituality, The Last Missioner is a thought-provoking story about human choices. Familiar foibles and convictions drive the characters' interactions with their world, leading to breathtaking adventure and unexpected turns. Even under unending light, things are not always as they seem; these discoveries spin a tale that will stay with the reader." — Karen Laakko, author of The Beyond the Hostile Sky Cycle

"A breath of fresh air! Russo’s beautiful detailing of his sci-fi setting had my imagination running wild. This is great for Star Trek fans like myself. " — Samantha Davenport, author of Amaranth

"John Paul Russo accomplishes the near impossible in his imaginative The Last Missioner: he makes quantum science not just easy to picture, like a father drawing water from the air while completing...


Marketing Plan

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Atmosphere Press newsletter feature

Live virtual events

Customized book announcement email

Kirkus/Publishers Weekly reviews

Editorial reviews

Amazon advertising

Award submissions

Strategy calls with publicist

NetGalley campaign

Press Release/One-Sheet

Goodreads book page

Social media outreach

Atmosphere Press newsletter feature

Live virtual events

Customized book announcement email

Kirkus/Publishers Weekly reviews

Editorial reviews

...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798901743683
PRICE $22.99 (USD)
PAGES 482

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*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.