Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Fantasy/YA

Series: The Delusion, Book 1

Highly Recommended!

This novel is a powerful illustration of spiritual warfare, with a simultaneously engaging story.

Suicide has become an epidemic at Masonville High School. High school senior, Owen Edmonds has a strange encounter that allows him to see creepy creatures preying on his friends and family—binding them with shackles and chains, and manipulating their thoughts. Warning people about the unseen evil he sees makes things worse. Owen also encounters a girl who is different. While everyone else is in bondage, she is glowing. What does she have that the others are missing? And why aren’t the angelic beings that Owen also sees not always able to intervene? Owen searches for truth, while also becoming more engaged in the mystery and physical obstacles that surround him, and the impending threat which darkness is planning for his high school.

This is one of the best YA novels I’ve read. It addresses relevant struggles, while illuminating the very real spiritual battle behind the physical experience of depression and other negative thought patterns. There is freedom in knowing what we are fighting against, and receiving the truth in Jesus that brings life.

The writing is aimed at middle and high school students, and are books I would like my own kids to read. My only critique is that the end comes pretty abruptly, with much more to be addressed. I look forward to the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.

 

Genre: Supernatural Suspense/YA Fiction

Series: Harbingers, Cycle One

Loosely Recommended.

This first installment of the Harbinger series is made up of four novellas, each written by a different well-known Christian fiction author, and each from the point of view of a different character. The aim of the series is to write fast-paced, supernaturally quirky short stories that read like a TV series. While this is not necessarily “YA Fiction” it has a youthful appeal.

The four primary characters are: Brenda, a prophetic tattoo artist, Professor James McKinney, an atheist ex-priest, Tank, a soft-hearted football player with healing abilities, and Andi, a Jewish assistant to the professor, who loves patterns and numbers. These four are drawn together as unlikely friends to solve mysteries, use their gifts, and influence people.

These stories were a little strange for my taste, and I didn’t know what to make of them, despite enjoying the overall concept. Also, not all of the episodes had a clear resolution.

The first episode involves a cult-like school, where the characters are trying to save a student from being brainwashed. The second deals with a disappearing house that haunts people (creepiness ensues). The third involves a plague of eye-less dead animals. And the fourth centers around saving a girl from another dimension. For the most part, the episodes were strange, but not dark, thus appropriate for most Christian readers.

I didn’t really enjoy this, and probably will not continue reading the series, but I do think it could be enjoyable for an older teen with good discernment, who wants edgy Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Genre: Futuristic/Supernatural Christian Fiction/Sci-Fi

Series: A Seer Novel, Book 3

Not Recommended.

Two decades have passed since the Seers fled the Authority City, with Remko and Carrington forced to leave their baby girl Elise behind. Now the Authority City is under the manufactured “peace” of a vaccine inhibiting memories and causing robotic submission to the authorities; yet Elise is immune, and is beginning to wake up to her identity as a Seer, as a supernatural shift is set in motion, with both sides gearing up for their inevitable confrontation.

I enjoyed the first two books of the series: The Choosing, and The Calling, even though I had a slight theological concern with each of them. In this final installment, the spiritual/theological aspect is much more prominent. I really like the theme of identity as a child of the Father’s, and how the inner struggle of light and darkness is portrayed. I also like the Seer’s process of learning to work together, and embracing their various supernatural gifts.

However, there is a stronger spiritual theme of finding one’s light within oneself that is not at all biblical, regardless of how many churches may embrace this form of religious syncretism. The Bible teaches that since sin was introduced into the world, humanity is born into sin, and then reborn in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus came to save the whole world; but we must receive his salvation in order to have the Holy Spirit inside of us. When an unbeliever looks into himself he will not find God, but must choose to receive God’s calling, and die to himself.

Dekker’s characters are entirely focused on the light within themselves, and in all things, as the source of their identity and power. As a result, when the characters suffer, they go within themselves and are entirely self focused in a transcendent chat of beliefs (in line with Eastern religions, New Age, or modern psychology despite the “Christianese” language) rather than suffering in the example of the Christian Apostles (or Jewish Patriarchs) by looking to God and sanctifying His name in the midst of affliction. Dekker’s spiritual metaphor is clear as she constantly quotes Scripture (often out of context). I cannot advocate this harmful theology, despite some of the other positive spiritual motifs.

I also felt that the story itself was not as strong as it could have been. While there were moments of internal and/or spiritual struggle, the intensity of the suffering and conflicts were too shallow and unrealistic, the characters too often had overly simplified solutions to every problem, and the novel overall felt predictable, shallow, and preachy (of its poor theology).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

Genre: YA Fiction/Action & Adventure/Sci-Fi

Series: MindWar Trilogy, Book #1

Recommended.

Rick Dial had been the quarterback of his high school football game; but after injuring his legs in a car accident he has been avoiding real life by loosing himself in a video-game obsession. When a secret government group recruits him to enter “the Realm” (a digital world created by a Russian villian) because of his unusually high gaming skill, he begins to rethink his life—and realizes that his father, who recently deserted the family, is not whom he imagined.

I have read Andrew Klavan’s Homelanders Series, and think he is one of the best choices for YA Christian fiction. His writing is swift and action-oriented. MindWar has a very different feel than his other works—it’s lighter, with a little less suspense, more room to provoke thought, but still with as much action and character risk-taking as ever.

There are a couple themes in the narrative that give me pause:

1. I am not clear based on the first book alone what the "the Realm" represents. It appears to be a replica of the spiritual world and spiritual battle (in a good way!), but depending on how the story moves, the underlying message could go in any direction.
2. I'm unsure how I feel about the "spirit guides"--maybe a different word choice would be more appropriate (I gather they represent angels).
3. Rick learns to control his physical reality through his spiritual reality, which I find to be an excellent parallel for putting faith into action, but which could also be mistaken for the manipulation of the spiritual/physical realms as in the occult--or, on the "Christian" side of things, within the "word of faith" movement. The lines between what is and isn't biblical are based so strongly on the posture of the heart that it is unclear which stance the story is working from since the details are not clearly defined. I judge it to be okay--even a helpful example; but having come out of an occult/New Age background, I am sensitive and hesitant over some of the scenes and word choices.

Overall, I do recommend this book, despite my small hesitations. I think it will catch the attention of pre-teen to teenage boys (or action loving girls). And I like that it opens up the conversation of faith, spirituality, and the supernatural realm without being overtly religious.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

Series: The Staff & The Sword, Book 3

Recommended.

The kingdom of Illustra is without a king and on the brink of a multi-front war. More, the religious leaders are confounded that Deas (God the Father) has not revealed the identity of their new king, who will save their nation. The draw is between two very different and equally likeable men: Errol and Liam. A prophecy given some time ago suggests that one of these men will save the nation by giving his life, while the other will live. Princess Adora is also a key character, and unashamedly in love with Errol, who reciprocates her feelings.

This is an epic adventure full of action, mystery, the exploration of other lands, strange monsters, and detailed battles, as well as having elements of romance and theological thought. Parts of the story reminded me a bit of The Odyssey, while it also has a medieval feeling, and surprising theological depth (especially considering ecclesiology and pnuematology).

The writing had some rougher moments, but overall was enjoyable. It plays out in “movie form”—moving quickly from scene to scene, sometimes at suspenseful moments, while also providing thorough detail to numerous characters at once. There is special emphasis on the action/battle scenes. I think the story would do well on “the big screen.”

I jumped into this third and final book of the series without having read the first two. While I was immediately pulled in to the intriguing story, I was also constantly aware of the missing back-story. There are several groups of characters to learn, and many references to relationships, memories, and events of the past. I enjoyed the book for itself, but also had moments were I was confused by the narrative. Therefore, I would absolutely recommend reading the trilogy in order if possible—I will probably go back to read the others as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book Three of the Books of the Infinite Series

Highly Recommended.

The Books of the Infinite series is excellently written Christian fantasy. Larson has created a world that is reminiscent of the Old Testament, complete with fantastic creatures (like the dreaded scaln and the dinosaur-like destroyers), that is also realistic and enthralling to the contemporary reader. I have been anticipating the release of King since finishing the second book, Judge, and it did not disappoint.

This third book, King, wraps up some of the themes from the first two narratives, while also being a complete story. I do, however, recommend reading each book in order as there is so much character development in the first two stories, as well as subtle moments of reflection upon past events that would otherwise be missed.

The central character in King is Akabe Garric, who is chosen to be King of Siphra despite his wishes. Akabe makes some hasty decisions, putting his kingdom in grave physical danger. As he struggles to wait for the Infinite’s direction there are battles, miracles, and both physical and emotional challenges. Beloved characters Ela and Kien also play large roles within the story, and struggle with some obstacles of their own. The story is packed with action, strongly reflects the themes and events of several Old Testament Bible stories, and even has a bit of romance.

I know R.J. Larson has mentioned she prefers writing historical fiction, but her ability to write such brilliant biblical fantasy is truly a gift. I hope she delves deeper into this genre!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book Two of the Books of the Infinite Series

Highly Recommended.

Judge is Christian Fantasy at its best. The writing is reminiscent of Tolkien’s style, but more closely parallels the history set forth in the Scriptures.

Destruction is about to come on the city on Parne, but the Infinite calls Prophet Ela Roeh to warn the citizens and urge them to repent and turn their hearts back to Him. Meanwhile, Tracelander Judge, Kien Lantec, is called to step out of his usual role, and prophesy over a city he does not particularly care for. Kien’s feelings for Ela complicate matters as he worries about her while also discovering his own new calling and purposes. Ela, likewise, tries to stifle her feelings for Kien in order to remain focused on the Infinite and her very dangerous mission. It’s a story of romance, action, and suspense, discretely laced with biblical and theological insight.

The story also explores the biblical positions of Prophet and Judge, along with the relationship between the people and their Creator, the Creator’s love and faithfulness amidst disaster, and even the supernatural gifts that are given to those who serve Him. The story has tons of biblical parallels, which I appreciated. And I also found it easy to identify with the characters, and the honesty of their thoughts and experiences.

I do recommend reading this series in order, as I found it a bit difficult to keep the many characters straight in the few few chapters, having not yet read Prophet (the first in the series). I look forward to reading the novels to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Fantasy

Not Recommended.

I wish I could recommend this book because I’m a big fan of supernaturally oriented Christian fiction. But there were a couple theological issues in the story that bothered me: 1) the Christian characters had no power against the demonic realm and were frequently abused or tormented by the demons, and 2) the Christian characters had to keep their supernatural gifts a secret (especially from the demonic realm, lest their gifts be stolen and used for evil). Since this is juvenile fiction, I feel these are especially big issues. I want my own kids to know and see that they have power in Jesus against the demonic realm. And, though we shouldn’t flaunt our supernatural gifts for our own benefit, we should be actively using them to encourage other Christians and to evangelize to the world. We need more juvenile fiction that demonstrates the supernatural realm through a biblical perspective, and this was so close (the spiritual battle is described well, as is the spiritually tangible fear, and the metaphor of the power-giving halo), but it fell short.

I also found Dittemore’s use of the first person present tense really awkward and distracting. This is a much smaller issue, but it did prevent me from melting into the story.

Despite these setbacks, I did enjoy the characters and overall story. The heroine, Brielle, is a dancer who is dealing with the loss of a good friend, and I felt her struggle with why God allows suffering was presented very well. I also enjoyed the interaction between the humans and angels/demons and the balance of action and dialog. Dittemore is a creative storyteller with an excellent handle on human emotion—and I can tell she has a strong faith. I pray her future books will also have a more accurate handle on supernatural theology.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson.

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Science Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book One of the C.H.A.O.S. Series

Recommended.

Invasion is a story of alien attacks, other universes, real-live comic book characters, super gadgets, and secret service agents, all mixed in with typical high school life. High school hero, Colt McAlister, discovers that his family has been involved in a secret military organization to defend the world against alien intrusions, and that the accident that killed his parents was no accident at all. Now it’s up to Colt and his high school friends to help the agency and save the world.

Invasion is definitely geared toward teen readers, and even has a bit of teen romance (which I personally thought was well done), but certain adult readers may also enjoy it. In fact, I actually enjoyed reading it quite a bit. The characters were fun and personable, and the plot felt realistic despite being very imaginative.

This is the first book in the C.H.A.O.S. Series*. I appreciated how it is a complete story in itself, though I can’t imagine readers not wanting to keep up with the series.

*Edit: I had mistakenly thought Invasion was the second in the series (and read the book with that mindset), but it turns out that Lewis’ book I am Number Four is not related to the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book One of the Ancient Earth Series

Loosely Recommended.

I only rarely enjoy fantasy, so I was trying to be extra open-minded as I read this. Actually, I was hoping it would be more about the Old English language and culture and less true fantasy, since the premise is that two students in England find their way beneath the streets of Oxford into a hidden city filled with Old English mythology and folklore. I studied Old English in college and was excited to revisit it; but this story is purely fantastic (as opposed to historical with fantastic elements).

I also felt that the story was trying to cover too much at once (multiple characters in the past and present), which made it a bit hard to follow. I dreaded finishing it until the very end because I wasn’t caught up in the story or characters. But the story ended in a way which actually caused me to want to keep reading. Perhaps I will check out the later books in this series. I imagine the upcoming books will be better now that the background has been thoroughly laid. A true fantasy fan would likely enjoy the book the full way through.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogging Program through booksneeze.com.