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: Futuristic/Dystopian/Suspense

Series: A Seer Novel, Book 2

Recommended.

The dystopian setting of the Authority City continues in this sequel to The Choosing with an increasingly dangerous regiment of experimental vaccinations to control the people, and a plan to find and exterminate the rebel camp of the Seers, lead by Remko Brant. Against high stakes and multiple disappointments, Remko struggles to work through his anger and fear in order to realize his identity, and discover his calling.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, and was glad to resume the story with this one, which I found better than the first. It reads as popular teen fiction, with relatable characters, a good amount of suspense, and lots of action in the second half (the beginning was interesting enough to keep me reading, but slower paced). The end was particularly good, and left me wanting to read the final book of the series!

I especially liked the juxtaposition of the corrupt society’s initiatives to control and manipulate the people, compared with the spiritual teaching of the rebels to surrender to God by finding their identity in Him. The spiritual metaphor, on this note, is very positive, although theologically it is a bit shallow. I had a small issue with this in the first book as well, in that the story presents a partial truth in its portrayal of salvation—presenting salvation as something that one simply realizes as one’s identity, rather than the biblical process of dying to oneself through repentance, in order to be exalted as a new creation through Christ (a transformation into salvation, rather than an epiphany that no transformation is needed because one has already been made perfect). This is an important difference to me, and one I would emphasize to my kids before letting them read this. But from a story perspective, it is very good. And the process of surrendering one’s fears is also strongly presented.

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

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Historical Romance

Series: Valiant Hearts, Book One

Not Recommended.

Merry Ellison was raised as the daughter of a Baron, but now she is the fearless leader of “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest”—a group of bandit children who have been outlawed due to their parents’ crimes, and who now survive in the forest by stealing from the wealthy. Before going into hiding, Merry had been engaged to Timothy Grey, who now works as an assistant to the local earl, in service to the King. When their lives re-connect, they must each decide where their loyalties lie, and allow God to direct their futures.

I took a class on the mythology of Robin Hood as an undergraduate, and read tale after tale of various legends written mostly in Middle English and/or Early Modern English, so the idea of this kind of story was really interesting to me, especially with a strong female lead and Christian perspective.

I felt like the narrative was missing the expected edge. I cannot explain my disconnect, except that the tone seemed off. Merry seemed a bit soft, and too emotionally driven. I did not like the love triangle, which I felt was cheesy, distracting, and put Merry’s focus too much on romance and not enough on her strong female identity (not that strong females are not also emotional and romantic, but that there should be more depth in addition to those elements). I also struggled to connect with the characters in general.

The theology was also interesting. The question comes up regarding whether stealing and violence are sins, or to be precedented in certain situations. The novel presents the latter, but I was a bit uncomfortable with this considering the young adult audience. I did like the second theological message that God is always with us, even when we are not with Him.

This is a story with lots of potential, but it did not come together for me as well as I would have liked. I do hope there will be more Christian stories written within this genre and time period.

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

Genre: YA Fiction/Futuristic

Recommended.

Vivica Wilkins is the sixteen-year-old daughter of a prominent governor, and presidential candidate, in the futuristic “United Regions of North America” where government control is out of hand (but not unrealistic). The population is controlled through pregnancy-preventing vaccinations, so that only women within a particular age range are propagating, with a high tax on families with more than two children.

Vivica is a hacker (mostly using her skills to change the grades of other students), but she otherwise is okay with the “system”—that is, until she discovers she is illegally pregnant, and is no longer sure she is comfortable with the mandatory abortion. The baby’s father is a repentant Christian, working with an underground group of “Emancipation Warriors”.

I love how this book deals directly with Christian issues and political scenarios within the futuristic, government controlled setting that is so popular amongst teen literature. The faith element is not subtle. The characters talk and question God and faith in a way that is great for young readers. And despite dealing with the difficult topics of abortion and teen sex, there is not a sexual or even emotionally-romantic vibe to the story, which I really appreciated as it kept the emphasis on the more important issues of politics and faith. There is a little bit of purposefully placed violence as the story moves rapidly in an exciting action-oriented mystery and chase.

This would be enjoyable for teens or adults because of the thought-provoking themes and action packed plot. Adult readers could finish this in a day or two. I also think it could be a great resource for parents and teens to discuss some of these issues together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

Genre: YA Fiction

Not Recommended.

This story is intriguing: Clara is a teenage runaway who is traveling the world to get away from a tragedy in her past. On an airplane she meets Elias, who struggles with an unusual case of Dissociative Identity Disorder. The two accidentally switch backpacks, then become unlikely companions as they each search for healing, identity, and belonging.

I don’t expect Christian fiction to always be spiritually oriented (often the indirect message is more powerful), but I do expect it to be in some way edifying. As much as this story interested me—and would likely catch the attention of readers within the identity transition of young adulthood—the underlying spiritual message was not positive or beneficial. Elias has deep problems that are not appropriately addressed or resolved. Clara receives partial healing, but the Christian element is brought into her life awkwardly and without the necessary depth (actually, the “healing” spirit is more “New Age” than Christian).

The ending solidified my dislike for this book. Despite the difficult themes and attitudes of the characters, I think there was still room for a redemptive message. The circumstances of the ending did not bother me as they were true to the characters; but the overall spirit of the story was uncomfortable for me, as was the absence of God’s truth. The characters’ journeys were not completed in an inspiring or godly manner, rather in the poetic realism that often characterizes “good” secular writing. The writing itself is strong: metaphors and imagery are pulled together, the characters are vivid and likeable. But I would not recommend this to a Christian teen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blink.

Genre: YA Fiction/Contemporary

Not Recommended.

Sarah is a senior in high school, preparing to make the decision about where to go to college, and day-dreaming about a graduate-student poetry teacher (Mr. Haddings), when she is hit by a car while crossing the street. The driver of the car happens to be Haddings.

The story is written in “live-diary” form from the back-and-forth perspectives of both Sarah and Haddings beginning the morning of the accident, and extending two full days and briefly into the third morning.

I have a personal pet peeve that I abhor the use of first person present tense in fiction—it always takes me a few chapters to get over the awkwardness of the tense and into the story—as was the case with Hit.

I’m also not sure what the purpose of the narrative should have been. I liked that this was based on a true story, and thought the perspectives, grievances, and emotions of the characters were dealt with well. But the outcome and message of the story were lacking considering the content (i.e. the near-death experience, aftermath, and inappropriate near-relationship between teacher and student). Also, the writing was simple (maybe 4th grade level); while the content was more mature (high school).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blink.

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: Historical Fiction

Series: Book Two

Recommended.

France; 1941. Fifteen year old Magali is living in the “free” zone of Southern France under Vichy rule, and is naive to the dangers and seriousness of the war around her, even though the worst is yet to come. When she is given the opportunity to help rescue children from internment camps and into charity homes through a Protestant refugee organization, she jumps at the chance to be a hero; but her pride and immaturity become a risk to those around her. Magali must learn to become secure and humble in her own calling, to put love first, and not to neglect the value of her friends and associates.

This is an excellently written story filled with depth and well-researched history. The characters are vibrant, and their emotional journeys are raw and honest. Magali, especially, has so much heart and passion, which is often misdirected and careless—but it is a joy to also watch her “come to age” through her mistakes and experiences. As I read her story, I couldn’t help but remember some of my own immature moments, and to praise God for guiding me through them.

This is the sort of book I would love my children to read as part of our homeschool curriculum when they reach their teens. It is not only an enjoyable story, but one which is informative, based on true accounts, and which provides the perfect backdrop for teaching and dialog about the progression of WWII, and the Christian responsibility for dealing appropriately with difficult and unjust circumstances.

Defy the Night is also part of a series, but each book is independent, despite some overlap in characters. The first book, How Huge the Night, is the coming of age story of Magali’s older brother Julien, and takes place in the first years of the war. The authors also have plans for a third book, which will likely include even more action as the war itself intensifies!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure/Apocalyptic

Series: Book Two of the Swipe Series

Recommended!

This is the second book in the Swipe Series, which is loosely based on a “mark of the beast” end time scenario set just a few generations into the future. Logan Langly has escaped getting the Mark and is on the run—searching for the prison where his sister is being held after disappearing five years earlier. The world Angler presents is both futuristic and believable, which captivated me from the beginning and held my attention through the end.

There is very little direct mention of Christianity and Christian themes, but the story line encourages readers to consider related issues like the price of freedom and the importance of teamwork and unity when fighting for a cause. The fictitious events also creatively parallel the real events of Christian eschatology: the formation of the one world government, the facade of world peace, and, of course, the mark of the beast.

Angler’s writing is beautifully simple yet suspenseful, action-oriented, and deeply thought provoking—all while staying within the age-appropriate boundaries of juvenile fiction. I especially appreciate that it touches on such important and serious themes without the use of profane or disturbing imagery. I haven’t had the chance to read the first book in the series (and probably won’t since this one stood so well on its own), but I’ll be looking forward to the future Swipe Series additions and more from Evan Angler.

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: Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book Four of the Homelanders Series

Recommended.

I’ve really enjoyed Klavan’s Homelanders Series and this final book is an excellent end to a suspenseful and action-packed story. Teen super-hero Charlie West is in one of the most dangerous prisons in the country for a crime he didn’t commit. And amidst his struggle to stay alive in prison, he is also one of the only people left with knowledge of an upcoming terrorist attack on America. He struggles through his fear and circumstances in order to save the people in this creative and fantastic adventure.

Each book in this series brings a piece of the mystery and character of Charlie West. It’s not a “deep” story so much as it is action-packed, but many important issues are brought up in the realms of faith, politics, violence, war and terrorism, patriotism, good versus evil, and even identity. As a mother, this is the kind of story I’d want to discuss with my teenagers after each book, and I am pleased that The Final Hour does have a Reading Group Guide for further reflection.

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

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book One of the Homelanders Series

Recommended.

Teenager Charlie West wakes up strapped to a chair after being tortured by terrorists and can’t remember how he got there. As he tries desperately to escape, he replays his final memories, looking for clues to how his normal teenage life transformed so suddenly.

This all-action book reads like a nightmare where the bad guys chase the good guy from one terrific scene to the next. There’s not much character development and the story is quite fun but a bit outrageous. If all the books were like this one, I’m not sure I’d recommend the Homelanders Series, however, it does set up a great mystery which carries on with more strength in the next three books.

As a parent of (so far) one young boy, I was constantly considering how I’d feel about my son reading this as a teenager. I imagine that to a teenage boy (or girl), this book would be quite thrilling and suspenseful, though as a Christian parent I would want to discuss the violence, possible eastern religious influences of karate, the character’s faiths and spiritualities, and a few of the other plot elements. There is a Reading Group Guide included, which I think would make an excellent start to these discussions.

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book Two of the Homelanders Series

Recommended.

The Homelanders Series continues with this second book as teen hero and fleeing fugitive Charlie West makes his way home to investigate the murder he was falsely charged with and to re-connect with his girlfriend, Beth. The action and suspense climax along with the character development as the confused and amnesic Charlie tries to figure out who he is, who the good guys are, and what he should do next.

This was one of my favorite books of the series because the budding romance added another layer to the story, and also because it ended neatly with some resolutions despite the remaining mysteries.

This book, unfortunately, didn’t have a Reading Group Guide as the previous and latter books do. With all the books in this series, I think there is an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss the book and it’s elements with their teenage readers. And certainly, this book, which delves deeply into questions of identity, morality, faith and patriotism, is an important one not to overlook.

Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure

Series: Book Three of the Homelanders Series

Recommended.

This third book of the Homelanders Series opens as Charlie West finds the man he’s been looking for—the one he believes will be able to fill him in on the gaps in his memory. But as Charlie is slowly able to piece together his memories, the plot thickens, and the adventure grows even more intense.

This series is really intended for teenage boys or tomboys (middle school-high school), but as a woman and mother, I found it to be enjoyable light reading. The stories should really be read in order as they build on each other, and I’d also recommend that parents of teenage readers use the Reading Group Guide to discuss the book further with their young adults since the stories provide an easy and excellent opportunity to talk about some very important issues including faith, morality, and patriotism.