Novel Review and Spirit-filled Fiction Award: The SOTH Initiative: Fallout (Sect Of The Healed Chronicles, Book 2) By Dean Brior

The SOTH Initiative: Book 2: Fallout (Sect of the Healed Chronicles)

The SOTH Initiative

Book 2

The Sect of the Healed Chronicles

The software has been released, the world now knows the truth, and the world is awakened to a new direction. There is a dark force resisting this awakening, one that will work to wipe out the Sect of the Healed who yearn to share the truth with the world. Come with us on a worldwide journey of intrigue, mystery, and miracles as Professor Lindey Batchelor and the SOTH family share their archaeological treasures with the world. You will see what artifacts and literary treasures the world will experience. Many will embrace the truth, but many will seek to snuff it out along with all those associated with the great awakening.

The SOTH Initiative is a book about truth, power, resistance to the light, overcoming the darkness, and the power of God living in everyday people. Come with Lindey and his team as they travel the world, rescue the innocent, engage the darkness, and overcome evil to share the truth the world needs to hear.

Perspective by Peter:

I was asked by the author to review this second novel in the Sect of the Healed Chronicles. It was a no-brainer after reading Book 1, The SOTH Initiative. I had been waiting eagerly for this to land in my lap.

I have not disappointed reading this latest instalment. It is a worthy sequel to its predecessor. That is what both readers and novelists anticipate. Such a disappointment when you leave Book 1 of a series on a high and then fall flat on Book 2 because it did not progress the plot further, everything was of a lesser intensity or the plot arcs were simplified or not completed. So many readers do not continue with the series from that point on.

Not so with this sequel. Fallout follows on with more intensity, action and adventure, more spiritual warfare, more tribulation and persecution of the SOTH and even more of the power of the Gospel and of of God's Spirit. So much spiritual encouragement from seeing the SOTH members live out the Gospel in the midst of their persecution and tribulation. These members are totally surrendered to God in all aspects of their lives. Isn't that what the Gospel encourages us to do?

This is just one of the lessons that Christian readers can embrace from this novel. There are many more and the reader will be blessed with finding them if they are open to the Spirit as they read this novel. I have always said that Christian fiction should not just entertain but edify, educate and even convict the Christian believer or unbeliever. This is a powerful medium for God in His Spirit to minister to the reader where they are at. Brior does this well and is a willing vessel for God to use in his novels. He is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and in defense of it. Neither should we.

I found myself revisiting what I wrote in my review of Book 1: The SOTH Initiative. Reading it, I found that this is applicable for this review of Fallout. I repeat below (in italics) some of that review for the benefit of those readers who have not read it and to see how it applies to Fallout:

"This concept of a DNA change from being healed by Jesus and given special talents and abilities directly related to what the affliction, disease or disability the biblical character was healed from is very clever. When the reader is introduced to another SOTH member and their special talent is revealed, Brior appropriately details the Biblical character from whom they are descended and the condition they were healed from. This adds some very interesting layers to the characterisation of its characters. I would love to see an Appendix or similar at the beginning or end of the novel that lists these characters, who their Biblical character they are descended from and what they were healed from and the Biblical reference to this account and what the special abilities and talents are. This would encourage Christians to revisit this Biblical account if they were not familiar with it and for any reader who does not know Christ or has not a relationship with Him would benefit from this list and the Biblical account. It could either sow a seed of faith in this reader or water an existing planted one.

As I was in thinking how clever this DNA change was, it raised in me my own speculative fiction question: What if this DNA change was a restoration to how we were when God created us, before sin changed our perfectly created state to one that is flawed and imperfect? So to my mind, this was no longer just a clever concept by this author. Maybe there is an element of truth to this? Is God telling us something in this novel? Don’t you just love speculative fiction?

I loved how the descendants of these healed biblical characters have a love, devotion and obedience to God and Jesus. They are sold out to Him. This was such an encouraging and uplifting reading experience. My spirit was soaring in seeing how these SOTH members live and behave. They are very much Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. They are depicted as living out their faith as we are encouraged to do in James 1:22:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Many of them have dreams where the Spirit reveals many things to them, warns them of the danger approaching from the Cleansing Group and the CIA and even revelation about the spiritual status of those characters brought to them by God. One touching and memorable instance is when one of the leading characters of the Cleansing Group is confronted with the truth about her hatred, bitterness, anger and quest for revenge of the alleged killing of her family by The SOTH. This is one hardened individual blinded and controlled by these emotions and the Muslim indoctrination that it is powerful to see these strongholds broken down and this character’s heart becomes softened to the Gospel of Christ and accepting of His Truth and salvation. And what a transformation that takes place in this individual! There is one other as well.

Throughout this novel, Brior has interspersed the differences between various faiths and that of Christianity.

As he states,

I compare and contrast religions over relationship all through the book as people of Muslim, Catholic, Hindu and other religious faiths come in contact with people living out a real relationship with God. I also show how the world views religion, and why the cleansing group is so committed to wiping out the relatives of the people Jesus healed. There are mysteries, miracles, chase scenes, murder, healing, and biblical truth woven through an intricate plot that takes the reader back in time to experience Jesus and His message of forgiveness, hope, grace, and relationship.

This contrast is not preachy but provides necessary and essential back history to the plot and what motivates the Cleansing Group and other faiths together with the CIA in their quest to eradicate the SOTH. He has also portrayed through one individual, the destructive attitude and behaviour of a hardened heart towards anything spiritual but total reliance on the attaining of power, knowledge, and the supremacy of being human. Brior shows here how destructive this is. I can see this being further developed in this character in Book 2.

If an author makes statements such as what he quoted above, it is a huge bonus for the reader when they see that they have succeeded in achieving this. Not just the author’s words but their words becoming part of the reality of the novel.

While reading this novel, I was reminded of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. There are parallels in this novel to this parable. The SOTH could be seen as the characters in the parable who used their given talents to reap more (in this case for God’s glory, the promotion of His Gospel and proof of existence) and receive their reward,

²⁰ “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’²¹ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’²² He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’²³ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

while the character mentioned in the previous paragraph is likened to the character who hid or did not use his talent. In this parable, he incurred the wrath of his master for ill use of the talent, and received his appropriate reward,

²⁶ “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.²⁷ So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.²⁸ So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

Even the end of the parable can be applied to this novel,

²⁹ ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.³⁰ And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The SOTH used their talents for the glory of God. They are the good and faithful servants, while the character mentioned above (and the Cleansing Group) with their hardened hearts and being deceived are cast into outer darkness. Upon their death, this is likened to Hell."

Fallout develops the characters and their spiritual journey further. The addition of more SOTH members and the linkage back to genealogy of the healed Biblical ancestor just adds more of the background and strength of this novel. And a budding romance during the times of persecution softens and strengthens the novel. It is not out of place amoungst the action, suspense and thrilling nature of the plot and pace. I look forward to more of this in Book 3.

Brior must be applauded for the research he has conducted into how the CIA works and into the Biblical artifacts that would be exposed for all the world to see at the Great Reveal that all of the events of Books 1 and 2 have led up to. These histories of the artifacts provide a a great read on their own and I am readers will be intrigued here. I learnt so much! Even the histories of the characters and how they linked back to their Biblical ancestor was a riveting read, despite it being poetic licence on Brior's part. Such is the depth of Brior's worldbuilding and how it is deeply embedded into the fabric of both novels.

I have no doubt that Book 3 will be a worthy successor to Fallout. Brior does not know how to do anything less. I was engaged throughout and looked forward to both my morning and evening reading times to dive back into this story. The ending of Fallout sets the scene for a new challenge for the SOTH and their progression of the Gospel of Christ.

As like Book 1, Brior finishes this novel on a cliffhanger and this will have readers eager to read Book 3. I am now more eager than ever to read the final novel in these Chronicles. Will it be final though? I could really go for a Book 4. They are afterall, Chronicles!

Brior continues to construct an engaging, thrilling, entertaining and uplifting novel that depicts,

“…biblical truth woven through an intricate plot that takes the reader back in time to experience Jesus and His message of forgiveness, hope, grace, and relationship.” (to quote the author).

He is still one promising author whose passion for story and Christian fiction will see more of him in the future.

Highly Recommended.

The three ratings below are based on my discernment: World Building 5/5 Characters 5/5 Story 5/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 5/5 Enemy Spiritual Level 5/5 

 Overall Rating: 5/5

Spiritually, based on my review and on the aforementioned reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland (Radiqx Press) and that The Soth Initiative: Book 2: Fallout contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Spirit-filled Fiction outlined in this booklet, (click on the title below to see what this is based on), I bestow to Dean Brior the:

Reality Calling Christian Spirit-filled Fiction Award

Congratulations, Dean!

If you would like to investigate this series further, click on the image below:

 

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading The SOTH Initiative, Book 1 and The SOTH Initiative Book 2: Fallout and then submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media platform you subscribe to).

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.

Novel Review And Redemptive Fiction Award: The Adventures of a Thief and a Princess (Adventure Series) by Bryan M. Powell.

The Adventures of A Thief and A Princess.

He was a thief, she was a princess but Fate brought them together.

Shanghaied, Shipwrecked, and Stranded on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Aditya and Mia face an uncertain future. Desperate to return to their families, they strike out on a journey across Madagascar and up the east coast of Africa. Along the way, they are joined by a pirate, a runaway slave, and two brothers.

However, the secret each of them carries soon threatens to tear them apart before they reached their destination. Faced with adversity from within and without, the four bedraggled strangers learn to overlook each other’s faults and discover the true meaning of love and forgiveness.

Perspective by Peter:

I was asked by the author to review this latest offering. I love Powell's novels. This new one is a bit different than his previous novels. This novels explores how secrets can become barriers to relating to each other and even to the Gospel of Christ. Each of the characters struggle to come to terms with their secret and whether they would be accepted by the other in their group. Each also has similar with their culture and religious belief system of that culture. It also comes down to not being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for Azi but Talo has a different reason for hiding his faith and what it is. As the novel progresses they learn that they cannot hide their faith but must live it out and be up front with it. But fear has held them back and pain confronting this and the reason for hiding their faith. They all had to work through this, especially Talo. It also comes down to going against the grain of their culture and whether they will be accepted or ridiculed for it.

But then we have Aditya who does not suffer from this and is the one who challenges Mia in her Hindu faith and becomes an effective witness to her about the Gospel of Christ but she also challenges him with the claims of her faith. This seems to draw out Azi and Talo in being up front with their faith. As the novel progresses each has gone through the vulnerability of being honest with each other and themselves about their secret and as they come out the other end they find that learning to overlook each other's differences and faults leads to them learning to love and forgive. Throughout the novel, Powell does not hold anything back when it comes to explaining the Gospel of Christ and this came through very well through Aditya. Quite the group's evangelist. A great zeal for God and being surrendered and submitted to Him.

If the reader is paying attention to the spiritual themes in this novel, they will discover some very important truths about forgiveness, loving as Christ loved us, acceptance, the destructive nature of chasing approval from others we love and from our parents. This is especially shown with Aditya, Mia and Azi. It is amazing how the Gospel of Christ cancels out these destructive pursuits and puts everyone on an even playing field where our needs are meet by our identity in Christ, as Mia found out in a powerful way at the end of the novel.

The end result is that Azi and Aditya become stronger in their faith and relationship with Christ and leads both Talo and Mia to the place where they have to decide about the claims of Christ and that of the Bible.

I became fond of each character. Powell has depicted them according to their culture and background and their faith; Azi from a Muslim background before conversion to Christ, Aditya a Buddhist (before conversion to Christ), Mia a Hindu and Talo confesses to being a Jew. I had more of a fondness for Talo than the rest. His was an interesting journey with some devastating events during his childhood. I am pleased that the next novel in this series is about him. The end of this novel gives a brief sample of The Adventures of Talo Saliman. It has certainly whetted my appetite for this one.

Along the way, animals become attached to them, a Bengal tiger named Mali, an ostrich named Ava, a baby elephant named Ellie and an ever-vigilant peregrine falcon who they never seem to give a name to. Each of these animals provide a role in getting them across Africa and back to their families. At first I wondered why Powell include them but towards the end of the novel, it would not have been the same without them. Not being picky, but there was not much mentioned of the dietary and other aspects of travelling with 4 very distinct different animals. They were so what in the background but not forgotten and did provide many roles in the group's travels from Madagascar to India/Burma. It would have made the story more realistic or feasible is some of these details had been included. Yes, it means a longer story but I don't believe it would have added any significant length to the overall novel.

Powell adds a Survey of the four main religions of the world that he has depicted in this novel, that of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity. This may answers some of the tenets of these religions mentioned in the novel. This is a good move and is treated respectfully.

I look forward to move in this series, The Adventures of Talo Saliman being the next one. To be released sometime later this year.

All in all, a good introduction to this new series.

Strongly Recommended.

The following three ratings are based on my judgment:

World Building 4/5

Characters 5/5

Story 4/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 3/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Spiritually, based on my review and on the aforementioned reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland (Radiqx Press) and that The Adventures of A Thief and A Princess contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, (click on the title below to see what this is based on), I bestow to Bryan the:

Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award

 

Congratulations, Bryan!

If you would like to investigate this novel further, click on the image below:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading The Adventures of a Thief and a Princess and then submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media platform you subscribe to).

 

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

 

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.

Novel Review and Christian Redemptive Fiction Award: The Road to Hell by Jess Hanna.

The Road to Hell.

Lucas Stone suffers a horrific accident, experiences the terrors of Hell, and returns from the dead paralyzed and alone until an unexpected new friend finds him.

Arrogant, self-absorbed speaker and author Drake Crawford has written a new book that challenges the traditional Christian theology of Hell.

Luke and Drake are drawn together by supernatural forces beyond their realm of understanding to face the spiritual battle that lies ahead on… The Road to Hell.

Perspective by Peter:

I reviewed this novel in 2013 soon after its release. It now has a new cover, been revised and has been re-released. I always wanted to re-read it and I had my chance over the past week. I have copied my review from 2013 and added more of my thoughts from this second reading.

The Road To Hell is Jess Hanna's début novel. You would not believe it! He writes like an experienced writer. And for a first novel, what a suspenseful, and thrilling read it is!

Hanna has successfully created a story that remains true to the Biblical principles of spiritual warfare. It portrays the lengths Satan and his demons will go to in order to deceive and destroy a Christian's faith and relationship with God all part of their rebellion against God.

Hanna has developed some very believable and relational characters, mainly Luke and Mike, being the main protagonists. He has not made them to be super-spiritual, they certainly show their faith wavering in the face of the adverse situations they find themselves in.

The antagonist, Drake, is portrayed as a pompous, egomaniac who evolves into a demon-possessed pawn in satan's quest to destroy as many believers and non-believers as possible. I can see how this transformation would be possible and from what I know about demon possession. The way Hanna has portrayed this transformation and possession is very plausible and similar to how it happens.

The author has described Luke and Mike's experience of Hell as very graphic and I must confess, I was very tense with my heart beating fast as I was reading; even the repeated accounts of the same.

I appreciated his inclusion of how some of Pastor Tom's watered-down account of the issue of Hell even questioned its existence. This was further distorted by the heretical theory developed by Drake and promoted in his book, The Revelation Letters. This watering down and heretical doctrine/theology is taught in some churches and that is a very tragic situation. It was also reassuring to see how Pastor Tom has a change of heart, mind and attitude if and only due to him being open to the revelation of the Spirit (through Ryan and Samantha) bringing relevant Scriptures to him about the true reality of Hell. Pastor Tom allowed this conviction from the Spirit of God to shine forth the error of his own false and uncertain belief of Hell and this led him to embrace the Truth of God's Word and not be an avenue of false teaching, leading his congregation astray.

The spiritual warfare elements in this novel are very realistic and pretty much how I imagine them and again, from what I know about this. Reading this novel, (and others in my library) encourages me to seek more on this and to increase my knowledge of the strategies of our enemy and the biblical and spiritual weaponry at our disposal.

Hanna's depiction of the redemptive aspects of the novel, involving Lucas and Mike is very powerful. It is relatable and shows how the Spirit works on the heart. Hanna successfully brings the characters to the end of themselves and they are confronted with the choice of Heaven and Hell. They both choose Heaven through Christ's gift of salvation and the redemptive power of the Cross. It shows how this motivated both of them to follow a lifestyle of living out their faith and salvation in others' lives in order for their recipients to not be deceived into accepting false teaching and doctrine leading to an eternity in Hell. This is contrasted by Drake knowing both sides of eternity, Heaven and Hell, through Lucas' testimony of both and Drake still decides to accept Hell in all its horror and eternal death. His heart is so hardened that he would not allow anything to change his mind or accept the truth of what Lucas impressed upon him. He even rejected Lucas' forgiveness towards him and this provoked such a violent emotional reaction. There is that saying, that there is none so blind as they who won't see!

Hanna has portrayed descent into demon possession well and how it devastates the human mind and heart. It is hard to read such an account of demon possession (that of Drake). But then again, reading or watching the effects of evil, in reality, is just as hard and even more so as it goes against every grain of our being. We were not created to live like this or to accept this destructive deceit from Satan. Our fallen nature plays right into Satan's hands as he exploits this. But God did not leave us powerless in this regard. He breached the void between our fallen selves, our sin and the snare from Satan and redeemed and sanctified us through his death on the Cross, overcoming sin, Death, all evil and its perpetrators, and most of all the Father of Lies. And it is this that Hanna beautifully portrays.

This is one book I just cannot praise enough. For me, it ranks up there with Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness and its sequel, Piercing The Darkness and a few others in my collection.

Any reader will find this as a cannot put down experience. I stayed up late to finish this and had no regrets, except maybe feeling tired the next morning!

Hanna has successfully delivered a novel full of entertainment yet sober truth of spiritual warfare, the Word of God, God's sovereignty, the victorious living Jesus achieved on the Cross for mankind and the battle between satan against Christians and God.

I highly recommend this novel and suggest that Jess Hanna is an author to follow, being entertained and educated in biblical doctrine in the process.

The following three ratings are based on my judgment:

World Building 55

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Spiritually, based on my review and on the aforementioned reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland (Radiqx Press) and that The Road to Hell contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, (click on the title below to see what this is based on), I bestow to Jess the:

Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award

Congratulations, Jess!

If you like to investigate this novel further, click on the image below:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading The Road to Hell and then submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media platform you subscribe to).

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story. 

 

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.

 

Novel Review and Christian Redemptive Fiction Award: Redemption’s Promise by Sandi Rebert.

 Redemption's Promise.

Redemption’s Promise is an exciting adventure/romance set in Jerusalem during Jesus’ death through His ascension. It also weaves in Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. All this in a fast-paced fictional story you won’t be able to put down! - Jason bar Micaiah is just sixteen years old. His father, an insurrectionist, has been killed; his mother is missing. Given the choice of death, slavery, or becoming the son of a Roman centurion—he chooses adoption. Though he despises his new identity, his secret goal is to use it to his advantage—to continue his father’s fight against Roman tyranny. Jason's life becomes an exciting, dangerous, and soul-searching adventure that ultimately leads to the true meaning of Redemption’s Promise.

Perspective by Peter:

I may become a convert to Biblical historical fiction! I have not read much in this genre, but Rebert's novel has changed that! Now, I realise that all novels in this genre will not be like this one, but it has whetted my appetite to read more of these.

This is such a beautiful story. I was totally engrossed in it. I stayed up late over two nights just to find out what would happen next. I loved the romance, even the forbidden sense of it, between Jason and Rebecca, Antonius and Deborah, but this is not as it seems by the end of the novel and forms the basis for the sequel. There are some loose ends and questions left unanswered, that Rebert outlines at the end of the novel in preparation for this sequel:

Does Braedon ever enter the story again?

Does Ruth’s mother live or die? Will Antonius and Deborah marry?

Will Jason keep his promise to Yosef and Maya?

Is this the last we see of Petronai and Aurelius?

To answer those questions and provide another exciting biblical fiction adventure, I am working on a sequel that will also include the conversion and ministry of the Apostle Paul!

Rebert has written this novel so well that you are in the novel with the characters. More than an observer, unattached to the characters. You will become endeared to them. You relate to them, you experience their happiness, their joy, their sorrow, their despair. You might even re-experience the Joy of your salvation, that feeling of joy when you accepted Jesus as Saviour. I did again when Jason accepted Jesus as His Lord and Saviour. I had a bit of a cry of Joy during this.

I became incensed at the harshness of Antonius' discipline and punishment towards Jason's disobedience towards him, I cried at the scourging (whipping) of Jason at Antonius' hands. I understood his reasons for doing so, that were explained later in the novel. It was such a difficult position, his superiors had put Antonius in. Such a harsh test of his loyalty to the Roman hierarchy. Antonius was just a product of his Roman training and indoctrination of the Roman way of thinking and military mindset. However, deep down, he was always a man conflicted. There was a pain in his heart from the death of his son and loss of his wife. This is expressed in him adopting Jason as his son and preserving the life of Jason's mother. I had a soft spot for Antonius despite his many flaws and harsh behaviour. Maybe the father in me came out when I read about the trials of their relationship.

I loved the puppy love that originally existed from Jason towards Rebecca that grew into full unconditional love. If there is one thing that I appreciated was the prayers that Jason expressed in his despair when he could not ever be with Rebecca (until God answered this prayer). They are tender, sincere, heart felt and show a teachable spirit. We could all take a lesson from this. How to accept God's will for our lives despite what we want. I have said before in other reviews that I don't understand why fellow Christian readers criticise an author for including the content of a character's prayer. I can understand a non-believer doing this as it is unfamiliar to them and even a form of spiritual resistance in their fallen/unregenerated spirit. It does not detract from the story, it does not slow the plot down. To me, it shows a realistic and essential way of life and Christian living for the Christ follower. These prayer inclusions enhance the story and show the relationship we need to have with Jesus.

This brings me to another spiritual aspect of this novel. It is replete with wisdom of forgiveness. The dialogue between Deborah and Jason concerning the latter forgiving Antonius and Ephraim shows the power of the Gospel and what Jesus achieved on the Cross for us. Rebert writes from her heart here and it is beautiful and powerful. I am sure it might convict some readers to re-evaluate their hearts towards those they are struggling to forgive. I know it did me. And this is one aspect of Christian fiction I love to see in novels, where it encourages a deeper walk with Christ, where it convicts you of a stronghold, where it edifies your spirit, it educates you in another aspect of God, or our Christian living and how to be more Christ like. Rebert shines here.

And I must say that Rebert shows in this novel what Redemption's Promise is all about. As Jason's states,

“I’ve been thinking. Perhaps redemption’s promise has to do more with spiritual freedom, the forgiveness of sins, rather than escape from the bondage of Rome. Jesus claims He has the power on earth to forgive sins!”

and when he is witnessing to Antonius,

"The life-changing words of Jesus that Nicodemus had shared with him echoed in his mind. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Jason looked at the centurion. That includes Romans! Suddenly, he felt an overwhelming concern for his stepfather’s eternal destiny. He reached out and touched Antonius’ arm. “Redemption’s promise is not for the Jew alone, but for all who come to Jesus in repentance and faith.."

Rebert has depicted the life of the time for both the Jew and the Roman and the obvious conflict of the Jews living under the rule and dominion of the Romans. She portrays the attempts of the Jews to overthrow the Roman rule and how the Jews felt they could engage the services of the Messiah to do this. This is explored with Jason wanting to engage Jesus in his quest to overthrow Roman rule but became disillusioned when he discovered that Jesus was not here for physical warfare or revolution, but for spiritual peace and restoration of man's soul. It was this that turned his attitude around.

It was good having one of the Jewish scholars, Benjamin, be open to the claims in the Old Testament that had clues to who the Messiah could be and how he investigated these clues against Jesus and his background. This also assisted Jason in believing that Jesus is the Messiah and him accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I loved this character and the relationship that developed between both of these. Even Nicodemus played a part here.

I am very taken with this novel and I am glad there will be a sequel. Sandi is an author who writes from the heart, with a focus on the Gospel and showing the power of the Cross. This is one God-honouring novel, tender, beautiful, entertaining and spirit edifying.

I highly recommend this novel.

The following three ratings are based on my judgment:

World Building 4/5

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level: 4

Enemy Spiritual Level: 2

Spiritually, based on my review and on the aforementioned reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland (Radiqx Press) and that Redemption's Promise contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, (click on the title below to see what this is based on), I bestow to Sandi the:

Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award

Congratulations, Sandi!

If you like to investigate this novel further, click on the image below:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading Redemption's Promise and then submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media platform you subscribe to).

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

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Novel Review and Christian Spirit-filled Fiction Award: The Soul Reader Series by Dante Lupinetti.

Soul Reader: Touch Enabled, Book 1.

Zeke Jackson, a young mild-mannered reporter with a checkered past, wants to be an on-air reporter but he has a stuttering problem. His boss sends him to a televangelist to be healed. After being slain in the spirit his stuttering disappears and he acquires an unexpected supernatural ability to see the state of people’s souls and detect their lies. As others seek to use or exploit his gift, he questions why he has it and its source. The CIA, who has worked extensively with psychics, notices his gift and hires him as an asset to help prevent an assassination plot on the president and vice president. When they bring in one of the suspects, Zeke extracts critical terrorist intel which enables the Secret Service and FBI to prevent the assassination and take down the terrorists. Book 1 sets up the backdrop for Zeke in Book 2 to investigate the powers behind the assassination attempt. In the process he discovers a darkness and evil force that permeates the entire DC hill and realizes that the fight is “against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in high places.”

Soul Reader: Sight Enabled, Book 2.

The real fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness in high places.

Zeke Jackson saved the president's life with his supernatural gift. Now he must figure out who was behind the assassination attempt but it won't be easy. The demons are fighting back. They want to play on their own turf and when POTUS brings Zeke to the White House, they’ll get their chance. But Zeke has received another gift-the ability to see the evil forces in their secret haunts. Will it be enough? Can Soul Reader drive out the demonic forces who have taken up residence on the hill or will he succumb to the temptations and traps set for him? A faith-based supernatural thriller with a splash of Frank Peretti and a dash of Ted Dekker.

Soul Reader: Hearing Enabled, Book 3. 

An apocalyptic EMP brings down the White House. The president's life is in danger. Can Zeke Jackson, the Lord's gatekeeper, ferret out the culprits using his supernatural interviewing ability? 

A conspiracy of congressmen and senators plot to overthrow Israel and its political government. Zeke, the chief investigator, has been threatened with imprisonment if his interview techniques cross the line. The gatekeeper answers to a higher power. Can Zeke stay out of prison long enough to expose the terrorists and bring them to justice? 

An EMP apocalyptic thriller in the enduring style of Frank Peretti. 

Perspective by Peter:

What if you could see the state of someone’s soul, know their inner truth and detect their every lie?

So begins this series with this edgy, speculative question. And what a ride you will be taken on!

Lupinetti has created a fast paced, engaging, and compelling series. It reads like a movie. I would love to see this! He successfully explores this speculative theme based on a supernatural (Divine, as it is described in the novels) gifting from God. While others want to deem Zeke's giftings as psychic, Zeke is he is adamant that it is from God and sets out to prove it as such. Zeke believes that anything that is psychic is from a satanic or demonic origin and not of God and is very vocal about this being so.

The more he uses this gift, the more he questions why he has been given it. Why him? What does God want him to do with it? This gift seems to be based on a Word of Knowledge. For Zeke, it comes down to using it for good or using it for nefarious reasons or for his own purposes for fame and fortune. It is only when one of the fallen angels challenges Zeke's standing with God as Zeke commanded him in Jesus' Name for him to speak to the human and not this fallen angel, that Zeke realises that he is not in a righteous relationship with God and sets about to correct this. After some soul searching and counsel from two mentoring Pastors, he repents and becomes restored to a righteous relationship with God and then God is able to utilise this gift to its fullest. I noticed two spiritual lessons here, one that we can hinder God if we are not in a righteous relationship with Him and we have no authority in Jesus' name in spiritual warfare against satanic forces. I believe this is why we need to confess our sin, repent and be restored to God on a daily basis especially if we are in any type of ministry for the Lord.

From this point on, the novel takes off as Zeke's newfound righteous relationship with God allows him to be used to a greater degree in exposing the demonic and their motives in corrupting people and enslaving them to a Godless eternity. It also exposes him to more spiritual attacks from the fallen angels. In Book 2 we have Zeke being able to not just talk to these spirits through touching (by a handshake and eye contact with the person) but he is also able to see them in the spiritual realm albeit as snakes and in varying species and degrees of venomousness and who are able to bite and envenomate Zeke. But the effects of this were dispelled by Yahweh Rophe (God our Healer) through prayer and by a leaf from the Tree of Life (given to him after a spiritual dream).

Throughout both novels, we have the Frank Peretti-esque fallen angel arcs that add more tension, suspense and spiritual warfare. We see the rules of engagement and plans that are concocted against Zeke and defensive combat against the former's plans. In one instance we see plans to use human sexuality and temptation against Zeke to make him fall from Grace (that is sin) with Abby. I notice here that another spiritual lesson is highlighted. We need to have boundaries around us and in our attitude and behaviour towards the opposite sex and when we are in a relationship with them before we are married. I did this with my fiancee, however, ours was stricter than what Lupinetti has depicted between Zeke and Abby. However, because Abby was not a Christian (but accepted these boundaries), she was spiritually unguarded and unprotected against sexual temptation and possession from one of the fallen angels to seduce Zeke and thwart his relationship with God and hinder the use of his gifts. Zeke realises just in time what is afoot here and although came very close to the enemy's plan being fulfilled, he successfully destroyed their plans through prayer and discernment and spiritual wisdom provided to him by the Lord.

I did wonder while reading this segment that the author had depicted no warning about being unequally yoked with an unbeliever as it states in 2 Corinthians 6: 14, however, it is not difficult to see that this is a plot arc that will be explained further in the novels, and predictably, as Abby becomes more familiar and accepting and understanding of Zeke, his beliefs, their founding in the Bible, his counsel of her in topics of the Bible, in particular, spiritual warfare, demonology, angelology, prayer, the nature of God and who He is, that she will become a Christian. So does this answer the question of being unequally yoked in the true sense of this Corinthian verse? I believe so, (at that point in Book 1, but not so in Book 2). However, in my studies as a young Christian (4 decades ago!), one Pastor went further into this and stated that being unequally yoked could also apply amongst Christians, and Zeke and Abby are examples of this. This Pastor believed that spiritually mature Christians should not have a romantic relationship or marry a spiritually immature or newly converted Christian. I can just imagine the debate over this controversial statement! Is this biblical? I cannot see the Corinthian verse applicable here as a new/immature Christian is not in darkness anymore.

This novel is very much about spiritual warfare. While Lupinetti is successful in depicting this Biblically, there was one instance that showed a different outcome from exorcism. When Abby was exorcised of the seductive fallen angel, this angel was not cast out and sent to Hell, but upon this spirit's request was cast into Zeke's dog. It is very much like the casting of the evil spirits out of the possessed man in the Bible where the spirits (called Legion, for there were many of them) were cast into a herd of pigs. I wondered if Lupinetti was using this example from the Bible to show that not all exorcisms have the same outcome. Either way, it could be said that it is still Biblical. A later meeting of the evil spirits in the novel made note of this seducing spirit being lost to them forever.

I did wonder why when Zeke commands to speak to the possessed human and not the possessing spirit (fallen angel) the latter are very polite in requesting Zeke to not harm them. I wondered why Lupinetti did not have Zeke cast this spirit out of the person? I wondered why the fallen angels were not aggressive, abusive, or antagonistic towards Zeke upon his command to speak to the human and not these spirits. But Lupinetti may have his reasons for this but I would have liked this to be explained in the novel somewhere and somehow so that this aspect of spiritual warfare and of the nature of fallen angels/evil spirits is consistent Biblically and not left to the reader to draw their own conclusions (and therefore unbiblical ones).

Lupinetti shows a great love of the Gospel in these novels. He is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and presents it as it is. The accounts of the Gospels in parts and in various conversations are great and do not detract from the plot. It actually enhances it and provides a firm foundation on which all the plot arcs are based. The inclusion of actual prayer, be that of protection, exorcism, wisdom, repentance, discernment, faith, or help is an example that shows the power of Christians living out their faith and being a disciple of God and spiritual warriors.

Putting all the above elements of this together makes these novels shine on the power of the Cross, of the Spirit of God, of the resources and authority that Christians have in having a righteous relationship with Jesus and that we are not in oppression/possession to the wiles of any fallen angel or evil spirit.

This series (and there are many more like this) show how we can live a victorious life when we are submitted to God and live by His Word and what He has bestowed upon us in defeating our spiritual enemy. It also encourages us in our daily life, to live our lives in faith. It encourages us to worship God and not any evil spirit or angel for that matter, we are to worship God, the Creator and not any form of the Created.

This series gives us a look at angelology, demonology, spiritual warfare, where we stand in Christ, the victory over our fallen nature and the authority we have in Christ Jesus.

This is Christian fiction at a level of its finest. I applaud Lupinetti for not being ashamed of Christ's Gospel and presenting it as it is. No watering down or distortion of the Bible's truth or its doctrines.

Seeing this review is based on both novels, there is so much more I could write about, but that would make for one longer review than what I have already composed here. I encourage any reader, whether Christian or not, to read this series and pay attention to what is included here and not just for its entertainment value.

I would love to see Lupinetti provide some Appendices at the end of the novel or even a separate publication that further explains and explores more about the spiritual warfare and Biblical themes for the education of the Christian and the non-Christian who may be seeking a better life and its meaning or an explanation of the evil that exists in this world.

I am so looking forward to the third novel in this series and I understand that it is about 2/3 completed. So not long to wait!! I agree with another reviewer on Amazon that Dante has endless storylines available in these speculative questions, especially since Book 2 is about another spiritual gift and relates to its title: Sight Enabled. Is Dante creating this series based on spiritual giftings anchored in the five senses? Book 1 is Touch Enabled, and Book 2 is Sight Enabled. What will the next three cover, Smell, Hearing, or Taste? That last one will be interesting!

Amendment to this review: 

In October 2022, I received an advanced copy of the next novel, Book 3, Hearing Enabled. The spiritual warfare continues and the attacks on Zeke continue. His relationship with God deepens and he becomes more reliant on God. The romance between Abby and him deepens resulting in what we all expected. But it is not an easy road for them as the spiritual warfare attacks hinder their intentions for a "normal" romance. 

This series is a strong entry into the world of Christian fiction, specifically speculative fiction. A successful and well-constructed novel/series with great depth, layers, and biblically-based themes, and a great witness to the God we all love and serve. Dante is an author to be on readers' radar for Biblically-based fiction that will encourage their faith, and relationship with God and honour God.

I highly recommend this series.

The following three ratings are based on my judgment:

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 5: Spirit-filled Fiction

Enemy Spiritual Level  4: Demons

and

Level 5: the battle for the spirit and mind.

Spiritually, based on my review and on the aforementioned reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland (Radiqx Press) and the Soul Reader Series contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Spirit-filled Fiction outlined in this booklet, (click on the title below to see what this is based on), that is:

"These books share the true power of a spirit-filled life totally given over to Jesus. They show an intimate personal relationship where a character has two way communication with his Lord and Messiah. Such a character not only speaks to God, he or she hears from the Lord on a regular basis—often hourly, normally daily. This reveals the wonder of the transformed child of God as they are trained, discipled, disciplined, and blessed."

I bestow unto Dante the:

Reality Calling Christian Spirit-filled Fiction Award

Congratulations, Dante!

If you would like to investigate this series further, click on the images below:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading the Soul Reader Series and submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media you subscribe to). Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, whether Christian or not, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.