Novella Review: It Came Upon A Midnight by Fayla Ott

 I reviewed this novel on 01/12/19 in a previous blog, now defunct.

It Came Upon A Midnight

Another spiritual warfare plays out in this novella written by Fayla Ott, author of AFFLICTED.

Christmas has come early for Avery when she gets a job at a tourist home in the small town of Herald, Ms. For years, she has heard the stories about the haunted house and the ghostly statue on the property. At first, she disregards them as urban legends until she comes face to face with spiritual forces that threaten not only her job, but her life.

What happened between Frederick and Helen Bailey the night she died? Why did he insist on building a statue in her image to place where he could view it everyday? Are the rumors true? Did Frederick murder his wife in 1892? Does he and his wife still haunt the Bailey property?

Perspective by Peter:

I was really excited to see this new offering from Fayla Ott. I became a fan of her writing since I reviewed Afflicted earlier this year.

Afflicted did not disappoint and this new novella has not either. I can see this novella being the first in a new series. Ott has a passion for depicting spiritual warfare biblically and this novella portrays that again, just like she did in Afflicted. Fott sets up this story with a haunted house and as the novella progresses it raises the question whether the haunting is due to ghosts, urban legends or demons.

Avery becomes spooked by strange happenings in the house as she is setting it up for a Christmas display. As with most suspenseful stories, it is the curiosity of the main character(s) that progresses the story further and we see Avery exploring the house in areas where she should not and yes, she encounters the source of the haunting. She also discovers more about the house's sordid past.

It is with a conversation with her friend, Lisa, that Fott establishes what and who the source are.

Ott provides a very important Biblical insight to how we need to live. This conversation between Avery and Lisa shows what they are dealing with and what we need to be focussing on in order to be victorious against them,

“You’re serious, aren’t you? You really believe demons act like ghosts?” “Yes. I think it’s rare, but obviously something evil happened here to invite demonic activity. Demons can take the form of humans to fool people into believing in things which deter them from the truth.” “We’ve never talked about this at my church. I wonder why.” “People do not like to talk about it. I guess we have to be careful, though. We need to be aware of them, but we shouldn’t obsess over their presence. We have to focus on the presence of Christ instead.”

It is a sad and tragic indictment on the Christian Church if what Lisa says above is not talked about, and Christians equipped Biblically and spiritually to deal with the demonic. Avery is secure in the truth she speaks in this quote above, discerns their tactics and despite being affected by them, she does not let this overtake her or give in to her fear.  It is here that Ott depicts more Biblical truth in dealing with them. How Avery distinguishes between what is a ghost and what is a demon is what every Christian should know from this conversation I have included above and what the Bible states about this that Ott has included at the beginning of the novella,

…For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. ---2 Corinthians 11:14 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ----James 3:15-16 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

On top of these Biblical truths and principles that identify our opponent, Ott employs one of the most important and powerful ones, that calling on the name of Jesus to defeat them. And using this principle is successful as it always is as there is nothing more powerful than the name of Jesus to defeat any attack of any demon or satan himself. One other aspect depicted here is the Spirit of God, speaking to Avery, reinforcing to her that she belongs to Him. From this, we are to understand and accept that seeing He died for our sin, and to restore us back to Him, He has broken the bondage of sin and death and has given us the power over the demonic and satan so we do not have to feel or act defeated or become "owned" by those forces. It all gets down to who we are in Christ. (That is another topic for another day!).

When I read the names of the demons, I recognised them as those from Afflicted. This was a good move on Ott's part. And the angels were from that novel as well. It is from this aspect that Ott could carry this series further, but more to the point, she has left some plot arcs loosely open. It is this can would be the main driving thrust to progress this to a series. What does happen to Sam and Avery? What happens to Sonnellion and Belias? What happens with Avery’s being reunited with her foster parents? 

I would have loved this story to be longer. Short stories or novella always have their characteristic shortness as their main restriction but it all depends on the ability of the author to pack in as much as possible without compromising story, characters and pace. Short stories and novellas do not need to impress the reader that everything is rushed or shallow to fit into this short " space". Ott does not compromise here in this offering but if it continues as a series, this needs to be longer or even novel size to do the subject matter the proper justice. This is an important topic that a longer size or in novel size would lend itself well to.

A sobering account of spiritual warfare set against the background of Christmas. Ott achieves what Christian fiction should do, entertain, uplift, educate (equip) and draw both Christian and non-Christian closer to God.

Strongly 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 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 5/5

Overall Rating: 4.8 Stars

 
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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.

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Novel Review: Ishmael Covenant (Empires of Armageddon, Book 1) by Terry Brennan

 I reviewed this novel on 03/03/20 in a previous blog, now defunct.

Ishmael Covenant. 

His marriage in tatters and his career ruined by lies, Diplomatic Security Service agent Brian Mullaney is at the end of his rope. Banished to Israel as punishment by his agency, he's assigned to guard a US ambassador and an insignificant box. Little does he know that this new job will propel him straight into a crisis of global proportions.

Inside the box is a messianic prophecy about the fate of the world. And a dark enemy known as The Turk and the forces of evil at his command are determined to destroy the box, the prophecy, and the Middle East as we know it. When Ambassador Cleveland gets in the way, his life and his daughter's life are threatened--and Mullaney must act fast.

Now agents of three ancient empires have launched covert operations to secure nuclear weapons, in direct defiance of the startling peace treaty Israel and its Arab neighbors have signed. And a traitor in the US State Department is leaking critical information to a foreign power. It's up to Mullaney--still struggling with his own broken future--to protect the embassy staff, thwart the clandestine conspiracies, and unmask a traitor--before the desert is turned into a radioactive wasteland.

Fans of Joel C. Rosenberg, Steven James, and Ted Dekker will relish the deadly whirlpool of international intrigue and end-times prophecy in Ishmael Covenant--and will eagerly await the rest of this new trilogy.

Perspective by Peter:

I came across this novel when it was being advertised as a blog tour with Audra Jennings PR Blog Tours. I jumped at this chance as I have read a previous novel of Brennan, The Sacred Cipher, (The Jerusalem Prophecies) many years ago. That was a great novel so I presumed Ishmael Covenant would be too. I have not been disappointed!

Seems like Brennan has come along way from The Jerusalem Prophecies series. My first thought when reading this new novel was that it reads in a similar vein to the various series' by Joel C. Rosenberg. I loved the latter and still have some of his to read.

Brennan knows how to seamlessly integrate action, suspense, and a fast pace into a novel. I became so engrossed in this that it felt as if time stood still and I was not aware of my surroundings. So many times while reading on the train, that I nearly missed my station, and a few times, I was nearly late back from my lunch break!

Brennan also knows how to write well. This adds to the success of the action and suspense and the pace in this novel. His command of the English language is very competent and confident. You are not encumbered by difficult sentence structure or overly-detailed description. Every description is to the point, and succinct. Despite a lot of the history of the three empires (Ottoman, Persian and the Muslim Arab, three ancient empires, claiming dominion over the same slice of land, and racing toward a nuclear collision) that this novel is based on, Brennan does not bog you down with this or lose your interest in it. He has constructed these descriptions in such a way that it is all relevant to the plot and it engages your interest. He has also integrated the political machinations into this as well and also does not weigh you down with the hidden agendas (deceptive and manipulative) of the various politicians in the countries of these empires. Now I don't like politics but Brennan kept my interest in how these political characters operate and it would not surprise me if his representation in this novel reflects pretty much how it is in real life. I have read other novels where this representation is similar. Rosenberg and Oliver North (Peter Newman series) in their novels are examples here.

Brennan has successfully integrated the political, spiritual and end times (eschatology) into a roller coaster ride. All these three themes are interconnected. While Christians will see this immediately and settle into it as it is not unfamiliar to them, those who are not spiritually-minded might not appreciate the demonic side of it. However, this is the reality of life, whether we like it or not or are aware of it or not. The demonic is not a huge part of the novel but its influence is part of the spiritual battle that is the foundation of the political and eschatological events.

I really enjoyed this spiritual warfare and the supernatural side of the plot. This is the foundation upon which the novel is based. God gives a Jewish rabbi 250 years ago a prophecy that affects a certain time in history which is identified as the time of this novel, where a certain event has transpired as part of this prophecy which leads to the second part being decoded. Just when we are about to find out what this is the novel ends with an explosive cliffhanger that leads directly into the next novel, Persian Betrayal, (release date: July 28th). The good thing about this edition, is the publisher (Kregel), provides the Prologue and Chapter 1 of this sequel that more than whets your appetite! Unfortunately, we will have to wait until Summer (in the northern hemisphere) of 2021 to read the final instalment in this series, Ottoman Dominion.

Now I can see those who don't believe in the Demonic would see the inclusion of this as just adding to the entertainment value and may dismiss it as such with no power or significance, but Brennan's depiction shows the bondage, corruption and manipulation of any demonic force as they are from their origin as depicted in the Bible. The power of God as depicted in the protective blessing (The Aaronic Blessing, Numbers 6: 24-26) of those who are guarding the box that contains the encoded prophecy and against those who are not protected by this Blessing who touch the box (and die a horrific death) could also be seen as entertainment value and adding to the suspense of the plot, but this is not so. Brennan's depiction of this is also reflective of similar in the Bible. He uses examples of such from this Book to explain this protection and the destructive judgment (horrific death) of those who violate His instruction. Now, this impresses me as it shows Brennan is wanting to reflect elements of who God is and not deviate from this. To me, it shows that God is Sovereign and all Powerful (Omnipotent) just as He is as defined in the Bible.

And Brennan also touches on the wavering faith that we all experience through the character of Mullaney. Disturbed by the estrangement from his father and the unresolved issues after the latter's death, his relationship with God has faltered but being involved in this clash of empires and the subsequent attacks against those he is to serving and the spiritual battle over the prophecy has forced him to confront those issues and reconcile himself to God. For those of us who experience this crisis of faith, it would be reassuring to see that God has never left nor forsaken us and there is always a second chance (and more) of faith and relationship with Him.

I pray that every reader, Christian or not, would read the Acknowledgements and Author's Notes at the end of the novel. Seeing the events, places, buildings that this novel is based on adds to its credibility and it is based on a sure and solid foundation. The same can be said for those elements I have discussed above that are based on the Bible. I pray also that the demonic elements described in this novel will show the reality of how deceptive and destructive any submission to the demonic forces is to the individual and this is not what God wants for mankind.

In novels like these, it is very tempting to make it more plot-driven than character-driven. If the former was the case, it would have still had the suspense, action and fast-pace but you would not have connected with the characters and they would have come across as two-dimension and robotic, pawns in a chess game. Brennan has avoided this by making the characters relatable and believable and I cannot see how this could be anything other than this for this novel to be realistic and credible. Relating to these characters makes you feel as if you are in the novel with them and you find you can relate and understand all the events that they are dealing with.

Another strong aspect of this novel is the research on world events, bible prophecy, politics and spiritual warfare and the supernatural that Brennan has conducted. He has applied it well and appropriately to this novel to enable not just an entertaining read but one that educates on these issues. It also edifies one's faith in God and provides valuable insights into who He is. It also enabled Brennan to construct a cohesive and integrated themed novel. Nothing seems to be out of place or superfluous or irrelevant.

Highly Recommended.

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Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading Ishmael Covenant 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.

Novel Review: The ASA: Christian African Fantasy by Sunmade Ejiwunmi

I reviewed this novel on 01/08/20 on another blog I had, now defunct.

The ASA

J, the premier assassin of the council of witchdoctors has been given a new assignment. Kill Pastor John Bankole. It should be easy for someone as skilled as he is; both as an assassin and as a magic user.

John Bankole is not your typical everyday man of God. He and J have a history and also there are other factors at work in this classic tale of good versus evil. In the battle for a man's soul all bets are off.

It's not long before J realises this is anything but an easy assignment!

Perspective by Peter:

I discovered this novel on the Amazon Christian Science and Fantasy listing. The description was an effective hook for me. And I was not disappointed reading this novel. It was thoroughly enjoyable, riveting, suspenseful. It is an impressive debut novella. This author writes well and you would never know this is his first published work.

It is well constructed and well-paced. Keeps your interest, curiosity piqued throughout. It is unputdownable.

One aspect I loved was the focus on J as the demon oppressed main character. Most Christian novels of spiritual warfare and demon oppression or possession have the main character as the Christian and how they deal with this possession using Biblical spiritual warfare principles. However, Ejiwunmi turns this on its head and has the main focus on what this demon-oppressed man goes through. This is not at the expense of Biblical spiritual warfare or to portray that the demonic is stronger than these Biblical principles or that they are more powerful than God.

Focussing on J and his progression into the demonic puts you on his side, you become endeared to him, you empathise on his vulnerabilities and wavering motives to stay as the most revered assassin in the witchdoctor's council. Ejiwunmi is successful in this focus as it shows the hierarchy of the demonic strongholds of Nigerian culture, giving an inside view. This I found interesting and very different from other foci of similar novels from western authors who depict demonic activity in western culture.

Ejiwunmi's depiction of African culture in speech, terminology and behaviour just adds to the uniqueness of this novel. This has been influenced by the documented evidence that shows specific demons assigned to the continents of the world and influence that culture's belief system, behaviour and ethics.

Ejiwunmi remains consistent with Biblical principles of spiritual warfare mainly with the use of prayer and testing the spirits. The latter is one of the most discerning practices that is often overlooked or ignored but is one powerful tool Christians have in spiritual warfare. It is one that is foolproof as any demon or spirit will not confess that Jesus is the Son of God and come in the flesh, as the Word says, in 1 John 4:1-3,

 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God."

Here is the exchange between Pastor John and the angle Ogun that depicts this Biblical principle of spiritual warfare,

John and Bisi exchanged incredulous looks.

“I’m sorry but are you telling us you are an…?” John couldn’t say the word.

“An angel?” Ogun smiled. “

Yes, I am.”

“Prove it.”

“Olorun Eledumare is God Almighty, the creator of all and Jesu Cristi is His son who was born as a human and died for the sins of the world.” Ogun intoned solemnly and his eyes seemed to glow as he spoke.

John took a deep breath, looked at Bisi and smiled. “Wow, we’ve never had a visit from an angel before,” He gushed. “You don’t look anything like what I expected.”

I applaud the author for keeping the demons as biblically consistent as well as the angels represented here by Ogun, the warrior angel. I dislike it when an author portrays the demon or fallen angel stronger that the Spirit of God and not under His authority and the same with angels where they are depicted as more autocratic and autonomous and can make independent decisions apart from what they were instructed by God. Both these examples mock God and undermine His Sovereignty and Omnipotence and place Him less than the demons and angels. When a Christian author portrays God for who He and has the demons and angels under His authority, then God is honoured, the author is being an effective witness to any unbeliever who is reading the novel and this can be used by God to minister to this reader either in sowing a seed of faith, watering an existing one or harvesting one where they come into relationship with Him.

This is the only novel I have read where the demon had not possessed the person's body but instead inhabited/possessed an object, in this case, a ring worn around J's neck. O (the demon Obatala) is only able to speak into J's mind and not take over his body as is the case of demon possession. He is able to manifest as a physical person (in different appearances) and be seen by others who are in the Occult.

Now the Bible is silent on whether a spirit can inhabit an object, but according to Compelling Truth, this could be possible,

Today, many see an association of evil spirits with objects such as voodoo dolls, crystal balls, Ouija boards, or other products related to the occult. Though it is possible for demons to work through such objects, demons appear to focus on deceiving people, not attaching themselves to things. The Bible consistently notes connections between demons and certain sinful items, but their attachment is to people whom they can control or influence for evil purposes. The items are simply objects used in the practice of evil or worship of false gods.

While it is possible that a demonic spirit would attach itself to a non-living object, the Bible is unclear on this issue. Instead of focusing on whether objects are possessed, our focus should be to, "Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). We are to worship God and to avoid those practices or objects that lead us to sin.

This novella ends on a cliff hanger and there is a strong indication that there is a sequel. Also, why would this be Book 1 in this series if not a sequel to follow? I am eagerly waiting for the next instalment in this The Witchdoctor's Apprentice series. This author is one to watch and follow. I feel he is on a winner of a series with this instalment. Very promising.

Highly recommended.

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 ASA 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.

The Awakened (The Lazarus Chronicles, Book 1) by Richard Spillman

The Awakened 

Two thousand years ago Jesus resurrected his friend, Lazarus and founded a secret organization: SOAR. Since then Jesus has added to the resurrected—The Awakened—to aid Lazarus in SOAR's battle against Satan's slaves, the UnVeilers. The threat is escalating. The UnVeilers have stepped up their attacks on mankind through a charming leader and a devastating series of bombings in Dubai and Tel Aviv. But the invasion doesn't stop with international terrorism. The UnVeilers are searching for a secret that Jesus embedded in Lazarus’ journal that not even Lazarus knows—and it will determine the fate of mankind. After a failed cyber-attack against SOAR's computers, Lazarus and his team of experts must find the secret before the UnVeilers do. What clue is he overlooking that could turn the tide of this ageless conflict?

The souls fighting with Lazarus are weary, but the war against evil is far from won. Can Lazarus and his team set aside their longing for heaven and put a stop to these satanic attacks before it's too late?

The Guru's Review: 

"What if.......?" "Yeah, what if what?" you may ask! Well, the "What if......" question and its variations are what makes fiction speculative and it is one of the exciting genres to read but is also one of the most misunderstood and sometimes controversial. When this speculative element is applied to Christian fiction, it makes for a wonderful story that allows an author to use poetic licence to fill in the gaps that exist in the source of their story. This can be especially true when applied to the Bible with its tenets, doctrines or supernatural events.

After reading this novel by Richard Spillman, I can say that he has applied the speculative element to create a wonderful story that is intriguing, engrossing, keeps you guessing. For a debut novelist, you would never know it! The speculative element he has used for the foundation of this novel is very clever. Those familiar with the Biblical account of Lazarus know that he was resurrected by Jesus (John 11:1-55). Here is where Spillman's speculative application comes into play. In the book of Hebrews 9:27 we learn that,

And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment. 

Spillman has expounded on this verse by proposing that because he had died (once) as this verse states, he could not die again. This would make him immortal. And Spillman has Jesus telling him so, 

"....He told me that it is appointed to man to die once and since I had already died, he brought me back in a body that will never die again." 

Then Jesus tells Lazarus that there will be more like him and that He has ordained this for a specific purpose. They then called themselves the Awakened.

From this plot arc and foundation, Spillman creates a multilayered world. 

Lazarus creates an organisation called SOAR to fulfil Jesus' specific purpose. The Awakened are to serve humanity by helping them soar, or bringing out the best in them. The name is an acronym for the Society of the Awakened and Restored. Humans can become Awakened but only by another Awakened who would pray over them once dead if they believed or felt this was God's will. 

Their other purpose is a supernatural one and that is to eliminate or "dust" the Undead, the UD, whose goal is to continue the work commenced by Satan in fostering rebellion against God and to take as many Naturals (humans who have not died) to hell as they can. These UDs are those humans who, upon death, are reanimated and demon possessed by other UD. These are Satan's army/slaves. "Dust"ing them means that they are turned to dust when an Awakened touches them and they are then returned to Hell. The Awakened call these the UnDead but they call themselves UnVeilers, UV, as they view their job as unveiling the evil within mankind. 

Herein lies another layer. The UD are involved in international terrorism in order to cause worldwide panic, chaos and then dominate the human population, the Naturals. They have leaders, other UD/UVs who are in charge of these activities and who are awaiting the arrival of The UD, their ultimate leader who can only be dusted by Jesus. Here, Spillman creates a military-style special ops and technological expertise arm of SOAR, that has Awakened operatives worldwide. SOAR also have a role with the NSA and all other government organisations worldwide. And it is here that we meet all of the other Awakened characters. All understand their Awakened status and role, all have a love for Jesus and support each other. They could be considered the ultimate special ops team on the physical, technological and supernatural levels. 

One plot arc that I feel will appeal to most readers is Lazarus' journal. This acts to support, and develop the experiences of Lazarus since his Awakening (resurrection by Jesus) and show some of the battle histories between the UD and Awakened. It also reveals in a touching and empathetic way, the relationship he had with Jesus and his longing to be reunited with Him. I found Spillman's writing here captured Lazarus' feelings and what he went through to be very convincing. It reads as if it actually happened. It also endears the reader to Lazarus. We see him not only as the leader of SOAR, military and special ops commander but as a vulnerable but strong spiritual leader who has flaws. I was especially taken with Spillman's depiction of how Lazarus experienced Jesus. That really did tug at my heartstrings and desire to know Him better! I teared up on a few occasions when Lazarus described this to Ricki. Spillman has depicted Jesus very respectfully and as for who He is. This read in my mind as if it was a movie segment, so real and poignant it was. 

This shows some of Spillman's own relationship with God. I know that in crafting a novel, an author will inject some of themselves into the characters and other parts of the novel's construction and this definitely shows here in relation to Lazarus as well as in other parts of the novel. This definitely adds strength to the novel's overall impact on the reader. Novels can either be character driven or plot driven predominantly. To me, there is a healthy mixture of both in this novel. That just makes it all the more enjoyable. 

Another layer of Spillman's worldbuilding is a mystery, a secret. Embedded in this journal is a secret that Jesus had included. Both Lazarus and the UD seek to reveal this secret. In this novel, the first part of the secret is revealed and it lays the foundation for the remainder to be revealed in subsequent novels. It is in this plot arc that we are introduced to Ricki Spenser who becomes an integral part of SOAR and in Lazarus seeking to find the journal secret. Here Spillman introduces a touch of romance between these two that I presume will be further developed in the remaining two novels. 

It is through this plot arc relating to these two that Spillman introduces his spiritual theme of forgiveness, of ourselves for our sin but also from what others have done to us. This is explored and depicted well between Ricki and Lazarus and I found this to be tender and relational. In doing so, Ricki also finds peace, closure, her need for God and to become free from the abuse of her upbringing. I could so relate to this on a personal level as I see this in myself and in others on a day to day basis. I love Spillman's snippets of what forgiveness means as seen between Lazarus encouraging Ricki 

"Love abounds where forgiveness is practiced.  

It doesn't take strength (to forgive), it takes love. Love for yourself more than anything.Unforgiveness allows the sin of others to change us. We become defined by their transgressions. It leaves us stuck in a perpetual cycle of pain.

The enemy uses our unforgiveness to create confusion, hate, bitterness and defeat.  

We may rage against evil forged in the fire of injustice, but in the process, we are consumed by it as well.  

Either we begin to believe we're unworthy and deserve the pain, or we become embittered and closed off by the injustice.  

Sin wounds and heals. Forgiveness heals and restores. We are freed from our hurt." 

Another layer to Spillman's worldbuilding is a very clever feature called AIM, Awakened Incident Manual. Snippets of this manual head each chapter. These snippets add further information to the nature of the Awakened, the UD, the battle between them, how the Awakened are to act and other relevant info. This is effective as it does not interrupt the main plot arcs and pace, as they would if included therein, making these two elements disjointed and fragmented. Seeing this has become part of the structure of this novel, I pray Spillman continues this in the series. I have come to enjoy this feature. 

In many novels, names are either created to sound good, fit the character, place or event but have no meaning to these elements. Not so in this novel. Spillman has used names that are appropriate to the role of the character. What this does is add depth and purpose to these characters and strengthens the plot. An example here is the mysterious character, Renaud Christian Yount, 

Renaud was his current name, but his birth name was Melech Sroel Abraham...... he selected names that meant something special. His birth name, Melech, meant "king." His current name meant "counsel"....... Merikh means "death"

My only concern is in regard to a character, Damijana. She is extracted physically from the terrorist organisation she belongs to by Ariella (Awakened operative) and the reasons were given for this extraction but Spillman has not taken this to its implied conclusion. What becomes of her once she is now in the Awakened camp? The role of SOAR is to bring out the best in humanity, and this was their aim in extracting or kidnapping her from the terrorist group, but this subplot relating to this character is left unfinished. I can only hope that this is addressed in the next novel. I just feel that this derailed the plot somewhat.

I also recommend downloading the short story on Spillman's website called, "Dusted" that gives a more detailed account of how the Awakened eliminate the UnDead.

The Discussion Questions at the end of the novel are worth investigating and reflecting upon if only for your own sake.

The Sneak Peak at Ascension, Book Two whets the appetite for this series continuation. We will have to wait until August 2019 for this one. 

All in all, I am very impressed with this novel. Spillman has crafted a strong base with excellent worldbuilding, characters who are relational and endearing, intriguing speculative elements and one spiritually uplifting and entertaining ride. 

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 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

To buy or preview this novel, click on the BUY/PREVIEW icon below: 

Fallen by Melinda Viergever Inman

Fallen

Love takes action. The Creator God establishes the cosmos and shapes a man. Adam rises from the dust. Envious, the powerful angel Lucifer despises him. Oblivious to the threat, Adam is captivated by his strong, intuitive wife Eve. In the Garden of Eden, they enjoy abundant food, gorgeous vistas, and intriguing challenges, including their budding love and passion. They have it all! 

But Lucifer's deceptive brilliance tricks them into disobeying God. Their unity with one another and with God is destroyed. Lucifer's jealousy threatens mankind's tenuous beginning. But God is merciful. What astonishing promise does He make? How will Adam and Eve survive - broken, shattered, and separated from God? 

The Guru's Review: 

I have waited 3 years to read this novel! It had been on my To Be Read list on Goodreads since that time but due to reviewing other authors novels, I have only now managed to get to it now.

All I can say is the wait has been more than worth it! This is a beautiful and tender novel. There are novels where the reader can feel the author pouring herself into it with the utmost passion for writing and the storyline and this novel is one of those. Having read some of Inman's Tweets, posts from Facebook and her website, she is passionate about writing, about the art of story creation, expressing her love for God and all things relating to Him. It definitely shows in this novel's construction and forms one of its foundational pillars.

I have not come across a novel where there is so much detail in describing the gaps in the Genesis account of Adam and Eve, their fall from Grace and their life after being banished from the Garden of Eden. Inman has clearly researched this, discussed with other Christians who would be able to provide more insight and expound more on this. Inman has a short reference list at the end of the book that has influenced the storyline and added to her poetic licence to fill in these gaps in this Biblical narrative. This licence does not detract from it but actually is an enhancement without making it more important than what God has included. To me, it reads as if it is a fictionalised account that could be considered the closest to what it could have been that the Biblical narrative does not give account.

It is very much alive this account of Ish/Adam and Isher/Eve. You are transported there; it is almost as if you are part of this narrative and not just reading it. I found myself relating to everything they experienced from Creation to their sin culminating in their hardship and rediscovering themselves and how to relate to each other as a result of their new fallen nature. The way God had created them to be one with each other and with God made me yearn for this when He returns and restores us to Him. Inman shines here in her description of this relationship. Again it is beautiful and tender. Reading this pre-fall account of their relationship only reinforced this oneness of what I have felt towards my own wife since marriage, albeit not to the full extent of what Adam and Eve experienced as these two are the only ones to experience the full relationship of what God had intended.

Inman further shines in her description of how this perfect relationship between them and God is destroyed and what it then comprised as they move forward with the reality of their now sinful and fallen nature. I am sure every married couple reading this, if they are honest with themselves, will relate and even be confronted with some of the emotions, attitudes and behaviour that Adam and Eve now exhibited towards each other. I know I did! And what this did to me was to reinforce what I have discovered that relationships, especially a married one, require more work on every level, physical, emotional, spiritual and on a daily basis in every situation that you are both presented with.

Inman is very clever at describing this. Reading how Adam and Eve were before their sin and after, reads like a relationship manual. The thought struck me that she has included all there is to identify in dealing with relationship conflict and resolution, learning about each other and in relation to each other and overcoming this by referencing it back to God for His guidance in what He required of them in their situation. It is here that they learn how to effectively communicate, the art of listening, of honesty, forgiveness and in understanding each other's point of view. They also learnt about dealing with anger, bitterness, regret and resentment. I even thought that every engaged couple or those wanting to be married should read this novel just for these insights! They are rich and powerful. If any reader approaches this novel with a teachable spirit, they will pick up some valuable relationship gems to apply to their lives and be strengthened and blessed by it. And all the while honouring God in the process seeing He is the force behind these insights.

One of the most powerful insights I found from this novel and that is reinforced in the Bible and what I have applied in my marriage, is that as Adam and Eve, before their sin, placed each other first and would lay down their lives for each other. It was the opposite story after their sin. Sin changed this attitude and behaviour of looking out for the other to only looking out for themselves. Placing the other first is now what we have to learn and apply to our lives and it is no wonder that Jesus stressed this to us in His example of what a married relationship needs to be. Just as He laid down His life for us, He has specified that we need to lay to lay down our lives for each other in marriage. I stated this as a condition for my future son-in-law that he could marry my daughter only if he was prepared to lay down his life for her and place her first in everything, just as Jesus had done for us! It is what I have based my marriage on and can vouch for its success. It was also what I based my Father of the Bride speech at their wedding!

Where Inman shines again, is her description of the creation of Ish/Adam and Isher/Eve and the Garden of Eden. Compared to other novelised accounts which can be dry, and very matter of fact, Inman evokes your curiosity through Ish's as he wonders in the flora and fauna, his naming of them, and in the natural workings of the environment and world that God has created. This also adds to the mystique of this part of the novel, it is not a bland description that makes you want to gloss over but encourages you to be in the same wonderment that Ish had about every aspect of this created world. And it is this description that shows more of the nature of God and the depth of relationship that He has toward His creation, the highlight being Ish and Isher. Inman's depiction of God/Creator is very relational and not just as a hierarchical Being but one that is intimately involved with His creation, especially towards Ish and Isher.

Inman has dealt with the sexuality of Ish and Isher very appropriately and respectively and I believe as close as possible to how God planned it. These two are the only ones who have lived to have experienced sex how God created it to its fullest (before their sin) and how it was different afterwards. Pre their fall, it was an integral part of their oneness with each other and towards God. Post their fall, it was fragmented and not so integrated as before. Tiredness and the effects of conflict between them altered to some extent this oneness and enjoyment of it between them. And the human race since has only experienced sex and sexuality through the effects of sin and our fallen nature. Even today, sex and sexuality in the media, education and many other areas, including families are not promoted as an expression of love and oneness towards each other within the confines of marriage but just a physical act, a relieving of one's sexual urge and expected behaviour in relationships. And the perversion of it is just becoming more so with each passing year under the new attitude of it being normal and healthy. And sadly, even in Christian marriages and amongst Christian singles, the adherence to the Bible's principles of marriage, sex and sexuality are challenged, modified and in some cases suppressed and rejected. I applaud Inman for showing and being daring to do so in today's world of political correctness to include this in this novel. She shows faithfulness to God's standards and not man's in this regard. May all Christians follow her example and stand up for what is correct in God's eyes!

Years ago, when I examined why I love Christian fiction, I identified some key points and it is these that I love to see in a Christian novel (and can be found in the Why Christian Fiction? tab in this blog): 

• it has entertained me immensely, 
• it has encouraged my walk with God, 
• it has not deviated from biblical doctrine, and it will not, I believe, lead a non-believer astray or promote false doctrine, 
• it honours God, 
• it does not encourage worship of the created (eg angels) instead of the Creator (God). 

Well, Inman has more than succeeded with these criteria in this novel! She has encouraged not only my walk with God but has encouraged me to continue to place my family first and them above myself.

And since I started reading and reviewing Christian fiction, I have identified that this area of fiction across all its genres, deals with the following issues/doctrines: 

• relying on God through difficult and trying circumstances, 
• the nature of God, developing faith and trust in Him, 
• encouraging others, 
• spiritual warfare, 
• demonology, 
• angelology 
• being true to yourself, 
• standing up for what is right, 
• Godly romance, 
• sex and sexuality. 

and all these are in this novel, in varying degrees! Now, I realise that these are included in the biblical account of Adam and Eve/Genesis and elsewhere in the Bible, but I applaud Inman for being faithful to the Biblical account and to God in these areas and through the use of poetic licence. 

Inman is adept in outlining God's plan for salvation and redemption, and I appreciated how she integrated this through the fall of Adam and Eve, what this then meant to them and future generations until, through their lineage, one would come to crush the serpent's head and become the Saviour of mankind, restoring/reconciling man back to God. It was such a joy to have Inman include the reasons why God knew Adam and Eve would sin and how He had prepared a solution from the beginning which is where the doctrines of redemption and salvation come from. So much of this is omitted from similar Christian novels that leads to the plotline being thin and any Gospel message watered down. These two doctrines are, in some Churches just not taught today. I applaud Inman (yet again!) for doing this and showing how fiction can be used mightily by God to educate and uplift one's faith or sow a seed concerning biblical truth and principles. I loved how Adam and Eve began to identify these motives from God in response to their sin and fallen nature and integrated it into their newly forged relationship with each other and God. In doing so they also learnt more about the nature of God, His mercy, goodness, patience, forgiveness, "restoring lovingkindness" (to quote the author), His unfailing love, his Omniscience and that He will never forsake them. 

Inman also shows valuable insights into the spiritual warfare side of the fall of man relating to Lucifer's rebellion, banishment from Heaven and bondage to Earth. Despite his revenge enacted through his attempts to destroy everything relating to God's human race, represented here by Adam and Eve, he underestimated who God is and His Sovereignty. Inman provides a valuable biblical truth here, as Lucifer (now named Satan since his sin and rebellion) experiences first hand how the power of God's love for Adam and Eve and their love for Him, makes their relationship with each other and with God "fireproof" while the Spirit of God remains working in and through them. Inman's description of this account is a powerful read and gives the reader a solid basis of God's commitment to us that can be seen in John 3:16 as the fulfillment of this commitment and love towards us while further illustrating that nothing we do will separate us from His love as the apostle Paul expounds in  Romans 8: 35-38, the latter being my favourite Bible verse.

I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Refuge, over the next few weeks. This series is truly a blessing. I would recommend this novel to any Christian but especially to new Christians. This would definitely give reinforcement to their newly found faith and supplement the basic tenets of Christianity. I highly recommend the study guide at the end for this purpose as well. 

Inman has definitely allowed the Spirit to use her talent, imagination and creativity to craft a novel that is very much God-honouring and faith strengthening. As one of my author friends states, if you are a Christian author and you believe God has mandated you to write, then write for Him. I can see that Inman definitely does this. 

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 2/5

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) 

Melinda Inman is bestowed the

Reality Calling Pre-Christian Godliness Fiction Award

Fallen contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Pre-Christian Godliness Fiction and is awarded to novels with level two spirituality detailed in the Booklet. This criterion is as follows:

• they accurately depict Godly living at the Old Testament level,
• they clearly reveal the Truth about the Lord and how He works. 
• there must be specific references to the coming Savior/Redeemer and the Lord’s ultimate plan for His people.

Congratulations, Melinda!

To buy or preview this novel, click on the BUY/PREVIEW icon on the image below:

Bound by Barry Napier

Bound

A shaken faith. A terrorizing evil. And one dark secret. 

As John Brighton is cleaning his church one night, a distressed and frightened man shows up looking for help. John reluctantly decides to lend a hand and as a result, comes face to face with a dark side of spirituality he hardly knew existed. 

A young man named Donovan has been possessed by what John assumes can only be a demon. When John learns Donovan and Sean, John's son, are connected, he begins to understand just how close to home this possession hits. And he can’t ask Seth for answers because his son has been in a coma for nearly a year. 

Through a dark maze of spiritual warfare and shaken faith, John discovers the accident that placed his son into a coma and led to Donovan's possession is linked to a dark secret he must unravel to not only rid Donovan of the demon, but to save his son's life.

The Guru's Review: 

I chose this novel at the author's request to review one or more from his published works. I am glad I chose this one, it has proved to be a wise choice. The reason for choosing was I love the genre of spiritual warfare, especially when it is based on biblical principles and its worldview. The other reason was that I wanted to see if this account of demon possession would be dealt with based on those two previous criteria. Napier succeeds very well here. 

Napier does this with flair and even on other aspects of pace, action, characterisation, plot. This is one easy to read novel, well constructed and flows well, the pace has no peaks followed by troughs, just one action scene after the other, that takes the reader on a journey to discover how Donovan became demon possessed, how John's comatose son is involved and why the attempts of Pastor Paul and Cal, Christian "exorcist", are not succeeding spiritually in delivering Donovan from his demonic bondage. However, the action from the second half of the novel has the thrills and action intensified as the plot gears up for its dramatic conclusion. 

Napier spends the first half of this novel setting the scene for how John becomes involved in this demonic possession (from the first chapter), how this possession is expressed in and through Donovan, the attempts from Pastor Paul and Cal to deliver Donovan, how John and his wife attempt to piece together the puzzle as to how their son Sean is involved, including why he is comatose. It is also here that we see the true nature of the demonic spirits, their hatred of the human race, especially of Christians, represented by Paul and Cal, their supernatural powers and abilities, foul stench in the area where Donovan is, the cold, frigid, oppressive temperature of the house, a vase floating in mid-air then shattering, magazine pages being fanned out slowly.

Other manifestations include the convulsing of Donovan's body and body parts being slapped against the furniture, arching of his back, having urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), his teeth chattering, while the demonic spirits, who call themselves the Six vocalise deep-throated growls that become streams of obscenities, with each of the voices alternating with every word. When Cal attempts to get close to Donovan, the spirits controlling him physically attack him by slapping him across the face so violently that blood is drawn and he almost falls back onto the floor but manages to maintain his stance. 

These, of course, add tension, suspense and evoke fear in the reader. Normal reaction. This is heightened when all the attempts of Paul and Cal are unsuccessful in using the Word of God, prayer and to deliver and banish the demons from Donovan. Every failed attempt provokes in the reader the question of why this is unsuccessful when the Word is clear that using the Name of Jesus and many other verses together with prayer and fasting are more than enough to exorcise demons from humans. Napier has a reason for this that becomes evident in the second half that springboards the plot to its dramatic and satisfying conclusion. I must confess that I was beginning to lose faith in Napier's ability up to this point that he was basing this novel on Biblical principles and began to wonder if he was adding poetic licence to these. To me, that would have been one big "No No" and would have considered abandoning reading the rest of the novel.

However, just when I was about to do this, I had reached the second half and a twist in plot occurred that had me hooked again. This time, Napier provides the backstory to how Sean and Donovan are involved in the demonic that leads to Donovan's possession. From this point on, the tension and suspense escalate as we learn in intimate details what Sean experiences being comatose, which he summaries as being in a darkness where it was not life, but it was not death either. Sean compartmentalises the dark as his Grandfather's barn, that has two doors, both opened slightly. One he avoids, while the other door has the opposite effect, it is inviting. However, he felt that to understand why he was in the darkness, he had to open the first door and venture through it. And once he did, it was a point of no return. 

And it is through this door and in the next chapters, Napier describes the events that led to both Sean and Donovan being confronted with the demonic that led to their possession. It is one creepy tale and my heart was pounding as I read this entire account. The alarming thing that Napier succeeds in doing is describing how easy it is to "invite" these demons into your body/life even if you had not intentionally sought them out. In the case of Donovan, Sean and the other person possessed, Jack, all they had to do was visit a known place of demon worship and that had unexplained, supernatural phenomena and venture in, unarmed, unprepared, ignorant of the existence of the demonic or how an innocent "mocking" of its demonic symbol (pentagram) was enough to have these demons interpret their behaviour as an open invitation for possession. 

Once Napier is finished with this backstory, Napier lays the foundation for the final confrontation between John, Paul, Cal and the Six. More twists and turns as the latter up their resistance to the Word of God, Paul is spiritually attacked by them causing him to become unconscious. Cal, nearly ready to give up, is given a Word from the Spirit to remain calm, deliverance is nigh and to be patient. 

What happens next is where the true Biblical principles come into action and where the Spirit again shows His Sovereignty over everything, in this case, demonic possession and demonic strongholds. Napier shines in his account here. He shows that the reason for the previous failure of Paul and Cal and to a lesser degree John's involvement was the status of their faith and their heart towards God and how unprepared they were to go into combat. It is only through John getting right with God, being prayed up and resubmitting to the Lordship of Christ did the Spirit infill Himself into John for him to be His vessel and the Six having to obey and submit to the commands of the Word of God that flowed forth from John via the Spirit and were banished from Donovan and Sean. Even the Six released there was something different about John that was not there before when they would taunt and weaken his faith. They now began to feel threatened and insecure about their victory in possessing Donovan and Sean. John delivered the Rhema (specific Word of God or Bible verse) he had received from God to the Six and this was successful in banishing them to where they belong and freeing Donovan. So it is the power of the Word and the Spirit that conquered the demonic possession over Donovan. I was pleased that Napier used two of my favourite Bible verses to show the authority we have from God to overcome demonic power,

I have given you the authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to destroy the enemy’s power. Nothing will hurt you. (Luke 10: 19, God's Word Translation)

and 

For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11, Broadman Holman Translation)

I wondered about the spiritual attack on Pastor Paul and what happened there, but Napier explains yet another defence against the demonic that is not just specifically against the deliverance against demons but is for everyday life and that is the Armour of God, 

10 Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. 11 Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. 12 This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world. 13 For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.

14 So then, take your stand! Fasten truth around your waist like a belt. Put on God’s approval as your breastplate. 15 Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace. 16 In addition to all these, take the Christian faith as your shield. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Also take salvation as your helmet and God’s word as the sword that the Spirit supplies.

18 Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people. 19 Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News. 20 Because I have already been doing this as Christ’s representative, I am in prison. So pray that I speak about this Good News as boldly as I have to. (Ephesians 6: 10-20)

Paul states that yes, he was attacked but what protected him was this spiritual armour of God, it protected him from the spiritual effects of this demonic attack. He suffered physical effects without these being permanent and spiritually unaffected. Such is the power of the Armour of God. 

There are only two concerns I have about this novel and it does not concern the theology of this tome. The first is the numbers that the Six were repeating over and over to John and company. Once John had finally worked out what they meant, I could not see what relevance they had to the story or why the Six were repeating them. But this did not detract from the plot or alter the outcome. The only point to this plot discrepancy was that it led John and Maggie to consult with Sean's girlfriend for more information but that could have been achieved in a much simpler means that through these numbers from the Six. 

The other concern I had was no mention is made of what happened to Jack, who was also demon possessed. He is not mentioned at all following their escape from the demonic stronghold and he was the first one showing physical signs of possession. 

I am glad that Napier showed another positive outcome of demon possession. It would not surprise me that in reality those affected by seeing loved ones, friends or otherwise who have gone through deliverance who are not Christians or do believe in the Bible become believers and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour following this event, including those who have been possessed. I could be daring and say what more proof do these two groups need to believe the Gospel of Christ after this event? It was so good to see that Donovan's uncle, Bob, see the reality of the situation and where this demonic event comes from and accept the offering of salvation after discussing this whole event with Pastor Paul. 

All in all, a very cleverly constructed account of demon possession and the use of Biblical principles to deal with it. Kudos to this author for adhering to these principles on this important spiritual issue.Any poetic licence would just water down its importance and make a mockery of the Sovereignty of God over everything, including the demonic.

Very happy to have been introduced to this author's writing and it won't be the last! 

Highly recommended.  

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Spiritual Level 5/5

Story 5/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

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