Novel Review and Christian Redemptive Fiction Award: Haighs Flat by Colin Williams.

Haighs Flat.

Something is lurking in the Australian bush – something terrifying. From the myths and legends of the indigenous people of Australia, from the stories they told around the fire at night comes a creature so horrifying they called it “Banib”- in our language it means “Devil.”

When Bryan Morgan started investigating his brother’s disappearance little did he know the can of worms he would be opening. Town secrets that date back to the 1800s, still haunt people today.

Sara Whitney has only lived in Haighs Flat for three months having moved there to investigate the disappearance of her uncle. Why is it that no one even remembers her uncle living or working there?

Could these disappearances be connected? Murder, conspiracies, and secrets all are being covered up by the powers-that-wanna-be and those with the power will stop at nothing to keep their secret safe.

As each of the theories gets refuted, could it be that the ramblings of an old farmer be the only ones that make any sense? Could it even be scientifically plausible?

With the evidence given them, will Bryan and Sara run with the truth or run from it?

Perspective by Peter:

I really loved this story. It turned out better than any preconceived ideas I had about it. For a debut novelist, Williams has a well-constructed and engaging novel. It has a steady pace, one event builds on the next and all the story arcs are well-placed and further the plot, leading to a very satisfying ending.

There is a lot to like in this novel. A minor story arc of romance between the two main characters, Bryan and Sara. A mysterious ancient creature from Aboriginal lore, the town's secret relating to this creature, missing tourists and town's folk, corrupt police, business, politicians, and local council. How are all these tied together? And where did this creature come from? What is the connection between this creature, dinosaurs, and the Bible?

While reading this novel, I wondered if Williams was going to confirm what I was suspecting, that this creature was the banib (or bunyip in English) of Aboriginal lore that I grew up with in school. Turned out, I was correct. But Williams has tied this in with the Bible and dinosaurs. May not sound feasible or plausible to some, but once you study the Bible and its related topics, it does make sense. Williams does a great job of this as well. He seems to have quite the talent in this regard.

Williams shines in explaining Biblical theology of the story arcs and themes. He has depicted the spiritual aspects of this novel very well and it brings the Bible to life and confirms that it supports science and not what secular society wants to hear, that science disproves the Bible. I applaud him for this. I continue this applause with his presenting the Gospel just as it is in the Bible, with no holes barred and even the inclusion of prayer. Now prayer was not just mentioned as being offered by the Christian characters but said in its entirety. So many times, Christian authors get criticised by Christian readers for including the actual prayer as they find it detracting from the story and pace, but I find this a sad indictment of them as all the author is doing is depicting realistically what the Christian life is. For a Christian fiction story such as this, so it should be. Williams shows how Christianity and a relationship with God should be and can be in the life of the Christian. 

Williams also discusses why some topics are not discussed in Church and how this then leads to confusion, disillusionment, and a stronghold of disbelief in the Christian or the secular person and how they can develop a distorted view of Christianity and the Bible. No wonder there are so many divisions among Believers alike! I remember being cautioned by an elder of the church I was attending if I continued to discuss a topic relating to Genesis 6: 4 concerning the subject of the Nephilim! If it is in the Bible, why cannot it be discussed? Hasn't stopped me though! 

Some of what I have outlined here can be found in Williams' blog on his website. I add it here to support my impressions of the novel: 

The idea of Haighs Flat came to me back in 2018 when I was seriously contemplating writing my first novel. Where did the name Haighs Flat come from? That I cannot answer you, it just came to me as a name for a typical country town, and thankfully there is no town of the same name that I am aware of.

The next thing I had to do was paint a picture of the town in my head. In order to have the story make sense, I had to be aware of directions, travelling and have a general layout in my head something of what the town would look like - and yes, it is loosely based on an existing town in the North-West of New South Wales.

What I wanted for the book was something uniquely Australian. Something that not only Australians will relate to, but something that will attract the attention of international readers as well, hence the culprit in the story is pulled out of an Aboriginal legend that may or may not have had an element of truth about it.

 

Being a Christian, and a creationist at that, I believe that the earth is much younger than the majority of the world believes. I also believe in the creation account as described in Genesis, thus I believe that dinosaurs existed alongside of people.

In chapter ten of my novel, the question is asked: "We read in the Bible of animals which we can interpret as being dinosaurs, existing alongside of people, but why do we not see this in other texts from the past?”

Hopefully I have answered this question in this book by explaining that there are many evidences of dinosaurs having lived along side of people. While this book is fictional, I have tried to keep things historically accurate - especially where it relates to Biblical issues.

As far as the book goes, chapter ten, which is in a Bible Study setting, would be my favourite chapter. I picked up my pen at around 9 o'clock in the morning and didn't put it down again until the early hours of the next morning, stopping only for meal breaks, and doing a bit of research. The whole chapter just flowed out of my pen and I couldn't stop until it was over.

I totally agree with him about Chapter 10. This is where I mentioned that Williams shines in  Biblical theology and that he links it all back to the book of Genesis. The whole basis of Christianity is found in Genesis, which is the foundation of what we believe and why. In doing so, Williams does touch on Apologetics as well. 

This novel would be a great instrument for a reader who is not a Christian but has questions about Christianity and those mentioned in this novel. Williams gives a comprehensive account of the answers to these questions. I did not find it preachy (another criticism of Christian fiction) but very relevant to the entire story arc of the novel. Williams does not water down the Gospel or any other Biblical account relating to the themes in this novel. 

This novel is an example of what Christian fiction should be for the reader and what I state 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 known 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).

Williams succeeds well in this novel. I understand that his next novel is a sequel to Haighs Flat in that it deals with the continuation of the relationship between Bryan and Sara. We can expect this in 2024. I look forward to this immensely. Williams has found his niche in life as a Christian novelist and one that I encourage readers to follow and support. 

I highly recommend this novel. 

The three ratings below are based on my discernment:

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

The classification below is based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 4: Redemptive Fiction

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Spiritually, based on my review and on the following reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland,  Haighs Flat contains the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet: 

In the more realistic scenarios, the new believers give their live to serve the Lord. (Romana 12: 1-3). They can offer a realistic look at the daily walk of faith for a new believer. There is a clear Messiah who died for our sins. Through repentance and baptism, a person is forgiven and cleansed, beginning a new life in the Kingdom of God. 

The truly excellent books on this level share these truths easily, without pretension, in common human relationships. They recognise that most people do not carry on conversation by quoting scripture at each other. They cover the arguments pro and con in natural dialog-exchanged in the way we actually talk to one another. 

The leave it to the person to decide about Jesus, recognizing that you cannot talk anyone into salvation. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. The only source of guidance is scripture, with occasional visits from angles and the like. God speaks though the Bible primarily - at this redemptive level. 

Though the presence of the Lord is visible in these books, He may  not be the center of the story. Characters are benefitted and blessed by His presence in their lives. But salvation is the goal and result. Discipleship and spiritual growth are secondary as salvation provides everything needed by the characters. Growth is found in reading the secrdipture and memorizing key verses. 

The better LEVEL FOUR books have mature elders. There may be pastors, evangelists, and so on. these men and women disciple the new believers. 

It is therefore bestowed upon Colin Williams the, 

Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award

Congratulations, Colin!

If you would like to investigate this novel further, it can be found on the following platforms for the Ebook format:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading Haighs Flat 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 and Redemptive Fiction Award: Afflicted by Fayla Ott.

 I reviewed this on 11/06/19 in another blog, now defunct.

Afflicted

EVIL VISITS SALEM

When two young girls start acting bizarre and violent, they are diagnosed as bewitched by the village doctor. The "afflicted children" begin accusing villagers of witchcraft, a crime punishable by death. Lucifer's plan to wreak havoc on the community is set in motion, and his demons revel in the turmoil they are inflicting upon innocent people, including the saintly and beloved Rebecca Nurse. 

Lydia Knapp watches her loved ones suffer and die. Will Rebecca's prayers be enough to strengthen the angel army, and help Lydia discover hope? Will Lydia have to sacrifice everything to stand up for the truth? 

Afflicted is a fast-paced, riveting read, which exposes the dangers of Pharisee religion, and how it promotes fear. This new insight into one of our nation's most tragic events reveals the significance of God's grace, and the necessity of prayer to fight spiritual warfare. 

If you like Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness, then you'll enjoy this page-turning fictional account of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. 

Prepare to stay up all night with this gripping tale of suspenseful tension, and unforgettable characters. 

Perspective by Peter

I accepted the author's request to review this novel due to the spiritual warfare, supernatural involvement of angels and demons that is in the same caliber as Peretti's, This Present Darkness series. The other reason was that I had heard of the Salem Witch Trials. Not knowing much about them, I was intrigued by Ott's take on it from the novel's description.

This is a very engrossing novel. I would not say it is fast paced, but there are enough events at a consistent pace to keep you reading. This added to the feel of being transported to this 16th Century where life was definitely slower than it is today. Ott is very good at applying her research of this controversial event of 1692 and reproducing the other characteristics of this time. Her characterization is well developed and adds to this feeling of being transported to this era. Another aspect of reproducing this period is how they regard themselves and speak to each other. There is a degree of stoicism, decorum, and propriety that seems to be part of this period. One of the most noticeable characteristics of this period is the addressing of a married couple. As Ott explains,

Goody: An abbreviated version of Goodwife, a title used to address a married woman, or a woman who has been married. The modern term is “Mrs.”

Goodman: A title used to address a man. The modern term is “Mr.”

It took me a while to get used to this, and I had to chuckle as I could not imagine using these terms in today's society. It reminded me of Pride And Prejudice where Elizabeth Bennett's parents called each other Mrs Bennet and Mr Bennet. I cannot imagine addressing my wife like this! (At least, not with my surname!).

Ott has depicted a dichotomy of faith in this novel. On one hand, you have the Nurse sisters who have a faith in God that is relational and based on the Bible and the Jesus of the Bible. These sisters, and especially espoused by Rebecca Nurse, live out their faith by God's Word (Bible). They are very much the Doers of the Word and not just the Hearer's of the Word as outlined in the Bible, 

 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.  (James 1:22-25 New King James Version

(bold italics mine)

This was evident in the respect Rebecca and her sisters had earned by the community from the highest of this community to its outcast (Goody Good). Her faith in action led to many of the community to come against the outrageous and farcical charges of witchcraft against them. It also led to two of the accused accepting God's gift of salvation, one before she was hanged and the other's conversion leading to a descendant of hers becoming a world-famous evangelist. The way Ott has depicted this, what came to mind was akin to Billy Graham, to the point where I was tempted to investigate his genealogy! 

Rebecca's faith in action showed such a powerful witness to the truth of God's Word and who God is. It became a living witness to these two characters and others. Ott has succeeded here in showing how Christians are to live when they live out God's Word just as James outlines in his book where the aforementioned verse comes from. It shows us how to live despite the dire circumstances we are in and that despite this, we can rise above these and not succumb to them. Living victoriously just as Jesus' death on the Cross achieved for us.  Instead of letting her incarceration demoralize her, she used this time to minister to the other prisoners, encouraging them, counseling them and even singing a psalm, 

Shine thy light in the darkness, Oh God Let not the enemy harm me. Reveal thy plan in the trial, Oh Lord Thy glory the world to see

Actually, this scene has similarities to the time when Paul and Silas were in prison as described in  Acts 16: 25. There are many other examples in this novel that show Rebecca living out her faith in varying situations; verbal and physical abuse from the prison guards, verbal abuse from other community members, even the bitter and foul-mouthed Goody Good (before her conversion). But she did not retaliate or give in to her emotions. Instead, she acted very similar to how Jesus acted while here on Earth. 

Ott contrasts this with legalistic or Pharisee religion from Reverend Parris and other ministers. It is this that supports the farcical and outrageous nature of the trials. Here these ministers practice "good" works (which I found debatable!) to find favour with God and preach doom and gloom, fire and brimstone that shows none of God's grace and mercy. These ministers seem more concerned with following Church doctrine rather than Biblical doctrine. I found it interesting that Parris, Salem's Reverend, ignored those accused of witchcraft and gave them no pastoral care which is the main function of his vocation. It is even harder to accept that he was so ignorant of demonology that he could not identify this behavior as such when his daughter and niece manifested demonic behavior in his presence!

Rebecca's living out her faith from the Bible showed how the love of Christ eliminates fear while the legalistic attitude and practice promotes fear and spiritual bondage and strengthen ignorance. It amazed me that in that time period, there was so much fear and legalistic attitudes rather than a knowledge of how spiritual warfare works and how to combat it. It was Rebecca who first identified the cause of these witchcraft accusations and what to do about them. You would expect that this should have come from Reverend Parris or even the other Reverends from the surrounding districts, but their ignorance had blinded them to the truth and how to discern it. Later in the novel, there is only one, Reverend Hale, who also identifies this as being from demonic origin and that the court approach in dealing with these witchcraft accusations was so inappropriate and a travesty of justice with far-reaching effects on the community and their generations to follow.

Yet, it takes those with a conscience and an active faith in God and His Word to thwart man and the demonic onslaught in these Trials. Rebecca, Lydia Knapp, and Reverend Hale are the only ones who stood up to the governing authorities of the Trials and became a voice of reason and truth. Rebecca had such a profound effect of young Lydia in her witness to her about God's Word and who God is that gave her the courage to speak up and tell the truth. This resulted in the end of the Trials and a revolution in the court system of the time. But as depicted in the novel, this change was not an improvement as such. 

Ott has integrated the supernatural into this novel very well. I guess when the Peretti being the originator of this angel/demon story arc, showed us this in his This Present Darkness series, it would follow that this successful depiction is reproduced by many Christian authors since. And yes, the issue of prayer as the source of the angel's power has been controversial by Christian apologists but I liked how one of these described it, rather than prayer directly empowering the angels, this apologist believes it is the prayer that God receives and acts on that then moves Him to instruct the angels what to do. And it is also what He has planned as well. In so many of these novels where we have angels and demons, so many times, the angels are to protect and watch until God instructs them to fight or become more active.

This has been displayed in this novel. Ott, like many other Christian authors, has depicted the frustration of the angels as wanting to fight and become more actively involved in the plight of the human race being at the mercy of the demonic army but are unable to do so until God gives them His order to act.

There is a spiritual lesson here for us. So many times we feel the natural inclination or urge to act before we have assessed the situation as to what should happen or even take this situation to the Throne Room of God and ask for His guidance and what His Will is for this situation. When we follow our inclination or act impulsively, even if it feels right to do so, we always make it worse and play into the enemy's hands. Just as the angels have to be obedient and follow orders and accept that God knows what He is doing and will deliver at the right time, it is the same for us. It is His time and His Sovereignty, His Omniscience that knows the hows, the whys, the whens and the wheres of the situation at hand. And while we wait for God to command us, we learn patience and trust in Him and not in ourselves.

In this novel, as in others, it is tempting to view the hierarchy of the demons as comedy relief. There is always minor demons acting impulsively and disrupting the plan of attack from the demon in charge or their actions leading to their human charge learning to trust in God or even pray for the first time or pray more to Him as examples of the effects of their incompetence. And the demon in charge seems to be one that is abusive, out of control and violent towards them for the misdemeanours of the lesser demons. Yes, I could say that this is a characteristic of the fallen nature and effect of being changed from their angelic state when they rebelled against God, but despite this coming across as comedy relief, I feel the reader needs to be discerning here.

Peretti has shown us a possible way how Satan and his demons act in the supernatural arena that we don't see. But nevertheless, it shows us the effects these demons can have on our lives when we are ignorant and blinded by our sin or lack of faith in God or just plain denial of anything supernatural. Despite how these demons are depicted in novels such as this one, they still have a battle plan with the objective to enslave the human race to our sin, keep up separated from God and ultimately to be eternally housed in Hell upon our death. They want us to do their bidding by deceiving us into believing it is for our good or deceiving us into accepting them as gods and/or we are gods as well. Anything to thwart the purposes of God and mock Him in the process and keep mankind from Him. 

In this novel, we have the motive of the demons to destroy then take charge of the court system starting with it in Salem. Having the population accused of witchcraft and then the courts acting in such a farcical and fraudulent manner is their aim here. The court officials and the Reverends of the surrounding districts (apart from Reverend Hale and Mather) are ignorant of the spiritual causes of these accusations of witchcraft and rule for hanging with no evidence to support this at all. Their ruling is based on hearsay only, what we call "he said, she said" in today's world or "your word against mine". And to make matters worse, if you stated anything in support of the accused, you were then at risk of being accused of witchcraft as well, imprisoned and facing hanging.

Even the angels were ignorant of the motive behind these bewitchings and demonic attacks. However, Raphael, captain of the angelic army discovers their true motive,

“Raphael, what is the meaning of all of this? What is Lucifer doing?” Uriel asked. Semiel leaned in to hear their captain’s response. “I just learned his plan and came to tell you and the others.” The other angels present at the meetinghouse joined the conversation. Raphael continued, “This is much bigger than I anticipated. This goes beyond persecuting the faithful warriors of Salem Village.” “So Lucifer isn’t here to hang saints?” “He’s here to hang them, but oh so much more, I’m afraid. What he has planned will affect this land for years and years to come. The seed planted here from this turmoil will continue to grow, long after these trials are over.” Semiel frowned. “How is that possible?” “Think about it. Why does Lucifer hate this new land?” Understanding dawned in Uriel’s eyes. “He’s after the court system.” Raphael crossed his arms. “Exactly.” “Will he win?” asked Semiel. “Only time will tell. If he does, just remember, he still loses. Now, we’d better get back to our posts.” The angels saluted their captain with their swords, and floated up and over the trees, each making their way to their assignments. Raphael sure hoped the faithful were praying.

When I read this, I wondered what specifically they wanted to do with the court system. It becomes very clear at the end of the novel when Raphael and Uriel are having their debrief after the trials have ended and the court practices are reviewed, 

Raphael and Uriel watched the girl walk home. “Now you see the purpose,” Raphael said. “I don’t understand.” “The girl has changed. She’s no longer afraid and focused on herself. She is confident, and caring. A strong and true warrior, like Rebecca.” “So all those people died to transform this one girl?” “Is that ever how it works, Uriel?” He thought for a moment. “No. Other lives will be effected.” “They already have.” “Yes, but Satan’s plan worked. The courts will change. They are already restructuring the system and removing many of the former proceedings. They will use fewer spiritual methods, including the use of ministers and Scripture. How can that be good?” “It’s not. It is a manifestation of man answering his own will, and Satan using it for his. However, we must remember, Uriel. Satan does not win in the end. The Most High is still working in hearts. There is always hope, and we see it in her.” He motioned to Lydia. “I’m guessing you know more than I do, Raphael?” “Not much. I only know a descendant of hers will lead many to Christ.” “So all of this pain brings triumph after all.” “Like I said, The Almighty always offers hope. Come. There’s a celebration in Heaven for the newly welcomed saints. We don’t want to miss it.” The angels spread their wings and flew to the sky, disappearing over the clouds.

Don't we see this now? Man answering his own will and Satan using it for his? You can see this in today's ideologies that if you say anything that is seen as supporting an issue that is being challenged or what someone has said that is contrary to popular belief or what they want as popular belief, you are accused the same as those you are supporting. Hate speech, censorship, call it what you will, but these are just ploys to promote the will of man and satan. God and everything associated with Him is being removed. Prayer has been removed from American schools, you no longer need to swear on the Bible in court that you will tell the truth, you can be penalized for reading the Bible is some American schools and public places. The list goes on and will do so until we live in a society where anything to do with the Bible, or the God of the Bible, is a crime and those who believe and live as such will be persecuted and forfeit their lives for doing so. The word tells us so that we will be persecuted for Jesus namesake and what He achieved on the Cross. There are many Christian novels that depict what this could be like. Sobering but reflective of our future as we move towards a Christless and totally secular (satanic) society before the return of Christ.

This novel is a deviation from Ott's usual genre and writing as I have discovered from other reviewers who have read her previous novels, I have not, this is the first of her bibliography. These reviewers are wanting her to write in this genre and I would encourage her to continue to do so. Ott seems to have found a niche genre here and does it so well. 

I certainly would look forward to more in this genre and style of writing. Ott has an important and essential message to her readers in this genre and God is no doubt using her talent wisely and appropriately for His purposes.

This is one compelling and spiritually uplifting novel with an important message of how to live out your faith under God's direction as found in His Word and to avoid fear and spiritual bondage from a lifestyle of legalistic or Pharisee religion. It also illustrates that as Christians we need to know the strategy of our opponent/enemy and again this is Biblical where we are also given the weapons to fight 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 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.6

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Spiritually, based on my review and on the aforementioned reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland (Radiqx Press) and that Afflicted contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet, together with David Bergsland we bestow Fayla Ott with

The Reality Calling Redemptive Fiction Award

Congratulations, Fayla!

To buy or preview this novel, click on the image below. 

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

Guest Post: Nathan Keys and His Debut Novel: The Epic of Marindel: Chosen.

I hosted Nathan Keys on 10/07/19 on another blog, now defunct. 

Today, I am hosting novelist, Nathan Keys who novel, The Epic of Marindel: Chosen is released today, July 9th. He relates the story behind how this novel was written and dwells heavily on God's involvement and inspiration.

I came across Nathan and his novel from his GoFundMe advert on my Facebook feed. When I read the campaign, the blurb for the novel, and the vision he had for it, I was impressed. This encouraged me to review it so I contacted him for a review copy. I am so glad I did and it was a well-constructed story, replete with biblical truth and allegory that it was awarded the Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award.

My review can be found here that also contains his Award.

Now before we begin, here is what The Epic of Marindel: Chosen is about: 

Long ago, the elven Kingdom of Marindel governed the realm of Tyrizah from its place on the back of a giant sea turtle. But when a great evil was unleashed, the Era of Peace came to a tragic end. Thousands of years passed, and Marindel was all but forgotten.

Connor, a young farmer with a wild imagination, always longed for adventure. When bizarre events cause him to realize his role in the greatest story of all, Connor embarks on a quest to defend the Great King’s daughter from a wicked sorcerer, whose darkness grows with every passing day.

Tarento, a promising Samurai warrior, is disillusioned with the grandeur of his own kingdom. But when he hears the voice of a King he cannot see, he discovers his destiny to save the people of Felidae from impending disaster.

As their journeys entwine, Connor and Tarento will travel across the realm, uncover the mysteries of Marindel, and face unimaginable odds in their fight to survive. Tension broils in the city of Cloud Summit as diabolical factions vie for control of the Kingdom of Armavir. The adventurers must make a daring rescue attempt—but at what cost?

Now I will hand you over to Nathan so he can recount how his Award-winning novel came to be. 

The Epic of Marindel began with a dream.

I had given my writing gift to the Lord several years prior, telling Him that I didn’t want to write a book unless it was something that would give Him glory, and empower readers with hope and purpose. Four years later, I began to sense my imagination was gearing up for something.

One night, I had a vivid dream of a girl in an underwater world using magic to make plants grow. When I awoke, I asked the Lord what it meant. He said, “This is where I’d like you to start.” In that moment I understood that the dream was a symbol of Eden, before the fall, with mankind (the girl) exercising God-given authority (magic) to make plants grow (cultivate creation, create life, etc). Over the next few days, I spent time praying and processing how to begin. On August 1st 2014, I began writing the first chapter of The Epic of Marindel: Chosen, with only a minimal idea of where it would go. Since then, it has taken a life of its own, and has been prophesied to reach the nations. I’m honored to be used by God to use my writing gift to craft such an incredible story and share His glory with the whole world!

The purpose of The Epic of Marindel, as a complete series, is to tell the story of Jesus’ pursuit of His Bride, the Church, with emphasis on the events leading up to His second coming. The primary audience is a group referred to as “the generation of the Lord’s return,” those who will be alive to witness and experience the final days. The Epic of Marindel, while it is a riveting adventure story that many people will enjoy, is also a discreet warning letter to the Bride of Christ: “See yourself in this story, and understand the urgency of the times. The final days are coming, and they’re coming fast!”

Even in Chosen, Book I of the series, several characters describe a coming conflict, the likes of which the realm of Tyrizah has never seen. In the following excerpt, Prince Eli describes the conflict to the protagonist, Connor, and the role he will play:

“The times are changing, and tension builds between the forces of good and evil in this realm. A time is soon coming when all the kingdoms of Tyrizah will be deceived by the (Great) Serpent, and they will try to destroy Melody once and for all. Even then, out of every kingdom, a remnant will remain steadfast to resist the will of the Serpent. Against all odds, they must unite as one to defend her in her darkest hour. Only through their courageous love and sacrifice will Melody remember the love of the Great King. Only then will she call for the Great Prince of the Sea, and only then can there be everlasting peace in the realm of Tyrizah. … Connor, you are the Final Seer. It is your word, your devotion to truth, your courage, and your leadership that will rally the remnant of every kingdom to stand as one in the final days.”

The Final Conflict, as I call it, will develop and unfold over the course of the series. Characters such as Connor will undergo immense trials and challenges over the course of several years in order to be prepared for the Final Conflict. At the same time, some characters will be involved in realm politics, where the reader will see the gradual unification of the realm against Melody (who represents Israel) and all followers of the Great King.

What does that mean for us? I believe we are in a very similar time here on Earth. We as the people of God need to be aware of what’s happening around us, in tune with the Spirit at all times, so that we will not be alarmed when the real Final Conflict begins. We know how the story will end; there are hundreds of Scripture passages where Jesus, the apostle John, and others tell us what is going to happen. While I don’t intend for The Epic of Marindel to be a play-by-play strategy book for surviving the End Times (that Book has already been written), it is my hope that it will awaken the souls of Christian readers to the urgency of these matters, perhaps in ways that eschatological debates and sermons may not be able to do.

What is the response I’m hoping for? I’d encourage readers of The Epic of Marindel: Chosen and of this blog post to develop a deep friendship with God, practice obeying Him in simple things, study His plan for Israel in the Scriptures, and always keep watch, so that when trials and persecutions escalate on a global scale, we will all be united in Christ together, ready to herald the coming of the King of Kings.

Don’t wait! Start now! It will never be easier to seek after God and His purposes than it is right now. Who knows? You might be a “Connor” with a big role to play in the grand finale. And the only way to know if you’ve been chosen for such a task—and then to prepare for it—is to commune with Jesus every day. That is the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength.” Trust me, He will show you just how significant your life can be if you tune your heart to hear His voice and spend time with Him as with a friend!

The Final Conflict isn’t so intimidating once you realize how “in charge” He really is.

Why do the nations conspire
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
 “Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
“I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

Psalm 2:1-6

If you want to follow Nathan on social media and keep up to date with his writing and the continuation of The Epic of Marindel, he is found on the following media platforms:

Facebook                                     Instagram

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

About Nathan Keys:

Nathan keys is an award-winning epic fantasy author based in San Diego, CA. It is his dream and vocation to write empowering stories that will not only captivate readers but leave them with hope and purpose.

Nathan has been fascinated with storytelling from an early age. As a child, he invented worlds and creatures, played pretend, and told stories to anyone who would listen. He completed his first “novel,” an 85,000-word fanfiction, at age 13. He spent high school summers creating plotlines for role-playing games on a forum site, where many concepts for characters, creatures, and kingdoms in The Epic of Marindel were first developed.

The Epic of Marindel: Chosen is his first published novel. The first of many.

In addition to writing, Nathan works full-time in the biotech industry, serves as a vision lead at the San Diego Kingdom Writers Association, and is a hospitality shift lead at All Peoples Church in San Diego. During his free time he enjoys hiking, exercise, travelling and visiting coffee shops, breweries, and wineries with good friends.

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading The Epic of Marindel: Chosen 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.

Blog Tour: Interview with Andrew Huff, Author of A Cross To Kill.

I participated in this blog Tour and interview on 10/12/19 in a previous blog, now defunct. 

Today, I have debut novelist, Andrew Huff, as my guest to discuss his novel, A Cross To Kill. This is part of the Read With Audra Blogging Program sponsored by Kregel Publications (publisher of A Cross To Kill).

As part of this blog tour, I reviewed Andrew's novel and my review can be found here.

He was also bestowed a Redemptive Fiction Award by Reality Calling as part of my review. Details of this award can be found in my review.

So sit back and let Andrew give you the background to this Award-winning, fast-paced, suspenseful, edgy, redemptive fiction novel!

Welcome, Andrew, thank you for stopping by! Let's jump right in and investigate your novel and your journey to becoming a novelist:

Q: A Cross to Kill is your first book release. Tell us about your journey to becoming an author.

A: Storytelling is something that’s been a part of my life since an early age, though I wasn’t convinced I could actually be an author until much later in life. I would write stories every day using toys, sometimes turning those stories into drawings, and on occasion, writing ideas down. I spent my high school years telling stories through video, even helping develop narrative projects with my home church. Yet I still wasn’t motivated to sit down and attempt to write something longer than a five-minute screenplay. That changed right around the time I finished college.

I was an avid reader growing up, and after finishing my undergraduate degree, I started consuming full-length mystery/suspense novels. The problem I ran into was that many of the authors I enjoyed did not hold to the same worldview or values that I did. And whenever I found a thriller that did, I was often left wanting. So, I decided if I couldn’t find the type of book I wanted to read, then I should try to write it. It took many years of learning the craft and discovering the right story before I was able to sit down and not only start but successfully finish, a full-length, action-packed, suspense story that I was ready to share with readers.

Q: Introduce us to your new series, specifically A Cross to Kill. What inspired the story?

A: I love letting real-life events inspire fiction, and my new series is no exception. When I first started developing the storyline, there were a handful of high-profile executions of journalists at the hands of terrorists overseas. What made these executions unique to this era was the fact that videos of the killings were spread across the internet. As these tragic events were taking place, I found myself wishing someone had intervened. Thus, the rescue attempt at the beginning of A Cross to Kill was born.

The other aspect of real life that inspired the story was my own experience in ministry and the reality of how unique that calling is in the life of a person. I not only spent time in local church ministry myself, but my father was also a small country church pastor during my early elementary years. I loved the idea of capturing the fish-out-of-water experience of someone who did a very different job finding themselves learning what it means to spiritually care for a group of people. I also have to admit, I’m greatly inspired by the thrills of such action franchises like Mission: Impossible, Jason Bourne, and James Bond. I want my series to take the Bible and the Church seriously while offering the same kind of jaw-dropping action those novels and films excel at.

Here is the Novel description now we have established how the novel came about:

John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past.

But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf--an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again.

Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow--even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the crossfire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer . . .

Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, it's also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.

Andrew, let's pause and give our readers something to pique their interest further, the book trailer you prepared:

Q: The main character, John Cross, is a small-town pastor with a top-secret past the members of his church would find hard to believe. What are some of the things John left behind in his former life?

A: John didn’t just leave behind a past filled with poor choices and immoral behavior. Almost immediately, we get a sense that he performed actions in his role with the CIA and on behalf of his country that he is unable to forgive himself for. At a key moment in the story, we discover that John’s marksmanship was put to use by his superiors in unpleasant ways. You’ll have to read the book for all the details, but what I can say is John can’t help but evaluate his actions through a rigid view of Scripture, and as a result, he’s struggling to believe God could truly forgive him.

What I find interesting is the theological question surrounding his previous life that he’s finding himself at odds with. Is the taking of human life ever justifiable? There’s much to unpack with that question, but when we first meet John, he’s not yet taken the deep plunge into his theological training, and therefore, has very black and white opinions on complicated issues. This creates a conflict within him as he struggles to cope with the memories of his time with the CIA and strives to live under the forgiveness of God in Christ.

Q: What events led up to John finding and following Christ?

A: John’s conversion has already happened when A Cross to Kill begins, but later in the book, we get to hear his version of it. It’s a rather unconventional story, but that’s what I like about it. The fact that his conversion happens while he’s on assignment is such a great picture of the two competing forces in his life, that of his ingrained training and his newfound commitment to Christianity.

The short version is that after performing operations of a lethal nature with the CIA for so long, John lost his sense of humanity. While tracking a target in Spain, he ends up in a cathedral during a Catholic service. Unable to understand the liturgy, he still found himself drawn to the religious symbols. Compelled to know more about the man hanging from the cross, he forgot about his target, found an English Bible at a local shop, and devoted himself to know more. While everyone’s story is different, John’s story is one of God reaching down with an irresistible draw to set aside an undeserving man for His great purpose.

Q: What are some of the faith struggles that John faces along the way that readers can identify with?

A: I know there are faith struggles John faces that readers can identify with because they are ones I struggle with even to this day! For one, John can’t seem to shake loose from past habits and hang-ups. Sometimes those habits can be used for good, but more often than not, John finds himself fighting to walk in faith and love and not let his flesh take control when things go awry. Much of the Christian life is about this same battle. I am at constant odds with the desires of my flesh, and at times, I have sympathized with the ancient monks who punished themselves to try and defeat their own impulses (a practice called flagellation, and one which John has adapted in his own way).

Another faith struggle that I know many readers can identify with is the difficulty of accepting God’s forgiveness for not only the sins we’ve committed in the past but the sins we will commit in the future. John struggles to believe God could forgive him for what he did while in the employ of the CIA, and that affects his ability to pass forgiveness on to others. This is something I, myself, have also found difficult. It’s not hard to believe God might forgive a single mistake here and there, but after failing again and again and again, it’s easy to expect a limit to God’s forgiveness. That’s when we can become trapped in the erroneous belief that faith is not enough, and we must work to retain God’s favor.

Q: Writers usually write what they know. Is there any of you in John Cross?

A: If there was, I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you. Just kidding! The more exciting aspects of John’s story are nothing like mine, and I only wish I had half of his intuition and skill. It is true, however, that writers usually write what they know, and I’m no exception. The part of me in John Cross is less the man and more the day-to-day experience in local church ministry.

When I wrote A Cross to Kill, I was on staff with a Southern Baptist church in Central Virginia, though a much larger church than Rural Grove. So much of what John experiences with the church and its members is based on real experiences that I drew from during my time on a church staff as well as from growing up as a preacher’s kid in rural Tennessee churches. The congregants we get to know are not based on individuals as much as an amalgamation of wonderful people I had the opportunity to get to know through the years.

Q: The book description states that A Cross to Kill is not only a riveting story of suspense, it’s also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world. Can we talk more about moral quandaries?

A: A big moral quandary John faces, and I believe many of us wrestle with, is whether there is any legitimate justification for the taking of the life of another person. Is it ever right to kill another person? The Scripture could not be clearer that we are not to murder, and Jesus goes further by condemning any hateful thought toward a fellow human. There is much more Scripture to consider on the issue, but the answer to the question is not cut and dry.

The debate always seems to yield the same “yes,” “no,” and “sometimes,” answers. I didn’t want to try and provide a rigid response one way or the other in the novel, but I did want the characters to wrestle with the question and answers. Naturally, they probably wouldn’t ultimately agree. But for John in particular, what the characters decide, would drive the decisions they make when faced with danger. This is what we have to understand about the issue ourselves: If we believe Scripture gives a clear answer, whatever answer that might be, we must be prepared to let that answer influence how we respond to particular situations and issues regardless of how unconventional and perhaps even countercultural that may be.

Q: Is it possible to truly put our pasts behind us? How should we respond when our previous mistakes and decisions don’t stay in the past?

A: I don’t believe it’s possible to truly put our pasts behind us, and I don’t think that’s ever been God’s intention. We see many times in the Scriptures how God seeks to remind His people not only of the good they’ve experienced but also the bad. The past is not meant to be forgotten, but to shape our response today. And that can be both the pleasant memories as well as the painful regrets we carry from before.

When we remember God’s goodness in our past, it is cause for celebration and worship. In much the same way, when our previous mistakes and decisions come back into our present, it is a moment for us to acknowledge how God continues to be good in the midst of a broken world. We see His goodness in the fact that those mistakes are still covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and there’s nothing we did then or could even do now to change that. When our past mistakes return and remind others of the pain we may have caused, it’s important to not only acknowledge God’s grace and mercy but also seek reconciliation and restoration to the best of our ability. Ultimately, when we humble ourselves before the Lord, He is faithful to do a work in us and in others so that even in our shortcomings, He can be glorified.

Q: Without giving away too much, what can readers expect as the Shepherd Suspense series continues?

A: I’m so excited to continue the story with these characters, and I can’t wait for readers to pick up the next books in the series. One thing that is true about the Christian life is that it is a lifelong pursuit of Christlikeness includes many ups and downs. We won’t find our sanctification complete this side of heaven, and so neither will my characters!

For John, he may have crossed a hurdle by accepting God’s forgiveness for his past, but that doesn’t mean he’s dealt with every decision he’s made leading up to becoming the pastor of Rural Grove Baptist Church. And John’s not the only one with a complicated past. The thing I’m most excited about sharing is the action-packed twists and turns that promise to keep the characters on their heels and the readers up past their bedtimes.

Want to read the first two chapters? You can do so by clicking here.

If this interview has encouraged you to investigate this novel further or to buy it, click on the image below:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading A Cross To Kill 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.

About Andrew Huff:

Andrew Huff spent 10 years in local church ministry as a youth pastor and creative arts pastor before pursuing God’s calling into creative storytelling and media production as the Product Director at Igniter Media, a church media company (ignitermedia.com). 

He is a two-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest for unpublished authors (2014 & 2017) and also won the Best Screenplay award at the 2015 48 Hour Film Festival in Richmond, VA. 

Huff holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion degree from Liberty University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. He resides in Plano, TX with his beautiful wife, Jae, and their two boys.

Learn more about Andrew Huff and the Shepherd Suspense Novels at www.andrewhuffbooks.com. He can also be found on Facebook (@huffwrites) and Twitter (@andrewjohnhuff). 

Please note that 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.