Supraphysica by Drew Boudreaux

Supraphysica

For Philip, a sociology student at N.Y.U., January 25th was supposed to be a normal start to the spring semester. That definitely didn't happen. As the day unfolded, he came to faith, unknowingly befriended an angel, and was recruited into a covert project to literally build a new world. The next two weeks were equally paranormal—yet a lot more trying as Philip's newfound faith is stretched nearly to the point of nonexistence.

Join Philip, Encar, and their respective families in this modern story of faith, hope, and love—and a healthy dose of geoscience.

The Guru's Review: 

This is one very promising offering from Boudreaux with this debut novel. I really liked it. I found it entertaining, it kept me wondering what is going to happen next, how are these adolescents/young adults are going to create this new world with all its astronomical logistical issues. On this subject, the author employs his knowledge and experience of geology (his occupation) to address this issue including knowledge of geology's associated fields as well. From this platform, he successfully marries this field of science with faith and how they validate each other. I applaud the author for doing this as it takes courage and conviction to address this issue in a world that is anti-Christian and hostile to what the Bible says on any topic. We need more Christians in the science and medical fields to take a stand like Boudreaux has in whatever way they can to get the message out there, that the evidence of Creation and its Creator is found in this physical world we live in.

I pray that Boudreaux can continue to create novels along these lines. He has a knack for being persuasive and making a compelling case while making the read entertaining and educational.

I am not sure if the author intended to add humour to this tome, but I found it quite funny having the angel Gabriel manipulating physics in various ways to appear as human as possible in walking, eating, drinking. Other authors have not considered this type of manifestation from the supernatural to the physical, they just have their angels take human form and that is it. Even the Biblical account of angels does not, as far as I remember from these accounts therein, address this question of how angels appeared in human form. I was not too fussed on this aspect of the how I just accept that they do appear as fully human for the purpose they do as outlined in this novel. However, I did enjoy the author's take on this, it was very clever. 

I again applaud Boudreaux for the spiritual/biblical aspects of this novel. The Gospel is presented as it is in a testimony type format which is fine as this is one effective way of evangelisation without it being preachy or long-winded. I enjoyed the newly found zeal and enthusiasm that Ryan had from his recent conversion and the change in his emotional, mental and heart attitude. That brought back very fond memories of my own conversion and illustrates how that should not change or diminish as the Christian gets older, not just in a physical sense, but as they experience life in this fallen world. I enjoyed seeing the faith of Philip be challenged as events affecting his mother and father deteriorated and him being thrust into spiritual warfare that resulted in him growing spiritually and learning to trust God as Sovereign. 

I would have liked more of the spiritual warfare to be further developed as I feel this would have not only added more suspense to the plot but showed how spiritual warfare is not just sporadic occurrences in our lives but a continual one as we are encouraged in the Word to always be on guard and ready to fight, to daily put on our spiritual armour etc. It was refreshing seeing Philip's peers encourage him and build into his spiritual life and enable him to grow spiritually. These are good examples of Christian/biblical fellowship and relationship and allowing God to be the author and finisher of their faith, focussing on Philip in this example. 

I have stated in many reviews that I am not one for romance as the general genre but if it is included as a subplot, then I am a happy reader. Boudreaux shows the beginnings of expertise in this area. I also love Christian romance from a male's perspective and Boudreaux can be added to my list of successful male authors who portray romance from a biblical point of view. I found it refreshing that he touched on the sexual temptation/lust that exists in developing adolescents lives and how Philip's male peer was able to assist him in dealing with this from a biblical perspective. Sexuality is one very hot potato in Christian circles as the Church does not handle this well and thus Christians are more affected by the humanistic effects of sexuality than what should be and can be moulded into our lives from the model that God has provided in the Bible and His intention.

There is only one major issue I have with this novel. The ending. Everything leading up to the creation of this new world was exciting and had a great build up, but when the real reason the group built this world was explained, I found it a letdown. Not saying that this reason or the author's message is not valid as to how we have and are treating this planet that God has given us, but it just did not seem to fit into this part of the plot or its build up to the end. However, the description of what the members of the group and notably Encar and Philip planned to do once they have returned to their real world/lives seems to have rescued this let down somewhat.

I can see why Drew has been awarded a Redemptive Speculative Fiction Award by Reality Calling. It is appropriate and I pray that Drew continues to be courageous, daring and faithful in including biblical themes, doctrines, attitudes and discipleship in future novels and using his scientific expertise to show God as God and Creator of this home He has given us to steward and to thwart the false scientific theories that exist to deny the existence of God.

All in all a very impressive debut novel. I look forward to more from this author. I can definitely see that God has not finished with him as a novelist yet!

Strongly Recommended.  4/5 Stars

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Spiritual Level 4/5

Story 4/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 2/5

Overall Rating: 4/5 

To read a preview of Supraphysica or to buy a copy, click on the BUY/PREVIEW buttons below:

Spencer Murdoch and the Portals of Erzandor by James M M. Baldwin

Spencer Murdoch and the Portals of Erzandor

A construction worker risks his family’s safety to fulfill a prophecy and stop a global storm ushering in the reign of an evil ruler. Spencer Murdoch unearths a supernatural portal and discovers an ancient being guarding a gateway between heaven and hell. Spencer must find the person chosen to enter the portal before a power hungry doctor can use it to release evil into the world.

The Guru's Review: 

 

This novel kept showing up on a few Facebook feeds from some of the groups I belong to and on my Amazon Recommendations. It was only when it was made free that I finally relented and downloaded it as the premise is what kept my interest in this novel. This is the first novel of Baldwin's I have read and I doubt it will be the last. He writes well and shows very creative imagination. 

Looking at the title of this novel, gives me the impression its construction needs to be a combination of it being character and plot driven. The reader needs to know what makes Spencer Murdoch tick seeing he is he centre of the adventure and there needs to be enough background to the plot or world building to make this adventure worthwhile for Spencer to be involved in. Baldwin seems to be successful here as he has depicted Spencer as an ordinary guy, family man, Christian, construction worker, definitely not a hero or adventurer extraordinaire. I liked this character construction as it makes it relatable for the reader, and you find yourself thinking what would I do if I was involved in something like this? Right from the start when Spencer discovers something suspicious in his street, Baldwin has you drawn to him and uses this to introduce you to the mysterious Dr Ubel, his henchmen (who provide some comedy relief in their bumbling and banter) and the supernatural mystery that thru sts Spencer, his family and his friend Jack, into an adventure that puts the future of the world into Spencer, Jack and CJ's hands.  

It is this that showcases Baldwin's imagination and is very well reflected in the world building that bases the science fiction and fantasy elements of the plot. I loved the riddle that Spencer had to solve in order to fulfill the prophecy. The underground world and the journey to this world that Spencer and Jack make is very enjoyable and suspenseful reading and very much adds to the plot development. It is this that gives the impression that there is enough going on in this plot to keep you coming back for more. And you do! 

I have only one gripe and that is the missing spiritual aspects. This is very much an edgy, speculative fiction novel with Christian themes, a guardian entity to a portal to Heaven, a Christian thrust into the middle of this quest for world dominion by the antagonist trying to thwart the prophecy from God coming to fruition. During this, Baldwin has Spencer showing very little prayer or reliance on God. It is exactly these events that in a novel of this genre that an author has a great opportunity to show a Christian character being submitted and obedient, relying on God to provide guidance and direction as not only is this extraordinary circumstances that he finds himself in, but this should be normal practice in any Christian life. The way Baldwin has portrayed it could be interpreted that prayer and asking for God's involvement is only when extraordinary circumstances occur or when you are at the end of yourself. This is just not so from a biblical point of view. I don't mean this to sound harsh just what struck me as I read.

I also feel that a plot line involving Ubel's son is left unresolved and if this is to be addressed in the next book, there is no indication of this in this volume. This plot line is not a minor issue, Baldwin's portays this as a major motive that keeps him trying to thwart Spencer from fulfilling the prophecy. That is disappointing and adds an element of plot derailment. 

Despite these two negatives, this is a good novel and sets the stage for an engaging series.

I look forward to the next instalment being released on September 2, 2016. 

Recommended (3.6/5 Stars).

World Building 4/5

Characterisation 4/5

Story 4/5

Spiritual Level 3/5

Enemy Spiritual Level 3/5

Average Rating 3.6/5

To read a sample from this novel or to buy it, click on the cover image below:

Klandestine Maneuvers (The Adventure Chronicles, Book 2) by

Klandestine Maneuvers (The Adventure Chronicles, Book 2). 

The invasion of the Warui ninja was the biggest event that had ever happened in the small town of Sera, Missouri. Now, in the summer of 1992, something even more defining is happening. A group of racists has moved into the town, and they will use threats, extortion and violence to further their hate-filled agenda. To this end, they have targeted the Robertsons, the only black family in the tourist town. What they haven't counted on is young Louis Robertson's friendship with the members of "Adventure." 

Jamie, Yoshi and their friends are joined by new faces as they face a different kind of "klan." But can they fight the effects of illogical hatred?

The Guru's Review: 

I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

I must confess it was good to be back with the Adventure group! This is a worthy sequel to Invasion of the Ninja and follows on very well with many references to this first novel. Here, Davis has developed the characters and their group dynamics further. This is a good move from the dynamics that were established in the first novel. Friendships and love deepen, the teens show signs of further maturity. I enjoyed the love dynamic between Jamie, Shawna and Yoshi and look forward to seeing how Davis deals with this in the next instalment despite having read what this next one is about. Davis has maintained the close knitted group that we have come to love from the first novel. I can see that he would most likely have not changed this in subsequent instalments as this seems to be one of its unifying features that make this series a success. 

While there is not as much ninja fighting compared to the first novel, there is enough to satisfy Davis' love of this genre and to keep us fans satisfied. Davis again describes this fighting technique in an enjoyable and mentally visual account. I understand that some authors find constructing fighting scenes difficult but Davis does not seem to not have this problem. His love of this discipline (martial arts) I can see is one of the reasons he is successful here.

I was expecting some reviews to be severe concerning this novel being about the Klu Klux Klan seeing Davis has portrayed them as society sees them (and not as they themselves state they are about) and as far as my knowledge of them is concerned he has tread carefully in this portrayal. I feel having included more of their ideology and beliefs in greater detail would have detracted from the style and flavour that Davis has set in this series and would have made it far too serious and less enjoyable. His depiction of their hatred towards other nationalities was just enough intensity to suit this novel and the message he is delivering. 

I have only one concern with the plot. The kidnapping of the children (by the KKK) is a serious crime but there was not any parental involvement or mention of their concern/grief, this was totally left out. As a parent, I found myself frustrated as I wanted to see what their reaction would have been so I could sympathize with them. There was also very little involvement of the police throughout this account as well, the focus seemed to be how the Adventure group were handling this; while I understand and agree that this series is all about them and their (A)dventures as Ninjas (hence the name of their group) and it being a young adult oriented audience, I still feel it would have been more balanced and realistic if this had not been ignored.

I really enjoyed this sequel. I am looking forward to the next one especially as the ending of this one introduces a character from Jamie's past that sets the scene for this next instalment and leaves the reader wondering where this is going. It even has the words, To Be Continued!

Strongly Recommended. 

World building 4/5

Characters 4/5

Story 4/5

Spiritual level 3/5

Spiritual Enemy Level N/A

Average Rating: 4/5

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Sudden Mission by Guy L. Pace

Sudden Mission

Satan, once one of God’s favorites, now His Adversary, grows impatient with the plan and begins to harvest souls. In a fell swoop, he throws reality out of whack and the world into chaos. God calls on Paul and his friends Amy and Joe to set things right. The young teens journey through a messed up world—with a little help from an angel—struggling against everything the Adversary can throw in their path to accomplish their Sudden Mission. 

With their world and their parents’ lives hanging in the balance—and the Adversary sending everything from zombies to Samurais to stand in their way—Paul will discover if he has the strength and faith to set things right again and stop Satan’s harvest.

Click here or at the end of this review to read a preview.

The Guru's Review: 

I liked the description of this book when I discovered the author from Vox Dei Publishing on Twitter. I reviewed another author from this company and I like how this company conducts its business, treats its authors, promotes its novels and its attitude towards Christian fiction. So I decided to buy this novel and support another new Christian author.

I don't usually review young adult fiction, but I am willing to support new Christian authors and if I like the description, this genre is fine with me. I am glad I read Sudden Mission. This novel showcases Pace's creativity and for a debut novel, he has succeeded in crafting a fast-paced, action-filled novel that I can see why it appeals to the teen/young adult audience. Pace admits that he is geared towards writing for young adults and this novel shows that very well. I have not read many novels in this genre but for those I have, I have enjoyed, and I did enjoy this one. 

Pace shows great creativity in this novel. He has blended zombies, crazed monks, aliens, a demon possessed coyote, white and black destructive fog and a messenger angel into an end-times (eschatological) scenario that while on the surface may appear as if it is a mismatch of characters and events but works well under the guise of satan manipulating time, space and events to bring the apocalypse forward and force the Hand of God. Looks like he learns the hard way that you cannot force God's hand!

Pace constructed this novel with many challenges that Paul, Amy and Joe encounter as they travel from their home in North Carolina to Choteau, Montana. Their faith is not only tested but strengthened as they learn to rely on God and not themselves. What I liked was portraying these teens as strong and mature in the Lord, despite their doubts and questioning their faith when facing the many challenges satan threw at them along their journey to fulfilling the mission that God ordained for Paul, Amy and Joe. I can see that this would be encouraging for teens and young adults as Pace has not sugar coated or made these three protagonists seem perfect or fake, but as ones that this age group would relate to and identify with. I see that this is one area where Pace shines in his desire to minister to teens/young adults with the Gospel. I was very impressed with the confrontation at the end of the novel where Paul engages in spiritual warfare with the demon possessed coyote. This was very well done and very true to biblical principles of spiritual warfare. This is what teens/young adult need to be living out and demonstrating in their lives as the days grow darker before the Coming of the Lord. They are our future and they need to be spiritual warriors of Christ. I applaud Pace for being so daring as to include this principle that should be so common in the Christian's walk and behaviour but sadly is not in today's world.

This is what I love about this type of Christian fiction. I call it Spirit-filled fiction. It honours God, it educates the reader (in this case specifically in spiritual warfare, trusting in God and not on yourself), it strengthens the reader's faith, it shows what a relationship with God should be like, it shows how to live the Bible through their life and allows God to be God and His Spirit to reign and have His way in the situation the protagonists are in, living victoriously in Christ's victory over sin and death. It definitely reminds me of Zechariah 4:6 that says, 

not by might nor power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord

Pace has succeeded very well here and it makes this novel shine. I pray that Pace continues this standard in future novels. So many young are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives, that us adults may not have had to the intensity they experience today, and to have an author portray teen characters show faith, character, maturity, being real with flaws and needs while taking a stand for what is right and for the Author of their faith and against evil and the Adversary (satan) , I believe can sow a seed in a teen/young adult reader who wants more out of life, who is searching for purpose or who wants more from the Christian life than what they are getting so far. Pace seems to have positioned himself in the gap here for this age group and may well be placed to fill this void. 

My only gripe would be that the coyote promised many trials leading up to the final confrontation but this did not happen and the ending was a bit rushed. With everything leading up to this point, it would have been more satisfying and fulfilling to have had the ending a bit more fleshed out and not have the reader suddenly at the end of the book with nothing left. However, it is Pace's first attempt at novel writing so this can only improve as he masters his craft better in the future. This is one very good start to his being a published author.

I look forward to reading the next novel in this series. I am very glad to have come across Guy Pace when I saw his book being advertised on Twitter. 

Strongly Recommended 4/5 Stars

Invasion of the Ninja (The Adventure Chronicles, Book 1) by Jeffrey A. Davis

Invasion of the Ninja (The Adventure Chronicles Book 1

Jamie and Yoshi are late twentieth century members of the Funakoshi ninja clan who were trained by Yoshi’s uncle, Tanemura Funakoshi. When the Waruiyatsu, a sinister clan with an ancient grudge, attack Jamie’s high school and hold his classmates hostage in an effort to bring Tanemura and his two students into the open, Jamie and his clan sister are forced to attempt a rescue. 

Going along are a close group of friends, each with his own interest in the fighting arts. From Dave, whose muscle-bound frame and love of a good scuffle are overshadowed by his cheerful personality and kind heart, to Buster, whose Bible is his greatest weapon, each of their friends has a loyalty to them and each other that is stronger than the Waruiyatsu can ever fathom.

This is a story of courage, friendship, and faith ....

The Guru's Review:

This will be my first novel involving martial arts, the first one combining this with Christianity and the first from this author.

I have not had much to do with martial arts, maybe only what I have seen in the movies/TV, so I will have to take what the author says as gospel so to speak as far as the terminology, practice and culture of this discipline.

Now based on this, Davis makes a very convincing case in his depiction of the behaviour and practice of the ninja's martial arts discipline, especially the fight scenes. In the former, I could see that the training in this discipline had contributed to these teenagers having greater maturity and focus for their age not just on the events in their daily life but especially in the terrorist/hostage situation that the Waruiyatsu clan has inflicted on them. In the latter, Davis may have an advantage over other authors as these have to learn how to write fight scenes or write them blind but due to the nature of martial arts and having grown up in this culture, Davis would have known what and how to write these scenes. And he does this very well. Sometimes I struggle to follow descriptions of fight scenes but Davis has created them realistically and simply and I could picture it much easier in my mind than in other author's fight scenes.

The prologue provided a very sound background to the feud between the Waruiyatsu and Funakoshi clans that visits Tanemura Funakoshi and his clan, including protégé Jamie Raleigh who is not part of this clan. This storyline would have fallen flat otherwise and the plot would be reduced to both clans fighting for the sake of fighting and this is not what martial arts is about. I appreciate Davis' commitment to the realism of martial arts and honouring this disciple. Makes for a convincing and credible plot for the reader.

I noticed in some of the reviews that there seems to be some criticism of Davis for combining martial arts with the tenets of Christianity, that both are incompatible with each other. Maybe on the surface it is reasonable to think like this but upon further inspection I don't feel this argument holds up. From what I can see about martial arts, it is about self-defense, as well as building self-confidence and developing self-control. Any program that has as it aim to equip someone to defend themselves if physically threatened is a good thing. I don't believe that as Christians we need to do nothing if we are attacked physically (or even verbally for that matter). If a Christian's health and safety is violated, they have the responsibility as steward of what God has entrusted to them, (their life, body, family, job, possessions, money, ministry, various roles: parental role, spousal role and gender) to look after this and honour it as part of who He made them. Not fighting back gives the offender unnecessary power and condones their behaviour. If any training, in this case, martial arts, equips a Christian to achieve this, then I cannot see how this conflicts with Christianity. In this novel, that is all the Adventure team were doing, defending themselves and their fellow students from the terrorists that threatened them and put their health and safety at risk of death. Any terrorist that was killed in defending against their attack is all part of self-defense.

Putting this serious issue aside, I found this novel to be a fun read. I like the characters and Davis seem to have a knack for depicting teenage characters as teenagers and the dynamics that go with their relationships. Seeing this is a young adult novel, this novel succeeds. I pray that the spiritual aspects of this novel encourage the young adults that read this novel and the subsequent ones in the series. It was impressive to have one of the teens, Buster, the Adventure group's resident spiritual leader, lead the group in prayer at the most critical moments of the offensive against the terrorists and have them respond sincerely exercising their faith. To me, this seemed to not only encourage this group to trust God in this situation but to also receive His guidance to counteract them relying on their ninja skills and training alone. I also found it significant that there was a specific aspect of their prayer to allow Him to control their martial arts skills and training and they would stay within this boundary.

The only aspect that concerned me was the plot development concerning the students held hostage in the school. This came across as if they were on a school camp rather than the seriousness of being held against their will, with their freedom curtailed and future is grave doubt. What reinforced this was the lack of frequent instances to show how it would be for them.

Apart from this, I was very much taken with this story and am glad there are two more novels in the series to enjoy and be transported to the world of teenage ninjas.

Strongly Recommended (4/5 stars).

The Great Thirst One: Prepared: an Archaeological Mystery by Mary C. Findley

The Great Thirst One: Prepared: an Archaeological Mystery

Small town science teacher Keith Bradley climbs into a red Tesla with English teacher Talia Ramin for the field trip of a lifetime. At stake is a missing copy of the Scriptures on gold tablets. At risk is the trust of an ancient order sworn to keep the tablets safe.
Talia's archaeologist aunt and uncle may have lost their last clue to artifact thieves. A government ultimatum might undo every lesson they have taught their students about keeping the Word safe.
from Chapter Eighteen – “Are You So Selfish?”
“What?” Keith jumped up. “What are you saying? We’re supposed to take the kids’ Bibles away from them? Their prayer journals? Their memory cards?”
“There’s no need to be defensive.” Doctor Williams glared up at him. “Please be seated. You will only be borrowing them, to get them scanned. And we want materials from everyone in the community. Parents, grandparents, ministers – Anyone who studies the Bible. Don’t you see? This will become a resource people all over the world can use, for all time. Mr. Bradley, your prayers, your thoughts, your study of the Bible could teach someone in Thailand, Mali, Alaska – someone in a spaceship travelling to Mars – these insights will become eternal.”
“But it’s voluntary, right?” Talia asked. “People don’t have to give us their Bibles, do they?”
“This program fails if it doesn't accomplish the critical goal of gathering all the possible data,” Doctor Williams insisted.
“What exactly do you mean by ‘this program fails’?” Keith’s dad demanded.
“It doesn't fulfill the requirements,” Doctor Williams said. “It doesn't qualify for the grants.”
“You mean we lose everything we've gotten from implementing the Bible as Literature program?” Principal Bradley choked.
“Really, there’s nothing scary or unreasonable being asked for here. Are your Bible studies secret? Why does the idea of sharing them with the world disturb you? Are you that selfish?”

The Guru's Review:

This will be the second novel I have read of Findley's, the first being A Dodge, A Twist, And A Tobacconist but under the pen name of Sophonia Belle Lyon. This new novel was supposed to one full-length work, but Findley decided to break it up into three novellas.  This move has one very nice effect and that is to whet your appetite more than enough for the next instalment. 

I really enjoyed this novella. What attracted me was the subject matter, a missing copy of the Scriptures on gold tablets and the quest by those in the know to find and protect it. This sparks off in me mystery, suspense, intrigue, good versus evil, spiritual warfare and a motive to show the importance of the Gospel and what it means for all mankind. So I am excited about this series. 

Findley successfully hides in plain sight the main character, Talia Ramin, as the new English Literature teacher. Findley also has Talia teach a subject as Bible as literature as a sub-plot and this provides much spiritual aspects in this novel, as Talia explains, 

.....we will not just be explaining how ancient literature compares to the Bible. We are going to learn how to be discerning about ancient writings-how to tell the truth from error in what's being taught by historians, archaeologists. This course will prepare you to know truth when you see it. 

Findley then provides more sub-plots with romance between Talia and Keith, Talia having a unique connection with Keith's disabled sister. Then there is the hints to Talia's past, Talia talking out loud while she is alone about protecting her identity and her true purpose, a Sprinter van that is trying to scare and intimidate her. Reason unexplained, but adds to the mystery and intrigue about her past and the link between this and the search for the missing Scripture scrolls. 

This is one easy read and very entertaining. It is structured for young adults and I can see them enjoying this, including the young adult that still resides in me!

Knowing some of Findley's background for teaching and evangelising the message of the Gospel, I can see her including some wonderful teaching moments while still making it very entertaining without being preachy. Youth love being taught when it is fun so she has a wonderful platform here for this. 

I feel this is one very promising series and I am very much looking forward to the complete package. 

Strongly Recommended.  

First Impression (A Shadow Maven Paranormal) by Pauline Creeden

First Impression (A Shadow Maven Paranormal) 

Chira Kelly thought she didn't t need anyone...until she met 
Ben.

Because of one ugly rumor, Chira lives as an outcast at her school. Which is fine with her, because she works better alone. Always has, always will. And at least she has her one and only true friend, Tasha. When Tasha insists that they join a group to visit a possibly haunted abandoned old schoolhouse, she's wary, but joins her friend. Because of that decision, their lives are in jeopardy as a malevolent spirit targets the group. Tragedies and accidents pick them off one by one, and Chira finds herself drawn to the one person who can see the truth. But can he protect her?

Review: 

This is the first novel I have read of Pauline Creeden. An author friend, Ian Acheson, encouraged me to consider her books. I then saw her advertise this new book on Twitter and asked her if this would be published in the Kindle format. It was and Pauline tweeted asking for volunteers to sign up to review this book and the rest is history. I love reviewing books by new authors!! 

I was interested in this book due to this falling into a new genre that seems to be emerging, Christian Horror. This would be the third book I have read involving a haunted house by a Christian author I have come across. The previous two being Jess Hanna and Tom Smith. Both their books are highly recommended reading. Very impressive! 

First Impression did not disappoint being the first book I have read of this author! 

Pauline writes well, and her style engages the reader and keeps you coming back for more. 

This a fun, young adult read spiced with a mystery man, Ben, who has some supernatural ability to see the truth of people, his pet owl and a mystery past, a haunted house with resident ghost and the demonic oppression and death of those who come into contact with it. Told in the first person narrative by the main character, Chira, this lends itself to keeping the plot focused, and the reader's sympathies always centered on Chira and it is through this first person narrative that Pauline shows the persona of a typical 16 year old, but one who is very independent and one who is a bit of a loner having only one close friend, Tasha. She even perpetuates a rumor about herself to keep others away, especially the opposite sex.

It is set against this haunting of the house and the meeting of the five students who come into contact with the ghost and their tragic demise, that Chira finds her feelings developing for Ben and it seems to be quite reciprocal. Ben learns to trust someone, maybe for the first time in his mysterious past, and Chira learns that maybe being closed off from the male of the species is not necessary anymore since the death of her father and her ambivalence towards her step father. Creeden succeeds in balancing this suspense and horror together with the young romance between these two main characters and the mystery of who Ben really is and his supernatural "curse" as he describes it, although the monks he grew up with see it as a gift from God.

Creeden delivers just enough about Ben to stimulate the reader's curiosity to know more about his past, "...since his mother roved with a band of them (gypsies), could one of them have been his father? Gypsies and monks? What a strange childhood he must have had." and his supernatural ability "...I'm a Shadow Maven. I see the truth that most people can't, like impressions or demons.", his knowledge of the demonic, "...there is only two kinds of haunting. Impressions and possessions." and "...possession... familial demons that follow around a family for generations can often haunt them or a family home....a possession haunting is not the spirit of someone who was once living. It is a demon and can only be removed through exorcism." and the relationship with his owl, Steve, who Ben says he communicates with only by the fact that they know each other so well!

Then at the end of the novel there is a further mystery surrounding Ben when he shows his ability to deduce and find clues, to what is really going on at the old school house. At this point, I was nearly certain that Ben had some connection to this haunting and its fatal events, as the killings and demise of two of the five students who saw the ghost did not happen until after he arrived as a transfer student! I also wondered if this mystery would be solved in this book or would it spill over into the next! For me that was added suspense just working this out as I continued to read!

At the end of this novel, there is openings for the next book in the series as to what happens next to Chira and Ben, the further mystery of Ben and his past, more about what is a Shadow Maven and what paranormal adventures this will get him and Chira into. 

All in all, a very good, well rounded young adult novel that for me, where this is my first introduction to Creeden's writing, showcases her talent very well and for me to have become a fan.

I am looking at Sanctuary as my next Creeden read. This one has grabbed me as well.

Strongly Recommended