Author/Novel Spotlight: Jarrod and Isabella Edge, Authors of The Art of Eten Chu

Sometime in 2014, I discovered a new author, Jarrod L. Edge after seeing his debut novel, The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1. The book description captured my attention so I bought it. Then, in May 2015, The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 2 was released and now I have these waiting to be read. I have kept watch on the reviews of both these books and of the author. I like what I see and this has whetted my appetite to read these, hopefully, sooner than later (when my list of author requested reviews list dwindle!)

Imagine my delight when I saw on November 28, that a third book, The Art of Eten Chu (The Acts of the Dragons Book 1) was released and is part of this series and co-authored by Jarrod's 9 year-old daughter, Isabella!

This review blog exists to promote Christian fiction and its Christian authors, especially debut authors. Adult authors need all the encouragement they can get and this especially applies to young authors as well, even more so at age 9 so it was a no-brainer for me to contact Isabella's father and suggest that I promote Isabella's debut novella and give her a boost of encouragement. 

But before we do that, here is some background of the first two novels, so you can see where The Art of Eten Chu fits in: 

The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1

Chosen as a Finalist for the 2015 Book of the Year by the Independent Authors Network! 

"A well-done first installment in a promising Christian-themed action series." -- Kirkus Review 

The complete review from KIRKUS REVIEW:

The first book in a fantasy series about a Christian family battling the forces of darkness. 

In approximately 100 A.D. in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the aged Apostle John shares a secret prophecy with his young caretaker about “an evil not born of this world,” intent on coming to Earth and destroying the forces of light. He also tells of a chosen one who would arise to “stand for all mankind.” In 1999 Florida, a pregnant woman survives a car crash just long enough to give birth. The child’s father, FBI agent Johnathan Sette, is still unconscious in the hospital when a mysterious stranger abducts the newborn baby. This sparks a search that takes up a good portion of Edge’s novel, as forces of light and darkness align around the little girl, who’s the embodiment of the Apostle John’s prophecy. Agent Sette immediately suspects an international crime cartel, the Syndicate, of kidnapping his daughter, but there are even more malevolent and otherworldly forces at work under the control of a being called the Destroyer. In order to protect his other children, Sette insists that they be extensively trained in martial arts by the super-adept Seven Dragons family. Edge handles these disparate plot strands with considerable ease, and he shows a cinematic flair in standout scenes: There are enough car crashes, fight sequences, and tense standoffs to satisfy any thriller reader. The story is suffused with an uncompromising but never preachy Christian ethos, in a rare instance of religious fiction that can be readily enjoyed by a wider audience. Edge maintains a fast pace but cuts the mood frequently with humor and pathos. Minor, annoying formatting problems, such as a copyright notice at the bottom of every page, only slightly distract from this accomplished first novel. 

A well-done first installment in a promising Christian-themed action series.


The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 2

The second book in the excellent E7Prophecy series. 

One FBI Agent, 4 Children trained in an ancient form of Martial Arts, Angels, Demons, Aliens, Monks, Priests, Hackers, Dragons, Mossad, Snipers, Terrorists, SEALS, an Evil Corporation, the United Nations, the Vatican, Voyager, NASA, a President, a Prophecy and an Apostle! 

Everything you need for an excellent Sci-Fi Fantasy Action Mystery Adventure. 

The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth, The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 2.

Here is the rundown of Isabella's novella and where it fits in with Books 1 +2:

The Art of Eten Chu (The Acts of the Dragons Book 1)

One of the first in the Acts of the Dragons series to be released, The Art of Eten Chu gives us a look into the lives of the young Dragons Sette. While learning an eclectic form of martial arts called the Art of Eten Chu, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Matthew, and Jacob have a run-in with a Syndicate operative named Niro and his partner Sandman. The Dragons also go up against a New York City gang named the EPOLICS.

Co-Authored by Jarrod's daughter, Isabella Edge (9 years old), this Acts of the Dragons story takes place during the Sette's stay in New York City during the time frame of the Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 2. It is full of laughs, action, mystery and a few surprises as well.

Now let's hear from both Isabella and Jarrod, 

  

Bio of Jarrod L. Edge and Isabella M. Edge

Jarrod L. Edge grew up in Clinton, Maryland and currently resides in Florida.

Jarrod joined the United States Navy after high school and served onboard the USS Forrestal as part of Light Attack Squadron Thirty Seven, the VA 37 Bulls. During his time in the military, Jarrod was blessed to travel around the world and visit countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.

He was also known as a very talented drummer as well as a music producer. He has performed around the world. His name can also be found on many recording artists' works. Today you can hear his original music on all of the trailers for his books.

As the world of information technology started to take off, Jarrod decided to take off with it. As a Microsoft Certified Developer, he traveled the world contracting and teaching programming to businesses around the globe. Once again he was blessed to travel across the United States and to countries such as Guam and Japan, as well as various islands in the Caribbean.

In 2005, God introduced Jarrod to his wife, Lisa. They were married shortly after and have been happily so ever since. Their four children, Kari, Taevon, Edward, and Isabella are, in his own words, "absolutely awesome."

Throughout his travels and his experiences, good times and bad, Jarrod has always held to one thing, his love of the Lord. He believes that God is his source and that Jesus died on the cross for him and for you. When asked about the inspired book series, The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth™, Jarrod had the following to say:

"I was blessed to be the vessel that God poured this series of books into and I am so thankful that He chose me to share this beautiful vision with. It's like watching a movie unfold in my head. I hope that this book, and the books that follow become a blessing and a soul altering experience to you, your family, and your friends. Be blessed and may all the glory be to God."

Jarrod's youngest child Isabella is a beautiful, loving, and incredibly smart young lady. She loves to be outside and is always surrounded by friends. Although it is not clear whether or not Isabella would like to grow up to be a full-time author, it is clear that she loves creating characters and storylines with her father.

"Isabella is a promising young author. Character creation comes natural to her and so does humor."

I asked Jarrod to provide some background on "The Acts of the Dragons series" and "The Art of Eten Chu". Here is his account: 

During the creation of The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth, The Battle Between Light and Dark, Books 1 & 2, I realized that there were so many stories to tell about this wonderful family that God had shared with me. In this world of the E7Prophecy, there were tails, short stories, that I wanted to write into Book 2, but I was worried, 1 that it would distract from the main story and 2 that it would make Book 2 into a million page book.

Part of the Prophecy as stated by Münir at the end of Book 1 says that the Dragons would perform great acts. "Oh, how badly he wanted to see the 'Acts of the Dragons' firsthand". And true to form, God had filled my mind with "movies and scenes" about the Dragons and how they fall into odd, or heroic, or amusing situations. Those odd, heroic, amusing situations are the basis for this series.

In all, it kind of adds up to an alternate version of The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 2. All of the stories that are between stories. All of the answers to the "eggs" that were dropped in Book 2. All of a sudden, every character or side character that was mentioned in Book 2 takes center stage in The Acts of the Dragons series, like Niro and Sandman for example or Cali and Sam. There are plenty of new characters as well, most created by Isabella.

The title, "The Art of Eten Chu" came about after dinner one day as I was talking with the kids about the series. There was enough laughter surrounding the topic that it made sense that it would make a great story. The story fits nicely into the Book 2 timeline. (Be sure to always read the chapter, time, and location. That way you will see the exact place/time that the story fits into Book 2. The timeline is very important and is actually a big part of the overall E7Prophecy Universe, providing context for everything you read).

I also asked Jarrod to include the Christian elements to this latest book and the series in general:

My Pastor tells a joke that goes something like this: "Someone asked me if I was a Christian. I answered, "You'll have to ask my wife." I kind of feel the same way about the E7Prophecy Universe books, including The Art of Eten Chu. I would never say that because I am a Christian that my books should be labeled as such. So I'll say it this way, most people read one my books and say that I have a different approach to writing a "Christian" themed book. They say, "it's not too preachy" (whatever that means. How much is too much?). Some classify them as "clean reads". Still others say that I took a family, a family that happens to have very strong Christian values (but not perfect), and wrote an action packed sci-fi fantasy around them. And that's what I tried to do.

First of all, the stories are written by the Grace of God! He opens my mind and gives me these movies. I just write them down and arrange the words in a way that best describes the scene in my head. Somehow (again Grace of God) it just all comes together. And I have fun doing it. I mean imagine what would happen if a father, let's just say an FBI Agent, had four children who, along with him, absolutely believed every one of God's promises. And what if this family was trained in an ancient form of martial arts. What if they believed everything in the Word about healing, about love, about identifying the enemy, about spiritual warfare, about… (well you get the point). And what if a prophecy was spoken by the Apostle John before he died that said that this family would do great acts in the Earth. And what if they were called Dragons.

That's the Acts of the Dragons and the first book in the series, The Art of Eten Chu, displays all of this and sets the groundwork for the rest of the series.

Thanks, Isabella and Jarrod for being part of this Spotlight. I look forward to seeing more of your writing and published stories, Isabella. You have a very talented mentor in your father and it looks like this talent may have been inherited by you as well! 

You can find more about the Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth and The Acts of the Dragons series here:

Website: www.e7prophecy.com where you can get more info about the entire E7Prophecy Universe including concept art, upcoming series and books, author info, timelines, etc.

More on The Acts of the Dragons series:

http://www.e7prophecy.com/Pages/Series/The-Acts-of-the-Dragons.aspx

More on The Art of Eten Chu: 

http://www.e7prophecy.com/Pages/Books/The-Art-of-Eten-Chu.aspx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheProphecyOfTheSeventhElizabeth/

Jarrod Edge Amazon Author Page: 

http://www.amazon.com/Jarrod-Edge/e/B00GHZQN62/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1449363866&sr=1-1

The three books can be found and purchased here: 

                                           

Guest Post: Eddie Donnally: Eschatology, Deceiving Spirits and the Doctrines of Demons.

Recently, I received a request by author, Eddie Donnally, through this blog to review his debut novel, Doctrines of Demons: The New Age Dawns (The Doctrines of Demons Trilogy Book 1). I am unable to review it at this time, and will at a later date, but in the meantime, I offered him an Author/Novel Spotlight post or Guest Blogger post and he chose the latter. In this post, he has provided some background to this novel and its themes of eschatology, deceiving spirits and the doctrines of demons.

I am excited about this post and novel as it is in line with research I have conducted myself and other novels with the same themes outlined below and in this novel.

To get the best out of this post, we need to see what this novel is about and then this post concerning the Doctrine of Demons will make more sense. So here is what Doctrines of Demons is about:  

When Casey Carl's midnight exorcism becomes a rape charge and police find kiddie porn on his computer, the small-time LA pastor sees his ministry disintegrate. 

Seeking answers, he and Times reporter Haley Woodhouse explore the city’s satanic scene and encounter theistic Satanists obsessed with UFOs. Their paranormal attacks threaten his life, scorch his soul and ransack his sanity. Yet the former Heroin addict and lonely widower’s biggest threats are a relapse and acting on his growing desire for the pretty reporter. And is she really on his side? 

Can this unlikely demon fighter win a battle with the prophesied Moonchild, a modern day warlock with superhuman powers and extraterrestrial connections? For the pastor, dying is acceptable. Dying in disgrace is not. Defrocked and defeated, dare he invade their lair, try to save those he loves from agonizing death and halt the mass human sacrifice that will allow Revelation’s flying locust demons to descend to earth and dawn the new age of global mayhem.

Eddie has one very encouraging review since its publication on October 9, 2015: 

Customer Review

Demons and Do-gooders, November 30, 2015 By  Joyce Leigh Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Doctrines of Demons: The New Age Dawns (The Doctrines of Demons Trilogy) (Volume 1) (Paperback) After reading RIDE THE WHITE HORSE, I was anxious to read Eddie Donnaly's newest book, DOCTRINES OF DEMONS. I must say that it was a spell binder. The book posits that there are demons among us, ruled by an ancient dark power. The leading character is a flawed man who becomes a minister trying to help others who have started down the hopeless path that he once followed. In following his goal, he inadvertently becomes entangled in an evil plot to ruin him. This character is magnificently human with temptations and doubts not unlike the rest of us. While facing a barrage of crises in trying to clear his name, he meets a reporter who is initially just looking for a good story. As she starts believing in him, she subtly begins to develop a spiritual interest that she is not sure she wants. I loved the characters who emerged, grew, and changed. There were sparks of humor periodically that momentarily broke the tension. The ending is intriguing, leaving me wanting to know where these characters go from here....... Kudos to Mr Donnally.

A little about Eddie Donnally: 

Eddie has lived a most unusual life. He is the only professional horse jockey to have won an Eclipse Award for Newspaper Writing and one who has been a television show producer, racing show host, certified fundraiser, ordained minister and hospital and hospice chaplain.

His self-published bio, Ride the White Horse, A Checkered Jockey's Story of Racing, Rage and Redemption sold thousands and remains a consistent Amazon best seller.

A jockey for 19 years, he was once indicted for sports bribery and his life threatened by Boston's notorious Winter Hill Gang, featured in the recent movie, Black Mass.

A sexually abused adolescent who lived as a bisexual for seven years following a divorce; he was jailed in Los Angeles in 1996 for Assault. But his holding cell filled with a blue metallic haze he believes was God's Shekinah Glory, and he's been in full-time Christian ministry since.

A former journalist at the Dallas Morning News, he's published over 100 articles in a score of newspapers and magazines, including the Washington Post, New York Times and their Sunday Magazine. He served as Associate Pastor at two Los Angeles churches and is an endorsed chaplain. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry, a degree he earned in his 60s.

His story has been published in magazines and books, including Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul, discussed on radio shows and featured on The 700 Club and the CTN's Herman and Sharron Show He is a frequent speaker in churches, recovery conferences, rehab centers, libraries, and prisons. 

He, wife Sandi and formerly feral cat, Minnie live in Clearwater Florida where he ministers as a professional hospice and hospital chaplain and continues to write 

and speak.

Read his Blog, End Time Eddie on DoctrinesofDemons.com, follow him on Twitter: endtimeeddie or friend him on Facebook: Eddie Donnally, Linkedin: Eddie Donnally or Google+: Eddie Donnally.

Now let's read some of the background behind Eddie's novel:

What is the Doctrine of Demons?

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times, some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Tim 4:1)

With all power, signs and lying wonders

In the chapter’s first five verses, Paul warns his disciple, Timothy of the latter time “Great Apostasy.” In Thess. 2:10 he describes “a falling away” from the faith that must occur before the coming of “the son of perdition,” likely the Antichrist and “the Lawless One,” clearly not Satan but possessing the ability to convince “with all power, signs and lying wonders.”

Verse 10-11 speaks of an “unrighteous deception” among those who do “not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.” In 2 Tim 3:5 Paul warns of people, “having a form of godliness but denying its power,” and says in 4:5, “they will turn away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.”

Strong Delusion 

I am convinced that the “lie, fable” and “strong delusion,” is the New Age, Ancient Astronaut theory. Held by tens of millions in the US and preached in hundreds of books and thousands of hours of TV programs, it teaches that man came into being when ancient astronauts (gods) flew to earth in spaceships, mated with human women and brought about the sudden dawn of technology and civilization in Sumerian some 6,000 years ago. These gods will return to save the world from itself.

This is Satan’s mirror image of the rapture, the days of Tribulation and the return of Christ. I believe one day, a being will step out of a spacecraft, likely on the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended, and proclaim he is the awaited Messiah. A series of coming events, including the discovery of alien life forms on other planets and “proof” those behind UFO activity are benevolent creatures, the world will believe this “strong delusion.” Jesus, in Matthew 24 warned, “the very elect (likely leading Jewish Rabbis) will be fooled.”

I see an increase in theistic or fundamental Satanists who have and will use human sacrifice as a means to hasten the return of Satan and the rise of the “Lawless One.” Like many Christians, they know that the UFO phenomenon is based in the occult. Just as Christians believe that through prayer, we can hold off the days of tribulation and the return of Christ until more are saved, they believe the opposite.

While Christ’s return is assured, and His church and not the “gates (portals) of hell” will prevail, I believe a revelation of Satan’s end time plans to destroy the church will help prepare the faithful to understand the lie, and others to seek the truth and protection of Salvation.

Eddie provided this second commentary below to further expand on the above account for those who want to learn more:  

Satanists and UFOs: Why the Connection?

Theistic Satanism, or those who believe and practice fundamental Satanism, is growing. Their interest in UFO’s is a fact-based in their history and today is reflected in what they dare reveal on their hundreds of websites.

Theistic or traditional Satanists are not atheist but have a “religious” belief Satan is their master and worship him. Diane Vera, the owner of a theistic website said of her site. “When the website first went online in the fall of 2002, we theistic Satanists were still a despised minority within the public Satanist scene. But we have grown and now seem to be in the majority—at least in online forums. . .”

Finding discussions about and photos of UFOs on Satanic website is as easy as finding a Chihuahua who barks. A growing group of Satanists have come to believe what a great many secular UFOlogists as well as some, but far from all, Christians believe. That the UFO phenomenon is a manifestation of Satan and his demons, and based in the Occult.

An article on UFOs on AllaboutOccult.com said of UFO’s relationship to demons, “This is one of the many beliefs that Christians worrying about the “Final Days” often seem to have. They tend to believe that UFOs and aliens are just a propaganda machine for Satan’s dark army, who are trying to control the human race camouflaging themselves as aliens from the outer space, therefore creating a world of chaos and anarchy. While many will argue that this is paranoid, if UFOs exist, there is no reason why demons can’t.”

Perhaps the most startling information comes from the very real Cult of Lam, headed by Kenneth Grant, a protégée of famed English warlock, Aleister Crowley. In 1919 in Manhattan, Crowley, and his boyfriend Roddie Minor performed a sexual majickal (their spelling) rite called Amalantrah Working. It was designed to open the portal to a different dimension where they rightfully believed Satan and a group of his demons (fallen angels) existed. Crowley then produced a drawing of “Lam,” whose resemblance to alien “grays,” is striking.

In 1946 in Pasadena, CA, Jack Parsons, who invented solid rocket fuel and founded the famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory, performed another rite with his girlfriend and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Called Babylon Working, they believed the portal Crowley opened had closed and they sought to open it again. Today, Satanists believe the trio permanently opened the portal, one that heralded the modern area of UFOs. Indeed, in 1947 came the controversial Roswell N.M crash of an alien spaceship, and the still unexplained sightings of a group of spacecraft over Washington State’s Cascade Mountains by pilot Kenneth Arnold.

According to cult leader Grant, those who stare (I strongly recommend you do not) into Lam’s eyes are inviting aliens to come through the dimensional portal. Noted writer Daniel Boudillon insisted “The Watchers II" by noted scientist Ray Fowler, who investigates alien abductions, is required reading by the cult’s members.

Crowley was a product of history’s many Satan worshipers, most of whom believed in sacrificing humans to Satan. That tradition not only continues today but is growing. In his book, "Rastos de Occulto" (Traces of the Occult) Brazilian author Daniel Masral, a former Occultist, now a Christian, said he believes opening portals requires rites in which humans are sacrificed, something my Christian Thriller "Doctrines of Demons: The New Age Dawns" explores. 

Why is all this so important to Christians? Evil is in the world and Jesus has the final victory. It’s between now and then we need to confront, and for the lack of knowledge, the people perish. 

Ephesians 5 tells us to “expose” the works of Satan. Paul in Second Thessalonians 2 wrote, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,…’

The mystery of lawlessness is already becoming stronger. The incarnation of Satan and the appearance of his hoard of demons cannot be far behind?

Thanks Eddie, for a very interesting, thought provoking and enlightening account of two controversial issues in Christian and non Christian circles: Doctrines of Demons, and, UFOs/Aliens. You definitely have a message for the Church today and any receptive ear. 

If you have come this far and want to purchase Doctrines of Demons: The New Age Dawns (The Doctrines of Demons Trilogy Book 1), it can be purchased in print or e-book format from Amazon:

The Veil: A Novel...of Current Biblical Proportions by DJ Edmonston

Jacob had it all, or so he thought. Having been a successful and internationally recognized architect who enjoyed the finer things in life—the six figure income, the BMW, complete with a wonderful wife and adoring son. But it was all gone now. After three long agonizing years of watching his beloved son battle and ultimately succumb to leukemia, his wife Elaine, stricken with grief and unable to cope abruptly walks away from their marriage. Only months after the loss of his family, and during the financial crisis and great recession, his career ends as his firm closes their doors. Jacob would have ended it all if not for his friend Paul Bevelchek and their Pastor Alan Caldwell giving him their friendship and hope. Jacob abruptly has an onset of strange dreams and visions. In the midst of this, Pastor Alan sends Jacob to the office of billionaire Jeremy Richards at Jeremy’s request. Upon his arrival, all hell breaks loose as Jacob witnesses the murder of Richards and flees with what might be the key to unlocking not only the reasons for Richard’s murder but possibly the answers to the ancient prophecies that seem to be unfolding before the eyes of Jake and his friends. The three friends suddenly find themselves thrown into a high octane, “no holds barred” adventure as assassins hunt for Jacob, and will stop at nothing until they have what he had taken from Richards' office. As the three friends struggle to survive, they discover the enormity of The Veil’s deception and the all-encompassing spiritual battle involving mankind’s eternal fight for freedom. Will The Veil continue to be used to deceive mankind? Will mankind continue to look to the “creation” for answers, or will we finally turn to the “Creator?” Prepare for an engaging and exciting literary adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Jake and his friends seek answers to the age-old questions between good and evil in the first of this hard-hitting Veil series.

The Guru's Review: 

When I was approached by the author to review this novel and its sequel, I had no idea of the experience I was going have in reading his novel. There is so much to like and love about this novel, the characters, the plot, the action, the mystery, the suspense, demonic deception. However, the one thing that stands out for me is the spiritual aspects. This is one story that is not just from the imagination of the author but is, I believe, God inspired and directed. 

This is not just a tale of good versus evil. This is all out spiritual warfare between those in a position of power in government and it's security organizations who are manipulated by fallen angels to dominate the human race as part of their rebellion against God and their hatred of the human race. Reading it illustrates just how this could happen in today's headlines and events leading towards the return of Christ. Edmonston has deliberately constructed and depicted it like this to be a warning of what is to come and what we as Christians need to be aware of, how to be spiritually prepared and empowered to act and to make aware those who don't know Christ and to avoid an eternity in Hell. 

I am impressed with Edmonston's research and interpretation of the political and economic climate and of those organizations and their specific members that are directly involved with clandestine operations that suit their selfishness, deception and those of the fallen angels that are manipulating these people to suit the agenda previously mentioned. The ending of this novel brings all this agenda together and sets the stage for more of this in Book 2, Crisis. It sure seems that everything is going rev up even more. I am looking forward to this. 

Edmonston writes well and has constructed the plot to be fast paced, with many twists and turns, with all the usual constructs in a novel of this genre. However, this novel is resplendent with spiritual intervention from God, namely the Spirit of God, who guides the actions of the Christian characters who live out the bible verse of Zechariah 4:6, 

'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.

It is from this aspect that this novel shines. Edmonston has depicted his characters, Jacob (Jake), the main protagonist, Alan, the Pastor, Jeremy Richards, Frank Smyth, Ray Callahan, David Strang, (and any I have left out) as being submitted and in tune with God and His Spirit. These characters show us how to be discerning of the things of God, to hear His voice literally and figuratively and through action and events. This novel is one of predominantly spiritual warfare, and Edmonston has used the events depicted to not just show us how to live during events such as these but also in our day to day lives. Whether the reader is a Christian or not, we are involved in spiritual warfare that was set in motion from satan's rebellion against God and Adam and Eve's sin against Him as well. This novel shows which side we need to be on, and what Christians can do to encourage and win those who either knowingly or unknowingly are being manipulated by satan's and his minion's influence and on a path to eternal damnation. 

While some Christians might find the spiritual aspects depicted very idealistic, and not how it happens in real life, I find that what Edmonston has depicted is exactly how it should be and for some this is just how it is. How Edmonston has portrayed the direct voice of God telling someone to do something while they are in dire straights or direct physical or spiritual warfare, or when they are so despairing that all hope seems lost and they are told they are loved or forgiven by Him is directly how God works. I guess it depends on how responsive Christians are to His Spirit and what their relationship with Him is like as to whether they experience Him like this or not. I am just so thankful and grateful that He has other ways to communicate to us as well. 

Most churches do not experience the revival that Edmonston depicts, but again, it is very much possible, as evidenced by recorded church history. This novel's depiction is most likely how it will be in the time before Jesus returns as the congregation respond to the Spirit's call and guidance both in a spiritual and physical sense.  

Edmonston's construction of the spiritual warfare aspects is chilling but realistic. There is a veil that separates the spiritual from the physical and I loved the analogy of this in the prologue. And it is here that Edmonston shows the reader the rules of engagement in this warfare, the power of prayer, applying the Word of God, claiming the Word of God, physically and spiritually standing against the onslaught, being discerning of the evil around you, knowing how the enemy thinks and behaves, submission to God and as stated previously, living our lives in His Spirit and not by any of our might or power. 

I have come across a new form of Christian genre, created by author and fellow reviewer, David Bergsland, called Spirit-Filled fiction. Here, David describes it through the novel's Christian characters who are, 

....evangelicals who have come to a deep and close personal relationship with Jesus, communicating daily about needs, direction, seeking guidance, praying for/receiving healings, and so on. Now, I’m not talking about characters who are necessarily pentecostal, but those who have a real relationship with the Lord which includes regular communication, direct guidance, prophetic implications, a touch of the miraculous, and the normal evidences of Christian life as presented by Jesus in Mark 16: 14-18,

"Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

This novel definitely fits this new genre and it is this type of Christian fiction that I find the most rewarding. I expect in Christian fiction to be entertained, my faith in Christ either strengthened, edified or challenged to go to the next level in Him and to be educated in Christian living, biblical doctrine, spiritual warfare and many other topics that will deepen my Christian worldview. Edmonston more than achieves this for me in this novel. Edmonston's characters most certainly meet the criteria that Bergsland cites, 

....real relationship with the Lord which includes regular communication, direct guidance, prophetic implications, a touch of the miraculous, and the normal evidences of Christian life as presented by Jesus in Mark 16: 14-18

While we are talking of characters, Edmonston shines here as well. These are not just Spirit-Filled believers, but people that you can relate to. Despite being in tune with God or His Spirit, they still show fear, apprehension or are tempted to act on their own. They are not perfect just because they have the Spirit of God living inside them. My favorite was David Strang. I could relate to him and what he went through in this story wey well. Edmonston succeeded in showing the grief and the Saudade that Jake experiences from the breakup of his marriage and death of his son. I related very well to the latter having lost two children a few decades ago. However, I guess what stands out for me is that these characters have a love for people that only comes from having a relationship with Jesus and being guided by His Spirit. It challenges me to be more like this in my own life. 

This is one novel that I will not forget and is one of my favorites. DJ Edmonston is one author that I will continue to follow. 

Special Offer: When the author asked me to review The Veil, he also asked me to provide a link to his website where you can download a free PDF copy of this novel. Go here to access this free copy. 

http://www.entertheveil.com/free-book.html

Note that at the moment the website states this is for a sample, but the author will send the full novel from this link. 

Highly Recommended.

The Codex (An Armour of God Thriller, Book 2) by Daniel Patterson

When an extreme weather condition causes parts of the Greenland ice sheet to melt, archeologist Zack Cole is determined to join the race of professionals and amateur alike, to find uncovered history and treasure.

He's got the knowledge. He's got the money. He's even got the equipment. Now about those permits...

Zack turns to his old friend, Father Salvatore Giovanni, curator of the Chicago Museum of Biblical Antiquities to back his expedition. He says yes, with one condition... Researcher Sydney Langtry is coming with him to protect the museum's interests.

Plunged together into an icy world of death and darkness, Zack and Sydney make a discovery that will rock the Biblical and archeological community. But will they make it out alive to share their discovery?

From bestselling Christian fiction author Daniel Patterson comes, The Codex, the latest action-packed adventure in his Armour of God Thriller Series.

The Armour of God Thriller Series combines heart-pounding action, with page-turning adventure, and non-stop suspense.

Book 1: The Tyndale Code

Book 2: The Codex

Book 3: Coming soon

Book 4: Coming late 2016

The Guru's Review: 

This is the second novel by Patterson I have read and the second in the Armour of God Thriller series (the first being The Tyndale Code).

This was much more enjoyable being longer in length than the previous novella. This showcases Pattersons writing and imagination. It was good to have Zac back in another adventure and see more of his passion for biblical archeology and his quest to find biblical artifacts. It was good to have the Tyndale Code referenced in this story too. 

Patterson has a flair for plot development and pace that keeps you interested and not wanting to leave the story, it is like many other novels that are successful in achieving that "cannot put down" characteristic. This, of course, fits well in a novel like this where there is a search for treasure or of legendary, forgotten or undiscovered, past civilization. I don't know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, intentional of Patterson or not, but after seeing the Indiana Jones movies, one cannot but liken Zac and this plot to this style, Patterson even mentions that Zac has a "...Indiana Jones complex" from his friend, Father Salvatore Giovanni. I do not believe that Patterson has copied this in order to create this series, he seems to have a passion for this style and genre. I do see that he gives this his own flavor and this I appreciate and like to see an author do.

I found the plot very intriguing for two reasons. I have never heard that the ice shelf of Greenland has or does melt or that there is or could be a civilization that lived under this ice shelf. Patterson's description of this "under the ice shelf" village transported me there and I could almost imagine the daily life of the villagers and the Christian lifestyle that they lived. It reminded me of the village that the explorers found in the original movie, Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1959), by Jules Verne. It is against this backdrop that Patterson successfully creates and weaves the plot of investigating a once in a lifetime opportunity of exploring virgin landscape now revealed by the forces of Nature itself.

Patterson has used this scenario to create the spiritual themes and mythology of this village. Based on Norse mythology, it is one colorful account and interestingly that Zac and Sydney find many elements of this in the subterranean world and this just adds to the mystery and suspense of this novel. I thought it very clever how Patterson has also added Christian/biblical themes to this mythology without compromising the Biblical account or that of any biblical doctrine or its books, namely that of Revelation and Isaiah. This is where Patterson shines. 

When Zac and Sydney discover evidence that the residents of this subterranean village were Christians, the spirituality of the novel deepens. Zac and Sydney discover a very valuable and important artifact that has far-reaching importance for the history of the area and that of Christianity. It is this that forms the basis of the title of this novel where there is a twist at the end, leading to a cliffhanger ending and obviously continued in Book 3.

It was good to see Zac progress both spiritually and relationship wise from the previous book. It seems that Sydney is the catalyst here for both of these to occur for Zac. Seeing Sydney's expression and practice of her faith seem to have a positive impact on him and when this expedition goes pear shaped, he realizes he has come to the end of himself and that the only avenue left for him is to return to God, knowing deep down that God is who he has always needed since his parents were killed when he was a child. This enables him to trust and rely on God more which restores his relationship with God. It is here that this novel takes on a redemptive aspect, Zac reconciling to God. 

Despite Zac's insistence that he works alone, a one-man band, it is obvious that he is attracted to Sydney and I loved how this developed as a sub-plot throughout the novel especially when their expedition goes pear shaped and she is kidnapped. Obviously this will be developed further in Book 3.

My only concern with this novel is the title. It is only until right at the end that there is any hint of this title connected to this artifact and it seems it will be fully explained in Book 3. If this is so, then the title is not fitting to this novel. 

I really loved this novel, and this is a great series. I am very glad that there are two more books to come. 

Strongly Recommended. 4/5 

Author/Novel Spotlight: Michael Hill

A few weeks ago, I received a request via this blog from author, Michael Hill, to review his debut novel, A Soldier of the Word (Brotherhood of the Word) (Volume 1). I was unable to at this present time but would be able in a few weeks so, in the meantime, I offered him an Author/Novel Spotlight post or Guest Blogger post. He chose the former.

Classified as fantasy by Amazon, it contains themes of spiritual warfare, angels and demons, the ministry of angels, demonology but its main theme is "What is the true nature of Mankind?".

Just to whet your appetite, here is the book description:

What is the true nature of Mankind? That is the one question that the mighty Archangel Michael cannot understand until he is given an opportunity by the creator to find out for himself. Growing up Michael Stuart finds life in a small town of South Georgia to be hard. As a Teenager, a chance encounter with a witch in the Okefenokee Swamps marks him for sacrifice and plunges him headlong into a race to escape the demonic forces sent to kill him. Nathaniel; a member of the mysterious Brotherhood of the Word, offers him a slim chance for freedom. But first they must find an ancient talisman called the Basar. Can he find this talisman in time to save himself from the certain death ordered by the Angel of Darkness; Gadreel the Deceiver? or does God have something else in mind for him?

So sit back and let Michael Hill tell you about himself, his debut novel, its background and even read an excerpt that highlights what a Soldier of the Word is capable of.

Hi there! My name is Michael Hill. I was born and raised in Athens, a small town in northern Alabama where I still live with my wife of 30+ years. I have two grown sons, Jon, and Ben.

As a young child, I hated the whole idea of reading, but I still remember like it was yesterday that first Saturday morning my father carried me down to a local drug store where he bought me my very first comic book. That started my lifelong love affair with heroic fiction. I would spend blissful hours ravenously poring over my treasured comics. The combination of some of the world’s best artwork coupled with story lines that were designed specifically to ignite the flames of imagination was pure heaven for a boy of eight.

A couple of years later I began to read short novels. E.R. Burroughs’s Tarzan was a favorite. By the time I was in high school I had discovered Tolkien and R.E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian. It was also this time that I began writing. Mainly short stories and even a few poems, thankfully few have survived.

I became a Christian the summer of 1993, and immediately got involved in several ministries at my home church. I drove a bus route for children for 20+ years as well as ministering to the elderly at a local health facility where I still serve. I’ve also worked for several years as a reserve Police officer and served as the department Chaplain. But my passion is still telling stories both to my grandchildren as well as teaching the children at my local church.

Now Michael explains a little of the background behind A Soldier of the Word (Brotherhood of the Word) (Volume 1): 

In all honesty, I don’t think I ever made a conscious choice to sit down and write a Christian Fiction novel but rather I just decided one afternoon to sit down and write what was already in my mind and that’s what came of it. I just started writing. But not very far into the book I realized that I wanted my novel to tell more than just a simple story of Fiction. I wanted this story to speak to someone.

So I decided to structure the entire story around a central theme. What is the true nature of Mankind? It is also my hope that before the series has ended I can explain why I think this to be one of the most important questions mankind can ask.

I already had been enamored by the idea suggested in 1 Peter 1:6. What if an angel really could find out what it was like to be a man? But then rather than God telling him about it, what if God chose to show him? I think if it were possible this angel would see that life on this little world is not all a bed of roses. Life is hard.

In my story, I specifically chose to make the first few chapters depicting the life of my character Michael Stuart to be specifically sad and dismal.

I also had been intrigued for many years by a question I had sought to answer through careful study of the Scriptures but have not been able to find any adequate answers for. So I decided to invent a fictional answer to my question.

There were many men in the Bible who were not what I would call your quintessential “Man of God.” The wise men at the birth of Jesus were not even Hebrew, yet they knew all about the signs and seemed to know what to expect. They obviously followed the one and only true God, but far from what I thought was mainstream Judaism. The further I looked back the more men I could find, about whom were not at all what I expected. Enigmatic men like Balaam. He went wrong but still there can be no doubt that at one time he had been in close communion with the true God of the universe. Melchizedec was another completely inexplicable character. And still many more.

It almost seemed that the more I studied the more men I could point to that defied everything I thought I knew about what it was like to be a man of God. There are even men in the Bible that are referred to as being Lion-like. With a wry smile I shudder to think of the fictional possibilities this opens.

One fictitious yet plausible explanation could be that they had been called to be something more than a typical Christian. What if God utilized men what had been specially trained and gifted to fight Satan and his minions on their turf? They don’t play fair, you know. Even the very gates of Hell could not prevail against them. This group would be called the Brotherhood of the Word. And the character Nathaniel is a soldier in that army who tries to help Michael Stuart to understand that he is also called by God to be a soldier. A Soldier of the Word.

If this has further whetted your appetite for this novel, Michael has provided an excerpt. He explains, 

This excerpt from A Soldier of the Word is a favorite section of mine. Here I needed to show the reader the kinds of dangers a member of the Brotherhood would face as well as the spiritual knowledge and abilities God has gifted him with to combat those dangers. Also, note that the words Nathaniel uses as words of power are actual words from the Hebrew language. – Mike Hill

Hours later, Nathaniel quietly stood up from his chair grasping his cane in one hand as the other hand reached to adjust his gentlemen's cap on his head, and in a hushed whisper said, “He’s here.”

Apparently Nathaniel had not gone to sleep at all but had stayed sitting in the old wooden chair all night, silently keeping watch over his charge. The candle that Nathaniel had lit earlier in the night was now burnt low and gave off an uncertain light as the flame flickered and danced even though the night air was deathly still. Suddenly woke from a shallow sleep, Michael blinked for just a moment to clear the cobwebs from his mind, looked down at his watch to see that the time was 4:08 am then looked back to Nathaniel. Struck with fear at the sudden realization that he may have no other choice but to look upon this demon from the netherworld again, or that he might have to turn and flee again as he had done the night before. After all, what could mortal man do against such a creature as this? What chance did he or anyone else for that matter have to stand against something that was not from this world? He had held out hope that the demon would give up, that perhaps the distance they had traveled or the rain would wash away his scent or something would hinder this creature of evil from finding him again. Apparently it did not. The night sky outside was still and dark with lingering clouds, left over from a storm that had rumbled through just after midnight. The moist humid air hung heavy and still like the feel of death. His legs still unsteady after so quickly standing to his feet, Michael stood shivering in the cool of the morning. He quickly reached over beside the couch and grabbed the shotgun that was there.

“It’s always darkest just before the dawn,” Nathaniel said.

“How…How do you know he’s here?” Michael’s voice quivered.

“I feel him, I feel his hatred, I feel his madness. He is there,” pointing towards the back wall. “He’s just about a hundred feet behind the trailer, hiding in the woods. I think he’s waiting, trying to decide if he will have time to kill you before the sun comes up when his strength will be weakened. He also knows I’m here and he is hesitant to attack.”

Unconsciously Michael took a couple of steps away from the back wall and quietly turned his ear in that direction, hoping to be able to hear any sort of movement or noise. He heard nothing. Meanwhile Nathaniel had closed his eyes, all expression left his face. He looked for all the world as if he were perfectly at ease as if nothing at all was wrong. As if he were praying or meditating, or perhaps preparing himself for something.

Turning back to face Nathaniel, Michael noticed for the first time that the head of the cane that Nathaniel carried was beginning to put off a warm glow of some kind. The head piece had always looked to be a black piece of stone perhaps obsidian or some type of dark smooth marble, but now it had begun glowing with its own inner light. Nathaniel opened his eyes that were now clear and bright, in fact, his whole face seemed to shine with an almost inner awareness. Gone was the age in his eyes, gone was the weight of his years. He still looked to be the same person, but with greater vitality that wasn’t there earlier, he stood taller as if he had gone back some years in age. Surprised by the change that had taken place in Nathaniel’s countenance, Michael’s eyes widened with surprise. With a clear and deeper voice and an odd sort of smile on his face Nathaniel said “Further up and further In.”

With that, he turned toward the door and in a firm voice ordered “Stay here. Do not leave this place.”

Without any comment, Michael slowly shook his head, yes.

Nathaniel turned from Michael, and opening the door, stepped through onto the small wooden porch. Seemingly effortless, as he turned back to face Michael, he jumped straight up into the air to land on the metal roof of the trailer with a loud thud, his cane still glowing in the darkness. Stepping to the high center of the roof, he turned to face the direction of the demon, held his cane out in front of him, which was now shining brighter than ever. In the night's darkness, its murky depths pulsed and throbbed, curious smoky waves of changing color passed over its smooth surface. Like a judge pronouncing doom he called with a loud voice of command, “Messenger of Death, show yourself.”

The night went instantly silent, even the wind seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the event. No movement was detected, no sound was heard.

Inside the trailer, Michael cautiously pushed aside the curtains of the rear window to peek through the slits in the blinds, as the curious light lit the area behind the building.

Holding the cane even higher, Nathaniel said with authority in his voice, “Demon, I command you to come forth.”

Suddenly there was a howl, deep and low, and full of anger. The creature slowly ambled out from under the shadowed branches of a large oak tree, to stand in the light given off by the cane, as it shown a brilliant white now that lit up the entire area.

The creature was huge with thick corded muscles, the whole of its body was covered in thin wiry black hairs. The head was similar to human but with disturbing distortions and malformations. The pig-like eyes were yellow and bloodshot, filled with the glare of madness. Its nose was flat with great flaring nostrils. Its lips writhed back to reveal huge yellow fangs, like the teeth of a dog.

Once again the demon lifted his head and howled low and mournful like a tortured animal.

“Leave you, foul creature, you have no business here.”

The creature was hunched over with its back arched unnaturally while constantly twisting and turning to hide its eyes from the revealing light, its hands aimlessly beating the ground or pawing at the grass with its thick calloused fingers. With vocal cords that were never created to voice words and in a guttural scrapping sound, all the while moving its head back and forth in a sickening gyration the creature spoke. “My master requires the life of the yeled.”

“You cannot have him. He is under my protection.” Nathaniel answered.

The demon cried out, “Then I will take him and eat your flesh as well dog.” With no more warning than a striking cobra, he sprang forth with a burst of blinding speed to cover the short distance.

Michael watching from inside the trailer, out of instinct and fear tore away from the window with a cry of horror, dropping the shotgun to the floor as he moved.

Mere steps before the demon would have crashed headlong into the side of the dwelling, he jumped high into the air to come crashing down on the top of the trailer where Nathaniel had stood scant moments before, the weight of the creature nearly crashing through the roof altogether. The defenders instinctive recoil barely saved his life as he sidestepped the massive arms that swung down. Twisting low Nathaniel using the handle of his cane as a weapon, slashed upward to catch the creature just below the ribs with the glowing and pulsating jeweled head.

A bitter cry of pain escaped from the lips of the demon as the instrument left a burned and charred impression in his flesh. Slashing down again with its massive claws, Nathaniel was barely able to once again dodge the swing by ducking low and avoiding the stroke. However, the demon was left off balance and his front section open to an attack. Nathaniel hit the creature full in the face with his weapon. The cane exploded with brilliant light that blew the demon backward off the roof. He fell to the ground with a deep thud. In a moment Nathaniel was off the roof, with his cane held high above him, he braced to deliver the final stroke to return this creature of the netherworld back to the hell that had spawned it. But before he could strike the demon slashed with his taloned claw to tear the flesh of Nathaniel’s left thigh. Instantly in tremendous pain he fell to the ground with a rolling motion that left several feet between him and the fallen demon before he once again rolled up on one knee to face the creature, with his cane held out in front of him in his left hand, his right hand grasping the torn jagged flesh of his leg in a futile attempt to stem the flow of blood.

In desperation, Nathaniel knew he didn’t have time for a prolonged battle with this demon. Pointing his glowing cane at the creature he screamed at the top of his voice “Maveth Shuwb Sheol.”

Instantly the light erupted from the crystal head of the instrument to bathe the beast in its revealing glow. With a scream of rage and demonic anger, the creature rose to his feet and launched himself through the air at the one who was causing his pain, desperate to choke the life from his tormentor, and destroy the light, that revealed his pollution of this world. But before the leap could be completed the light completely engulfed the creature of darkness with an eruption of blinding light so brilliant that the entire scene was bathed in its intensity. Moments later the glow faded once more and the demon was gone, returned again to the eternal darkness from which it was spawned.

Nathaniel knelt down, his left thigh and leg was covered in his own blood. He sat there exhausted for several moments, his chest heaving with the exertion of trying to catch his breath. Gone now was the glow of his face, gone now was the vitality and stamina he mysteriously possessed during the battle. He fought off a wave of nausea that threatened to cause him to wretch. He knew he needed to get inside before he completely lost consciousness from blood loss and shock. As he struggled to stand the searing waves of intense pain from his wounded leg forced him to give up his struggle to gain the shelter of the trailer. As he fell forward in the wet grass he was momentarily aware of someone by his side calling his name before he lost consciousness. 

If you have come this far and want to purchase A Soldier of the Word (Brotherhood of the Word) (Volume 1), it can be purchased in print or e-book format from Amazon: 

Michael can be contacted at these social media platforms: 

Facebook: Facwww.Facebook.com/ASoldieroftheWord

Twitter: http://twitter.com/soldiertheword 

and email:

MikeH@asoldieroftheword.com