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kwagner's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun and thrilling read for October but not something I would usually pick for myself. A super creative and original concept and metaphor. It was really fun to listen to on Hoopla. The only thing I would have liked to see was more diversity in the sins the people of Hyde River had to atone fore. It felt like everyone in that town were either murderous or adulterous. Tbh I was glad to see Tracy be eaten by the dragon...oops...she was just too wishy washy for me. Not in an inner character growth type of struggle but in a 'I can't determine if I trust you or not or like you' kind of vibe'. But perhaps that was the intentional vibe? I can't wait to talk about this one at book club.
tmw1122's review against another edition
1.0
Morals of this book are very screwy. It has such an interesting concept but has a lot of unnecessary build-up for a quick senseless ending.
shelby_7664's review against another edition
1.0
This book is the story of a town that is supposedly losing many citizens to a "dragon". Everyone living there is very superstitious. Obviously, the man investigating the disappearances is very skeptical of this theory. His job is made more difficult by the fact that the townspeople are very unwillingly to give him information. It is a supernatural/fantasy novel, with religious elements incorporated. If you liked other books by Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker, you may find this book interesting.
As usual, Frank Peretti solves the mystery by incorporating religion. However, I felt that this story did so rather clumsily. It didn't fit well with the plot line. Also, the main character did not undergo any extreme change throughout the course of the story.
Additionally, the supposed "oath" from the title was not talked about very often at all.
Overall, the entire book was kind of awkward and clumsy. The plot did flow nicely, but changes occurred very suddenly and some important details were unclear. It didn't really have a happy ending either, which was upsetting.
I have read several other Frank Peretti books, which I have greatly enjoyed. However, this one was not my favorite.
As usual, Frank Peretti solves the mystery by incorporating religion. However, I felt that this story did so rather clumsily. It didn't fit well with the plot line. Also, the main character did not undergo any extreme change throughout the course of the story.
Additionally, the supposed "oath" from the title was not talked about very often at all.
Overall, the entire book was kind of awkward and clumsy. The plot did flow nicely, but changes occurred very suddenly and some important details were unclear. It didn't really have a happy ending either, which was upsetting.
I have read several other Frank Peretti books, which I have greatly enjoyed. However, this one was not my favorite.
chubbchubbmcgrubb's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
samwescott's review against another edition
2.0
Could have been a mediocre monster book about a dragon, but instead this poor book is completely squashed by the cumbersome analogy. I mean, I know that heavy-handed metaphors are the bricks that Christian fiction is built with, but this was so damn clunky. It took me two months to read because it was alternately so dull and then so cheesy. A monster book where the monster is sin. Ooh, boy. It was a trial.
deidra_shadetreereads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.75
gnull's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely worth the read. Peretti is a master storyteller of Christian suspense. You must read THIS PRESENT DARKNESS. Just sayin'...
This could have been a bit shorter and not have suffered for it.
This could have been a bit shorter and not have suffered for it.