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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Ok, so I'm re-reading this as an adult and an apostate, but when I first read this I was a teen in a large non-denominational church and a fairly charismatic family. We did believe in angels and demons and spiritual warfare. My mom believes that she has attended "deliverances" where she has helped pray demons out of people. As a kid, I considered this book to be a fictional story that showcased how the world really worked.
So, yeah. That's my background.
Coming back to this story as an adult from a completely different viewpoint, two things really stood out to me.
One, my goodness, Peretti really hates higher education, huh? I mean, I already could tell from his Veritas Project books that he thinks public schools are cesspits of demonic activity and brainwashing, but jeez. Apparently, any public (read: non-religious) institution of learning is just lying in wait to poison the minds of your good Christian babes. Possible ways that they might sneak demons into your kids include doing yoga, practicing mediation, or studying philosophy or psychology of any sort. Also, "Eastern region", paganism, and witchcraft are all interchangeable, apparently. Oh! And if your church teaches religious tolerance or environmentalism , you need to leave immediately to find a wholesome fundamentalist pastor because your current one is consorting with demons.
Two, Peretti's use of rape in this story is deeply offensive and irresponsible. There are three (3!!!) instances in this book where good men of God are attacked with false rape accusations. Two of these involve children and one further involves incest. They are all false. The reader knows they are false. And they are clearly weaponized by evil people to shame good Christian men and ruin their lives.
Do I even need to explain how damaging that is? Implanting the idea in a young religious person's head that if someone in their church or in their life is accused of rape, they should just assume that it's a frame job? That the victim is possessed by demons and lying to obstruct warriors of God? We already live in a culture where victims aren't believed and rapists are unaffected by their crimes - ESPECIALLY in churches. Just. Yikes. I never want to see false rape accusations represented in fiction, as they are so statically uncommon and sexual violence is so rampant and so often unpunished. But to have it weaponized like this? As a pet trick of The Adversary? It's so unbelievably irresponsible. Unconscionable.
Besides those two points that majorly stood out to me, I found the story pretty middle-of-the-road. It's a bit slower than it needed to be, though I love a good take-down of a giant corporation as a trope. The book being so dated is also very distracting, though. And I always find Peretti's dialogue to be incredibly corny - especially when he's try to write a "sinner" character or a teen. Just yikes. And, please stop calling people "Orientals", dude. Oof.
All in all, pretty standard for a Peretti re-read. Not great.
So, yeah. That's my background.
Coming back to this story as an adult from a completely different viewpoint, two things really stood out to me.
One, my goodness, Peretti really hates higher education, huh? I mean, I already could tell from his Veritas Project books that he thinks public schools are cesspits of demonic activity and brainwashing, but jeez. Apparently, any public (read: non-religious) institution of learning is just lying in wait to poison the minds of your good Christian babes. Possible ways that they might sneak demons into your kids include doing yoga, practicing mediation, or studying philosophy or psychology of any sort. Also, "Eastern region", paganism, and witchcraft are all interchangeable, apparently. Oh! And if your church teaches religious tolerance or environmentalism , you need to leave immediately to find a wholesome fundamentalist pastor because your current one is consorting with demons.
Two, Peretti's use of rape in this story is deeply offensive and irresponsible. There are three (3!!!) instances in this book where good men of God are attacked with false rape accusations. Two of these involve children and one further involves incest. They are all false. The reader knows they are false. And they are clearly weaponized by evil people to shame good Christian men and ruin their lives.
Do I even need to explain how damaging that is? Implanting the idea in a young religious person's head that if someone in their church or in their life is accused of rape, they should just assume that it's a frame job? That the victim is possessed by demons and lying to obstruct warriors of God? We already live in a culture where victims aren't believed and rapists are unaffected by their crimes - ESPECIALLY in churches. Just. Yikes. I never want to see false rape accusations represented in fiction, as they are so statically uncommon and sexual violence is so rampant and so often unpunished. But to have it weaponized like this? As a pet trick of The Adversary? It's so unbelievably irresponsible. Unconscionable.
Besides those two points that majorly stood out to me, I found the story pretty middle-of-the-road. It's a bit slower than it needed to be, though I love a good take-down of a giant corporation as a trope. The book being so dated is also very distracting, though. And I always find Peretti's dialogue to be incredibly corny - especially when he's try to write a "sinner" character or a teen. Just yikes. And, please stop calling people "Orientals", dude. Oof.
All in all, pretty standard for a Peretti re-read. Not great.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
It was a good read. It was a book that I knew when I looked at the first page, that the first page might be a toughy. You don't come in at an action scene, there is a description. But the instant you're through that there page, you love it. I found the book very enjoyable. Mr. Peretti has a nice writing style.
One thing that made me raise concern was the consistent exorcisms in the end. Although I do believe in angels and demons, as well as God and Satan, I do not think that if you see someone who looks evil, you and your fellow churchies (not using the term in a degrading fashion, I am a churchie. It's okay. Accept it.) should immediately go up to them and cast out demons. That's not how it works.
However, otherwise, a nice read. I liked the characters, and felt that the angels and demons were portrayed well. I got a little confused with mixing up Langstrat, the Maid Servant, and Madeline when I first saw all of these characters, but it cleared up. I had previously read Mr. Peretti's book "Nightmare Academy", which was also a good read, so I knew well of him. And he didn't disappoint here.
I would suggest the book, but here my warning: the book makes it seem that demons can simply be shrugged of with enough people commanding them to in the name of Christ. I don't know whether or not this is true, so I'm giving it a warning. But it is good. Take a look.
One thing that made me raise concern was the consistent exorcisms in the end. Although I do believe in angels and demons, as well as God and Satan, I do not think that if you see someone who looks evil, you and your fellow churchies (not using the term in a degrading fashion, I am a churchie. It's okay. Accept it.) should immediately go up to them and cast out demons. That's not how it works.
However, otherwise, a nice read. I liked the characters, and felt that the angels and demons were portrayed well. I got a little confused with mixing up Langstrat, the Maid Servant, and Madeline when I first saw all of these characters, but it cleared up. I had previously read Mr. Peretti's book "Nightmare Academy", which was also a good read, so I knew well of him. And he didn't disappoint here.
I would suggest the book, but here my warning: the book makes it seem that demons can simply be shrugged of with enough people commanding them to in the name of Christ. I don't know whether or not this is true, so I'm giving it a warning. But it is good. Take a look.
Wow, this was a really crazy, dark, awesome, insane ride. I read it for the first time when I was eleven I think (and I am a little surprised that I could handle this material at eleven) and it is a little dry at first. But the spiritual characters are surreal and terrifying, and if you do believe in spiritual warfare, this book will freak you out.
I loved the Cooper Kids when I was younger and this series was awesome. I also would recommend The Prophet as well to those of you who also liked Peretti.
I loved the Cooper Kids when I was younger and this series was awesome. I also would recommend The Prophet as well to those of you who also liked Peretti.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
absolutely loved this book. it was written so well and I really enjoyed reading it. it also gave me something to imagine when I think about spiritual warfare. obviously, this book isnt the Bible and shouldn’t be treated as whole truth but it’s very helpful in reminding me (and others) of how real that world is. I highlyyyyy recommend
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book (and its sequel) are annual rereads for me and every time the excitement and intensity of the battles gets me hype. The angels and demons make me laugh, cheer, and feel things so deeply (IYKYK) and their scenes are by far my favorite and the best written. I'm not sure if there is a Christian Thriller category but if so, this is a mandatory addition to tha genre. This year is the first time I'm reading the series with friends and it has definitely made this reread even more enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Murder
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This thriller is entertaining and thought provoking but certainly not a theology book.