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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Piretti’s much-hyped This Present Darkness has earned its reputation as one of the key fiction classics of the 20th century. Strong and unforgettable characters are found in a carefully constructed plot, underpinning sound theology in this bestseller.
Written to explore the impact of spiritual warfare, This Present Darkness is supported by a strong and thrilling plot which could be enjoyed even without the Christian elements. As such, the background battles between angel and demon further enhances an already well-paced and gripping plot.
The characters are mostly rounded and believable. The main protagonist Marshall Hogan is funny and brash, yet vulnerable and sensitive. The angels are also well written, with their confusion and frustration well represented alongside their strength and determination. The demonic leaders Rafar and Lucius are well thought out, displaying the interrelationships fed on pride, jealousy and suspicion one would expect. The smaller demons are more disappointing – 2D and almost comical. Some, such as Complacency, almost warrant sympathy and undermine their menace.
The theology is broadly in line with mainstream Christianity, and Piretti avoids making any major theological statements. The casting out of demons is rather simplistic - the subjects being ready and willing, the process taking minutes and no aftercare is apparently needed. However, the power of prayer and truism that we know so little of the spiritual realm is well portrayed.
My biggest criticism of the book is the existence of constant schoolboy typing errors. As the cover of my copy proudly boasts more than a million copies have been sold, one would expect basic mistakes to have been corrected. Constantly, the writer does not take a new line when a different character speaks, which makes the dialogue difficult to follow. Elsewhere, quotation marks close which were never opened, and you find yourself backtracking, and the wrong word is used in another place. These annoying and distracting mistakes are the reason this book will go no higher than four stars.
This Present Darkness is an entriguing mystery with an inspiring spiritual undertone. Tal’s playing of the battle trumpet begins an epic finale which slips seamlessly between the natural and spiritual realm. Readers of this book will be encouraged to continue praying and contributing in the battle that is always ongoing, never sleeping, against this present darkness.
Written to explore the impact of spiritual warfare, This Present Darkness is supported by a strong and thrilling plot which could be enjoyed even without the Christian elements. As such, the background battles between angel and demon further enhances an already well-paced and gripping plot.
The characters are mostly rounded and believable. The main protagonist Marshall Hogan is funny and brash, yet vulnerable and sensitive. The angels are also well written, with their confusion and frustration well represented alongside their strength and determination. The demonic leaders Rafar and Lucius are well thought out, displaying the interrelationships fed on pride, jealousy and suspicion one would expect. The smaller demons are more disappointing – 2D and almost comical. Some, such as Complacency, almost warrant sympathy and undermine their menace.
The theology is broadly in line with mainstream Christianity, and Piretti avoids making any major theological statements. The casting out of demons is rather simplistic - the subjects being ready and willing, the process taking minutes and no aftercare is apparently needed. However, the power of prayer and truism that we know so little of the spiritual realm is well portrayed.
My biggest criticism of the book is the existence of constant schoolboy typing errors. As the cover of my copy proudly boasts more than a million copies have been sold, one would expect basic mistakes to have been corrected. Constantly, the writer does not take a new line when a different character speaks, which makes the dialogue difficult to follow. Elsewhere, quotation marks close which were never opened, and you find yourself backtracking, and the wrong word is used in another place. These annoying and distracting mistakes are the reason this book will go no higher than four stars.
This Present Darkness is an entriguing mystery with an inspiring spiritual undertone. Tal’s playing of the battle trumpet begins an epic finale which slips seamlessly between the natural and spiritual realm. Readers of this book will be encouraged to continue praying and contributing in the battle that is always ongoing, never sleeping, against this present darkness.
DNF @ 200 pages
At least one Anti-Catholic message. Made me concerned about whether the message in the book aligns with Catholic theology. I could not find any Catholic reviews or perspectives.
If you are Catholic, I would recommend skipping this one and just reading ScrewTape Letters by CS Lewis.
At least one Anti-Catholic message. Made me concerned about whether the message in the book aligns with Catholic theology. I could not find any Catholic reviews or perspectives.
If you are Catholic, I would recommend skipping this one and just reading ScrewTape Letters by CS Lewis.
This was the best book I've read in a long time. I had a hard time putting it down. It was a novel about a battle between angels and demons over a small town with a small church pastor and his wife, a small town newspaper, and a local college at the center of the battle. I really enjoyed this. Plan to read more by this author.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
challenging
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
The adventure, spiritual warfare, theological ideas, and connection to truth made this book remarkable. With a twist on the traditional telling of spiritual warfare, This Present Darkness provided a unique and eye-opening story of just what goes on beyond what the human eye can see.
All of the characters represented the struggle of the human experience, while Peretti reveals that there is much more evil behind the mind's eye However, there is an immense amount of hope and power in the goodness of God and His angels.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys action, fantasy, and the Christian faith.
All of the characters represented the struggle of the human experience, while Peretti reveals that there is much more evil behind the mind's eye However, there is an immense amount of hope and power in the goodness of God and His angels.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys action, fantasy, and the Christian faith.
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I loved this book! I ate it up from start to finish and needed to know the end. It really demonstrates how prevalent the spiritual world is. I loved how the dark and light were portrayed and how there was an actual battle going on and how important the prayers of the saints to God were in order for the angels to have Victory over the enemy. Great read!
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
God didn’t tell me I’d come out alive; He just told me to stay and fight.