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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War
Minor: Rape, Sexual harassment
A common criticism of Peretti is that the writing isn't that great. It isn't wonderful, I'll grant you that, but it's certainly not intrusively bad. Another common criticism is the personification and representation of angels and demons, and that may depend on your personal theology. I'm not sure where my belief falls there, though I know those particular ones aren't real, but that's less important.
What is important, and unique about this book, to my mind, is the way it made spiritual warfare real to me. Before, I could never fully understand it but this book gave me a glimpse of why prayer is important, however it works in real life. It gave me an idea of why it could be important to pray, to listen to the Spirit when we're prompted to pray, why God won't intervene unless we ask Him, and what might happen when we do obey.
What is important, and unique about this book, to my mind, is the way it made spiritual warfare real to me. Before, I could never fully understand it but this book gave me a glimpse of why prayer is important, however it works in real life. It gave me an idea of why it could be important to pray, to listen to the Spirit when we're prompted to pray, why God won't intervene unless we ask Him, and what might happen when we do obey.
This Christian horror book was worth the read. I really enjoyed how it emphasized spiritual warfare and the power of prayer. I found the action and plot exciting.
However, this book was written in the early 80s and it’s a bit dated. People were described as Oriental, Arabian, Eastern and it was cringey but everything is a product of its time I guess. If anything, this makes me glad for the social change we have seen regarding this issue (at least) in 40 years. Still not comfortable to see in print.
The characters all talk the same - man, woman, 50 years old, 18 years old, the dialogue could be interchangeable for each character. That kind of wore on me. Every character at some point starts a sentence with “Say!” Or “Boy!” This is what is bringing my rating down- implausible dialogue.
Also the literal demonization of meditation- don’t agree with that. The Bible tells us to meditate on the word day and night. There’s also space for contemplation and silence in the Christian faith. I think the book intends to rebuke meditation used to commune with “ascended masters” and spirits more than anything but it kind of throws the baby out with the bath water on this topic.
However, this book was written in the early 80s and it’s a bit dated. People were described as Oriental, Arabian, Eastern and it was cringey but everything is a product of its time I guess. If anything, this makes me glad for the social change we have seen regarding this issue (at least) in 40 years. Still not comfortable to see in print.
The characters all talk the same - man, woman, 50 years old, 18 years old, the dialogue could be interchangeable for each character. That kind of wore on me. Every character at some point starts a sentence with “Say!” Or “Boy!” This is what is bringing my rating down- implausible dialogue.
Also the literal demonization of meditation- don’t agree with that. The Bible tells us to meditate on the word day and night. There’s also space for contemplation and silence in the Christian faith. I think the book intends to rebuke meditation used to commune with “ascended masters” and spirits more than anything but it kind of throws the baby out with the bath water on this topic.
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This is not my usual genre/topic for reading and at times, the religious tone felt a bit excessive. The overall story was very intriguing and I enjoyed seeing how all the different pieces fit together in this unique puzzle! The characters were compelling and it was easy to root for them. When certain ones found their way to Jesus, my eyes grew misty and I rejoiced with them. I plan to read the next book in this series.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really great book that encourages Christians to renew their prayer life in a fun way.