I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Baker Books on January 2nd, 2018
Source: Revell Reads
Genres: Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thrillers
Pages: 320
Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the only home he'd ever known. An empty shell of a man who now lived--if it could be called living--in the still vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had let off.
Now he's on the run from men who've tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force creeps inside him, threatening and destructive. Who--and what--it will destroy next is the only real question. From the bold voice that brought readers down Purgatory Road comes a new pulse-pounding, spine-rattling tale of vengeance and justice that will have them up all night.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Content Review:
Christian or Secular: Closer to secular with Christian undertones
Profanity: None
Sex: None
Violence: Mild
Trigger Warnings: Some readers may be disturbed by content including demon possession, attempted assault, murder, and attempted murder.
Disclosure: This book has subtle undertones that could be taken as a Christian message. However, there’s no mention of God or conversion. It is my opinion that this book could be enjoyed by secular audiences and I would classify it more as a clean supernatural thriller.
The synopsis of this book pulled me in from the start. It’s so different from anything that I normally read and I’ve been challenging myself to branch out and try new authors. My good friend picked the same book and she happened to read it a couple of weeks before I did. She scared me to death by proclaiming that this book was closer to “clean horror” than a Christian suspense. I’ll admit it now, I’m a big scaredy cat so I didn’t know whether I’d like this book or not.
But, I honestly did. It is quite a bit different from the books I normally read—even the suspense that I’ve picked up in the last year. Michael is a man who is haunted by his past. A man living in his own personal hell. A man who desires redemption and freedom from the darkness that possesses him.
Newly released from prison, Michael is now hunted by men who fear him. They take it upon themselves to “save” the community from the evil that they know to be in Michael.
Though it never delves into anything remotely Biblical, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the story of the Gadarene demoniac discussed in the gospels.
There is no conversion, no salvation, no mention of Christ. Yet, the story of self-sacrifice and the message of hope was there for me. It wasn’t in your face but it was there. There was also an underlying message there to guard our hearts. A warning that justification of our own sins may open our own souls to darkness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would have rated it five-star had it not been that I felt the story lagged a bit in Michael’s flight. He was on the run—I get that—I just felt that the pace slowed down and I wanted to get back to the story. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be. I would definitely read this author again and I would suggest this book to others who enjoy a clean supernatural read.
The faith content is so subtle that some Christians may desire a less covert approach. However, those who simply enjoy a clean read may appreciate the subtility.
About Samuel Parker
Samuel Parker was born in the Michigan boondocks but was raised on a never-ending road trip through the U.S. Besides writing, he is a process junkie and the ex-guitarist for several metal bands you’ve never heard of. He lives in West Michigan with his wife and twin sons.
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