Demon: A Memoir

Title: Demon: A Memoir
Author; Tosca Lee
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Christian Fiction (though not marketed as such),
Source: Paperback
Rating:  2.5 out of 5 paws




Clay had a mysterious meeting on his calendar that no one knew about.  He stayed late at work only to  have no one show up.  One his way home he stops for some dinner when a man in the corner begins speaking with him, as if he was waiting for him.  Clay believes he is a writer looking to get his book published but Lucian claims to be so much more; a demon.  A demon who wants his story, or rather his memoir, published and has decided that Clay is the person to do this.  Clay sprials down a demonic rabbit hole as he strives to piece together Lucian's tale.  But...it seems there are some frightening similarities between Lucian's tale and Clay's own life. But he is now beyond the point of no return and has to finish things and find out how the story ends.

I have had this book on my to-read shelf for years, since 2012 in fact, so I decided to buy it and see what it was that intrigued me six years ago. The idea behind the story is an interesting one, a demon wants to write his memoirs, tell his side of the story.  Then the man he's telling the story to begins to feel the story is as much his as it is the demon's.  Seems interesting and compelling right?  At some points it was, at other points...it fell flat, it didn't compel me to continue reading it as much as I had hopped it would.  At times it felt like it dragged on and didn't go far.  There wasn't any..umph so to speak to this story.


The name of the main character: Clay, seems to be a play on words, but it didn't feel like a clever one, especially as it is mentioned time and time again. Clay comes off as a man desperate to cling to anything that might define his life, or bring excitement to his life; even if it is a memoir from a demon.  He continues to wallow in self-pity and it gets old rather quickly.  Lucien doesn't come off as being demonic and doesn't anything outright demon like, he has moments of being "bad" but those aren't really what you would expect from a demon of his self proclaimed caliber.  The story he tells doesn't go beyond things most Christians know or beyond Lucien basically stating "we hate humans, and are mad that Elohim chose them over us" over and over again.


There seemed to have been the beginnings of a subplot of agents from both realms following the two characters, but this is never fully expanded on.  If it was it might have brought my rating and enjoyment of the novel up a little more than where it is at.  At the end Clay has a revelation about his own life, but we don't see anything that provides evidence of him coming to this conclusion.  It felt like there are so many questions opened that have no satisfactory resolutions. 


I am on the fence on whether or not I would recommend this book.  I may not have liked it but someone else might.  Do not go into this book thinking you will read  horror or thriller type novel as it is marketed as, go into it expecting to read something that is Christian Fiction at best.

Sinner

Title: Sinner
AUthor: Ted Dekker
Genre: Christian Thriller, Christian Fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5


As we enter the world of Sinner we follow the mysterious Marsuvees Black.  He uses his words to seek destruction more than he uses guns or other weapons.  This story takes place 13 years after the first book, and we see Billy Darcy and Johnny once again.  Billy, Johnny, and Darcy survive the monastery project that tests is isolated children could say no to forbidden fruit or if they would fall into temptation.  The three survivors now take on Marsuvees Black and try as they can to stand up for what is right and just.  But will they be strong enough to fight against him?  Or will his powers of persuasion and manipulation get the best of everyone?





I have said this before in some of my other reviews of Ted Dekker's work, he has got to be one of my all time favorite authors.  I started with this series and it had me hooked from the very beginning.  It has been said that you don't have to read the series in order, but I personally believe it is best to read them in order.  That way you get a clear understanding of what is happening and how each character relates to one another.  As well as the events leading up to what happens in Sinner.


Something I love about this author is that he can discuss things that real and important to us today such as the issue of tolerance and hate speech.  I think he does a great job at portraying the dangers of what could happen if we continue on the path that we are one.  There is a difference between tolerance, and love.  He does a good job at getting this message across.  Normally he uses metaphors and subtlety when adding in the Christian elements, but in this novel they weren't subtle and they weren't really metaphorical.  It seemed to be lacking something that the other two books had.  Granted I love the book nonetheless, but something seemed to be missing in this one.


All the characters are interesting and compelling.  I am happy we get to see more of Black in this series and I am kind of hoping he returns in other books, almost like that recurring bad guy that seems to haunt everyone's dreams.  Every time I read this book, or rather the series, I get more and more interested in him.  He is a fantastic character and I want more.   Sinner is a good ending to the other books, though it almost feels like it should be book two rather than book three, but I am sure Dekker had a reason for setting it up the way he did.


Overall I think it's a great book and highly recommend the book, series, and author to anyone who enjoys a good read whether you believe in Christianity or not.  I don't think the elements that he incorporates takes away from the story if anything it might enhance it a little bit.  You never know if you like a book until you read it.


Happy Reading!

A.D. 33

 A.D 33 by Ted Dekker tells the journey of a queen named Maviah.  She is known as the Queen of Outcasts or the Queen of the Desert. A neighboring kingdom as taken several children from her village including Maviah's son.  She embarks on a journey for find assistance in getting her son and the other children back, even if that means traveling to distant lands to meet with Yeshua.  She is horrified to discover that Yeshua is facing his own death.  She now must come to understand that this is God's as is the possibility of her own son's death.  Maviah finds herself struggling with her own desires and her teachings of the God word.

I have been looking at this book for a little while since it came out and wanted to read it since it's by one of my favorite authors.  I am slightly saddened to say that I did not like it as much as I have enjoyed his other novels.  I am not sure if i liked that Maviah was present for some key Biblical events.  I understand literary freedom and everything, but it still did not sit very well with me.  What i did like however was that the reader got a glimpse into Maviah's mind, we were a part of her thoughts and emotions. Part of Dekker's charm is that he is able to bring his readers right into the story with the characters.  He paints such a vivid picture that enables the reader to be able to visualize everything as if they were watching a movie.

I highly recommend this book, even if i wasn't a fan of it,  to anyone who enjoys thrillers, suspense, a little bit of sci-fy or fiction in general.  The beauty about Ted Dekker is he writes about Christianity without it feeling like he is throwing it into your face or anything.  He displays it through the character's faith and their struggle which are easily relatable.  My overall rating for this novel is a 4 out of 5 stars.

Healer's Apprentice

Rose is the daughter of a wood-cutter, and has been appointed as the apprentice to the healer.  She tries to her best to do well and make the healer proud, but the sight of blood makes her queasy!  When the prince comes in needing assistance with a gash in his leg, Rose must gather the strength to mend his wound thus beginning an unlikely friendship.  Hamlien encourages Rose to accept his brother Rupert despite his reputation in an effort to get her off his own mind and heart.  Hamlien has other things to worry about such as finding an evil sorcerer so that his betrothed (whom he has never met) may come out of hiding.  Rose and Hamlien struggle to hide their feelings for one another, will they be able to forget their feelings?  Will the prince find his betrothed?  Read on to find out!


I have read Melanie Dickerson's Merchant's Daughter previously and enjoyed her re-telling of Beauty and the Beast.  Healer's Apprentice is her take on Sleeping Beauty.  She does a wonderful job at presenting a new story for these classic fairy tales.   The novel is considered Christian fiction and Dickerson does a great job incorporating those elements into the story without them being too overwhelming, such as the characters praying or encouraging one another with a verse.  It didn't feel overdone or thrown in the readers face.  Perfect execution of this.  Another thing she does wonderfully are the romantic elements.  She develops the romance through friendship and interaction.  Anytime Rupert suggests something scandalous Rose rebukes him informing how inappropriate it would be.  She even flusters at either man kissing her hand in public or being seen unaccompanied with them.


This being the second book of Dickerson's that I have read, I have come to love this author.  She has an outstanding talent for writing and captivating her audience.  While this is a "romance" novel it is not typical romance in that it does not have sex scenes and shows healthy development of the relationship, something young women need to read.  I think this is a great book for a young woman and older women as well to pick up and read on a Saturday afternoon.  I finished it in an evening, okay I may have been  up until 2 am wanting to finish it.  The story really draws you in and makes you eager to know what happens next.  I know there are other books in this series and I certainly will be looking for them.


Healer's Apprentice is the type of book to make young woman daydream about the perfect man.  Every woman wants a valiant man like Hamlien, some may even want a little imp like Rupert.  I am excited and happy to have this book in my collection.  I am giving it a rating of 4 out of 5.  The story of the evil sorcerer seemed to have taken a backside to the romance, I would have liked to see more of that in the story.

Saint by Ted Dekker

Saint is the second book in Ted Dekker's "Paradise Series."  I have already talked about Showdown a few months back, and this book is a continuation of that story.  In Showdown, a strange man comes into town and people begin acting weird, evil almost.  Children in a monastery find books where what they write in the book, it comes true.  The children are a part of an experiment to see if they will remain innocent if they are secluded from the influences of the outside world.  Carl has been recruited for Black Ops and given his life to the most brutal kind of training any man or woman could endure. He was here because he belonged here. To the X Group, an assassin. The most effective killer in the world. And yet . . . Carl Strople struggles to retain fleeting memories that betray an even more ominous reality. He's been told part of the truth, but what's the rest. Invasive techniques have stripped him of his identity and made him someone new for this he is grateful. But there are some things they can't take from him. The love of a woman, unbroken loyalties to his past, the need for survival.




This second book in the Paradise series is just as amazing as the first.  The story is a little different and stems away from the kids in Paradise, and the kids in the monastery, but the reader gets the feeling that this story is equally important for the final showdown. This novel has a strong start and middle, but sadly the end starts to unravel and fall very short of expectations and the quality we tend to expect from Dekker.  It is a Christian novel, so there is a lot of emphasis on love and grace.  Some may think this takes away from the novel, but I think it adds a different quality to the thriller.




This is the second book of Ted Dekker's that I have ever read, and I read it a few years ago and still absolutely love Ted Dekker as a writer.  That being said, this is probably one of the novels I like the least.  As mentioned it is a part of series, but doesn't follow the story of the first book which threw me off a little but still helped cement my love for this author.  He has a way of writing that draws the reader into the story.  You will almost feel as if you are standing beside Carl as everything happens and that you are experiencing the same things that he is.  Dekker has the ability to implement the Christian elements without making it feel like the reader is being preached to, or overdone.  It is the right amount, at the right times.  While it feels like this is one of the less enjoyable books to read of his it still shows his mastery of the written word.




I don't think there has been a book of Dekker's that I have not recommended and this is no different.  You don't have to read the books in order to understand what is happen you could read this one first and then Showdown then Saint or Saint then Showdown.  But you do want to leave Sinner for last because it does tie the other two stories together.  I highly recommend this for those who haven't read Dekker yet as well as those who have.  I give this book a 3.5 out 5 because it does fall short at the end and becomes disappointing when knowing the skills of this author.

Miracle At The Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado, Candace and Eric Newman

Chelsea Chambers feels lost and on her own.  She returns to her home town after a very public seperation from her NFL player husband and takes over the family business: High Grounds Cafe; a coffee shop her grandmother started.  But the coffee house is in need of reinvention, they have lost customer base to the modern chain Cafe Cosmo down the road.  Chelsea is at a lost of what to do even her outstanding cupcakes and pastries fail to bring in the customers.   She is need of a miracle or two, or three.  When a stranger shows up at the coffee shop looking for a job things begin to change.  Shortly after his arrival, customer begin to flock to the shop, is because of the delicious coffee and pastries, or is it because of the new God Blog, a way for customers to ask God 1 question and get a response supposedly from the man upstairs himself.  One disaster after another has Chelsea feeling unsure of where to turn.  When a major disaster occurs, her eyes are open to the unknown elements around her.  She turns to the one person who can answer the question that has been plaguing her.  As always Heaven never answers in the way she expects.

 I don't know where to begin with this book.  I began to read it and honestly could not put it down. I finished it within hours.  Max has always been a staple author in my family's home, I have read several of his Christian Living books, but this is the first fiction novel of his that I have read.  I was not disappointed.  Many things addressed in this book were relate-able on a multitude of levels.  I caught myself asking "If you could ask God one question, anything at all, what would it be?"  Throughout the novel, Chelsea does not utilize the "God Blog" and tries to do everything on her own.  I was slightly disappointed that there was not more of Chelsea finding God and turning to him more.  I expected more of that, more of her realizing she needed God in order to survive, but that doesn't come until later in the novel.  But I guess that describes how we are, we don't realize we need God until later in the story of our lives.

Max and his team develops the story nicely and moves it along at an easy pace.  There were elements that reminded me of It's A Wonderful Life with the guardian angel coming to aid his charge. That is one of my favorite movies so it was easy to find a correlation.  But that was an element I highly enjoyed as well.  The aid not Chelsea needed, but also her children came in the form of a guardian angel.  I couldn't help but chuckle when he watched Star Wars for the first time.  I admit this is not normally a book I would pick up, but I am glad to have read it.   While it is a fictional novel, it gives readers something to reflect on, even in the discussion questions at the end.

I would give this novel a 4 out of 5 because there were elements that seemed cliche and the main character not finding/utilizing her faith.  I would recommend this to any of my friends who enjoy a Christian fiction.  It is great for discussion groups and even study groups eager to learn new ways of reflecting on their walk with God.  Every enjoyable.

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program.  **

13th Demon

Title: The 13th Demon by Bruce Hennigan
Media: Paperback
Rating 3.5 out of 5

Recommendation:  This book is perfect for those who enjoy chilling thrillers.  It is good for those who enjoy delving into stories of the supernatural and unknown.

The 13th Demon by Bruce Henningan is the first book in the Chronicles of Jonathan Steel series.  It follows the story of Jonathan Steel as he strives to aid those in need while he hunts for the truth to his past.

Something is happening at Thomas Parker's church.  Wave of blood pours through the sanctuary, the baptism pool becomes a swirling energy field, there is an spiral eye on the ceiling.  When Jonathan Steel comes into help spiders begin to attack the pastor and Steel.  Steel in turn takes pictures of strange writing on the wall as well as the energy field and the eye on the ceiling.  He calls in some help, a linguist and a physicist,  to get to the truth of the matter.  Meanwhile, he learns there is a businessman who is trying to buy the church for some reason.  What is the connection between the businessman and what is happening within the church?  When the physicist's son becomes a part of the mystery everyone treads lightly and strives to find the truth before it becomes too late.

I was slightly disappointed in this novel, for some reason I had high expectations on the alter of the spiral eye, and the 13th demon.  There wasn't much backstory to the 13th demon other than a small snippet on it not being among the 12 "chosen" demons much like the 12 apostles.  The story could have gone into more detail about what makes this particular demon scarier than others.  I did however enjoy the archeological and linguistic aspects to the story.  It added  depth to the setting and images on the walls that Steel had seen.

I understand the reason for no backstory on Jonathan Steele because, well he doesn't even know who he is, so the scenes were he remembers or is given reminders of his past are well done and provide that needed backstory.  His amnesia adds a complexity to his character as he simply doesn't remember anything before a specific time.  So as a reader we don't know who or even what Jonathan Steel is because he doesn't know.  That makes the reader want to try and figure this character out.  The other characters are well rounded and play their roles perfectly in the story, personally I wanted more from Liz, the linguist but that is probably because that is where my own interest and passion lies.  I enjoyed the idea of death being like a butterfly in a cocoon.  It was an interesting metaphor.

13th Demon is a well written novel that leave readers wanting more, and from I've seen there is more (I bought 12th Demon just waiting to get a chance to read it).  I look forward to what Bruce has for us in the future.  With some of the other books I have read, I would like to see this one made into a movie, it definitely has the suspense factor.

Hangman's Curse

Title: Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti
Media Source: Hardback
Rating 4 out of 5

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to fans of Ted Dekker, as well as those who enjoy a good thriller, mystery with a slight hint of paranormal aspects to it.

Hangman's Curse is a young adult novel that touches on the realm of ghost stories and the supernatural.  It is the first volume in the Veritas Project series. 

The Springfield family work together as investigators for the Veritas Project, a secret project that searches for the truth.  When some teens shows signs of a strange illness, the family is called in to find out the truth behind the situation.  Three students are in the hospital with rumors of a ghost attacking them, a ghost controlled by another student.  On eat of their lockers is a mysterious carving of a hangman.  What is happening to these teenagers?  Is there an explanation to all of this or is there something more supernatural happening?

Frank Peretti has been one of my favorite authors for a while now, and this novel continues in true Peretti fashion and solidifies my admiration for his work.  I found myself completely captivated by this novel waiting for what would happen next, waiting to see who or what is behind the mysterious illness of the bullies of this school.  The overlying theme of the novel seems to be anti-bulling and students coming to the realization that their taunts and words are more harmful than they originally thought.  As well as the dangers of when those in authority turn a blind eye.

Peretti always has a way with presenting his story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, anticipating what will happen next, longing to find out what is the cause of things as well as who is behind it all.  He is able to put everything right in front of your eyes, but then still surprise you with the revelation.  His characters are complex and relatable. Elisha and Elijah are representations of someone you could be friends with.  Every school has an outcast like Ian Snyder just wanting to fit in as well as bullies like Jay Boltz.  The characters he creates elicit emotion and a sense of kinship with.

When all was revealed, I admit, I shuddered because it preyed on my own fears.  That in itself adds an effect to the story that other novels don't have because as I am squirming and twitching as I continue to read this novel to the end.  But I highly enjoyed the novel and suggest it to others.  I cannot wait to find the second novel in this series.  I want to see the wild ride Peretti plans to take us on.

Bones Will Speak

 

Title:  The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Parks
Media Source: Nook
Rating: 5 out of 5 paws

Recommendation:  Simply read this book.  Any murder mystery enthusiast would devour this novel.  Even if you haven't read a mystery yet, make this your first.

The Bones Will Speak is a murder mystery where a serial killer who uses religion as an excuse  for his killings.  He stalks a forensic artist to seek revenge calling her a traitor, but a traitor to what?

When Gwen's dog unearths a human cranium she embarks on a journey she never expected.  While searching for the rest of the remains, Gwen discovers the unconscious body of a missing girl.  This discovery leads to a whirlwind tale of a serial killer targeting Gwen and her family because of a previous case she worked on.  IT is discovered that he is a member of a supremacy group that uses the Old Testament to justify their beliefs.  The serial killer takes it farther and uses the same doctrine to justify his killing spree.

Wow, is all I can say about this book.  It has been a little while since a book has blown me away.  I devoured the book so quickly that I finished it in one night.  It captivated me throughout the entire story.  There is not a thing I didn't like about this novel.  Readers are thrown into the story from the beginning and are thrown into a roller coaster of a tale.  Throughout the book we see characters becoming more complex, Gwen goes through changes as she learns to forgive her ex-husband, those around her who constantly ask "how are you feeling", even her ex husband's new fiancé.  She becomes a stronger woman because of her struggles related to the serial killer and those in her personal life outside of the story.  I loved that Carrie Parks added that element to the story.  The readers get to see Gwen in different roles other than being the victim of a crime.

The way she reveals information is wonderful as well.  Some is revealed through other characters doing research, character dialogue, or character experience.  She mixes up the ways she uses to expose information such as the church groups or the killings in another city.  This keeps the story interesting and fresh.  As you are reading this book, you think you have it figured out but then Carrie throws in a plot twist and changes the whole thing. Bones Will Speak keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

I also enjoyed the Christian elements of Beth talking to Gwen about forgiveness, Aynslee praying with Maddie, and the scripture references, even the ones the serial killer was using.  It was interesting to see in a fictional novel someone taking the Old Testament and twisting it to suit their needs.  It was almost scary to think there are really people who believe the same things the serial killer and other organizations that Carrie mentions did.

Carrie Parks does an excellent job with this novel, I cannot wait to read more from her.  She has the same effect on me as Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti.  Well done Carrie, well done.

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program.  **

Treasure of the North

Treasures of The North (Yukon Quest Book #1), by Tracie Peterson
Media: ebook - Nook
Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation:  I would recommend this novel for those who enjoy both Christian novels with focus on relying on God as well as those who like old west novels, novels about the gold rush and romance.


Treasures of the North is the story of a young woman, Grace Hawkin, who travels to the Yukon with her governess, Karen Pierce, to escape the potential to marry an abusive man.  Karen travels to the Yukon in hopes of finding her father who has gone missing during a missionary trip among the natives in Alaksa.  Along the way they met and make new friends in Peter Colton, a ship captain who sees the gold rush as a way help establish the family shipping business and Bill, a widower who packs his kids up to head north in hopes of achieving riches with the gold to be found.  Martin Paxton makes his way to the Yukon unbeknown to Grace and Karen.  Martin continues to manipulate her family to bring down their ruin, and he is determined to bring down Grace as well.

This is one of those novels that you can find yourself getting lost in and lose complete track of time.  I almost finished it in one night.  The story is compelling, the characters are thrilling, and you find yourself hoping each of their dreams come true (aside from Martin who you love to loathe).   There are a lot of references to religion and God throughout the novel, so if that is not something you dislike, this isn't a book for you.  That being said those references were done very well, it displayed the beliefs of Grace and Karen, and sometimes Peter.   It added quality to each of the characters to see how their faith fit into their lives. 

Peterson does a wonderful job with this story. It flows nicely and the changes in storylines, meaning changing to the different characters flowed together well. Readers aren't left wondering what is happening or where the story is headed.  There are questions that arise and go unanswered, but that is why there is a second book in the series.  The novel doesn't necessarily end, but prepare readers for the next novel.  It almost leaves you hanging which drops the rating down slightly.

Will I return to it?  I am not sure if I would return to this particular novel, but I will continue to read the series.

SEVEN - X

SEVEN - X:  written by Mike Wech;
media source: Kindle ebook.
Rating:  4 out of 5 stars.

This novel is not simply a tale of good verses evil, but rather the battle with one's own darkness.


Eddie Hanson is determined to find out the truth behind the disappearance of a death row prisoner: Annette Dodson.  The tip he receives takes him to a behavioral health institution located in the middle of no where, just outside of Dell City, Texas.  In order to get the story he wants, Eddie willingly commits himself to the center while he does video entries and writes journals to document his findings.  But what Eddie finds there is not what he expected.  Are the things he is experiencing true or an illusion (or rather delusion) created by those who run the facility?

Eddie begins to see and hear things that cannot be explain, although those running the center try to explain it as demons attacking and possessing those living there and trying to gain access to Eddie as well.  They believe they are "helping" people like Annette Dodson by commanding the demons out of their bodies.  They believe the criminals were possessed by these demons at the time of their crimes and have no recollection of the horrors they have committed.  Eddie is skeptical about this and begins to believe everyone there is being drugged, himself included.

**Disclaimer ** This novel will chill you to the core.  I have read numerous novels that have dealt with the occult and demonic possession, but never have I read a book like this one.  If you have an active imagination, do not read this at night before bed.

Mike Wech does an excellent job with this novel.  He has excellent use of various languages such as Latin, Hebrew and Greek.  Rather than generically having the demons speak completely in English, he has them speaking languages they would be more familiar with.  Having this element in the novel, this characteristic of the demons, adds to the chill factor of the novel.  Another aspect that makes this a superb novel is much of the Biblical references don't come from the pastor or other members of the facility staff and occupants, but rather the demons themselves.  Portraying that even demons and the fallen have knowledge and understanding of the Bible making it easier for them to deceive.  One thing that I personally enjoyed was the underlying theme of once a demon is exorcised, it returns with 7 of it's buddies. This continues until the host is left worse than ever.

Throughout we hear of Ose and references are made to a leopard, but there is the feeling that not enough was done with either one.  I would have liked to see more use out of Ose and his desire to capture Eddie's soul.  There didn't seem to be too much development with the demonic characters just a few references to their actions and possessions, but we don't see the true nature of their evil.  Ward E is still left a mystery, possibly to be explained in another novel?  I wanted to see more of the spiritual battle that was supposed to be happening between the demons and those at the center, the Pastor included.  He wasn't as much of a major character as I feel he should have been.

With all that being said, I cannot believe this is Mr. Wech's first novel.  It was fantastically well written and kept me on the edge of me seat.  I didn't want to put it down!  I look forward to reading more from this talented author.