Fiction

Review of MindWar by Andrew Klavan

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Genre: YA Fiction/Action & Adventure/Sci-Fi

Series: MindWar Trilogy, Book #1

Recommended.

Rick Dial had been the quarterback of his high school football game; but after injuring his legs in a car accident he has been avoiding real life by loosing himself in a video-game obsession. When a secret government group recruits him to enter “the Realm” (a digital world created by a Russian villian) because of his unusually high gaming skill, he begins to rethink his life–and realizes that his father, who recently deserted the family, is not whom he imagined.

I have read Andrew Klavan’s Homelanders Series, and think he is one of the best choices for YA Christian fiction. His writing is swift and action-oriented. MindWar has a very different feel than his other works–it’s lighter, with a little less suspense, more room to provoke thought, but still with as much action and character risk-taking as ever.

There are a couple themes in the narrative that give me pause:

  1. I am not clear based on the first book alone what the “the Realm” represents. It appears to be a replica of the spiritual world and spiritual battle (in a good way!), but depending on how the story moves, the underlying message could go in any direction.
  2. I’m unsure how I feel about the “spirit guides”–maybe a different word choice would be more appropriate (I gather they represent angels).
  3. Rick learns to control his physical reality through his spiritual reality, which I find to be an excellent parallel for putting faith into action, but which could also be mistaken for the manipulation of the spiritual/physical realms as in the occult–or, on the “Christian” side of things, within the “word of faith” movement. The lines between what is and isn’t biblical are based so strongly on the posture of the heart that it is unclear which stance the story is working from since the details are not clearly defined. I judge it to be okay–even a helpful example; but having come out of an occult/New Age background, I am sensitive and hesitant over some of the scenes and word choices.

Overall, I do recommend this book, despite my small hesitations. I think it will catch the attention of pre-teen to teenage boys (or action loving girls). And I like that it opens up the conversation of faith, spirituality, and the supernatural realm without being overtly religious.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

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Review of A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

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Genre: Romantic Historical Comedy

Series: Ladies of Distinction, Book #4

Not Recommended.

Set in 1883, Agatha is a quick-witted news reporter who naturally attracts dangerous and troublesome situations. (She reminds me just a bit of Amelia Bedelia from the popular children’s book series.) When Agatha unexpectedly reconnects with Zayne–a single and handsome man from her past–sparks fly in a match of their equally stubborn natures and evident chemistry.

This novel is simply not my taste. I was intrigued by the book description, unsure about the cover, and plunged into it anyway, only to decide I had made a poor choice for myself.

I still cannot decide exactly why the narrative rubbed me the wrong way because the writing is solid. I think the comedic aspect was just too much for me: over the top, with larger than life characters that were unsettling and even annoying to me. I personally found it difficult to connect with the characters, story, and not-my-style humor; and I had trouble feeling the essence of the historical period.

That said, the story does begin to improve toward the middle as the character and plot focus becomes more settled and concentrated. I imagine readers who are looking for an exaggerated, light-hearted, and cheesy sort of romance and humor would likely enjoy this, even though it was not suitable for my taste.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke

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Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended!

This is one of the most interesting Holocaust novels I have read, focusing on the variations of insider German attitudes from August of 1939 through the summer of 1940 with a post-war epilogue.

Rachel Kramer is the daughter of a prominent (fictitious) American doctor of eugenics, who works closely with the infamous German Drs. Mengele and Verschuer. As she accompanies her father on a business trip, she is shocked to discover–largely through an American journalist–the implications of her father’s research, and the personal web of heartache and disillusionment it has created within her own family. When her childhood friend comes to her for help in rescuing her deaf daughter Amelie from certain death due to the scourge she is upon her SS father’s Aryan bloodline, Rachel chooses to leave her life of privilege to go into hiding with the child, eventually finding shelter in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play.

The Christian theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his message of the cost of grace, also plays a substantial secondary role as the characters determine for themselves who they are, what they believe, and how they should live in response to the increasingly difficult circumstances.

There are quite a few monumental transitions within the story, which at times made the novel feel long-winded, or like a trilogy wrapped into one. I was caught up in the characters, and the thoughts the story-line provoked within myself, yet also felt emotionally and intellectually pulled to shift my emotional response as the narrative went along. There could have been more cohesion within the emotional and spiritual motifs to tie the whole together as the beginning and ending felt like completely different pieces despite the natural flow of the plot-line in between. Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable and fascinating glimpse into this time-period, and a call to evaluate our modern culture in order to avert similar potential atrocities.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

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Review of Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

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Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended.

Tolsma’s writing is vivid and powerful. I loved her previous novel, Snow on the Tulips, and enjoyed this one as well. I especially appreciate that this was inspired by two separate true accounts, and that it presented a unique perspective of the normal German citizens who were also impacted by this dark period of history.

German-American Gisela is in East Prussia visiting family when the Soviet army begins to invade. Her cousin, Ella, urges Gisela to flee with her (Ella’s) two young girls, while she stays behind to nurse their sick grandpa. Gisela heads to Berlin, hoping to also collect her mutti before traveling south to safety. On the way she encounters a British POW escapee, and pretends to be married to him in order to save his life. As their group grows, they seek every option to survive the attack of the Russians, British, and American armies, praying the war will be over soon.

The story is true to history: touching on the violence, open hangings of the “cowardly,” gruesomeness, sexual assault, hunger, emotional struggles, and other horrors of living in a war zone. Yet it is also a lighthearted romance with the subtle spiritual motifs of trusting God in the midst of chaos and heart-wrenching loss, forgiving ourselves, and allowing God to bring healing to our deepest pains and regrets.

For the most part I connected really well to the characters–two of the secondary characters (Kurt and Audra) were mildly annoying to me at times, though not so much that it caused me to like the book any less–but I engaged well with Gisela, and particularly enjoyed the humor added by two elderly, senile, traveling companions. I also felt that the story concluded a bit suddenly in terms of the physical war plot, although the “feel good” epilogue wrapped up the emotional story nicely.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.

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Review of Deeper Than Red by Sue Duffy

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Genre: Suspense/Espionage

Series: Red Returning Trilogy, Book Three

Recommended.

This final addition to this suspenseful Christian spy trilogy takes the reader all over the map to uncover who is behind the assassination of the Russian President, soon-to-be coup d’etat of the Russian empire, and of similar threats against the United States. The web of evil instigators is intertwined with several “normal” citizens who are forced to do what they can to save those they love, bring darkness to justice, reconcile their own hurts, and choose whom to trust.

I have not yet read the first two books, and felt I was missing out on quite a lot, especially in the beginning as I struggled to identify the primary from secondary characters and keep the locations straight. Along with this, however, was the obvious indication that there is real depth in the previous novels to be missing out on–that the series itself is a winner! The story is easy enough to follow without the additional background, but there are several sets of characters, most of whom appear to be familiar to the series and likely have so much more to them than I could recognize from this piece alone.

I was briefly nervous that a great deal of the narrative takes place at an occult spiritualist camp, having had experience in the occult myself that I do not like to revisit. Thankfully, this portion of the story is dealt with particularly well. Duffy acknowledges the true darkness and demonic spiritual root of the occult, and contrasts it with the presence of understanding Christian characters who can discern and reveal God’s truth within the spiritual battle.

Another particularly meaningful aspect of the story to me was the emotional journey of a Jewish musician and undercover Mossad agent (Max) as he prepared to perform a concert at the Zeppelinfeld (Nazi Rally Grounds) in Germany. I would have liked even more emotional emphasis on Max and some of the other primary characters–but I have the feeling that this was mostly in the back-story–and overall, I enjoyed the fast moving action and poetic conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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Review of A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Highly Recommended.

Seasoned 24 year old model, Ivy Clark, faces the harsh reality of the fashion industry as she is pushed aside for younger, upcoming models. With her broken past and cold interior, the rejection she faces is almost too much for her. It is when she is forced into a “lesser” gig as the face of her Stepmother’s bridal shop that she encounters the unusual kindness and respect of photographer, Davis Knight, who is struggling with some identity issues of his own.

Written from the diverse yet parallel perspectives of Ivy, Davis, and the stepmother, Marilyn, this novel captures the struggle and beauty of discovering and trusting ones identity and destiny within God’s purposes. I related in some way or another to each character, and was entranced with the underlying thematic messages of grace, forgiveness, regaining innocence, abandoning pride and shame, and embracing love.

This is a “romance,” but not the kind where the characters fall all over each other. Rather, Ganshert gracefully reveals the distinction between love and lust; and the heroine learns to receive not just the love of a suitor, but the love of family, of friends, and of God. And–yes–there is chemistry between the “love birds” as well! It just is not the primary focus.

This is not specifically young adult fiction, but is one I think young women and teens will really relate to and enjoy. The characters run deep without the writing being too intense, and the positive themes are ensconced fluidly and unobtrusively within the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah.

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Review of Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent by Robin Parrish

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Genre: Political Thriller

Not Recommended.

This is excellent “airplane fiction”–I would loosely recommend it to those who want something very light and plot-oriented to enjoy quickly without lingering thought. Otherwise, it lacks the depth, character development, suspense, and quality that could have been possible within the solid structure of the action-packed plot.

John Luther is a preacher, made fugitive, who is trying to prove his innocence after being set up by a political superpower who wants to manipulate Luther’s vast ministry audience into accepting a “Faith and Fairness” bill that is in the works. A parallel back-story of John’s pre-Christian past adds a bit of depth to his personality–but not enough to illustrate a dynamic and evolving character presence.

I actually do think the issues presented in the narrative are relevant. The line between tolerance and faith is constantly in current political and religious debate. I just did not find the conflict to be presented with enough clarity, focus, or depth to create the emotional connection or urgency necessary to drive the story or exude suspense. Likewise, the subject of persecution is not presented as clearly as it should have been, especially given the title.

On the other hand, the concluding list of follow-up questions is valuable, and could be poignant to a Christian study group or Bible study. Maybe a teenage audience would even enjoy the novel as a whole? Interestingly, the book is framed after a film; so the movie version (coming soon) may actually supersede the writing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

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Genre: Murder Mystery

Series: Drew Farthering Mystery #2

Not Recommended.

Wealthy and charming amateur detective Drew Farthering finds himself caught up in the case of a serial killer, beginning when his own solicitor is murdered just before his scheduled appointment. Each murdered body is decorated with a hatpin and cryptic note, which is baffling to the police, but an intriguing challenge for Drew and his friends. Meanwhile, he tries to woo his American girlfriend to marry him–and her difficult aunt to also embrace his affections.

I will preface by saying that there were several promising aspects of this book: the hint of faith was well incorporated; I liked the English setting and tone; the characters, had they been developed better, were interesting; the cover art is stunning; and I even (mostly) liked the story itself…

The execution of the story, however, was flat. Suspense was lacking. The romance was lacking. I could not find an emotional connection with either the alive or murdered characters.  The mystery was too dependent on what I felt to be obscure literary references (except maybe to those who eat and breathe Shakespeare). Essentially, there was nothing within the writing to tie me to the narrative. The story was largely information-based, and this is not enough in my opinion. I simply did not enjoy reading it.

I think this author and this mystery series has promise overall, but the elements of this particular book did not come together for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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Review of Defy the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: Book Two

Recommended.

France; 1941. Fifteen year old Magali is living in the “free” zone of Southern France under Vichy rule, and is naive to the dangers and seriousness of the war around her, even though the worst is yet to come. When she is given the opportunity to help rescue children from internment camps and into charity homes through a Protestant refugee organization, she jumps at the chance to be a hero; but her pride and immaturity become a risk to those around her. Magali must learn to become secure and humble in her own calling, to put love first, and not to neglect the value of her friends and associates.

This is an excellently written story filled with depth and well-researched history. The characters are vibrant, and their emotional journeys are raw and honest. Magali, especially, has so much heart and passion, which is often misdirected and careless–but it is a joy to also watch her “come to age” through her mistakes and experiences. As I read her story, I couldn’t help but remember some of my own immature moments, and to praise God for guiding me through them.

This is the sort of book I would love my children to read as part of our homeschool curriculum when they reach their teens. It is not only an enjoyable story, but one which is informative, based on true accounts, and which provides the perfect backdrop for teaching and dialog about the progression of WWII, and the Christian responsibility for dealing appropriately with difficult and unjust circumstances.

Defy the Night is also part of a series, but each book is independent, despite some overlap in characters. The first book, How Huge the Night, is the coming of age story of Magali’s older brother Julien, and takes place in the first years of the war. The authors also have plans for a third book, which will likely include even more action as the war itself intensifies!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications.

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Review of For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

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Genre: Historical Romance

Recommended.

For Such a Time is a unique retelling of Esther based during the Holocaust. Hadassah Benjamin (hiding under false paperwork as Stella Muller) is rescued from a shooting line and finds herself in the odd position of working as a secretary for SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt while her fellow Jews (including her uncle Morty) endure the harsh conditions of the Czechoslovakian transit camp, Theresienstadt, that borders her new “home.” Worse, her people are progressively being transported to Auschwitz, and she is ordered to type up the lists of names finalizing their transportation and certain death–all while hiding her true identity, struggling with her faith, and feeling that God has abandoned them.

I enjoy how this narrative finds freedom in expressing the heart of the Esther story outside of its traditional setting. The events, especially in the climax and finale, unravel creatively, so as to bring fresh insight to the original.

There is a bit of awkwardness surrounding the romance between Stella and Herr Kommandant–but perhaps this was true of Esther and the Persian King as well within their married relationship? I would have liked more attention to have been given to Aric’s faith and feelings, which were alluded to on many occasions, but never explored to the extent of Hadassah’s. I also felt there was too much emphasis placed on Stella as the savior of her people (rather than an emphasis on the recognition of God at work); and also too quick of a spiritual spiritual resolution for Stella’s own question of faith.

That said, the book does well at its intentions to entertain, bring freshness to a beloved biblical account, and to reveal and remember the horrors of the Holocaust and God’s faithful presence even in our most difficult hours. This is also a wonderful debut novel to start off Breslin’s endeavor into historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

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