It was with high hopes that I requested Vigilante from Bethany House as my next book to review. I didn't expect them to send me an advanced readers copy within the week. Having loved Robin Parrish's earlier works, especially the Dominion Trilogy and Nightmare, I anticipated something spectacular. Spectacular it was—but I'm not so sure it was such a good thing.
Robin's novels are written in an extremely cinematic writing style, much like a movie in book form, focusing on visual, action, and pacing. In Vigilante, Robin steps it up a bit more, taking it to an almost cartoonish level. Which—don't get me wrong—makes for a quick, exciting, and interesting read. If that's all you're looking for, then Vigilante is a good choice. I think the part that disappointed me the most about Vigilante was the apparent lack of original ideas. The comic book, super-hero feel that Parrish was going for came across, and came across well. But throughout the whole book I felt as if I'd been here before or seen this before, and was waiting for the characteristic Robin Parrish aspect. The Dominion Trilogy was full of twists and surprises and spiritual themes, as was Nightmare; there was less of that in Vigilante, and what there was felt forced. I liked the characters for the most part, but the ones I really enjoyed were given very little “screen time” and very little back-story.
To be fair, I read this book over a month ago and have finally found the time to sit down to write a review for it. It is a good book...but it could have been so much more, and that's the disappointing part. Robin Parrish is a fine author and I'm still looking forward to whatever he has coming next. He definitely deserves more readers; however, I don't think this is the book that will give him more. I honestly think his earlier works should have done that for him, so if you're reading this, check them out.
In all, Vigilante is like the Avatar of Christian fiction: lots of flash, lots of bang, but in the end, there isn't much new ground covered here.
3.5 out of 5
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Priest's Graveyard, by Ted Dekker
Wow. I am once again impressed with Ted's storytelling. A few of his recent offerings were mediocre at best, in my opinion, but Dekker's latest thriller had me captivated from the start.
This is perhaps Ted's darkest novel to date—and if you're familiar with Dekker's writing at all, you'll know that he doesn't normally shy away from the gritty, gruesome, and gross. But in his other works, there was a clear theological theme or symbolic motif that framed the story and put the darkness into perspective. Priest's Graveyard, although it covers the topic of grace and justice in the form of a vigilante...it's different. Maybe it's because the issue at stake is a difficult one, maybe it's because the book was published through the secular market, maybe it's because Dekker wrote it so well, or maybe it's because I just didn't fully understand it. In any case, I am still trying to sift through the ideas to understand what he was trying to say—unless his point was to get his readers to think, in which case: job accomplished.
I was mesmerized by the story. Ever since I read a preview of the prologue and first chapter online, I knew that this was going to be a good one. When the reviews started coming in, I only got more excited. And I'm happy to say that the anticipation was well worth it; the book did not disappoint. The characters were well-drawn; I thought Dekker did a good job with the female first-person point of view, and for once, he actually made a male protagonist who seems different from the male protagonists in his other books. The plot is interesting and fast-paced and I don't really want to give too much away; read the synopsis or a few other reviews if you want to know the details. And yes, there is a twist, and it's a doozy I didn't see coming. However, it's this twist, the consequences of it, and the ultimate outcome that have me confused as to what Dekker was trying to imply, because I thought I had the symbolism all figured out until it got chucked out the window.
And then there's the vigilante theme. It's a very intriguing premise, an interesting portrayal, and it raises some very tough moral questions. It's also why I call it Dekker's darkest book. Because in this story, the good guys are actually very, very bad guys, and it's complicated because he makes you root for them anyway, and you want to root for them because you know that inside they are good people and they are only trying to do what is right, and the scary thing is that it all makes sense. But you follow them on murderous escapades full of torturous details, most of which are lengthily premeditated and planned. And that's why I say it's dark.
The Priest's Graveyard is a very good book, though, that I would recommend to anyone who knows what they're getting themselves into. Utterly absorbing, absolutely fascinating, and ultimately shocking; it's one of Ted's most original works in quite some time. You don't want to miss it.
4.5 out of 5
This is perhaps Ted's darkest novel to date—and if you're familiar with Dekker's writing at all, you'll know that he doesn't normally shy away from the gritty, gruesome, and gross. But in his other works, there was a clear theological theme or symbolic motif that framed the story and put the darkness into perspective. Priest's Graveyard, although it covers the topic of grace and justice in the form of a vigilante...it's different. Maybe it's because the issue at stake is a difficult one, maybe it's because the book was published through the secular market, maybe it's because Dekker wrote it so well, or maybe it's because I just didn't fully understand it. In any case, I am still trying to sift through the ideas to understand what he was trying to say—unless his point was to get his readers to think, in which case: job accomplished.
I was mesmerized by the story. Ever since I read a preview of the prologue and first chapter online, I knew that this was going to be a good one. When the reviews started coming in, I only got more excited. And I'm happy to say that the anticipation was well worth it; the book did not disappoint. The characters were well-drawn; I thought Dekker did a good job with the female first-person point of view, and for once, he actually made a male protagonist who seems different from the male protagonists in his other books. The plot is interesting and fast-paced and I don't really want to give too much away; read the synopsis or a few other reviews if you want to know the details. And yes, there is a twist, and it's a doozy I didn't see coming. However, it's this twist, the consequences of it, and the ultimate outcome that have me confused as to what Dekker was trying to imply, because I thought I had the symbolism all figured out until it got chucked out the window.
And then there's the vigilante theme. It's a very intriguing premise, an interesting portrayal, and it raises some very tough moral questions. It's also why I call it Dekker's darkest book. Because in this story, the good guys are actually very, very bad guys, and it's complicated because he makes you root for them anyway, and you want to root for them because you know that inside they are good people and they are only trying to do what is right, and the scary thing is that it all makes sense. But you follow them on murderous escapades full of torturous details, most of which are lengthily premeditated and planned. And that's why I say it's dark.
The Priest's Graveyard is a very good book, though, that I would recommend to anyone who knows what they're getting themselves into. Utterly absorbing, absolutely fascinating, and ultimately shocking; it's one of Ted's most original works in quite some time. You don't want to miss it.
4.5 out of 5
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Music I've Been Enjoying
In no particular order:
The band Children 18:3 released their Rain's 'A Comin' album in the summer. Kind of a grungy, punk-rocky sound, full of energy. My favorites are "Cover Your Eyes" and "Oh Bravo."
The Classic Crime is an amazing band signed to Tooth and Nail records. When I found them over the summer, I couldn't stop listening to their second album, The Silver Cord, and then I quickly became obsessed with their latest release, Vagabonds. They are an alternative rock band. Check out songs like "Salt in the Snow" or "Solar Powered Life."
Anberlin's newest, Dark is the Way, Light is a Place, is my second favorite of all of their albums (after Cities, of course). Not much else to say; if you like Anberlin, you'll probably like this one.
Group 1 Crew released Outta Space Love not too long ago. A good alternative to artists like Black Eyed Peas, etc. Kind of hip-hoppy, overuse of autotune, semi-rappish music that's simply fun to listen to.
House of Heroes. I loved their album The End is not the End. Suburba, however, I am a bit unsure about. It's still good music, but it just doesn't measure up. It's a good listen though, and I like "God Save the Foolish Kings" and "Galveston."
I've just discovered a song called "Love Lust" by King Charles. I don't even know what genre it is--folk rock?--but I love it. He doesn't have a cd yet in the states, though.
Fair's song "Disappearing World" is wonderful.
Ian McIntosh has a worship album entitles Alive. Great stuff.
The Letter Black is a female-fronted rock band along the lines of Flyleaf or Fireflight--but possibly better, in my opinion. Their debut album is Hanging on by a Thread.
Olafur Arnalds writes the best neo-classical music I have heard in my life. Please check out his song "3055" --Absolutely beautiful.
That's all I've got for now.
The band Children 18:3 released their Rain's 'A Comin' album in the summer. Kind of a grungy, punk-rocky sound, full of energy. My favorites are "Cover Your Eyes" and "Oh Bravo."
The Classic Crime is an amazing band signed to Tooth and Nail records. When I found them over the summer, I couldn't stop listening to their second album, The Silver Cord, and then I quickly became obsessed with their latest release, Vagabonds. They are an alternative rock band. Check out songs like "Salt in the Snow" or "Solar Powered Life."
Anberlin's newest, Dark is the Way, Light is a Place, is my second favorite of all of their albums (after Cities, of course). Not much else to say; if you like Anberlin, you'll probably like this one.
Group 1 Crew released Outta Space Love not too long ago. A good alternative to artists like Black Eyed Peas, etc. Kind of hip-hoppy, overuse of autotune, semi-rappish music that's simply fun to listen to.
House of Heroes. I loved their album The End is not the End. Suburba, however, I am a bit unsure about. It's still good music, but it just doesn't measure up. It's a good listen though, and I like "God Save the Foolish Kings" and "Galveston."
I've just discovered a song called "Love Lust" by King Charles. I don't even know what genre it is--folk rock?--but I love it. He doesn't have a cd yet in the states, though.
Fair's song "Disappearing World" is wonderful.
Ian McIntosh has a worship album entitles Alive. Great stuff.
The Letter Black is a female-fronted rock band along the lines of Flyleaf or Fireflight--but possibly better, in my opinion. Their debut album is Hanging on by a Thread.
Olafur Arnalds writes the best neo-classical music I have heard in my life. Please check out his song "3055" --Absolutely beautiful.
That's all I've got for now.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Valley of Bones, by Eric Wilson
Eric Wilson holds nothing back in the heart-wrenching finale of his Jerusalem's Undead trilogy, as Gina Lazarescu and the rest of Those Who Resist continue in their struggle against the vampiric Collectors of the Akeldama Cluster.
Ever since news of this trilogy reached my ears in 2007, I have eagerly awaited Wilson's take on the vampire legend. Wilson was catapulted to the top of my favorite authors list as soon as I set down his first book, Dark to Mortal Eyes—my first foray into the works of Eric Wilson. And although I have never been a big vampire fan (especially not in this Twilight-saturated culture), I knew that Wilson would turn this new series into something special. Needless to say, when I received an advanced copy of the first book, Field of Blood, in 2008, I was captivated. And now, at last, the journey ends in this stunning conclusion, Valley of Bones.
I won't really say much about the plot, here, as Wilson does that far better in the novels themselves, and if you're reading this review, you need to go out and read this trilogy, anyway. Don't let the whole vampire thing scare you away, because that isn't the point of this series. Instead, Wilson uses it as a catalyst to explore deep issues of faith in a refreshing new way. In fact, I would say this is the most eye-opening, faith-reviving series I've read since Dekker's Martyr's Song or Blessed Child novels.
The author put a phenomenal amount of research and imagination into this series, and the connections he makes between these stories and his other novels are absolutely mind-blowing; and yet, he makes them in such a way that it isn't necessary to read the older books to understand this series. Instead, it acts as the icing on the cake, the “easter eggs” to his fans, the little—and sometimes big—details that make his books so much fun to read. But for those who have read his previous works, Valley of Bones acts as the finale for them all, bringing back old characters and drawing their storylines to a fitting conclusion, and I think that is one of my favorite parts about this book.
I will admit that it takes a little while to really “get into” these books. The storyline doesn't always go in chronological order, jumps around between the good and bad characters, and at first glance just seems so bizarre...but when you grasp what is really going on, you won't be able to put these down. The characters seem fully alive (even the undead ones...ha), the story is epic in scale, and the concept is just so darn cool—and cleverly written, to boot.
I really encourage you to give these books a try. If they're not your cup of tea, then try his other novels (2 supernatural suspense books, 2 general mystery books—all 4 excellent and very well written). Eric Wilson is an enormously talented storyteller, and it pains me to see that he doesn't have more readers. He certainly deserves them.
Ever since news of this trilogy reached my ears in 2007, I have eagerly awaited Wilson's take on the vampire legend. Wilson was catapulted to the top of my favorite authors list as soon as I set down his first book, Dark to Mortal Eyes—my first foray into the works of Eric Wilson. And although I have never been a big vampire fan (especially not in this Twilight-saturated culture), I knew that Wilson would turn this new series into something special. Needless to say, when I received an advanced copy of the first book, Field of Blood, in 2008, I was captivated. And now, at last, the journey ends in this stunning conclusion, Valley of Bones.
I won't really say much about the plot, here, as Wilson does that far better in the novels themselves, and if you're reading this review, you need to go out and read this trilogy, anyway. Don't let the whole vampire thing scare you away, because that isn't the point of this series. Instead, Wilson uses it as a catalyst to explore deep issues of faith in a refreshing new way. In fact, I would say this is the most eye-opening, faith-reviving series I've read since Dekker's Martyr's Song or Blessed Child novels.
The author put a phenomenal amount of research and imagination into this series, and the connections he makes between these stories and his other novels are absolutely mind-blowing; and yet, he makes them in such a way that it isn't necessary to read the older books to understand this series. Instead, it acts as the icing on the cake, the “easter eggs” to his fans, the little—and sometimes big—details that make his books so much fun to read. But for those who have read his previous works, Valley of Bones acts as the finale for them all, bringing back old characters and drawing their storylines to a fitting conclusion, and I think that is one of my favorite parts about this book.
I will admit that it takes a little while to really “get into” these books. The storyline doesn't always go in chronological order, jumps around between the good and bad characters, and at first glance just seems so bizarre...but when you grasp what is really going on, you won't be able to put these down. The characters seem fully alive (even the undead ones...ha), the story is epic in scale, and the concept is just so darn cool—and cleverly written, to boot.
I really encourage you to give these books a try. If they're not your cup of tea, then try his other novels (2 supernatural suspense books, 2 general mystery books—all 4 excellent and very well written). Eric Wilson is an enormously talented storyteller, and it pains me to see that he doesn't have more readers. He certainly deserves them.
Dreamhouse Kings series, by Robert Liparulo
The first thing I can think of to say is that these books must be read. Having spent much of my childhood reading YA fiction, I can honestly say that this is some of the best on the market. If YA is not your style, it's not a problem; if you're familiar with Liparulo's work at all (and if you're not, you need to fix that), he doesn't dumb it down or edit it. Basically, what makes it young adult is the age of the characters, and some of the more gruesome violence takes place “off-screen.” However, there are enough bumps, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, blood, scary situations, and dead bodies to rival his adult fiction, and the writing style is largely equivalent. So don't shy away from the “Young Adult” label.
The premise is that the King family has just moved into a creepy new house. They haven't spent one night in it before the mother gets kidnapped and taken through one of the portals in the secret third floor; portals that take you back in time. The series chronicles the adventures of David and Xander, their sister Toria, and their Dad, as they attempt to find her and bring her back. But there is an evil force at work, and it will do anything to uncover the house's secrets...
Liparulo is at his finest in this series. Even before the action kicked off into high gear (and once it does, don't expect it to let up until the series ends), I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn to the characters. The dynamic between 15- and 12-year-olds Xander and David captures the “brother” quality so well that I couldn't help but be reminded of my own relationship to my brothers. And when they explore the house for the first time, he sets the mood so well, creepy and foreboding, that I was hooked.
Added to that, the premise, which seems so simple at first, quickly becomes a plot so twisting and full of surprises that it is sure to leave you breathless. I was pleasantly surprised at the way he handles the “problems” of time travel, because I wasn't sure he would go into the paradox issue, but he pulls it off in a convincing and thought-provoking way. However, it's the places he sends the Kings, and the people they meet, that really blow your mind and ratchet up the excitement.
In short, the Dreamhouse Kings is a wild roller coaster ride of an adventure, and it's one you don't want to miss. Each book ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger, but now that the final book is released, that isn't as much of a problem. Speaking of final books, Frenzy is one of the best series closers that I have read in ages...and series openers. Because, although the story ended, not every end was tied up, and the author has already made plans for another Dreamhouse series. And that is some exciting news, to be sure.
The premise is that the King family has just moved into a creepy new house. They haven't spent one night in it before the mother gets kidnapped and taken through one of the portals in the secret third floor; portals that take you back in time. The series chronicles the adventures of David and Xander, their sister Toria, and their Dad, as they attempt to find her and bring her back. But there is an evil force at work, and it will do anything to uncover the house's secrets...
Liparulo is at his finest in this series. Even before the action kicked off into high gear (and once it does, don't expect it to let up until the series ends), I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn to the characters. The dynamic between 15- and 12-year-olds Xander and David captures the “brother” quality so well that I couldn't help but be reminded of my own relationship to my brothers. And when they explore the house for the first time, he sets the mood so well, creepy and foreboding, that I was hooked.
Added to that, the premise, which seems so simple at first, quickly becomes a plot so twisting and full of surprises that it is sure to leave you breathless. I was pleasantly surprised at the way he handles the “problems” of time travel, because I wasn't sure he would go into the paradox issue, but he pulls it off in a convincing and thought-provoking way. However, it's the places he sends the Kings, and the people they meet, that really blow your mind and ratchet up the excitement.
In short, the Dreamhouse Kings is a wild roller coaster ride of an adventure, and it's one you don't want to miss. Each book ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger, but now that the final book is released, that isn't as much of a problem. Speaking of final books, Frenzy is one of the best series closers that I have read in ages...and series openers. Because, although the story ended, not every end was tied up, and the author has already made plans for another Dreamhouse series. And that is some exciting news, to be sure.
The Bride Collector, by Ted Dekker
Ted Dekker has long been a powerful storyteller, and with his second release in the secular market, he is sure to become the next big name in fiction. Following in the footsteps of BoneMan's Daughters, The Bride Collector is another serial killer novel, yet somehow Dekker manages to make it break out of the mold and rise above the standard fare. The secret, in this case, is Paradise.
Paradise and the other residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence are gifted individuals who are also mentally ill. Roudy can see patterns and connections no one else can; he also has delusions of grandeur and believes he is a crucial member of the FBI. Andrea is incredible with numbers; she also has an invisible friend named Betty and spends most of her time taking showers. But it is Paradise, an innocent young woman who may or may not be able to see dead people's memories when she touches them, who makes this story and these characters truly unforgettable. Through Paradise, Dekker forces the reader to rethink everything we know about mental illnesses, and to wonder if perhaps the real insanity lies outside the walls of a mental facility.
Brad Raines is the young, troubled FBI agent on the trail of a killer known as the Bride Collector, who glues his victims to the wall and drains their blood through their heels. When his clues lead him to the mental home, he reluctantly embraces help from the residents in an attempt to find the murderer. They will help him find more than anyone could realize.
The remarkable thing about this novel is that, all things considered, it is a love story. A story of love between God and mankind, between Brad Raines and Paradise. And despite this, or perhaps because of it, it still remains a gripping and fascinating thriller of highest quality. Definitely recommended.
Paradise and the other residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence are gifted individuals who are also mentally ill. Roudy can see patterns and connections no one else can; he also has delusions of grandeur and believes he is a crucial member of the FBI. Andrea is incredible with numbers; she also has an invisible friend named Betty and spends most of her time taking showers. But it is Paradise, an innocent young woman who may or may not be able to see dead people's memories when she touches them, who makes this story and these characters truly unforgettable. Through Paradise, Dekker forces the reader to rethink everything we know about mental illnesses, and to wonder if perhaps the real insanity lies outside the walls of a mental facility.
Brad Raines is the young, troubled FBI agent on the trail of a killer known as the Bride Collector, who glues his victims to the wall and drains their blood through their heels. When his clues lead him to the mental home, he reluctantly embraces help from the residents in an attempt to find the murderer. They will help him find more than anyone could realize.
The remarkable thing about this novel is that, all things considered, it is a love story. A story of love between God and mankind, between Brad Raines and Paradise. And despite this, or perhaps because of it, it still remains a gripping and fascinating thriller of highest quality. Definitely recommended.
Apologies
I know it's been a while since I last posted anything here, and I'm sorry. But I'll try to be posting more frequently in the coming weeks. I still have about 20 books waiting for me on my to-be-read shelf, so...be prepared.
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