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Vigilante - Robin Parrish

Nobody would ever understand the nightmare that Nolan Gray lived for two years while he was held hostage during the war. It was a nightmare that nobody could even imagine—something so horrible that he wished he could just forget; but unlike other trauma victims, Nolan was highly trained in almost every type of combat. As a matter of fact, nobody on earth was trained as he was; so he pushed back all of the memories, and took action. For the past ten years, he has been working on a plan—a plan that would put a stop to the evil that was destroying New York City.  After ten years of intense preparation, Nolan became the hope that New York had been waiting for; but at what cost? Nolan becomes obsessed with finding the man who is responsible for the worst evil in New York City; but is the man he is searching the only man who can stand in his way? Will confrontations with evil bring his past back to destroy him? Will he have to sacrifice everything he values to destroy the evil of New York? Is it even possible that the cost of destroying the biggest crime boss of New York would be everything that Nolan has ever loved and valued? And of course, will Nolan’s faith be destroyed by the Vigilante mission he has taken?

With his unique skills and training, and high tech gadgets created for his mission, Nolan Gray gives off the superhero persona that makes this book very unique and keeps you hanging on every word.  Unlike actual superhero stories, Nolan is not truly a superhero; but to the people of New York, he becomes one as he seems to appear or fly out of nowhere just when help is needed most. I absolutely loved this aspect of the book and I feel like it is something that really makes the book stand out among other stories of this type.

I have heard from many people that they felt like the story would be too similar to "The Priest's Graveyard". To respond to that belief, I would say that although the two books have similar qualities since both characters come from a tragic past and feel as if they can personally defeat evil, the books also have many differences, including the superhero aspect of "Vigilante" and the difference in the ways that Nolan and Danny handle their "victims". In "The Priest's Graveyard", Danny killed his victims if they were not willing to admit to their wrongs and repent; whereas in "Vigilante", Nolan has a very strong (though controversial) faith, and doesn't begin with the thought of killing any of his victims, but instead exposing them so that they can be punished and the streets of New York can be free of their influence and destruction.

(I promise the following tangent has a point; but if you really just want to skip this then go down to the last 2 paragraphs)
Initially, I chose “Vigilante” for my next review because it had a quote by my favorite author (and author of "The Priest's Graveyard", Ted Dekker on the front: “Parrish’s stories are sure to shape fiction for years to come.” I was searching for another book that would be of a similar caliber of the adrenaline producing thrillers and the unforgettable fantasy that I have grown accustomed to as a fan of Ted Dekker. It is obvious to anyone who knows me, that I have a passion for discovering and exposing truth. This passion is something that I have always been interested in; but it became so much stronger when I began reading books by Ted Dekker. My entire life changed when I was introduced to his books because, until then, I had never read a book that was so real—a book that exposed evil for what it really was, and didn’t try to make it into something easier on the eye. Considering my past, it is very important to me that people do not become desensitized to the horrible realities in this world.

I have become obsessed with books that expose the war that goes on around us every moment of every day. I search for truth in books—often a truth that is ignored by many of the typical sheltered Americans because it is too gruesome for them to accept as reality.

            As a reader, a writer, and a student, I try to live by a particular quote that I always keep in mind.

“We Christian writers must paint evil with the blackest of brushes, not to sow fear, but to call out the monsters to be scattered by our light. If Satan cloaks himself as an angel of white, intent on deceiving the world, any attempt on our parts to minimize evil is only complicit with his strategy... Turn to the light; don’t fear the shadows it creates.”
-Ted Dekker

  

Evil is darker than the darkest you can imagine. It can't be cleaned up and made pretty for the books you read or the movies you watch. It's real...intense...terrifying. Our world is a battle between a gruesome enemy and the Savior who defends us; and we all know that battles are never pretty; but if we ignore it, we never truly understand the power of Yeshua on the cross and His authority to destroy the darkest of darkness. We can’t ignore evil; we have to expose it; and we can’t fear evil, but instead we must destroy it in His name.

Even with the hundreds of books I have read throughout my life, I have never been able to find an author who portrayed truth through story as accurately as Ted Dekker.  That was until I read “Vigilante” by Robin Parrish. This was the first book by Robin Parrish that I have read. To say that I was amazed would be an understatement. Robin Parrish peels back the layer of comfort that many Americans live behind so that they do not have to accept the true terror of evil. Robin Parrish exposes evil for what it really is—gruesome, terrifying, dirty, and sickening. I must warn anyone who is considering this book that it is definitely not for someone who would like to continue living a sheltered life, unaware of what is going on in the world—both the beautiful and good and the ugly and sickening. There were several times toward the end of “Vigilante” that I had to put down the book, take some deep breathes and calm down before continuing. The intensity and the feeling of truth in the story makes you feel like you are actually IN the story—as if you were actually the main character and the story was your story.  The story literally became my story since I felt such a connection to Nolan because of his suppression of the events of his past--a past too terrible for him to live with.  I appreciated being able to read about a character who I could understand--and since the story felt so real, a character that represented a person who I felt could understand me (I can think of only 1 group of people who will understand what I just said there so don't feel bad if that made no sense ^_^).

"Vigilante" also provokes a lot of thought about what and, more importantly, Who can truly defeat the heart of evil. Evil is not something that can be destroyed by destroying 1 evil man, even though Nolan believes that this man is solely responsible for all of the problems in the city of New York. While Vasko (the crime boss) is clearly being used by the enemy to cause a lot of turmoil in New York, the real issue of New York is the problem of sin.

Sometimes I laughed; or I cried; or I felt like I was going to pass out from dizziness from the overload of emotions and the fast-paced plot.  “Vigilante” has earned a spot on my list of favorite books of all time and I am sure to be watching for any future books by Robin Parrish!

 *I received an Advanced copy of "Vigilante" from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.*

The Great Books Reader - John Mark Reynolds

I write.  I create ideas…stories…things.  I bring life to characters and I give them a purpose…a story.  I am passionate and my characters reveal my heart.  I hide in my dungeon to escape into a story that is not my own…to discover something new.

I read.  I dive deep into Elyon’s red waters in Other Earth.  I’ve been locked in prison with a persecuted Chinese Christian.  I’ve experienced a world where humans have been stripped of every emotion except for fear.  A demon has told me his story.

I study.  I explore the mind in the study of Psychology and I study and debate Theology with other students. 

I search.  I search for truth, knowledge, and understanding.  Unfortunately, I have found that truth is often buried over time.  It is buried with the people who made it their lives to discover that truth—a truth that was too easily forgotten.  I have dreamed of debating theology with Thomas Aquinas or John Calvin, of exploring the mind of Homer to discover one man’s unique reality, of studying with Socrates, of arguing with Freud.  To be in the company of some of the most influential writers, philosophers, psychologists, and theologians of all time is something I can only imagine; but here’s a thought: we, as Christians, will one day be in the presence of some of these influential people—at least the ones who stood for a common purpose: Elyon.  We will be a part of the great debate; a great conversation.

“The Great Books Reader” gives you a taste of this anticipated conversation.  Compiled in a single book are excerpts from works of 28 different authors who have made discoveries and contributions so significant that they have earned their places on a list of people who have shaped the world that we live in today.  The book is complete with essays on each work, written by students who study these writers who are worthy of our attention, and thought-provoking introductions by John Mark Reynolds.  You will begin a journey of discovery and you will be disappointed when you have to leave the debate that forms in your imagination for each individual work.  As you read “The Great Books Reader”, you feel as if you are in a room with these influential writers and fellow students who are anxious to understand every word and debate the significance, truth, and journey of the author.  When you enter into the journey eager and ready to explore something new, and come out changed and anxious to read the complete works of all of these incredible writers, then the book has served its purpose.

“The Great Books Reader” is a great addition to any library; and I am certain that you will find yourself reading, studying and exploring the book over and over again.  It is an excellent book for someone who has a lot of time to spend lost in thought since every word grabs at your attention; but it is also perfect for someone who has very little time and needs something that can be read slowly.  As a grad student, I enjoyed the feeling of being lost in a conversation about an author and a work, but then being able to put the book down at the completion of that particular debate, only to pick it up again later for the next debate! 

*This book was provided by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

The Keeper - Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

Deep in the hot and dry Russian wasteland resided twin brothers who thought that the only way of life was to hide from the chaos of the world.  They had spent nearly 30 years in isolation, thinking they were safe, while other lives were being destroyed by a world that had lost all peace; but their entire world was turned upside down when a man named Talus arrived at their home to tell them that not only were they not safe, but they weren't even alive.  They have been completely unaware of the happenings of the outside of the world since they had willingly gone into isolation; and they were unaware that everything that made them human had been stripped away nearly 30 years ago--immediately following their departure--because they had been infected before they went into hiding.  This begins a journey where everything they thought they knew about life, was about to change.  They would have to be the keepers of the biggest secret that any man could carry--that every single human on earth...was dead.

To continue the story you must get Forbidden!! Pre-order your copy now! I wrote a brief review a couple months ago since I had an ARC of Forbidden so if you are interested look for it!  Make sure you get your free copy of the Keeper if you haven't already received it!  The Keeper is a short story Prequel to Forbidden.  If you want a copy of The Keeper, go to http://www.facebook.com/notes/ted-dekker/the-day-has-come-you-must-rise-from-the-dead-you-must-join-me-i-beg-you/10150282991539855.

Safely Home - Randy Alcorn

"Are we not Zhu Yesu's also?" Ming asked. "Are we not his called and chosen? Why should we not walk the way he has chosen for you? Why should you be considered worthy and not us?"

At some point you've been introduced to John 15:18-27, 2 Timothy 3:12, Acts 14:22, and many other verses that literally boast about the persecutions that we will face on the path to Heaven.  Maybe you heard it in church one day, or someone mentioned it when a friend walked out of your life because of your faith, or maybe you read through it one day and stopped to thank God that it wasn't a reality for you, and probably never would be...

Meet Ben Fielding.  He used to claim Christianity, until a bumpy road resulted in him questioning and rejecting everything he used to believe.  All Ben knows now is a lonely but wealthy life; he has the perfect job and all the money he could need, but he finds himself constantly wanting more.  He regularly reviews his goals of becoming CEO of the corporation he works for and having even more money, even though he admits to having no idea what he would use that money for.  As a man who fired his own cousin for being open about his faith at work,  Ben still is blind to persecution of any kind.  That is until he goes to China to stay with his former college roommate.  Believing that this trip will be no different than his many trips to China (with the exception that he would not be staying in a 5-star hotel), Ben is surprised as he begins to discover that the China that is being exposed to him is nothing even remotely like the horrible reality that is hidden from Americans. 

The people of America like to be comfortable.  Not only do they not expect to be persecuted, but they don't want to hear the horrible realities that are going on all around them.  Topics such as imprisonment or execution of Christians, sex-traffiking, and other gruesome subjects are considered taboo, and shouldn't be talked about; but the reality is that it all exists, no matter how much we choose to ignore it.  What's worse, is that even the so called "Church" has become de-sensitized to taboo realities.  The "Church" wants to accept the desirable things of the Word, but skim past the parts that talk about suffering.  The "Church" wants a god who surrenders to their will. 

"Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn is a huge wake-up call for anyone who would claim to be a follower of Christ.  It has been a long time since I read a story so beautiful, that did not have a huge twist at the end.  While the story is fiction, it exposes the truth of persecution not only in China, but all over the world.  We must learn to accept this truth, while also embracing it as the path to our eternity, rather than ignoring it and pretending that the path to Heaven is a smooth ride!  We must ask ourselves what we can do for those who are already facing persecution!  Prayer is truly powerful but we must display our faith through our actions!  We must become an army for Yeshua; we must be willing to fight!  Nobody gets left behind...nobody gets forgotten...nobody gets ignored; and as an army under a single commander, for one purpose, we are all willing to die for the name of Yeshua; for we know that what the world calls dying, is actually the gateway to an eternal physical communion with our Creator and Savior!

"Demon" by Tosca Lee

As you read this book, do so knowing that it will force a decision from you--a decision that has been there all along.  Maybe you have already made this decision; or maybe you didn't know it was yours to make.

Long before the creation of man, El created the angels; but 1/3 of the angels fell, leaving El in a pit of sorrow that led to His creation of man--a being created solely of dirt.  Rather than forgiving the fallen angels and welcoming them back into communion with Him, He breathed life into this man, so beginning a war for the ages--a war that will not end until the end of life as we know it. 

Satan and his demons have held bitterness, anger, jealousy, and rage that you haven't even imagined until you begin to unfold the demon's story--only to find out that the story is your own. 

In the midst of this war, Clay, a lonely and recently divorced editor, becomes enthralled by a mysterious man--whom he knows to be a demon--and his story.  The demon first confronts Clay, revealing his identity, and tells him that he wants to tell him his story; and then Clay will publish that story.  Clay is reluctant to follow through with the demon's desires at first; but he soon discovers that everything the demon says, is trapped in his mind until he lets it out on paper.  Soon, Clay is obsessed with knowing the story's ending, and willing to turn from the voice in his head that tells him to run, just so he can know why the demon says the story is ultimately about him.

"Demon" is a masterpiece--the perfect blend of biblical truth and fiction, that engages the reader's imagination and leaves them in awe of the unconditional and unfathomable love of Elohim.  Tosca Lee beautifully exposes Elohim's love affair with man, from creation to the fall, and then to the ultimate atoning sacrifice that sealed His love for us.  Those readers who have not already believed, will be confronted with a decision--a decision that seals their true reality and eternity after this world, which will eventually only seem like a dream.  Believers who read this story, will do so tearfully, unable to fathom the depth of His love for us.  It will cause believers of all ages to long for the physical communion with our Creator so much that nothing in this world would have the attractiveness to hold them back if El were to call them home today. 

Slumber of Christianity - Ted Dekker

Writing is a journey of communication for me.  I write as a form of worship, because it is through writing that I am able to express myself to Elyon and He is able to express Himself to me.  I am also always reading.  I read because for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of a perfect world...a world that could take me away from the nightmares of my childhood.  I started reading when I was 3, and I was instantly taken by the possibility of escaping into a story.  Although I was taught, growing up, that there was a Heaven that we would go to when we died, it wasn't something I longed for; but instead, I longed for what I could come up with because I didn't understand the perfection of Heaven.  When I was saved in college, a perfect world took on a new meaning for me.  I understood that there was a perfect Heaven that I would go to; but until recently, I only longed for Heaven during the hardest times.  I would wish I could escape and go to Heaven.  But I didn't long for Heaven all the time.  I longed for life here more.  I was seeking satisfaction here, even after I knew Christ.  I slipped into a slumber.  As a Christian adult, my tastes for story have expanded and become more complex.  I am constantly reading stories of good verses evil and other worlds.

I just finished reading Slumber of Christianity, a non-fiction book by Ted Dekker.  Ted seeks to waken the followers of Christ, to the reality and perfection of the eternity that awaits us.  I see my stories from a whole new light now.  Something that I have learned from Ted Dekker ever since I started reading his books, is that my desire for a perfect world is instilled in me by God because I was actually created for a perfect world; but the fall destroyed that perfection.  Now we still have hope because although our world has been corrupted, we know that we have that perfection awaiting us, after we offer our lives to Christ as living sacrifices.  I've discovered in Slumber of Christianity, that the stories that I read strengthen my imagination and trigger a greater desire for my future eternity.  After reading this book, I have a new desire.  I am more than ready to go to Heaven as soon as He will allow me!