I love to read. I love it. If I had to jot down a Top 10 List of my favorite 10 authors, well, I probably would stretch it to 13 because I wouldn't be able to cut a few out...however, two authors that would definitely be on the list would be Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti. I love the way Mr. Dekker weaves a story. His mind is ridiculous. I'm consistently surprised as his novels progress and end. It irks me that I don't see them coming. I love the way Mr. Peretti writes with, not a silver tongue, but a silver, uh, pen. His spiritual insight on "This Present Darkness" awakened my eyes to spiritual warfare when I was a teen. And when they collaborated on a book! Psh. Forget about it. They are stupid, crazy talented. So imagine my delight when I found this book, "The Influence" by Matthew John Slick.
One reviewer had written, "THE INFLUENCE is a supernatural thriller. If you enjoy books like Ted Dekker, Bill Myers or Frank Peretti you will love The Influence!"
I don't know if I would put it up in their league, but I did really like it. A lot. Let me give you the premise of this book.
The main character is Mark. He was in his garden, thinking about his son who had died unexpectedly and without any clear explanation. Without him even realizing it, he is prodded by a demon into committing suicide. However, at the last second... da da dada da! An angel, Sotare, rescues him, saving him from himself. Over the next several days, the two talk about God, life, death, his family, good, evil, angels, demons, his son... Sotare even lets him have a rare glimpse into the spiritual realm. Demons are sent to hurt him, kill his family and those who are praying for him.
Ok. So that's the basic story, without giving too much away. Mr. Slick is a very talented writer. He can twist and turn a sentence like a road in the Appellation Mountains. He gave you a perfect set up to let your imagination go wild. I could visualize the angels. I had chills...literal chicken skin on my arms, when I pictured the demons that he described. The depictions of hell and the stories that he shared made me shutter to my core... and had me read passages to my children so they, too, could know that hell just isn't a "bad place," but somewhere that is damnable, full of relentless torture and very, very real.
Matthew John Slick's teaching in the book has very sound theology too. The conversations that Sotare the angel and Mark have are genuine, in depth and answer many questions that we all ask. He answers them with firm, Biblical answers. The message of the gospel and the plan of Salvation is clearly laid out.
Now, here's the negative. The book is in desperate need of a good editor. It's very redundant. I know I get carried away when I talk and when I write. This guy definitely does too. In the philosophical conversations I ended up skimming over some of them because I was like, "Ok. Got it."
The plan of salvation was written out beautifully in the book. Several times. And then again when the book was over. I do appreciate his exuberance in wanting people to know the Lord, but it was, oddly enough, too much. Who knew there could be too much of that Salvation talk?
When I read phenomenal books, I don't want them to end. When they do, I stomp my foot, pretend I'm a two year old for a minute and demand a sequel. This one, I thought had a lot of endings. I couldn't believe it kept going. Just when I thought it was over, I turned another page. A good editor would have really helped him.
I really hope that there is a second addition. It truly is a great story. People that are seeking answers will find them in this book. And if by the end they haven't received Christ as their Lord and Savior, well, they know the consequences. He wrote them clearly and beautifully. Thank you, Matthew John Slick. The Lord has blessed you with an amazing gift.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I don't know if I would put it up in their league, but I did really like it. A lot. Let me give you the premise of this book.
The main character is Mark. He was in his garden, thinking about his son who had died unexpectedly and without any clear explanation. Without him even realizing it, he is prodded by a demon into committing suicide. However, at the last second... da da dada da! An angel, Sotare, rescues him, saving him from himself. Over the next several days, the two talk about God, life, death, his family, good, evil, angels, demons, his son... Sotare even lets him have a rare glimpse into the spiritual realm. Demons are sent to hurt him, kill his family and those who are praying for him.
Ok. So that's the basic story, without giving too much away. Mr. Slick is a very talented writer. He can twist and turn a sentence like a road in the Appellation Mountains. He gave you a perfect set up to let your imagination go wild. I could visualize the angels. I had chills...literal chicken skin on my arms, when I pictured the demons that he described. The depictions of hell and the stories that he shared made me shutter to my core... and had me read passages to my children so they, too, could know that hell just isn't a "bad place," but somewhere that is damnable, full of relentless torture and very, very real.
Matthew John Slick's teaching in the book has very sound theology too. The conversations that Sotare the angel and Mark have are genuine, in depth and answer many questions that we all ask. He answers them with firm, Biblical answers. The message of the gospel and the plan of Salvation is clearly laid out.
Now, here's the negative. The book is in desperate need of a good editor. It's very redundant. I know I get carried away when I talk and when I write. This guy definitely does too. In the philosophical conversations I ended up skimming over some of them because I was like, "Ok. Got it."
The plan of salvation was written out beautifully in the book. Several times. And then again when the book was over. I do appreciate his exuberance in wanting people to know the Lord, but it was, oddly enough, too much. Who knew there could be too much of that Salvation talk?
When I read phenomenal books, I don't want them to end. When they do, I stomp my foot, pretend I'm a two year old for a minute and demand a sequel. This one, I thought had a lot of endings. I couldn't believe it kept going. Just when I thought it was over, I turned another page. A good editor would have really helped him.
I really hope that there is a second addition. It truly is a great story. People that are seeking answers will find them in this book. And if by the end they haven't received Christ as their Lord and Savior, well, they know the consequences. He wrote them clearly and beautifully. Thank you, Matthew John Slick. The Lord has blessed you with an amazing gift.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
