D. K. Martin

A worthwhile listen

Reviewed: 08-25-20

A well argued and well written book, helpful and direct. The quality of the narration of this audiobook edition is excellent.

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Left me wanting more

Reviewed: 03-16-20

This is an enjoyable short story. I would like to see it expanded into a full-length book, continuing on from where it leaves off.

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A well-told faith-based story

Reviewed: 10-24-19

Pros:
• This is an interesting, thought-through story with consistent themes and values.
• The narration is excellent with individual characters being well differentiated without crossing into caricature.
• The author's faith and perspective are evident in a good way in the story.
• The protagonist is thoughtfully developed and acts plausibly given her circumstances and background.
• The plot, while containing circumstances that are at time unpleasant or extraordinary, follows a redemptive and believable positive arc that demonstrates care for the story and its characters.

Cons:
• I would have preferred that more time be devoted to the latter sections of the book (in wartime Europe) and less to the protagonist's hard past, although I understand the desire to fully show what she had to overcome by God's grace. Though usually indirect and not very graphic, the description of the character's difficult past was sometimes painful to listen to and continued for longer than I was comfortable with. Those particularly sensitive to themes of abuse and human trafficking might be better off skipping this book.
• Despite being "Book 1" of its own series this book shares a fictional universe with another of the author's series and contains references to events from that series (I gather). I was occasionally distracted by these references, but this was minor and the back/parallel story explained well enough that I didn't feel I needed to have read those books to enjoy this one.
• From a real-world theological perspective I wasn't comfortable with the main character receiving direct guidance from God in the form of a voice speaking words in her head. This is something I would more readily accept in a more fantastical story but am less comfortable with in a book which is presented as historical fiction. This comes (I assume) from my having a differing understanding than the author of how God usually reveals himself in the world today. I did appreciate that the characters who are written as believers are depicted praying for guidance and seeking to apply biblical principles in their lives.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. While I can't say I loved it (5 stars) I did enjoy it and would recommend it to those looking for faith-based historical fiction (with chaste romantic elements developing in the mid to latter parts of the book) with the caveats mentioned above.

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Good story, great narrator, vulgar language.

Reviewed: 08-31-19

I found the sci-fi/fantasy (magical realism?) plot engaging and the characters interesting. I enjoyed where the story went though I wish there had been additional material to expand and flow from the current ending. The narration was exceptional, with each character clearly defined and expressively acted. However the frequent foul language of the story was off-putting and unpleasant. Most of the vulgarity did not seem necessary to the story or the characters; it just felt gratuitous and out of place. The language distracted and detracted from what would have been a much more enjoyable listen.

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7 people found this helpful

A helpful book, clearly read

Reviewed: 06-19-19

Timothy Keller's book is well-researched and spiritually deep while avoiding being bogged down in theological minutiae. Sean Pratt's narration is clear, understandable, and conversational.

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