An Honest Review of Book Two, 'The Purpose'

     While reviewing some of my notes and posts in order to help inspire me with writing Book Four in The Chronicles of Malachai series, I came across this review of my second book, 'The Purpose' and felt humbled as to how the reviewer perceived my book and the various characters within. So I thought I would share it here for anyone who may be curious about picking up a copy for themselves.

     The Chronicles of Malachai are more than just stories about angels and demons, they address an ever changing world around us and the real life situations that affect us all. The deeper question each book continues to challenge is do we choose to face this life alone or can we take the risk and believe that perhaps there is more to our existence; can we learn to trust in God, who already believes in who we can be.


Review on 'The Purpose', Book Two in the Chronicles of Malachai Series:

     "This story hooked me from the start. Malachai's struggles with the demon, and moreover his struggles within himself not to give in to the darkness that the demon tries to convince him is inevitable, is a really interesting allegory for the fight against pessimism and apathy, as well as many medicalized struggles such as mental illnesses and addictions. Malachai's struggle to balance his desire to help others with his own yearning to have a grounded and fulfilling life is one which many readers, particularly those who are engaged in helping work in one form or another, will be intimately familiar with.

     I particularly enjoyed your employing Lucy as Malachai's source of strength as well as “greatest weakness.” This is such an apt description of what many close relationships can be for us as we muddle our way through the big questions of life. How close do we allow ourselves to get to others? How vulnerable, and open to hurt, do we allow ourselves - and our close friends or partners - to be?

     Similarly, in the scene in chapter 3 in which Malachai stands his ground with Pastor Ron and defends his choice to have honest and challenging discussions with his Sunday school students, Malachai emerges as a real role model. His commitment to open conversation, and refusal to shelter the children from realistic challenges they will face, is commendable. It is also a very accurate reflection of the state of modern discourse about controversial subjects. There are those who seek to shut down any rational, tempered discussion about issues that challenge us as a society, and write that discussion off as promoting immoral ideas or as exposing others (especially children) to undue confusion. Malachai serves as a great example of how to stand one's ground in the face of fearmongerers."

     I would love to hear your perspective on any of my books, please email or comment below and also let me know if you would be willing to let me share your review.

     Thanks for taking the time to read my life's passion and look forward to writing more for many years to come.