American Omens: The Coming Fight for Faith: A Novel

3.5 stars Starting this book was like finding oneself on a high-speed chase for answers with no place to hide. The speed of the game stays consistent with every page-turn, until finally you drive over the edge and hold your breath, suspended on air and waiting to see...what's next? Thought-provoking in a new and gripping way, let this novel be the startling wake-up call to what's already happening in the technological society around us. My official rating is a bit lower because I started to get uncomfortable with the frequent promotion of rock music, alcohol, and even one language instance, among the Christian characters. While the message of the story is for everyone, some material may not be for sensitive or younger readers. I could understand and even appreciate the author's ability to present the future in a realistic way, but it often feels dark and gritty. I was glad to be able to "breathe again" when it was over. I'm interested in finding out whether this will become the first in a series. A wild, rough ride; but again, very thought-provoking. [I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]

American Omens: The Coming Fight for Faith by Travis Thrasher is as advertised a 'taut thriller'. Set in the future by just twenty years, readers will quickly be drawn into a world of almost unimaginable technological advances (I'd love a bed that remakes itself!), and a world where being a believer in Christ can be dangerous and even deadly. A world where privacy, one's most valuable commodity, has surreptitiously been stolen from the masses. Thrasher has created a story about people from different walks of life and at different levels of understanding of the mission who are chosen to help bring about an awakening. Who is this prophet who is known by a number of names and yet one stands out, The Reckoner? Can he be silenced before he completes his mission? A mission to help people wake up and see the lies and manipulations, to hear the truth. The riveting characters are well-defined and relatable, and are expertly crafted to evoke strong emotional connections with and reactions from the reader. The story flows well at a driving pace and has edge-of-the-seat action that keeps interest high. It is frightening to think of a time where the faith of our founders is forbidden and yet despite the bleak outlook, the murders, and suppression of God's Word, the author depicts a hope, hope that God is in control and we can trust Him to work in the difficult times of our lives. I enjoyed this thought-provoking book and am hoping there is more to come for the characters introduced in American Omens. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Multnomah Press and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.