Trapped by Shadows

Although this book was not exactly my style, I can see how it might appeal to action-oriented boys. The story is about a specially gifted Christian named Elijah who is being pursued by the evil "Shadow Man". The action begins on the very first page where we find Elijah's parents racing through the night in a frantic effort to find their children who are being chased, unbeknownst to them, by Shadow Man and his evil forces who are rapidly closing in on them in a foreboding black hummer. After a speedy chase through the darkened night, the parents finally catch up to their children and the rusted old, run-down motor home they are driving, only to be stopped by a police man. Or so they think... But when this supposed man of the law snaps handcuffs on Elijah's parents and the children, panic floods them all as they realize that the man isn't a cop at all! In fact, he is nothing more than one of Shadow Man's thugs. And in the next instant, Shadow Man, who has been lurking in the darkness, grabs Elijah, leaving his parents to watch helplessly as their young boy is carried away. Through action-packed chase scenes, vivid descriptions and a clear, focused plot, Myers does a wonderful job of demonstrating the reality of spiritual warfare in the life of the Christian. Near the end of the story, when the children enter into Shadow Man's territory, they begin to feel the effects of sin. Normally pious Zach suddenly becomes hostile to prayer and Piper struggles with overpowering feelings of selfishness while (name) finds himself completely paralyzed with fear. And for a moment, it appears as if they are without hope...but then Piper remembers the lessons her father has given her throughout the years and begins to use the spiritual weapons she has in Christ. This book is clean, well-written and theologically sound, but I did have one concern, or question, fairly early on in the story. At the beginning of the story, the young boy named Elijah is referred to as being the one the Scriptures talked about. I must admit, I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to end times prophesy, but this reference to Elijah coming as the form of a young child was rather confusing. I am assuming the book is expanding on the "two witnesses" mentioned in Revelations chapter 11. Most scholars believe one of these witnesses is Elijah who was taken up to heaven without dying (II Kings 2:11), but how he might appear during the end times is uncertain. Because Revelations chapter 11 has led to so many controversial discussions, parents may want to discuss this part of the book further. Overall, a great book that equips children to stand strong in the Lord. J. Slattery author of Journey To The Ice [...]

In book 3 of The Elijah Project, Trapped by Shadows, we find the family reunited, Shadow Man on their heels, and the three goons causing more trouble than help. Elijah is taken by Shadow Man after his brother, Zach, drives their jeep into a river. The rest of them make it out and onto dry land only to watch Elijah fall prey to a kidnapping. They decide to pursue and rescue Elijah from Shadow Man's lair...or should I say, his master's lair deep underground. While all this is taking place, Cody and Willard defy gravity to join in the rescue fun. But deep in the bowels of the earth, they discover that they will need a lot more help than what they have... This series is keeping me guessing. At first I thought Elijah was the allegorical Jesus character. Then I thought he might be part of a powerful spiritual kid, now...after learning just a taste of his history I am still in the dark. Can't wait to dive into the 4th story!