Zion's Darkness: Where Faith Takes a Fatal Turn

From the Pacific Grove (CA) Press: "Mr. Pratt's writing is breezy and the book is an easy read, falling somewhere between a diary and an Agatha Chrisie mystery." "It's an interesting first effort and I look forward to reading his next book..." From the Carmel (CA) Pine Cone: "Readers will envision this book as a candidate for a movie script. It has the chilling touch of 'The Stepford Wives' and other secret cult films." "His style is well suited to the book's premise and his characters well delineated." Natalie Collins, author of "SisterWife" writes: "..quality was excellent, writing clean and very, very readable.."

Having been raised in a cult similar to the one described in this book, I could easily relate to the situations and characters in this book. This is in part due to my familiarity with the topic but mostly due to the author's skill at creating real, flesh and blood characters dealing with real issues.

I finished Zion's Darkness in virtually two sittings. I could not put it down for several reasons. Yes, the story line was great -- kept the suspense and interest going. Yes, the characters were well developed and believable. However, I believe that my challenge in putting the book down came from a couple of other things: First of all, I could relate to some of the characters in the book. I've known people like the characters, in some of the situations that they found themselves in. And I've been in some of those situations myself, having been raised in what some would consider to be a cult. I found the thinking of the characters frightening in many aspects as I used to believe as they did and have friends and loved ones who still do. And I have known people who have committed suicide for reasons similar to the young man in the book because of oppressive guilt from perceived sexual sin. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I also felt a profound sense of sadness for the characters and for those people in life who find themselves in the same place. It was eye-opening, thought-provoking, and entertaining.