As an
avid reader, there's nothing more fun than anticipating the release my favorite
authors' upcoming novels. Oftentimes I'm awaiting the next book in a series. Other times, I
simply can't wait to read an artist's latest masterpiece.
September
brings both. The authors I've named below are the premier writers of Christian fiction.
No, let me rephrase
that.
They're top-notch novelists. Period.
So, if
you're looking for quality, thought-provoking reads, you don't have to look any further than the three books I have listed below:
Howard Books, September 2011
A
great artist is cast into the icy Harlem River by a hit-and-run driver.
His
heart stops, and he sees something that defies description.
Presumed
dead by all who knew him and obsessed with the desire to paint the
inexpressible, he embarks on a pilgrimage to seek help from holy men around the
globe.
But is
it possible to see eternity without becoming lost within it? After a quarter of
a century, when the world begins to whisper that he may be alive, two people
come looking for the artist: the daughter he never knew existed, and the
murderer who hit him on the bridge all those years ago.
No one can top Athol Dickson in weaving words
together to create an exquisite work of art. Not only does he tell a compelling
story, but his prose sings like a Handel oratorio. The Opposite of Art is next in line on my bed stand. Having it sit there,
calling to me, is worse than having a Hershey bar on my dresser. I know it's a
book I will savor.
by Steven
James
Revell, September
2011
While
investigating a double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI
Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that twists
through long-buried Cold War secrets and targets present-day tensions in the
Middle East.
In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author
Steven James delivers a multi-layered storytelling tour de force that not only delivers
pulse-pounding suspense but also deftly explores the rippling effects of the
choices we make.
Steven James is one of the most gifted creators of
mystery/thriller stories in modern day literature. When I'm reading his novels,
I often marvel at his imagination (and I do my share of cringing too). His mind
must be a frightening place. Trying to keep his multiple story threads
straight is always an exciting intellectual challenge.
by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee
Center Street, September 2011
Many
years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's
greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war.
There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely
guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in
appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of
true humanity.
Fleeing
pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into
possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed,
the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him
on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever
known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.
But
the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.
Set in
a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of
dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all
who dare to take the ride.
I'm
looking forward to reading Forbidden even more than I anticipated
reading HOUSE, Dekker's joint venture with Frank Peretti.
Tosca Lee, on top of being an expert at knitting complex stories, has a
beautiful way with prose, much like Athol Dickson.
Combine that with Dekker's seriously
warped imagination, and I know I'll have a book I can't put down.
What September releases are you looking forward to reading?
I wouldn't mind taking on Forbidden. Surprised aren't you. But I have to say I am intrigued by The Opposite of Art. Of course, anything supernatural peaks my interest. Good choices, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteI just finished The Queen and am halfway through The Opposite of Art. Am looking forward to Forbidden for exactly the reasons you described, Bren. Will be anxious to hear your opinion of the other two. Review of The Queen will be next Monday (the 12th).
ReplyDeleteTerribly surprised, Dawn. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou should try The Opposite of Art. Athol Dickson often has a "magical realism" to his stories and his author voice is divine. If you read it, let me know. I'd love to hear your opinion.
Nicole - you're finished already??? I'm still waiting for my copy. I always order James' books from Crossings so I get a hardcover, but that means I have to wait a bit longer. Waiting for James' next book is akin to waiting for the next Vince Flynn. I'm looking forward to reading your review.
ReplyDeleteI'm midway through the latest Struecker/Gansky book, FALLEN ANGEL (another good one so far). As soon as I'm done with that I'll dive into The Opposite of Art. We'll discuss soon.
Evan, thanks for stopping by and sharing the links to your site. Excellent choices in books, btw.
ReplyDeleteOnce you've completed The Rook (Steven James), I don't think you'll be able to stop until you've finished The Queen. Few are better storytellers than Steven James.