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Forbidden Doors #1
The Society
OUIJA BOARDS, amulets, charm pouches... just kid's stuff, right? At least, that's what Rebecca and Scott think when they first move to Crescent Bay. Then they run into the Society—a select group of students who practice occultic rituals using these objects... a group that decides Becka and Scott are a threat to them and their powers.
Soon the brother and sister discover the hidden power behind the "games" and the dangerous consequences for those standing in its way.
Witness the final showdown, when Scott and Rebecca must trust God's unseen power more than the very real power of darkness before their eyes.
Soon the brother and sister discover the hidden power behind the "games" and the dangerous consequences for those standing in its way.
Witness the final showdown, when Scott and Rebecca must trust God's unseen power more than the very real power of darkness before their eyes.
150 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
15 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Bill Myers
332 books394 followersBill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 19, 2021
Story: 4/5
Though I'm not 100% sure spiritual warfare is quite like this book describes it, Bill Myers has crafted a great yarn that reads like the series premiere of a well-made television show. It wouldn't work as a standalone novel, but, as the first "episode" in a twelve-part series, this is great stuff indeed.
Writing: 5/5
This is where the book really shines. Sure, the novel is short--only around a hundred pages--but it is very involving; so much so, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Of course, that's to be expected from Bill Myers, who is one of my favorite writers because of both his command of the art of storytelling and his way with words.
Moral Content: 4/5
Spiritual warfare is a concept that young kids would likely have trouble understanding, which is why the Forbidden Doors series is written for teens. There are some scary sequences involving demons, which is to be expected, but things never get horribly violent. Still, über-sensitive teens and adults, or ones who are regularly prone to nightmares, might want to skip this one.
Conclusion: I've read a lot of Bill Myers' works before, from his Fire of Heaven trilogy to Eli to even a few Wally McDoogle books, so you could say that I'm a fan of his. It's hard to say which one is his best, but The Society is really great. I'm definitely going to keep reading the series.
Score: 4.5/5
Though I'm not 100% sure spiritual warfare is quite like this book describes it, Bill Myers has crafted a great yarn that reads like the series premiere of a well-made television show. It wouldn't work as a standalone novel, but, as the first "episode" in a twelve-part series, this is great stuff indeed.
Writing: 5/5
This is where the book really shines. Sure, the novel is short--only around a hundred pages--but it is very involving; so much so, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Of course, that's to be expected from Bill Myers, who is one of my favorite writers because of both his command of the art of storytelling and his way with words.
Moral Content: 4/5
Spiritual warfare is a concept that young kids would likely have trouble understanding, which is why the Forbidden Doors series is written for teens. There are some scary sequences involving demons, which is to be expected, but things never get horribly violent. Still, über-sensitive teens and adults, or ones who are regularly prone to nightmares, might want to skip this one.
Conclusion: I've read a lot of Bill Myers' works before, from his Fire of Heaven trilogy to Eli to even a few Wally McDoogle books, so you could say that I'm a fan of his. It's hard to say which one is his best, but The Society is really great. I'm definitely going to keep reading the series.
Score: 4.5/5
April 8, 2010
My family owned a Christian bookstore, and I would sit and read these. I read the first four of them anyway, but they were too preachy for my taste, which is par for the course. The author seems to promote a lot of fear-mongering.
November 13, 2019
Rebecca "Becka" Williams - Ciara Bravo
Scott Williams - Griffin Gluck
Julie Mitchell - Alisha Boe
Darryl - Ed Oxenbould
Ryan - KJ Apa
Krissi - Madison Iseman
Mrs. Williams - Ginnifer Goodwin
Philip - Blake Michael
Scott Williams - Griffin Gluck
Julie Mitchell - Alisha Boe
Darryl - Ed Oxenbould
Ryan - KJ Apa
Krissi - Madison Iseman
Mrs. Williams - Ginnifer Goodwin
Philip - Blake Michael
March 3, 2018
WOW. Spiritual warfare at its finest. This book took a risky subject and made a super important story out of it. NEVER LET YOUR SHIELD DOWN and remember that God is always more powerful.
10/10!!!!
10/10!!!!
Read
February 22, 2011Another favourite from my teenager years. I devoured this book in a couple of hours and started on the next in the series quickly. While this is a book that tries to caution against "darkness" and demons, the occult etc, for me these books opened up a curiosity in me and a want to dabble in the occult. Probably not what Mr Myers had in mind when he wrote them. I found out later on that my parents eventually burned them the whole series I had collected. So, while I loved them, I am not quite sure I'd recommend them to young christians.
April 3, 2012
If you are reading this series to your children, you must read the disclaimer at the beginning. This book was written before the internet became a hunting ground for predators. Your children must be warned that this book is from a time when the internet was safe - it is no longer the case.
I loved this series. I read it to my children when they were at that age they no longer like children's books, but are too young for young adult books. It helped them start a hunger for reading that has lasted through the years.
I also like how the author explains the problems with the New Age movement.
I loved this series. I read it to my children when they were at that age they no longer like children's books, but are too young for young adult books. It helped them start a hunger for reading that has lasted through the years.
I also like how the author explains the problems with the New Age movement.
May 24, 2008
Truth be told, the books of this series were my guilty pleasure. When I picked up this book as a kid, I was already realizing my fascination with the occult and mysterious fey worlds of fantasy. This book is religious and very moral, but I couldn't stop reading because of the self-same occult practices in the books. Today it is easier for me to find such books without the religious finger-shaking. If you're like me at all with this fascination, then I recommend you do the same - research fantasy novels and do not turn to this series.
January 16, 2009
Wonderful how Myers showed you MUST have your spiritual armor on to fight Satan. Warning for very conservative people: you probably won't like it. I loved it! A little spooky and thrilling, but great. I love to read how Christian's can use Christ's name to rebuke all evil and it MUST flee!
December 10, 2010
A really great book shows us how everything is great and worth to die for
July 13, 2014
As an adult who enjoys reading YA books, this book was too simple and preachy. This book may be good for children who have lead a sheltered life.
March 12, 2023
Another spiritual warfare book. I picked this up in the weekend and finished it. There is so much I learnt in this one. I went back to the scriptures and confirmed what the book said. It is the truth. And the fun part is the journey has just started. It has so many books in this series. If you read something relating the the scriptures always go back and confirm them.
I shall read most of them. Its a read which has meaning. If you want a quick read for one of the afternoons or a few hours you should be able to finish this one. The book is written in a way for Young people. But since its written in simple words. Its faster to read.
Everyone should be aware of this world and the warfare we have to go through. You might be going through it and you wouldn't know. Playing with tools such as Ouija board, spells and charms are the worst and always will lead to trouble and problems.
It opens a door - Like the series name - Forbidden Doors.
I shall read most of them. Its a read which has meaning. If you want a quick read for one of the afternoons or a few hours you should be able to finish this one. The book is written in a way for Young people. But since its written in simple words. Its faster to read.
Everyone should be aware of this world and the warfare we have to go through. You might be going through it and you wouldn't know. Playing with tools such as Ouija board, spells and charms are the worst and always will lead to trouble and problems.
It opens a door - Like the series name - Forbidden Doors.
September 21, 2025
A pretty solid bit of Christian horror. While it can sometimes feel a tad heavy handed and sitcomy, the leads, Scott and Becka, are likeable and emotionally ground the book. Not too shabby! Plus, we get a mini exorcism!
November 14, 2016
I'm a fan of Bill Myers, so this was the start to a long series that I still adore to this day. Very eye opening for the 17-18 year old me.
September 20, 2017
This is an excellent source to read if a person wants to learn about the spiritual/other world.
Bill Myers brings a great knowledge of Biblical truth to the novel.
Bill Myers brings a great knowledge of Biblical truth to the novel.
January 19, 2018
Soooo good. The series is definitely a must read for everyone..
September 22, 2019
It’s interesting revisiting this series after so many years, but book one was definitely more enjoyable when I was much younger.
September 23, 2019
Suspenseful story series about the dangers of messing with the occult.
October 4, 2022
2.5. Oddly addictive. I read it partially ironically, I guess.
April 30, 2025
keeps u on edge I love it can't wait to read them all
August 16, 2022
Decent. Younger than I expected, but then I just found it on my kindle on a whim.
April 22, 2010
The Society, which is book 1 of the Forbidden Doors series, is a cautionary tale intended for tweens and teens about the dangers of getting involved with dark practices.
Rebecca (“Becka”) and her brother Scott are the new kids in school and are adjusting to a new hometown and life after the death of their missionary father. They worry about making new friends, but are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they form new friendships. Their joy is quickly deflated as they realize that their friends are involved in a few dark practices. Becka’s friend Julie depends on good luck charms given to her by an “Ascension lady,” and Scott new friend Darryl takes part in meetings that use an Ouija board. Both Becka and Scott want to warn their new friends about the dangers involved with these practices, but are fearful of turning them away or being ridiculed.
In my opinion, this is a story that many adults will want their kids to read. My concern though is that it may not necessarily be one that will appeal to tweens and teens, especially ones that are new to the Christian faith or who are seeking answers to questions they may have about Christianity. I felt The Society was almost a little too preachy for the age it was written for. However, if a strong Christian teen or tween was reading this book, and they love a fast-paced story mixed with some suspense, this would be a book they may enjoy. Overall, I felt The Society was a quick fiction read with a good message sharing the Biblical truths about the danger in getting involved with occult practices.
Rebecca (“Becka”) and her brother Scott are the new kids in school and are adjusting to a new hometown and life after the death of their missionary father. They worry about making new friends, but are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they form new friendships. Their joy is quickly deflated as they realize that their friends are involved in a few dark practices. Becka’s friend Julie depends on good luck charms given to her by an “Ascension lady,” and Scott new friend Darryl takes part in meetings that use an Ouija board. Both Becka and Scott want to warn their new friends about the dangers involved with these practices, but are fearful of turning them away or being ridiculed.
In my opinion, this is a story that many adults will want their kids to read. My concern though is that it may not necessarily be one that will appeal to tweens and teens, especially ones that are new to the Christian faith or who are seeking answers to questions they may have about Christianity. I felt The Society was almost a little too preachy for the age it was written for. However, if a strong Christian teen or tween was reading this book, and they love a fast-paced story mixed with some suspense, this would be a book they may enjoy. Overall, I felt The Society was a quick fiction read with a good message sharing the Biblical truths about the danger in getting involved with occult practices.
Read
August 30, 2014Written for a teen audience, yet reads like a kid's novel, this book (and the Forbidden Doors series in general) is a surprising but delightful snack of a read.
I've read a few spiritual warfare fiction that had a great premise but shot way beyond the fragile borders of believability the subject allows. This, however, did an impressive job of staying true to what the Bible says on demons. Spiritual warfare novels have me cautious from the very beginning, and this one proved a pleasant surprise.
The fast-moving plot and few reoccurring phrases are what typically what makes up a kid's book, but this adds some heavier themes that are more suited for an older audience. These are great for if you want a short, but satisfying plot.
They only took an hour to polish off, and honestly, while it might not look impressive in reality, reading three books (that have enough plot to make you feel satisfied) in a day gave me a feeling of accomplishment.
I've read a few spiritual warfare fiction that had a great premise but shot way beyond the fragile borders of believability the subject allows. This, however, did an impressive job of staying true to what the Bible says on demons. Spiritual warfare novels have me cautious from the very beginning, and this one proved a pleasant surprise.
The fast-moving plot and few reoccurring phrases are what typically what makes up a kid's book, but this adds some heavier themes that are more suited for an older audience. These are great for if you want a short, but satisfying plot.
They only took an hour to polish off, and honestly, while it might not look impressive in reality, reading three books (that have enough plot to make you feel satisfied) in a day gave me a feeling of accomplishment.
July 13, 2015
I think this series of books are very important with our children reading Harry Potter books and things about witch craft etc. Bill Myers does a great job of explaining different aspects of these situations. This first book in the series talks about OUIJA BOARDS, amulets, charm kid’s stuff, or what. The point of view in this book is from the child's (pre-teen and teen kids). A must read for parents and children alike.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
September 24, 2007
This is to represent all of the Forbidden Doors (except #10 which I couldn't find). I absolutly loved these in middle school. I've read half of them like 3 times. They raise good questions and give good answers all while being humorous and romantic at times. Of course once I got a little older they didn't seem as spectacular, and I only finished the series for good times sake in a way. Another thing is the ending battles are all the same to me, but the battle is not what made me love them in middle school. (Scott Williams Forever!) Ha Ha! Anyway, I highly recommend these books to younger readers. (The rating above is based on my opinion in the past. They would probably be at a 3 by now.)
January 30, 2013
My son read this book and introduced it to me. I want to recommend it to other young readers because of its powerful truth. I have had eerily similar experiences in my own life and I am so pleased to find a book series that can help the next generation prepare for these battles. The main antagonist is a group of teenagers who are commanded by a Ouija board to harm Scott because he is a Christian. That happened to me when I was a teenager, and I'm sure it happens more than we know. If you don't beleive in spiritual warfare, if you beleive you can just hide from the enemy and he won't find you, read this book.
March 2, 2015
The book,"The Society,"by Bill Myers,is an extrodinary book.It's my first time reading a Bill Myers book and I really enjoyed it.What I really liked about this book is that it brings up phrases from the Bible and that really helps me understand the story more.I totally understand what Myers was trying to explain in the story.The Quija game is not a game that anyone should play,it's not even a game at all it's dangerous stuff.I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery genres.This book is one that I would continue on reading as a series.
July 31, 2007
if i was a youth, which is you this series was intended for, i'd have probably rated it higher, but ... i'm not, so ... take my opinion w/ a grain of sal, so to speak.
it's a quick read, tho, and MOST definitely VERY thought provoking.
and, it was nice to "see" another adult who wasn't always sure about her discernment, either!
it's a quick read, tho, and MOST definitely VERY thought provoking.
and, it was nice to "see" another adult who wasn't always sure about her discernment, either!
February 3, 2010
This book had a good message, but was pretty intence, not for kids. When some teens stummble upon a society of wickens, who practice all sorts of witchcraft, they must keep themselfs free from it's power while trying to witness, but when one of the teen's dead father speaks from a unseen power, can he resist?
February 5, 2012
Eventhough I put this as "YA" it's more like Juvenile. Very Juvenile.
With that being said, it was an okay book. I dont believe in good luck pouches or ouji boards. I'm not even a Christian, but this book was okay. I plan to read at least 1 more in the series as well.
It was okay and a quick read. I think maybe the 2nd book with be better.
With that being said, it was an okay book. I dont believe in good luck pouches or ouji boards. I'm not even a Christian, but this book was okay. I plan to read at least 1 more in the series as well.
It was okay and a quick read. I think maybe the 2nd book with be better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews