Out of Darkness: A Novel

Out of Darkness #1

by Keith Terry

What happens when eight non-Mormon scholars are offered $100,000 each to spend seven weeks cloistered on a lavish estate to test the Book of Mormon and document its authenticity? With a jet at their disposal to whisk them to the cradle of Mormonism in Palmyra, New York, the olive orchards of Smaria, and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the researchers are plunged into a tantalizing search.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Fiction, Religion, Lds, Christian Fiction, Novels

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Steel · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. Ever. I read this one summer while I was working at my grandpa's place with Jack Bangerter. He kept asking me why I didn't stop and I kept telling him I didn't know, other than I hate starting books that I don't finish. I read the sequel as well, not surprisingly. Do not read this book. As for what I learned from this book, I think I would have to say that I learned that it is possible to have printed even the worst of metaphors.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are interested in the origins of the Book of Mormon and proof that it is truly from God…please read some non-fiction books about the subject (or even better the ACTUAL Book of Mormon!) and NOT this fictional story of how a group of scholars comes to prove the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. This story is cringey with its cheesiness. And was anybody else aghast when Bill Bennett forcibly kisses Mary? And what he says afterwards?! So wrong! So much of this book made me roll my eyes. Not the part about the Book of Mormon being true…I believe that…but the story that went along with it. Oh boy…just awful. I’m giving it two stars instead of one because there is some good info in it about the Book of Mormon. I will NOT be reading the sequel.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

As previously stated, the plot was okay, the conversations were not very believable, and Stephen's transformation is almost instantaneous with not much buildup. However, on a scholarly note, the book was incredibly interesting, engaging, and was the only reason I picked up the book in the first place. The insights provided into the Book of Mormon were fascinating, but the plot, while it prevented the book from being a dry documentary was definitely not the most well written.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book did keep my interest, it felt that it couldn't quite decide what it wanted to be. Partially a defense of the historicity of the Book of Mormon, partly a conversion story, partly a way to categorize people who encounter and reject the Book of Mormon; it wasn't fully any one thing, and the characters were pretty shallow.

It actually was a typical example of the reason that I don't often read LDS fiction.

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read it before, I remember liking it better the first time. I listened to it this time maybe that’s why but I did like his voices. He was a good reader. I just felt there was way too much bouncing around. It would have been more fun to delve into the details instead of the bad guy tangents. I could feel what the author wanted to do but I don’t feel he accomplished it well.

[James Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it twice. Obviously enjoyed it.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really had a hard time deciding how many stars to give this one. As far as learning scholarly insights into the Book of Mormon goes, this book deserves five stars. The writing and dialogue between characters, or even the dialogue in characters' thoughts, for that matter, deserve one star. Or maybe less. It was incredibly corny and unbelievable. One reason it was unbelievable was that the conversations took on an essay-like tone. People don't talk like that! The writing made the 40 and 60 year olds in the book sound immature and ridiculous. I actually felt embarrassed for the author as I read.

I would have much rather read this as a non-fiction book to learn insights about the Book of Mormon (although it probably would have never happened, because I'm not a big non-fiction reader. . .I like to read to be entertained, not for the sole purpose of learning).

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Stephen Thorn is asked to participate in an unusual project; one he knows nothing about until he shows us. Eight scholars are offered $100,000 apiece to do an in-depth study of "The Book of Mormon", and to discover whether or not its a "book of antiquity". This pulls Stephen, a devout Christian, into a world of questioning his own beliefs.

Review: Meh. It was a fine book. It would be more convinced by actual scholarly research as opposed to fictional scholars researching, but I can see how it would make members of the Church of Latter Day Saints more interested in "The Book of Mormon"

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. At first I was a little annoyed at how the two main male characters, Stephen and Peter seemed younger than they are supposed to be. Especially Stephen. I didn't think men were that over accommodating and vulnerable. But I began to realize the more I read that that is what his character flaw is and he is transformed by the end. Anyways, from halfway through the book to the end, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one night. Fun book. My husband really like it to. I am now reading the sequel.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book Group Selection for March. It took me a long while to get into it. I couldn't tell who the audience was. The plot wasn't strong...or that engaging. I didn't connect with any of the characters. The only interesting thing was some of the research findings they did, assuming the research was accurate and true; I couldn't tell for sure because it was a fiction. I have no interest in continuing the series.

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A group of scholars is convened to examine whether or not the Book of Mormon is indeed a work of antiquity. Two stars because I learned some interesting things about the Book of Mormon, some that I had heard before and some that I hadn't. However, the character interaction was at times embarrassingly dramatic, and I was dismayed to find that this book had a cliffhanger ending leading to a sequel.

[Mesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! This book is a great novel about a group of scholars that previously have no tie to the LDS church and are paid to dig deep into the book to prove the antiquity of the book. It dives into ancient forms of writing, Hebrew and Egyptian, old Eastern Traditions, meso-american warfare, geography, the practices of olive vineyards, wordprints AND MORE! It was great and there is a sequel... Into the Light.

[Annie Lamae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasnt a very exciting book, but it was still really interesting. It is about a group of non-mormon scholars who get together to determine if the Book of Mormon is a document of antiqety. The author has done his research and has really looked into the points of the Book of Mormon and shown historical findings that give the Book of Mormon antiquity.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is that 8 scholars are hired to prove if the Book of Mormon is a work of antiquity or not. The novel uses much of FARMS ( Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies) research and it is fascinating! There is also an intriguing story woven into the scholarly discoveries. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.

[Tawny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basis of the story still confuses me a bit, but I enjoyed the content, particularly about the Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon. Favorite line: "You are the man who must take charge of your soul. It is uniquely yours. You are the person who has to stand for the right--and the right thing to do here is to lead out" (296).

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unusual idea--to have 8 scholars investigate the truth of the Book of Mormon and authenticate it. This was fascinating reading to us of the LDS faith. The personal story of Stephen Thorn, one of the scholars is a vital part of the draw of this book. I really enjoyed listening to this book and the way it developed.

[Bonnie Mcintyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happens when eight non-Mormon scholars are offered $100,000 each to spend seven weeks cloistered on a lavish estate to test the Book of Mormon and document its authenticity?

This book wasn't interesting to me and when I found out there was a second book that needed to be read in order to finish the story, I stopped reading half-way into the book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom read this series and suggested that I read it. I thought that the book was going to be boring because it is about a group of scholars who study the Book of Mormon. This book was better than I thought it would be. I learned some new things about the Book of Mormon.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel part of this book was ok, but what I really liked was the factual research that the author included that has really been done on the B of M. I thought it was interesting to see what evidences there are that the book is really a translation.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The "meat" of this story is really interesting. The side story is all right, but I didn't love Terry's style of writing. It seemed like I could tell it was written by a man. (whatever that means, right?)

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was in interesting book and Mormon folk will find the information very insightful.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend this to any Mormon. It is a great read.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The sequels aren't nearly as good. MUST read!!!

[Tristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fabulous way to illustrate some of the many truths in the Book of Mormon.

[Cambrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn interesting facts proving that the B of M is true while reading a fictional book. Fun read.

[Christy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked this book, Read it when i was 20. Very interesting and has some neat insights into the Book Of Mormon

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and very interesting book. I learned allot about the book of Mormon and I like that I was given a fictional character to help teach so much stuff.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an LDS novel without much of a storyline, but with some great information about The Book of Mormon.

[Barbara Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book twice now, and both times I learned something new. The author did a lot of research and the results were amazing to me.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional story with alot of great true information validating the Book of Mormon