RATING: 2.5
It felt like I read this book extremely quickly. And, in fact, I did, finishing in about 2 days, or maybe 3 hours or so of reading time. (I’m not certain whether to attribute the action laced throughout the book, my own interest level, the fact that I read it to myself and not the Littles, or simply because it’s written down to a lower reading level, but I’ll try to cover all these possibilities.)
The truth is, I enjoyed Spirit Fighter quite a bit when I read it to the Littles and I was anticipating this sequel. The story continues as can be expected and even adds grants Jeremiah, the youngest Stone sibling, a larger stage. (This may explain the lower reading level as the series hopes to expand readership?) Anyway, it seems Law tried to spread the action sequences throughout the entire book, which actually created something of a bipolar reading experience, with intense action and equally notable lulls. I felt like I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough during both, on the one hand to see what happened next (though it’s largely predictable) and on the other, to get back to some action.
And while I wasn’t sure how closely the series resembled the Percy Jackson books, I’m now sure that it’s probably not going to be a series that attracts too many non churched fans of Riordan's tales. The first book delivered distinct spiritual overtones, but it wasn’t overly “preachy,” avoiding too many “Christian codewords” and refusing to limit the storyline to a 3-bullet Sunday school sermonette. I have since read a few customer reviews to the contrary, so perhaps my tolerance for such overt messaging is high, but that only bolsters my next argument. FIRE PROPHET takes its position behind a pulpit and thumps the Bible proudly, which doesn’t necessarily limit the story, but definitely limits its audience.
The story itself is essentially the same as in the first installment: the Nephilim are at risk and the dark forces want to destroy all of their families. And for as powerful and threatening as these Nephilim are made out to be, it’s kind of odd that defending their existence is a task that befalls their children, who are half the half-angels their parent is, but that’s not exactly the point, I guess. In this episode, all the Nephilim are whisked away to an undisclosed location for their own safety, while all the quarterlings are held at a convent where they undergo training in the ways of spiritual warfare. Jonah and Eliza have something of a celebrity status because of their earlier adventures, which earns them respect, admiration, and disdain from their peers.
The training is largely where Law takes license to preach at the reader. I’m not going to nitpick at some of the theological points with which I disagree, but there are certainly plenty. The students learn about the power of prayer, Bible study, and worship from a broad ecumenical perspective. They also engage the pieces of spiritual armor with which they’ve been equipped. Apparently, the “full armor of God” isn’t for everyone - we each just get a piece or two - but I will not nitpick (a reminder to myself). Not surprisingly, the plot culminates in a huge battle and you can guess the outcome, I’m sure.
But all this is not to say that this isn’t a book worth reading for fans of the first book. I know the Littles are going to enjoy this immensely, but they fit the “church kid” demographic. If you know what you’re getting into and are okay with a fair portion of theology, this is another fine story. Slightly predictable and contrived, but that’s generally what we want anyway, if we’re being honest. And, personally, I’m still looking forward to March’s third installment, SHADOW CHASER. However, if you’re looking for a sneaky way to witness to your unsaved bookworm friend, you might do just as well throwing this book at their head.
--from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw 1/2/13