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Into the Lion's Den
"In the near future, political and cultural divisions have pushed America to the brink of civil war over States’ rights.
Daniel Ridley is a newly ordained missionary, raised in the heart of the separatist South and in ignorance of the broader world. He is sent to Boston as a missionary for the Christian Nationalist Evangelicals to preach the Word of God and to advocate for a government based on religious scripture. He’s not sure why God chose to burden him with same-sex attraction, but he’s confident his faith will give him the strength to resist that temptation. But he’s not prepared for the hostility he faces up North, and his secret mission—to find an elusive killer and bring him to justice—only complicates his task.
Jaxtyn Keller is a young gay man and perpetual college student who leads a Buddhist worship group at his university in Boston. He believes everything in the universe is connected, and everything happens for a reason. Unlike most of the citizens in his terrorism-plagued city, he’s convinced the only way to hold the country together is for both sides to truly see each other.
The two men meet by chance, and each sees in the other an opportunity to achieve his goal.
As the national crisis accelerates, however, Daniel’s cherished beliefs collide with the harsh reality of separatist violence, and he is soon torn between duty to his church and his growing feelings for Jaxtyn. When their lives are threatened, the two men must find a way to overcome their differences and accept their love for each other, while they fight to both save themselves and prevent a civil war."
Daniel Ridley is a newly ordained missionary, raised in the heart of the separatist South and in ignorance of the broader world. He is sent to Boston as a missionary for the Christian Nationalist Evangelicals to preach the Word of God and to advocate for a government based on religious scripture. He’s not sure why God chose to burden him with same-sex attraction, but he’s confident his faith will give him the strength to resist that temptation. But he’s not prepared for the hostility he faces up North, and his secret mission—to find an elusive killer and bring him to justice—only complicates his task.
Jaxtyn Keller is a young gay man and perpetual college student who leads a Buddhist worship group at his university in Boston. He believes everything in the universe is connected, and everything happens for a reason. Unlike most of the citizens in his terrorism-plagued city, he’s convinced the only way to hold the country together is for both sides to truly see each other.
The two men meet by chance, and each sees in the other an opportunity to achieve his goal.
As the national crisis accelerates, however, Daniel’s cherished beliefs collide with the harsh reality of separatist violence, and he is soon torn between duty to his church and his growing feelings for Jaxtyn. When their lives are threatened, the two men must find a way to overcome their differences and accept their love for each other, while they fight to both save themselves and prevent a civil war."
ebook
Published October 8, 2024
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About the author
John Patrick
7 books37 followersJohn Patrick spends much of his time in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, where he is supported in his writing by his husband and their terriers, who are convinced they could do battle with the bears that come through the woods on occasion (the terriers, that is, not the husband).
John is an introvert and can often be found doing introverted things like reading or writing, cooking, and thinking deep, contemplative thoughts (his husband might call this napping). He loves to spend time in nature—“forest bathing” is the Japanese term for it—feeling connected with the universe. But he also loathes heat and humidity, bugs of any sort, and unsteady footing in the form of rocks, mud, tree roots, snow, or ice. So, his love of nature is tempered; he’s complicated that way.
John and his husband enjoy traveling and have visited over a dozen countries, meeting new people, exploring new cultures, and—most importantly—discovering new foods.
John is an introvert and can often be found doing introverted things like reading or writing, cooking, and thinking deep, contemplative thoughts (his husband might call this napping). He loves to spend time in nature—“forest bathing” is the Japanese term for it—feeling connected with the universe. But he also loathes heat and humidity, bugs of any sort, and unsteady footing in the form of rocks, mud, tree roots, snow, or ice. So, his love of nature is tempered; he’s complicated that way.
John and his husband enjoy traveling and have visited over a dozen countries, meeting new people, exploring new cultures, and—most importantly—discovering new foods.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 24, 2024
It was a fascinating read considering the topics covered — dystopia, religion, homophobia, queerness, racism etc etc. I liked how it was executed and the writing wasn’t bad at all. Despite the topics, the book didn’t feel heavy at all. No angst, no cries loll.
I liked the characters’ development within themselves and their relationship with God. Kinda reminds me of my favourite book, Saint and that was refreshing :)
I didn’t truly care about them and the ending made me skim a little.
Huge thanks to GRR for the ARC.
I liked the characters’ development within themselves and their relationship with God. Kinda reminds me of my favourite book, Saint and that was refreshing :)
I didn’t truly care about them and the ending made me skim a little.
Huge thanks to GRR for the ARC.
August 31, 2024
4.5 Stars Rounded Up
Whatever your religious preference, your political affiliation, or your sexual orientation, you’ll find John Patrick’s Into the Lion’s Den to be a fascinating and thought provoking read. This book is impossible to put down. At its heart this is a story of the importance of being able to engage with others whose views are different from your own, with respect and civility. And, wherever possible, to find common ground.
With Into the Lion’s Den, Mr. Patrick has created a riveting, near-future dystopian novel that could well have been ripped directly from today’s headlines. It’s a story of young people in a nation only slightly more divided and more alienated from one another than is the case today.
Texas has declared its independence from the nation; the Supreme Court has overturned Marbury v. Madison so there is doubt as to whether Federal law can supersede State statue - and States are choosing to enact their own laws governing how lives should be lived.
The United States has become a nation of distrust, alienation, and conspiracy theories - made worse by dependence on news organizations geared entirely to the already biased beliefs of their audiences. All of this has lead to tragic acts of domestic terrorism.
In the South, Red States are being lead by gun-carrying Christian Nationalist Evangelicals (CNE - CeeNees) advocating for a national government based on religious scripture. While, in the North, Blue cities and States - epitomized in this work by Boston - are proponents of government free from State-sponsored religion, as defined by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Into this environment comes a complex mix of characters - each with his or her own personal beliefs, desires, and challenges. The protagonists are:
Daniel Ridley, a newly ordained missionary trained in the Sangre de Cristo Missionary College, a South Carolina Christian Nationalist institution with a motto of ‘Bringing People to God and God to Government’. Dan recognizes he has an attraction to men, but believes that Jesus has presented him with this temptation to help strengthen his faith;
and
Jaxtyn Keller, a gay college student who leads a Buddhist meditation group at UMass. Jaxtyn has become increasingly concerned by the CNE’s desire to force their ‘Christian version' of Sharia law on the nation.
Of course, Daniel and Jaxtyn meet and Jaxtyn turns out to be the “demon of temptation” in Daniel’s life that Daniel most fears.
Critical, fully developed secondary characters abound. Among the most important of these are:
Marcus Johnson, Daniel’s best boyhood friend, college roommate, and missionary partner in Boston who happens to be Black;
Ruth Deveraux, a childhood acquaintance of Daniel and Marcus who assumes an increasingly important role in the story;
Jaxtyn’s college roommates, Sylvie and Skylar. ;
Pastor Logan who heads the Sangre de Cristo Missionary College in SC and who mentors Daniel and Marcus, and Pastor Ashton who leads the AME Church in Boston, who reinforces the doubts Marcus has always had about his Christian Nationalist upbringing.
For me, the singular downside of this otherwise outstanding literary work is that fact that I find it hard to accept Daniel’s rigid, unquestioning, belief in his religious teaching. Daniel is clearly an intelligent young man - deeply bothered by his homosexual feelings - and it was beyond my ability to understand his initial unwillingness - even with the years of brain-washing he’d endured - to challenge the things he’d been taught.
Whatever your religious preference, your political affiliation, or your sexual orientation, you’ll find John Patrick’s Into the Lion’s Den to be a fascinating and thought provoking read. This book is impossible to put down. At its heart this is a story of the importance of being able to engage with others whose views are different from your own, with respect and civility. And, wherever possible, to find common ground.
With Into the Lion’s Den, Mr. Patrick has created a riveting, near-future dystopian novel that could well have been ripped directly from today’s headlines. It’s a story of young people in a nation only slightly more divided and more alienated from one another than is the case today.
Texas has declared its independence from the nation; the Supreme Court has overturned Marbury v. Madison so there is doubt as to whether Federal law can supersede State statue - and States are choosing to enact their own laws governing how lives should be lived.
The United States has become a nation of distrust, alienation, and conspiracy theories - made worse by dependence on news organizations geared entirely to the already biased beliefs of their audiences. All of this has lead to tragic acts of domestic terrorism.
In the South, Red States are being lead by gun-carrying Christian Nationalist Evangelicals (CNE - CeeNees) advocating for a national government based on religious scripture. While, in the North, Blue cities and States - epitomized in this work by Boston - are proponents of government free from State-sponsored religion, as defined by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Into this environment comes a complex mix of characters - each with his or her own personal beliefs, desires, and challenges. The protagonists are:
Daniel Ridley, a newly ordained missionary trained in the Sangre de Cristo Missionary College, a South Carolina Christian Nationalist institution with a motto of ‘Bringing People to God and God to Government’. Dan recognizes he has an attraction to men, but believes that Jesus has presented him with this temptation to help strengthen his faith;
and
Jaxtyn Keller, a gay college student who leads a Buddhist meditation group at UMass. Jaxtyn has become increasingly concerned by the CNE’s desire to force their ‘Christian version' of Sharia law on the nation.
Of course, Daniel and Jaxtyn meet and Jaxtyn turns out to be the “demon of temptation” in Daniel’s life that Daniel most fears.
Critical, fully developed secondary characters abound. Among the most important of these are:
Marcus Johnson, Daniel’s best boyhood friend, college roommate, and missionary partner in Boston who happens to be Black;
Ruth Deveraux, a childhood acquaintance of Daniel and Marcus who assumes an increasingly important role in the story;
Jaxtyn’s college roommates, Sylvie and Skylar. ;
Pastor Logan who heads the Sangre de Cristo Missionary College in SC and who mentors Daniel and Marcus, and Pastor Ashton who leads the AME Church in Boston, who reinforces the doubts Marcus has always had about his Christian Nationalist upbringing.
For me, the singular downside of this otherwise outstanding literary work is that fact that I find it hard to accept Daniel’s rigid, unquestioning, belief in his religious teaching. Daniel is clearly an intelligent young man - deeply bothered by his homosexual feelings - and it was beyond my ability to understand his initial unwillingness - even with the years of brain-washing he’d endured - to challenge the things he’d been taught.
October 8, 2024
Daniel Ridley and Marcus Johnson have completed their Christian Nationalist Evangelist missionary obligations. Daniel has been at the top of the class four years in a row. Marcus is Daniel’s best friend and roommate. He often worries and is frustrated with Marcus because he at times questions the wisdom of the leaders. He also believed Marcus knew things and Daniel didn’t want to know about them. Marcus also kept in touch and took unschedule visits to his family. But Daniel has his own sin to deal with. Same sex attraction has plagued him, but he puts his faith in God that he will be changed.
They have been attending the South Carolina, Sangre de Cristo Missionary College and leaving in the spring for Boston. Marcus had heard there was more violence at the polling places in Boston. They will go to Boston and preach for political progress that everyone will accept Jesus and the Christian Nationalist Religion. Their sacred mission will take them out into a world they think they are familiar with. As they watched the Good News Network it always showed celebration and cheering crowds and they listened to Pastor Logan. They are also on a secret mission for Pastor Logan.
Jaxtyn, Sylvie and Skylar are roommates and attend U Mass Boston. Jaxtyn loved to meditate and leads a group. He works part-time at the library to help with rent and spending money. Jaxtyn believed in science that the universe is made of invisible particles of vibrating energy. He felt the foreboding in this election with the control of congress, it would be the end of a union and the establishment of religion governed in separate states. The Christian Nationalist Evangelical missionaries or CeeNees showed up everywhere and were avoided by many. The CNE wanted their religion adopted and it would be forced on all of society.
As Jaxtyn and Sylvie were making their way through the long lines at the polling station tragedy struct. There were pops and a loud boom and the polling station was in chaos. Back at their apartment, the three roommates watched the tablet feed. Nine dead and dozens injured. Drones footage showed CeeNees pulling guns from under their red coats and one attacker killed by security. The CNE were recognized by what they wore red shirts and white slacks and they carried guns. Jaxtyn didn’t believe the violence was the way of the CNE. He believed they were confused, misguided and wrong but not killers of innocent people. He believed there had to be a way to connect with them if the country was to survive.
Six months after the election Daniel and Marcus are now on their way to Boston, they find it difficult at times. Every layover they repeatedly had to show their ID and tickets. Their clothing is very recognizable and carries a reputation. The terror attacks had increased and Marcus and Daniel wished they could have their guns that were checked into containers, even Marcus’ empty holster needs to be contained. They aren’t welcomed in Boston and repeatedly told that “no one wants trouble.”
On a layover to Boston they are approached by Sylvie and she humiliates them, but Jaxtyn is there to stop her. He knows she had drank too much and the excitement of the protest were urging her on. Daniel becomes interested in Jaxtyn and the tattoo on his neck. On the next layover Jaxtyn actually talks with Daniel and introduces himself. They have a discussion and Jaxtyn tells him of the Open Lotus.
The longer Daniel and Marcus stay in Boston and connect with Jaxtyn, Sylvie and Skylar they begin to learn not everything is what it seems. What have they gotten themselves into? There will come a point when danger finds Daniel and Jaxtyn.
John Patrick creates a story that will leave readers with some heavy thoughts with “Into the Lions Den.” The novel is very intense, intriguing, suspenseful and filled with deception, brain washing, violence, forceful politics and different beliefs.
For me, the interaction between Jaxtyn and Daniel is very important. It seems to send the message that society “can agree to disagree” without violence and hatred. Society can remain friendly, respectful and even those with close relationships can still work with their differences. As for Daniel and Jaxtyn they share some very interesting opinions. Daniel, first and foremost, want’s to bring people to Jesus and God. He’s very trusting and naive in a sense. Because of the Christian Nationalist religion he has a mind set about different topics.
The more time he spends with Jaxtyn he starts to accept some topics differently. Jaxtyn really tries to get Daniel to see that not all of life has to do with religion. As frustrating and difficult as it is at times, Jaxtyn stays open-minded and discusses different opinions with Daniel. The topics range from: religion, racism, homophobia, abortion, even tattoos and more.
I felt with the characters of Daniel and Jaxtyn the author was able to bring out some very interesting and different insights. The content of the story doesn’t feel like its all one-sided and it really brings out the importance about being able to share in opinions or beliefs without hostility.
I want to give recognition to all of the characters as they all brought something to the discussions: Marcus and his parents Walt and Cassy, Sylvie, Ruth, Skylar and the New Riders.
I highly recommend “Into the Lions Den” it is written in such a way that it never failed to hold my interest. All the topics discussed were very thought provoking. As Daniel and Jaxtyn discussions become deep in ideas and thoughts the novel became thoroughly entertaining. I’ve read several of John Patrick’s novels and once again, he did outstanding with this new novel.
They have been attending the South Carolina, Sangre de Cristo Missionary College and leaving in the spring for Boston. Marcus had heard there was more violence at the polling places in Boston. They will go to Boston and preach for political progress that everyone will accept Jesus and the Christian Nationalist Religion. Their sacred mission will take them out into a world they think they are familiar with. As they watched the Good News Network it always showed celebration and cheering crowds and they listened to Pastor Logan. They are also on a secret mission for Pastor Logan.
Jaxtyn, Sylvie and Skylar are roommates and attend U Mass Boston. Jaxtyn loved to meditate and leads a group. He works part-time at the library to help with rent and spending money. Jaxtyn believed in science that the universe is made of invisible particles of vibrating energy. He felt the foreboding in this election with the control of congress, it would be the end of a union and the establishment of religion governed in separate states. The Christian Nationalist Evangelical missionaries or CeeNees showed up everywhere and were avoided by many. The CNE wanted their religion adopted and it would be forced on all of society.
As Jaxtyn and Sylvie were making their way through the long lines at the polling station tragedy struct. There were pops and a loud boom and the polling station was in chaos. Back at their apartment, the three roommates watched the tablet feed. Nine dead and dozens injured. Drones footage showed CeeNees pulling guns from under their red coats and one attacker killed by security. The CNE were recognized by what they wore red shirts and white slacks and they carried guns. Jaxtyn didn’t believe the violence was the way of the CNE. He believed they were confused, misguided and wrong but not killers of innocent people. He believed there had to be a way to connect with them if the country was to survive.
Six months after the election Daniel and Marcus are now on their way to Boston, they find it difficult at times. Every layover they repeatedly had to show their ID and tickets. Their clothing is very recognizable and carries a reputation. The terror attacks had increased and Marcus and Daniel wished they could have their guns that were checked into containers, even Marcus’ empty holster needs to be contained. They aren’t welcomed in Boston and repeatedly told that “no one wants trouble.”
On a layover to Boston they are approached by Sylvie and she humiliates them, but Jaxtyn is there to stop her. He knows she had drank too much and the excitement of the protest were urging her on. Daniel becomes interested in Jaxtyn and the tattoo on his neck. On the next layover Jaxtyn actually talks with Daniel and introduces himself. They have a discussion and Jaxtyn tells him of the Open Lotus.
The longer Daniel and Marcus stay in Boston and connect with Jaxtyn, Sylvie and Skylar they begin to learn not everything is what it seems. What have they gotten themselves into? There will come a point when danger finds Daniel and Jaxtyn.
John Patrick creates a story that will leave readers with some heavy thoughts with “Into the Lions Den.” The novel is very intense, intriguing, suspenseful and filled with deception, brain washing, violence, forceful politics and different beliefs.
For me, the interaction between Jaxtyn and Daniel is very important. It seems to send the message that society “can agree to disagree” without violence and hatred. Society can remain friendly, respectful and even those with close relationships can still work with their differences. As for Daniel and Jaxtyn they share some very interesting opinions. Daniel, first and foremost, want’s to bring people to Jesus and God. He’s very trusting and naive in a sense. Because of the Christian Nationalist religion he has a mind set about different topics.
The more time he spends with Jaxtyn he starts to accept some topics differently. Jaxtyn really tries to get Daniel to see that not all of life has to do with religion. As frustrating and difficult as it is at times, Jaxtyn stays open-minded and discusses different opinions with Daniel. The topics range from: religion, racism, homophobia, abortion, even tattoos and more.
I felt with the characters of Daniel and Jaxtyn the author was able to bring out some very interesting and different insights. The content of the story doesn’t feel like its all one-sided and it really brings out the importance about being able to share in opinions or beliefs without hostility.
I want to give recognition to all of the characters as they all brought something to the discussions: Marcus and his parents Walt and Cassy, Sylvie, Ruth, Skylar and the New Riders.
I highly recommend “Into the Lions Den” it is written in such a way that it never failed to hold my interest. All the topics discussed were very thought provoking. As Daniel and Jaxtyn discussions become deep in ideas and thoughts the novel became thoroughly entertaining. I’ve read several of John Patrick’s novels and once again, he did outstanding with this new novel.
September 16, 2024
I was unfamiliar with any writing by this author when I chose to read it and it turned out to be close to my interest as a gay Christian. The book focuses on a period when States Rights become so strong that Christian Nationalism is dividing the country and havoc, riots and bombs are destroying peace in all parts of the USA - something as a non-USA resident I can understand happening.
Enter Daniel and Marcus who have grown up in South Carolina where the police and the law are intertwined are in Boston as new missionaries. Daniel is bothered by same-sex attraction which is OK so long as he does not act on it. Marcus is black who has had to learn about racism and slavery on his own as Christian Nationalists outlaw teachings on it.
The focus become Daniel's inability to adapt to what is indoctrination and what is life. As a secondary mission Daniel and Marcus were asked to find a car/person who had taken Ruth from South Carolina for an abortion which they view as murder. Daniel becomes friends with Jaxton, a Buddhist and his roommates which includes Skylar, the man they are supposed to be looking for.
Daniel reveals enough information to his Pastor that Daniel and Jaxton get kidnapped while they are experiencing their first sexual encounter. That leads to a trip to South Carolina and back with all the coming out, arrest on TV of the pastor, etc.
I am not going to reveal more as that would be a spoiler but I will say I was moved in several places in the book to tears and read much of it at long sittings as I could not put it down. There is a lesson in the book about judgmental people and learning to accept others.
Enter Daniel and Marcus who have grown up in South Carolina where the police and the law are intertwined are in Boston as new missionaries. Daniel is bothered by same-sex attraction which is OK so long as he does not act on it. Marcus is black who has had to learn about racism and slavery on his own as Christian Nationalists outlaw teachings on it.
The focus become Daniel's inability to adapt to what is indoctrination and what is life. As a secondary mission Daniel and Marcus were asked to find a car/person who had taken Ruth from South Carolina for an abortion which they view as murder. Daniel becomes friends with Jaxton, a Buddhist and his roommates which includes Skylar, the man they are supposed to be looking for.
Daniel reveals enough information to his Pastor that Daniel and Jaxton get kidnapped while they are experiencing their first sexual encounter. That leads to a trip to South Carolina and back with all the coming out, arrest on TV of the pastor, etc.
I am not going to reveal more as that would be a spoiler but I will say I was moved in several places in the book to tears and read much of it at long sittings as I could not put it down. There is a lesson in the book about judgmental people and learning to accept others.
October 30, 2024
This well-written book fairly addresses the issues around the polarization of our political landscape, with an eye toward respectful discourse, when possible. It is set in a near future in which the country is split, with the southern red states eliminating separation of church and state and turning militant in their desire to push their religious agenda on the nation.
Daniel and his childhood friend Marcus are on a missionary trip to Boston to try to convert the locals into their religion. While there, Daniel meets Jaxtyn, a young gay man and Buddhist, who decides to be open-minded to Daniel's message. He's also attracted to Daniel, although that's not his reason for befriending him. Daniel has his own secret. He's always been attracted to men, but he considers it a burden and temptation to be avoided. This is set against the back-drop of domestic terrorism, with dirty bombs, power outages, and violence regularly occurring in the city. Extremists hope to scare northerners into bending to their will in government.
Be in the right frame of mind for this book, as it is often dark and almost hopeless. The romance is significant, but it is fade-to-black and not the most important part of the storyline. The story is thought-provoking, respectful, and I could see it being a good book club discussion, if handled correctly. The story was well-research, fair to those of various religious beliefs, and knowledgeable about the potential for history to repeat itself. The beautiful love and positive ending are well worth the journey.
Daniel and his childhood friend Marcus are on a missionary trip to Boston to try to convert the locals into their religion. While there, Daniel meets Jaxtyn, a young gay man and Buddhist, who decides to be open-minded to Daniel's message. He's also attracted to Daniel, although that's not his reason for befriending him. Daniel has his own secret. He's always been attracted to men, but he considers it a burden and temptation to be avoided. This is set against the back-drop of domestic terrorism, with dirty bombs, power outages, and violence regularly occurring in the city. Extremists hope to scare northerners into bending to their will in government.
Be in the right frame of mind for this book, as it is often dark and almost hopeless. The romance is significant, but it is fade-to-black and not the most important part of the storyline. The story is thought-provoking, respectful, and I could see it being a good book club discussion, if handled correctly. The story was well-research, fair to those of various religious beliefs, and knowledgeable about the potential for history to repeat itself. The beautiful love and positive ending are well worth the journey.
October 18, 2024
I have read several books by John Patrick and enjoyed them, especially the Bay series. This one creates a possible near future alternate United States. A US where the nation is divided into red and blue states. Red states are controlled by CeeNees. Christian Nationalists who frighteningly resemble the writers of Project 2025. Most of the southern states are red states. Daniel is young college student in South Carolina sent, with his best friend Marcus, to be be missionaries to the people of Boston. What they find there is not what they have been taught to expect. Blue states are frequently rocked by domestic terrorism brought by the Christian Nationalists in an effort to force a separation of the Unites States. Daniel meets Jaxtyn and his friends and all their lives are forever changed. While Daniel and Jaxtyn do become more than friends, I do not consider this book a romance. The real story here is the representation of a terrifying vision for America's future. I recommend Into the Lion's Den because it will make readers think and, hopefully, care enough to work towards maintaining our personal freedoms and our nation's biggest strength. Which is the diversity of the American people of religion, race, ethnicity, and beliefs.
October 17, 2024
Intriguing, thought-provoking and with a depth of knowledge of current issues, John Patrick takes readers through situations that are not only possible but scarily probable in our near future in the US.
Yes, there's a romance at the heart of the story but the romance happens amidst a swirl of political unrest that took me through several situations and experiences I generally take for granted and shook up my thinking. I take many daily activities for granted and I assume I'll always have the freedom to do so. But what if I don't? Am I willing to fight for my beliefs as the characters in this story do? Or am I willing to settle for the status quo as that's the least disruptive way to live my life.
This book very definitely gave me food for thought, and yet it's not as heavy as it may sound by my above description. It's well worth reading and it's characters are likely to linger in my memory for quite some time. Very definitely highly recommended.
Note: I read a prepublication copy and this is my honest review. This author's work has been among my favorites for the last few years and I look forward to more.
Yes, there's a romance at the heart of the story but the romance happens amidst a swirl of political unrest that took me through several situations and experiences I generally take for granted and shook up my thinking. I take many daily activities for granted and I assume I'll always have the freedom to do so. But what if I don't? Am I willing to fight for my beliefs as the characters in this story do? Or am I willing to settle for the status quo as that's the least disruptive way to live my life.
This book very definitely gave me food for thought, and yet it's not as heavy as it may sound by my above description. It's well worth reading and it's characters are likely to linger in my memory for quite some time. Very definitely highly recommended.
Note: I read a prepublication copy and this is my honest review. This author's work has been among my favorites for the last few years and I look forward to more.
October 8, 2024
This was a solid piece of political writing, set in a not-too-far off future. It starts with Dan and Marcus, Christian missionaries sent from South Carolina to Boston under the guise of spreading the word of their faith as Christian Nationalist Evangelicals (aka CNEs). It proposes a world where states pay unwanted individuals to leave, and bombs are lobbed in order to change society's beliefs. In this backdrop is Dan, a young man that suffers from same- sex- attraction, but as a CNE knows that he can never act on it. But, when he meets Jaxtyn, all bets are off, and Dan's future and belief system are gently threatened...
October 10, 2024
From page one I was hooked on this fascinating book. It was like reading a political and social commentary but with a great story and characters. It hits on so many social issues as two men, Daniel and Jaxtyn, who are completely different are thrown together to navigate the world set in the future. I read this in one sitting but will reread it as it is the type of book that beds reflection and thought. Do not let the heaviness of the issues scare you as it is not a heavy book but one of hope and one determined to help us learn civility and difference. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review. .
October 17, 2024
Absolutely could not put this one down. The parallels with things going on in today's society, things that could easily become reality and ways the author reaches back to freedom movements of the past was brilliantly handled and in places frightening as all get out. Daniel and Jaxtyn were characters perfectly created to present challenges for each other and to have challenges in the world at large because of their beliefs. The addition of the mystery and Daniel's search for the killer was icing on the cake. I read the e-book of this one but have ordered the paperback to have and reread in my favorite format.
October 11, 2024
He always believed his faith would help him in every situation he will face but he will find there may be no answers when he meets them. He is on the hunt for a killer and he will meet them. His faith will be tested as he starts to feel something strange for them. The journey may lead him to question his faith and everything else around him. His life is going to keep you wondering how he will deal with it all now. A brilliant read which may be hard to put down
October 11, 2024
If you enjoy a deep, thought provoking book then thus is definitely for you! I normally read a few books a week but this one required alot more concentration but was compelling enough to keep me hooked!
Brilliantly set in a dystopian world we follow Daniel who is a minister and Jaxtyn as they fight for their love by jumping over so many hurdles! Excellently written and unique!
I received a free arc copy and this is the honest review
Brilliantly set in a dystopian world we follow Daniel who is a minister and Jaxtyn as they fight for their love by jumping over so many hurdles! Excellently written and unique!
I received a free arc copy and this is the honest review
October 11, 2024
This story read so timely to me given what we are dealing with in this country these days. It is not a mirror of what we are experiencing but it was a nice fictional 'warning' about how extreme things could be if we are not careful. It was not overly heavy but it left me with a lot to ponder which for me is the mark of a good reading experience.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2024
I found this such a slog to read.
The world-building was excellent. It was quite scary to see how close we could be to something like this happening.
What I struggled with was the two main characters, Daniel and Jaxtyn. I appreciate that they needed to be opposites but it was too much and to the point where I felt they had no chemistry whatsoever.
Daniel was just too devout and Jaxtyn was too spiritual. It was grating to read about it over and over again where they ended up having no personality.
I got to around 55% but gave up and started jumping pages to see what happened.
Didn't do it for me.
The world-building was excellent. It was quite scary to see how close we could be to something like this happening.
What I struggled with was the two main characters, Daniel and Jaxtyn. I appreciate that they needed to be opposites but it was too much and to the point where I felt they had no chemistry whatsoever.
Daniel was just too devout and Jaxtyn was too spiritual. It was grating to read about it over and over again where they ended up having no personality.
I got to around 55% but gave up and started jumping pages to see what happened.
Didn't do it for me.
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