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The Gifts #1
The Gift of Light
Emily and her Aunt Gemma are two very special women. They see into the spiritual realm and commune with angels. With this exciting tale, reminiscent of the great Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness, debut author Gentry portrays in realistic terms the angelic and demonic creatures who inhabit our world, and why.
A centuries-old battle, waged in the heavenly realm between the forces of good and evil, is fast reaching a flashpoint in Hook Pond. Demon Prince Azelius has a centuries-old stronghold over the family of Senator Brad Steel, whose goal is to become President of the United States, a goal Azelius wants him to achieve. Azelius wants the senator’s son as well, but someone is praying and interfering with his plans. That someone must be silenced, permanently.
When young Bradley Steel finds the Lord, he goes through a profoundly life-changing experience. He is overwhelmed with the need to ask forgiveness for an adolescent transgression that has haunted his life. Marta forgives him and promises forgetfulness as well. They become friends and eventually fall in love and marry. Bradley goes to Afghanistan as chaplain and is critically wounded in an explosion, but a pregnant Marta is told of his death.
With the presidential election drawing near, Senator Steel makes his bid, and threatened with exposure of past misdeeds including adultery and kidnapping ending with murder, he utilizes his demonic connections to summon the Ba’al and a shaman priest.
A spine tingling ending that will have you cheering.
A centuries-old battle, waged in the heavenly realm between the forces of good and evil, is fast reaching a flashpoint in Hook Pond. Demon Prince Azelius has a centuries-old stronghold over the family of Senator Brad Steel, whose goal is to become President of the United States, a goal Azelius wants him to achieve. Azelius wants the senator’s son as well, but someone is praying and interfering with his plans. That someone must be silenced, permanently.
When young Bradley Steel finds the Lord, he goes through a profoundly life-changing experience. He is overwhelmed with the need to ask forgiveness for an adolescent transgression that has haunted his life. Marta forgives him and promises forgetfulness as well. They become friends and eventually fall in love and marry. Bradley goes to Afghanistan as chaplain and is critically wounded in an explosion, but a pregnant Marta is told of his death.
With the presidential election drawing near, Senator Steel makes his bid, and threatened with exposure of past misdeeds including adultery and kidnapping ending with murder, he utilizes his demonic connections to summon the Ba’al and a shaman priest.
A spine tingling ending that will have you cheering.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2012
67 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Jen Gentry
11 books31 followersJen is a Christian writer of fiction and non-fiction works. She writes to entertain and inspire as well as to bring glory to her own personal savior, Jesus Christ. She is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a Registered Nurse. Her life journey has not been an easy one. She knows what it means to walk through the fires of faith, as she knows the pain and the joys of life.
She has a strange fascination with hummingbirds as one has always showed up in times of difficulty in her life, either a real one or an image of one. She loves things like old tea-pots and mopar-muscle cars from the seventies. She thinks of herself as kind of a redneck chick-slash-southern belle, as she loves to dress up fancy, but spends most of her time in jersey tee-shirts and jeans, with her hair up in a ponytail.
When she is not writing or spending time with her family, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book.
She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at jen@jengentrysbooks.com
She has a strange fascination with hummingbirds as one has always showed up in times of difficulty in her life, either a real one or an image of one. She loves things like old tea-pots and mopar-muscle cars from the seventies. She thinks of herself as kind of a redneck chick-slash-southern belle, as she loves to dress up fancy, but spends most of her time in jersey tee-shirts and jeans, with her hair up in a ponytail.
When she is not writing or spending time with her family, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book.
She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at jen@jengentrysbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 11, 2016
I'm always intrigued by stories of angels vs demons, good vs evil, and this book did not disappoint! The most powerful message, to me, was the power of prayer. Even with several typos, wrong words, etc., which usually annoy me, the story was strong enough that it kept me wanting to finish reading it, so I was able to get past those errors. I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series and much more of this author!
July 15, 2016
An enjoyable YA spiritual warfare urban fantasy
When I started the book, the tale seemed like a comic book superhero creation...and it is. However, it's much more than that. Some will gritch about the blatant Christian Truth which is evident throughout the story. But it's a book sharing Truth about spiritual warfare. Yes, it remains on the comic book superhero track. But I expect that just makes it more palatable the many. It's a fun read yet edifying. Recommended!
When I started the book, the tale seemed like a comic book superhero creation...and it is. However, it's much more than that. Some will gritch about the blatant Christian Truth which is evident throughout the story. But it's a book sharing Truth about spiritual warfare. Yes, it remains on the comic book superhero track. But I expect that just makes it more palatable the many. It's a fun read yet edifying. Recommended!
April 4, 2018
I was a little leery about reading this book. Too often Christian fiction ends up being cheesy and a bit silly. Not in this case. This is a fast moving story. While I wouldn't have minded just a little more detail, I love the fact that the author just told the story without a bunch of over-descriptive "filler". At the end, I had goosebumps all over and tears in my eyes.
Well done Mrs. Gentry. God Bless.
Well done Mrs. Gentry. God Bless.
July 17, 2016
3 and a half stars
I really enjoyed the plot of this story, especially with the spiritual warfare. I would have liked to see more character development, and there were some minor spelling and grammar mistakes. I am interested in reading more of her work in the future and would recommend this book if you like stories about spiritual warfare.
I really enjoyed the plot of this story, especially with the spiritual warfare. I would have liked to see more character development, and there were some minor spelling and grammar mistakes. I am interested in reading more of her work in the future and would recommend this book if you like stories about spiritual warfare.
not-going-to-finish
May 19, 2014Heavy duty Christian fiction. My head screams 'show, don't tell'. But truthfully the story just doesn't hold my interest.
April 6, 2019
A very intriguing story with a well-developed plot and characters. This story follows Emily, Marta and Bradley from their childhood days in elementary school right through to adult life. It tells of their struggles with school mates, and being bullied not only by kids their own age but by demons, as well. The story illustrates the fight between the demonic angels and the angels of God over the minds and bodies of earthly children and adults. It is an excellent reminder that we need to know and be aware of all the heavenly spirits that surround us, and knowing and following God's word from a young and early age can protect us from the evil which exists all around us in this world.
Unfortunately, even though this is an excellent story, it needs a great deal more editing and formatting to make it an easier and more pleasant read.
It is my first read by this author and I will certainly be reading more by her.
Unfortunately, even though this is an excellent story, it needs a great deal more editing and formatting to make it an easier and more pleasant read.
It is my first read by this author and I will certainly be reading more by her.
October 4, 2017
I can only imagine....
I met the warrior angels of Frank Peretti during a very dark time of spiritual warfare in my life. I've never forgotten that first glimpse. Jen Gentry has taken her God given gift and reminded me just how much our Father loves us, and that at no time are we alone... even when it might look like it. No spoiler alert here....but I can only say whether I meet Jesus as Mr. Perry does or as we see Him at the end of this first book, I know without a doubt I WILL see Him!
I met the warrior angels of Frank Peretti during a very dark time of spiritual warfare in my life. I've never forgotten that first glimpse. Jen Gentry has taken her God given gift and reminded me just how much our Father loves us, and that at no time are we alone... even when it might look like it. No spoiler alert here....but I can only say whether I meet Jesus as Mr. Perry does or as we see Him at the end of this first book, I know without a doubt I WILL see Him!
June 23, 2019
Inspirational fiction. The story itself is worthy of 5 stars, but the rampant grammar, usage, & punctuation errors glare at you even if you're not an English language geek. The story is choppy in places. It is a shame such a beautiful story comes wrapped in an uneven prose style rampant with poor English grammar. The story is too good for these distractions. The author writes like someone with maybe a 6th grade education who got mostly C grades. Her editors should have seen to it that she had help to write these books, as the stories are good at their core.
May 29, 2020
This was a very different type of book, but I did like it a lot. There was suspense, but also supernatural happenings between angels and demons. I liked that it seemed Biblical to me and not something far out there. Since I believe in the spiritual realm and the battle between good and evil, this offered a glimpse of what it might be like in that invisible world. I'm not sure I agree with everything the author wrote, but it was quite intriguing. I liked it enough to get the next book in the series, which was also good.
December 24, 2022
Emily and her Aunt Gemma see into the spiritual realm and commune with angels.
There are several reasons I enjoyed this book. Spiritual warfare in the style of Frank Peretti. Jen did a great job showing the unseen realm that exists.
The next reason is the foster children mentioned in the story.
A very good read with interesting characters, an exciting plot, and a well-written story. I've already downloaded the next one in this series: The Gift of Knowledge. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Jen. She's a great author, tapping into the spirit realm in a revealing way.
There are several reasons I enjoyed this book. Spiritual warfare in the style of Frank Peretti. Jen did a great job showing the unseen realm that exists.
The next reason is the foster children mentioned in the story.
A very good read with interesting characters, an exciting plot, and a well-written story. I've already downloaded the next one in this series: The Gift of Knowledge. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Jen. She's a great author, tapping into the spirit realm in a revealing way.
June 25, 2020
Couldn't put it down.
It's 1:45 am and I just finished this book. Looking forward to starting next one tomorrow. Well thought out characters. Liked that the story started with how their spiritual walk began and grew. Really emphasizes the importance of a strong prayer life and the power of intercessory prayer all wrapped up in an exciting and sometimes scary storyline. I know this story wouldn't be for everyone but I enjoyed it.
It's 1:45 am and I just finished this book. Looking forward to starting next one tomorrow. Well thought out characters. Liked that the story started with how their spiritual walk began and grew. Really emphasizes the importance of a strong prayer life and the power of intercessory prayer all wrapped up in an exciting and sometimes scary storyline. I know this story wouldn't be for everyone but I enjoyed it.
June 16, 2023
Spiritual warfare is definitely real! This book is a good reminder to pray without ceasing, as the Word tells us to do! It’s a little thing but a big negative for me is that there was one swear word in this book. I don’t like that and it might be real life but I don’t want to read it in a Christian fiction book.
December 28, 2017
Great Christian Suspense
This book did not disappoint as a Christian novel nor did it disappoint as a suspense novel. It pointed to Christ, glorified God and held you in page-turning suspense. Great read! On to book #2.
This book did not disappoint as a Christian novel nor did it disappoint as a suspense novel. It pointed to Christ, glorified God and held you in page-turning suspense. Great read! On to book #2.
July 1, 2021
Very enlightening
I think all Christians should read Jen's books. They may be entertaining but they are also enlightening as to God's gifts to people. They also show the value and the power of prayer.
I think all Christians should read Jen's books. They may be entertaining but they are also enlightening as to God's gifts to people. They also show the value and the power of prayer.
November 19, 2016
AMAZING
Such a wonderful book and to see what it might look like in the spiritual is inspiring. To see how pray works and how angels are strengthened really blesses me.
Such a wonderful book and to see what it might look like in the spiritual is inspiring. To see how pray works and how angels are strengthened really blesses me.
May 17, 2017
Exciting
I haven't read a book that delves into spiritual warfare like this since Frank Peretti! I want morning to come quickly so I can read the rest of series!
I haven't read a book that delves into spiritual warfare like this since Frank Peretti! I want morning to come quickly so I can read the rest of series!
June 21, 2017
I loved this book.
If you love This Present Darkness, or the Chronicles of Brothers series by Wendy Alec. You will love this book.
If you love This Present Darkness, or the Chronicles of Brothers series by Wendy Alec. You will love this book.
September 6, 2017
I love books like this where people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus and then begin to grow in their gifts. course I have a special love of spiritual warfare
October 16, 2018
Entertaining
I love this book. An updated version of Perretti's work. I read it in 1 day. I can't wait to read the next one. Well done Gentry.
I love this book. An updated version of Perretti's work. I read it in 1 day. I can't wait to read the next one. Well done Gentry.
January 4, 2019
I enjoyed it to the end...
Great! Great! Great! All the way! I will love to find and read more books like this....... I highly recommend.
Great! Great! Great! All the way! I will love to find and read more books like this....... I highly recommend.
February 2, 2019
Emiky and her Aunt Gemma dealing with spiritual warfare The story of Bradley and Marta, and the changes and challenges they face. Interesting and well done.
January 17, 2021
Great story
Greatly enjoyed this story. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one sitting. Would be great for a book club reading.
Greatly enjoyed this story. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one sitting. Would be great for a book club reading.
April 27, 2021
Excellent story by a true master author. A book any reader will find difficult to put down!
July 6, 2015
Well written for its genre, Tweens and up.
Relative to all literature or even all fantasy, this book is about average - midpoint on a spectrum between a large body of classic and contemporary literature and a (regrettably growing) flood of hardly readable 'books'. Jen Gentry's work is neither. Within the mass market of generic novels and particularly "G" rated fiction it merits five stars for a story that holds interest without relying on scintillating sex, violence or psychological horror. The plot, especially the passage of time and character connections is well formed. The "Gift of Light" also merits 4+ stars within the specific genre - realistic fiction based on the Biblical truth of Spiritual warfare. It excels in this capacity as the events and minor plot twists are well conceived, characters and settings relatable. It is not a book about the characters, there is very little character development. Again, it's a book about spiritual warfare and Gentry develops and describes the characters and setting of the conflict with interest and accuracy based on well researched expertise of the subject. Rather than footnoting her sources, she includes relevant excerpts (quotes) as short preamble to each chapter.
Relative to all literature or even all fantasy, this book is about average - midpoint on a spectrum between a large body of classic and contemporary literature and a (regrettably growing) flood of hardly readable 'books'. Jen Gentry's work is neither. Within the mass market of generic novels and particularly "G" rated fiction it merits five stars for a story that holds interest without relying on scintillating sex, violence or psychological horror. The plot, especially the passage of time and character connections is well formed. The "Gift of Light" also merits 4+ stars within the specific genre - realistic fiction based on the Biblical truth of Spiritual warfare. It excels in this capacity as the events and minor plot twists are well conceived, characters and settings relatable. It is not a book about the characters, there is very little character development. Again, it's a book about spiritual warfare and Gentry develops and describes the characters and setting of the conflict with interest and accuracy based on well researched expertise of the subject. Rather than footnoting her sources, she includes relevant excerpts (quotes) as short preamble to each chapter.
October 23, 2013
I believe the most impacting message this book held for me was the reminder that our prayers are powerful. I very much enjoyed the story line and the characters. I loved peeking into the spiritual realm. Since we have a good size deaf ministry at our church it was great to see a deaf character. That is not something I see very often in books I read. Even with the battle between good and evil, the call to prayer was a powerful message I won't soon forget. Loved the book. Great job Ms. Gentry!
November 23, 2015
Enjoyable read
I really did enjoy reading this book. I am looking forward to the next one so I can see where these characters go on their life journeys. If your looking for a fun uplifting story with a little bit of excitement throw in then I can highly recommend this book. This is such a good book I'm tickled to have some already in library and I'm going to get them all. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ! :)
I really did enjoy reading this book. I am looking forward to the next one so I can see where these characters go on their life journeys. If your looking for a fun uplifting story with a little bit of excitement throw in then I can highly recommend this book. This is such a good book I'm tickled to have some already in library and I'm going to get them all. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ! :)
May 5, 2016
Interesting presentation of spiritual warfare
A good coming of age plot and young characters you learn enough about to care how finding Christ shapes their lives. A dramatic viewpoint of the work of the Holy Spirit that is fun to read. I wish for better editing in my Kindle edition, too many misspelled works, incorrect words used, nonsense sentences, that disrupt the reading experience.
A good coming of age plot and young characters you learn enough about to care how finding Christ shapes their lives. A dramatic viewpoint of the work of the Holy Spirit that is fun to read. I wish for better editing in my Kindle edition, too many misspelled works, incorrect words used, nonsense sentences, that disrupt the reading experience.
June 28, 2016
I am always intrigued by stories of angels guiding human lives. In this book angels and demons duke it out to save the righteous. The twist this book has is that some of the humans can see them and interact with them. The depiction of angels rings true to other novels by other authors. Makes you wonder if there is some truth to it all. You might be able to guess the ending, but how it gets there is the adventure. I'm looking forward to reading book 2, "The Gift of Knowledge".
August 15, 2016
Lots of "Christianese", Very denominational. I struggled to remain neutral regarding doctrinal cameos but there are some aspects of the contemporary Christian Faith that are just not biblical. I do not recall seeing it in the summary but it appears the target audience is Young Adult. I like the story but not the evangelical gravity. I will probably not read the sequels. I do like tales of the Angelic/Demonic gridiron but other authors have done it with less fluff.
June 23, 2014
This book really will make you think about the presence of demons and angels and the importance and power of prayer. I know that I've had angelic protection in my life, and this book reminded me of that. I really liked the characters and am now ready to read book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews