Thin Places

by Bob Laurent

This is a story about the courageous family of Jackson Jazz Hightower, a lovable, mysterious thirteen-year-old boy. Jacks is on a mission with global implications but has a treacherous, shadowy enemy with an ancient oath to stop him.. The adventures begin when his traumatized cousin, Ben Keegan, comes to stay at the Hightower farm. How this peculiar boy helps his damaged friend survive in the early part of the book is unique in fiction, and reveals the first clue to his identity, as well as producing honest answers to hard issues every family faces.After the Shadow comes calling late one night in the boys' bedroom, the action that follows is relentless.The backdrop for this classic battle between light and darkness is one that seventy million Midwesterners are too familiar a perilous winter storm dubbed "The White Hurricane."Jacks' father, Gurney, a research scientist and professor at Notre Dame, is buried alive in his SUV just six miles west of South Bend. He risked the trip home from an assignment in Chicago against his wife's pleas because the one he affectionately calls "Babe" is nine months pregnant and without medical help thanks to the storm.Of course Jacks leaves the farm on a snowmobile accompanied by his golden lab, Bear, to attempt the rescue of his father. When he is joined in the search later by Ben on his noble horse, Pockets, Babe is left with only her eight-year-old daughter, Carrie to help her if the baby comes.What the Ancient Evil has planned for the boys in the blizzard on Interstate 80, along with the unspeakable malice he dispatches to the Hightower farm that evening, make for a climax that will keep you turning pages, losing sleep, and demanding a sequel.

Genres: Christian Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2016

Reviews

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The vivid portrayal of angels as protective beings and not silly cherubs is true and thought provoking. The relationships between the members of the Hightower family and their nephew Ben was tender and loving and sensitive, even during the years when he wasn't speaking. The transformation of Scary Gary into Bubba was great to read. My big problem with the book was the hinting at who Jacks really is. Biblically he can't be Jesus, because Jesus isn't coming back as a human baby again. He says he's always here, in one way or another. Page 348. I can't seem to understand the point the author wants us to grasp with Jacks character.

[Lauren Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's safe to say that Thin Places by Bob Laurent is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Thin Places is a religious book about a young boys tragic upbringing and how with God at your side, all things are possible. On Ben Keegan’s tenth birthday, the unimaginable happened, from the backseat of his grandparents car, he watched his parents and siblings get into an accident that caused the car to explode. Ever since that day, he hasn’t spoken a word. Ben grows tremendously throughout the book, going from not speaking and hating God for taking his family, to reaching out to bullies and teaching them that God loves them no matter what.
Another major character in this book is Jackson (Jazz) Hightower, Ben’s cousin. Jacks is a genius and soldier for God’s mission. He helped Ben cope with the loss of his family and showed nothing but kindness to everyone. I loved this book because it proves that miracles can happen when you put your faith and trust in God. Plus, it’s pretty cool that the author is one of the pastors at my church. Thin Places is a true story great for young adult and adult Christian readers.

[Jennifer Strege · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most bizarre and timely book. Knowing we are in a world at war and that there is more going on than we can see is a mission in and of itself. We must, MUST hold tight to God and His Word. And Trust that when God prompts us to do good it is for a good, far-reaching, and eternal purpose. Bullies need Jesus; hurting people need Jesus. And we cannot make those we love an idol over God. There is so much in this book that goes beyond what was written. Wow!

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The writing is solid and the plot line is wonderfully complex yet easily followed. I will be interested to see who Jacks is supposed to be in the spiritual realm. I have a good feeling I know, and it's a bit unnerving if I'm correct. Other than my different theological opinion on Jacks, this is one of my favorite Christian/spiritual warfare genre books.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and you don't want to put it down!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading Frank Peretti, you'll enjoy Bob Laurent's "Thin Places" . Dr Laurent knows what he is writing about. I grew up in the area the book takes place and his detail took me back and felt like I was right there. And though it's fiction, he reminded me that there are things going on around is that impact our lives in ways we may never know. I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel!

[Trudy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson "Jacks" Hightower, and his cousin, Ben Keegan, rise to the challenge when faced with terrifying evil. The characters are strong and I believe that many, like myself, can see some of the challenges faced by this family mirrored in their own. Less than halfway through the book, I couldn't put it down. Bob Laurent is a gifted speaker and writer and I am certain he was beyond thrilled to have his son, Chris, on board as illustrator for this terrific story. Like others, I am also hoping for a sequel!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy Christian fiction, and this was a great read. Well-developed and likeable characters, a fast-paced and suspenseful story line, and just all-around good writing. It was an inspirational and emotional book also.

[Jennifer Martz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. Dr. Bob writes in such a captivating way, I was unable to put this book down. His own teachings of Jesus; things I've heard him preach in his sermons or our weekly Bible study's -- are weaved so seamlessly into this extremely suspenseful and engaging story about Jesus and the less-talked-about darker powers that are at work--relentlessly trying to devour the Hightower family.