Four Bestselling Authors Team Up for Thrilling Supernatural Suspense
Gathering four stories from four bestselling author friends, Invitation is the first collection in the ongoing Harbingers series.
In "The Call" by Bill Myers, four strangers are drawn together to help a student at the mysterious Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies. His gifts are supposedly being honed to assist world leaders . . . but there are some very disturbing strings attached. Frank Peretti's "The Haunted" confronts a supernatural mystery, a case of murder, and an exploration into the darkness of the human heart, all centering around a mysterious house.
In Angela Hunt's "The Sentinels," animals around the world are mysteriously dying. What could it mean? When the tragedy begins to touch Andi's dreams, she discovers a terrifying theory. "The Girl" by Alton Gansky is a gripping tale of a young barefoot girl found holding a scroll in the snowy Oregon mountains. She is sweet, innocent--apparently not of this world--and something wants to kill her.
Bill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
A different sort of premise for Christian fiction, this had an enjoyable plot and fabulous writing. My only complaint is that a certain profanity appears--well, I consider it to be a profanity, and most adults outside of the millennial generation do as well--which was disappointing for such a book, especially one written by Bill Myers.
I very much enjoyed this book and the next few. I’m writing this review after reading over a dozen “episodes” and getting more and more concerned.
I’m breaking up with this series. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed it. Each “episode” has kept me turning the pages, waiting to see how the team makes everything work out. And that’s why I’m quitting.
Humans through the ages have mostly known that spiritual beings are not to be trifled with. In fact, most evil spirits and gods hold great power. We do not control them. Jesus does. The name of Jesus and His power through us does.
These books are neglecting Jesus. As a whole, we see that a team of humans can defeat and confound darkness. And that is incorrect. In one book, one character sees that Tank’s prayer is more powerful than anything else, but that was never mentioned again. A good TEAM cannot save us from evil. Jesus can.
This series left out the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It also left out the gospel message. All of us fall short of perfection; all of us sin. It is only through Jesus that we can be saved. A good team will not be enough.
I'm not sure why it is, but this book felt like a really wholesome read - a relieving, one-day break from reality.
I didn't quite get the symbolism, and, perhaps, the author had some unnecessary profanity added, but it was overall so well done for such a short book! And, although the plot was a little janked, it was still such an enjoyable ride!
Right off the bat, I understand these characters, and I see who they are - SO well-developed! I'm extremely excited for the next one, as it is written by Mr. Frank Peretti, who is awesome at writing suspense/thriller novels, and is especially fantastic with his symbolism skills.
El primer relato, de Brenda, me ha gustado bastante como puesta en escena. El del profesor me ha dicho menos, pero el de Andi con Abby me ha tocado la fibra. Y sin duda el que más me ha gustado ha sido el de Tank. Vamos a por el segundo...
Nice book about a group of 5 totally different persons with special gifts brought together to uncover the dark secret behind a university. Easy to read with a nice pace.
While I generally avoid supernatural fiction as a personal preference, I was intrigued by this series because of the authors involved and the way they are rotating the writing. I read a pdf of this first book and was intrigued by the story. I believe it will appeal to teens and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced tale with supernatural elements. An eclectic group of characters provide plenty of color and personality, and quite a bit of action happens in a short amount of time. Available as both an e-book and in paperback, the short novella length makes this a quick read, encouraging reluctant readers to pick it up. I look forward to the next books in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an electronic copy of this book free from Angela Hunt. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
SPOILER ALERT LATER! (But not the ending. I wouldn't do that to you.) One of the perks of knowing the people I know, is every so often, I get asked to read books. For no other reason than to read them. And, you know, tell others [that would be you] what I think. So, some time ago I was given a copy of the aforementioned book by podcast cohost, Alton Gansky. Being the ridiculously slow reader that I am, I didn’t pick the book up until a few weeks later. But once I got into it, I really got into it. I actually pack it in my bag each day. That’s something I don’t do, folks! I don’t read in public. I get too distracted. Or I have too many errands to do. But lately, I’ve forgone those pesky errands and planted myself during lunch at the local Starbucks just so I can read what happens next. Now, Harbingers is unique for several reasons, and I’m gonna tell you why. FIRST It started out with four authors, each writing a section, or “book”, from the perspective of their own character. That is, Book One was written by Bill Myers in the voice of his character, Brenda. Frank Peretti (later Jeff Gerke), Angie Hunt, and Al Gansky each take a spin for the following sections. SECOND The first twelve books have been picked up to be published in “cycles”. The first four are in INVITATION. THIRD It is a very quick read. Well, for most folks. I tend to not dive into a book until I can really commit to it, but this one reads so fast even I was pleasantly surprised. Each book was written to be read in just a day or two. That’s great for people like me. It’s also not great, because when I was done with the first book I just wanted to plow right in to the second one but this thing call housework and another thing called job got in the way. FOURTH What a joy to read a book that doesn’t take the reader out of the story. As an editor, I naturally find myself critical of writing styles and search subconsciously for errors. I can happily say I was . Or, . Or . . . I just mean the book made me forget I was an editor. That’s hard to do, and highly appreciated. FIFTH I ain’t gonna lie to you here, the draw for me is I know or have at least met each of the authors except Frank Peretti. Now, when you’re a newbie in the Christian writing world, these are some pretty great names to know. But that’s just my little thing to hold on to. So let me give you the rundown report on Book One: The Call by Bill Myers. *WHOOT! WHOOT!* Wait a minute, folks. That’s the spoiler alarm going off! If you don’t want to know about the storyline, best to stop reading here and get yourself a copy of the book. But if you’ve already read it and want to see if my review compares to yours, then by all means, please continue. SYNOPSIS: Brenda is a “street-hustling tattoo artist who sees images of the future.” Her clients think it’s a game when she tattoos what she sees on them. Two guys bring a drunk friend (“Tank”) and leave him there. The same friend she’s been seeing in her visions. After she works her magic, she’s ready to leave for the night but Tank’s friends don’t return. She’s not the kind to leave him passed out on the sidewalk so she gets him into her car. Before she can start driving, a low-flying plane, on fire, shoots overhead. Brenda drives to follow it and finds the Professor and Andi have survived the crash. Tank recognizes they are all in the new tattoo on his arm. Whether they like it or not, their paths have brought them together. They discover The Institute: A location known for mysterious events and promoting students with quite a bit of, shall we say, psychic activity. They meet Sridhar, an unwilling student, and Dr. Trenton, the man in charge. But even now things aren’t what they seem. A terrible energy field controls and amplifies the worst fears of those who enter it. Chants and smoke contribute to the induction ceremony for students as they prepare to go into world with the skills they’ve developed, and the spirit guides they’ve received. It seems our four are the only ones who recognize Sridhar’s apprehension, and understand they must rescue him. And so they try. But how can four unarmed strangers unite in a game plan against security guards and strong, dark energy? That, my friends, is why you must by this book. Because I won’t tell you the rest. A well-written, easy to read, fast paced story that has depth of character, backstory, suspense, conflict. All the things you want in a book. With enough realism to gnaw at the back of your neck as you read about spirits and demons, but enough fabrication to let you sleep at night . . . maybe. Book One: The Call by Bill Myers is just the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The novella was an easy read, and the action moved along with little interruption. The first episode convinced me that I may continue with the next episodes. There is interesting diversity of characters in both the protagonists and the antagonist. The style brings to mind the Sci-Fi stories of the 1950's. The Call is also included in the book Invitation with the three following episodes. The publisher, Bethany House Publishers, classifies it as Fiction-Futuristic. They publish Christian Fiction along with other Christian Books.
Very interesting premise with a lot of promise as a whole. This veered towards more edgy Christian Fiction with some supernatural elements to it. Some unusual characters which I liked. Probably would work better as one book instead of 4 novellas but it definitely made me want to read book #2, which is written by Frank Peretti (all 4 books are written by different authors and the series continues with these authors with more books).
This book series has a really interesting concept. Really easy to read. Which is part of the reason why they wrote the series like it is--to have it be like a tv series. At times though, it was a little hard to follow but I liked it. Can't wait to read the next one, because Frank Peretti is amazing! I give this book 4 ✨
You really get to know the unique personality of each of the characters. I quickly got pulled into the storyline and didn't want the book to end. But luckily the series has 20 books so on to the next adventure!!!
As the first in a series, it's well written and definitely a keeper and leader into the rest of the series. I can't wait to find out where this is going and this trip is To Be Continued to the end. Excellent read
Not a bad introduction to some potentially interesting characters, and hopefully some good storytelling, though this episode felt rushed. Maybe I am just not used to the short story format.
It was SUCH a great book(s)! I know the idea is to be able to read each like a tv series episode but it was so enthralling I hated putting it down and can’t wait to get to the others!
This was such an odd and fun read. With it being a novela it doesn't necessarily have a rhyme or reason to how or why everything is happening. But I would definitely recommend reading these books. They're fun and quick.
My family and I went on a road trip to take care of some family business. I had an afternoon, and I didn't want to get into something long that would distract me when I got back home and had school responsibilities. The Call was the perfect length.
This is a supernatural thriller in a novella/novelette. Though reading habits change from one reader to the next, I would say that most readers would happily swallow this in a single sitting. One thing about it that piques my interest is that it's part of a series in which four bestselling authors take turns at writing one book then passing on the baton.
The plot is fast paced (as you might expect from a book of this size). The story is told in first person and the narrator's voice is well-done. Descriptions are vivid and I felt involved. The characters were each very much their own person. In fact, they felt like clichés, but it didn't really bother me. In short, I found the writing riveting.
The opening scene made me skeptical regarding whether or not the themes in the book would be edifying. Think sleazy alleys where people go when they've had too much to drink. Characters in that initial scene demonstrate low morals (eg. getting drunk, speaking cheaply about women and cheating people for money). These are neither encouraged nor discouraged. Personally, I felt uncomfortable in this environment and was considering putting the book down. I'm glad I didn't.
Further in, things started to get weird. One might expect that of a supernatural thriller. Nonetheless, I felt uncomfortable again. It seemed like the book was giving the devil more credit than he's worth and stoking excessive fear of him. However, I soon realized that the book was exposing a common way that evil spirits deceive people in the real world and distracting them from God.
In the name of an all-encompassing summary, I think 'The Call' is very compelling and encourages thought regarding the deceit of evil spirits. I recommend it if you want a quick read and can appreciate the "out-of-this-world" elements. I would NOT recommend it if you tend to fear or obsess over evil spirits, as the beginning of the book might feed your fear.
**NOTE: This novella isn't horror. I wouldn't call it "scary" so much as eerie or creepy.
The Book: Brenda, a tattoo artist, street hustler sees images of the future. The Professor, an ex-priest and atheist is ruled by logic. Andi, the professor’s assistant sees patterns. Tank, a jock has a connection to a healing power. Daniel, ten-year-old can see into the supernatural world. These five characters are mysteriously brought together.
In this first book of the series, the team comes together to help a student at the Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies.
Authors Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, and Alton Gansky unite their talents.
My Thoughts: This read is fast-paced, suspense driven, page-turning drama. I loved it. Each book will be written by the above authors. I read the book in a couple different settings. The characters were interesting and well developed. I look forward to the next book.
As providence has it, Brenda, a middle aged tattoo artist, Tank, a Christian college football player, the Professor, and his young academic sidekick, Andi, run into Shridhar, a student of “The Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies at the Trona Pinnacles.” an evil supernatural conspiracy immediately wraps it’s tentacles around the foursome, as Shridhar wants out of the lockdown facility, and the four bickering amigos must find a way.
Four unlikely characters collide in a supernatural thriller that combines the humor of Bill Myers with the paranormal of Frank Peretti. This novella was pure pleasure reading. I’ve already downloaded the next installment of Harbingers, this one by Frank Peretti with Angela Hunt and Alton Gansky to come.
Fascinating Concept, 4 characters, 4 authors, each writing one novella with the frame of reference of one of the characters. Myers is up first, and now that he has finished, Peretti will follow up, with the next novella, continuation of the same story. Other than knowing the theme and characters, the authors do not know where each will take the story. A great party idea, don't you think? It is like the party game where I start a theme, and you continue and change it,and who knows how it will end? This is great fun. Oh yes, book 1? no spoilers here, but I read it in less than 1 1/2 hours. Great action mystery, with little committment. Read this just for fun.
A great start to these unique serial novellas. Four great authors have teamed up to each write a novella telling one story, but through four different characters. All of the stories share the story line, but throughout the story we get a glimpse into a different character. This is such a unique idea that it intrigued me and being a fan of all 4 of the authors involved it was a must read for me.
Book one starts out with the gather of the four, all very different, but they must work together. Their differences make for an intriguing story and I look forward to what happens next.
This story REALLY intrigued me from the first page and LOVE how all the main characters cross each other's paths. There is no happy ending, lots of mystery, and even though this is a 4 part series by each author it appears that they can all be read as a stand alone. Some of it was a bit creepy for my comfort, but excellent writing overall.
Loved the dedication in this book....For Angie Hunt: The Wendy to our Peter Pan.