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Walk With the Wind #1
Escape from Paradise
He thought it was paradise. Was he wrong?
Torn from his family, Adam lands in a world of giants, wild animals, and marauding mountain people. Unable to find his way home, he discovers an alluring paradise—a golden city where he builds a new life, safe from the terrors outside the walls.
But when the city begins to crumble, a chance encounter with a strange little girl changes everything.
She claims to know why he was brought into this world and the way back to his family, but insists he leave the doomed city and follow her to the high country to join the mountain people.
Is she one of the many spies, sent to lure him into a trap? Or should he risk everything to follow her?
With plenty of action, mystery, and suspense, Escape from Paradise will take you places you’ve never been and open windows of insight into life in the kingdom of God.
Torn from his family, Adam lands in a world of giants, wild animals, and marauding mountain people. Unable to find his way home, he discovers an alluring paradise—a golden city where he builds a new life, safe from the terrors outside the walls.
But when the city begins to crumble, a chance encounter with a strange little girl changes everything.
She claims to know why he was brought into this world and the way back to his family, but insists he leave the doomed city and follow her to the high country to join the mountain people.
Is she one of the many spies, sent to lure him into a trap? Or should he risk everything to follow her?
With plenty of action, mystery, and suspense, Escape from Paradise will take you places you’ve never been and open windows of insight into life in the kingdom of God.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2021
34 people are currently reading
1498 people want to read
About the author
D. Richard Ferguson
10 books29 followersDr. Ferguson's most popular book, Deeper Knowledge of God, is published under the name Darrell R. Ferguson. Find that book here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Dr. Ferguson's books are the fruit of 25 years of pastoral ministry and biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a deep, lifelong passion for God's Word.
Dr. Ferguson lives in Colorado where he he stands in constant wonder at how God reveals his glory in the creation.
His many experiences shooting rapids, climbing mountains, biking, and 4-wheeling find their way into his stories.
He currently hosts the Food For Your Soul podcast
Dr. Ferguson's books are the fruit of 25 years of pastoral ministry and biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a deep, lifelong passion for God's Word.
Dr. Ferguson lives in Colorado where he he stands in constant wonder at how God reveals his glory in the creation.
His many experiences shooting rapids, climbing mountains, biking, and 4-wheeling find their way into his stories.
He currently hosts the Food For Your Soul podcast
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 17, 2021
On a personal note, I just found this book to simply be a great read. I know this is rather subjective, but I was quickly reading each page while also imagining the story in my mind. But, this book is so much more than a "great read". Woven in each page are the timeless truths of salvation and redemption that are crucial to the Bible story. By using allegory, the author provides the Christian with the opportunity to think through these truths in the light of a good fiction. Not only does one see the impact that these biblical truths have on the character's lives, but also on one's own life. If you are a Christian who enjoys a good story that will also make you think about what God has done and is doing for you, then you will appreciate this book. If you are not a Christian, but would like to understand the Christian story, this book will give you an insight into the central message of the Bible.
February 16, 2021
If you are a fan of C.S. Lewis, I think you will enjoy this book.
The basis of the book is that a young boy is transferred to a new world and has to cope with a new society. D. Richard Ferguson has a compelling style and drew me into the struggle the young boy, Adam, faces. I got lost with was some of the names because some were common and others not, but that’s more of a technical issue. Also, I’m not sure how the prolog fits into the book, but I’m assuming that will be explained in later stories. The most compelling part of the book, for me, is about discerning who is telling the truth and who to trust. The fantasy world style and Christian overtones make this a good book for younger readers and thought provoking to older ones.
The basis of the book is that a young boy is transferred to a new world and has to cope with a new society. D. Richard Ferguson has a compelling style and drew me into the struggle the young boy, Adam, faces. I got lost with was some of the names because some were common and others not, but that’s more of a technical issue. Also, I’m not sure how the prolog fits into the book, but I’m assuming that will be explained in later stories. The most compelling part of the book, for me, is about discerning who is telling the truth and who to trust. The fantasy world style and Christian overtones make this a good book for younger readers and thought provoking to older ones.
February 20, 2021
I received an advance copy to review, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. As a regular Bible reader, at the start I was still stumped as to who were the good guys and who was not, which, the further I got into the book, reinforced how easy it is to be deceived. Once it became clear who was who, the story sped along, and without spoiling anything, I can say the cottage experience was really a fresh perspective on grace and one's relationship with the Lord. It ended with a cliff-hanger for some of the characters and while I do know how the Bible ends, I am eager to read the next book to see what becomes of everyone and what fresh views on God's love give me food for thought.
April 10, 2022
This book is a hidden gem! The author is an incredibly talented writer. It’s written so simply and yet packs such a powerful message that makes the gospel so easy to understand. The pace of the book is just right, it never got slow or boring. This is a book that is going to stick with me forever. The allegories are just so well done and I will never look at things the same way ever again! Please stop and give this book a chance, you won’t regret it!
February 22, 2021
Although written for even children to understand, there are hidden biblical meanings and treasures to find that even mature Christians may fail to see. I love the excitement of digging for this treasure while enjoying the simplicity of the story. Time and again I find similarities of my own life in this story, both the struggles and joys. This book is well thought out and written. I would encourage readers of any age to take up the challenge and dig for biblical treasure with this book.
June 24, 2021
Reminds me of Pilgrims Progress, one if my favorite stories growing up. Looking forward to reading book 2.
April 12, 2023
This book was okay. It really follows Adam as he struggles through life searching the true path and finding God.
I won this in a Goodreads book giveaway!
I won this in a Goodreads book giveaway!
February 8, 2021
Guilt by association – we are hopeless before a holy God, but what if we could obtain Grace by association? In his latest novel entitled, “Escape From Paradise”, DRichard Ferguson allows readers to follow his characters as they check every box in a quest for a life of meaning and purpose. Thankfully, they meet One who offers hope and we can meet Him too. The first time I encountered the Lord was not the last, praise God! I encourage you to join Adam, Abigail and others as they face their greatest fears, finally trading turmoil and trauma for peace and profound significance. What I loved about this book was the reminder that all of us, even me, can experience God’s redeeming Grace by association.
April 24, 2021
Part Pilgrim's Progress, part Screwtape Letters, part Religious Affections, part City of God, yet something completely its own, this is a book that is incredibly easy to read, while packed with deep theology and is immensely thought-provoking.
I was expecting an allegory, but I was not expecting it to so clearly draw out Biblical implications for real life. This book is convicting! More than once I had to pause, put it down, reflect, and pray. God used it to expose areas of complacency and sin in my life.
Finally, I was surprised to find how suspenseful it was! The author didn't lose sight of the story for the allegory. The book is peppered with cliffhangers and twists that keep you turning the pages!
I was expecting an allegory, but I was not expecting it to so clearly draw out Biblical implications for real life. This book is convicting! More than once I had to pause, put it down, reflect, and pray. God used it to expose areas of complacency and sin in my life.
Finally, I was surprised to find how suspenseful it was! The author didn't lose sight of the story for the allegory. The book is peppered with cliffhangers and twists that keep you turning the pages!
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February 22, 2021My purpose is writing Escape from Paradise and the sequel, At War with the Wind, was to take some of the most profound truths I have learned from God's Word over the past 40 years and put them into a form that captures the imagination and imprints those truths on the reader's soul. I initially wrote the book for myself, to help me remember the things I had learned. But I also pray that God will use these books to do in the hearts of many others what he has done in me.
May 30, 2021
Escape From Paradise is the first book of a two-book set by D. Richard Ferguson. It is an allegorical tale that is reminiscent of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, but D. Richard Ferguson digs deeper and includes more abstract concepts. As a Book Reviewer, I received a free ebook copy, but was not under any obligation to write a positive review or any review of the book. This review is my honest opinion of Escape From Paradise by D. Richard Ferguson.
In Escape From Paradise, Adam is torn from his home and family and dropped into an unfamiliar world where gold heals and fruit is the main food source. He begins a new life for himself in this world and is content enough until a little girl claims she can take him to someone who can help him return to his family.
He then begins a journey where he encounters giants, wild animals, and marauding mountain people. He must decide who to trust, and must also face his own struggles and the reality of who he is, and he must make a decision that will change his life for better or worse forever.
D. Richard Ferguson’s novel is well written and the story is fast-paced and has well-developed characters that the reader can relate to. The story’s message is compelling and the tale draws the reader in. The novel offers plenty of adventure, danger, and suspense. The reader follows Adam’s life, struggles, and decisions, is forced to examine his or her own life struggles and decisions.
This is Book 1 of the two book, Walk With the Wind set, and this book offers enough of a satisfying resolution so as not to leave the reader hanging from a cliff, but promises more as it makes clear that Adam has an important job to do in the next book.
Escape From Paradise was a pleasure to read as it was well-written, well-edited, and engaged the reader in Adam’s life, compelling him or her to continue turning the pages.
I give Escape From Paradise by D. Richard Ferguson 5 stars, and I look forward to reading Book #2 of the Walk With the Wind series. I recommend this book for Young Adult and Adult readers. Younger readers may need some help in understanding some of the concepts presented in this book.
In Escape From Paradise, Adam is torn from his home and family and dropped into an unfamiliar world where gold heals and fruit is the main food source. He begins a new life for himself in this world and is content enough until a little girl claims she can take him to someone who can help him return to his family.
He then begins a journey where he encounters giants, wild animals, and marauding mountain people. He must decide who to trust, and must also face his own struggles and the reality of who he is, and he must make a decision that will change his life for better or worse forever.
D. Richard Ferguson’s novel is well written and the story is fast-paced and has well-developed characters that the reader can relate to. The story’s message is compelling and the tale draws the reader in. The novel offers plenty of adventure, danger, and suspense. The reader follows Adam’s life, struggles, and decisions, is forced to examine his or her own life struggles and decisions.
This is Book 1 of the two book, Walk With the Wind set, and this book offers enough of a satisfying resolution so as not to leave the reader hanging from a cliff, but promises more as it makes clear that Adam has an important job to do in the next book.
Escape From Paradise was a pleasure to read as it was well-written, well-edited, and engaged the reader in Adam’s life, compelling him or her to continue turning the pages.
I give Escape From Paradise by D. Richard Ferguson 5 stars, and I look forward to reading Book #2 of the Walk With the Wind series. I recommend this book for Young Adult and Adult readers. Younger readers may need some help in understanding some of the concepts presented in this book.
February 24, 2021
Adam is displaced from his family as a child, finding himself in a new world quite unfamiliar to him. He wants to get back to his family but is unable to do so. He grows up in this new world but never loses his desire to reunite with his family.
According to the author, this is an allegory of the Christian world. As a Christian, I understood most of what was going on. The nice thing about “most” is that there are new ways to look at things to ponder. The bad side is that I’m not sure I understand it fully. Kind of sort of, “understanding” floats around the concepts, but maybe without making full contact in my brain.
There is a fair amount of action, but sometimes it’s alluded to after the fact. These action scenes are not the point of the story, but it might have been nice to go through that scenario as it happened. Some of the characters, in particular, are essentially described without really seeing them in action. Perhaps volume two will see him exercise his reputation. I am not fully connected to Adam, the main character. He’s okay, but I don’t have a good sense of who he is and what he’s capable of. But he doesn’t have a good sense of who he is, either.
If Christian themes are not your cup of tea, you won’t enjoy this book at all. For me, even as a Christian, well, I believe but Lord help my unbelief. Enjoyable book, but I hope volume two fulfills the promise of the groundwork laid here.
According to the author, this is an allegory of the Christian world. As a Christian, I understood most of what was going on. The nice thing about “most” is that there are new ways to look at things to ponder. The bad side is that I’m not sure I understand it fully. Kind of sort of, “understanding” floats around the concepts, but maybe without making full contact in my brain.
There is a fair amount of action, but sometimes it’s alluded to after the fact. These action scenes are not the point of the story, but it might have been nice to go through that scenario as it happened. Some of the characters, in particular, are essentially described without really seeing them in action. Perhaps volume two will see him exercise his reputation. I am not fully connected to Adam, the main character. He’s okay, but I don’t have a good sense of who he is and what he’s capable of. But he doesn’t have a good sense of who he is, either.
If Christian themes are not your cup of tea, you won’t enjoy this book at all. For me, even as a Christian, well, I believe but Lord help my unbelief. Enjoyable book, but I hope volume two fulfills the promise of the groundwork laid here.
September 5, 2021
Very enjoyable christian fantasy
I really enjoyed this book and found it and it's sequel hard to put down. I only gave it four stars instead of five because it got a bit slow in one or two spots when the characters would have conversations about what was going on, however they were full of solid biblical truths. I was just anxious to get back to the action to see what was going to happen and how the characters were going to come out. It was amazing how the author blended all the truths about God, the bible and salvation into an fantasy/scifi adventure story and I immediately downloaded the sequel to see how everything played out.
I really enjoyed this book and found it and it's sequel hard to put down. I only gave it four stars instead of five because it got a bit slow in one or two spots when the characters would have conversations about what was going on, however they were full of solid biblical truths. I was just anxious to get back to the action to see what was going to happen and how the characters were going to come out. It was amazing how the author blended all the truths about God, the bible and salvation into an fantasy/scifi adventure story and I immediately downloaded the sequel to see how everything played out.
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April 14, 2021It makes sense to me why the images of the ideas in this story keep working on my mind when I read the authors review. Choosing words to tell a story does not seem as relevant as words to help ones-self record personal lessons learned-a true testimony has more power to communicate even when wrapped in a fictional setting than a well meant argument.
This was not cliche or cheap fantasy. I already sent the title to friends and will keep doing so. I would think this would speak most to Christian readers but would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone I know.
This was not cliche or cheap fantasy. I already sent the title to friends and will keep doing so. I would think this would speak most to Christian readers but would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone I know.
May 14, 2021
Do you choose God or the world?
Adam gets taken away from his family and needs to learn who to trust in his new world. He has to overcome several obstacles and does his best to choose correctly. Adam doesn’t want to sin, but sometimes the enticement is so alluring that it is a hard choice to make.
The book relates to our lives as well. Who do we trust? Do we trust God? How often are we enticed into sin? This book shows God’s love for us and the sacrifice Jesus made so that we can become children of the king.
Adam gets taken away from his family and needs to learn who to trust in his new world. He has to overcome several obstacles and does his best to choose correctly. Adam doesn’t want to sin, but sometimes the enticement is so alluring that it is a hard choice to make.
The book relates to our lives as well. Who do we trust? Do we trust God? How often are we enticed into sin? This book shows God’s love for us and the sacrifice Jesus made so that we can become children of the king.
March 16, 2021
A boy finds himself in a different world with different rules. Mysterious light draw him towards a cabin high up, but others seek to pull him away by meeting his basic needs and desires. There’s food that fills the belly for a time, but the person becomes hungry again. The food that feeds the soul lasts forever. The struggle is intense, what will he choose and what will it cost?
Chapters are long and very complex - the main reason for four stars. Even with that it’s a great read.
Chapters are long and very complex - the main reason for four stars. Even with that it’s a great read.
June 5, 2021
This is a parable that correlates with the Message of salvation offered to all by Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection. I recommend it to all.
Disclaimer : I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer : I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
May 23, 2021
Wow ! Can't wait to read the next book ! So inspiring !
November 19, 2021
a Christian adventure
An interesting read, I thought it was a little confusing at first, but came together later. A great message with the story, a good read.
An interesting read, I thought it was a little confusing at first, but came together later. A great message with the story, a good read.
April 14, 2023
A job well done depicting the Christian life in an allegory.
August 5, 2021
If you’re a fan of John Bunyan’s classic allegory, I would recommend Escape from Paradise as his contemporary equivalent. It is chock full of symbolism and layered meanings.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews