The Record Keeper is the third and last book in the Shepherd Series. To get the full impact of this book, you need to read the first two - The Water Keeper and The Letter Keeper. Charles Martin has a true gift from God in his writing ability and this series is one I pray he will continue. As with all of his books, he weaves the themes of love, redemption, forgiveness, hope, resilience, sacrifice and faith in a magical and poignant way that leaves your heart full and your lungs breathless. This particular series (all three books) are really a story within a story within a story. In a masterful way Martin reveal layers that add such depth, amazement and intensity to the story all while gently nudging the reader to dig within their own soul for a stronger connection with God, to see the light within the darkness. And the main topic is a tough one - human trafficking. He shows you the evil, horrific nature of this topic with the most delicate of hands. While I know this is a work of fiction, I can't help but worry these are very real scenarios.
"We can no longer be content to rescue sheep. Or sit here and protect the flock. We need to hunt the wolf."
In real life, I pray we have people like Murphy and Bones out there who will continue to rescue those in need in such a selfless way, someone to show up when all hope is lost. Because everyone deserves to be rescued. In this final book we get the backstory of Bones - how he came to be the man he is, why this is his mission, why he leaves the 99 to go after the 1. In this case, the one happens to be the wolf and Martin shows us that even the most evil of characters needs rescuing. You can't help but be reflective in the most humbling way after reading this series. Martin takes some very important lessons from the Bible and crafts them in a way that leads the reader on a journey of understanding. He paints pictures with his words better than any other author I've read.
"From the beginning of time, light has shone into the darkness, and since that first spark, darkness - no matter how hard it tries, no matter what sword it wields or scheme it penetrates - has not been able to overcome it. ever."
This series is awe-inspiring, gut wrenching, emotional, moving, powerful. This is some of Charles Martin's best work, in my opinion. This is a story you don't want to miss out on. And while he has said this is the final book in this series, I pray he will continue on. The world needs more of Murphy and the team. Charles Martin is a phenomenal story teller. And the world needs more of Charles Martin's writing and insights. Every book of his I read, I walk away having not only learned a way to strengthen my faith, but be a better person.
"You can't know who you are until you've settled whose you are."
While this series is Christian fiction and Charles Martin's books have strong religious undertones, I encourage you to read these books even if this isn't your normal genre. I promise you won't feel like you're sitting in church listening to a sermon, but you'll walk away just as refreshed. And who doesn't like to read a book about the good guys chasing after the bad guys?
Check out Charles Martin's books, I promise you won't be disappointed!!
My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.