The Deliverer

Reluctant Demon Diaries #2

by Linda Rios Brook

Ancient language expert Samantha Yale returns to translate a new batch of scrolls written by the fallen angel from Lucifer’s Flood.
  Samantha Yale has taken on a daunting translation project. A set of scrolls, delivered by a man she knows nothing about, tells a fascinating and frightening tale of what went on behind the scenes of biblical history. What is even more incredible is who is telling the tale, a fallen angel who immediately regretted his decision to side with Lucifer.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Demons, Biblical Fiction, Religion, Speculative Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2009

About the author

Linda Rios Brook, President of the RiosBrook Foundation, believes the answers to issues of social justice and righteousness lie in the proper alignment between the church, the marketplace and media and entertainment. She is a sought out speaker and teacher on matters relevant to cultural restoration.

Linda worked as a media executive for over 20 years in the field of broadcasting serving as President and General Manager of television stations in Texas, Florida, and Minnesota and was President and part owner of KLGT-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.

Linda has served on several national boards and community organizations and is listed in Who's Who of American Women. She is an ordained minister and has a Doctorate of Practical Ministry from the Wagner Leadership Institute.

Linda is also the author of Lucifer's Flood. She is a teaching Pastor at Covenant Centre International in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and is married to Larry Brook, who is the Executive Director of the RiosBrook Foundation.

Reviews

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I don’t usually buy books where Satan is a character, but I picked this one up for $2.97 at a book sale. I was intrigued because the bulk of the story is a retelling of the tale of Moses. As it turns out, I enjoyed The Deliverer so much, I bought the entire series on Kindle, and devoured it in days. The author is an ordained minister, speaker, and teacher who has also written nonfiction.

All four novels are funny (with a capital F) faith-filled, and suspenseful. I’m reviewing book two, The Deliverer, since it’s the one that introduced me to the other three. Each novel can be read as a standalone, but the overall arc plays better if you read all four.

Dr. Samantha Yale, an expert in translating cuneiform writing, receives several ancient scrolls from a mysterious stranger. Samantha’s part of the story amounts to a short chapter at the beginning and a closing chapter at the end. The rest of the book tells the tale of the scrolls, which is a diary from an unnamed demon.

Once an angel, he got caught on the wrong side when God threw Lucifer and his followers out of Heaven. He couldn’t decide where to stand when war broke out in the throne room. By the time he made up his mind and ran toward the Archangel Michael, it was too late, and he was booted along with the troublemakers.

Our guy is the fidgety, nervous sort. Definitely an underdog, and the butt of the other demons’ jokes. He smarter than the lot of them put together (even Satan), though none of them has a clue. Best of all, he has a good heart.

Satan assigns him the job of reporting on the Israelites. While each book in the series takes a different period in history (Book One: Creation through Joseph; Book Three: Judges through David; Book Four: Christ’s birth through His resurrection), this one focuses on the span from Moses’s birth through Joshua’s victory at Jericho. Along the way we get a firsthand look at Pharaoh’s hardheadedness, the plagues on Egypt, the Exodus, even Moses frustration in the wilderness. Our reluctant demon sees and experiences everything firsthand because he’s there as it unfurls.

The story is written in a chatty style (all are), while bringing the Bible to life in vibrant and unexpected ways. My heart went out for the reluctant demon who longs for Heaven, cheers for the Israelites, and tries to provide his own counsel to Moses, Aaron, and Joshua (though they can’t see or hear him), all the while trying not to get pummeled by his demon peers or Satan.

I smiled and chuckled from beginning to end. There were moments I wanted to pull him aside for a one-on-one, and other times I just wanted to hug him. And when he talks to God, my heart melted for him. My only regret is that after reading all four books, there are no others to be had. While the series wraps in a wholly satisfying manner, it also leaves the door open for more. One can only hope Ms. Brook will pick up her pen again.

Not only am I giving this book five stars, but I’m rating it as one of my favorite reads of 2023. If you enjoy Christian fiction that engages your heart and soul–and funny bone–I highly recommend The Deliverer, and all four novels of the Reluctant Demon Diaries.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recall I was slightly disappointed with the first one, but kept reading because the story was unique and interesting. Kind of like a modern Paradise Lost. However, the second one I couldn't read past the third chapter. It didn't have the uniqueness to keep it interesting for me. It was merely a continuation of the first one. Without being too harsh, it really is an interesting concept, fictionally and theologically, I suppose. But it was poorly, poorly written. It dragged and it was chock full of words that were too casual, too modern. Phrases like, "plopped right down" cropped up everywhere. I therefore wasn't sure if the book was supposed to be thought-provoking and to be taken seriously, or a comedy. I may try again sometime. But I just couldn't do it this time.

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

The ending...ugh!!! This is the very reason I avoid book series. It's one thing, when you're reading one, to have a cliff-hanger of sorts, but this was just too much for me. At that point, I really didn't care what came next because it left me frustrated. You can be sure I won't read the next one in the series and subject myself to feelings of having to finish it in order to find out what happens, because guess what....NOTHING probably will! It's just a long drawn out story of Exodus, but from a demon's point of few....which is an intriguing concept, I must admit, but it missed the mark for me somehow. By the time I got to the end, it had been so long (since the beginning of the book) that Samantha was even mentioned, I had forgotten who she was.

[Katlego Molatlhegi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I had not read 'Shadow of the Mountain - Exodus' a fiction novel by Cliff Graham which gives a BETTER account of Moses vs Egypt.

Luficer's flood was too intriguing and quite good to be honest, made me want to read book 2 and more...but now that I have read the Deliverer, that flame book 1 had created in me unfortunately flickered out while I was forcing myself to finish book 2.

Thank You Linda Rios Brook for your work, especially for book 1.

[Raewyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if an archeologist was given some ancient scrolls to decipher. Those scrolls are written in the oldest language of Cuneiform corroborated the Exodus? What if those scrolls weren't written by humans? Here in lies the second installment of the Reluctant Demon Diaries. And while it's the second book in the series, I can assure you that it can be read as a stand-alone story. I haven't read the first and I likely won't read the third, but I did enjoy the re-write on an historical account of the Exodus and the Ten Commandments. The author threw in a bit of humor as she wrote in a Christian fantasy style about the realities of the unseen realm that permeate this dimension we know as reality.

I think I started reading it just over 24 hours ago and i finished it, so suffice to say, it was an easy read, but also entertaining...at least to me. With that said, the only other Christian fiction I've read is likely to be Pilgrim's Progress.

[Michelle Monticello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is turning out to be more spiritual than I would have expected. It's still hilarious (the demon's take on human behavior is spot-on) but it reminds me of The Screwtape letters because there is a deeper message within the story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the Reluctant Demon Diaries. This book picks up right where the first book ended. The fallen angel recounts the events of Exodus from the Old Testament, focusing on Moses and then Joshua. As with the first book, this book retold the biblical events very accurately, but mixed in humour and humanization that made the events more understandable. Very entertaining read!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m conflicted. It is somewhat fascinating to read a reimagining of the Bible, I just wish it was more...reimagined. This makes it difficult to get through. But then, it ends on a cliffhanger that kind of keeps me interested. I really don’t know if I’ll continue with this series.

[Stephanie Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story is still pretty good. I just see it as the retelling of the bible via a fallen angel and if you know the bible then the story gets stale.

[Liranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! A must read!

[Ralph Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while i was deployed in 2010. Little i known it was a series a book that i ended up buying and then i have bought the whole series about 10 times to gift them to others

[Kim Perticone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first book, Lucifers Flood, but this one...ugh. It just dragged so I quit ot page 70.

[Christy Trever]

The Deliverer by Linda Rios Brook is the second book in the Reluctant Demon series following Lucifer Flood. A researcher is given a strange set of cuneiform scrolls that hold a fascinating story that may give insight into the past. Where did they come from and who wants them to be found? Brook offers a fresh take on the oft-told story of Moses as through the eyes of a fallen angel who has been assigned by Satan the job of watching the Hebrews in their slavery. The story follows the books of Exodus through Joshua and are very intriguing. At first I had a hard time really getting into the spirit of the book. It's not like standard biblical fiction, the "writer" is a demon, with an agenda and a bias, so the story doesn't always skew the way the reader would expect. Sometimes it comes off a bit flippant, and I had a hard time with some of the anachronistic language. Who knew that there were cuneiform for "See ya, wouldn't want to be ya" and "metrosexual "? But with more reading, the book won me over with its sense of humor and original point of view. The story sticks to Scripture closely while allowing the reader to see what spiritual warfare looks like. This is a book I would highly recommend to high school students who want an unprecedented look at an age old story told in their own language.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review Brought to you by OBS staff member Annabell

Beware of spoilers

The Deliverer offers a fresh take on Moses and what happened after he led the Hebrews out of Egypt and into the desert. The book also tells what happens after Moses dies and Joshua steps in as his successor. The book is an interesting take because the stories from the Bible are told from the perspective of a fallen angel who desperately wants to return to Heaven to be with God again. The fallen angel still has yet to reveal his name and finds himself drawing closer to Moses and Joshua, caring for them and what they go through.

There are times when the plot falters because of the way the dialogue is written. The author ventures far too modern in the language making it come off unrealistic and harsh. The modern day dialogue didn’t fit with the rest of the novel being told in a more antiquity tone. I still find the fallen angel pretty humorous and feel for his plight.

I enjoy the Reluctant Demon Diaries. It’s fun and pretty easy read. The books follow the Bible stories closely and The Deliverer shows how close God is to His children and how much He loves them by always finding a reason and a way to give them another chance.

[Winterking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we see our unnamed demon reporting back to Satan about moses. Not only do we get a different POV, but we get a behind the scenes of what is going on with the rest of the fallen. An insight into their rankings and later appointments to false godhood. Meaning Satan assigning certain fallen the jobs and titles of a particular deities in order to secure his hold on the earth. In this book Satan doesn't seem to be throwing much in the way of tantrums. Though God does not seem to be as much involved with his creations as he was in earlier days. The book ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. We know what happens but the final execution of Satan's order is not let known to us.
I enjoyed this book a lot. In fact I went all over my town in hopes of finding the last two in the series. unfortunately I have been unable to find any new or used. So I have widened my search to include the internet seeing how even state boarder hoping has failed me as well. hopefully I can find good copies soon.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the follow up book to Lucifer's Flood. I love these books. The writer is very knowledgeable about the Old Testament and weaves a story around it, yet never letting the truth be forgotten. These are like a fantasy/history story wrapped in Biblical truths and has you learning about Moses and the things he did and put up with as the Exodus took place through the eyes of this little fallen angel. It is quite humorous as well.

[Joe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get through this book. The concept is good and I wish I could get through the poor writing--the corny out of character sayings and phrases. I might try later in life. I should not read this book soon after reading a good craftsman like Anne Tyler. For now, I will just read the Bible for the story.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, I love these books!! I would highly recommend the series to anyone. This is the 2nd book and the reluctant demon was as funny as ever :) he follows Joshua and Moses in this book and the way the author takes the Biblical accounts and makes them so interesting and clear makes me a fan for sure!! Hope there's more to come cause the ending left us all hanging!

[Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all honesty, this was the first book that I read by this woman, and I love it. I was in 9th grade at the time, and I remember that this book one time moved me to tears. It was strange, since it was such a simple storyline, but I knew I was reading it for the entire day. I couldn't stop! The book was seriously that good! I really really recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh! :)

[T J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book two starts off where we left Samantha with her mysterious scrolls translated and phone call from the man that more scrolls are on their way. Now we hear the story of Moses and the slaves in Egypt. Another simple and interesting read. Who is the mystery man and where did he get these scrolls? That is the question that makes me what the next to books of the series, The King and The Redeemer.

[Karla Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Intrigue, mystery, humor, sadness ... knowing that the reluctant demon regrets following Satan and becoming a Fallen Angel hooked me from the beginning. Need to read the others in the series. Highly recommended.

[Gennie Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read

I absolutely love this series. Entertaining, funny, and informative each book in this series will have you cheering for and have your heart going out for the demon who just so happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[Erin Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deliverer was just as fantastic as it's predecessor, Lucifer's Flood. There was a bit more comedy in this volume, and I laughed out loud a few times, but there were also times I was moved to tears.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me so mad it left off on a cliffhanger.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can't wait to read the next one!

[Donna Landon]

Book 2

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is great at spinning a story and then leaving you wanting more. I hope there's a sequel in the works. I really, really, hope.

[Jordyn Redwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate up this series by Linda Rios-Brook. Though I don't agree with everything theologically-- it did change my thoughts about spiritual warfare and how active evil is in our world.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definelty better than the first book. Moving on to book 3.

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please check out my video review at the following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kytWO...