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The Coming Evil #1
The Strange Man
Dras Weldon lives in a world of horror movies and comic books. Twenty-two and unemployed, he is content to hide in the shadow of adolescence with a faith that he professes but rarely puts into action.
But when a demonic stranger arrives and begins threatening his friends, Dras is drawn into a battle that forces him to choose which side he is on. In a race against the clock, he must not only fight these evil forces, but also somehow convince his best friend, Rosalyn, to join him--before she is lost forever.
But when a demonic stranger arrives and begins threatening his friends, Dras is drawn into a battle that forces him to choose which side he is on. In a race against the clock, he must not only fight these evil forces, but also somehow convince his best friend, Rosalyn, to join him--before she is lost forever.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
9 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Greg Mitchell
38 books40 followersGreg Mitchell is a freelance screenwriter and novelist and is the author of "The Coming Evil Trilogy", beginning with his debut novel "The Strange Man". A lifelong fan of monster movies and stories, he writes novels for movie lovers, striving to capture cinematic storytelling in a literary format.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 15, 2012
I’ve never read Christian horror fiction in my life, outside of a few pages of the Left Behind series, and I don’t even know if that counts.
Reading The Strange Man, don’t expect a squirm-inducing read of gut churning gore. There are monsters sure, and they’re threatening, yeah. But the harrow in The Strange Man exists on a personal, frankly more thought provoking level. It’s composed of the thoughts that keep a man of faith up at night, or really anybody who ponders their own existence more than superficially. Its central horror is the thought that you’ve been living your life wrong, and that you’ve been letting down the people around you, the people you love the most, and that there are consequences of that.
Mitchell embodies those consequences in a gaunt boogeyman reminiscent of King’s Walking Dude. A character who’s obviously supernatural, and puts on an air of the puppet master who’s totally in control, manipulating everything, but who, through certain moments and actions, betrays the unending animal rage that drives him, that is barely under control at all times. The Strange Man is a fire burning on the edge of what we know, waiting for an opening to plunge in and immolate us.
Now when I started reading it, I was pleased with how easily readable it was. You blaze through the story. The characters are believable and mostly relatable. Dras Weldon is a bit of a goofball, but Mitchell plays with that. He knows it too. I was taking the book as a bit of light fluff. The monsters were cool but not too terrifying. The whole thing really feels like an 80’s horror movie. Like The Gate and Gremlins, except the ‘kid’ protagonist is really too old to be in it. And that’s his weakness. And midway through the book Dras himself realizes this, and he experiences some very real, very deep emotions, which Mitchell realizes particularly well in two scenes, one where Dras goes to the bedside of his terminally ill father (this scene actually caused a stir in me, something no book has done in a long time). Is this a literal re-enacting of the parable of the prodigal son? Yeah probably. The actual parable is referenced a couple times in the story. But what could have come off as cheesy, just doesn’t thanks to the writing. It’s a very real moment.
The second is when Dras, now convinced of the existence of supernatural evil (and logically, of the reality of its converse), stumbles to his would-be girlfriend’s apartment and blathers about Jesus and salvation to her, in a way that is off putting to her and cringe inducing for the reader. It’s like the scene in Taxi Driver where Travis culminates a pretty successful-thus-far-courtship of Cybil Shepard by obliviously taking her to a porno theater.
OK maybe that’s not a great example. But basically the point is, the reader wants Dras to come through. You want him to convince her of the reality of the danger she’s in spiritually, but Dras just isn’t the guy to deliver the message, having been so long out of practice. That’s what I mean. It’s a missed opportunity, and it’s pretty well written.
Now The Strange Man doesn’t answer most of the questions it poses, doesn’t resolve the hard issues that come up. But it’s the first in a trilogy.
And I’ll be reading the rest.
Reading The Strange Man, don’t expect a squirm-inducing read of gut churning gore. There are monsters sure, and they’re threatening, yeah. But the harrow in The Strange Man exists on a personal, frankly more thought provoking level. It’s composed of the thoughts that keep a man of faith up at night, or really anybody who ponders their own existence more than superficially. Its central horror is the thought that you’ve been living your life wrong, and that you’ve been letting down the people around you, the people you love the most, and that there are consequences of that.
Mitchell embodies those consequences in a gaunt boogeyman reminiscent of King’s Walking Dude. A character who’s obviously supernatural, and puts on an air of the puppet master who’s totally in control, manipulating everything, but who, through certain moments and actions, betrays the unending animal rage that drives him, that is barely under control at all times. The Strange Man is a fire burning on the edge of what we know, waiting for an opening to plunge in and immolate us.
Now when I started reading it, I was pleased with how easily readable it was. You blaze through the story. The characters are believable and mostly relatable. Dras Weldon is a bit of a goofball, but Mitchell plays with that. He knows it too. I was taking the book as a bit of light fluff. The monsters were cool but not too terrifying. The whole thing really feels like an 80’s horror movie. Like The Gate and Gremlins, except the ‘kid’ protagonist is really too old to be in it. And that’s his weakness. And midway through the book Dras himself realizes this, and he experiences some very real, very deep emotions, which Mitchell realizes particularly well in two scenes, one where Dras goes to the bedside of his terminally ill father (this scene actually caused a stir in me, something no book has done in a long time). Is this a literal re-enacting of the parable of the prodigal son? Yeah probably. The actual parable is referenced a couple times in the story. But what could have come off as cheesy, just doesn’t thanks to the writing. It’s a very real moment.
The second is when Dras, now convinced of the existence of supernatural evil (and logically, of the reality of its converse), stumbles to his would-be girlfriend’s apartment and blathers about Jesus and salvation to her, in a way that is off putting to her and cringe inducing for the reader. It’s like the scene in Taxi Driver where Travis culminates a pretty successful-thus-far-courtship of Cybil Shepard by obliviously taking her to a porno theater.
OK maybe that’s not a great example. But basically the point is, the reader wants Dras to come through. You want him to convince her of the reality of the danger she’s in spiritually, but Dras just isn’t the guy to deliver the message, having been so long out of practice. That’s what I mean. It’s a missed opportunity, and it’s pretty well written.
Now The Strange Man doesn’t answer most of the questions it poses, doesn’t resolve the hard issues that come up. But it’s the first in a trilogy.
And I’ll be reading the rest.
May 26, 2013
I must confess that when I first read the book description, I did think think this was a young adult novel and I nearly did not buy it. How wrong I would have been if I had not bought it. Now I am so very glad I did. This first book sat on the electronic book shelf for a year or so. The reason being that I hate reading a book in a series as they are released as I forget parts of the previous novel by the time the next instalment is released and hate having to reread the previous one again to catch up. So I wait until they are all released, then I have the benefit of reading them one after the other with no break in between. This greatly enhances the enjoyment of reading the story. It also gives me a greater appreciation of the author. This is so evident with this trilogy. I am writing this review as I am reading The Dark Hour, book 3.
This trilogy is dark, oppressive but when is ever evil not so? Mitchell creates this world of evil taking over the town and people of Greensboro very well. His world of demons, gremlins, that of The Strange Man is developed well. You feel the evil, the deceptiveness, the hatred of mankind and of God. This is the essence of this Strange Man. I found myself hating him and loathing the next account of him. When a character creates in you these feelings, the author has set out to achieve what he wanted. He has transported you in the world of the novel and this is very evident in The Strange Man Trilogy.
Mitchell's characters, both the antagonists and protagonists are developed well. You find yourself relating to them, disagreeing with them, agreeing with them, warning them to leave the Strange Man alone, as I did with the case when Rosalyn was finding her attracted to the handsome image of the Strange Man in human form, despite sensing that he is not what he seems and there is something evil and sinister about him.
The pace Mitchell creates enhances the dark elements of this story. It never lets up and consequently you cannot put it down. I nearly missed my train station and went over my lunch break reading this trilogy. That is one side effect of a successful writer, that you forget where you are, and any sense of time.
The spiritual warfare elements are good here. I rejoiced when Dras discovers the power of the Word to defeat the demonic attack and that they revile and are in pain when this happens. A great spiritual lesson to be learnt here for the Christian reader, that power and authority is at our use once we have been born again, and goes with being renewed in Jesus. His victory over sin and death and the demonic becomes our victory too.
It was good to see Jeff was portrayed as very human with his faith faltering when his brother Dras is beaten and framed for the murders of the policeman and his teenage friend. So much of this happens to us when we are placed in a major life threatening situation, our faith takes a tumble before we pick ourselves up and reconnect to God and surrender ourselves and our situation to Him. Portraying Jeff's wife Isabella as the one strong in faith to encourage Jeff balances out this situation and again portrays how it is in real life, one of us takes a faith tumble and there is someone close to help us back up spiritually.
This is a highly recommended novel and trilogy. I am very impressed with Mitchell's writing and creativity. Another author I have to follow. He is up there with my other favourites.
This trilogy is dark, oppressive but when is ever evil not so? Mitchell creates this world of evil taking over the town and people of Greensboro very well. His world of demons, gremlins, that of The Strange Man is developed well. You feel the evil, the deceptiveness, the hatred of mankind and of God. This is the essence of this Strange Man. I found myself hating him and loathing the next account of him. When a character creates in you these feelings, the author has set out to achieve what he wanted. He has transported you in the world of the novel and this is very evident in The Strange Man Trilogy.
Mitchell's characters, both the antagonists and protagonists are developed well. You find yourself relating to them, disagreeing with them, agreeing with them, warning them to leave the Strange Man alone, as I did with the case when Rosalyn was finding her attracted to the handsome image of the Strange Man in human form, despite sensing that he is not what he seems and there is something evil and sinister about him.
The pace Mitchell creates enhances the dark elements of this story. It never lets up and consequently you cannot put it down. I nearly missed my train station and went over my lunch break reading this trilogy. That is one side effect of a successful writer, that you forget where you are, and any sense of time.
The spiritual warfare elements are good here. I rejoiced when Dras discovers the power of the Word to defeat the demonic attack and that they revile and are in pain when this happens. A great spiritual lesson to be learnt here for the Christian reader, that power and authority is at our use once we have been born again, and goes with being renewed in Jesus. His victory over sin and death and the demonic becomes our victory too.
It was good to see Jeff was portrayed as very human with his faith faltering when his brother Dras is beaten and framed for the murders of the policeman and his teenage friend. So much of this happens to us when we are placed in a major life threatening situation, our faith takes a tumble before we pick ourselves up and reconnect to God and surrender ourselves and our situation to Him. Portraying Jeff's wife Isabella as the one strong in faith to encourage Jeff balances out this situation and again portrays how it is in real life, one of us takes a faith tumble and there is someone close to help us back up spiritually.
This is a highly recommended novel and trilogy. I am very impressed with Mitchell's writing and creativity. Another author I have to follow. He is up there with my other favourites.
January 31, 2011
When I first heard about this book, I knew it was going to go one of two ways. First, it could have been really cheesy, boring and completely lacking substance. Or, it could have been scary, but with a very strong Christian message. I am not always very enthusiastic about reading Christian “horror” books, but I do like to give them a chance because in my experiences as a reviewer, I have found that these types of books tend to have the most powerful messages. I did find The Strange Man to be one of those books that is scary, but also with a very potent Christian message that will speak to readers who like some horror in their reading. Some may scoff at the concept of a Christian horror novel, but from what I’ve learned about Christian authors, their main reason for writing is to reach people for Jesus. I admire that desire in Christian authors.
The Strange Man is a fast read and I was surprised by the amount of humor found in this book. It helped ease some of the tension from the scarier aspects of the book. The Christian message is not a subtle one and I think all readers will be able to get a lot out of this book. I’m not sure I would recommend reading this book before bedtime. I sure didn’t read it before bed. I tend to be impacted more by books than anything else and I don’t like to read anything scary before sleeping.
Overall, The Strange Man is a very good book. It’s different from many of the books I read, but I have read a fair amount of books similar to this one and it has the same quality of writing and Christian content that I have come to expect from this genre. I can safely recommend The Strange Man and I will be looking forward to reading the rest of the Coming Evil Trilogy.
The Strange Man is a fast read and I was surprised by the amount of humor found in this book. It helped ease some of the tension from the scarier aspects of the book. The Christian message is not a subtle one and I think all readers will be able to get a lot out of this book. I’m not sure I would recommend reading this book before bedtime. I sure didn’t read it before bed. I tend to be impacted more by books than anything else and I don’t like to read anything scary before sleeping.
Overall, The Strange Man is a very good book. It’s different from many of the books I read, but I have read a fair amount of books similar to this one and it has the same quality of writing and Christian content that I have come to expect from this genre. I can safely recommend The Strange Man and I will be looking forward to reading the rest of the Coming Evil Trilogy.
April 26, 2012
Link to review on blog
The Strange Man is the first book in The Coming Evil Trilogy and also the first book I've read by Greg Mitchell, but it won't be the last! While it wasn't as scary as I had anticipated (I had heard it referred to as "Christian horror") there were a few suspenseful scenes - and that made me enjoy this book all the more!
I found Dras Weldon to be funny/silly - he was like a grown-up kid in the beginning of The Strange Man. I liked seeing how his character grew and in the end there was a shocker! One character I really liked was Dras's brother, Jeff. He was also the pastor of The Good Church of the Faithful (kind of a funny name for a church, I think).
I'd say Spiritual Battle was a major part of The Strange Man and I liked that! It was interesting to read about "The Bogeyman" and how powerful God's Word is - and important!
The Strange Man is an interesting read that I really enjoyed! The ending leaves me looking forward to reading the second book in Greg Mitchell's The Coming Evil Trilogy, Enemies of the Cross. I recommend The Strange Man if you enjoy a good novel with spiritual elements and some scary scenes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
The Strange Man is the first book in The Coming Evil Trilogy and also the first book I've read by Greg Mitchell, but it won't be the last! While it wasn't as scary as I had anticipated (I had heard it referred to as "Christian horror") there were a few suspenseful scenes - and that made me enjoy this book all the more!
I found Dras Weldon to be funny/silly - he was like a grown-up kid in the beginning of The Strange Man. I liked seeing how his character grew and in the end there was a shocker! One character I really liked was Dras's brother, Jeff. He was also the pastor of The Good Church of the Faithful (kind of a funny name for a church, I think).
I'd say Spiritual Battle was a major part of The Strange Man and I liked that! It was interesting to read about "The Bogeyman" and how powerful God's Word is - and important!
The Strange Man is an interesting read that I really enjoyed! The ending leaves me looking forward to reading the second book in Greg Mitchell's The Coming Evil Trilogy, Enemies of the Cross. I recommend The Strange Man if you enjoy a good novel with spiritual elements and some scary scenes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
August 14, 2011
I won this signed copy on Goodreads and this book can be best described as a Christian horror novel. The town of Greensboro has held an ancient evil at bay for many years, but the townsfolk's lack of faith has allowed the demonic Strange Man to once again break free of his confines and walk amongst the unknowing humans. Dras Weldon has two preachers in his family: his ill father and his older brother, but this hasn't kept him from going down his own path away from the church while living out his own slacker lifestyle. When the ancient evil sets its eyes on Dras' best friend Rosalyn, he must decide which path to take to save her.
The Strange Man is fast paced and surprisingly humorous in parts while giving a clear glimpse at small town life where the town is clearly past it's prime. The story is very straight forward and the cast of characters is numerous but not hard to follow. The settings are creepy and the horror elements are perfect. The dialog is realistic and each character has a different voice.
I give this one a four. The Strange Man is an entertaining good vs evil horror novel that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. While this book is the first of a trilogy, the ending is not neat and tidy and it ends pretty abruptly. This is definitely not a stand alone book.
The Strange Man is fast paced and surprisingly humorous in parts while giving a clear glimpse at small town life where the town is clearly past it's prime. The story is very straight forward and the cast of characters is numerous but not hard to follow. The settings are creepy and the horror elements are perfect. The dialog is realistic and each character has a different voice.
I give this one a four. The Strange Man is an entertaining good vs evil horror novel that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. While this book is the first of a trilogy, the ending is not neat and tidy and it ends pretty abruptly. This is definitely not a stand alone book.
July 29, 2011
This book was different. Classified as a suspense book, I found it to be more of a thriller. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the trilogy. This debut novel from Greg Mitchell was very well written, I had to just laugh out loud at his humor. The name of the church really struck me as funny. The Good Church of the Faithful, it might not have been intentional but it struck me as funny. I also enjoyed the humorous people who attended the church, because we have all seen that type of person in our own congregations.
Dras Weldon, does not realize that God has a mark on him, but the bogeyman does know this. And when The Strange Man comes to town, no one realizes it is the bogeyman, and that the entire town is in danger. Rosalyn is in the bogeyman's sites and Dras will do whatever it takes to save her, but it comes across as odd to her because he has always fought against "religion."
This story is not for the faint of heart, there are very scary scenes in the book and it will frighten those who easily frightened. I did enjoy the book and as I said I look forward to the next installment. I give this debut novelist and his book a 4 star rating. 292 pages $13.99 (Bonus story at the end of the book)
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was provided for this review.
Dras Weldon, does not realize that God has a mark on him, but the bogeyman does know this. And when The Strange Man comes to town, no one realizes it is the bogeyman, and that the entire town is in danger. Rosalyn is in the bogeyman's sites and Dras will do whatever it takes to save her, but it comes across as odd to her because he has always fought against "religion."
This story is not for the faint of heart, there are very scary scenes in the book and it will frighten those who easily frightened. I did enjoy the book and as I said I look forward to the next installment. I give this debut novelist and his book a 4 star rating. 292 pages $13.99 (Bonus story at the end of the book)
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was provided for this review.
March 29, 2019
More like 2 1/2 stars
Your enjoyment of this book may depend on how many of these supernatural Christian books you have read. Maybe I’ve read too much Dekker & Peretti but this book seems hollow. There are some nice parts in it but the conclusion doesn’t specifically make me want to continue the series unlike some books where there’s no way I wouldn’t read the next book. I will read the next book, if for no other reason than I had bought it at a discount store and then discovered it was book 2 of a series and then I got the first book from the library. If you haven’t read many of these books, give it a shot. For me, many parts just felt too familiar.
Your enjoyment of this book may depend on how many of these supernatural Christian books you have read. Maybe I’ve read too much Dekker & Peretti but this book seems hollow. There are some nice parts in it but the conclusion doesn’t specifically make me want to continue the series unlike some books where there’s no way I wouldn’t read the next book. I will read the next book, if for no other reason than I had bought it at a discount store and then discovered it was book 2 of a series and then I got the first book from the library. If you haven’t read many of these books, give it a shot. For me, many parts just felt too familiar.
January 25, 2018
I couldnt get attached to the characters. Wanted to like this book. DNF.
September 26, 2018
Good, but I am not really into Christian fiction and while it grabbed me, it didn't keep me.
Read
September 24, 2020this book is grate. I love how you described your charters and how they move and make the book adducting for the readers.
February 2, 2011
About the book: Dras Weldon is the son and brother of pastors. He has grown up believing in God, but at 22 is really not grown up at all. He wastes his rent money on action figures, money he usually has to get from his parents, and spends his nights getting loaded at The Rave Scene. Rosalyn, his best friend since they were kids, usually is the one who cleans up after him and makes sure he gets home okay. They can usually be found together, and if not at The Rave Scene are watching movies together or on the phone. Dras hasn't given it much thought, much like his faith, but really couldn't live without Rosalyn.
Rosalyn, however, has been accepted at a college out of state. She is not sure she is going to be able to leave Dras, even though they are just friends. Then, one night at The Rave, she dances with a stranger, one that leaves her breathless and lingers in her mind. Unfortunately, he is the devil in disguise, and he is both attracted to her and wants to kill her, as she reminds him of someone from his past.
This Strange Man - as the few who see him in his true form think of him, has not walked the streets of Greensboro for a long time. There are stories that have been passed down from generation to generation about the bogeyman that scratches on children's windows and if they are still awake he snatches them away. Could this be the bogeyman?
The Strange Man realizes that he will not be able to have Rosalyn until Dras is out of the picture. Their love and loyalty for each other is too pure, so he shows his true self to Dras. He finds he cannot harm Dras as he is protected by God, so tells him to leave town or Rosalyn will pay. Dras realizes he cannot leave Rosalyn to face the strange man alone and sets out to share with Rosalyn about God's love - but will it be too little too late? Has the life he lived up to this point made too big of an impact on her already?
My thoughts: This is one book that I could not put down! I ended up staying up way later than I should have one night to finish it - and then remembered it was the first of a trilogy!!! I can't wait for book 2 to go on with the story. Where it was a good ending for book 1, there is still so much that can happen and so much that we don't know. I really liked Dras. He was very realistically portrayed as a young 20 something in today's world - someone who is searching for something, but at the same time not really looking. The book would be great for someone who is on the line about their faith or as a good jumping off point to introduce someone to Christ without overwhelming them at all. I can't say it enough - terrific book and terrifying at the same time!
Rosalyn, however, has been accepted at a college out of state. She is not sure she is going to be able to leave Dras, even though they are just friends. Then, one night at The Rave, she dances with a stranger, one that leaves her breathless and lingers in her mind. Unfortunately, he is the devil in disguise, and he is both attracted to her and wants to kill her, as she reminds him of someone from his past.
This Strange Man - as the few who see him in his true form think of him, has not walked the streets of Greensboro for a long time. There are stories that have been passed down from generation to generation about the bogeyman that scratches on children's windows and if they are still awake he snatches them away. Could this be the bogeyman?
The Strange Man realizes that he will not be able to have Rosalyn until Dras is out of the picture. Their love and loyalty for each other is too pure, so he shows his true self to Dras. He finds he cannot harm Dras as he is protected by God, so tells him to leave town or Rosalyn will pay. Dras realizes he cannot leave Rosalyn to face the strange man alone and sets out to share with Rosalyn about God's love - but will it be too little too late? Has the life he lived up to this point made too big of an impact on her already?
My thoughts: This is one book that I could not put down! I ended up staying up way later than I should have one night to finish it - and then remembered it was the first of a trilogy!!! I can't wait for book 2 to go on with the story. Where it was a good ending for book 1, there is still so much that can happen and so much that we don't know. I really liked Dras. He was very realistically portrayed as a young 20 something in today's world - someone who is searching for something, but at the same time not really looking. The book would be great for someone who is on the line about their faith or as a good jumping off point to introduce someone to Christ without overwhelming them at all. I can't say it enough - terrific book and terrifying at the same time!
April 12, 2011
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads book.
I have mixed feelings about this.
First, the story was slow to start moving. It was difficult for me to get in to at first. Once it got moving, I enjoyed it. More than I wanted to.
Second, it is definitely a 'christian' novel. I haven't read a ton in this genre, and it is possible that this is common to 'christian' novels, but it came off as kind of preachy. The point was made early on that Dras was a christian who wasn't walking the talk. But by halfway in, I felt that this theme was beaten into me. If I wasn't a christian- and didn't feel obligated to keep going through this due to my first reads copy- I may not have finished it. This could potentially be a turn off for some (I know, it's probably just not their genre then, but still, it's good to have a head's up on this).Again, I enjoyed the story, it was more the way the 'christian' theme was repeated over and over again that annoyed me - the point could have been made, just as clearly, without going back to this over and over again.
Last, the ending was totally unresolved. Smart on Mitchell's behalf, because now I want to know what happens.
But do I want to know badly enough to deal with two more novels similar to this one? That remains to be seen...
I have mixed feelings about this.
First, the story was slow to start moving. It was difficult for me to get in to at first. Once it got moving, I enjoyed it. More than I wanted to.
Second, it is definitely a 'christian' novel. I haven't read a ton in this genre, and it is possible that this is common to 'christian' novels, but it came off as kind of preachy. The point was made early on that Dras was a christian who wasn't walking the talk. But by halfway in, I felt that this theme was beaten into me. If I wasn't a christian- and didn't feel obligated to keep going through this due to my first reads copy- I may not have finished it. This could potentially be a turn off for some (I know, it's probably just not their genre then, but still, it's good to have a head's up on this).Again, I enjoyed the story, it was more the way the 'christian' theme was repeated over and over again that annoyed me - the point could have been made, just as clearly, without going back to this over and over again.
Last, the ending was totally unresolved. Smart on Mitchell's behalf, because now I want to know what happens.
But do I want to know badly enough to deal with two more novels similar to this one? That remains to be seen...
June 21, 2011
Mixing religious overtones with the classic fight between good and evil, The Strange Man author Greg Mitchell tells the story of a modern day prodigal son, Dras Weldon and his ignorance of God. Although 22, Dras is a kid at heart, loves action figures and booze. He doesn't have a job, lives off his parents, and shuns Jeff, his brother, and his preaching. He does love one person though, he childhood friend, Roslyn.
That all changes, however, when Dras is visited by the strange man...the bogeyman, the devil, evil personified, whatever one calls him. He is coming for this evil town full of wayward people who have lost their way to Jesus. He wants to claim them for his own, especially Roslyn. Dras knows he has to stand up to him, protect his family and Roslyn and he implores God to help him. Finally, realizing that Jeff was doing more than preaching, but actually believing in a higher being, he begs Roslyn to listen and accept Jesus into her heart.
Dras defeats, in a manner of speaking for only a short time, the strange man, but at what cost?
Not usually my type of book, but this one is full of suspense and food for thought. The first in the series The Coming Evil.
Thank you to Greg Mitchell, Realms Publishing, and Goodreads for this ARC copy.
That all changes, however, when Dras is visited by the strange man...the bogeyman, the devil, evil personified, whatever one calls him. He is coming for this evil town full of wayward people who have lost their way to Jesus. He wants to claim them for his own, especially Roslyn. Dras knows he has to stand up to him, protect his family and Roslyn and he implores God to help him. Finally, realizing that Jeff was doing more than preaching, but actually believing in a higher being, he begs Roslyn to listen and accept Jesus into her heart.
Dras defeats, in a manner of speaking for only a short time, the strange man, but at what cost?
Not usually my type of book, but this one is full of suspense and food for thought. The first in the series The Coming Evil.
Thank you to Greg Mitchell, Realms Publishing, and Goodreads for this ARC copy.
October 7, 2012
Dras Weldon, 22 years old and unemployed, might have grown up the son of a preacher, but you would hardly know it from his behavior and the bar he frequents. Jeff Weldon, his brother, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a preacher. He is serving as pastor of the Good Church of the Faithful, the same church his father, Jack Weldon, pastored.
The bogeyman has taken up residence in Greensboro. The town of Greensboro has an evil secret. “The Strange Man” by Greg Mitchell is the first installment of “The Coming Evil Trilogy”, and is about a man who discovers a secret so evil even his brother or his best friend, Rosalyn, won’t believe him. As the Strange Man gets closer to Rosalyn, Dras must fight to save her. He reaches out to his friends and family, but ultimately he is left to face the evil alone. Will he survive? Or will evil win in this suspense-filled tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat?
If you enjoy Christian suspense/horror stories, you will love Greg Mitchell. I fell in love with the characters as if they were real. I loved how he made the town of Greensboro as much of a character in the story as Dras, Jeff, Rosalyn and Isabella. I was glad to know I would get to meet them again soon in Book Two, “Enemies of the Cross”.
The bogeyman has taken up residence in Greensboro. The town of Greensboro has an evil secret. “The Strange Man” by Greg Mitchell is the first installment of “The Coming Evil Trilogy”, and is about a man who discovers a secret so evil even his brother or his best friend, Rosalyn, won’t believe him. As the Strange Man gets closer to Rosalyn, Dras must fight to save her. He reaches out to his friends and family, but ultimately he is left to face the evil alone. Will he survive? Or will evil win in this suspense-filled tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat?
If you enjoy Christian suspense/horror stories, you will love Greg Mitchell. I fell in love with the characters as if they were real. I loved how he made the town of Greensboro as much of a character in the story as Dras, Jeff, Rosalyn and Isabella. I was glad to know I would get to meet them again soon in Book Two, “Enemies of the Cross”.
April 20, 2011
Dras Weldon refuses to grow up. Though he’s twenty-two, he still enjoys collecting comic books and action figures. His best friend, Rosalyn, rolls her eyes at his immaturity but loves him anyway. He knows he’s let his family down but can’t bring himself to change. However, he gets a wake up call when a mysterious stranger appears in the small town of Greensboro. This man leaves a trail of death in his wake and is after Rosalyn. Dras is the only one who can save her. But what can he do? Will he be too late? And what price will he have to pay?
I’d read some other reviews for the book and wasn’t sure if I’d like it. Knowing a demon was involved, I had mentally prepared myself for something like Demon by Tosca Lee. This was a combination of that and maybe something Frank Peretti might write. I’ll admit I didn’t like the ending – I had hoped for something different even as I was reading it and knew the outcome. One of my favorite scenes is Dras arguing with Sean Patrick about an action figure. I laughed out loud, imagining the scene in my mind. This was a little dark for me – not normally the kind of genre I read but I liked the overall message of the book.
I’d read some other reviews for the book and wasn’t sure if I’d like it. Knowing a demon was involved, I had mentally prepared myself for something like Demon by Tosca Lee. This was a combination of that and maybe something Frank Peretti might write. I’ll admit I didn’t like the ending – I had hoped for something different even as I was reading it and knew the outcome. One of my favorite scenes is Dras arguing with Sean Patrick about an action figure. I laughed out loud, imagining the scene in my mind. This was a little dark for me – not normally the kind of genre I read but I liked the overall message of the book.
August 29, 2016
I'm not good at writing a review about a book; if I made it through a book, it keep my interest. But, if I didn't really enjoy a book I will let it be known.
This is Book One in 'The Coming Evil' Trilogy. I enjoyed this book and the storyline was written well. I found this book at a Dollar store and read the back of the book, found it interesting. It was one that I didn't let lay around while reading it, I had my nose stuck in this book until I finished it.
Most of the books that I post here are book that I have read in the past so as far as dating when I finished...........memory lost. I do at times put the date in my books when I read them. I know this has nothing to do with the book, just letting you know
This is Book One in 'The Coming Evil' Trilogy. I enjoyed this book and the storyline was written well. I found this book at a Dollar store and read the back of the book, found it interesting. It was one that I didn't let lay around while reading it, I had my nose stuck in this book until I finished it.
Most of the books that I post here are book that I have read in the past so as far as dating when I finished...........memory lost. I do at times put the date in my books when I read them. I know this has nothing to do with the book, just letting you know
April 2, 2011
Wonderful! I was so excited to be chosen to First Read" this book and received it for free from Goodreads First Reads. I do a ton of reading and it was refreshing to read a whole book with no curse words. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a great read. It kept me entertained and hanging on from the first chapter. Basically what this book comes down to is right vs. wrong, heaven vs. hell, good vs. evil. When faced with a life or death choice for you and those you love most, which will you choose? I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Mr. Mitchell you have outdone yourself.
September 24, 2014
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Honestly, I was wary when I found out this is Christian Horror; there are moments where it came off kind of preachy. It has a slow start but once it got going it was an easy read. For me, the characters were realistic and relatable. I think Mitchell did a good job on showing how there are many sides to a person, the good and bad/evil; and how people were reacting to the events that happened and they didn't even know there was a real-life, actual demon in town.
Honestly, I was wary when I found out this is Christian Horror; there are moments where it came off kind of preachy. It has a slow start but once it got going it was an easy read. For me, the characters were realistic and relatable. I think Mitchell did a good job on showing how there are many sides to a person, the good and bad/evil; and how people were reacting to the events that happened and they didn't even know there was a real-life, actual demon in town.
April 25, 2012
Can a demon materialize into physical form, walk among us and torment us with his demonic minions? Literally? I’d say, no. However, based on scripture, it’s clear that satan and demons can and do affect human thought and actions.
Though I don’t think any of us are likely to encounter The Strange Man in physical form, his fictional representation does serve as a reminder that we all need to be diligent to put on the armor of God.
I give this one 3 1/2 stars.
See my full review here: http://jessicathomasink.com/blog/revi...
Though I don’t think any of us are likely to encounter The Strange Man in physical form, his fictional representation does serve as a reminder that we all need to be diligent to put on the armor of God.
I give this one 3 1/2 stars.
See my full review here: http://jessicathomasink.com/blog/revi...
November 28, 2011
I liked the writing style of this book, but had difficulty with some of the basic premises of the book (for example: though I'm Christian, I don't think that reciting verses from the bible is going to stop a demon from attacking me). If you do believe that type of thing then I can see why you'd give this 4 or 5 stars; but that combined with detracted from Mr. Mitchell's story telling for me.
April 12, 2011
I just finished reading this book and I must say it was worth the time. I have never read a Christian paranormal book before and was a little skeptical but the book was very well written and delivered a good message along with the story line, I would keep reading just to see what happened next. I very much got wrapped up in Dras and Roslyn's world and cannot wait to see what happens next.
April 3, 2011
Solid debut, solid story - many CBA (Christian Bookseller Association) novels claim the title of being "Christian Horror" but very few get the "horror" part right. Mitchell's one of them. Reads a lot like those classic 80's horror flicks.
September 25, 2013
Ridiculous. Cliched and written on a fourth grade reading level. I only made it halfway through before skimming the rest. I wanted to like this book. The author is from a town near mine and I related to the main character in some ways. However, it was absolute rubbish.
Want to read
February 23, 2011This looks like it will be a great book to read.
April 9, 2011
Disclaimer: This book was received for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was well written and interesting. I did find the last chapter a bit forced, but I would recommend this book.
This book was well written and interesting. I did find the last chapter a bit forced, but I would recommend this book.
March 31, 2011
I won this book through Goodread's giveaway. Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book. Looking forward to The Coming Evil #2.
May 6, 2021
This year is the 10th anniversary for this coming out, what better time to reread it? The only series (so far) that I've done so, and it seems to get better every time.
May 11, 2013
It was a bit like a Christian themed mash-up of a Grimm's Fairy Tale/'Something Wicked This Way Comes' and 'Donnie Darko.'
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