I found these reoccurring incidents and wholesale slaughter extremely disturbing, particularly when the Bible makes it clear that while the battles before us are not physical, neither are the weapons we have at our disposal. It is this backwards way of waging war that led me to believe that the theme of spiritual warfare is merely a veneer, thinly applied to a typical action/adventure novel. Perhaps Olsen felt that spiritual warfare isn’t exciting enough without a few semi-automatic weapons thrown in; I disagree.
While Olsen may not write accurate spiritual warfare novels, his writing style does evoke a frenetic reading pace. The 416 pages sped by in a blur as Dylan and Abby dashed around the world, trying to stay alive and find a way to unite and strengthen a spiritual sisterhood of believers gifted with the ability to see into the spirit realm. I enjoyed reading scenes reminiscent of Pentecostal/Charismatic faith experiences. This is a worship style I’m personally unfamiliar with and these glimpses were fascinating.
Though Abby is clearly intended to be the main character Olsen -- like many male authors -- struggles to create a compelling female lead. Her male counterpart, Dylan Hatfield, is far more dynamic and likable despite his dastardly past. Olsen’s obvious attempts to create romantic tension between the pair fall far short of the mark, creating a forced, heavily plodding feel during these scenes.
Preconceived notions are dangerous, but difficult to avoid. Mine led me to a sense of disappointment and unease as I discovered that the author’s vision of spiritual warfare was completely at odds with mine. His conjecture in areas that scripture does not speak to clearly was undisturbing, but the apparent contradictions in those the Bible does speak to unsettled me. With Olsen’s gift for setting a break-neck pace and keeping readers glued to the pages of his novels there is certainly hope for the future. A book with a strong male lead and unabashed action storyline would best highlight his strengths as an author.
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