The Awakened (Lazarus Chronicles, #1)

by Richard Spillman

[phyllish]

A fast-paced, Christian thriller

My rating is 4.5 stars

Every so often, I pick up a book that sounds a little outside my comfort zone on the recommendation of others or because I have read other books by the author. The Awakened is one of those books. I mean, really, I'm not the paranormal thriller or heavy suspense type. At all. . . Emphasis on the ""I don't read thrillers or heavy suspense!""

I am so thankful for the recommendation I received to read this book.

I was intrigued by the book's description and the recommendation came from a reader I trust. Look at the description again. What's not to lure me in? After all, a fight against good and evil is something we are involved in every single day. And I do enjoy a good PG suspense story.

The Awakened was a little bit of everything. It was a fast-paced action story taking place mostly in Washington (the state) and the Middle East. There were computer geniuses trying to break codes, spies trying to infiltrate, and everyday people (Normals) caught in the middle. And there were the UnDead who were evil but not zombies. (I was relieved at that! I know - only in my mind is it better to have a body animated by a demon than a zombie.)

And throughout the story, snippets of Lazarus' journal were shared, starting with when he first heard Jesus calling to him from outside the tomb.

This story is so POWERFUL!

It is a story of hope, faith, and love. And while you are catching your breath from the excitement, you will have your heart tugged by the pain Rikki carries from her childhood. And experience the loneliness of the Awakened as they watch those they love move on to eternity leaving them behind.

One of the most touching moments was when Lazarus, speaking of Jesus, told how much he misses His physical presence. Oh, to have such a relationship with the Lord that we cannot stand to not be out of an intimate relationship with Him!

Thank you, Richard Spillman, for this very moving story that has me longing even more for the time I will be face to face with my Savior evermore!

The Awakened will appeal to wimpier readers like me who still like action and some drama. It will also appeal to those who like a fast-paced, inspirational thriller with a hint of the paranormal added in.


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I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.