BookOpinion

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed reading the third novel in the Restoration Series by Terri Blackstock. ”True Light” is a fast read…it took me about 90 minutes to devour it, but it is honest, well honed and packed with characters that are easy to relate to. This semi science fiction, Christian book has easily become one of my favorites.

Imagine that you are living your life, everything is normal, usual ups and downs and you wake up one morning to find that you have no electricity, no phone, no plumbing and have no clue when any of these facilities will be restored. You cannot even walk to the supermarket to purchase your groceries…there are no supermarkets. And your car is useless…bicycles or horses have become the new normal. Then you hear that a supernova named SN-1999 is emitting electromagnetic pulses every few seconds…which basically renders everything operational on the earth, useless. And no one can predict when this star might burn itself out. Your very survival is threatened. And the best and the worst in human nature are revealed…and the worst seems to have the upper hand.

“True Light” opens with a scene, in Crockett, Alabama, of exultation as Zach Emory shoots a ten point buck, which is necessary to feed his family. Hearing footsteps, the teenager turns, expecting his brother to help him lift the deer into their rickshaw. Unfortunately, the man approaching is not Zach’s brother…the stranger raises his rifle and shoots Zach, and then the shooter and the deer disappear.

The Branning family is initially drawn into this mystery because of Jeff Branning, a close friend of Zach’s. But Deni Branning, a reporter for the Crocket Times, takes a personal interest in finding the shooter when Mark Green, the man she hopes to marry, is arrested for the attempted murder of Zach. Intent upon proving Mark innocent, the entire Branning family becomes involved in this rather complex plot.

During Mark’s time in jail, he struggles not just to survive but to maintain his core of Christian conviction. But incarcerated in a tiny cell with murderers and out of control maniacal convicts, Mark’s situation is not just dire, but desperate. So, what does he do in these circumstances? How is he supposed to react? What would you do? Will Zach survive to identify his assailant and clear Mark’s name?

What I have described is a miniscule outline of a well written novel, filled with intrigue, conflicting relationships and revealing insights into human nature. What I liked best about Blackstock’s ”True Light” is that it makes you really think…not just about how you would react in such a situation but how you would relate to other people…and what role you would play because conforming roles are no longer the norm.

I wholeheartedly give “True Light” a thumbs up approval. If you enjoy light science fiction or Christian situational conflict, then you are going to love the Terri Blackstock books. I cannot wait to read the many other novels that she has penned and look forward to Book Four in the Restoration series.

– Elizabeth Channery