To Fight What Others Can’t You Must See What Others Don’t
After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.
Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency.
It’s up to the warrior angel Validus and his hand-picked team of heavenly agents to protect the unbelieving Drew. Validus now knows that the young man is at the epicenter of a global spiritual war, and the angels must use a millennia of battle experience keep Drew alive, for the Fallen want him dead.
Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.
After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.
Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency.
It’s up to the warrior angel Validus and his hand-picked team of heavenly agents to protect the unbelieving Drew. Validus now knows that the young man is at the epicenter of a global spiritual war, and the angels must use a millennia of battle experience keep Drew alive, for the Fallen want him dead.
Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.
“I'm as real as you are.” ~ Validus
This
third installment to the Wars of the Realm series has been
very long-awaited on the part of yours truly. Albeit the tardiness of
this review due to unforeseen circumstances, this book was devoured
as soon as it arrived in my hands just like its predecessors Cloak of the Light and Rise of the Fallen. The exclusive focus
on Drew and the physical realm in Volume I and the spiritual realm in
Volume II with a primary concentration on Validus collide in a
culmination of Armageddon measure in Volume III. In typical Chuck
Black fashion, countless highlights dance across the pages in Light
of the Last.
Curious
characters are numerously awaiting their true discovery page after
page suspending the reader's judgment. Ethan, Reed, Dr. Whitton,
Ross, and even Jake suspiciously fall into this category. The
transition of Agent Reed's approach to Drew is really enjoyable as
you watch their developing friendship. His trust factor, however,
fluctuates the entire length of the novel. Ross is quite reminiscent
of the original Deep Throat from The X-Files, especially
during his clandestine meetings with Drew, akin to Fox Mulder, in the
back of a mysterious black car and on a park bench.
Fantastic
scenes such as the initial meeting with President Hardin, Daugherty,
Ward and Ross, the destruction of NexTech and the apocalyptic
showdown at the farmhouse are erupting with gripping anticipation.
Unexpected plots manifest with the CIA operations down into Brazil
and also the romantic triangle between Drew, Sydney and Ethan. The
resurfacing of the LASOK and Validus' shapeshifting revelation prove
to be positively intriguing, as well as the insight into the Noadic
Accord regarding Jude and the angels who did not keep to their abode.
Furthermore, the much awaited final duel between Validus and Niturni
is quick and intense, all the while the fate of Persimus lends a
tragic angle to the trilogy. The definitive title for Drew is a
perfect justification to the Wars of the Realms series. I was
afraid, though so anxious, to find out if this would involve more
eschatalogical scenarios (e.g., the Rapture, the unveiling of the
Antichrist's identity, etc.), and thankfully, it does not. It
concludes with a creative edge leaving the reader satisfied yet
with enough loose strings to produce additional installments.
“Michael reminded me that when pride
keeps a man from Messiah,
he must be broken.”
~ Validus
A
few mishaps in Light of the Last
surface like with Drew's startling admission to Dr. Whitton. The
sudden tell-all exposition to the CIA psychologist is unbelievable
and not in line with the strict code of conduct so solidly instilled
within Drew's professional discipline and his natural demeanor prior
to that background with Jake. He is trained as an agent to detect and
exercise extreme caution, most of all with his abilities. After his
smooth encounter with the Cuban leader alongside his hesitancy of
revelation to his partner and friend Reed, he strangely spills
everything to this obviously questionable figure whose meeting
and analysis was prompted by the ominous Mr. Ross.
The
romantic relationship between Drew and Sydney is quite anticlimactic.
The modesty of this Christian novel keeps to its proper domain of
innocence, but the long-awaited union is a bit mundane. The
puritanical love affair is vague and sweet. They grow closer along
with Sydney's prevalent role, but as far as the personal relationship
it is very weak. It's finale does little to gratify this budding
romance stretching three volumes.
It
is a wonder that Drew does not attempt to find and, therefore, help
Ben as he did all the times he continuously searched for Sydney.
Despite risking the exposure of his trading account, they were apart
for three years! The preoccupation with the media reporter Sophia
Bryant could do without the underlying flirtation. It is also
surprising to see no reemergence of the Cuban leader or the
psychologist. Nevertheless, when the spiritual transformation is
taking place the rich illustration seems to deflate. It is like
splicing a fabulous film such as Olympus
Has Fallen with a cheap
TBN moment of dialogue.
Just
as in the Book of Revelation, the spiritual battle is more
forcefully manifesting itself into the physical realm. This is an
addictively fascinating and unique creation from the mind of Chuck
Black. It's impressive presentation is enough to make one to take a
look at the author's other works. The story most definitely has the
possibilities of continuing on to formulate an actual series within
the Wars of the Realm rather than terminating at the third
volume of the trilogy. Favoring the former installments very highly,
this conclusive Light of the Last unfortunately falls slightly
below its two predecessors, which both warrant motion picture status.
"Commander Validus, what Drew Carter can do
has just begun."
~ Teriel
Chuck Black first wrote Kingdom's Edge to inspire his children to read the Bible with renewed zeal. This captivating expanded parable led hi to write the Old Testament allegories, Kingdom's Dawn and Kingdom's Hope. Chuck added three more titles to the series, Kingdom's Call,
Kingdom's Quest, and Kingdom's Reign
which were released in May of 2007.
Chuck’s current works include The Knights of Arrethtrae series, Call to Arms, and his series in progress, Wars of the Realm. Chuck is a former F-
It is Chuck’s desire to serve the Lord through his work and to inspire people of all ages to study the scriptures in order to discover the hope and love of a truly majestic King and His Son.
Preview and purchase Light of the Last
This book was provided free for review by
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
