Helpful Score: 8
I think the best way to describe this book is "Dean Koontz meets God" because during the first few chapters I kept looking at the cover of the book to make sure the author wasn't Koontz. I finally figured out after the first few chapters that it's a Christian fiction book, but by that time I was hooked and read it anyway. Just knowing that it's a book intended to provoke spiritual thinking is a spoiler because you know that Good will prevail over Evil in the end - the way it should, of course. BUT, it's still a great book to read, even if this isn't your "thing." Feel free to email with any questions. ~LeAnn
Helpful Score: 6
Wow! What a vision Frank Peretti painted for me of the spiritual warfare that goes on behind the scenes! This book will forever change the way you view life!
Helpful Score: 4
Amazing book for Christian or anyone of any religion.
Eye opening about the powers and forces BEHIND what we can touch with our five senses. The every book in this series by Peretti is wonderful but this one, the first one, changed how I look at the world around me and the people in it forever.
Eye opening about the powers and forces BEHIND what we can touch with our five senses. The every book in this series by Peretti is wonderful but this one, the first one, changed how I look at the world around me and the people in it forever.
Helpful Score: 3
this is my best friend's favorite book so i decided i aught to read it. let me tell you it is a great read! it's a page turner especially toward the end. it is a very interesting take on how the unseen world around us might look and how it might behave. although i will tell you it made me start wondering about random thoughts that popped into my head, and i really started wondering about my daughter's imaginary friend!
Helpful Score: 2
Enlightening! This book opens the eyes to the "5th" dimension, the "real" reality.
Helpful Score: 2
Demons have plans to subjugate the small town of Ashton and eventually, the entire world. A reporter and a pastor discover this hideous plot and begin fighting this spiritual warfare through the power of prayer and dependency on Christ.
Fascinating book that offers insight on the dark powers at work in the spiritual realm.
Fascinating book that offers insight on the dark powers at work in the spiritual realm.
Helpful Score: 2
The small town of Ashton is the scene of a terrific battle between evil demons led by Rafar and angelic forces led by Tal in this Christian suspense tale.
Leaders of the human participants are Marshall Hogan, editor of The Clarion, Pastor Hank Busche, their friends, and groups of praying Christians. The battle wages fiercely, working up to a thrilling and satisfying climax.
The born-again Christian preacher and newspaper reporter unearth a New Age plot to take over the local community and eventually the entire world. Nearly every page of the book describes sulfur-breathing, black-winged, slobbering demons battling with tall, handsome, angelic warriors on a level of reality that is just beyond the senses.
However, Christian believers and New Age demon-worshippers are able to influence unseen clashes between good and evil by the power of prayer.
Descriptions of exorcisms are especially vivid:
"There were fifteen [demons], packed into Carmen's body like crawling, superimposed maggots, boiling, writhing, a tangle of hideous arms, legs, talons, and heads."
This book is not for the squeamish. But for page-turning spiritual suspense,is hard to beat.
Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leaders of the human participants are Marshall Hogan, editor of The Clarion, Pastor Hank Busche, their friends, and groups of praying Christians. The battle wages fiercely, working up to a thrilling and satisfying climax.
The born-again Christian preacher and newspaper reporter unearth a New Age plot to take over the local community and eventually the entire world. Nearly every page of the book describes sulfur-breathing, black-winged, slobbering demons battling with tall, handsome, angelic warriors on a level of reality that is just beyond the senses.
However, Christian believers and New Age demon-worshippers are able to influence unseen clashes between good and evil by the power of prayer.
Descriptions of exorcisms are especially vivid:
"There were fifteen [demons], packed into Carmen's body like crawling, superimposed maggots, boiling, writhing, a tangle of hideous arms, legs, talons, and heads."
This book is not for the squeamish. But for page-turning spiritual suspense,is hard to beat.
Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Score: 2
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12
Delve into a town that is being attacked in the spiritual realm and learn how the battle is far more unseen than seen.
Delve into a town that is being attacked in the spiritual realm and learn how the battle is far more unseen than seen.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good book. I was surprised that the author portrayed the angels as imperfect, but still non-corporeal. In one scene angel A is beat up badly by demons. Shortly thereafter he goes to a house, loses his temper, and tries to destroy a demon there against orders from his captain. A nearby angel stops him though.
I'm not done yet but this is a riviting book where both the good and evil sides alternately win small battles, and you never know who will end up winning the war for this town.
I'm not done yet but this is a riviting book where both the good and evil sides alternately win small battles, and you never know who will end up winning the war for this town.
Helpful Score: 1
A favorite novel that may have a lot more truth in it than we would be willing to admit. Skillfully written with insights on spiritual warfare and how/why prayer is important.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful book...keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a FANTASTIC suspenseful read!
Helpful Score: 1
Peretti takes common folklore of angels and demons in creates a world where they are almost tangible. The activities of humans (prayer) help the angels in their fight against demons, and the negativity of humans helps the demons. I absolutely love how he brought the spiritual and physical realms together.
This book is slow at first, but picks up about three-fourths of the way through. The build-up is well-worth the wait for the conclusion.
This book is slow at first, but picks up about three-fourths of the way through. The build-up is well-worth the wait for the conclusion.
Great book. Great analogy of good and evil!
This is one of my favorite books of all time! You get to see a battle between good and evil with the humans but then it pans back and you get to see the corresponding balance between the angels and the demons. It is awesome! But no worship of angels! They strictly get their assignments from the Father!
This book helps believers to visualize the constant battles waged here on earth on our behalf.
Abridged
Awesome book about spirtual warfare. Christian classic.
This book brings spiritual warfare into a new light. You'll never view it the same again after reading this.
I found this book riviting. I made me a Peretti fan forever.
this was the most repetative, tedious thing i've read in awhile. the premise is great, but the execution was not so great. i think the problem stems from the fact that the author was originally a children's book writer... so, maybe that's why it didn't compel me to finish.
This book was a recommendation in my community class at Church and glad I read it; very good reading and a book that you wanted to keep turning the pages.
sorry, I could not get into this book at all! I read it all the way through and it was not for me. I have read one other book by the author and I loved it. It was Biblical and I could see how it could really happen. This one though was too much like a sword fights, and investigating bad people. During most of the book only little refrance was made to praying and the christians until the end. It dwelled to much on the evil and not enough on the good.
Have you ever wondered what one person can do to right a wrong? This novel offers a view of exactly that. An overwhelming and undescribable evil is moving into Ashton, a small college community. There is an unusual population exchange occuring as long time residents silently leave and new folks arrive. There is the feeliing of a huge chess game with pieces being arranged and re-arranged, but who or what is in control?
Peretti has created an amazing story of spiritual conflict that is at least as real as the world in which we live and move. His characters are well developed and the story they weave is simultaneously terrifying and encouraging by virtue of the principles Peretti uses to tie everything together.
For the reader who enjoys mystery, suspense, imagination, and challenge, this novel is a must read!
Peretti has created an amazing story of spiritual conflict that is at least as real as the world in which we live and move. His characters are well developed and the story they weave is simultaneously terrifying and encouraging by virtue of the principles Peretti uses to tie everything together.
For the reader who enjoys mystery, suspense, imagination, and challenge, this novel is a must read!
The story was good but the writing was extremely bad. I'd like to see a story like this in the hands of a much better writer. Peretti was badly in need of a thesaurus (did every paragraph have to contain the words "immediately" and "suddenly"?), and the overuse of simile was SO aggravating. I guess if you're not a critical reader, this is good Christian fiction. For me? Not so much.
I'm reviewing this old one because it's the one I own. This is a fantastic book. Doesn't matter if you're Christian or not, although coming from someone with a religious background I might be a bit biased. He's a damn good writer. I have read this book several times because each time I read it I remember something I forgot, or find something else that speaks to me. It has lots of action for that action-loving fiend in me. But it also has actual development of characters. You get to watch as these people transform. And from what I remember (bc I read it years ago now), the reader gets to follow a couple of characters. If you're a Christian it's simply a sin you haven't picked it up. If not, give it a try and tell me if a non-Christian can enjoy something like this. Honestly, he's just a great writer.
This Present Darkness is the best depiction of Spirital Warfare that I have ever read. I have ordered or found at least 6/7 books in the last few months. I share them with new believers (Christians) in order for them to get a visual of what we find in Ephesians 6:12 where it says our fight is not against the flesh - but our war is with the spirits, the things that you can't see with your eye but are taking place in the heavenly and spiritual realm. I read this book in two sittings. It shows why so much chaos and mayhem go on here in the earth and how we need to pray. To say I loved this book is not an exaggeration. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat for the outcome. It is a must read!
what a wonderful book! Very interesting to visualize true spiritual warfare. Definitely an eye opener for me
Elizabeth H. (willowandholly) reviewed This Present Darkness (Darkness, Bk 1) on + 56 more book reviews
I had trouble getting into this book but I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was rooting for the characters by the end.
This book left me thinking about my own life and beliefs in a new way.
This book left me thinking about my own life and beliefs in a new way.
This is an easy read, in fact both my husband and I read it in a weekend (respectively). It's exciting and very well written.
This was the second time that I've read this thought-provoking book. I read it in the early 1990's and was astounded that someone was writing contemporary fiction based on spiritual warfare. It was such a welcome concept that a Christian author was writing interesting and important fiction that could be enjoyed by a wide audience of readers. I loved the book.
I again read this book in 2012, because my teen-age grandson is interested in reading speculative fiction, and I wanted to suggest that he read this novel. I thought it would be helpful, if I re-read the book, so that I could discuss the story with him. I'm anxious to hear how he likes the book. Twenty years later, I think this story is timely and appealing.
I again read this book in 2012, because my teen-age grandson is interested in reading speculative fiction, and I wanted to suggest that he read this novel. I thought it would be helpful, if I re-read the book, so that I could discuss the story with him. I'm anxious to hear how he likes the book. Twenty years later, I think this story is timely and appealing.
ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES AUTHORS ALL OF HIS BOOKS ARE A JOY TO READ
I have read this book, and it is very good. It shows what is going on in the
world at large. Even today. Good fighting against evil. The characters are three
dimensional and speak of a world wide supernatural conspiracy on the part of the
devil to destroy mankind.
world at large. Even today. Good fighting against evil. The characters are three
dimensional and speak of a world wide supernatural conspiracy on the part of the
devil to destroy mankind.
Excellent book its a must read for anyone who loves to read a good story
This is the first Frank Peretti book I have read. I found it to be very intense and very interesting. The characters are well developed and the spiritual warfare portrayed is believeable. A well done Christian fiction.
An excellent 'radio play' interpretation of this gripping book!
It was hard to find a novel with as much insight to pray and spiritual warfare.
THIS IS ABSALUTLY THE BEST BOOK I'V EVER READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does Frank Peretti always write with such suspense...of course he does! Evil and Good fighting for the town of Ashton. I almost thought he was writing about a town I am very familiar with. You feel like you are right there living it all through each character. You can just imagine your prayers reaching on high and being just what the Angels need to rally to victory! What an awesome feeling this story leaves you with!
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
This Present Darkness in nothing but eye opening!! WOW. Beautiful story about faith, prayer and what those who believe can do. Loved this book.
What a ridiculous book. Don't abide by the 4 star rating this book gets on this website - unbelievable. What a bunch of crap.
This is a great religious thriller! As good and horifying as any Stephen King!
This is a very good book
Personal favorite. Excellent and very immense story.
Angels vs. demons in a little town full of regular people. Really got me to thinking, are they really there?
A fictional book that deals with the subject of spiritual warfare. Is a real thriller with many truths to be learned. One of a two part series.
If spiritual warfare is your cup of tea, you'll like this book.
Great account of spiritual warfare!
A good read!
great fiction book that really makes you think about the spiritual realm.
Actual spiritual insights are lost in this book, which expresses its doctrine with all the poetry of a train schedule and all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
If you want quality horror with spiritual themes that will give you plenty to think about, read Neil Gaiman. For a story about a college town being subverted, read "That Hideous Strength."
But skip this one.
If you want quality horror with spiritual themes that will give you plenty to think about, read Neil Gaiman. For a story about a college town being subverted, read "That Hideous Strength."
But skip this one.
Very thought provoking! Really makes you think and wonder!
Page turner. Good spiritual read.
Satrena M. (CuddlyComfort) reviewed This Present Darkness (Darkness, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
I LOVED this book. I don't know about others but to me the first chapter or two was a little boring... BUT KEEP READING... once they establish the charcters.. the book explodes into the GREATEST BOOK EVER!!!!! The Excitement.. the Strugles... Just everything about this book. I think it is a must read.
Sandy R. (lamplightreader) reviewed This Present Darkness (Darkness, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
This book definately made me think about what might be going on in the unknown. It took me a chapter or two to get into it but after that I wanted answers to what would happen next.
First of 2 based on the same small town and the struggle between good and evil, angels and demons. Will make you think about faith and
A novel that shows insight into the mysterious world of spiritual warfare. The fight between angels and demons and how humans influence that fight.
I read this a long time ago and liked it.
I enjoyed the fantasy portion of the book and I cared about the characters. :-D
I read this book ages ago and vaguely remember how much it moved me - enough to hang onto it for years afterward. I thoroughly enjoyed it but in a different way...a quick read but not an "easy" read. I enjoy the author and have several of his books.
Ashton is just a typical small town. But when a skeptical reporter and a prayerful pastor begin to compare notes, they suddenly find themselves fighting a hideous New Age plot to subjugate the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race.
Awesome. Peretti is truly a great author if you like biting your nails in suspense.
Ashton is just a typical small town. But when a skeptical reporter and a prayerful pastor begin to compare notes, they suddenly find themselves fighting a hideous New Age plot to subjugate the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race.
Not since The Screwtape Letters has there been a novel with as much insight into spiritual warfare and the necessity of prayer. Fast-moving, riveting reading ranking with the best thrillers on the bookshelf.
Not since The Screwtape Letters has there been a novel with as much insight into spiritual warfare and the necessity of prayer. Fast-moving, riveting reading ranking with the best thrillers on the bookshelf.
Loved it
Christine E. (Scaper) - , reviewed This Present Darkness (Darkness, Bk 1) on + 240 more book reviews
Ashton is just a typical small town. But when a skeptical repoter and a prayerful pastor begin to compare notes, they suddenly find themselves fighting a hideous New Age plot to subjugate the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race.
Great book, if you, like the author, believe that anyone who's not a hardline conservative American Christian is ipso facto a demon-raddled moron. Apparently going to college is Satanic, as anyone in the books with any sort of higher degree than high school or "Bible college" is invariably possessed.
For an ostensibly Christian novel, this book shows remarkably little grace and compassion.
For an ostensibly Christian novel, this book shows remarkably little grace and compassion.
GREAT ONE OF HIS BEST
Riveting read about things just might be...
Book about good vs. evil.
A great page turner!
unbelievably captivating- puts yourself at the end times and charges you spiritually. great book!
Suzanne P. (christianreader) reviewed This Present Darkness (Darkness, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
Very good story - scary, yet gave me an entirely new look on spiritual warfare and the power of prayer!!
This is such a good book. I have read this series twice!
Ashton is just a typical small town. But when a skeptical reporter and a prayerful pastor begin to compare notes, they suddenly find themselves fighting a hideous New Age plot to subjugate the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race.
I started this, got almost halfway through it and just could not get into it further.
