This book is #3 of the Seer series, by Dekker’s daughter, Rachelle. I found it to be well written, seriously entertaining, but a spiritual fantasy stripped of truth. I haven’t read The Choosing, book one in the series or The Calling, book two, but this story works fairly well without that background. It’s just a bit more effort to get into the world she built.

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The world built is sparse on detail, but very well constructed with just enough to cover the story. Her characters are compelling—sorta, and the story is riveting, even though I tried to quit reading it several times. I finished the book, but it left a bad taste in my spirit. Why?

This book is a spiritual fantasy stripped of truth

Technically, this is not Christian fiction. There is no messiah. An allusion to the Holy Spirit seems emotionally solid, but it’s simply a device to show the presence of the Light. Yes, this is a light versus darkness, good versus evil novel—not Truth versus the lie. Elise is a spiritual superhero, dependent upon God, and confused as Hell. And, here I find my disquiet—the reason for the phrase: a spiritual fantasy stripped of truth.

Though the book feels like a Christian tale (and emotionally powerful), the Truth is missing. The deepIy intimate personal relationship is replaced by a nearly fatalistic spiritual destiny. I agree that many Christians live how Rachelle shows us so eloquently. But it is not Christianity. The story feels really good, and seems Christian (solidly so to the soul and flesh), yet Truth is missing in a heart-breaking manner. Spiritually, this novel impacts the soul and flesh, but it’s far off base in the spirit.

What is missing?

Remember, Jesus told us He is the Way, the Truth, the Life and without Him (or an accurate fictional representation of Him) these three essentials are missing. So, the question becomes a discernment of usefulness. This novel does not edify, it entertains in a strongly tickle-the-soul-and-flesh manner. I have no doubt it will sell well, and be very popular. But then worldly things are like that.

This is a slick, contemporary, deluded tale showing a poor counterfeit of the real Christian life. There’s a lot of seemingly intimate communication with God—but the focus is on the human, not the Divine. I know there will be many who argue vehemently with this review. Any spoilers must be avoided, though that is quite difficult when I review a book like this. Spiritually, I am really tempted to lash out—yet, that would serve no good purpose.

Parents! This spiritual fantasy stripped of truth could be dangerous

It promotes an emotional spirituality with lots of power and excitement. The characters really seem like strong believers, full of faith. Yet, the reality is they are believing in a false vision of Truth. This is not a Christian book, only a tale that feels strongly, and attractively, spiritual to your soul. If your child’s spiritual character is weak or lacking, the world built could be a tempting alternative to the reality of the Christian walk. It’s not even religious.

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I was given a review copy by the publisher, Tyndale House, with no strings attached. I am happy for the opportunity to review it even with all the spiritual problems.