Plunge Into Darkness – A Review

Plunge into Darkness by Kristen N. Spencer

Released February 27, 2018

Two girls.

A village with a dark secret.

Their only hope is a mythical figure Ever Morena has only read about in her father’s lone book.

Ten years ago Ever’s best friend disappeared without a trace. Though the loss of her friend only came close to killing her then, the truth of what happened might finish the job now—just when her future as the village healer is looking bright.

Ever must risk everything she loves in order to plunge into darkness on an impossible journey in the middle of the Concealed Forest.

Never before has redemption been so costly.

Please note: This book contains subject matter which some may find troubling as it spotlights helping those who have experienced abuse. I tried to handle this topic as delicately as I could, keeping the reader’s experience in mind.

My Review

Where do I begin with this book?

I can truly say that I appreciated the heart and theme behind this story. Too often, we can be tempted to turn blind eye to those in need or refuse to dive into helping our neighbor because it’s messy and we might get our hands dirty. Sexual abuse, which is dealt with in some detail in this book, as well as torture and other forms of abuse, are particularly messy. We don’t want to get involved, we don’t want to deal with the aftermath, we don’t want to be seen as thinking that anyone could treat another human being that way. But they do and we need to be willing. “For I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” Galatians 2:20 We need to be the hands and feet of Christ, because that’s who He has called us to be, jump in, get dirty, and stop turning a blind eye. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” I appreciated the much needed theme and it was shown with good clarity.

I, however, found the author’s depiction of Yacov, the Man of Sorrows, and the Book of Fables, representing God the Father, the Son, and the Bible respectively, to be disturbing. Particularly, Yacov and Man, as a representation of the LORD, were shown to be quite powerless without “human” aid, (I’m not sure the species of the characters in the book,) as if He depended on His own creation. The LORD does work through His children. “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 He uses us as His hands and voice and feet, but if we don’t listen to Him, He can accomplish in another way, if He so chooses. He is not dependent on us. “The LORD said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?'” Exodus 4:11 The LORD who does these things, does not depend on His creation to do His work – He does use us, and we are responsible when we disobey Him, but He can do whatever He pleases without us, if He wants to.

The basic story line disappointed me in some aspects. While well-written from a writer’s perspective, the child turned seventeen-year-old, who always has more wisdom than those around her, got tiresome, sad, and unrealistic. All of her elders were always in the wrong – except the one who came to agree with her. I would have far more enjoyed the story, if it were a family who reached out to young Dawn or if Ever had had wise advice and support from her family. Part of that is personal preference. Though, a seventeen-year-old doing unheard of actions on a feeling, is, I fear, a somewhat unwise story line to promote.

As I mentioned, I would call the book well-written. I liked the author’s writing voice. She knows how to use her words well to create a picture in your mind. Even when I disagreed with her the most, I never felt bored. Confused a few times, but not bored. Her cadence of words flowed nicely.

In conclusion, I agreed wholeheartedly with the message of the book – it’s a much needed one. I disagree with and am somewhat bothered by how the author chose to tell the story.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, ‘Plunge Into Darkness’ Paperback, Minimalism Art Classic Notebook Journal, and Huhuhero Fineliner Color Pen Set (10 Pack)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d070/plunge-into-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

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About the Author

Kristin N. Spencer spends part of each day imagining up new worlds and beings when she isn’t busy taking care of her three children and writing partner husband T. E. Spencer. When she’s not writing you can find her working in full time ministry, sewing cosplay costumes, or watching geekesque movies. She writes whatever genre she wants including but not limited to Non-Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Sci-Fi, Space Fantasy, and traditional Fantasy. Kristin studied Comparative World Literature at California State University, Long Beach and received a Bachelors, which she fondly calls a degree in reading. Her favorite movie is Sabrina (the Julia Ormond version) and her favorite person is Jesus.

To the KING be all the glory!