I tried to read this book. I really did. I think I am just not the intended audience for this book. Try as I might, I could not even get past the first chapter. So, I gave up. Bear this in mind.

This book was difficult for me to read because of its style. It had a very strained attempt at what I assume is Creole dialect in the beginning. I'm guessing from the setting of the book because I am unable to tell what dialect is actually intended. The first chapter also seemed terribly overwrought. I actually thought the same thing about another book I received from the Early Reviewers program that I ended up liking, so I flipped through the rest of the book. It seemed much the same. I was also nonplussed to discover this book is marketed as a Christian thriller. I am not actually opposed to this in principle. I just don't like it when it is done so poorly.

Catholic authors I think write well and can recommend are Tim Powers and Ralph McInerny, if one is inclined to look for fiction that is philosophically and theologically astute. I am certain I would not give this book to my children to read. ( )

Another read on Good vs. Evil, but I just couldn't connect to the story line. This is a sequel to the authors first novel "Shade" which was well received. ( )

Powers is the action packed sequel to Shade that will keep you on the edge of your seat as members of The Standing continue to fight The Badness.

A gypsy girl named Mariutza “Mari” suddenly finds that she is all alone in the world after her grandfather, a great prophet and healer of The Standing, is killed. Although Mari has trained for this day all her life, she is full of apprehension and doubt as she puts on her traveling clothes and leaves the swamp behind. Mari finds the outside world to be intimidating, and the innocent girl is confused by all of the things we take for granted: cars, bottled water, buildings and more. She must learn to overcome her fears and focus on searching for the fabled prophet Jaazaniah.

Meanwhile, Jaazaniah or Jazz, a worldly, guitar playing con-artist, suddenly finds himself having strange visions and being pursued by men in hooded cloaks. As he and his friend Hollis are being chased, Jazz learns of his grandfather’s passing and the inheritance that is hidden and waiting for him. However, The Badness is always close behind having convinced the FBI that the members of The Standing are a terrorist group.

The race is on as Jazz and Mari begin the search for Jazz’s inheritance, which he believes to be treasure. Eventually they meet up with Melchi and Hailey from Shade to fight The Badness. But can they defeat the evil in time to find Jazz’s inheritance and fulfill the prophecy?

The Bottom Line: Powers is non-stop action. While the writing can be a bit flowery at times and the characters a bit shallow, the action keeps the story moving. Recommended for teens and adults who enjoy Christian suspense fiction with a supernatural theme and a hint of romance. Some of the terminology can be a little confusing; therefore, to fully enjoy and appreciate Powers, read Shade first.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy Powers from B&H Publishing via the Early Reviewer Program. ( )

Mariutza is raised by her grandfather and when he is killed by the walking dead she follows his wishes to find the Prophet.

I didn't realize this was also Christian fiction, and the mix of fantasy, Christian, gypsys and zombies was just a little too weird for me to get into.

This book takes us on a chase as the "Badness" pursues the two main characters, Mari and Jaaz. The pace is fast and it does have some "On the edge of your seat moments" but I would have to say that this book is high on action but very low on plot and characterization. The storyline is carried by dialogue that is sometimes repetitive and always simple. The references to bible passages always seemed out of place to me and I had trouble making sense of them in the story. It was the kind of book I didn't want to put down because it seemed the "Badness" was always half a step behind them and the tension was building, however when I did put it down, I had no desire or motivation to pick it back up again. There was just not enough depth in the story to keep me interested. I gave the book 3 stars because if you like the suspensful, chase type of action,then you will not be dissapointed, but if you enjoy something a bit more substantial, this book is not for you. It does have good suspense but it's all veneer. ( )