Eric Wilson (1)

I found out after I started reading this book that it was written after the screenplay for the movie, rather than before. The book does kind of read like a movie. It doesn't have the deepest dialogue and the characters are not as fleshed out as they normally are in books I read. Normally I don't even enjoy Christian fiction that much because they just seem a little light and don't ring quite true for me. On that note I would have given this book, which was a really quick read, only three show more stars. The reason I didn't and why I did enjoy this book so much? This book has a powerful message, much more powerful than, for instance, "The Shack." I could relate to this book so much having felt like I have had these same feelings and been through some of these same situations. I don't think the book was overly "preachy" either. I know it made me stop and think about my marriage commitment. Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby. I got a little weepy reading it. show less

The fascination of the mob with modern vampire tales seems nearly endless. I have no doubt that publishing houses are being inundated with Twilight-esque manuscripts seeking to tap into the vampire craze that is only the highest crest to date in the past two decades of growing mania. And, in all honesty, I must admit to my own love affair with the works of Laurell K. Hamilton (when the series was still readable) before my spiritual rebirth. As a result, my interest was piqued upon learning show more of Eric Wilson’s Field of Blood, the first in a trilogy of Christian vampire novels.

While a Christian vampire novel may sound like an oxymoron to the uninitiated; Wilson’s steers clear of the human-vamp love stories, the myth of the good yet misunderstood vampire, and other pro-vampire plot-lines. His creatures are borne of the unholy mingling of the blood of Judas Iscariot, a disturbed tomb, and the eagerly waiting disembodied Akeladama cluster: a group of Collectors who were once driven into a herd of pigs by the Son of Man. In short — these vampires are, in truth, demons possessing undead hosts, bent upon serving their master, creating pain, and plotting against a hidden group of believers — the Nistarim.

As the newly animated Collectors seek to set the wheels of destruction in motion, a tough young woman named Gina Lazarescu is growing up in Romania. Subject to ritual bloodlettings from her superstitious mother, the appearance of a strange mark on her forehead seems to trigger her rescue from the advancing Collectors by a mysterious yet familiar man.

Field of Blood effectively combines mystery and resistance against evil with the Judeo-Christian maxim that life is in the blood, with Jesus’ proving to be the ultimate elixir. The Collectors for example, seek to sate themselves upon human blood, yet are never satisfied. Knowing that Jesus’ blood forever satisfies, they are tempted to feed upon Those Who Resist (believers), yet must restrain themselves, as this act would lead to their destruction.

Wilson is laying much groundwork in this first novel for the rest of the trilogy, as a result the story is slow to start. With details from Gina’s childhood, the early voyages of the Akeladama cluster, and introductions to other characters eating a lot of pages, it’s only in the last quarter of the book that the pace picks up and we start to see a more traditional vampire-hunting theme emerge in the series.

Interestingly, the majority of the book’s characters are not themselves believers. Only Cal Nichols, Gina’s mysterious benefactor, displays faith in God in this first novel; his efforts to recruit others to the cause of Those Who Resist are universally met with disinterest. Still, with the entire framework of the story built upon a biblical worldview with some paranormal speculation thrown in, it clearly bears the marks of a Christian novelist.

Serving mainly as a stepping-stone to the second novel — the recently released Haunt of Jackals — at book’s end we’re left with a cliffhanger just as the action ramps up. Queasy readers will want to pass on the series due to the typically vampiric blood-binges, but those looking for a series of novels that place the undead in the only realm they can properly be assigned to (that of evil) will find food for thought here.

Having already read the second book in the series, I believe the Jerusalem’s Undead Trilogy is worth sticking with. In fact, it may even be worth a second read through once Wilson’s remaining plot twists are disclosed.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com show less

Eric Wilson’s second installment in the Jerusalem’s Undead Trilogy -Haunt of Jackals picks up where the first novel — Field of Blood — left off. For an introduction to the premise of the series, you’ll want to start by reading the first review (and book) before digging into the second. Early readers of the series will appreciate the expository background that is woven into the first part of the novel to refresh memories of major characters and plot points.

Building upon the show more carefully laid foundation of Field of Blood Wilson pumps up the action elements of the series with face-to-face conflict with Collectors, and more actively nefarious collection schemes by the undead. A missing character from the first novel is brought into the story line as others fade into the background while keeping Gina and her newly adopted Romanian son, Pavel, in the forefront.

The pacing varies as Wilson intersperses vampire supremacy struggles with hand-to-hand combat and scenes of bittersweet domestic bliss while Gina struggles to raise her charge in a Nistarim protection program setting. Some mysteries are revealed, while others have only hinted at unfolding.

Gina’s tough yet wounded persona would make Angelina Jolie a great choice for a lead role in a film based on the series. I rarely associate book characters with actors, but my mental match of the two is unmistakable. I’m thinking — but only on the surface level – Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, a tough nut with a brittle shell that’s been caused by emotional disappointments and hurts from the past. However, Gina’s maternal instincts, her attempts to hack out the root of bitterness in her life and her subsequent spiritual growth in this novel add a depth of character that Lara could only wish for.

Continuing to draw upon the powerful symbology inherent in the life-blood, Wilson delicately explores the themes of freedom in Christ, redemption, and a score of other insights drawn from scripture and understatedly woven throughout the text. Though more distinctly Christian than the first novel, many of the insights and parallels will only be seen by those actively engaged in a Christian walk. Those who aren’t will still find the series an intriguing read with an aura of what will be interpreted as spiritual mysticism without a deeper understanding of the parable-like threads throughout.

If you read Field of Blood and were disappointed with the slow start, I’d recommend giving Haunt of Jackals a try. As the story begins to blossom, sprouting from the roots established in the first novel, readers are able to get a glimpse of the larger vision Wilson’s work is seeking to establish. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to Valley of Bones, releasing in April of next year. I’m not sure where this is all going to end, but I’m looking forward to the ride.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com show less

Facing the Giants is one of my favorite movies, and this book was just as good as the movie, with little extra tidbits and character backstories thrown in. I love this story. It's a reminder to give God your very best effort and trust Him with the outcome. It's a reminder I need often, sometimes daily. This book, this story, is full of encouragement for everyone struggling with their own giants, whatever they may be - attitude, temptation, finances, or whatever. A must-read for those who show more need an extra dose of encouragement. show less