Invitation

This game was well-played!

I was intrigued by the concept of four well-known, talented, and unique authors writing a series of short stories together. In the introduction, the authors explain that the stories were written independently yet joined together with an overarching storyline in a manner similar to a tv series. I have read novels by all four of the authors and their writing styles are quite distinct. I had no idea that they were friends… fun. With the combined creativity of these authors, it is no surprise to me that they came up with such an ingenious concept.

So, while I found myself intrigued I was also dubious. Could the series be cohesive with the distinct writing styles of four different authors? Would it be confusing?

I found Invitation to be quite an experience.  The story arc is cohesive, flowing naturally from one short story to the next.  The reason that it works so well is twofold.  

First, each author is writing from the point of view (POV) of one character.  Each author's personality, creativity, and style shine when you have one character highlighted by one author  All good authors can write distinct characters in their novels.  This game just took the experience one step further, allowing a more diverse look into a character.  

Second, just as the characters are given a unique POV, so are the events that occurred in each story.  Each authors style and strengths are portrayed, but they play nicely together.  
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The Call by Bill Myers

Myers is known for pushing past boundaries, bringing the reader into a deeper understanding of the mysteries of God.  Myers doesn't disappoint in The Call.  He quickly amps up the intrigue and delves you into a supernatural and mysterious view of the world.  The action moved so quickly yet I found it to be entirely satiating.  

spiritual nugget - The security field at the Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies attacks the fears of the unfortunate person caught in its field.  It is a quasi-mechanical creation that highlights the snares that Satan sets for us.  The Call reminded me that we are often ruled by our fears instead of our faith.
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The Haunted by Frank Peretti

I believe that anyone familiar with Frank Peretti’s novels understands his particular brand of uniqueness.  His stories are always a bit spooky and are imbued with the supernatural.  If Stephen King were saved he would likely write books that would appeal to Peretti’s fans. Could there be a better name for his short story?

spiritual nugget - This is one scary haunted house!  The House required me to look at what I value… who I worship.
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The Sentinels by Angela Hunt

Angela Hunt has an encouraging style.  In many ways, she seems to have a teachers soul.  In The Sentinels, courage and strength are discovered by the main characters.  Their need for faith is explored.

spiritual nugget - Faith is required!

“The impossible began with a single step toward the possible.” Andi quoting her Sabba
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The Girl by Alton Gansky

Gansky delves further into my favorite character, Tank.  Tank doesn’t seem very nuanced until Gansky gets his hands on him.  Tank represents the characteristics that I want to have.  He is smart in all the important ways, kind, and fully dependent and in love with God.  

spiritual nugget - God is truth!

“Truth is truth, and it remains that even if I’m the last one alive to believe it.” Tank

This game was well-played!

As a reviewer for Bethany House Bloggers, I received a review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to Bethany House Publishers and the authors.

Review by Zoe at the blessed and bewildered blog (you can find all of my reviews by searching for blessedandbewildered)