Customer Reviews

Destiny's Cry: A Novel

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Derek Jackson enters the world of Christian fiction not with a whimper, but with a bang. Destiny's Cry will make you laugh, cry and shout along with the characters.

Derek did a masterful job of weaving together three dissimilar lives (Terrell, Lauren and Earlene) without losing the flow of the story. Granted Terrell and Lauren are on the same college campus, but they run with totally different crowds, and the fact that their paths ever crossed is nothing short of God in action. Earlene is totally removed from the high-speed campus life, but she exemplifies the power of a praying mother. Her willingness to intercede for her wayward son is nothing short of commendable, and when her life finally intersects with those on campus, it's believable- totally in character for all involved.

Terrell's weariness with his calling to minister is realistic and refreshing.Through him, Derek shows how everyday people can indeed let God use them, and demonstrates effective ministry without being preachy so that even the most down-to-earth man or woman can see Christ in action and not the person doing the talking.

Lauren's total immersion in her lifestyle and her popular crowd is also believable, as is her search for something better once the glitz and glamor lets her down. As a member of a Black Greek organization, I found the depiction of that particular campus subculture very believable.

My only complaint? That the story had to end! I want a sequel!

Imagine what would happen if God were calling you today and you could not hear him. Derek A. Jackson, a newcomer to Christian fiction, has written a novel about heeding God's call in your life. In DESTINY'S CRY, we meet three individuals who are at crossroads in their lives. At a young age, Andre Benders is already a husband and father dealing with the disappointment of not being able to take care of his family. His answer has been more or less to seek solace in the streets. But he has a praying mother who refuses to give him over to the streets. Lauren Dillard, a black college student, is trying to find love, but has been looking in all the wrong places. She is tired of the life she's living but doesn't realize it. Terrell Robinson was once the Chaplain for the Victory Student Fellowship. He feels that he has lost touch with God and is clueless as to how to get it back or even if he wants it back. These three people are obviously in search of something that man cannot give them. How do they solve the mystery of their lives?

Derek A. Jackson has written a powerful and inspirational piece about God's call on our lives and how to answer. We see that God can work divine miracles when a person is at their lowest point in life. He can pull a man from the depths of the streets and a woman from a life of uncertainty and give them each a new joy, if only they would open their hearts to fully receive Him in their lives. Jackson also shows that it is not that God has deserted us, but that He is waiting to see what we do with the gifts He's given us. This was truly an inspiring read, one that I would recommend to both believers and nonbelievers.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I have been a reader of Christian fiction for years now, and this book did not fail to appease my appetite for more. Through Lauren, I saw how foolish it was to worry about what people thought of me when I wanted to really pursue life as a Christian. But she also showed us that when we endure the trial, we receive victory because of it. She received more than she could ever ask or think once she truly gave her life to the Lord. As a female, I can relate to both her and Terrell, I ran from my calling for a very long time and refused to be categorized as a "Christian" as if it was a bad word. But just like them, I gave in, and I am much happier for doing so. This book was truly awesome indeed and I recommend it to all those that are readers of Christian fiction. You will not be disappointed, I finished it in 1 day!

I cannot wait for the second book
God bless Bro. Derek Jackson!

Thank you, Derek Jackson, for sharing Destiny's Cry with the world. I've always enjoyed the Christian fiction, and although a friend loaned me her copy to read, I'm buying a copy for my own collection! Your book really touch my heart. The character of Terrell and his struggle with his "spiritual dry" season was such a reflection of my own struggles, it was truly amazing. I cannot tell you how much your book was on point with some things going on in my own life these days. But I can say this, by the end of the book, I could feel my own breakthrough coming! God Bless you for sharing your gifts with others, and I look forward to the next book with eager anticipation!

Not only can you feel the Holy Spirit inspiring the author to write this story...it was REAL. I think anyone Christian or not can see themselves in this book and grow by reading it. Pass this book on to your saved and unsaved friends. They will enjoy it...I most certainly did.

This book was part of our book club reading list. I want my $$ back. I have 2 words to describe this book. BOR-ING. Too many characters. Too many story lines, no real plot.