Customer Reviews

The Soulbane Stratagem: Diabolical Subterfuge Which Threatens to Destroy Us...

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For those that appreciate a good mystery or thriller, Soulbane delivers with an added ethical punch. Mr. Jetmundsen lures you into this novel using the mystic and intrigue of an Oxford setting in which he carefully places his centerpiece, Cade. Here then begins a spiritual discovery which captures both the imagination and conscience of the reader. Cade stumbles upon correspondence between two unknown identities and is compelled to explore both origin and outcome of what is reflected in these writings. The real hook is the the transformation of Cade as he explores that which he knows against that which requires a leap of faith. This classic good versus evil drama sets the stage for dramatic victory or peril. Bravo to Mr. Jetmundsen on his premier effort.

I picked up Norman Jetmundsen's book expecting a mystery. To my delight I discovered a page-turning mystery with thought-provoking Christian momentum! I got my mystery and a whole lot more. I found myself reevaluating my own personal values, as well as those of the world around me. I've recommended Soulbane Stratagem to my friends and family. I hope to read more from Jetmundsen.

Soulbane Strategem is one of those rare books which combines entertainment with a message. Soulbane really has two plots. The first is romance and adventure. Cade, an American graduate student at Oxford, pursues the mysterious Rachael, a country girl from Cornwall. While trying to kindle a relationship, Cade discovers some strange letters in the College library. Cade and Rachael then are spurred into an international adventure to find the meaning of the letters. The letters themselves describe the second, although I suspect the author's primary, plot. In them are the gloatings of two devils who are very pleased with their efforts to rid mankind of faith in the eternal. My favorite chapter involves a report about "The Church," in which one devil observes that we spend more time today judging and criticizing each other's faith than we do finding common ground and encouraging each other: "The Enemy's weak army is disorganized and divided, it spends time shooting at each other, thus making our job easier by the day." Soulbane is both an enjoyable read and an inspirational book that can be read again and again.

I particularly enjoyed the author's gift for such marvelous descriptive detail which transports the reader to Oxford University in England. His characters are intimately real and extraordinarly human, each on a separate spiritual journey, yet not realizing they were all in search of common spiritual goals. The book provides both thought provoking commentary on Western Culture as well as a challenge to individual spirituality. The message is wrapped in a wonderful story. My BookClub read this book and enjoyed it. It is a great rainy day or Sunday afternoon read. Afterward, you will want to go straight to pick up a copy of "Mere Christianity" and the "Screwtape Letters" by C.S.Lewis.

Norman Jetmundsen's Soulbane Stratagem is a gripping story on several levels. Protagonist Cade Bryson, an American student in Oxford, is searching for meaning, love and faith. When he discovers a packet of diabolical letters between the demon Soulbane and his superior Foulheart (yes, a la C. S. Lewis), he pursues all three with abandon. Fast action, deep emotion and moral victory highlight this first novel. I look forward to more from Jetmundsen, a practicing attorney. Finally -- a lawyer who doesn't try to copy Grisham!

A delightful and enlightening book. Even though the author is a lawyer, his view of the Devil's view of lawyers is right on the mark, and hilarious. However, if you don't want to read The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity again, don't read this book because you will feel compelled to reread those classics when you finish this novel. I find it hard to believe that anyone other than C.S. Lewis could have written a better sequel to The Screwtape Letters.

The Soulbane Strategem is a captivating book that keenly intertwines a Christian commentary on the subtle societal distractions we face in American society. The author, Norman Jetmundsen, has created an engaging story of a recent UVA graduate (Cade Bryson) who stumbles upon a series of letters between two devils, "Soulbane" and "Foulheart". The book is,in many ways, an update on C.S. Lewis' classic, The Screwtape Letters. Jetmundsen does a commendable job in his effort to carry on Lewis' analysis of the art of spiritual seduction by the forces of darkness. The delivery of this message in the context of a storyline set in Oxford, England and in other suprising venues, serves to enhance the appeal of the author's commentary. This book is a needed wake-up call for all persons who profess to be Christians, and yet constantly feel the societal tugs to compromise their religious standards in seemingly innocent ways by ignoring clear Christian mandates and taking a "path of least resistance" approach to day-to-day life. Just as Lewis' Narnia series is a tremendous read if one is looking for an entertaining set of stories, Soulbane is a worthwhile read if one turns a blind eye to the author's message. However, this reviewer suggests that those reading the book do so with more than the expectation of a "good read". Indeed, the true Value of this book lies in the prospect of its readers undertaking a spiritual self-examination spurred by the letters between the book's devils. Bottom line..., Lewis would be proud.