Storm [Paperback]

Reg Grant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2001

“The best novels are not to be read, but met. When I picked up Storm, the cover swung open on a rich era. Germany was all about me, and I was lost for hours in an exciting world of faith and courage.”–Dr. Calvin Miller, best-selling author

One man of God is about to change the face of faith forever.
He is regarded today as one of the most influential figures in the history of the world. But to those who knew him intimately, Martin Luther was more than just the leader of an important historical revolt; he was a man of vision, commitment, and passion, determined to serve his Lord and purify the degenerate world church.

From the outset, Luther’s enemies–the corrupt ecclesiastical and political rulers of his day–joined forces to stop the spread of his radical ideas, ideas that would shake the church and the world’s greatest political powers to their core. But God mercifully allowed Luther to resist the armies of the world, armed only with the sword of His Word.

Now you can witness Luther’s stand against Charles V and his surprising romance with former nun Kate von Bora, view the societal changes that led to the Reformation and see how God equipped one extraordinary man to stand strong–though it often meant standing conspicuously alone–in the midst of the raging Storm.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Shoddy history and a predictable plot mar this novel about the father of Protestantism, Martin Luther. Part Protestant screed, part love story, this tale introduces readers to Martin and his love interest, escaped nun "Kate" von Bora, and to Luther's friend Jonathan, and Jonathan's love interest, Elizabeth. Grant's history is way oversimplified: to judge from this novel, the entire Reformation came about because Luther was consumed by hatred of indulgences. Add to that Grant's portrait of an utterly corrupt ecclesiastical hierarchy--this novel's caricatures of the church are little better than the anti-Catholic pap of the 19th-century--and the result is a skewed picture of the Reformation. Grant's dialogue is inconsistent; he can't seem to decide whether he wants his characters to speak in archaisms or anachronisms ("he didn't give a fig for the basilica"). The one interesting plot twist is Jonathan and Elizabeth's romance. As youths, they fall in love, but Elizabeth's father has promised her to another. Readers will clearly see, chapters ahead of time, that the two will eventually be reunited. But Grant adds a layer of complexity: Elizabeth is a Jew, and even the most radical Protestant reformers had misgivings about mixing with God's chosen people. Readers who are interested in historical fiction about the Luthers should turn instead to Children of Disobedience: The Love Story of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, which, despite a disappointing ending, offers a fresh--and meticulously researched--take on the reformer and his world.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Grant's talky but entertaining Storm re-creates the life and times of Protestantism's great hero, Martin Luther, celebrating his achievements without ignoring his faults, such as anti-Semitism. Grant begins dramatically: in a great storm, young Martin nearly perishes and swears to St. Anne that he'll become a monk. Luther's mission, to cast off the bonds of corrupt Catholicism (Pope Julius II sells "indulgences," or early releases from Purgatory, to finance St. Peter's Basilica) is made clear, and Luther himself emerges interestingly as outgoing, irritable, and profane (though Grant can only suggest the profanity). Luther's romance with reformed nun Katherine Van Bora is not idealized. John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (February 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578561892
• ISBN-13: 978-1578561896
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,096,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Happy Reformation Day 2005!, October 30, 2005

By 

R. Eberz (Beijing, PRC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Storm (Paperback)

Dr. Grant introduces Martin Luther to the reader through skillfully woven fictional and historical characters. Those familiar with Luther's story will find Dr. Grant's work a delightfully refreshing of the story. Those unfamiliar with Luther's story will receive a wonderful introduction. The use of fictional characters alongside of the historical help to develop the passion and intrigue perhaps lacking from a textbook understanding of Martin Luther and the reformation. Dr. Grant helpfully lists the characters in the beginning of the novel to aid the reader. I found this particularly helpful, and often referenced this aid. Dr. Grant's work is well written and a worthy read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and Entertaining Read, March 26, 2002

By 

Cynthia Howe (California Coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Storm (Paperback)

I could not put this book down! The characters were wonderfully woven in and out of eachothers lives with terrific skill. The author found a most interesting way to bring the story vividly alive from the first chapter. I was sorry to read one of the reviews appearing on Amazon. The author did not depict Luther as being the sole protestor of the Catholic Church, or its' methodology of religion. The book mentioned plenty of others, including John Huss. But let's face it, the book was about Martin Luther.... my 7th graders would resound with an eye-rolling "Hellloooooww"! I hope to see other books from this author, but I am happy to still be basking in the glow of finishing "Storm".

5.0 out of 5 stars Radical. Reformer. Monk. Lover., November 14, 2001

By 

Swan (Pasadena, CA, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storm (Paperback)

Just like the subtitle of this novel says, the author describes different facettes of Martin Luther's personality and life.

This is a great novel. It is a fascinating read. Recommended to everyone who wants to get an introduction to Luther and have fun reading it.