28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful Stuff, August 1, 2000
I have read both these books, as well as some of Peretti's other books (Prophet, The Oath). Of them all, these two are the most definitive in Peretti's repertoire.
The thrust of the books is Spiritual Warfare, including both "the big picture," and how it affects individual people, and the power of prayer. The reader can see and listen to the people, demons, and angels, while the people in the story cannot see the spiritual battle going on around them, though it influences them and vice versa. In a nutshell, it brings home Eph. 6:12 ("We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but... against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.")
I would definitely NOT treat either as a textbook for spiritual warface, as they ARE fiction books, so some liberties are taken. But it is a good reminder that we don't see everything going on around us, and we need to be on our toes--after we've been down on our knees.
I would also not recommend the books to young readers as some parts may be scary, or the concept too overwhelming. But junior highers and up would be fine, though I'd be sure to talk with them before, during, and after they've read the book about "the reality" of spiritual warfare, and that it's not just a fictional concept.
The difference between the two? "This Present Darkness," focuses more on the actual people in the book, whereas the 2nd, "Piercing the Darkness," contains more footage on the spiritual side, to the point where many of the demons and angels could be considered main characters. So if you liked the first one, and yearned for more of the spiritual side, continue reading with the 2nd. But if you're like some who felt "This Present Darkness" more than adequately whet your appetite for the demon/angels, you may find the "Piercing the Darkness" to be a little over the top, though I'd still give it a chance.
Also, the titles reflect very accurately the contents. The first book alerts you to the spiritual warfare issue ("This Present Darkness") which we sometimes neglect, while the 2nd more actively has the characters doing something about it ("Piercing the Darkness").
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40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian Fiction Classics, November 11, 2000
This review is from: This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness (Hardcover)
Two of the best selling Christian novels in history, now combined. With This Present Darkness, Peretti broke onto the scene by graphically tearing back the veil between the human and the spirit world. Descending upon the small town of Ashton, angels, demons, and strongmen engage in a vivid battle and we, the reader, see it all unfold. Ever wonder what exactly a guardian angel actually may do? Here's one possible scenerio. While Peretti's theology on the subject may not be perfect (many of his ideas are pure speculation, but that's why it's "fiction"), he does most definatly give us a bold reason as to why prayer is so vital. Why prayer does, in fact, move mountains and can turn the tide in unseen spiritual battles that are taking place around us (as in the book of Daniel). Both of these books are fast paced and highly entertaining with a powerful theme. Before the Left Behind series, no other Christian novels were as widely read.
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life-changing, December 21, 1999
This book literally changed my life. It is entertaining both from a Christian and a secular perspective. But, imaging the battle raging in the spiritual realm has changed my prayer life forever. I first read the book in 1988 or 89 when it first came out, but I've read it at least a half dozen times since then. Once I get started reading I can't seem to put it down -- even though I know the ending. I finish the book feeling more positive than before. I rushed out to by the second book because I enjoyed the first book so much, and I was not disappointed in the slightest. Before Frank Peretti I wasn't interested in "Christian fiction". I just didn't see the point. But, I love fiction and I love the Lord. It's wonderful to be able to read, enjoy what I'm reading and learn something all at the same time.
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