Title: Operation Dark Angel
Author: Pam Funke
Series: The Four Horsemen Series #1
Published: February 6th 2012 by Publish America
Page Count: 304
Genre: Christian Fiction
Shelf: Review Copy
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis from Goodreads:
The world is in complete and utter chaos. ""Operation Dark Angel"" is a military operation designed to bring about world peace...or is it? General Alexander Ludlow is the man in charge of bringing about peace and serenity for not only the United States, but the entire world. But will it really bring an end to the turmoil, violence, and hatred as he was told by the voice? Who is the voice? What is its true nature? Nicolaitanes Balac is quickly gaining political power; power that no single man should ever be given. Just who is Nicolaitanes Balac really? Why is the whole world looking to this man to solve all of their problems? How did one man become in charge of the entire world? What's to become of mankind?
My Review:
I am always somewhat nervous when I pick up a work classified as Christian Fiction. I find that many authors of the genre get very “preachy” throughout their novels. This story does not preach at its audience. It is full of God, the Devil, and biblical quotes, but they serve to progress a gripping story. She had me captivated from the first chapter.
Funke has an amazing grasp of the English language. She uses this to craft amazing descriptions and locales. Funke manages to jump from character to character and locale to locale without the story ever becoming confusing or difficult to follow. Based on the facts given, I found myself making assumptions only to realise that they did not mesh with the action of the story. This novel definitely kept me on my toes throughout. Everything seems so real that you feel like you are living an absolute nightmare. Ironically, this book also brought out a very selfish thought – I love being Canadian. Even the Devil won’t bother to blow us up.
I love the fact that the historical and geographical facts contained in this novel are correct. The author bases this work of fiction in reality, and ensures that she does it correctly. Her grasp of bio-weaponry is also on par with reality. Funke does not just make up facts to fill her pages. That said, she also works some very unique concepts into this novel, such as the notion of a unified religion to end war.
In this story large scale warfare becomes personal. Because Funke’s characters are so well developed you know all of those involved. It is no longer just a news broadcast that you can turn off and this tears your heart to pieces. Not only are the characters well developed and memorable, each in his or her own way, but they also have names that you can remember so that you are not constantly wondering who did what and where. My only issue with any of the characters is that at times the speech of some of the characters becomes slightly forced, but it still flows well.
Miracles and catastrophes are at the forefront of this novel to an extent rarely seen. However, it is not a “fluffy” read that you just breeze through without thinking. This novel makes you think a lot and pulls you deep into the action. At the end, I was left wondering what symbol everyone kept seeing and when I could read the next installment to find out.
Buy your copy online here today!
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