Into the Fire

Interesting premise in this novel by James David Jordan . . .

Forsaken is told in first person by Taylor Pasbury, daughter of Special Forces veteran and single father Roger Pasbury. We learn that Taylor’s mom “fell apart and left for good” when Taylor was nine years old. Her dad taught her all about self-defense, shooting, camping, and fishing. On her 17th birthday she and her dad embark on a camping trip but run into two strangers who want to have their way with Taylor. Before they can, Taylor’s dad is murdered and Taylor kills the two strangers.

Several years later after a stint with the Secret Service which she left with both a decoration for bravery and a somewhat salty reputation, Taylor operates her own security business. Spending too many nights alone or drunk in the arms of strangers, she is surprised by the invitation of the “Best-known Christian on the Planet” Simon Mason to meet with him about providing security since he has received death threats.

Simon Mason was just another ordinary working guy until he met God after his wife died. When Taylor catches up to him, she is immediately at odds with his female advisor and spots several areas of need for providing protection. Very quickly after meeting him, there is a car bomb used as a diversion and then a sudden “ransom” of sorts for Simon’s kidnapped 20 year old daughter. The ransom? Deny and denounce Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. If Simon does this, his daughter will live and be released.

The conflict escalates at this point as the story begins to reflect the dilemma of Peter, Christ’s disciple, and his three-part denial of Jesus. What will Simon Mason do faced with the greatest challenge of his life? The commentary rages from, “You can’t deny Christ!” to “You must deny Christ—He’ll know you don’t mean it in your heart!”

Taylor vacillates between her professional inclinations and a growing attachment to Simon. Fighting through her faintly romantic feelings for the older man, she believes he will ultimately not deny Christ to save his daughter. Not being a Christian, she cannot imagine allowing a daughter to be “sacrificed” instead of simply making a statement not really meant. During the critical time before Simon telecasts his decision, she learns something about him which shocks her.

The well-written story weaves in and out of severe conflicts and takes a few unexpected twists with a major—but satisfying—surprise at the end. Taylor is an honest character one can’t help but like. She’s lost, hurting, and vulnerable but still manages to be a skilled professional. Simon Mason seems tested and full of his own kind of angst from the outset, and he isn’t the most likable guy. Neither is he particularly unlikable. He’s a character who elicited both sympathy and contempt.

The similar name comparison of Simon Mason to the biblical Simon Peter along with the choices he must make as a result of his decisions gives way to a unique conclusion. I can’t say definitively that I “agree” with what Simon Mason ultimately chose, but the author tackled a difficult subject with clarity and thoughtfulness and inspired real circumspection from this reader.

While I appreciated the unique approach to this difficult theme, and since the story clearly points to the differences in those who believe and those who don’t, I would’ve preferred a clearer reference to salvation in the final revelation from Simon Mason.

In the end one must ask: Who is truly Forsaken in this story?

Father, this is a story about a choice I hope I never have to make because I want so much to have the courage to do the right thing in your eyes. Jesus, give me the courage I need to make the gut-wrenching decisions you have for me to make.
Lord, I ask you to bless James David Jordan with more thoughtful stories to bring you glory. Bless his life choices and keep him obedient to your desires. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.