Into the Fire

Cyber friend and “new” author Mike Duran celebrates the release of his first novel, The Resurrection. Published by Strang Communications, the Realms division, and set for its in-store release on February 1^st, this “haunting” story is sure to satisfy a variety of readers from the spiritually speculative fans to the suspense lovers. The cover and title are perfect for this story, making for an enticing come-on.  

Intelligently written, Mike’s research reminds me of that done by Robin Parrish for his novel Nightmare, and the “Afterword” included for readers takes a slightly similar tone and evaluation to that of Robin’s. Readers of supernaturally speculative fiction will love The Resurrection.

Call me a sap but Mike’s Dedication brought tears to my eyes, and his Acknowledgements page did the same.

Mike takes a calculated risk when he introduces us to the Reverend Ian Clark, making him a prominent character in this story. A spineless, faithless agnostic “pastor”, he does little to gain our acceptance, and we’re seriously hoping he gets out of the ministry when we learn that’s his intention. When one of his faithful parishioners, Ruby Case, a handicapped housewife and mother, innocently touches a dead young man in his coffin resulting in his resurrection, all hell literally breaks loose. However, the power unleashed at that funeral sets the stage for Reverend Clark and the rest of the small town to take their stands and choose who it is they believe and ultimately who they will serve. The reactions to this startling miracle run the gamut from absolute denial to idolatrous worship of Ruby and most everything in between.

Spectral manifestations, visions, curses, resurrections, altars of adoration, unrealistic demands on Ruby from herself and the community, the bold adventures of her best friend and prayer partner Vinyette, an autistic child prophet, and a pantheistic professor, all make for a rollicking and escalating story which reveals a concise contrast of what the Christian church in their town (and perhaps universally) pretends to be to what it can and should be. Within this contrast we watch the antics of desperate people seeking healing from Ruby, Ruby’s husband Jack, disgruntled with the church and pastor, trying to protect her, and the Reverend Ian Clark resurrecting some courage and even a hint of inspiration while opening himself up to and facing devilish opposition.

The scene at one of the local occult shops visited by Ruby, Vinyette, and their third prayer partner Marje is so well done and hilarious, adding a brief oasis of humor to the accelerating suspense.

If you’ve visited Mike’s blog, you know he’s like a street-wise intellectual and a stickler for details. We—or I should say I—expected a good first effort from him and got one. The man who says he wants to write about “mer-people” (mermaids, etc.) gives us an interesting and entertaining story. You might think it starts a bit slowly, but it’s needed to establish the town history and work in the character backgrounds. The pace picks up steadily and intensifies toward the end. If you like speculative suspense with characters who come alive on the pages with their flaws and quirks, their strengths, their motivations, and their faith demonstrated no matter which side they’re on, you’ll enjoy The Resurrection by Mike Duran. 

Father, I pray your peace and order for Mike. I pray your direction and encouragement for his steps. I pray your divine assistance in all he does for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.    

CONTEST RULES: To win a signed copy of Mike Duran's The Resurrection, please leave a comment to this post. You may leave your comments here for today (Monday) and tomorrow. Winner will be drawn on Wednesday and posted Wednesday evening.