Into the Fire

With four bestselling contemporary authors writing the voices of four strangely and sometimes compatible characters in Probing (Cycle Three of The Harbinger Series), this episode of the speculative series proves to be both unique and interesting although not completely satisfying. Having not read the previous "cycles" of the Harbinger books, I would suggest it would be beneficial to understand the origin of how and why these mismatched characters came together. (I selected this book from Bethany House for review unaware it was a series – my fault, not theirs.)

The distinct writing voices of these talented authors (Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, and Alton Gansky), all experienced in the speculative/fantasy genre(s), claim their characters perfectly in each of the four dedicated sections of the book. As we read their words, we learn about them but we also learn about the other characters from their individual perspectives. From pirate ships to abandoned and time warped towns, there's no doubt these four people following unknown directives are in for danger, intrigue, some resolutions, and definitive purpose. The fascinating youngster in the bunch (whose adult guardian is one of the four) reminds the reader of the amazing insights that can be provided to children regardless of their unusual personalities.

From a writer's standpoint I can hear the fun these authors are having taking on these four characters and bringing their idiosyncrasies to life on the pages. Although not my genre of choice, it's a pleasure reading four wonderfully talented and imaginative authors at work creating lifelike characters.

If you're a fan of speculative fiction, I'm sure the Harbinger series will deliver what you expect from this genre. I highly recommend you begin with the first one and read them through to wherever the end might be.

Lord, I pray you would keep your divine protection and holy hands upon these authors directing them in all they do. Give them many more stories to tell and please continue to bless their lives. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.