Mike Duran writes like no other Christian author I’ve ever read. In a market flush with Amish romance, this is a solid compliment. The opening scenes of “The Resurrection involve a woman who inadvertently raises a boy from the dead, and a pastor who receives terrifying visions. Duran then weaves a suspenseful tale involving faith, miracles and an ancient curse. This is infinitely better than anything from Janette Oke or Karen Kingsbury.
The novel is set in the fictional town of Stonetree, a sleeply little town that becomes upended when Ruby Case, a quiet churchgoer attends a funeral and somehow raises a boy from the dead. Ian Clarke is the local pastor who is suffering from a crisis of faith, questioning his purpose and effectiveness in both his ministry and life. This is a brilliant way to tell a story as neither character is a villain, but instead represent opposite ends of the coin.
Plot is where “The Resurrection” absolutely shines. The plot involves a strange tree that exists on the outskirts of Stonetree, a tree that is the epicenter of a never ending flood of rumors and stories. Duran skillfully weaves an aura of mystery surrounding Stonetree, at first it seems so ordinary, but through each page readers learn there is something very wrong with this town. The Pastor is haunted by a shadow that pops up at the most inconvenient times. Ruby Case begins experiencing supernatural visions. Yet both of their attempts to uncover the truth are constantly thwarted by otherworldly powers.
One thing I can appreciate about Duran’s writing style is that there is no what I like to call ‘wasted space’. No useless dialogue or drawn out drama. Each scene does a good job at building tension and racking up the suspense. There are moments when the characters really do ‘leap off the page’. It was interesting to read the interplay of Ian Clarke and Ruby Case. I especially appreciated how neither character overshadows the other. Rev Clarke has his struggles with faith, and feels upstaged by his parishioner, God still has a purpose for hm. While Ruby obviously has providence on her side, nothing is easy for her. In order to find the truth of Stonetree, she will have to make a number of hard decisions.
“The Resurrection” is a supernatural thriller that wears its heart on its sleeve. Rather than try to downplay the world of the supernatural, Mike Duran embraces it from the very beginning. The entire crux of “The Resurrection” revolves around spiritual warfare. Duran raises issues about curses, spiritual dominion and how the supernatural can affect our everyday lives. Make no mistake about it, this is not light reading. Neither is Duran attempting to win over the ‘inspirational lit’ crowd. This is a book were believers wage war against evil entities and nefarious cults. Throughout the book I was reminded of a quote from Hamlet, ‘there are stranger things on heaven and earth, than are dreamed of in your philosophy.’ On cannot come away from reading this thrilling novel without asking some very deep questions. Duran does this without coming away as ‘overly preachy’. He simply tells a great story and allows the reader to do the rest.
I give this novel a firm 9/10. I was absolutely enthralled and riveted by every page of this excellent novel. A novel involving faith, miracles and a healthy dose of fear. Highly recommended.
