Paul S Brandt | Indie Christian Book Reviews
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In this blog, Indie Christian Book Reviews, I am focusing on a specific idea I found after publishing my first book, "Encountering Darkness."
Paul S Brandt | Indie Christian Book Reviews
4y ago
Last updated on September 9th, 2019
Mars by Andrew Mayher is an unusual story and explores love through a different avenue.
The Good
A good premise for a story.
Deep story
Imaginative
Undertones to the story.
The bad
I didn’t always enjoy the writing.
Too much showing and not telling.
Random example (taken from location 2000 on Kindle): “Topaz sounded like a mad scientist, be he knew what it would mean.”
Possible change: Topaz had hair which stood frazzled. His eyes were wide, and he spoke with quick, short pauses until his face became flush. As his voice quivered, he leaned close ..read more
Paul S Brandt | Indie Christian Book Reviews
5y ago
Last updated on July 8th, 2019
The Raider by Suzanne Werkema turned out to be a pleasant surprise after I gave the book a chance.
The Good
Simple story, but with a good message
Nostalgia for those who grew up at the beginning of the technology boom.
Relatable kids and other characters, including an absent parent.
The Bad
N/A
The Unsure*
A little dry and uneventful until the second half of the book.
While writing about real life is fine, it helps to create more tension to draw the reader into the story.
*My opinion: what I didn’t care for or do not prefer. This will not lower a rating ..read more
Paul S Brandt | Indie Christian Book Reviews
5y ago
Last updated on June 10th, 2019
Grow in Grace: Spiritual Growth Lessons from Peter’s Walk with Jesus by James Callen is an in-depth look at one disciple’s experience and growth in Jesus Christ.
The Good
Great writing
Easy to understand and yet every chapter carries depth
Impeccable grammarBeneficial use of scripture
Scripture used throughout book
Reflections at the end of each chapter to help a person grow more in their knowledge and help clarity with what was read.Callen does not let the believer off the hook and makes sure they see the great need for a savior and evangelism.
The ..read more
Paul S Brandt | Indie Christian Book Reviews
5y ago
Last updated on April 16th, 2019
While I’ve never read a book of poetry, Timeless Tales by John Alexander has a good mix of creativity through the personification of animals and stories in his poetry to make them accessible.
The Good
I enjoyed the Bible verses and words of encouragement before many of the poems.
Good use of stories within poetry.
The poetry has applicable meaning to everyday life.
Simple yet complex poetry
Short and sweet
I could read each poem and ponder the meaning.
I liked how John Alexander went after a passion even later in life.
The Bad
N/A
The Unsure*
Person ..read more
Paul S Brandt | Indie Christian Book Reviews
5y ago
Last updated on March 25th, 2019
A dystopian novel with an unlikely Amish heroine, The One by RD Palmer—a former software developer for robots—is a gripping tale.
The Good
Novel is set an historical fiction with one character writing the “history.”
I enjoyed how the novel began.
Good writing
Little editing issues
Good main character
A book to make you think
Could artificial intelligence really take over?
The Bad
Difficult to imagine with sometimes few descriptions.
How can you make us as the reader understand what Naomi, for example, is going through?
What does she see, feel, taste, t ..read more