The Dead Whisper On
Reviewed by Symon: 4 out of 10.
I was very excited to receive this in the mail by a friend from Manna Bookstores (thanks Sew Funky ).
Departed spirits, people bursting into flames, nether-worldly spiders. Sounds like the type of story I would love… alas, I was disappointed.
When Candace MacHugh hears her dead father’s voice whispering to her from the shadows, she joins a giant organization that shares the secrets of the dead with our world. But soon she’s sucked into a shadowy conspiracy tying together murders, tragedies, living shadows…and spontaneous human combustion. Is her father really dead? Is she really communicating with departed spirits? And why? If she can’t find the answers in time, thousands of people may go up in flames–with her life the first at stake.
I hate giving negative reviews, and judging by Amazon (and Hine’s website) there are many readers who really enjoyed this book, so maybe I’m just abnormal. Please bear that in mind as you read on.
The story started well enough – check. Yes, it was a supernatural thriller – check. Yes, it did have many plot twists that kept it somewhat compelling – check. Yes, it had some great moments – check.
So why the 4/10 rating you ask? Four reasons mainly.
The first half of the book was good, but when ‘all was revealed’ the story became too incredulous really fast.
- I struggled to have any empathy toward the main characters.
- Hines tells a supernatural tale about good and evil, God and Satan, and seemed to skirt around the real issues. Instead of the ‘good guys’ crying out to God for help and surrendering to Him, the book explains how we can overcome the ’shadow’ in us by not dwelling on fear and thinking of others. I just didn’t get it.
- The many unexplainable loose-ends were very nicely explained with the following words:
“We saved Butte?”
“You played your part. Much was done beyond you or even I. But you played your part and it was honoured.”
Perhaps if you enjoy the books I don’t, you will love this book… I really hope so.
Click here to visit T. L. Hines’ website.
Related Reviews
- Darlington Woods by Symon on July 12, 2010
- The Oath by Rachel Kate on March 8, 2010
- The Great Divorce by Symon on February 9, 2010
- The Martyr’s Song by Kristy on January 19, 2009
- The Bride Collector by Symon on June 29, 2010
- House by Stephen on February 6, 2009
- When Heaven Weeps by Stephen on February 24, 2009
Bags not! I nominate RK.
I’ve given the book to Gaz. He really enjoyed Hine’s ‘Waking Lazarus’. Hopefully it will appeal to him.
Meh
haha thanks guys
i’ll read it…
Might not be a good idea RK… You’d probably want it to be included in the ‘Hall Of Fame’
HAHAHAHA man u crack me up
guess i’ve earned myself a bit of a rep huh
As a 'newbie', I of course searched "Hines". . . I can see why you felt that way about this book. This was his second one. The first one "Waking Lazarus" was really good I thought. The latest one "The Unseen" has me as a character, so I really like that one also! LOL He is not a traditional "christian" writer, but I find that refreshing. . . I say, give him one more chance and read one of his other books. Get to know him a little bit, I think you might change your mind. . .
Hi Sarea. Thanks for the comment and welcome to Flannelgraph! A friend has recommended his other books also. It seems one can't judge an author's works by just reading one book (eg. Ted Dekker… most are legendary, some aren't). GBU!