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BOOK REVIEW: Avenging Sword
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by Joyce Handzo Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: Avenging Sword Author: Melody Ravert Publisher: Publish America ISBN: 1-413-71144-8 Genre: Inspirational/Contemporary/Fiction
Set in modern-day West Chicago, the Avenging Sword walks readers through dangerous and deadly streets, which are filled with gang violence, bigotry and despair. Yet, the author doesn’t leave her readers comfortless. After carefully outlining the problem, she clearly shows the one way to hope and life in the Person of Jesus Christ.
This book continues the story that began in Shadow of Death. In the first book, Marlene became a Christian and was confronted with questions on living her new life. Although this reviewer did not read the first book, this story is easily followed and enough background information is given to the reader.
The entire book is a series of short, fast-paced chapters, with each one moving the characters along in their respective stories. Primarily through dialogue, the author describes the streets where gangs rule. No one is truly exempt from the violence, and life itself is uncertain. By using a large cast of characters, the reader gets a broader view of this violence-ridden world that is slowly edging nearer to all our lives.
The lure of a gang is in belonging to a “family” Gang members are fiercely loyal to each other and their territory. After making this important point, the author shows the solution is in a personal relationship with Jesus. The Gospel message is clearly told, with readers understanding that a believer enters into the family of God. Therefore, a gang member’s need to belong can only find fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Another parallel the author uses is in a gang’s code of justice. Any gang member understands that certain actions lead to the death penalty, yet the author gently shows the One who died for all offenses.
In the midst of the hard-edged realities, there was also a note of romance and love. It seems that no matter how much hatred there is in the world, there is always a certain amount of love. As one of the young women in the story falls in love with a gang member, it’s as if the author reminds the reader of the power of love in a fallen world, and encourages everyone to look for the original source of that love.
Avenging Sword will awaken readers to the reality and the futility of gangs, while pointing to the reality and the finality of Christ’s work on the Cross. | |
