Coldwater by Samuel Parker

Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the only home he'd ever known. An empty shell of a man who now lived--if it could be called living--in the still vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had let off.

Now he's on the run from men who've tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force creeps inside him, threatening and destructive. Who--and what--it will destroy next is the only real question.

From the author that brought you “Purgatory Road”, here’s a new addition to the suspense genre in Christian fiction. 

Ok, I’ll admit that, even though I thoroughly enjoy a great suspense novel (Have enjoyed Stephen King and Dean Koontz for years), I never could totally wrap my hands around this one.  I tried seeing this from a good vs evil viewpoint, but that was even hard to do at times.  The main character is surrounded by hate and evil and the guys in the town that tried killing him weren’t any better.  I kept waiting for that intersection of all of this evil with a redemption plot and an introduction of a “good” character to help Michael weave through all of the anger.  Alas, I never did find that.  From a secular standpoint, this novel is full of all of the normal triggers that would make you enjoy it from start to finish.  From a biblical/spiritual standpoint, I think this is one you should stay away from.  If you want to read it, just keep in mind that there is no battle here, just evil showing that it can win some of the time.

Is this a "guy's book"?  It does have suspense and intrigue but it also has a lot of darkness.  Be careful with this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

About the Author:

Samuel Parker  was born in the Michigan boondocks but was raised on a never-ending road trip through the U.S. Besides writing, he is a process junkie and the ex-guitarist for several metal bands you’ve never heard of. He lives in West Michigan with his wife and twin sons.