Book Review: The Oath
Book: "The Oath"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: In soft cover or hard cover at most online bookstores.
Background: This novel was Peretti's "breakout" hit… it was released in both hard cover and soft cover and was pushed quite hard among the Christian community.
Summary: Hyde River has a deep, dark secret and it is coming to the surface as Steve Benson comes to investigate the death of his brother. As events begin to unfold and Benson makes both friends and enemies amongst the towns-people, an evil, growing being continues to hunt him down and eliminate those around him. In the end, Benson must come face to face with Hyde River's awful secret monster… Sin.
Mad Parts:
+ Any time the "Dragon" eats somebody. It's something right out of a Spielberg monster flick.
Mad Props:
+ For a creative, if somewhat gory, allegory for what Sin in a person's life can become. Extremely relevant and a very strong underlying message.
+ For creating a creature that is seemingly unstoppable. Dangerous and deadly, this thing would make short work of a Jurassic Park dino or even a Great White shark.
Mad Slops:
+ For the whole "small town" thing, again! Why are these books always set in SMALL TOWNS! Hyde River! Who has ever heard of a town called "Hyde River?" Who names a town Hyde River? Huh? Tell me that? "Jim Bob, we gotta go catch us a cotton-pickin' dragon!"
+ For some really gory scenes. The whole "black goop" comin' outta the hearts was pretty gross.
Mad Minister's Verdict: All in all, a well-crafted, well-thought out thriller. I can definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone looking for a great read… Christian or not. It's not preachy and it doesn't shove anything down your throat, so in my book, it's a "Mad Read" for any and all!
Mad Points: 3 outta' 5.