Soul's Gate

Sep 19, 2012 Aaron Baker rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received an advance readers copy of this book through Netgalley.

At first I was excited about to start this book because thoughts of Frank Peretti's early books came to mind when I looked at the premise. But, about halfway through this book, I realized that while the concepts were similar the story seemed a lot more personal. The author's note at the end of the book claims that while there is certainly an element of spiritual warfare in book, the story is more about Freedom. I couldn't agree mo...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW! What a ride this book was! I cannot stop talking about it!
Soul's Gate centers around four individuals who are called together for a greater purpose. Reese Roth teaches the other three to embrace the true power of the Holy Spirit. They open their eyes to the realities of the spiritual realm in many way, and they begin to use His power to intercede for each other, replace lies, tear down strongholds, fight the enemy, and find freedom. The imagery of bondage and freedom in this book led me to...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Dina Sleiman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Usually I balk at the favorite question. What's your favorite song, color, book? Usually my answer is, it depends on my mood. But only one day after finishing it, I'm ready to declare James Rubart's Soul's Gate my favorite novel of all time.

In deciding if I was sure to make this bold declaration, I started mentally scrolling through some of my past favorite novels. Then of my favorites, I narrowed that list down to the truly life-changing ones that I bought multiple copies of and forced my frien...more Usually I balk at the favorite question. What's your favorite song, color, book? Usually my answer is, it depends on my mood. But only one day after finishing it, I'm ready to declare James Rubart's Soul's Gate my favorite novel of all time.

In deciding if I was sure to make this bold declaration, I started mentally scrolling through some of my past favorite novels. Then of my favorites, I narrowed that list down to the truly life-changing ones that I bought multiple copies of and forced my friends and relatives to read: The Passion of Mary-Margaret, Arena, Embrace Me, Rooms, A Stray Drop of Blood, and Havah. Every one of these books was beautifully written and spiritually powerful. I highly recommend all of them. But as I considered Soul's Gate, I realized that it combined the best elements of each of these.

Like The Passion of Mary-Margaret, it illustrated an intimate relationship with God and characters willing to give everything for Christ. Like Arena, it offered an insightful glimpse into the spiritual realm and spiritual warfare. Like Embrace Me it cut through all the b.s. of religion and pierced straight to the true heart of Christianity. Like Rooms, it demonstrated the beauty of inner healing. Like A Stray Drop of Blood, it portrayed the amazing, overwhelming power available in the blood of Christ. And like Havah, it spoke to me right where I was at that moment and transformed my life. Oh sure, there are novels I love because they're beautiful or funny or touching, but these are the ones that have affected me the most. And I can't ignore books like the old Frank Peritti novels or The Shack that impacted me as well, but I feel like Soul's Gate went to a new place for a new time.

As I mentioned, this book was exactly what I needed exactly when I needed it. While I loved Rooms, it mostly dealt with issues I'd already tackled and revelations I'd already received. Book of Days had more impact on me, but this novel went far beyond. I so needed this infusion of faith and power in my life right now. This reminder that the spirit world is more real than the illusory one all around me that presses on my senses day in and day out. And I needed to have my fighting spirit revived. Another wonderful aspect of this book, which I've never found in a novel before, was the direct link between quantum physics, faith, and the spiritual realm. I'm a closet physics geek, so this delighted me to no end.

My husband is halfway through the book as I'm writing this, and I sent a gift copy to my mom. No doubt, I'll soon be buying lots of extra copies and wrangling all my loved ones into reading it. I not only highly recommend this book, I'd say it's a must read for every Christian. I'm sure I will read this one again and again. No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, I think you'll find something in this book to minister to you. And even for non-Christians, I can't help but think you'd enjoy this peek at what Christianity was truly meant to be.

The novel challenges you to believe what the Bible really says and to tap into the supernatural power available in the Holy Spirit. The author says in the back that his main purpose for the book was to demonstrate freedom in Christ, but there was no way to get there without looking at spiritual warfare as well. From healing, to prophecy and vision, to being transported in the spirit and invisibilty cloaks, this book takes a look at a sort of Christianity few truly believe in. A sort of Christianity that I remember longing for once upon a time with childlike faith. For the sake of the story, it also examines the possibility of going into the souls of others to fight for their freedom. While the author admits that this is probably not precisely true, it does seem to be in many ways a very accurate portrayal of a spiritual reality.

I can't finish this review without mentioning that James Rubart also ranks among my favorite people that I've ever met. It would be hard to imagine anyone else writing this amazing book. He is one of the truest believers and most inspiring people I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Everything about him radiates the love of Christ. And may I add, I'm so excited that he has now quit his day job to write for us all full time :)

I sincerely hope and pray this book will be a huge hit and a best-seller! Soul's Gate is the first in a series, and I'll be sure pre-order the sequels just as soon as possible.(less)

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Dec 27, 2012 Jennifer Defoy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

There was so much mystery surrounding this book. I couldn't put it down because there was so much that I wanted to know. Even after reading it all my questions weren't answered. Guess I'll have to wait for the next one.... And believe me I can't wait. This was an amazing book.

The whole premise that the fight between good and evil can take place in someone's soul was an idea that I had never thought of. So right from the start of the book I was intrigued as to how a battle could take place insid...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Linda Walters rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: related-books

I really liked this book" Very Much" and realized as I am writing this that it is reminiscent of the earlier work of Frank Peretti, "Piercing the Darkness". If you have read that book and liked it, I think you will enjoy this one. Soul's Gate goes much deeper though, so be prepared. I know not everyone enjoys books on Spiritual Warfare but this also is a people story as well. I felt myself drawn to the characters and their struggles and how they deal with the fact that their eyes are opened to t...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story as it blended references to Scripture while presenting a form of spiritual warfare that enters into the fantastical realm. Even in the author’s notes at the end, he discusses that the idea of going into another person’s soul to battle is a pure act of fiction.
There were several things that struck me in this book that can cause the reader to pause and consider. Primary for consideration is what lies we hold onto and let take root in our spirit which then inhibit our ab...more

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Nov 22, 2012 Regina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Everyone has God given gifts. What if your gift included teleportation or even stranger, going INTO someone else’s soul?!?! This book explores a tale of adventure, misadventure, probabilities, and impossibilities.

Title – Soul’s Gate
Author – James L. Rubart
Publisher – Thomas Nelson
Date of publication – November, 2012
Number of pages – 400

* Thomas Nelson Publishing via Litfuse has provided me with an advanced, complimentary copy of “Soul’s Gate” to read in order to write my review.*

About The Autho...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Katherine Rochholz rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a wow book!

“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.

Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Ree...more This book is a wow book!

“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.

Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.

Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.

They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity—and how to step into the supernatural.

Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn’t fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he’ll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.

“Readers with high blood pressure or heart conditions be warned: this is a seriously heart-thumping and satisfying read that goes to the edge, jumps off, and 'builds wings on the way down.'” —Publishers Weekly

I have always had a bit of an addiction to books, all books, including christian, and this will take you on a ride you won't forget. Even after you put this book down it leaves you thinking and you want more! In this book the journey of the main characters shows you the extent God will go to save a soul. It leaves you to think about life, and the choices we face and the actions we take. I love Christian Fantasy and this is some of the best I have ever read! I love this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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.(less)

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Nov 13, 2012 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, christian-living, demons, friendship, forgiveness, family, prophecy

Soul's Gate
A Well Spring Novel #1
By James L. Rubart

What if you take the battle for a person's soul to a new level, to go within the soul itself? Would you dare? Reese has done this in the past and is about to train four warriors to do the same - warriors that were prophesied about before tragedy threatened to destroy him nearly 30 years ago.

If Reese can overcome the guilt and regret of the past he will train these spiritual warriors. But before the training can begin they must overcome the barri...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Jerrine Regan rated it 5 of 5 stars

After experiencing a huge disappointment from reading Paul Young's new book, "CrossRoads"; I picked up James Rubart's new book "Soul's Gate" after reading the summary on the back and wondered if I would be disappointed once again. The premise of each book seemed to be similar.
I have read all of Mr. Rubart's previous novels: "Rooms", "Book of Days" and "The Chair" and loved each one. I appreciate a story well told that is a little outside the box of the usual Christian historical or contemporary...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read-books

Not since Rooms has a Rubart book captivated me the way this one did. From the beginning I began to relate with the characters, especially Dana. She is carrying a lot of baggage from her past and has put up strong walls in an effort to protect herself. I also related well with Brandon, Christian musician going through the motions. I loved Reece as the mentor. His wisdom and wit add so much to the story.

As Jim mentioned in the interview this is a story of freedom and healing, especially of broken...more

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Nov 08, 2012 TAMMY CUEVAS rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

Reece Roth has learned how Christians can truly intercede for one another; battle for one another on the most personal level, within one's soul. This knowledge did not come without a cost. Thirty years ago, he paid the ultimate price while teaching others how to enter a soul. Now, thirty years later, God is fulfilling a prophecy by bringing him back to train four new warriors.
Not since Ted Dekker's The Circle series have I been this hooked! James Rubart's new Well Spring series is spiritual war...more Reece Roth has learned how Christians can truly intercede for one another; battle for one another on the most personal level, within one's soul. This knowledge did not come without a cost. Thirty years ago, he paid the ultimate price while teaching others how to enter a soul. Now, thirty years later, God is fulfilling a prophecy by bringing him back to train four new warriors.
Not since Ted Dekker's The Circle series have I been this hooked! James Rubart's new Well Spring series is spiritual warfare, sci-fi, and time travel all mixed together. It's as if the author was watching Doctor Who and wondered what would it be like if the Doctor was a Christian, zooming across time and space and battling demons? I'm not saying that he did, but however he arrived at the idea, it works! One of my favorite quotes from the book is when Marcus is explaining how God is not restricted by time:

"Since God exists everywhere, He exists in those moments we can't measure. He is outside of time, He's outside of distance. He can transverse from one point in the universe to the other with no time having passed because He's already there."

Yes, this is a fictional novel, but that is not fiction. That is awesome truth. God is everywhere and He has existed and does exist and will exist in all time. It makes my head feel funny if I think about it too long. Anyway, if you want a book that makes you think, or if you've been bored by the majority of the books you've found in the Christian fiction aisle, here is the book for you. Meanwhile, I'll be the one camped out waiting for Book 2.

I give this book the highest compliment a Whovian can give....

5 Blue Boxes

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book review bloggers 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.” (less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Iola rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian-fiction, mystery-thriller, netgalley, kindle

Thirty years ago, Reece Roth was given a prophecy: “there will come a day when you will train them—they will be four. The song, the teacher, the leader, the temple.” That day has now come, and Reece, along with Marcus Amber, Dana Raine, Brandon Scott, and Tamera Miller, are scheduled to go on a retreat together. Before they leave, Reece instructs the four to read the gospels and the book of Acts, and watch a movie - The Matrix.

Once on their retreat, Reese shares with the others some of the thing...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Rick rated it 5 of 5 stars

So I’ll be honest with you and tell you this review will already be a little biased. Every since Mr. Rubart burst onto the Christian Fiction scene with his first book, “Rooms”, I have been hooked. His books have become that proverbial “no brainer” when I see a new one pop up on my local Christian bookstore’s shelf.

Reece Roth is a man of few words, but deep thoughts. Reece has been taught how to enter a person’s soul and fight for their freedom. Unfortunately, this has come at a personal price to...more So I’ll be honest with you and tell you this review will already be a little biased. Every since Mr. Rubart burst onto the Christian Fiction scene with his first book, “Rooms”, I have been hooked. His books have become that proverbial “no brainer” when I see a new one pop up on my local Christian bookstore’s shelf.

Reece Roth is a man of few words, but deep thoughts. Reece has been taught how to enter a person’s soul and fight for their freedom. Unfortunately, this has come at a personal price to Reece. Early in his soul fighting days, Reece entered a soul without permission and the result was catastrophic for his wife and child. That was 30 years ago. Today, Reece is being called forth by God to teach a group of new students on the art of battling for the soul, a move that Reece isn’t sure he’s ready to tackle. The four recruits (Marcus, Brandon, Tamera and Dana) are from various backgrounds, but they have been identified by Him for the job. Reece has been quietly cultivating their relationships and been told that now is the time for all of them to meet. Almost immediately, the demons begin their attack on the new recruits. Distractions come at them from all angles as the demons attempt to thwart their impending training. One of the new recruits changes her mind at the last minute, which gives a win to the demons. Reece gathers the remaining recruits at the Well Spring Ranch to begin their training. As Reece trains them in various facets of entering a person’s soul, he also explains the rules and dangers that go with this power. As their understanding of his teachings grow, Marcus asks that they enter his soul. What secrets will they uncover inside? Can they really do battle inside a person’s soul? Who is next to have their soul freed? Those are all great questions and wonderful reasons for you to BUY THE BOOK!

I only speak one language, but there are plenty of words for me to use to describe this “Soul’s Gate”. Awesome and thought-provoking are two that come immediately to mind. Mr. Rubart has written a book that strikes deep to the core of basic Christianity. As his character points out, “The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory”. We read about the miracles performed in the bible, about the Holy Spirit and all that was done in His name. We’ve lost that. We’ve let the world into our souls and pushed Him further into the background. Yes, I’m still saved, but sometime I feel like I’m just going through the motions. The Bible is ALIVE! The Holy Spirit is within us all just waiting to be freed. I won’t guarantee that you’ll have the same experience that I had with this book, but I will tell you that this book will put you in the right frame of mind. Mr. Rubart has some fascinating ideas throughout the training of these recruits, but for each one he has a scripture ready to explain his line of thinking. That right there was more than enough for me. I found myself savoring the interactions that he had with his recruits as they prayed for open eyes to the Spirit. As each attack came from the demons, these prayer warriors showed who had the real strength.

Is this a man’s book? This is so much more than a man’s book, but I loved how the main character, Reece, was a quiet rock of strength. We men need to give up on the notion that religion is weak, because after reading this book and experiencing what I did while I was reading it, there is no one stronger than my Lord!
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Nov 06, 2012 Gail Welborn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

***Rubart only gets better and better with each new book..."

One of Seattle’s newest, best-selling authors, James L. Rubart takes readers into a dimension of spiritual warfare few frequent in “Soul’s Gate.” Book one of the mystical Well Spring Novel series that releases today, November 6th. There, Rubart writes spiritual truth with a supernatural twist in an entertaining thriller that pushes the boundaries and “breaks all the molds.”

The provocative narrative begins with Reece Roth, an ordinary m...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow this book is so good I don’t know where to start! Brandon, Marcus and Dana agree to go on a retreat with Reece on a mysterious ranch in Colorado. At this retreat, these four will learn what it really means to follow Christ in a way they never knew before. But can they really do it? And can they live without civilization, no communication with anyone, while at the retreat?

This is my first book by James Rubart, but it for sure will not be the last one! This book is amazing, the characters, th...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

This is Book 1 in James Rubart's new "Well Spring" series, and it poses an interesting question. What if it were possible to help someone battle evil by entering their soul? Could both people work together to save one soul at a time? Each soul is precious and there is a battle. What if??

Reece Roth has been called by God to do something he didn't think he would ever do - train people to enter other's souls to help them fight off evil. Thirty years ago, Reece had done exactly that, but when his li...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: Soul’s Gate
Author: James Rubart
Pages: 400
Year: 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Look at the title again. What do you think this novel will be about? Have you read other novels by this author? For me, this is the first one I have read by this particular author, and I will tell you I was hooked as soon as I opened the book. Here is a storyteller that uses various genres to tell a couple of truths about the Lord, freedom, and warfare in a way that helps visualize the action while reading it. To...more Title: Soul’s Gate
Author: James Rubart
Pages: 400
Year: 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Look at the title again. What do you think this novel will be about? Have you read other novels by this author? For me, this is the first one I have read by this particular author, and I will tell you I was hooked as soon as I opened the book. Here is a storyteller that uses various genres to tell a couple of truths about the Lord, freedom, and warfare in a way that helps visualize the action while reading it. Today many attempts are made in various ways to capture the interest of an audience to read a novel. Some have use YouTube videos to plant interest, others write reviews, and still others use synopses of books to attract an audience. Any one of these mediums can work, although some choose to look for more information before deciding. I had not read any of James Rubart’s books, so after reading a synopsis of this book, I thought it might be worthwhile to read.
There are four different characters in the story that carry with them wounds from the past that effect both the present and the future. Not only that, their pasts affect their relationships with the Lord. Some of the wounds or lies have been around for years, so to have them pulled out by the root can’t be done alone. To wage war to help bring freedom to these characters, they must first understand who God has made them to be and what name He given them. The name God gives them also represents what He is preparing them to do to bring freedom.
I thought this novel made a valid point in that we all need each other in the Body in order to experience the freedom from lies that are present within each of us. Next, it is also true that the devil is out to destroy us, not play with us, but take us out for eternity. It is also true that Jesus died to set the captives free, but sometimes the captives don’t even realize their need for freedom or the warfare that Satan unleashes to keep them enslaved.
James shares at the end of the novel what he experienced as he wrote this work of fiction. He shares what he believes to be real and what parts of the novel are just from his imagination. I think it is awesome when an author shares his life experiences with readers. We can be reminded that authors are humans too, and no one is exempt from the warfare or the need for freedom in Christ. When you read the book, listen closely to see what God may speak to you through this fictional journey. While this is a fictional journey for sure, it doesn’t mean that is all that it is. Christ read from Isaiah when He came the first time to tell everyone that He came to set the captives free. His audience then didn’t understand it; some didn’t even believe Him and others wanted to kill Him. People today are the same. We all need Christ, but some will repeat history and react the same way to Christ as they did long ago with rejection.
I loved this story, the characters, and the setting. The themes are very relevant for believers of Jesus today and for those who have yet to be set free. Another piece of encouragement in the novel is that no matter the amount of time we walk with Christ, we can forever be going deeper with Him. I pray you get this novel, and read it as a work of fiction that points to a greater reality for us today.
My rating is 5+ stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Oct 30, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: SOUL’S GATE
Author: James Rubart
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
November 2012
ISBN 978-1-4016-8605-5
Genre: Christian\General

In SOUL’S GATE, James L. Rubart takes a new look at the nature of spiritual warfare. He looks at Ephesians 6:12, and various incidents that happened in Scripture, and he arrives at some very unique conclusions. Conclusions such as, “There really is a battle going on, that only those with Spiritual sight can see.” And you really can’t defeat an enemy that you cannot see. The le...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-action-adventure, christian-fantasy-fiction, christian-suspense-fiction, fantasy-adventure-fiction, supense-thriller-fiction

"There will come a day when you will train them - they will be four. The song, the teacher, the leader, the temple. Keep your eyes open to see, your ears open to listen, your heart open to feel, and your mind open to discern.

When the time comes, the Spirit will reveal each of them to you. You will teach them the wonders of my power they can't yet imagine. And instruct these warriors how to go far inside the soul and marrow.

They will rise up and fight for the hearts of others. They will demolis...more "There will come a day when you will train them - they will be four. The song, the teacher, the leader, the temple. Keep your eyes open to see, your ears open to listen, your heart open to feel, and your mind open to discern.

When the time comes, the Spirit will reveal each of them to you. You will teach them the wonders of my power they can't yet imagine. And instruct these warriors how to go far inside the soul and marrow.

They will rise up and fight for the hearts of others. They will demolish strongholds in the heavens and grind their enemies to dust. Their victories will spread across the nations. You will pour out your life for them and lead them to freedom, and they will turn and bring healing to the broken and set the hearts of others free.

And when the wolf rises, the four must war against him and bring about his destruction, only they have hope of victory. And for one, their vision will grow clear, and for one, the darkness of choice will rain on them, and for one, the other world will become more real than this one, and for one, death will come before the appointed time.

He folded the paper and put it back in his pocket. Five days from now Reece would explain to Brandon, Dana, Marcus and Tamera that they were the four. And pray like mad they believed him." (Pg 6-7)

In the latest suspense thriller from James Rubart, Soul's Gate is the first in the Well Spring Novel series, geared for those fans that love a good thrill ride. Coupled with facts from the Gospels of the Bible, along with the Book of Acts, Soul's Gate takes the readers into a dimension that thinly veils the one we know exists, the one in-between the spiritual realm to battle for the souls of the lost. The four chosen ones will be endowed with supernatural divine powers that will enable them to do things no one believes is possible but along the way risks greater than any will ever face become something each of them must chose to accept. As Reece Roth prepares to meet each of these four in a remote location known as Wells Spring, he has only four days to train them in their prophetic mission if they are willing to believe.

I received, Soul's Gate from James Rubart, compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I've read every single book by James Rubart and think he is a talented author for those that love a little something out of the ordinary in regards to suspense thrillers for Christians. He rates right up there with the greats, Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker and if you love books on spiritual warfare with a biblical twist I haven't read anywhere, you definitely want to pick this one up. This book will change your outlook on intercessory prayer and just how powerful prayer really is. The second book in this series, Memory's Door is slated for release in 2013. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.(less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

James L. Rubart in his new book, “Soul’s Gate” Book One in the Well Spring series published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Reece Roth.

From the back cover: “Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus h...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Can four people change the world? Reece thinks so – more than thinks actually. He believes it with every aspect of his being. And he has received a prophecy that he will be the one to bring them together and teach them how to access their God-given powers. The Singer, the Teacher, and the Leader join him at a retreat appropriately called Well Spring…but even as the Prophecy seems to be fulfilled, many more questions arise. Who is the fourth? Can they truly master their God-given gifts? And how w...more Can four people change the world? Reece thinks so – more than thinks actually. He believes it with every aspect of his being. And he has received a prophecy that he will be the one to bring them together and teach them how to access their God-given powers. The Singer, the Teacher, and the Leader join him at a retreat appropriately called Well Spring…but even as the Prophecy seems to be fulfilled, many more questions arise. Who is the fourth? Can they truly master their God-given gifts? And how will they survive now that Hell has decided to take their actions personally?

Unlike many stories I read, I wouldn’t call Soul’s Gate exciting. While in some ways you could say there’s a lot of action in this book, the heart of it was deeply philosophical. So it falls in the much rarer category of fascinating. It is a book about supernatural warfare, but I felt that, like its subject, the point of book kept taking place on two different levels.

On the surface, it was full of demons and superpowers like many other books in its genre. However, the characters’ trips into each other's souls and the timing of the opposition they faced are what caught my eye. All three of the main characters were very good at their jobs and ministries. Regardless of anything else they felt or believed, their actions were positively influencing people toward God. Yet, it wasn’t until their focus turned toward prayer that the full assault began on their souls. The scene where a demon offers to fund a Christian radio service in return for a character ceasing her attempt to draw closer to God was chilling. It reminded me forcefully of a passage in A.W. Tozer’s That Incredible Christian.

“A fourth reason is that a praying Christian is a constant threat to the stability of Satan's government. The Christian is a holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from what direction the danger will come. Who knows when another Elijah will arise, or another Daniel? or a Luther or a Booth? Who knows when an Edwards or a Finney may go in and liberate a whole town or countryside by the preaching of the Word and prayer? Such a danger is too great to tolerate, so Satan gets to the new convert as early as possible to prevent his becoming too formidable a foe.”

The other aspect of Soul’s Gate that fascinated me was the prophecy. Direct from the Divine prophecies aren’t something you see in a lot of Spiritual Warfare books, and, to be honest, I never thought it was well enough explained. However, what caught my attention was that none of the characters really understood the prophecy even though in many cases it was their main motivation. Much like the Biblical prophecies, human interpretations fell short or turned out to be completely wrong. Consequently while I still found the very idea of such a prophecy, even in a work of fiction, rather troubling, I did think it was remarkably well handled.

So while I found Soul’s Gate a far cry from the rip roaring adventures of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker, I did feel that by appealing to the head rather than heart, Mr. Rubart delivered a compelling and timely concept: in the end it is who you are, not what you do that threatens the Enemy. Believing that we as an individual don’t really matter and calling that humility is a trick worthy of Screwtape. So don’t let teleportation and soul hopping turn you off. The real Soul’s Gate lies under the trappings.

Reblogged from my site: www.myrdan.com
My thanks to BookSneeze for providing me a review copy of Soul’s Gate, in return for my honest opinion of this book.(less)

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Nov 15, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was not able to personally review this book. However, a friend, Willie, was willing to share her thoughts on Mr. Rubart’s book, Soul’s Gate.

Sensitively written and therapeutic in the journey, this book opens your mind to the depths of the soul’s journey within your past and then for the Spiritual journey within. You cannot begin one without the other. We cannot heal others without healing one’s self and we can only go to God for that and listen to that still small voice.

Rubart does a good job...more

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May 12, 2013 Pauline Creeden rated it 5 of 5 stars

“A warrior riding, a warrior broken.
Wounds are healed and freedom spoken.
The price of battle, so high a cost.
Dreams are born, and dreams are lost.
Ever onward, no more hiding.
We are four, the Warriors Riding.”

In an epic battle between good and evil in the souls of men, four normal, broken people take God at His word, and live the kind of life described in the Bible. Living like Elijah, Moses, or one of the Apostles. Although each of the characters comes from a crushing past, they are called...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Cara Putman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jim is an author who comes up with mind-twisting plots and what-ifs. Soul's Gate was no exception. The characters were interesting, but what grabbed me and is staying with me after closing the book is the idea that I want God to use me in a way like He did the characters. Imagine four people who fulfill an old prophecy. They are to come together to bring freedom to those who are in bondage. They have to start with themselves...and that means jumping in to other people's souls -- with permission...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Vanya D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, netgalley, paranormal-urban-fantasy

NOTE: I received the book from Netgalley.

One word: POWERFUL!!!

Technically, Soul's Gate isn't considered a YA book. However, there's absolutely nothing adult in it, except the characters, so it's perfectly safe (and I even recommend it) for teens to read. It was a very very powerful book, that shattered me from the inside out and built me back again. It was INCREDIBLE!

In fact, let me share something with you - there were moments when my skin was crawling with goosebumps while I read. The power of...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Herb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

This is a really thought provoking, spirit stirring adventure. The book deals with four people chosen by God to war against the fallen angels that try to control and destroy people's lives. They are being trained by a man who is experienced in spiritual warfare but hides a tragic past that makes him reluctant to return to the fight after so long. All of them need healing from past experiences that bind them from fulfilling God's will in their lives, but none more than the man who is training the...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Athena Nagel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

This is such a unique book. Can you imagine entering someone's else soul. Reece needs to train spiritual warriors from four "damaged" individuals but they must first overcome so much of their past before the training can proceed. To begin the training the four individuals must accept everything the bible has to offer - all passages! Can they do this? The spiritual warriors must complete their training fully and successfully. This is a book of faith, hope, freedom, healing and growth. Throughout...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Zari rated it 5 of 5 stars

Soul's Gate by James L. Rubart is a fascinating and fresh look at spiritual warfare. Reece Roth was given a prophecy many years ago that he's ready to live out with the help of three others. The first of the Well Spring Novels, Soul's Gate introduces us to Dana, Brandon and Marcus, who are trained in the supernatural aspects of God by Reece. In this first book, the group - which comes to be called the Warriors Riding - examine their beliefs about the truth of the Bible and begin to live by faith...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Veronica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, supernatural

This book was amazing! It blew my mind, made me think about things differently, and opened my eyes even more to the real world.

Reece Roth has invited four people to his mountain hideaway to fulfill a prophecy he received years ago. He is going to teach them how to see more of the real, supernatural world around them. They are going to battle for people's souls, from the inside. They are going to let Jesus use them to bring healing and freedom. Reece will have to face his deepest regret if they a...more

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Soul's Gate (A Well Spring #1)

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