The Resurrection is a clinic for writers and an oasis for readers searching for a tale of spiritual warfare done right. For a debut novel, Mike Duran has set the bar high for what will, Lord willing, be a career that shows Christian-written fiction can be top notch without swinging any Bibles. His adept knowledge of world religions is displayed with respect for the real people that follow them, while mere references to sermons and prayers allow Mike to present a story about Christians without trying to make anyone become one. The theme of courage versus fear is one for all audiences, and has a masterful climax. After such an enjoyable intro and body, the conclusion delivers as promised, and then kicks it up three more notches! (I would advise skipping the rest of the review and just buying it already. A book of this quality deserves to be read with as little foreknowledge as possible. But if you must...)

In The Resurrection, Mike has put a worn out preacher, Ian Clark, and a stubborn cripple, Ruby Chase, at the heart of a spiritual war that stretches far beyond their little coastal town. Ruby's jarring vision during morning prayer precipitates a resurrection that aims to disrupt demonic powers who have ruled their town unchallenged for generations. Ian's diminishing faith will play a major role, but no one, not even Ian himself, knows which side he'll end up on. Ruby takes the lead on a thrilling race to reveal the source of the curse, which has been right under their noses the whole time.

Every sentence, character and scene felt like a picture I could admire over and over again. I have never read a book where the prose was so creatively refreshing without slowing down the pace. This book will sit on my shelf as a found memory waiting to be relived again and again. Books like this are why I love reading!