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Against the Gates of Hell: A Crack House Exodus
He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets. Now Kerby Wilson finds himself held captive by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own. Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away—his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, he sells all that he holds dear for an elusive state of peace.
Herby, Kerby's identical twin brother also known as Junior, is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won't allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God's unfailing love and Kerby's need for his help.
After Kerby's latest antics, Junior and the rest of their family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles with Kerby's addiction to help him. Will Kerby accept the help of his family and friends? Will he stop running and turn to the only one who can saved him and give him the power to stand against the gates of hell?
This hope-filled story is one that gives a glimpse into the world of an addict and the struggles of those who love them and highlights the power of God's grace, love and forgiveness..
Herby, Kerby's identical twin brother also known as Junior, is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won't allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God's unfailing love and Kerby's need for his help.
After Kerby's latest antics, Junior and the rest of their family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles with Kerby's addiction to help him. Will Kerby accept the help of his family and friends? Will he stop running and turn to the only one who can saved him and give him the power to stand against the gates of hell?
This hope-filled story is one that gives a glimpse into the world of an addict and the struggles of those who love them and highlights the power of God's grace, love and forgiveness..
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2011
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155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 27, 2011
Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young is a book about the inside and outside struggles of life, drugs of twins. It is about police officers and how you can so easily get off of the right track. It also is about not judging anyone when we don’t really know what is going on in their lives.
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve never read any books by Mylow Young before, but would gladly read any more of his.
Against the Gates of Hell showed me what it is like to be an addict, but also how people may want to stop, but don’t believe anyone cares for them or is wanting them to be free.
In this book Kerby was a police officer turned addict after some horrible things happened. Even after all of that he still had family who loved him, prayed for him and wanted him back. Even through all of that he still couldn’t believe he was worth anything, but God wouldn’t let him go. I can just imagine if an addict didn’t have anyone who cared how would they even get help or out.
This is a very tender, touching story full of action, adventure, love forgiveness and real life situations. I really enjoyed all of the preaching and Bible verses mentioned in this book. You won’t be sorry you read this book. It really gives you an inside look at how hard some people have it, but they can make it with the grace of God.
I highly recommend this book. It will change how you feel about drug addicts and those people who are alone in life.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. 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
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve never read any books by Mylow Young before, but would gladly read any more of his.
Against the Gates of Hell showed me what it is like to be an addict, but also how people may want to stop, but don’t believe anyone cares for them or is wanting them to be free.
In this book Kerby was a police officer turned addict after some horrible things happened. Even after all of that he still had family who loved him, prayed for him and wanted him back. Even through all of that he still couldn’t believe he was worth anything, but God wouldn’t let him go. I can just imagine if an addict didn’t have anyone who cared how would they even get help or out.
This is a very tender, touching story full of action, adventure, love forgiveness and real life situations. I really enjoyed all of the preaching and Bible verses mentioned in this book. You won’t be sorry you read this book. It really gives you an inside look at how hard some people have it, but they can make it with the grace of God.
I highly recommend this book. It will change how you feel about drug addicts and those people who are alone in life.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing this book for review. 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
October 5, 2020
The author writes in a style that is so intense and vivid. Each scene is painted in such a way that I feel like I’m in the story.
March 3, 2014
Despite a promising plot, excellent arc and a dramatic climax, Against the Gates of Hell, by Mylow Young, fell short of my expectations. Flat characters, a heavy dose of “the hood” vernacular and poor editing detract from the book’s potential.
Against the Gates of Hell, is the story of estranged twins. Herby is a cop, his brother, Kerby, used to be. Nightmares and mood swings plague Herby as he struggles to deal with the loss of his partner, Jerry, during a drug bust. In response to a separate crisis, Kerby fell apart. Now he lives off the streets, using drugs and barely maintaining his job as a security officer. The conflict ebbs and flows as the brothers struggle to reconcile; both seek to repair and strengthen their relationships with God and their families.
My issue with the characters is best exemplified in Herby’s wife, Rene. She is nothing short of perfect. As a vocalist, musician and song writer, Rene is always worshipping, calling out, “Glory to God!” and counseling her husband using Scripture. She never utters a harsh word, has a cruel thought or disrespects her husband. Even the slightest inkling of her humanity is instantly reversed with a prayer or excused as righteous indignation. While I admire godly women, and seek to become a Titus 2 woman, a good story must expose both sides of characters, enabling the reader to empathize with them.
The language in, Against the Gates of Hell, is difficult to read. On several occasions, I had to stop and reread a sentence two or three times and sometimes simply deduce the meaning by context. No doubt it is difficult to convey the words with right inflection through script, but it gets fatiguing to read and interpret pages of dialogue such as, “Gotta make dis paper, drop dese few so I can re-up.”
Lastly, the editing lessened my appreciation for this book. Several times, beginning on the first page, Young switches verb tense. The opening line is written in present tense, but the second tag switches to past tense. These errors are not impossible to overlook, but frustrating nonetheless.
Overall, Against the Gates of Hell, has a lot of potential. The plot is good. If one is willing to read less discriminatorily, simply for the entertainment value, it would be an enjoyable book. However, the things I mentioned here diluted that pleasure for me.
Against the Gates of Hell, is the story of estranged twins. Herby is a cop, his brother, Kerby, used to be. Nightmares and mood swings plague Herby as he struggles to deal with the loss of his partner, Jerry, during a drug bust. In response to a separate crisis, Kerby fell apart. Now he lives off the streets, using drugs and barely maintaining his job as a security officer. The conflict ebbs and flows as the brothers struggle to reconcile; both seek to repair and strengthen their relationships with God and their families.
My issue with the characters is best exemplified in Herby’s wife, Rene. She is nothing short of perfect. As a vocalist, musician and song writer, Rene is always worshipping, calling out, “Glory to God!” and counseling her husband using Scripture. She never utters a harsh word, has a cruel thought or disrespects her husband. Even the slightest inkling of her humanity is instantly reversed with a prayer or excused as righteous indignation. While I admire godly women, and seek to become a Titus 2 woman, a good story must expose both sides of characters, enabling the reader to empathize with them.
The language in, Against the Gates of Hell, is difficult to read. On several occasions, I had to stop and reread a sentence two or three times and sometimes simply deduce the meaning by context. No doubt it is difficult to convey the words with right inflection through script, but it gets fatiguing to read and interpret pages of dialogue such as, “Gotta make dis paper, drop dese few so I can re-up.”
Lastly, the editing lessened my appreciation for this book. Several times, beginning on the first page, Young switches verb tense. The opening line is written in present tense, but the second tag switches to past tense. These errors are not impossible to overlook, but frustrating nonetheless.
Overall, Against the Gates of Hell, has a lot of potential. The plot is good. If one is willing to read less discriminatorily, simply for the entertainment value, it would be an enjoyable book. However, the things I mentioned here diluted that pleasure for me.
June 4, 2012
Against the Gates of Hell is a novel that uses drug addiction as a metaphor for HELL. A living hell for twin brother, Kerby Wilson. Once a police officer, Kerby was fired from the job after he loss the ability to cope as a cop. His relationship with twin brother, Herby spiraled down hill too. His marriage ended and now Drugs had become his companion. The twin brothers were raised as Christian by their now deceased parents. Their father build and served as Pastor of a church that they both still attended. Kerby despises the current pastor. Herby wife is feeling like her spiritual worship is suffering because of her husband family church. Herby has a chance to reconnect with his wife but a night on the town doing drugs may end his chance. In the end will there be another mistake made by Kerby that cost him dearly or will his faith be renewed?
Author, Mylow Young, takes the reader into a world of a cop who happens to be a professed Christian. His drug addiction and the coping mechanism of living day to day battling with yourself and the strong hold of drugs. The emotions stirred when reading this novel may leave some readers with reflections about members of your family suffering with a strong hold addictions and possibly provide a different outlook. FAITH and GRACE are the driving forces into this novel. Prayer was the ultimate healing power. The novel makes you feel like you have entered the real word of drug addicts with a family trying to cope with a fallen member. It is a story surrounded by God's grace. A grace that helps you get through those trials and tribulations time after time when your strength has caved in. In essence, this story provides readers that lack first hand the real effect of drug addiction a very thorough look into that world. Its a powerful story of forgiveness, salvation, long suffering and its remarkable ending. This novel sits on my book shelf as a DARN GREAT READ!
Author, Mylow Young, takes the reader into a world of a cop who happens to be a professed Christian. His drug addiction and the coping mechanism of living day to day battling with yourself and the strong hold of drugs. The emotions stirred when reading this novel may leave some readers with reflections about members of your family suffering with a strong hold addictions and possibly provide a different outlook. FAITH and GRACE are the driving forces into this novel. Prayer was the ultimate healing power. The novel makes you feel like you have entered the real word of drug addicts with a family trying to cope with a fallen member. It is a story surrounded by God's grace. A grace that helps you get through those trials and tribulations time after time when your strength has caved in. In essence, this story provides readers that lack first hand the real effect of drug addiction a very thorough look into that world. Its a powerful story of forgiveness, salvation, long suffering and its remarkable ending. This novel sits on my book shelf as a DARN GREAT READ!
July 24, 2013
Herby and Kirby Wilson are twins that couldn't be more different. Raised by a God fearing preacher and wonderful mother, they both know exactly what God expects of them. Somewhere along the way, after their parents are killed, both men have strayed from the path they used to follow.
Kirby used to be a cop, but when something goes terribly wrong on a routine drug raid, he escapes to the criminal life that mirrors the people he used to put away. Lost, left by a wife that used to mean everything to him, and using drugs to escape the pain, will Kirby ever find the Way, the Truth and the Life? Or has he thrown his life away - and any chance of redemption - for good?
Herby is the complete opposite. Also a police officer, he walks the straight and narrow with seemingly no difficulties. He has a beautiful wife, supportive family, and a church he grew up in to validate his righteous life. Disappointed in his twin and feeling that Kirby continually shames them all, Herby struggles to show his brother the love of Christ. Will these two brothers ever be truly reunited? Or is it too late to bring Kirby back from the reckless life he's living?
This book was so different than what I was expecting. I was expecting somewhat of a cautionary tale of what drugs can do to ruin a person's life, etc. But Young gives us much more, something much more profound than that. He shows us the humanity, the emptiness, and the desperation that brings people to this point. This book make it plain to whoever reads it that everyone deserves God's mercy, God's grace, and a second chance. I didn't think I'd ever sympathize with a crackhead, but the characters are so real and human that you almost don't realize till the end of the story that is a work of fiction. I give it 5 stars despite occasional rough editing.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
Kirby used to be a cop, but when something goes terribly wrong on a routine drug raid, he escapes to the criminal life that mirrors the people he used to put away. Lost, left by a wife that used to mean everything to him, and using drugs to escape the pain, will Kirby ever find the Way, the Truth and the Life? Or has he thrown his life away - and any chance of redemption - for good?
Herby is the complete opposite. Also a police officer, he walks the straight and narrow with seemingly no difficulties. He has a beautiful wife, supportive family, and a church he grew up in to validate his righteous life. Disappointed in his twin and feeling that Kirby continually shames them all, Herby struggles to show his brother the love of Christ. Will these two brothers ever be truly reunited? Or is it too late to bring Kirby back from the reckless life he's living?
This book was so different than what I was expecting. I was expecting somewhat of a cautionary tale of what drugs can do to ruin a person's life, etc. But Young gives us much more, something much more profound than that. He shows us the humanity, the emptiness, and the desperation that brings people to this point. This book make it plain to whoever reads it that everyone deserves God's mercy, God's grace, and a second chance. I didn't think I'd ever sympathize with a crackhead, but the characters are so real and human that you almost don't realize till the end of the story that is a work of fiction. I give it 5 stars despite occasional rough editing.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2015
When an author who has passionate faith in Christ but isn’t so big on style or grammar writes a book, it turns into this, a twisted sort of novel that could fit into LJ‘s “The Word on Street Lit” column. Long on internal and intra-character dialog about God but short on action, this story follows the lives of estranged twin brothers, one a crack addict trying to break his dependence and the other a family man and cop. Thick, forced dialect has been recorded and transcribed verbatim from librarian staff meetings (i.e., “justa bidnessman tryna make a dolla”). Most of the plot tension stems from Rene, the cop’s wife. Her personality is so happy, attractive, devout, faithful, and mindfully positive (much like my own girlfriend’s) that it forces the twins to evolve and improve themselves. Basically, if they don’t step it up, they’re in for a world of poop from this hard-working, clean-living woman: you don’t mess with Rene. Because of this, the book’s weaknesses seemed to fall away. Sure, the characters are one-dimensional, and yes, they ponder the role of Christ in their lives ad nauseam. And, yet, because of Rene, each becomes a true, kinetic person working to change for the better. Go for it if you:
>> are not a Christian and want to read about how super-Christians do it;
>> are a Christian and are interested in what drug addiction looks like;
>> enjoy stories about Christ’s redemptive power;
>> are none of the above (you’re, say, Jewish, living in New York City, or Protestant, living in San Antonio, or even Buddhist, living outside Flint, Michigan) and want something that’s way outside your experiential zone.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
>> are not a Christian and want to read about how super-Christians do it;
>> are a Christian and are interested in what drug addiction looks like;
>> enjoy stories about Christ’s redemptive power;
>> are none of the above (you’re, say, Jewish, living in New York City, or Protestant, living in San Antonio, or even Buddhist, living outside Flint, Michigan) and want something that’s way outside your experiential zone.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
February 10, 2012
AGAINST THE GATES OF HELL is definitely a must read!The reason why I say that,because the author will evoke emotions from you(the reader) when reading this book.Author Mylow Young introduces you to the main characters of the book Herby,and Kerby.Herby is a cop who strongly believes in his family,and the lord.He has a strong spritual wife who is his back bone when needed.On the other hand Kerby was a cop just like his twin,but fell through the cracks,and became a junkie. Author Mylow Young will take you on the trials,and tribulations that Herby,and his family has to deal with his twin brother being a junkie.Will Herby,and his family break free from Kerby's junkie ways? Can Herby accept that his look alike twin is a junkie,and move on?Will GOD intervine,and guide Herby to help Kerby to break free from the demons that got a hold of his body? Only you (the reader) can answer those questions by reading it. Open the book to the first page,and you will end up reading it through to the last page,but I must let you know,be prepared to sink your mind deep into this emotional,spritual,thought provoking of a read.You'll come out from reading it with a different perspesctive,and say AGAINST THE GATES OF HELL is definitely a five star must read!
October 23, 2011
I won "Against the Gates of Hell: A Crack House Exodus" by Mylow Young through Goodreads First Win Giveaway.Herby and Kerby Wilson are identical twins.The same in more ways than just looking alike.They both have afflictions that keeps the once close brothers as far apart as possible.
Kerby is addicted to crack cocaine.He wants to stop using but there always something that pulls him back...crack.
Herby is afflicted by his angry unforgiving heart...unforgiven anger he thought he could live with.
The common medium of the brothers is God.
I enjoyed this well written piece that Mr. Young has written.It told of the urgings and thought process of an user.It told how we can hold on to anger and live with unforgiving hearts that it is as bad as having an addiction.A real eye opener for those of us who know very little about this life.
I recommend Against the Gates of Hell to anyone that's looking for a different kind of read.
Kerby is addicted to crack cocaine.He wants to stop using but there always something that pulls him back...crack.
Herby is afflicted by his angry unforgiving heart...unforgiven anger he thought he could live with.
The common medium of the brothers is God.
I enjoyed this well written piece that Mr. Young has written.It told of the urgings and thought process of an user.It told how we can hold on to anger and live with unforgiving hearts that it is as bad as having an addiction.A real eye opener for those of us who know very little about this life.
I recommend Against the Gates of Hell to anyone that's looking for a different kind of read.
October 16, 2011
Beating the Odds
Twins Herby and Kerby are identical in almost every way, except how they deal with loss. Herby dealt with the loss of their parents and partner with anger while Kerby turned to drugs.
The twins were both police officers. Both were married, Herby with kids and Kerby in a young marriage. Both were God fearing, having been raised in the church under the leadership of their late father. Dealing with the death of their parents was hard but when their friend and fellow officer was gunned down in the line of duty it was just too much and their breaking point.
“Against the Gates of Hell” by Mylow Young is an amazing story of how one may fall from grace but never out of God’s grace. It is a very powerful story of how having faith can get you through any situation when your own strength has failed. I really enjoyed this book and the self-reflection it inspired. I look forward to more titles from Mylow Young. Five stars and two thumbs up!
Reviewed by: Alicia
Twins Herby and Kerby are identical in almost every way, except how they deal with loss. Herby dealt with the loss of their parents and partner with anger while Kerby turned to drugs.
The twins were both police officers. Both were married, Herby with kids and Kerby in a young marriage. Both were God fearing, having been raised in the church under the leadership of their late father. Dealing with the death of their parents was hard but when their friend and fellow officer was gunned down in the line of duty it was just too much and their breaking point.
“Against the Gates of Hell” by Mylow Young is an amazing story of how one may fall from grace but never out of God’s grace. It is a very powerful story of how having faith can get you through any situation when your own strength has failed. I really enjoyed this book and the self-reflection it inspired. I look forward to more titles from Mylow Young. Five stars and two thumbs up!
Reviewed by: Alicia
May 19, 2012
This book took me a full two days to read, and at times is a little wordy, but the message is Supreme!
The story is about Kerby and Herby, identical twins, and their loving supportive family. Throughout the story there is a leaning, loving and supporting relationship with God.
Herby is a Police Officer, and Kerby, a former Cop, is for use of a better word...an Addict! There are times in the book that you wonder if he will ever break the Coke habit?? What a horrible drug, and the violence [be prepared for a lot of it] and everything that goes with it is very heartbreaking!
Right to the very last words of this book will you find out if Kerby will ever make it? You will become attached to many of these characters, and actually want to spend more time with them.
This is my first book by Mylow Young, and hope there are many more!
I received this book from Tywebbin blog-tours, and Moody Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
The story is about Kerby and Herby, identical twins, and their loving supportive family. Throughout the story there is a leaning, loving and supporting relationship with God.
Herby is a Police Officer, and Kerby, a former Cop, is for use of a better word...an Addict! There are times in the book that you wonder if he will ever break the Coke habit?? What a horrible drug, and the violence [be prepared for a lot of it] and everything that goes with it is very heartbreaking!
Right to the very last words of this book will you find out if Kerby will ever make it? You will become attached to many of these characters, and actually want to spend more time with them.
This is my first book by Mylow Young, and hope there are many more!
I received this book from Tywebbin blog-tours, and Moody Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 25, 2011
This is a novel about twin brothers Herby & Kerby who were both police officers until Kerby made a fatal mistake on the job & just couldn't handle life afterwards so he turned to crack cocaine & got hooked. Basically the story revolves around faith in God & how strong that faith can be even after being 'lost' for so long.
I wasn't gripped by this book until about half way through & then i couldn't put it down....which surprised me because i don't 'do' religion. I must say it's not 100% faith based as there is ALOT of drug deals, guns etc which were my favourite parts of this book.
I would recommend this novel to any Christians but also anyone who enjoys a real life story with plenty of action.
I wasn't gripped by this book until about half way through & then i couldn't put it down....which surprised me because i don't 'do' religion. I must say it's not 100% faith based as there is ALOT of drug deals, guns etc which were my favourite parts of this book.
I would recommend this novel to any Christians but also anyone who enjoys a real life story with plenty of action.
September 27, 2015
So this book arrives to me by mail. I crack open the book and the first thing that hits me is that this book does not have a table of contents, how odd is that? I liked how the book kept switching perspectives between Junior and Kerby it offered two different view points. Which really helped me to understand both Junior and Kerby's state of mind and their decisions. Between the two brothers I did not have a favorite I felt they were both responsible for the way their relationship was. Instead I prefered Rene as a character. Overall I really liked the writing style of the author, the plot, and the rekindled relationship.
View my full review at:http://misty103.hubpages.com/hub/Agai...
I was sent this book for free for a honest review.
View my full review at:http://misty103.hubpages.com/hub/Agai...
I was sent this book for free for a honest review.
October 31, 2012
It is extremely rare for me not to finish a book, but I gave up on this one after 90 pages. It is just awful. The writing is terrible, there's not much of a plot, the characters are unlikable and the religion is crammed down the reader's throat. Every other word is God or Jesus. The point of view would change with barely a paragraph break. If it hadn't been sooo long (nearly 500 pages) I might have stuck with it. But as I tried to read it with a hurricane raging outside, I thought, life is too short for me to spend one more second with this horrible book.
September 10, 2011
Good story line but it took a long time to get there. Point of book, plain and simple...Man get hooks on drugs, losses everything (job, family, etc.)family stands by him and with the grace of God he is delivered from his addiction. By the way, he was a cop and his twin brother is one also, AND they end up finding the murdered of their parents. Pretty much a story of love, redemption, and salvation.With all of those virtues, nothing stands in the way.
November 20, 2011
I received this book through Goodreads and thoroughly appreciated receiving and reading it. It was eye-opening to me, who has lived a fairly sheltered and safe life in comparison to Kerby, to whom the drug world and the streets are painfully familiar. His journey from the depths of despair to renewed faith and repaired family life makes a fascinating read. I would certainly recommend this book, it likely will renew the reader's faith as well.
September 19, 2014
Against The Gates Of Hell by Mylow Young was a good book it just wasn’t the book for me. The author did a great job writing this book but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I got confused and lost a lot of the time because of the slang that was used in the book. I grew up so far removed from the world that is described in this book that I just couldn’t get into this book. I know that most people would like this book but it just wasn’t right for me.
Want to read
September 6, 2011This book is FREE on Amazon.com, I can't wait 2 read it.
March 20, 2012
Gave me a new insight on individuals that are hooked on cocaine.
Read
July 19, 2013Reviews here are really good; maybe I should give it another try.
So far I just can't get into it at all.
So far I just can't get into it at all.
September 19, 2014
Inspirational & Different! I Loved It!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews