Review: Reviewed by Kim Ford
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 11 18, 2013
“There is always a price to pay,” she continued, “for walking in the authority and power of the Lord.” (Tabitha to the group of warriors gathered in her home)Michael J Webb’s latest book, Infernal Gates, has been the most unusual reading experience I’ve had it quite some time. I found myself alternately mesmerized and frustrated. Let me explain. The premise of the book reflects an almost obsessive fascination with spiritual warfare. The elements of this warfare have been meticulously researched as reflected by the intricate details drawn from a myriad of cultures and belief systems. While I don’t deny the powerful war that wages in the spiritual realm, I don’t believe for a moment that the enemy and his demonic legions have the slightest possibility of coming close to usurping God’s plan for humanity. I suppose it makes for a good fictional plot, but for me, it came dangerously close to crossing the boundaries of spiritual truth, and I'd be highly uncomfortable recommending this book to a non-believer.That said, the nuggets of spiritual truth embedded within the story were both powerful and challenging for a believer. Many will identify with the struggles faced by both Ethan and Sam as they must face and overcome the tragic life-circumstances brought to bear on their lives. The roles they play in the spiritual battle they are called to face in this story are both classic and epic!I will have to state plainly that this book requires serious leaps into suspended disbelief! Infernal Gates must be read with a very open mind or you will never make to the final pages. This is a fantastical tale that is heavy on details and long on internal mental rambling. I prefer a little tighter read, but that’s just my personal preference. There will be many who find this story both titillating and very exciting! I feel compelled to give folks a spiritual “head-up” - as it were – because this is a potentially off-putting book to share with non-believers. For those who lack faith, the heavy historical data is almost counteractive to spiritual truth – hence my frustration.Highly entertaining read! Proceed with caution.(TWJ Magazine strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads, B&N;, and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.)