Review: WAS RIVETED DOWN TO MY PAINTED TOENAILS AFTER THE FIRST PAGE!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 9, 2013
“Is there one word to describe this experience of reading Michael J. Webb’s novel Infernal Gates?”  I asked myself upon closing the last page of the epilogue.  Undoubtedly, numerous expressive words in the dictionary including a few expletives could define this absorbing story, but they just can’t be narrowed down to one.  Being a first time reader of Mr. Webb’s writing, I was riveted down to my painted toenails after the first page!  Where is this man going with this story?Well reader friends, Michael J Webb was going many places in different directions, up and down and all around.  At times, I had trouble keeping up with the pace and read many paragraphs and pages over again – not that it was confusing – only my 75 year old mind wasn’t grasping the mystery of the moment…and that’s exactly what this story is, an exhilarating mind blowing mystery of distinct possibilities, even though they might seem unrealistic to the unbeliever or the not so caught up in Christian beliefs personality.In all fairness, I need to allow each prospective reader to learn of these mysteries on their own, so their reading experience of Infernal Gates will be as unique as the author deems.  I have read many of the prior reviews which spoke about some of the events, relationships and storylines involved, and I will refrain from being repetitive.  Personally, I have no objection about any minor cursing or one romantic kiss in this story – as in real life, we imperfect humans fail ourselves daily to be free of sin, we need to accept the forgiveness Jesus freely offers, and go beyond bias to accept that the real issue in this story in the spiritual warfare going on about us constantly because we are not of this world – but we must live in this world until Christ returns.  During my personal time of being within the covers of Infernal Gates, I have been going through some unknown gates within my own family and would rather share about this book in a different way.Mr. Webb’s process of building his story bit by bit, layer upon layer, constructing all the elements to hold the reader solidly within the perimeters of possible and impossible; being part of each astonishing miracle and stunning shock while being let in on a secret from time to time was impeccably done with sophistication and excellence.  A writer that stands tall among other such writers as Frank Peretti, my favorite among spiritual writers of supernatural thrillers.The obvious deep research instilled by Michael J Webb while composing about subjects and facts I had never imagined existed was entertaining and vastly enjoyable.  I was fascinated with the unusual historical specifics of the diverse cultures brought to light through Mr. Webb’s thoughtful inclusion, much different from previous techniques personally perused.  Even if you are not a fan of the supernatural, this is one book that WILL keep you lingering on this area of interest for a lasting time.There is one interesting observation that surprised me while preparing to write this review.  The majority of reviews I have written are on Christian novels by women authors.  It is an honor to be requested to write a review for this gentleman writer.  A strong writer of the Word, he is a dedicated committed Christian and I thank God for an author such as Michael J Webb.  Here is my “high five” Mr. Webb!