Does everyone go to Heaven? Does Hell really exist? In this story, fourteen-year-old Simon Connor is about to find out. Trouble incoming.
Most believe that life and death are just part of humanity. What if there is more? We are a part of God's creation, and so existence may be more complex that we believe. Are Heaven and Hell real? How about angels and demons?
The Land of Lost Souls is controlled by Satan and his demons. Those who feared God's retribution are easily stolen by the demons, who face an eternity of suffering for the pleasure of the Evil One.
The time has come for new heroes to join the fight to rescue the Lost Souls from their imprisonment. Famous pyschiatrist Joshua Adams gathers a group of people to face Satan, save the Lost Souls, and deliver them to our Father in Heaven. The path if fraught with danger but still they must prevail.
Excerpt
“You remember the mystery with Jeff Abernathy, right?”
“Of course,” Simon replied. “I thought he was okay when you and Dr. Adams found him.”
“Yea, he was fine then, although he doesn’t know how he ended up in the closet without his frame. With all the weird stuff going on, he, Abe, and Claire formed a prayer group. They were supposed to meet at Jeff’s house tonight. When they arrived, he didn’t answer the door. They think something bad may have happened to him.”
“That sounds more like a matter for the police, Lyle. Why did you call me?”
Lyle sighed. “They did call the cops for a wellness check. The police said he wasn’t inside the house. Abe asked about the walking frame, and the police said it was in the living room. They wanted them to call any friends he might have or wait twenty-four hours. If he’s still missing, they can then search for him. After what happened on Saturday, they became frightened and called me.”
“Lyle, I’m not sure what I can do.”
“We all remember you telling Dr. Adams to look in the closet for him. We also know you spent the break with Kelly and Reggie, so you didn’t put him there. We’re hoping you can help us find him.”
“Hang on a minute,” Simon said and set his phone down. He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. Several seconds later, he picked up the phone. “He’s still alive. I’m pretty sure I know that. Hold on again.” He set his phone down again, closing his eyes. A minute later, he retrieved his phone. “It’s a dark place. It feels like a jail cell, but it isn’t. I’m not positive, but I think he’s tied to a wall, like in a dungeon or something.”
“Are you sure, Simon? I don’t know any places like that. It could be anywhere.”
“I don’t know either but let me try again.” Simon kept his phone in his hand and closed his eyes. He felt a sudden chill and a drop of water hit him on the head. He opened his eyes to find he was no longer inside his house. He was seated on a three-legged stool. He stood and tried to focus in the dark. He heard a labored breath and turned toward the sound. “Mr. Abernathy, is that you?”
“Why did you do this to me?” Jeff shouted. “Why must I be tortured so?”
“Mr. Abernathy, it’s me, Simon Connor from the group. I’m trying to help you.”
A firm hand pushed Simon aside. “He wasn’t talking to you, kiddo.” The speaker was a tall, very thin man. His face looked like old leather stretched over a skull. “Jeff and I have a lot to catch up on. You should go home before you see something no child is meant to see.”
“Why are you hurting this man?”
A skeletal hand patted Simon on the cheek. “Let’s just call it payback for old times’ sake.” The figure bent down to put his face in front of Simon’s. “Now get out of here or you’re next!”
“No, I’m not leaving my friend,” Simon replied. He turned on the flashlight on his phone and aimed it at the figure. The man’s condition was like Frank Paterson, more dead than alive. The figure recoiled from the light and disappeared. “We’ll get you out of here, Mr. Abernathy.”
Tears rolled down the man’s face. “What’s the point? My past will continue to haunt me until I’m dead. Probably longer than that.”
Simon walked over to Abernathy. “Jeff, we’ll figure this out together, okay?”
A familiar figure appeared next to Simon. He put his hand on the boy’s head. “You were never here.” Simon vanished. The figure walked over to Jeff. “Be at peace, my friend. Your past mistakes are forgiven, although we need some time to fully resolve the situation of the day. Both men were gone, and the prison cell ceased to exist.
Professional Reviews
Angels, demons, reincarnation, and multiple dimensions fill the pages of this provocative novel.
Angels, demons, reincarnation, and multiple dimensions fill the pages of this provocative novel. Simon, a teenager, has visions, or almost visions. He thinks if he can turn his head fast enough, he’ll see the people hovering at the edge of his sight. Visits to two psychologists end with prescribed medication, but neither Simon nor his mother will agree drugs are the answer. When they schedule an appointment with someone new, Dr. Adams, he suggests group therapy. Dr. Adams leads a regularly scheduled group discussion with individuals who have experiences similar to Simon’s. Simon agrees and members of the group open a new world, one that Simon doesn’t fully understand. Thrust between dreams and reality, illusions and confrontations, Simon helps friends and strangers, but, at first, can’t explain how he does it. As he gains experience, he gains power and gets some direction from the Messiah and some help from the angels.
The characters’ personalities come through, and realistic dialogue enhances this thought-provoking novel. This book is a unique work of fiction, but many of the characters will be familiar to the reader. The archangels Michael and Gabriel take part in the storyline, along with the apostle, Peter, and Mary Magdalene. God, the Father, His Son, and the Holy Ghost are also included, but not as characters one would typically expect. Lucifer also has a part in the plot, along with his demon followers.
“The Land of Lost Souls” is an easy-to-read novel of good vs. evil, with drama and plot twists to keep the reader engaged. It is a reminder that people have free choice and there are consequences for that choice, whether positive or negative. It is also a reminder that faith can move mountains, or in Simon’s case, destroy demons and rescue lost souls.
I recommend this book for young adults and pre-teens, though it’s a story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
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