I was instantly attracted to this book by its cover. I was a bit wary to review it since it was in the science fiction/fantasy genre. I had always prided myself on my broad knowledge of different types of literature, but it has been many years (since my senior year in high school) since I have read any science fiction. My newfound friendship with the author gave me the courage to tackle it. I am so glad I did! Faith Awakened, awakened my imagination.
I feel as if I have a distinct disadvantage to the other readers, having corresponded with Grace before hand. This blessing allowed me to see the author in every page. I caught many glimpses of the author in the characters and scenes. The vivid details on the country side and towns created a desire to travel to Germany. Now, for the book…
Faith Awakened is a marvelous story of a group of people, in a version of the last days, where some are “awakened” (saved) and some are not. The world becomes enslaved by technology and the government. The “awakened” must flee and go into hiding. A plague breaks out and only seven survive. However, the plague mutates and begins to attack the supposed immune, they escape death by going into life support-virtual reality cabins and relive lives better than the ones they have lived in the times of “Trouble” (where the Awakened are persecuted) and the plague. They wake up 90 years later, without having aged) and find that life has indeed survived and the world is once again multiplied.
The key points to this wonderfully creative twist on Christianity are: that some things, ordained by “the Awakener” still happen in the virtual world, the same people come into our lives and our callings are fulfilled regardless of the fact that we believe our calling is one thing, when God (the Awakener) wants it to be another. There is an inherent void in our lives that can only be filled by God. Ultimately, God's plan for our lives will happen regardless of our choices (free will); the blessings we receive or don't receive will be determined by our submission of His plan for our lives.
As I said, I had not read any science fiction since high school, Faith Awakened rekindled my interest in science fiction and I look forward to reading more books by Grace Bridges, as well as others in this genre. Did I like this book? Yes, immensely! Would I recommend it? Definitely!
Well done, Grace! I have no doubt that God is pleased with this work.
