reviews

Having just finished Inez Brinkley's "A Light in Darkness," the first of the "Light" series, I am more enlightened into the second, "Embracing the Light," which I had the opportunity to review first. In "A Light in Darkness," the author reveals a story that has been going on since time began.

Our hero and heroine are introduced, along with the opposing forces, who are doing their best to thwart their meeting, and joining forces. The story series, set in Pre-Katrina New Orleans evolves around a series of ritual murders, and the occult. In this setting we find our "righteous pair" trying to work independently of the other toward the same goal.

Once I began reading, there was no stopping. The story line powerfully draws the reader right into it. You find yourself immersed, not only in what is going on, but why it is, and wondering what path it will take. Inez Brinkley's story is not predictable as to how it will end at any time, even though I read the sequel first, and knew who would come through it okay.

"A Light in Darkness" will have you both cheering and praying for the heroes, as they battle evil, and the criminal elements they face. I look forward to seeing the completion of the author's third in the series, for I know that the story will keep getting better as the "Light" stories continue.

I highly recommend that you read this story first, as it helps define the second story in more detail. Both are excellent stories on their own.

++++* (four crosses and one star)

David Cristwell

Author of "Auroraview, Alaska"

Review of:

A Light in Darkness

Author:

Inez Brinkley

ISBN: 1-4241-3408-0

Ms. Brinkley explores the dark world of Satan and his minions chewing at life and society on earth—every corner, every place humans inhabit—but this focus is in one city. Embodied in a few protagonists are many of the most evil deeds known to humankind. In her fast work, Ms. Brinkley provides a plausible seed and motive for horrible murders and other crimes. She introduces us to a heroine early—Jennie—who is both a strong woman in character and spirituality but also a vulnerable and sensitive person—shading her demon chasing activity with realism. She is much like many people in the world, but with a powerful edge she uses in keeping with her convictions.

The stage is set and the layers are created to take the reader through a journey of darkness and light. The darkness is described such that one can relate it to actual events in the news. We see one character after another—but not over-done—make choices that either deliver them or causes them to die figuratively and in some cases, literally. It is exciting and quick. Ms. Brinkley doesn’t let the reader rest very long before something else happens. She does a great job weaving through a very southern community and employs words and accents that put you in or near New Orleans—which to me, is a cool setting for this kind of spiritual story and one that makes imminent sense.

There are Satanists doing their awful sacrifices and forces of good as channeled through Jennie keeping them at bay and finally defeating them. An interesting twist in the book is how one who becomes very close to you yet can be one of the most dangerous for you. A shallow and foolish love such that sadly happens to some in the real world. The ending is satisfying and concluded the way I wanted. You may feel the same when you read it. I recommend the book for another clear description of demons by this author—an area of human ideas that is something fascinating to me—and for its turn to argue forcibly which side one should be on while engaged in the struggle that is life.

Andrew Huddleston