John Draper's A Danger to God Himself

Title: Publisher’s Read

A Danger to God Himself by John Draper

Reviewed by K. Royce

3/20/16

9:00 p.m.

Elder Kenny Feller is in the last few months of his assignment when he is introduced to a new mission companion, Jared. The two quickly become friends as they knock on doors attempting to convert people to Mormonism. Jared begins to stir things when his premonitions start, and he shares a vision in which he claims he can hear God’s thoughts. His admission causes chaos in the Mormon Church, because God speaks only to the High Prophet, not some kid. Intrigued by Jared’s claim, a former church leader, who has his own doubts about Mormonism, begins to do some research into Jared’s questionable mental state. Things really get interesting when Jared’s visions suddenly become darker.

John Draper’s “A Danger to God Himself,” is a well-written and thoroughly researched read. This novel stands-out from the rest due to how creative the story is told. Draper’s main character recaps the story as if it is his very own memoir in the summer of 1979. And more importantly, the author brilliantly uses characters that are right at the edge of adulthood, as they are questioning the direction of their life; tapping into a time in which readers can relate to the internal struggle of where to take their life next and what to believe. It is the connection of inner struggle that is established and keeps readers turning the page.

This book is absolutely fantastic! Readers will grow attachments to the characters. Book lovers will struggle with the characters as well as suffer through their beliefs, and share in their triumphs. There is also a strong family bond shown throughout the read and makes for a wonderful story of love and acceptance, especially since unconditional love is a quality often overlooked today.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and deem this a Publisher’s Read.

Enjoy!

K. Royce

Joan Donaldson - Yarmey's "Gold Fever"

Title: Do You Have Gold Fever

Gold Fever by Joan Donaldson-Yarmey

Reviewed by K. Royce

7/28/15

9:00 p.m.

Boni is a city girl through and through. Her mother, Elsie, is quite the opposite. Elsie loves to be camping deep in the brush of Canada’s vast wilderness, while Boni enjoys catching a movie after hitting up the local Starbucks in Vancouver. When Boni reluctantly agrees to go on a camping trip with her mother, 55 years overdue, things certainly get interesting and fast. Elsie’s father, Ben, went to pan for gold one summer and he never returned. Now it is up to Elsie and Boni to try to find out what the police could not. As soon as they get there, their trouble starts, people panning for gold do not take kindly to campers and they certainly do not take kindly to women asking questions. It seems as though someone does not want them to find out the truth about Boni’s grandfather. The women develop romantic relationships with locals but their suspicions and feelings are so intertwined that deciphering their emotions could be the only thing that keeps them safe while camping alone in the deep woods.

Joan Donaldson-Yarmey brings the reader into two conflicting worlds. On one hand, you have the city folk who enjoy all of life’s luxuries and you have the rugged mountain people who use outhouses and hunt their meals. Her mystery plot follows a basic “who done it” archetype throwing in minimal plot twists along the way. While her novel does have a few romances in it, she does not turn to the graphic detail that so many authors utilize, keeping the reader interested in a very highbrow way.

The novel is a good read for anyone looking for something quick and not difficult. The author clearly did their research into the countryside, but lacked the description that pulled the reader into the novel. The characters, while interesting, were only surface level leaving much unanswered about their feelings, perhaps if the novel were longer or even became a series that would be better. Finally, while the author lacks in some descriptions she makes some unnecessarily descriptive. There are points when the novel reads wordy, and it is hard to focus on the plot when that happens.

While the ending is predictable, the adventure keeps the reader turning the page racing to solve the mystery with Boni and Elsie. 

I give Gold Rush 3 out of 5 Stars.

Enjoy!

K. Royce