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Haven Seekers #1
Seek and Hide
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment—including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2014
164 people are currently reading
1584 people want to read
About the author
Amanda G. Stevens
8books349followersAmanda G. Stevens is the author of the Haven Seekers series and the No Less Days series. Her stories speculate on reality while her characters walk both an emotional journey and a Christian faith journey. She wrote her first story in first grade and can talk about her characters all day and all night; they're the children of her heart.
Amanda is a voluntarily transplanted Yankee who recently moved to South Carolina. She hasn't quit savoring the climate yet and probably never will. Research is one of her favorite things, and her go-to topics include high-control groups and trauma psychology. She also loves acoustic music, art museums, Golden Era films, birds and reptiles, time in nature, and of course books.
Amanda is a voluntarily transplanted Yankee who recently moved to South Carolina. She hasn't quit savoring the climate yet and probably never will. Research is one of her favorite things, and her go-to topics include high-control groups and trauma psychology. She also loves acoustic music, art museums, Golden Era films, birds and reptiles, time in nature, and of course books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 1, 2016
Getting book 2 ASAP! This was excellent!
I meant to come back and review this properly, but I would much rather say a few things rather than never say anything at all!
I feel like this book sort of snuck up on me…it begins in a sort of quiet, unassuming way, and then 100 pages later, I blinked, thinking, whoa, Amanda, what did you just do to me??
What I loved:
The setting/world of the story - Amanda has created here a world that feels so realistic; so close to our own world that it's scary (and it's meant to be). Government control sort of gives me the creeps anyway, and government policing of religion, in this story, Christianity, didn’t feel all that far-fetched. I wasn't sure how it was going to come across as realistic, but it definitely does. The sequence of events that took place prior to the story's beginning are explained in a very organic way, in that there is never an information "dump," but rather details are hinted at and released in such a way the reader is given just what they need to know at the right moment.
The characters are some of my favorite that I've encountered this year - I find realistic characters most endearing, and Marcus and Lee are so very realistic. Amanda doesn't sugarcoat their struggles and faults, and I really appreciated that. I want genuine, sincere, messy life-like struggles, and while there is an external struggle going on, the internal struggles are just as compelling and add so much to the story. Their complexity drew me in, and their struggles broke my heart.
Also, I'm not sure why, but often books that wreck my heart completely are some of my favorite books. Without going into detail because spoilers, let me just say that Amanda went there. I didn’t think she would, but then she did. I thought I would be so disappointed, but instead it didn’t seem like the story could have ended any other way. There are several nail-biting moments and impeccably done plot-twists that kept me reading well past a reasonable hour of the night.
I honestly can’t think of one thing that I didn’t love; even the things I hated, I loved, you know?
Basically, I’ve been kicking myself for not reading books two and three immediately. They are waiting (impatiently) on my Kindle, and I’m so looking forward to them.
I meant to come back and review this properly, but I would much rather say a few things rather than never say anything at all!
I feel like this book sort of snuck up on me…it begins in a sort of quiet, unassuming way, and then 100 pages later, I blinked, thinking, whoa, Amanda, what did you just do to me??
What I loved:
The setting/world of the story - Amanda has created here a world that feels so realistic; so close to our own world that it's scary (and it's meant to be). Government control sort of gives me the creeps anyway, and government policing of religion, in this story, Christianity, didn’t feel all that far-fetched. I wasn't sure how it was going to come across as realistic, but it definitely does. The sequence of events that took place prior to the story's beginning are explained in a very organic way, in that there is never an information "dump," but rather details are hinted at and released in such a way the reader is given just what they need to know at the right moment.
The characters are some of my favorite that I've encountered this year - I find realistic characters most endearing, and Marcus and Lee are so very realistic. Amanda doesn't sugarcoat their struggles and faults, and I really appreciated that. I want genuine, sincere, messy life-like struggles, and while there is an external struggle going on, the internal struggles are just as compelling and add so much to the story. Their complexity drew me in, and their struggles broke my heart.
Also, I'm not sure why, but often books that wreck my heart completely are some of my favorite books. Without going into detail because spoilers, let me just say that Amanda went there. I didn’t think she would, but then she did. I thought I would be so disappointed, but instead it didn’t seem like the story could have ended any other way. There are several nail-biting moments and impeccably done plot-twists that kept me reading well past a reasonable hour of the night.
I honestly can’t think of one thing that I didn’t love; even the things I hated, I loved, you know?
Basically, I’ve been kicking myself for not reading books two and three immediately. They are waiting (impatiently) on my Kindle, and I’m so looking forward to them.
May 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment--including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she's targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she'd never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus's lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus's life in a way he'd never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
REVIEW: This speculative fiction novel rivets the reader from the beginning to end both fast paced and terrifying and compares with The Left Behind series. When there is a moment when the pace slows, the author does an excellent job of further developing the chacracters. Rather than the rapture focus, this series focuses on government control of the church dictating every aspect of what is allowable for Christians and turning Christianity into something it isn't. This book not only makes you think about what is happening but what could happen in the future, yet it is also is entertaining at the same time. It brings up questions of morality, faith, betrayal and forgiveness.
Each of the characters in this story is full of depth, intricacy and realism. Each deals with what is happening in a different manner based on their faith of lack of it. The reader sees aspects of Peter in Amanda, the Sons of Thunder in Marcus, and Thomas in Lee. Although each of them is broken in one manner or another, they continue to move forward dealing with each blow as it comes.
The underground church already exists in so many places around the world and the author paints a vivid picture of what could happen here in the US. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Your attempt to memorize her holds no meaning for her. You'd be doing it for yourself, prioritizing the dead before the living who still seek a haven."
"The---well, the .....evil that happens. To people...."Aha"....So God can't exist, because if He did, He'd stop all this stuff from going on."
"No. Lee believes God exists. But she doesn't trust Him. She says that if He's powerful, then He's not good. And if He's good, then He's weak."
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she's targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she'd never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus's lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus's life in a way he'd never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
REVIEW: This speculative fiction novel rivets the reader from the beginning to end both fast paced and terrifying and compares with The Left Behind series. When there is a moment when the pace slows, the author does an excellent job of further developing the chacracters. Rather than the rapture focus, this series focuses on government control of the church dictating every aspect of what is allowable for Christians and turning Christianity into something it isn't. This book not only makes you think about what is happening but what could happen in the future, yet it is also is entertaining at the same time. It brings up questions of morality, faith, betrayal and forgiveness.
Each of the characters in this story is full of depth, intricacy and realism. Each deals with what is happening in a different manner based on their faith of lack of it. The reader sees aspects of Peter in Amanda, the Sons of Thunder in Marcus, and Thomas in Lee. Although each of them is broken in one manner or another, they continue to move forward dealing with each blow as it comes.
The underground church already exists in so many places around the world and the author paints a vivid picture of what could happen here in the US. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Your attempt to memorize her holds no meaning for her. You'd be doing it for yourself, prioritizing the dead before the living who still seek a haven."
"The---well, the .....evil that happens. To people...."Aha"....So God can't exist, because if He did, He'd stop all this stuff from going on."
"No. Lee believes God exists. But she doesn't trust Him. She says that if He's powerful, then He's not good. And if He's good, then He's weak."
November 17, 2015
I'm giving this 6 stars! I'm so impressed at the imagination and creativity that went into creating this story. For me, the timing of this story was just right. With our world at turmoil and what feels like the oncoming of WW3, coupled with many on-going court cases that seek to take away our freedoms i.e., removing The Cross from parks, banning Cheerleaders from writing encouraging scriptures on their football signs, the list goes on and on, this story just sadly doesn’t feel that out of grasp. It might have a few years back. The dangers and risks my new friends in ink faced reminded me of the secret churches in China. Both entail meeting in very secret places and share the dangers and consequences of owning a bible. I walked around while reading this with a deeper awareness and appreciation of what it means for me to carry my bible, to pray openly, to bring Jesus with me when I enter the world, to go to church with no fears or worries that I will be killed if caught. This is the reality for many, yet America is only just now starting to experience minor persecution. The characters were all flawed and yet were still being used by God. So true to how God operates. To Him belongs all the glory. In closing, I thought the author’s acknowledgments were personal and sweet to those she addressed. I especially loved when she addressed her Creator and concluded with “Dear Lord, receive glory from my little offering.� Surely He is. Surely I’m changed by my deepening appreciation for every right I obtain right now that isn’t available to many.
June 12, 2019
I’m not sure I've ever wanted to shake every—single—character in a book as much as I did with this one. Oh, that’s not a criticism of the book. Simply an illustration of how this story affected me, gripped me so much that I was there � right there with them, needing to give them a piece of my mind. For me, not many books cause this sort of involvement in characters' lives. So real and captivating.
A futuristic tale of a time when the Christian faith is outlawed because of a few violent acts from fringe movements. Christian thought became "a danger to society". Bibles outlawed. Fellowships abolished and Christians hunted down like Jews under the Nazi regime to "re-educate" believers, put them in cages for life, or simply eliminate them.
Three main characters: a Christian woman who inadvertently said something in front of a government police officer and she's on the run. A Christian man who covertly resists the law and works against it whenever God gives him opportunities, and a woman with whom he's in love but can’t have.
Seek and Hide is a moving, memorable book that kept me reading well into the night, unable to put it down. The ending was unique, so I’m starting book number two right now. But I’m NOT reading this one at bedtime! 😁
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord that this is a country where we can worship You, share about You and read Your Word freely.
***
(Oh, I forgot to add...the acknowledgments at the end of the book should not be missed. I both laughed and cried.)
A futuristic tale of a time when the Christian faith is outlawed because of a few violent acts from fringe movements. Christian thought became "a danger to society". Bibles outlawed. Fellowships abolished and Christians hunted down like Jews under the Nazi regime to "re-educate" believers, put them in cages for life, or simply eliminate them.
Three main characters: a Christian woman who inadvertently said something in front of a government police officer and she's on the run. A Christian man who covertly resists the law and works against it whenever God gives him opportunities, and a woman with whom he's in love but can’t have.
Seek and Hide is a moving, memorable book that kept me reading well into the night, unable to put it down. The ending was unique, so I’m starting book number two right now. But I’m NOT reading this one at bedtime! 😁
Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord that this is a country where we can worship You, share about You and read Your Word freely.
***
(Oh, I forgot to add...the acknowledgments at the end of the book should not be missed. I both laughed and cried.)
February 22, 2016
Can I be 100% real? I don't read literary fiction, and I shy away from anything tribulation/persecution related in my novels. However - and this is a HUGE however - I'm in love with this book.
Why? THE CHARACTERS. By Chapter Three, I wanted to hug everyone. Except Jason, but that's to be expected because he's an antagonist. (No hugs for them ever). Stevens' characters, both primary and secondary, are wonderful, flawed and completely fleshed out. (I mean, I now know Lee's favorite kind of flowers and about Marcus' dislike of all things sprinkle. And these details were given to me in a completely natural, believable way. It didn't for a second feel like Stevens was trying to shoehorn these "quirks" into the character's thoughts for my information.)
In regards to our POV characters specifically, Aubrey is so vulnerable and unsure of herself, yet selfless that I want to hug her pretty much all the time. Even when she's panicking. I wanted her to find peace - and forgiveness - the entire book, and I was rewarded, even if it wasn't in the way I expected.
As for Marcus, how can I want to hug and hit a hero at the same time? Yet I found myself with these dueling urges throughout. Marcus' protectiveness and stubbornness and daily fight against the ghosts of his past make me feel like a momma bear desiring to stand between him and the rest of the world. But he's by no means perfect. When he stops listening and hunkers down, jaws clamped like a pit bull, I want to shake him. Lecture him. Make him listen. But rarely because I'm angry at him, mostly because I want better for him. I want healing for him. I want freedom for him.
And that's why I can't wait for Found and Lost's release. I'm hoping for more progress toward healing and freedom for Marcus. A character who's very likely to become one of "My Guys." (That elite group of heroes who gain a level of protectiveness from me that is usually reserved only for my own characters.)
Good thing I don't have to wait too long.
Why? THE CHARACTERS. By Chapter Three, I wanted to hug everyone. Except Jason, but that's to be expected because he's an antagonist. (No hugs for them ever). Stevens' characters, both primary and secondary, are wonderful, flawed and completely fleshed out. (I mean, I now know Lee's favorite kind of flowers and about Marcus' dislike of all things sprinkle. And these details were given to me in a completely natural, believable way. It didn't for a second feel like Stevens was trying to shoehorn these "quirks" into the character's thoughts for my information.)
In regards to our POV characters specifically, Aubrey is so vulnerable and unsure of herself, yet selfless that I want to hug her pretty much all the time. Even when she's panicking. I wanted her to find peace - and forgiveness - the entire book, and I was rewarded, even if it wasn't in the way I expected.
As for Marcus, how can I want to hug and hit a hero at the same time? Yet I found myself with these dueling urges throughout. Marcus' protectiveness and stubbornness and daily fight against the ghosts of his past make me feel like a momma bear desiring to stand between him and the rest of the world. But he's by no means perfect. When he stops listening and hunkers down, jaws clamped like a pit bull, I want to shake him. Lecture him. Make him listen. But rarely because I'm angry at him, mostly because I want better for him. I want healing for him. I want freedom for him.
And that's why I can't wait for Found and Lost's release. I'm hoping for more progress toward healing and freedom for Marcus. A character who's very likely to become one of "My Guys." (That elite group of heroes who gain a level of protectiveness from me that is usually reserved only for my own characters.)
Good thing I don't have to wait too long.
September 29, 2023
Amanda G. Stevens has become a go-to, must-read author. If she writes it, I'm going to read it. Period. When I finally read the synopsis of these, I knew I'd like them. I just didn't know how much.
Stevens isn't afraid of going into the hard places and exploring what it means to be a Christian in those places. Here, true Christianity has become a hate crime punishable by imprisonment, "deprogramming," and worse. Bibles have been rewritten to be little more than self-help manuals, and approved churches are health and wealth social clubs where God has been stripped down to the "better part of self."
Seriously, reading this book is a chilling picture of what feels like is just around the corner for Christians. My thought as I read this was, "Go over the books and verses you've memorized again. Make sure you have it right. You may need it."
Though not intended to be a suspense novel, it definitely is. You're on the edge of your seats as Aubrey and Marcus try to hide out from those out to stamp out true faith in this Fahrenheit 451 meets the church novel. Fabulous.
Stevens isn't afraid of going into the hard places and exploring what it means to be a Christian in those places. Here, true Christianity has become a hate crime punishable by imprisonment, "deprogramming," and worse. Bibles have been rewritten to be little more than self-help manuals, and approved churches are health and wealth social clubs where God has been stripped down to the "better part of self."
Seriously, reading this book is a chilling picture of what feels like is just around the corner for Christians. My thought as I read this was, "Go over the books and verses you've memorized again. Make sure you have it right. You may need it."
Though not intended to be a suspense novel, it definitely is. You're on the edge of your seats as Aubrey and Marcus try to hide out from those out to stamp out true faith in this Fahrenheit 451 meets the church novel. Fabulous.
January 6, 2016
I was blown away by this book. From the very first page until the ending I was captured by Amanda's writing style and the unique perspective she's given her characters. Set in the not-so-distant (and not so far-fetched) future, Seek and Hide explores the reality of a world with government controlled church.
Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, is a fantastically complex and yet completely endearing character who is by far my favorite throughout the story. His motivations, emotions, and commitment to protect the ones he cares about propel him to set aside personal safety for the good of others.
Aubrey Weston just want's to protect her son, though that reality becomes more difficult than she would have expected. I appreciated Aubrey's growth throughout the book and the way that Amanda dealt with difficult faith issues that aren't localized to a fictional world but that stretch across to connect with readers in today's world.
Seek and Hide mixes complex yet relatable characters with riveting plot twists to provide a thrilling read that will force you to turn page after page until the very end.
I highly recommend this book to my readers! Amanda is a fantastic writer and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing to the end. She combines thrilling suspense and characters with depths to explore that go beyond the pages. I also love how she deals with difficult truths and doesn't shy away from emotions and subjects that we deal with today.
Originally posted on my blog:
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, is a fantastically complex and yet completely endearing character who is by far my favorite throughout the story. His motivations, emotions, and commitment to protect the ones he cares about propel him to set aside personal safety for the good of others.
Aubrey Weston just want's to protect her son, though that reality becomes more difficult than she would have expected. I appreciated Aubrey's growth throughout the book and the way that Amanda dealt with difficult faith issues that aren't localized to a fictional world but that stretch across to connect with readers in today's world.
Seek and Hide mixes complex yet relatable characters with riveting plot twists to provide a thrilling read that will force you to turn page after page until the very end.
I highly recommend this book to my readers! Amanda is a fantastic writer and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing to the end. She combines thrilling suspense and characters with depths to explore that go beyond the pages. I also love how she deals with difficult truths and doesn't shy away from emotions and subjects that we deal with today.
Originally posted on my blog:
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
February 3, 2015
A character’s imperfections can make or break a story. Often, an author hides such flaws until further along in the book. That is not the case here, but it works!
In this story, Christians aren't allowed to be, well…Christians; and if that isn’t enough, Marcus (the poor guy) has other issues, too. (Temptation. Guilt.) But it all made me root for him because he was so real. Aubrey and Lee have plenty of their own baggage that helps to make SEEK AND HIDE a page-flipping dystopian drama that is really believable.
Don’t go into this book expecting a giant romantic story line, because it just isn’t there. Yet. There are, however, romantic elements; tiny hints that leave you wanting, needing, and expecting more to come.
Clear your schedule and bring a wad of tissues. It’s good. And what’s even better, it’s a series. :)
STORY: 4.98 Stars
CONTENT: Rated Edgier for Christian fiction. (Dealing with Alcoholism, Persecution and Rape—no details or scenes.)
This and other reviews can be found at Edgy Inspirational Romance.
In this story, Christians aren't allowed to be, well…Christians; and if that isn’t enough, Marcus (the poor guy) has other issues, too. (Temptation. Guilt.) But it all made me root for him because he was so real. Aubrey and Lee have plenty of their own baggage that helps to make SEEK AND HIDE a page-flipping dystopian drama that is really believable.
Don’t go into this book expecting a giant romantic story line, because it just isn’t there. Yet. There are, however, romantic elements; tiny hints that leave you wanting, needing, and expecting more to come.
Clear your schedule and bring a wad of tissues. It’s good. And what’s even better, it’s a series. :)
STORY: 4.98 Stars
CONTENT: Rated Edgier for Christian fiction. (Dealing with Alcoholism, Persecution and Rape—no details or scenes.)
This and other reviews can be found at Edgy Inspirational Romance.
February 23, 2015
Although the premise of this book is sobering and scary - an America where Christianity is illegal, the Bible is banned, and only state approved churches are allowed - this was a great read that I found hard to put down.
It is a fact that this premise could happen here some day, and most likely will, and the author did a great job of portraying what life might be like for Christians in that day. It wasn't a mystery/suspense novel, but it was still a very suspenseful read.
I liked the main character, Marcus a lot. He wasn't perfect, a new Christian battling alcoholism, but very willing to risk his life to help other Christians, or "family" as he thought of them.
This is the first book this author has had published, and it is a great debut novel. It is also the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I highly recommend,
It is a fact that this premise could happen here some day, and most likely will, and the author did a great job of portraying what life might be like for Christians in that day. It wasn't a mystery/suspense novel, but it was still a very suspenseful read.
I liked the main character, Marcus a lot. He wasn't perfect, a new Christian battling alcoholism, but very willing to risk his life to help other Christians, or "family" as he thought of them.
This is the first book this author has had published, and it is a great debut novel. It is also the first book in a series, and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I highly recommend,
March 6, 2015
What a frightening speculative fiction novel! A page turner...
September 22, 2018
My word. This was--intense. Amazing. Unforgettable.
One of the things that makes this story hit so close to home is how very much like our world everything still is. Christianity is banned, the church is underground, the "con-cops" prowl the streets, and yet people are going to work, running in the park, watching movies, eating ice cream. One court case has wiped out freedom of conscience as we know it, and yet life goes on. And the little details in the writing gave such vividness and realness to the settings, the characters, and the situations. Little kids. Women in home improvement stores. Ridiculous warning labels. So many tangible things to remind me that this is my world, not some far-off fantasy invention.
But more than anything else, it was the characters who grabbed me. Strike that. It was Marcus who grabbed me. I will run myself dry of adjectives if I try to describe Marcus. Real, raw, broken, protective, solid, beautiful. My heart was wrapped up in him from the very beginning, and I literally begged him out loud on numerous occasions. His baby faith was so precious and wonderful, especially with the glimpses we had of what he had been and what he still struggled with. The way he held onto the burden of caring for anyone who belonged to his newfound family made my heart absolutely ache with love, even if he did try to take too much responsibility on himself. And the way he was able to point Aubrey back to God's forgiveness when more mature Christians had shunned her--oh, may I never outgrow that kind of simple faith, no matter how old I grow in the Lord.
Aubrey's storyline was hard, especially with the multiple sins in her past that she couldn't fully believe forgiven. I loved how her understanding of Marcus grew as she got to know him and how she was able to interpret his actions and his expressions. I appreciated the way she was able to keep the attraction that wanted to bud in check as well; we really didn't need a love triangle here. I had a hard time connecting with Lee from about the point that she first met Aubrey, but the good news was that her interactions with Marcus before that had put me so solidly in her camp that I just kept willing her to open up, to stop distancing herself. Having her (and some others) involve themselves in Marcus's mission without being Christians themselves definitely added some interesting tension.
The last several chapters went in a direction I wasn't expecting and were a lot harder and darker than the rest of the book, but somehow they didn't leave me feeling hopeless. I'm actually not quite sure what I do feel--maybe just shock? If there wasn't a series involved, I'd have been seriously disappointed in the ending, but I'm hoping to find certain things resolved in the later books.
There was quite a bit of content involved in people's backstories (Marcus is a recovering alcoholic, Lee is a rape victim, Aubrey had a child out of wedlock), but I thought most of it was handled with a pretty light touch. The only thing that really walked the line for me was one paragraph when Aubrey was remembering her relationship with her boyfriend, which used some pretty vivid metaphors. Other than that, details were kept sparse, which I appreciated.
Content--numerous mentions of alcohol, drinking, and drunkenness, mostly focused on Marcus's struggle not to fall back into alcoholism; mentions of immodest clothing, cleavage, and a bra; some mild language--"damning" (used for evidence), "screw", "crap", "heck", "dang", "hell-bent"; mentions of rape and forced abortion; mentions of intimacy outside of marriage; desire to kiss, touch, and hold someone; violence; Marcus has thoughts of killing people in anger; death and dead bodies; a joke about zombies
One of the things that makes this story hit so close to home is how very much like our world everything still is. Christianity is banned, the church is underground, the "con-cops" prowl the streets, and yet people are going to work, running in the park, watching movies, eating ice cream. One court case has wiped out freedom of conscience as we know it, and yet life goes on. And the little details in the writing gave such vividness and realness to the settings, the characters, and the situations. Little kids. Women in home improvement stores. Ridiculous warning labels. So many tangible things to remind me that this is my world, not some far-off fantasy invention.
But more than anything else, it was the characters who grabbed me. Strike that. It was Marcus who grabbed me. I will run myself dry of adjectives if I try to describe Marcus. Real, raw, broken, protective, solid, beautiful. My heart was wrapped up in him from the very beginning, and I literally begged him out loud on numerous occasions. His baby faith was so precious and wonderful, especially with the glimpses we had of what he had been and what he still struggled with. The way he held onto the burden of caring for anyone who belonged to his newfound family made my heart absolutely ache with love, even if he did try to take too much responsibility on himself. And the way he was able to point Aubrey back to God's forgiveness when more mature Christians had shunned her--oh, may I never outgrow that kind of simple faith, no matter how old I grow in the Lord.
Aubrey's storyline was hard, especially with the multiple sins in her past that she couldn't fully believe forgiven. I loved how her understanding of Marcus grew as she got to know him and how she was able to interpret his actions and his expressions. I appreciated the way she was able to keep the attraction that wanted to bud in check as well; we really didn't need a love triangle here. I had a hard time connecting with Lee from about the point that she first met Aubrey, but the good news was that her interactions with Marcus before that had put me so solidly in her camp that I just kept willing her to open up, to stop distancing herself. Having her (and some others) involve themselves in Marcus's mission without being Christians themselves definitely added some interesting tension.
The last several chapters went in a direction I wasn't expecting and were a lot harder and darker than the rest of the book, but somehow they didn't leave me feeling hopeless. I'm actually not quite sure what I do feel--maybe just shock? If there wasn't a series involved, I'd have been seriously disappointed in the ending, but I'm hoping to find certain things resolved in the later books.
There was quite a bit of content involved in people's backstories (Marcus is a recovering alcoholic, Lee is a rape victim, Aubrey had a child out of wedlock), but I thought most of it was handled with a pretty light touch. The only thing that really walked the line for me was one paragraph when Aubrey was remembering her relationship with her boyfriend, which used some pretty vivid metaphors. Other than that, details were kept sparse, which I appreciated.
Content--numerous mentions of alcohol, drinking, and drunkenness, mostly focused on Marcus's struggle not to fall back into alcoholism; mentions of immodest clothing, cleavage, and a bra; some mild language--"damning" (used for evidence), "screw", "crap", "heck", "dang", "hell-bent"; mentions of rape and forced abortion; mentions of intimacy outside of marriage; desire to kiss, touch, and hold someone; violence; Marcus has thoughts of killing people in anger; death and dead bodies; a joke about zombies
February 17, 2017
I liked this book for so many reasons. Beside the fact that it is darn good storytelling, I appreciated that Christians are portrayed in a realistic manner and that the book offers no easy answers to life's problems. In addition, Stevens manages to write about gritty situations without sordidness. The conversations are believable. And, unlike most Christian novels, the characters are complex and interesting.
Thank you, Amanda G. Stevens, for showing me there is a glimmer of hope in the dreary world of Christian fiction.
A lengthier review is on my blog:
Thank you, Amanda G. Stevens, for showing me there is a glimmer of hope in the dreary world of Christian fiction.
A lengthier review is on my blog:
January 29, 2015
"Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment—including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader."
This book was a traveling book, which is one of the big reasons as to why I read it. I thought that it was very good, I especially loved the main male character-Marcus-because he was torn between right and wrong and had a very realistic personality, that was very relatable to. There was a certain part that came as a total shocker, I didn't understand why that part had to be in there because i made me a little aggravated.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader."
This book was a traveling book, which is one of the big reasons as to why I read it. I thought that it was very good, I especially loved the main male character-Marcus-because he was torn between right and wrong and had a very realistic personality, that was very relatable to. There was a certain part that came as a total shocker, I didn't understand why that part had to be in there because i made me a little aggravated.
December 9, 2014
This book is everything. The language itself is absolutely stunning, a masterpiece of words. And then the story...I am a fan of dystopian literature, but this is somehow more real than fantasy. It sucked me in with just how possible it seemed, how...close. This could so easily be our future. The other thing that made it so engaging was the characters. They are so raw and real and beautifully, tragically flawed. Amanda is a master at getting the reader deep inside each character's soul. I wanted to hug Aubrey and protect her and that sweet baby. I wanted to hangout with Marcus and eat ice cream and build stuff. And by the end, I even wanted to be friends with Lee--the kind of friends that don't touch.
Whether you love dystopian or not, read this because it's masterfully written, because it is a story with a huge heart, and if you let it, it will change you.
Whether you love dystopian or not, read this because it's masterfully written, because it is a story with a huge heart, and if you let it, it will change you.
February 24, 2015
This was an eery book, one that felt way too real. Believing that we are in the end times, this book brought it home in so many ways. I could see the things that happened in this book happening any time in the near future. It was way more real to me than any of the Left Behind Series.
Recommended
Recommended
July 10, 2016
So well written. Can't wait to read the rest of the series to find out what happens.
March 9, 2017
Christianity and the Bible have been banned and it is now a felony to speak anything about Jesus or his word. Join Marcus, lee and Aubrey in this story of of loss, hurt, anger, addiction, rape and hiding from the Con Cops.
October 20, 2017
A slow read.
I kept waiting for this story to grip me and it did but abruptly the sequence would change. I wanted some kind of finish that did not occur. Not my kind of ending.
I kept waiting for this story to grip me and it did but abruptly the sequence would change. I wanted some kind of finish that did not occur. Not my kind of ending.
February 20, 2017
Intense!!
When the government tries to take over Christians, destroy all Bibles, and arrest anyone who confesses to live for Christ, owns a Bible, is aware of someone who is a Christian but they fail to turn them over to the authorities....the crimes are considered felonies. The arrested Christians are taken in an attempt to brainwash them. The government has written their own vowed ion of the Word of God. Marcus, the main character, plays a huge role in helping people hide, but when a death occurs and Marcus, a recovering alcoholic faces temptation to fall off the wagon as the stress and heartfelt lifestyle he's chosen become insurmountable. Will he overcome?
When the government tries to take over Christians, destroy all Bibles, and arrest anyone who confesses to live for Christ, owns a Bible, is aware of someone who is a Christian but they fail to turn them over to the authorities....the crimes are considered felonies. The arrested Christians are taken in an attempt to brainwash them. The government has written their own vowed ion of the Word of God. Marcus, the main character, plays a huge role in helping people hide, but when a death occurs and Marcus, a recovering alcoholic faces temptation to fall off the wagon as the stress and heartfelt lifestyle he's chosen become insurmountable. Will he overcome?
January 29, 2015
Great fiction, for me, must have three characteristics. First, and foremost, it must entertain me. Frankly, half the books I enjoy stop there and I’m content with that. But that’s not a mark of great fiction. No, great fiction must also make me think. But even that’s not enough. The truly great sticks with me, long after I finish the pages, because it makes me feel.
Seek and Hide is great fiction. The story pulled me in from page one, drawing me into these characters� lives and making me hurry up to read faster to find out what was going to happen next. Minor characters were fully fleshed out, with so many little details making the entire atmosphere just come to life, as if I could walk into any scene and join them. The main characters were so alive I felt like I could run into them on the street someday.
As I lived their tale with them, these characters and their world made me think. What would I do? Where do I draw my lines? Questions of morality, of faith, of betrayal and forgiveness. These are big struggles, but in Seek and Hide they’re brought down to a human level and we struggle along with the broken, flawed, human characters.
And oh, how it made me feel. Sometimes I wanted to shake the characters. Sometimes I wanted to hug them. And sometimes I cried � with them or for them or both.
But honestly, what I love best about this book is the rawness of their relationships with God. No cookie-cutter Christians here � nope, these are people who are struggling with their choices, with their pasts, with their desire to do God’s will at war with their human misperceptions of Him and the constant battering of a world at war against Him. But even in the giant battle against the world, the day-to-day of their faith was so real that I couldn’t help but relate.
Five stars, without a doubt, and I’ll be on the edge of my seat until Book Two comes out!
Seek and Hide is great fiction. The story pulled me in from page one, drawing me into these characters� lives and making me hurry up to read faster to find out what was going to happen next. Minor characters were fully fleshed out, with so many little details making the entire atmosphere just come to life, as if I could walk into any scene and join them. The main characters were so alive I felt like I could run into them on the street someday.
As I lived their tale with them, these characters and their world made me think. What would I do? Where do I draw my lines? Questions of morality, of faith, of betrayal and forgiveness. These are big struggles, but in Seek and Hide they’re brought down to a human level and we struggle along with the broken, flawed, human characters.
And oh, how it made me feel. Sometimes I wanted to shake the characters. Sometimes I wanted to hug them. And sometimes I cried � with them or for them or both.
But honestly, what I love best about this book is the rawness of their relationships with God. No cookie-cutter Christians here � nope, these are people who are struggling with their choices, with their pasts, with their desire to do God’s will at war with their human misperceptions of Him and the constant battering of a world at war against Him. But even in the giant battle against the world, the day-to-day of their faith was so real that I couldn’t help but relate.
Five stars, without a doubt, and I’ll be on the edge of my seat until Book Two comes out!
February 19, 2015
My Review:
The end times is a terrifying subject for me. I even into adulthood have shyed away from reading Revelation because it is difficult to understand but mainly out of fear. I was raised to believe that if I was obedient to God then I would have to really worry about the end times, because I believe that I will be caught up in the rapture. And that would mean that I would avoid all the really bad things which is a HUGE relief, but as I am soon learning, I still need to read it and understand it to be more aware of what is happening or will happen.
Seek and Hide reminded me a lot of the movies we see dedicated to the "end times" theme. Persecution of the church as a whole is a big factor in the end times equation, so that is how this book started for me in my thinking. Upon reading you learn that the government took control of the church which is never a good thing. Then they re-translate the Bible, definitely not good. Faced with many obstacles and reasons to remain safe, many of the characters are faced with remaining alive versus living all out for God which in this case will get them imprisoned or worst yet killed.
I liked the book solely based on the fact that I believe that these times and those leading up to the end wil be much like the author described. A gripping novel! It is a very scary situation, very scary indeed!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
The end times is a terrifying subject for me. I even into adulthood have shyed away from reading Revelation because it is difficult to understand but mainly out of fear. I was raised to believe that if I was obedient to God then I would have to really worry about the end times, because I believe that I will be caught up in the rapture. And that would mean that I would avoid all the really bad things which is a HUGE relief, but as I am soon learning, I still need to read it and understand it to be more aware of what is happening or will happen.
Seek and Hide reminded me a lot of the movies we see dedicated to the "end times" theme. Persecution of the church as a whole is a big factor in the end times equation, so that is how this book started for me in my thinking. Upon reading you learn that the government took control of the church which is never a good thing. Then they re-translate the Bible, definitely not good. Faced with many obstacles and reasons to remain safe, many of the characters are faced with remaining alive versus living all out for God which in this case will get them imprisoned or worst yet killed.
I liked the book solely based on the fact that I believe that these times and those leading up to the end wil be much like the author described. A gripping novel! It is a very scary situation, very scary indeed!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
January 3, 2016
Can't believe this book is the debut for Amanda G Stevens.
The plot of the book is real - government are in control of Christianity and dictates what to believe, which is in total contrast to God's word. Real Bibles are illegal and underground Churches are implemented. This plot really felt believable, since in 2015 there were discussions of merging Government and Church.
The main Characters in this book, Marcus, Aubrey and Lee had deep emotional struggles due to past hurt and choices they made, issues which can't be fixed overnight and there was no quick fixes in this book. Amanda did a great job in making me feel what they feel and she almost had me in tears with a twist in the end. She even did a great job of building sympathy for a Constabulary agent through an event which effected him in joining the Constabulary forces.
Looking forward to the series! I have book 2 and 3 waiting :-)
The plot of the book is real - government are in control of Christianity and dictates what to believe, which is in total contrast to God's word. Real Bibles are illegal and underground Churches are implemented. This plot really felt believable, since in 2015 there were discussions of merging Government and Church.
The main Characters in this book, Marcus, Aubrey and Lee had deep emotional struggles due to past hurt and choices they made, issues which can't be fixed overnight and there was no quick fixes in this book. Amanda did a great job in making me feel what they feel and she almost had me in tears with a twist in the end. She even did a great job of building sympathy for a Constabulary agent through an event which effected him in joining the Constabulary forces.
Looking forward to the series! I have book 2 and 3 waiting :-)
September 12, 2015
Wow....this book was an incredible read...it was uncomfortable too, with thoughts of, "what would I do in this situation?" I really came to love the character Marcus, and was shouting (in my mind) things for him to do or let go of. Amanda really 'knows' people and has a talent for writing in a way that lets us into the characters in their situation.
Again, wow....now I need to find the rest of this series!!!!
Again, wow....now I need to find the rest of this series!!!!
March 22, 2016
Fantastic debut. Amanda Stevens gives readers beautifully flawed characters and an unsettling look at where America could be. I'm so glad I stepped out of my YA comfort zone and read a "grownup" dystopian novel. It was worth the risk. :)
December 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the Author gave depth to them. I love reading a book that keeps me thinking long after I finish it.
March 10, 2020
Really liked the characters in this book and want to read the others books in the series.
April 13, 2018
Disturbing...
“Seek and Hide� is a disturbing novel. It takes place in the not too distant future where the church and Christians have been basically eliminated and forced underground. It’s in this environment that the characters are attempting to fight for Christ. My Kindle copy was missing pages...aggravating but not enough to totally stop me from reading. The characters were not fully developed and the “rules� of time and place weren’t clear enough to anchor the story line. The relationship conflict (love interest?) between the two main characters is ended in a cold and jarring manner that I found most unsatisfying. While this book isn’t among the best I’ve read, it did remind me to pray for fellow Christians living in places where worshiping God is a threat to their very lives.
“Seek and Hide� is a disturbing novel. It takes place in the not too distant future where the church and Christians have been basically eliminated and forced underground. It’s in this environment that the characters are attempting to fight for Christ. My Kindle copy was missing pages...aggravating but not enough to totally stop me from reading. The characters were not fully developed and the “rules� of time and place weren’t clear enough to anchor the story line. The relationship conflict (love interest?) between the two main characters is ended in a cold and jarring manner that I found most unsatisfying. While this book isn’t among the best I’ve read, it did remind me to pray for fellow Christians living in places where worshiping God is a threat to their very lives.
July 25, 2017
Absolutely love this book by a new author, the beginning of a series of 4. This is a story written as if the Bible has been considered illegal and so has Christianity. There is a new religion and Bible allowed by the government but if you follow the "old" Christianity and Bible you will be arrested, re-educated and possibly worse. This author really helps you get to know the characters while at the same time pushing the story along in a fast-paced dramatic page turner that leaves you wanting to stop what you are doing and get back to your book.
August 30, 2018
Some of the best and most intense reading I've done. I think at some stage (to protect my emotions), I tried to stay out of the emotional drama and intensity (LOL!). It feels that real. If this is the kind of quality the author produces as her 2nd published work, then I look forward to how she gets even better over time.
September 4, 2019
Thought provoking
Unfortunately we are going in the direction this story pictures. Although this is fiction it is too realistic not to be taken seriously. Woe unto those who will have to face such a society. In other countries I'm sure these things are going on. Pray for the human race!
Unfortunately we are going in the direction this story pictures. Although this is fiction it is too realistic not to be taken seriously. Woe unto those who will have to face such a society. In other countries I'm sure these things are going on. Pray for the human race!
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