Book Review: True Light by Terri Blackstock (Restoration Series #3)

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Excellent plot in an unique setting

Cons: Writing could be stronger

The Bottom Line:

Very well done book

Pulls you in; does not let go

Pages will fly by

In the Winter of the Pulses

The Restoration series by Christian author Terri Blackstock has a fascinating premise. A supernova has starting sending out pulses which have interrupted all modern technology. The series has followed the Branning family in Alabama as they attempt to deal with the daily chores of getting food and water as well as the evil this crisis has unleashed. True Light is the third in the series and the best to date.

The pulses are now in their 8th month. Even in Alabama, the residents are feeling the pains of winter as they are facing a rare snow storm. Adding firewood to the mix has made life even more complicated for the Brannings.

Unfortunately, things are about to get worse. Teenager Jeff Branning's friend Zach is shot over a deer he has just killed. As he lies in the hospital barely hanging on, the sheriff looks for the shooter. Unfortunately, the evidence seems to be pointing to twenty-two year old Deni Branning's boyfriend Mark Green. And, because of Mark's father, the people in the community are quick to convict him. Did Mark really do it? If not, how can he clear his name?

I have found the first two books in this series fascinating even if the mystery storyline was weak. That isn't the case here at all. The mystery aspect starts in the first chapter and is a strong element the entire way through the book. I did piece things together a little before the characters, but we're talking maybe 15 pages. And the climax is so suspenseful I raced through it to find out how it would end.

That's not to say the effects of the pulses are forgotten. Since the first two books have dealt with how people are surviving, the action this time opens up, allowing us to see how hospitals and jails are dealing the crisis. True, they are beginning to find some ways to deal with things. But it still makes for an interesting read.

And the characters continue to grow. Mark, who has been a supporting character in the first two books, is really the focus of much of the action. Seeing him developed only makes me like him more. The Branning family continues to grow as well, and Zach's family provides an interesting counterpoint to them.

There is also a convicting message about forgiveness here. I was convicted about my own life as I read. It gave me lots to think about.

The only weakness continues to be the writing. It descends every so often into telling us how the characters are feeling instead of showing us. Frankly, it's a minor irritant in an otherwise outstanding novel.

You could jump into the series here, but it really is best to start at the beginning. That's not a bad thing because the entire series has been gripping.

I'm glad I picked up the first in this series. I sped through True Light and can hardly wait to read the final book in this great series.