Having forfeited his youth to the state prison system, Michael moved back to the only home he’d ever known. An empty shell of a man who now lived–if it could be called living–in the still vacant house of his parents in a town with one stoplight. A town that hated him. Had always hated him. And was ready to pick up where the prison system had let off.Now he’s on the run from men who’ve tried to … who’ve tried to kill him once; but Michael is more than an ex-con. A powerful, sinister force creeps inside him, threatening and destructive. Who–and what–it will destroy next is the only real question. From the bold voice that brought readers down Purgatory Road comes a new pulse-pounding, spine-rattling tale of vengeance and justice that will have them up all night.
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This is the first Parker book I’ve read and it had shades of old Ted Dekker in it that I really enjoyed… and it seemed eerily appropriate for my Friday the 13th recommendation. Watch to find out what it’s all about: http://www.carlalaureano.com/2minbookreview-coldwater/
This is a book that keeps you on your toes. You wonder all throughout the book, ‘what is going on?’ It’s intense, suspenseful, filled with mystery, and still compelling enough to draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. There are underlying themes and lessons that are implied and never stated. Enjoy is not a word I would associate with the book, because of the amount of misery, but I did find the book intriguing and thought provoking.
I liked this book but it isn’t quite a 5 star. I think as Parker continues to write, he will draw us in even deeper. The story is full of twists, which I liked, but gets predictable. Overall, I’d recommend it.
This is not the kind of book I usually read, although the Christian genre drew me to read it. However, from the first chapter, it did not seem Christian at all, except in that it pitted evil versus good. With all the death and darkness throughout the book, at times it was hard to tell the difference between those who were evil and those who were good. The story is about a young man named Michael who spent time in the prison system as a boy and who has now returned to his hometown of Coldwater. But he is hated there, with a hate that is so visceral that it is hard to imagine how someone so young could have so many people hating him and trying to destroy him. It has a satisfying conclusion, but is such a dark novel that it was hard for me to read it. I did see some parts of the novel that were an allegory for the life of Jesus, but you will have to read it yourself to see if you also notice this allegory.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
When I first started this book, I felt compelled to keep page turning, the author is a gifted writer and although I was grasping for what the story was about, I had to keep at it.
Now I knew this was a Christian book, but there are no bible verses and we do not go to church, but I could quickly sense the undertones, and it wasn’t too far in that I began to understand, and it was so real.
This is a very different read, and yet it brought the justice system to light, a ten-year-old in prison, a man buried alive [how do these people sleep at night, they don’t], and then the mysterious deaths.
The ending was so awesome, once you read this, I felt justice was done, but then the evil continues, and I believe it does. So, scary, and yet so real!
I received this book through the Publisher Revell and their Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
I may be one of the few who really got the meaning of this book. I thought it was brilliant writing and I’m still shaking after reading it. I’ve read a few reviews which said they didn’t like it because it was published by a Christian Publishing company with no scripture reference through the entire book. I’m reviewing the book on the context not what I think should be in there. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you have to only read books that quote scripture or reference God. The book was an awakening to me because out there is evil. It is right beside us everyday, it sneaks into our thoughts and can consume us at anytime.
From the beginning of the book, I knew it was going to be a dark almost demonic book. I wasn’t prepared for the depth the author took readers to. I shivered as the book opened with someone realizing they have been buried alive. My heart beat faster as I imagined being that person trapped. I would be going crazy trying to get out. Michael is the one trapped and I felt every scratch he made as he tried to crawl out of what must have felt like hell.
I loved Michael because the author wrote him so well. He is a very troubled soul who all his life felt a desperate need to be wanted. The horrific crime he commits as a child is unthinkable. I did find it odd that he would be sent to a prison with adults but as I read the story, I understood the purpose. Do you believe in guardian angels? Are there demonic spirits around waiting to devour us? Michael has known nothing but what it feels like to locked away with just your thoughts for years. What happens when he returns to the town he once lived in? The book is undeniably dark, scary and delivers a message that there is good and evil in this world. Michael must fight from inside him to rid the darkness. Is he strong enough to survive? Can he control the darkness that lives deep inside, or will it destroy anytjung in its path? I must applaud the author for his upfront take on a subject very few write about. I loved his candor and thought the characters were suspenseful and strong. This is one of the best thrillers I have have ever read on this subject. I hope to find more books from this talented author.
I received a copy of this book from The Revell Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.
Coldwater is an unbelievably thrilling book. You start the book off with a major bang and then it gets more intense as it goes on. It is a uniquely murderous, strongly thrilling, constantly heart pounding, and your skin crawls with the things Michael goes through. Just to let you know there are a lot of twists and turns along the way till you reach the end of the book. Which in itself is shocking to read. You will be surprised at all the things you think you know but you find you’re wrong. Happy reading. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.