Title: Angelvoice
Author: John Keeling
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-5434-4858-0
Pages: 166
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
Reviewed by: Matt Hurd
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Angelvoice is a rollicking faith-based adventure novel that takes the reader from the streets of New York City to the depths of hell…and to the heights of Heaven. It’s the story of an unlikely hero’s quest, filled with heart, imagination, and creativity. Keeling’s hero, Eric, is a perfect central character for the story – he’s confused, a bit lost, and part of something much bigger than himself – and that’s the whole point. Many readers will see parts of them in Eric, and perhaps ask questions about the journeys they themselves are on.
Thematically, the story Keeling gives the reader is about faith: where it comes from, gaining it, and keeping it under duress. Eric is just a regular guy in the city who wakes up one day to find that he’s suddenly got Saint Michael’s fiery sword in his hand. What’s a guy to do? He could turn away, go back to his everyday life – but he doesn’t. He seeks out answers, holds fast to the beliefs in his heart, and strives to do the best for himself and those around him. He may not be the most complex character in all of literature, but he’s one of the truest.
Imaginative set pieces and characters along Eric’s journey keep the story surprising and entertaining throughout. From the anchor of Noah’s Ark to the fields of David and the Garden of Eden, Purgatory, and beyond, each new place that Eric sets foot is intriguing and a clever reinvention of what’s been done before.
It’s additionally worth noting that Keeling’s writing/storytelling style mirrors that of Biblical parables. His writing is simple, but fluid, and sets forth allegories that call to mind many other morality tales. The writing also stretches past the bounds of what we know, not content to simply regurgitate old visions of heaven or hell, of figures like Michael or the shepherd David…this book gives us a new path to follow and new shades of familiar faces to meet. What’s going to happen next, and where, is always a mystery with a satisfying answer.
Overall, Angelvoice is Touched By An Angel fused with comic-book heroism. The battles within its pages range from angels dueling demons on the plains of Heaven to the simplest of choices young people must make in life between good and evil. It’s inspiring, refreshing, and fun, all put together in a smart and creative package.
