Monday, May 3, 2010

Darlington Woods by Mike Dellosso



I know sometimes, in the review world, we have to agree to disagree. But there's just something I have to say...and it must be said:

Mike Dellosso writes RINGS around Dekker, Peretti and any other Christian Horror author!!

His stories not only give you the heebie-jeebies, but pack a powerful spiritual punch that is unmistakable and authentic. His newest novel, "Darlington Woods", is his best ever, and had me gripping the pages until the wee hours of the morning.

Rob Shields is a broken man. His wife and son, taken from him by violence. His faith, in tatters after all he's endured. What is left for him to live for? With death on his mind, Rob makes a final journey to Mayfield...to visit his great-aunt Wilda's gift to him.

His journey to a receive his strange inheritance takes him to an out of the way cafe called Mary Jane's Diner. There he meets a waitress named Juli. She recognizes something in him, and quickly becomes his guide into a place she's all too familiar with.

Darlington Woods.

It's there that Rob will face his deepest fears, and finally uncover the truth about his family's disappearance, about himself, and about God. Strange characters abide in Darlington.

Even stranger ones in the woods surrounding. Be careful when you journey into Darlington Woods. Doubts abound that you'll ever make it back.

But what about Rob? Can he make it out of Darlington Woods? Can he come back from the brink of unbelief, or has Rob suffered too much? Lessons to be learned about fear, trust, and doubt on this journey we call faith abound in "Darlington Woods".

Mike's writing is sharper than ever. Word choices have you hearing things in the night that aren't there...or are they? Each chapter bleeds into the next, luring you to turn just one more page.

It's been a long time since I had chills reading a tale such as this...and that was during the daytime!

Don't beging your journey into "Darlington Woods" without plenty of preparation: a huge block of time, another warm body in the house, and the lights on. You've been duly warned:-)

I'm giving "Darlington Woods" five out of five bookmarks, with a flashlight as a charm. One with a big, huge, ginormous beam of bright light...you'll need it where you're going!

My thanks to my friends at Strang/Realms for my copy. Even bigger thanks to Mike for keeping the stories coming!

Happy Reading!

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3 comments:

Sara said...

Wow, this book sounds awesome! Great review. I'll be adding this to my "to read" list!

Nise' said...

Well, your first sentence has me wanting to check this one out! Thanks.

Rel said...

Fabulous review, Deena :)

Hope all is well with you and yours!