Ascent from Darkness: How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior

Paperback, 256 pages
Expected publication: October 4th 2011 by Thomas Nelson

From Goodreads:


The redemptive story of one man's agonizing journey from depths of Satanism to a radical new life in Christ.

A life of difficulty and disappointment set 33-three year old Michael Leehan up for the worst decision of his life-to make a deal with the Devil to follow and serve him. Practicing the dark arts that include ritualistic cuttings and blood sacrifices, while fine tuning his manipulation and control skills, Michael launched into a twenty year downward spiral that included job loss and detachment from loved ones, and even jail time

But God had another plan that included a group of Christian men to love him and pray for him-even when it became evident his assignment from Satan was to kill their pastor, Craig Groeschel

The life Michael Leehan lives today is an incredible testimony of the transforming power of God's mercy and grace, but is also a wakeup call to the church to be fully aware of the spiritual war that is going on all around them, and to the ultimate battle for their souls.

"I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18

My opinion:

Wow this book was amazing I could not put it down. Mike pulls you into the story within the first paragraph and it continued to make me want to just keep reading more. I loved his style of writting and how he told his story and it was not at all overly pushing any religon down your throat.

I am not sure that I honestly believe all the things he said that happened but it could be true there may just be a whole spiritual world out there that we really have no idea about.

This book is definitely an eye opener I learned alot about both Christianity and Satanism... and some parts of the Satanism were just plain freaky.

Reading Mike's story he makes you feel like you are right there with him from the beginning of his story when he was only 19 to the end of the book, he describes everything with great detail and it's like you are reliveing every memory with him.

Living in Oklahoma his story hit home on alot of different levels I do believe that both believers and non believers will enjoy this book and be effected by it in one way other but that will have to be your choice it's definitely worth a shot though.

The only thing I did not enjoy about this book was the frequent reference to the band The Doors like it was the music's evil power that aided in all the evil in his life...I love the Doors and that part bothered me a bit.

I would say overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publisher from Booksneeze for purpose of review. 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 0 Wednesday

Surprised by Oxford

Paperback, 384 pages
Published August 9th 2011 by Thomas Nelson
ISBN 0849946115 (ISBN13: 9780849946110)
primary language English

Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir
by Carolyn Weber



From Goodreads:

A "girl-meets-God" style memoir of an agnostic who, through her surprising opportunity to study at Oxford, comes to a dynamic personal faith in God.

Carolyn Weber arrives for graduate study at Oxford University a feminist from a loving but broken family, suspicious of men and intellectually hostile to all things religious. As she grapples with her God-shaped void alongside the friends, classmates, and professors she meets, she tackles big questions in search of love and a life that matters.

This savvy, beautifully written, credible account of Christian conversion follows the calendar and events of the school year as it entertains, informs, and promises to engage even the most skeptical and unlikely reader.

My Opinion:

Ok so this is my first review and I have to say the book was not really my type of reading. I tried to get into it but it just kept dragging on and on and i dont mind books that long, but they need to keep my interest and this one just did not do it. Everything was summed up in the last few pages and it was like wow its over finally but then kind of like it was a waste of time to get there! Maybe I should stay away from Memoir's cause i just could not get interested in it!

I dont want to give the book away so i'm not going to get into all the details yes its Christian and it was a good read in that part. I dont feel like it was at all over powering in that aspect! It makes you think and gives you a new way to look at things and maybe if your having doubt and read it, it will give you back your hope!

The writing of this book was amazing. I loved all the literary references! I also love how descriptive she is makes you feel like you are right there in Oxford!

I would like to also add that i love the book itself, its beautiful the cover has such a great feel to it and its has such pretty side flap things (sorry cant think of what its called) with a beautiful design on it and the chapter pages are really pretty with a cloud like print! Im a sucker for packaging lol! I will say it has to one of the pettiest books i own now!

Sorry I'm not all that great with wording things lol and it is my first review but im sure I will get better with time.

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publisher from Booksneeze for purpose of review. 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