I didn't love this book as much as the first, [b:Waking Hours|10634346|Waking Hours|Lis Wiehl|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355060837s/10634346.jpg|15542990], but I really loved that one, there was a high expectation. This book still has the humor and spook-factor of the first. If you're looking for a great horror/thriller with no cursing or sex, you definitely want to read this. They're Christian books, but they are definitely not preachy. (I'm a Christian, and I can't stand preachy fiction books. If I want preachy, I'll go read a devotional.) And there is plenty of humor to distract you from watching your windows and doors while you read. This is a story about an epic battle between good and evil, God and Satan, so it's there, but it's part of the story. I really think everyone who enjoys this genre will love this series. ( )

I love stories of the paranormal...horror...demons but somehow this story just didn't present that eerie feeling that a good paranormal book delivers. I've read a lot of forensic science books and my degree involved a lot of biology...but even I found myself skimming over some of the medical/forensic terms. It could have been presented in terms that most readers would understand. I did like the story...I just wished the plot had come together better. ( )

Darkness Rising is book 2 in Lis Wiehl and Pete Nelson’s East Salem series. The action begins where Waking Hours left off. Filled with demons, this supernatural thriller definitely registers high on the creepy meter. If you like scary this one is for you. If not, I’d give it a pass.

Dani Harris, a forensic psychiatrist, and Tommy Gunderson, ex-football player turned PI, continue to investigate the bizarre murder that has rocked the quaint town of East Salem, New York. Evidence mounts up implicating the local academy that prides itself on teaching future leaders. As Dani and Tommy get closer to the truth, the action ramps up, including demonic activity that is determined not to be stopped.

Darkness Rising features new and returning characters. The bad guys are not well-developed, but Wiehl and Nelson make sure the good guys’ emotions, motivations and background are explored. The emphasis of the novel is the struggle of good and evil and uses an interesting framework to portray the ancient battle. Demons, as well as angels, play a major role, and the book does not shy away from the violence of the battle. The theme of Christ’s redemptive work is portrayed along with God’s plan and purposes in His people’s lives. Even as the demons work to separate Dani and Tommy, God turns those efforts to work out His plan. I did have one problem though. A character who is a believer becomes demon-possessed. This is contrary to my understanding of scripture. I believe in demonic attack and oppression, but never possession in a believer. 1 John 4:4 states — But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (NLT). *For this reason I would not recommend this book to non-believers.

Darkness Rising ends with a battle won, but the war is definitely not over. The characters are united and committed to uncover truth and expose evil, but it will be a daunting task. I look forward to the conclusion of this series.

*Recommended. (Please see note above.)

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Title: Darkness Rising (East Salem Trilogy #2)
Author: Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson
Pages: 320
Year: 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Darkness Rising continues the dark journey begun in the first book, Waking Hours. The story picks up right where the first novel left off. The setting is still modern day and in the small town of East Salem. Most of the main characters return in this story and we are introduced to several new characters, who it seems will be appearing in the third installment as well, Final Tide, due to be released in September 2013.
Tommy and Dani’s relationship is getting more serious, but can it survive when people from the past show up? Can Dani really trust Tommy to be honest with her? Unbeknownst to them, there is a third party involved who is trying to divide them and weaken their strength. Their strength is their united belief in Christ. Can they survive a betrayal from someone close to them? A variety of characters sporadically begin to be involved in Dani and Tommy’s fight against evil. There is a British art historian, a Native American Indian from the “Midwest”, an actress, a genius microbiologist who lend their knowledge to try and help find “the book” old Abbie Gardner has hid. The evil forces are also looking for the book in order to destroy it. One of these people is also the member of a secret society pledged to protect the book and fight for Christ against evil no matter what the cost. Abbie was the last guardian of the book. Who will be the guardian now that she has been killed? Who or what killed her? How is St. Adrian’s Academy involved? Can this group who has pledged to fight evil stop these forces from enacting worldwide chaos and destruction?
I want to give you enough detail to intrigue and tantalize, but not so much as to take the place of reading the story. To read the story for yourself is the best enjoyment. This story will keep you glued to your seat and to the book! You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough to find out what confrontation is going to take place next. After finishing reading this one, you will wish it was September so you could start the third and final book in the series! Don’t miss this one!
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )