Many years ago one of my sons was a distinctly reluctant reader. We discovered graphic novel versions of various classic books in a store in England and started buying them for him. And he started to read. So, though I’m not really into graphic novels for myself, I certainly see their value. And I was delighted, as well as curious, when I got the chance to read Robert Luedke’s Christian graphic novel.

While archeologist Dr. Terry Harper struggles to return to the States after an assassination attempt, his blackouts reveal the story of “super-apostle” Paul, lifted from powerful enemy to powerful befriender of the faith. The art is bright and full of action and character. The dialog is fun, with a pleasing blend of familiar and strange. The storyline blends history with action-adventure. And the overall impression is the same as those long-ago classics—something that I’m sure will appeal to the reluctant reader, and the reluctant, or enthusiastic Christian teen or preteen.

Rise of the Apostle is the third in a set of novels. I’m passing it on to our youth group at church, and hope perhaps they might choose to read the others—if they get them for the library I shall probably sneak in to catch up on them myself. I want to know what happens next to the archeologist, and see how the stories play out. ( )