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Thursday 28 August 2014

Book Review: "Spirit Bridge" by James L Rubart



Spirit Bridge is the third and final episode in the Well Spring series. And wow, it sure finishes in a mighty way, so much so I’m very sad that it has now ended.

I’d suggest all readers read the first two in the series: Soul’s Gate and Memory’s Door, not just because they are fabulous novels but they provide a valuable introduction to this final episode.

This one starts where the last one ended, the Warriors Riding hoping to take some time out to rest and convalesce after the battle with Zennon and his demonic warlords. However, the Spirit has other ideas and it isn’t long before the battle is renewed and with tragic circumstances.

Two additional characters play pivotal roles. Simon, who we’ve met previously, and are never quite sure whose side he’s on. Rubart manages this ambiguity brilliantly. The second, Miyo, is in fact a new character and she plays an important leadership role in discerning the insidious plot of Zennon.

Brandon and Dana’s characters are well developed in this episode and I especially grew to like both of them. The romantic tension between them continues as an undercurrent but doesn’t distract the reader in developing empathy for them both.

What I particularly appreciated about this episode is how Rubart presents spiritual warfare in the context of the daily battle we all have in surrendering our desires and hopes to God. He explores it through Reece, Brandon and Dana demonstrating how each of them unknowingly allows the enemy to infiltrate through some form of self-glorification.

This culminates in a fantastic final battle scene that is magnificently described allowing the reader to visualize it effortlessly.

This is a wonderful series that so powerfully demonstrates spiritual warfare in a fictional context that is uplifting, challenging and thrilling in its suspensefulness.

I can’t recommend it enough and so look forward to reading Rubart’s next creation.




Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

18 comments:

  1. Hi Ian,
    I've enjoyed other James Rubart books, such as Rooms and Book of Days, so I will add this trilogy to my list. So many books to read.

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    1. Hi Paula, you will enjoy it having enjoyed the other 2.

      So many books to read. Often I wish I was a speed reader but I so enjoy reading novels that I don't want to minimise the experience.

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  2. Hi Ian Sounds fascinating and I can see why you like James Rubart works. I've added Soul's Gate to my to-read list :)

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    1. Hi Jeanette, Jim has a different take on angels and demons to me but I so appreciate the themes he addresses in his novels and how he weaves the supernatural into them.

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  3. Good review, Ian and encourages my yet again to read this trilogy. I am near the end of my current author requested review list and then taking a break to read and review some of my own list, which includes this trilogy.

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    1. Hi Pete, yes I've been noticing your recent reviews and love how you champion the less known authors. Goes without saying you'll love these - Jim covers some themes that will appeal to you, I think.

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  4. Great review Ian and tempting us to read his work.

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    1. Thanks Rita. As Paula says so many good novels to read. We're very lucky, aren't we.

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  5. The whole trilogy sounds amazing! Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

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    1. My pleasure, Andrea. Hoping to get to "Too Pretty" soon.

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  6. Sounds very interesting! Thanks Ian

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    1. Catherine, I am a fan of Jim's work and have enjoyed all his novels. He explores themes that I think are very relevant for all of us.

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  7. Great review, Ian. Thank you.
    You always make me want to grab the book, in this case, the series, with that handy (dangerous) One Click! :-)

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    1. Thanks Dotti. Why not start with the first one and see what you think?

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    2. Ian, excellent review! Thanks for sharing one of your top reads with us. The whole trilogy sounds fascinating and is now on my wish list :)

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  8. Glad to see this review Ian! I just bought Grant the first in this series. It sounds like I made a good choice!

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  9. Always wonderful to have you pop over to our little space on the internet, Cherie. Grant will enjoy it I'm sure and then you'll have 2 more presents ready for him in the future.

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