Surrounded by Darkness

What a unique, compelling novel! It is a legal thriller and is ultimately a story of battles in the heavenlies that are fought every day. Not since reading Frank Peretti’s early novels have I been reminded in grim detail of the devil’s schemes. The author uses the perfect scripture verses and shares characters’ prayers. Each person is drawn with necessary detail, while the spiritual assault and legal elements are carefully designed. Ever since Olivia Murray arrived in Windy Ridge to try a case, a spiritual war has raged. She fights against those who are part of New Age groups, wicca, and outright devil worship through cases retained for. She has followed the case of Nina Marie, friend and former CEO of the second largest New Age company in town, against Layton Alito, the charismatic leader of Optimism, the largest, and most dangerous, corporation. He had severely beaten Nina and left her for dead. He is cunning and into far darker practices than imagined. Olivia and Grant have been dating and growing closer together. They are both Christians and lawyers in Windy Ridge, a suburb of Chicago. His faith is not yet as strong as Olivia’s and takes a serious hit when he is sued for malpractice by a former client. As he envisions his business, reputation, and career going down in flames, he becomes depressed and tries to break up with Olivia so their relationship won’t have negative consequences for her. He doesn’t realize what is really affecting his attitude and outlook. Olivia’s firm has approved her proposal for a pro bono legal clinic. Her firm leased an office for her; she will be in a rough part of town to help women who need legal representation. It isn’t long before she is approached by someone who used to be part of Alito’s group, who is seeking justice for charges similar to those of Nina Marie’s against Alito. Fortunately, this woman did not have as severe injuries as Nina Marie. This time, Alito plans to make sure that Olivia, Grant, and the young woman do not get away unscathed. Olivia and Nina Marie are my favorites, as is Grant. Olivia has a strong faith in God and lives by her principles. Olivia is also a woman of prayer who is finally able to do what she has always dreamed of, helping women in need through the pro bono clinic. Nina Maria, still recovering from her injuries, has become a strong woman of faith. She has first-hand knowledge of the New Age business and is willing to use that and her faith help others find freedom. Grant is a good man who still struggles with his faith, suffering from doubts slipped into his mind by the enemy. This is an exciting, faith-filled novel! It invited me in at the start with men and women of faith, some strong and others’ growing. Woven into and through this legal thriller of trying to put the bad guy away is an eye-opening reminder of the source of challenges we face. Layton Alito has gotten ahead with Optimism with his good looks and, on occasion, charming personality. It was interesting to see how each group lured people into the coven or other groups. Third in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series, Surrounded by Darkness can be read as a standalone or in the order written. I highly recommend Surrounded by Darkness, particularly for those who appreciate top-notch legal thrillers and Christian novels with a strong element of spiritual warfare. From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this book from the author and this is my honest review.