Pirates of the Caribbean meets Francine River’s Redeeming Love in Carver of Souls, the second installment of J. J. Fischer’s Soul Mark Duology released on March 1st (See my review of the first book, The Soul Mark.)
THIS BOOK picks up right where the first one left off, continuing the story as if it hasn’t been nearly a year since The Soul Mark was released. (At least it wasn’t longer, amen?) In this second half, Fischer delves even deeper into her rich and multi-layered cast, bringing readers closely along Selah’s rocky journey toward healing, Caleb’s struggles with faith and emotions, Tucker’s guilt and decisions, and the people of Azazel’s wonder, skepticism, and hope toward the mysterious Magnus who calls himself a prince. Brokenness and restoration, despair and hope, doubt, and faith—all these elements and more weave throughout the characters’ stories in ways as relatable as they are powerful.
THIS BOOK asks the hard questions that arise in all our souls at some point, whether before or after salvation, or both: Where is God in the darkest moments of our lives? How does He truly see us, at our lowest depths of brokenness and our highest attempts toward righteousness? What is purity? Is it attainable? How does it affect our relationships with others? Is God a God of justice or mercy—or can these traits exist side by side? And with each question Fischer offers an answer, drawing from and pointing back to Scripture truths that, couched in the creativity of their telling, offer deep refreshment for the soul.
THIS BOOK wrestles with hard matters of reality both external and internal: events or circumstances we can’t control that leave us deeply wounded, and the emotions we experience in response to those wounds or the wounds of others. At the same time, the story explores the many trials of faith that such situations bring to the surface: trials of faith in God, faith in restoration, faith in goodness, faith in others, or faith in the future. If you have walked through any valley of suffering in your life, not only will you connect with these trials—some of them on a deep level—but you will also be encouraged by the biblical truths that provide hope through and, ultimately, resolution of each trial.
THIS BOOK grabs your heart and forces it to listen to God’s love. After reading Carver of Souls with its themes and events of beautiful allegory, I better understand and more deeply appreciate the gospel: God’s love for me, Christ’s love for the church, and the way I love others. I have been challenged, I have been blessed, and I have been impacted by a new way of seeing old truths. (I cried, more than once.) Fischer set out to show readers the gospel, and she succeeded in a stellar exemplar of Christian fantasy.
THIS BOOK needs to be read, by Christians looking for a unique portrayal of the heart of the gospel and by non-Christians curious to learn more about the nature of God and His love for us. Because of some mature content, presented more by implication than by description, I recommend Carver of Souls primarily to its target audience of adults, and not to any reader who is uncomfortable with or might be easily triggered by topics of sexual abuse. Fischer does credit to her craft and her calling as a Christian writer, however, by never directly showing anything and by framing even suggestions—negative or positive—generally enough to avoid stumbling or hurting a reader. This book may rip your heart apart but don’t worry, it will also put the pieces back together by the end. 🙂
THIS BOOK is another gift from J. J. Fischer’s trademark style that packs deep impact in a beautiful story. It is a good book, and I’m proud to have read it. I can’t wait for my hard copy to arrive!
I was given an advance digital copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest review, but trust me, I would have bought and read it anyway.
