Genre

Supernatural / Fantasy

Audience

Adults & Teens

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

Angels, abuse, hardships, death, family, hope

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

Sometimes it is the small ones in the world that God gives the big tasks to. Carla Kay Landon is a homeless and orphaned child, but to the spiritual world she is a Quiet Light; “one who can infiltrate with courage and perform without detection.” Like many honors, this title comes with a price of hardship that must be endured so a mission can be accomplished. But God never sends anyone out alone. Like all of us, Carla has a guardian angel guiding her through perils.

The guardian angels in Snares of the Nether World, are not just along for the ride helping their assigned person dodge mishaps or peril, they are beings created by God who love their “children.” There is deep sense of devotion the angels have for those in their care. In this novel the angels whisper to their children, and the children respond through action, not conversation. The angel’s whisper is that voice telling us where to go, or a warning of danger and possible pain. What I found most intriguing in this novel is the dialogue between the angels, as they discuss their children among themselves.

In the summer of 1945, at the tender age of twelve, Carla Kay Landon is forced to leave her family’s farm after an Influenza pandemic cause the death of her parents and siblings. Fearful she will be sent to a sanatorium, she drives herself in the family truck to Texas. There she meets Ruben, a kind illegal Mexican immigrant who acts as a surrogate father to her.

Aside from Ruben, Carla grabs the attention of Andy, a kind police officer. At first she is a little frightened of Andy, fearing he will send her to the sanatorium or an orphanage. Eventually, she learns to trust him. Andy introduces her to his wife Julie, a sick woman with great humor and wisdom. Soon, Andy, Julie, and Carla form a tight bond and begin to act like a family. While staying with Andy and Julie, Carla’s angel whispers to her that Ruben is in danger. He did not come back from his job like he said he would. Knowing she must find her friend, Carla goes out alone to find Ruben. She is armed with her guardian angel’s guidance on what to do and how to reach Ruben who is crying out for mercy.

I love angels, and this novel had me thinking more about my guardian angel. While reading this book, I found myself looking for a sign or guidance from my angel. Snares of the Nether World offers a glimpse of what the spiritual world might look like. Mary C. Jones writes the angels as fully realized characters who care deeply for those they are guiding in this world. The novel shifts narratives from humans to angels effortlessly. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in angels.

Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn

Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.

The Grace Crasher by Mara Faro

The Grace Crasher is the ecumenical romantic dramedy that everyone who has ever had family members in split churches needs to read.

The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner

Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

The Wish Thief by C.D. Verhoff

Glory steals an unusual gem to save her family but winds up threatening an entire world.

Defend the Tabernacle by Deacon Patrick Augustin Jones

Catherine and Bernard get whisked away to do battle on the Soulscape, where the true nature of things is revealed.

Voice in the Storm By: Eric Thomas Ruthford

Four young teens find their voice in the storm while navigating the humorous social complexities of summer camp.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.

PANIC! (unSPARKed #3) by Corinna Turner

It’s a three hour drive unSPARKed, and for city-folk, anything might cause PANIC!

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.

Brothers by Corinna Turner

To fulfill his dream and become a priest, a young man must sneak across borders and find his way to freedom.

Standing Strong by Theresa Linden

Keefe hides his call to the priesthood and no matter how much Jarrett tries he still gets into trouble. Can the brothers find their courage?

McCracken and the Lost Oasis by Mark Adderley

A swashbuckling adventure into Catholic history and archeology.

Murder Most Picante by Karina Fabian

The government can’t decide whether he is an illegal immigrant or invasive species. God expects a respectable dragon to find justice for others. This Dragon is not having a good time of it!

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

Discover the far deeper, more salvific tale that Disney turned into romantic fluff.

Infernal Affairs by Declan Finn

St. Tommy finally comes face-to-face with the warlock that has been behind the events of the previous two books while fighting off hordes of everything from gangsters to vampires.

Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

A dark fantasy along the lines of Revelation itself.

Hologram by Walker Larson

Aaron is the only one who can see through the holograms.

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette

Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.