Oblivion's Reach

Readers' Favorite Review https: //readersfavorite.com/ Sonta is a demon hard at work. His task is to prepare the world for the coming attack to head off the Rapture, which will usher in the end times of the Apocalypse. He's been assigned to one quadrant of the United States as a testing ground to see what actions and battles it will take to destroy as many souls as possible. The goal: to prevent the Rapture by sowing doubt, turning souls, and outright murdering believers who stand in the way of preserving Lucifer's Second Heaven. There are only two problems: the demons are outnumbered by angels two to one, and there are still too many Christians calling on the angels to help them win the battles waged by Sonta's darkness. Fortunately, he had a plan - a good plan - and it has already sowed enough confusion in a small town to prove worthy to take to a bigger stage. Oblivion's Reach, by Michael Stafford and Don Gladden, is a thrilling pre-Apocalyptic novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Oblivion's Reach reminded me of the Left Behind series, which was extremely popular in the '90s. How it differs is that it sets the stage slightly earlier, to the days preceding the Rapture, so we can see how the wars and rumors of wars are leading up to the ultimate battle between good and evil. The novel is packed with too many memorable characters to mention in one review, but suffice it to say that I found them believable and even reflective of people you find in day to day life. I also like how Michael and Don deals explicitly with doubt and struggles of faith and shows how those struggles can not only make you a better person but strengthen your faith and the faith of others around you. Oblivion's Reach is a thrilling novel that lovers of Christian fiction will truly enjoy. Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite Goodreads Reviews This book is very exciting and extremely creative and well written. I am normally not into fiction but this one is so true to life and prophetic. The book brings people into the supernatural and the way that prayers are really answered. It shows very clearly how God can conquer darkness on the earth, how angels are really here to fight for us, and how we just have to believe and ask. I believe this book is a wake up call for the people walking in the earth today, yet it comes in a book form that anyone can understand. It's very good! I suggest anyone read it, it could be life-changing! -Jill Rogers Dec 14, 2019 Oblivion's Reach weaves a story of redemption, a call to action, and the very real battle for the souls of humanity. Michael Stafford's real life military experience make the tactics of warrior angels, demons and town officials real from strategic planning, gathering of forces and stealth reconnaissance. The detailed account of the coming battle leave room for the stories, of the good people of southern Illinois. The stories of human hearts and minds, all our stories, of those calling to the Lord for salvation. Stafford delivers a message of hope...The Lord hears us, is with us and loves us enough to do battle with us. I couldn't put Oblivion's Reach down and look forward to the next in the Darkness Series! -Julie Feb 02, 2020 I highly recommend Oblivion's Reach. While I do read and enjoy this genre, I don't read it exclusively. This book appealed to me because it reminded me of the Left Behind series that I read and loved in the late 90s. As suspected, this book is similar to Left Behind. Part science fiction, part inspirational, part romance with a lot of action and excellent character development. I believe both believers and nonbelievers will find this book appealing. I appreciate that it has a Christian story line without a completely religious feel. The story contains elements of real life: Love, lust, murder, sin, evil, grief, loyalty, friendship, greed, doubt, and so much more. I think the gospel message is clearly embedded within the plot without being an overpowering theme that might be a turn off to nonbelievers. One of my favorite elements of the story was near the end when prayer became such a major focus. The prayer group was praying and they called on so many others to pray. When the good guys said they were not able to appear until and unless someone asked for help. That's a very powerful message! As I read, found myself wondering about the author. Some parts contained so much detail that I wondered if he was ever in the military or had any type of law enforcement experience. The story contains specific information about firearms and ammo and surveillance that it almost seems the author must have that kind of a background or did very thorough research on the topic. This is a really good story of good vs. evil! -Loretta Broomfield Dec 11, 2019 Oblivion's Reach is the timely result of the research and writing team of Don Gladden and Michael Stafford . Their individual talents of Biblical Research and Writing skills are amply displayed in the age old story of the war between forces of good and evil. I am usually not a fan of Christian Fiction however after reading this book I can easily recognize its timeliness and benefit in enlightening believers to the awareness and importance of engaged preemptive prayer. Oblivion's Reach will engage both believers and unbelievers alike through the writing skills of John Michael Stafford. As a writer myself this book is an good example of plot, character development and dialog. The most import message I learned from reading this book for the follower of Christ is that Prayer should be out first thought and not our last resort. -Frank Manasseri Dec 14, 2019 This book gave me a whole new perspective on the power of angels in our daily lives. Just because we don't see them doesn't mean that they are not there. The bible includes many promises of God's Spirit intervening in our lives and Michael and Don do an amazing job of crafting a story that plays this out in an end times scenario. This book will inspire you and open your eyes to the power of both Heaven and Hell that battle for the souls of mankind on a daily basis. -David McArdle Dec 19, 2019 Oblivion's Reach is Christian Fiction which is extremely creative and will hold your interest throughout. Michael Stafford and Don Gladden brings this book into the present time that we all can relate to in our daily lives. This is an inspirational read for believers and nonbeliever's. I highly recommend Oblivions Reach. JD Downey Dec 31, 2019 Oblivion's Reach will make you reflect on your life's journey and what possible divine interventions you might have witnessed. This is a saga of a man who has little time to discuss or know his true religious beliefs but as life happens, he ultimately realizes after he is protected by Angelic Warriors. This story sets the stage for the final earthly battle between good and evil. The characters is this tale react, not knowing how much of an impact they could make in such a battle of supernatural powers. They do not shy away from their responsibility of trying their best to save life on earth as they rely on any resource available including strengths of each other and even the power of prayer. A must read for all! -Bruce Jan 12, 2020 Fantasy is not my usual genre of reading but I do enjoy Christian fiction, and this book was a nice combination of the two. The short chapters made for an easy read and nice transitions between character views and good and evil. I loved the use of the power of prayer and how we are called to ask for help. Also, the story shows how easily evil can slowly creep into ones life and before they know it, they are blinded from the truth and live their lives in sin. I would have liked a little more finality at the end of the story so the book could stand alone, but I understand it is a cliff hanger to see what is to come in the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book -Lora A Lindsey Jun 16, 2020 Oblivion's Reach was an exciting book that grabbed my attention right away! I liked the concept of good vs evil; heaven vs hell. I especially liked the powerful concept of prayer and how its effect worked on bad situations, without ever sounding preachy. I personally like short chapters, which made the book so easy to read. The characters were interesting and I liked the way the authors transitioned from the darker parts of the book and back to the lighter , without staying in one or the other for too long. Happy to recommend this book! -Susan Fleming Jan 13, 2020 First I will say Christian based is not my usual choice in books. The co-author Don Gladden is a classmate of my late husband & that was my reason for getting this book. Also, I live in S. Illinois just where this story is based. I found the book difficult to put down. It's suspenseful with very relatable characters. It puts the battle between good & evil in the hands of very real, everyday people. I really hope the other books in the series are avail soon! -Janet Graeff Feb 18, 2020 Utterly Amazing! This was such a good read. Not only was the story captivating, but I had to bring myself back into the book sometimes because the content made me honestly think about life right now. This book makes you think. I took much away from this and can't wait until there is a book 2. My only complaint is that I didn't have the time to sit and read it cover to cover. -Nichole Apr 28, 2020 Let me first start with thanking Michael Stafford and Don Gladden for the privilege of reading their book. I have never been a fan of science fiction, allegorical or symbolic literature. It took me a few chapters to wrap my head around the content and to make sense of the Angelic Warriors and the Fallen Angel's presented in Oblivion's Reach. The writers pragmatically parallel the human world and the unseen world. Set in a small town in Southern Illinois, the author draws upon the native spiritual legends, Christian and non-theologians experiences to demonstrate how God's Angels and Satan's Fallen Warriors and the battle to be won impacts everyone. The use of army, Cherokee, football and sports metaphors and of small town interactions gives this book a modern day expression. Reading this book coincided with our minister tackling the book of Revelation for the past several months. The book struck a good balance between the allegorical and literal approaches to understanding Revelation. The chapters are small and the print is large making this book one that is an easy, but profound experience. The simultaneous story-lines are intertwined effectively. The characters, their nuances, the portrayal of good and evil, and the use of Native American imagery and culture add to the overall heart-stopping moments of this book. Oblivion's Reach forces the reader to think beyond our present day knowledge and the unseen world. Sarah R Feb 10, 2020