Numb by John Otte
Published 2013 by Marcher Lord Press, 395 pages
Genre: Christian science fiction, suitable for teen and up
Crusader, an assassin, feels neither emotions nor pain. His memory reaches back only a few years. He k nows this numbness is a gift from God, the vengeful god whose deacons use Crusader to kill heretics and heathens. Because of it, he’s a better killer.
His bosses send him after a young blonde woman, Isolda. It’s her turn to die. Or is it? For reasons he doesn’t understand, he can’t do it. His long-dead emotions boil up.
He’s made his choice. In refusing to kill her, he’s become a target himself. Crusader and Isolda flee together. Can this unlikely team find safety? Can they find answers? Or will the bounty hunters turn them in?
And what about the winsome faith that Isolda displays? Isn’t it heresy?
I found this book riveting, full of action and insight. The main character starts out a psychopath, but it’s not long before he starts on the path to change in a way that’s believable and speaks to the heart.
His bosses at the Ministrix spread twisted jihad Christianity, providing me great food for thought. In what ways do we try to make our faith a set of achievable objectives and bury our sins? How do I personally distort Jesus’ words?
This review is in conjunction with a number of bloggers at the Christian Science Fiction/Fantasy Blog Tour. Check out what others are saying:
Julie Bihn
Jennifer Bogart
Keanan Brand
Beckie Burnham
Pauline Creeden
Vicky DealSharingAunt
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Nikole Hahn
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Jennette Mbewe
Amber McCallister
Shannon McDermott
Shannon McNear
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Faye Oygard
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Jojo Sutis
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Author Website – http://johnwotte.com/
The book is thought-provoking, as well as a fast-paced read. I enjoyed it.
I think he did a great job.
I’m glad you found it so thought-provoking. I really wanted to “stir the pot” with this one a little. Glad I could do that!
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I agree — it’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that I enjoyed — and made me think twice about the role of politics & organized religion. A CAST OF STONES by Patrick Carr and NUMB by John Otte are examples of books that deliver a believable plot & characters, and a good story — and leaves you with something to think about after you’re done reading it.
“In what ways do we try to make our faith a set of achievable objectives and bury our sins? How do I personally distort Jesus’ words?”
Piercing thoughts; worth praying about. (Though, as my Bible Study teacher might jokingly complain, “Now you’re meddling” by making us think about how we might need to change. 😉 )
Like!