Deep Shadows-The Remnant Series-Book One by Vanetta Chaman(review by Cathy)

 

Dystopian Christian Fiction

Deep Shadows is the first book in my upcoming Remnant Series. It’s a significant change from the Amish books I’ve previously published. Today I wanted to talk to you about Deep Shadows, dystopian fiction, and the appeal of this genre.

If you’re alive and reading on planet Earth, you recognize the crazy popularity of dystopian fiction and our preoccupation – even as people of faith – with end of the world scenarios.

I have been a fan for many years. When I read a dystopian book, I ask myself

1. Would I be smart enough to think like the hero?
2. Would I have the courage and strength to survive?
3. Would my faith endure?

And faith is an important component of this genre, which caused me to wonder- where is God in dystopian fiction? How do we talk about God when the world is falling down around our ears? How do we NOT talk about Him in this scenario?

These are questions we ask ourselves as we read dystopian fiction. Unlike apocalyptic tales, which bring images of Revelation, four horsemen, messengers of God and last days, dystopian books represent a transition from a near-perfect work to a vastly imperfect one.

My passion for this genre is a result of my life experience.

• I was born in the 2^nd largest city in the U.S. (Los Angeles, CA)
• I spent 35 years in the 8^th largest city (Dallas, Texas)
• I now live in a town of 6,000 (central Texas)

I’ve taught high school and college classes for 15 years, and during that time I’ve taught teenaged boys who could take apart and re-assemble a computer in a matter of hours. And I’ve taught teenaged girls who can shoot and field dress a deer.

Those teens, their parents, you and I sense that we’ve reached an over dependence on technology, a tipping of the scales, and we wonder what will happen if things dramatically shift the other way.

At its heart, that’s what a dystopian series is – a balance of the scales in the other direction, a what if scenario. It is always first and foremost a story about relationships and how they survive or crumble when what we’ve feared, as a society, occurs. And lastly, for me, it’s always a story of faith and hope.

 

About the book:

All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe–until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology.

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn’t changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority–to keep Shelby and her son safe–could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby’s faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos.

 

 

About the Author:

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace, including romantic suspense and Amish romance novels. She is the author of seventeen novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery series and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups.  She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com

Follow Vanetta on Social Media:

http://vannettachapman.com

https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

Review:

This book is absolutely spellbinding!  I read it in two days.  I actually intended to stretch it out a bit longer, but I truly couldn’t.  I needed to find out what would happen in the town of Abney, Texas!

It didn’t take long for things to really start happening!

The solar flare wreaks havoc on the town and its residents.  The story focuses on Shelby, her son Carter, Max and their friends.  Life is about to get very difficult.  The things that they once took for granted are harder to find.  Running water, food, medical supplies, money, safety and the freedom to come and go as they please.

Shelby’s main concern is for Carter who is diabetic.  He needs medication, and healthy balanced meals.  With banks and stores closing, how resourceful will she and the community have to become?

Was this just happening to them or is it global?  It’s difficult to get information when communication is limited.

Ms. Chapman has penned a thought provoking book that I consider a must read and has made me a fan of Dystopian Fiction.  I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.

The characters are wonderful!  The story is fast paced!  The perfect combination of an exciting and hard to put down book.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I have given my honest opinion.

Giveaway!

Vanetta is offering one copy of this book to one lucky winner.  To enter just leave a comment letting us know if you are a fan of Dystopian Fiction or if this is a new to you genre and if you would like an e-copy or print copy.  Winner will be announced on July 5th.

Links to purchase Deep Shadows:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Shadows-Remnant-Vannetta-Chapman/dp/0736966536/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

B&N

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deep-shadows-vannetta-chapman/1123225022?ean=9780736966535

CBD

http://www.christianbook.com/1-deep-shadows-vannetta-chapman/9780736966535/pd/966535?event=ESRCN