I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Just Read. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Fate of the Watchman by Chad Pettit Published by Ambassador International on October 1, 2018
Genres: Christian, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Suspense
Pages: 109
Source: Just Read
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Lester Sharp is a workaholic, obsessed with the success of his business and oblivious to the world around him. All of that changes when a peculiar stranger comes into his shop asking for food and help. Lester soon finds himself on an impossible journey around the world to bear witness to some of the greatest tragedies a person can know, all frozen in a single moment of time.
In this challenging and gripping novel, debut author Chad Pettit, delivers a supernatural, pulse-pounding adventure in which Lester Sharp is in for the longest second of his life and learns lessons to last a lifetime.
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I was drawn to the idea of this book. They synopsis sang to me in a way a book hasn’t in more than a minute. Perhaps that it wasn’t romance but then again, it still had it’s own appeal. I mean I love a good sci-fi slash paranormal suspense slash supernatural book. I enjoy hanging on the edge of my seat from time to time. While fantasy isn’t quite my game, as long as it’s blended with all the rest well I’m good. As I started reading ‘Fate of the Watchman’ I felt like I was in a time warp of Scrooge straight out of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. The difference between Lester and Scrooge? A lot of content that may be disturbing to some readers. I feel like if I were to share with you all the things that might be triggering I’d use up all the words. The other side of that is though that is the authenticity in which these things are written. Violence in many forms; including murder, descriptions of blood, hanging, as well as mentions of sexual exploitation are common threads. I think that in context, while it is disturbing even for me, it’s necessary. Our world is filled with violence we may never personally see. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Just because we aren’t experiencing it doesn’t mean millions of people around the world as just as safe. Violence is part of our reality and honestly has been since the invention of sin.
Here’s the deal, there were a few things that turned me off on this book. Each chapter started out very profound and philosophical and like I was back in college debating the merits of different life philosophies and faith philosophies and even psychological perspectives. If felt that way too, you remember sitting around feeling so adult-y and smart and really just being a know it all of some proportion or another. It felt like college again with the highbrow talk that couldn’t sustain as it segued into normal every day life. And it was every. Single. Chapter. Without. End. Lester started to feel like a dumbed down version of life because of it. Maybe he was supposed to be. Perhaps, hindsight being all that the fluffy talk was supposed to draw you down to the little guy, i.e. Lester. Mayhap it was supposed to be a philosophical reminder that education is nothing when you aren’t in touch with life. Perhaps I just need sleep. Regardless, I felt like I was being talked at and talked down to more than being drawn into the story and encouraged to go forward.
The flip side of all this is that I enjoyed the not so subtle reminders that no matter where we are in life there are others who still need our prayers, our outreach, and our love. Perhaps enjoyed is the wrong word choice, I mean who ‘enjoys’ being reminded that you are falling down on the job? Who enjoys being reminded that despite our own personal suffering others are suffering as well. Suffering with bigger issues, harder topics, and life altering situations. We are never alone in this journey. There is always someone before us holding a hand back to guide us up and someone behind us reaching for our ankle for a step forward as well. I did latch on really quick when the author mention ‘The Voice of the Martyrs’ newsletters and mailings. If this is not a group you are familiar with I strongly encourage you to learn more. It takes nothing to pray for our fellow man. Something Lester learned on our behalf. It takes everything to actually step up, kneel down, and do it.
About Chad Pettit
Chad is a Christian author of fantasy and historical fiction. His stories blend Biblical truth and powerful messages with elements of the supernatural in gripping, poetic prose.
His books help people to grow closer to Christ through very human characters that live in worlds where life and faith collide.
He was born and raised in Oregon, except for an awesome couple of years in Idaho that included running completely wild on the edge of a Nez Perce reservation. Growing up with clear views of the far off mountains helped develop his imagination, and a love for reading instilled by his mother sparked his passion for fiction.
He’s also a singer…in the shower and at red lights. He is an amazing dancer, but no living person has ever had the refined vision necessary to acknowledge that.
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