Intrigued by the first two chapters of Christopher Leibig's "Almost Damned," and knowing that it was a sequel to his award-winning "Almost Mortal," I decided to read Book One before delving further into the continuing narrative of Book Two. After reading both, I'm able to offer a few comments.
First, "Almost Damned" is certainly an enjoyable work of religious fantasy. I was only too pleased to be drawn into the ongoing saga of criminal defense attorney Sam Young--a saga that literally percolates with paranormal machinations, biblically mischievous arguments, "demi-human" characters, and an often harrowing legal/mystical odyssey that reaches the summit of a celestial court. Readers are in for a plot-twisting, fun-filled ride. What's not to love!
Second, because "Almost Damned" is a sequel, Leibig artfully finds ways to help readers play "catch-up" to the backstory. For instance, he punctuates the developing plot with deftly-placed flashbacks to action and dialogue of "Almost Mortal." In addition, he reprises poignant excerpts from an elusive, decades-old journal that was central to the story-line of Book One. That journal also proves central to Book Two's story-line of Sam's bittersweet journey of self-discovery.
Third, the character list that Leibig provides at the beginning of "Almost Damned" is a welcome tool enabling readers to navigate the fast-paced infusion of so many people/"personages" in the text. Even so, full-scale character development is not a literary feature of Book Two. Therefore, it should be emphasized that those who have read "Almost Mortal" have the following advantage: they are already thoroughly acquainted with many of the major plot-movers of "Almost Damned," and especially with those people/"personages" with whom Sam stands in solidarity at the summit of Mt. Hermon . . . the symbolic summit of his own journey.
And this leads to my summary comments. The decision to read "Almost Mortal" before this appealing sequel was the right choice for me. As noted earlier, "Almost Damned" brings readers up to speed on the backstory through tantalizing "glimpses" into the characters, events, and dialogue of "Almost Mortal." However, "full immersion" into that backstory is nothing short of a pure pleasure trip. More than "glimpses," "full immersion" allows readers to savor all the plot-twisting complexities of the backstory; to revel in the haunting revelations of the entire journal; and to connect with--and even commit to--the richly drawn characters. In short, I became fully invested in the story of "Almost Damned" by my "full immersion" into the backstory of "Almost Mortal." I willingly became an empathetic fellow-traveler in "Sam and Company's" quest for redemption.
My recommendation: Take the longer ride to the summit!
Read both books . . . They're worth the trip!
First, "Almost Damned" is certainly an enjoyable work of religious fantasy. I was only too pleased to be drawn into the ongoing saga of criminal defense attorney Sam Young--a saga that literally percolates with paranormal machinations, biblically mischievous arguments, "demi-human" characters, and an often harrowing legal/mystical odyssey that reaches the summit of a celestial court. Readers are in for a plot-twisting, fun-filled ride. What's not to love!
Second, because "Almost Damned" is a sequel, Leibig artfully finds ways to help readers play "catch-up" to the backstory. For instance, he punctuates the developing plot with deftly-placed flashbacks to action and dialogue of "Almost Mortal." In addition, he reprises poignant excerpts from an elusive, decades-old journal that was central to the story-line of Book One. That journal also proves central to Book Two's story-line of Sam's bittersweet journey of self-discovery.
Third, the character list that Leibig provides at the beginning of "Almost Damned" is a welcome tool enabling readers to navigate the fast-paced infusion of so many people/"personages" in the text. Even so, full-scale character development is not a literary feature of Book Two. Therefore, it should be emphasized that those who have read "Almost Mortal" have the following advantage: they are already thoroughly acquainted with many of the major plot-movers of "Almost Damned," and especially with those people/"personages" with whom Sam stands in solidarity at the summit of Mt. Hermon . . . the symbolic summit of his own journey.
And this leads to my summary comments. The decision to read "Almost Mortal" before this appealing sequel was the right choice for me. As noted earlier, "Almost Damned" brings readers up to speed on the backstory through tantalizing "glimpses" into the characters, events, and dialogue of "Almost Mortal." However, "full immersion" into that backstory is nothing short of a pure pleasure trip. More than "glimpses," "full immersion" allows readers to savor all the plot-twisting complexities of the backstory; to revel in the haunting revelations of the entire journal; and to connect with--and even commit to--the richly drawn characters. In short, I became fully invested in the story of "Almost Damned" by my "full immersion" into the backstory of "Almost Mortal." I willingly became an empathetic fellow-traveler in "Sam and Company's" quest for redemption.
My recommendation: Take the longer ride to the summit!
Read both books . . . They're worth the trip!