Viridian Dreams

Viridian Dreams opens with Ezra struggling with disappointment when the college he just knew was going to accept him doesn't. He doesn't see how he's going to accomplish anything in life, he feels like his parents are distant and disinterested in him, and he's in a funk. Unexpectedly, he finds that he's passed through a portal into an entirely different place. He learns that he's on the world of Chromvah with the Kidemer, or guardian angels, responsible for watching over and aiding humankind. But there's a problem - the gateways that allow the Kidemer to move between Chromvah and Earth have suddenly disappeared. What's the problem, and can Ezra help?

Ezra doesn't start out believing in God. But gradually, through the time he spends with the Kidemer, he realizes that yes, there is a God, and yes, that God is very much interested in him. The book focuses on the power of prayer to accomplish God's purposes, as Petra, the girl on Earth with whom Ezra can communicate, must rally people to pray to help fight against the forces of evil. The book also has a strong message of redemption and salvation.

The pacing was fairly quick, but overall, the book had a gentle feel to it. The Kidemer see things from a much longer perspective than humans do, and I think the author effectively conveyed that sense of peace. The tension built as Ezra and Petra worked to help the Kidemer trapped on Earth, but that didn't destroy the overall sense of calm.

Very refreshing to see a work of fiction written from an overtly Christian perspective that isn't a romance!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books that I don't actually like.