Powers by John B Olson & Open Giveaway

Synopsis:~

"Bury me standing. I must be buried standing."

Powers, the follow-up to John Olson's Shade introduces a sheltered Gypsy girl named Mariutza. Her grandfather utters a mysterious last request before dying in her arms after being shot by ten cloaked men. Those same men die before her eyes, but strange powers continue to pursue Mari through the swamps of southern Louisiana where she has always hidden from "the Badness."

The whole world seems to join in the chase-helicopters, soldiers, government agents, and the police are all trying to kill her. Mari's only hope of survival is to find Jaazaniah the Prophet, the mythical hero of her grandfather's bedtime stories. But she has never been outside the swamp or known other humans besides her grandfather and one teacher. How can this lone girl survive the bewildering world of men long enough to find a prophet who might not even exist?

My take:~

I love John's writing but I admit for the initial chapters of Powers, I felt a little like I was in Mari's swamp, confused and disoriented. I am happy to say that perseverance pays off with this novel as John hits his straps and takes you along for a epic ride as Mari and Jazz dodge government and supernatural forces and encounter an other worldly evil. Mind bending twists make for gripping reading and John's skillful characterisation adds heart, soul and even some romantic tension to the tale. Readers of Shade will delight in the reappearance of Melchi and Hailey and shiver with the return of the Mulo. Powers is a traditional battle of good and evil with unconventional characters and an intriguing plot that consolidates John's position as a premier author of Christian supernatural fiction.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Shade & Fossil Hunter
Interview with John ~ Part 1 and Part 2
Visit John's website
Buy John's books at Amazon and Koorong

Giveaway

Thanks to the fabulous folk at B&HFiction, I have two copies of Powers to give away to my Aussie readers and two copies for my North American readers! To enter:

1. Post a comment before midnight Sunday 24th January, 2010
2. Add an AUS or USA at the end of your post so I know your location.