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If you like Frank Perretti you will absolutely love & devour 'The Dragonmaster' by Nigel Conway Partis. This is a fast paced, tense & exciting book & to be honest it ranks high in the 'Christian Fiction' that I've read so far.Here's the general outline of the story:
"Some were 'chosen' before the world was formed. One such person is Joshua Fishmen a postman living in the South of England. The call of God on his life draws him to the mountains of Wales, as his guardian Angel battles with demons for the possesion of his very soul. He meets with Meredith Evans, a strong man of God who leads him to salvation and instructs him in the art of spiritual warfare. Meanwhile, Joshua's lifelong friend Ray Coughlin is out in China looking to buy Jade carvings.
High in the Sichuan Mountains he meets with Yan-Ti, an old Dragonmaster, and is inadvertently drawn into a web of ritual magic and intrigue. Falling under the spell of dark powers he eventually returns to the UK, bringing with him an artifact which will awaken the ancient dragon spirits in Wales.
Joshua meets and falls in love with Cheryll Jameson a stunning and adventurous believer, and together they grow in grace and knowledge. They meet a community of hippies and Josh begins to understand his new spiritual giftings. As the young couple walk to the top of the Preseli Mountains, Josh's guardian Angel recalls an event from over 2,000 years ago when he was assigned to protect a young Celtic princess named Angharad. His adversary was a demon prince, Kaisis, and virtue and righteousness were put to the test against the forces of darkness.
Ray eventually visits Josh and, still under the influence of Yan-Ti's spells, he casts the artifact into the Black Pool at the entrance to the underworld in the Cych Valley. The powers of darkness are unleashed as the dragon spirits wake from eons of slumber, and earthquakes and all manner of chaos ensue.
Under the protection of their guardian Angels, Josh, Cheryll and Meredith must face the demonic powers of Kaisis The Dark Lord of the West, and his hordes of demon warriors. Through many adventures and spiritual encounters they arrive at the final confrontation in the Preseli Mountains. At the very place where the stone for Stonehenge was mined, and countless generations of Druids made human sacrifices, the demons and Angels do battle, through the prayers of God's human warriors.
Attacked on all sides and locked in a desperate spiritual fight - Will the three believers overcome their fear? Will their faith see them through? - Will their Angels be victorious against overwhelming odds?"
Much like Perretti's 'This Present Darkness' this story unfolds in two ways; first in the physical world & secondly in the unseen, spiritual world of Angels & demons. It gripped my attention throughout the entire novel & often, when I wasn't reading the book I found my mind wandering to the story that gripped my attention and to the events & topics of the book.
Fiction Concerns
My only concern about this book is one that I have about fiction in general & one that lies more with the reader than with the author. In any work of fiction there is to be found both truth, fiction & poetic licence, but increasingly we see many people reading novels & coming away without having engaged with the text & using discernment. Hence many have the propensity to set fiction books down having believed every word to be absolutely, unquestionably fact.
I couldn't help shake the fear that in this case a reader may think they have now got a complete theology of the demonic & of the Angelic; the idea that amazingly supernatural happenings are the daily norm in every Christian's life; or that Christians are protected from any hurt, sorrows or pains.
But as I have stated this is hugely a responsibility of the reader & so I would pray that anyone who purchases The Dragonmaster as a result of reading this post may read with a discerning heart.
I would also pray that you read with an open heart, because there are many truths to be learnt as they are delivered in this story. I especially love the fact that there are many scripture references in brackets that point to great Scriptural truths. And where the author has felt it necessary to spend time explaining something, he has been free to break from the story & spend some time on that issue, yet without taking away from the unfolding tale.
Summary
Overall I'd recommend this novel, though probably not to the very young, due to the open & honest approach to adult themes of sex, lust & sexual temptation that unfold in the lives of the characters. This is something that I appreciated the author having included, simply because it's a very prominent issue in the world we live in & is one that needs addressing time & again in a Christ glorifying, Church purifying & lovingly tender, yet honest way.
So keep a look out on the Fiction shelves of your local Christian bookshop for The Dragonmaster & when you see it, pick it up & enjoy this thrilling tale. Although there is so far no confirmed release date, you can pre-order a copy here.
Personally I'm looking forward to the sequel that is to come out of this story, as the characters are intriguing & highly likable as you connect with very believable characters. Who are used by the author (Nigel Conway Partis) to point to the even greater, lovable, believable but in this case, the very real person of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
