The Veritas Conflict

This novel impressed me on many levels. First, the characterization was excellent. I came to care about all the characters in the novel (and there were quite a few). We learn a lot about the main character, Claire Rivers, as well as several of the minor characters. The author gives us enough of a glimpse into their psyches to allow us to feel connected to each of them.The plotline was engaging and well paced. There were a few parts of the story that dragged a bit. But for the most part, I was always eager to turn the next page. The author dials up the suspense towards the last half of the book, and adds an element of danger to the story that didn't exist in the first half. This adds an intensity to the novel that heightens the stakes and makes it a more suspenseful read.I was able to identify with Claire's struggles as she tries to stay true to her faith on a campus that doesn't always welcome her thoughts or opinions. While attending law school, there were times I felt derision and condescension targeted at Christians during class debates. I honestly wish I had found this book prior to attending law school. Perhaps I would have been better equipped to deal with the ideological/faith bias I experienced.The apologetics I encountered in this book are excellent. There were several debates I found myself reading over more than once in the hopes that I would remember the insightful arguments put forth. Anyone who is interested in sharing their faith and defending their beliefs in a loving and non judgmental manner would be rewarded by reading this book.I recommend this book not only for the engaging plotline that is a pleasure to read, but also for the excellent truths that are embedded within the story.

This book is incredibly awesome!! I’ve read this book about 5 times already. The second book is a continuation and ya’ll need to get it!! It will keep you on the edge of your seat!! Love how the author captures the things that are unseen that as Christians we don’t think or simply forget that do exist! God bless!!

I was really excited to finally get this book. The concept is unusual, and unlike most Christian fiction, the main storyline wasn't all about romance. I've heard Shaunti Feldhahn speak before, and I respect her research. I was a bit disappointed in this book. The good: I liked how she had examples of philosophical debates in her book. A prior reviewer stated that she wasn't realistic in her portrait of Harvard professors, as their logic was too relative. That may be so, but for those of us who work and socialize in a more everyday stratosphere, this was a good intro to logical/apologetic thinking. Perhaps it was an unrealistic portrayal of Harvard profs, but at least it was helpful. I also appreciate the attempt she made at weaving many layers of intrigue in the story. I say attempt, because at times the story for waaaay too convoluted. Too many mini vignettes and character descriptions of people that didn't have much to do with story. You'd read about some random person and never hear from them again. Some of that should've been edited out. Feldman did an excellent job of fleshing out Mansfield-his struggles, his love life and for God. It was interesting reading the tensions between him and his secular coworkers at Harvard. What really annoyed me was the weak character development of almost everyone else. Clair was a bit two dimensional in the beginning, and frankly, hard to root for as a protagonist. In the beginning she's portrayed as a prideful blonde that got into Harvard. Suddenly she becomes Sister Super Christian. To be fair, the book showcased a few glimpses of her struggling, but I would've like to see more of how and what made her tick as a person. She was kinda bland. The other aspect that didn't really sit well was the way the Harvard students spoke. their dialogue seemed too simplistic. I know Feldman herself is a Harvard grad, but somehow I don't believe that they talk like that. It was like she transplanted the characters from the "Sweet Valley High" series. *spoiler alert* the last main point I want to make us that end didn't seem to make sense at all. Claire gets kidnapped, so instead of getting the police involved, the aged Grindley guy hops on a private plane to go rescue her? riiiiiiight. Overall, I wish this book had been written better. I think if Feldhann had spent more time crafting the characters and storyline, this could've been an awesome book.

I absolutely love these types of books. By "types" I mean the hidden realm of angels and demons going to war for the human soul. This is right up there with This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness IMHO.The story does bog down some, but it isn't very long until the pace picks up again and we see how prayer unleashes God's hand in motion.For me however, the fatal flaw here is the formatting of the book for the Kindle. There are numerous and I mean NUMEROUS errors in formatting that slow down the reading and force you to figure out what word is supposed to be there. To make matters worse, on several pages, there are several errors...thus bogging the reader down and killing the flow.If it weren't just .99 cents, I would have asked for my money back due to the formatting, but not the story..which is why I kept the review high for the story and dinged it one star for formatting.

I was prepared to be unimpressed by this book; however, it was NOT a bland imitation of Frank Perretti's "Darkness" books. Shaunti Feldhahn has hit one out of the park with this riveting tale of celestial warfare and how it impacts our earthly lives - and in turn, how our earthly choices affect the celestial outcome. This book is a "must read" for anyone who enjoys Christian drama. Well written, great character development, excellent plot twists. I actually came to care about the characters and was sorry when the book ended. Feldhahn doesn't pretend that being a Christian means everything turns out happily ever after. Some characters make poor choices and have to suffer the inevitable consequences of those choices. Other characters are conflicted about what God wants them to do. However, the overriding theme is that prayer changes things and enables the heavenly forces to act - a lesson we should all be aware of.I highly recommend this book! I don't often re-read books but this is one I'll pick up again.