Faith Awakened By Grace Bridges

Click on the image to visit the Faith Awakened Website!

The CFRB November tour (Christian Fiction Review Blog) features the book Faith Awakened by Grace Bridges. Visit the CFRB site: click on the CFRB image to the left or follow the link on my sidebar.


About the Author (from the Faith Awakened website)

Grace Bridges is a New Zealander with partly Irish roots and has spent many years in Germany. She was home schooled and spent most of her early learning years reading novels – in the end it made her a writer. Faith Awakened is her first novel.

She also enjoys reading (of course!), culinary improvisation, living with cats, inventing things, web design and graphics, and meeting people both real and virtual.

Bridges is a pen name - Grace is for real!


About the Book and My Thoughts

(I am trying to do this without any spoilers. Please forgive me if I give too much away)

“In virtual stasis to escape a deadly virus, an ex-slave finds far more than just survival...”

The first chapter of the book immediately drew me into the story. Recently I have picked up a number of novels that were very slow to draw me into the plot, but this tale held my attention me from the beginning. Overall I would refer to the story as thought-provoking and sober, even as it clearly portrays hope and the hand of God.

Personally, I believe the writing style could use some polish, however, I would say that about most of the first novels of even my favorite authors. I look forward to seeing Grace's style develop.

The layout of the book showed immense creativity. It reminded me of J.J. Abrams style in Alias and the third Mission Impossible movie. The book begins near the end of the story and tracks back and forth through events. It is a very effective tool for keeping a readers attention.

This is a science fiction novel, however, the technical elements are minimal so readers of other genres might enjoy the tale, especially if they enjoy a first person look at someones life story.

In this novel Mariah and Faith each tell the stories of their lives in journal form.

Mariah is an ex-slave in a world gone mad. The world is our own, but in a time where all has changed. In Mariah’s character we see God reach out and draw her to believe. While witnessing her blossoming faith we also observe the bitter steps of humanity toward its own destruction. In contrast to this destruction there remains life. This life is a gift from God, who in this novel is referred to as “The Awakener.” Does “The Awakener” wish for Mariah to live? Will He reach into her life and provide a way?

We meet Faith as a child, safe and secure in her parents home in Ireland. Faith knows nothing of the terror of Mariah’s world. She grows from childhood enfolded by faith in God and security. Still, she struggles with anger, depression and the direction of her life. Sometimes she feels trapped and other times she feels compelled by a hand not her own. Is God in her choices? Does He have a plan for her?

I enjoyed the contrast between Mariah and Faith and the insightful descriptions of how God is Master of all things and all created worlds. I found the description of depression and discouragement interesting when it was found in a “virtual” world. It is an intriguing exposition on how the human soul is prone to dissatisfaction in all things, even our own idea of "heaven on earth", unless God draws the focus to Himself. I appreciated seeing these themes played out in both Mariah and Faith's experiences as they stumbled along and found a God who had both a purpose and a plan in the midst of a unique life situation.

You can find the book here at Amazon

Other members of CFRB blogging about Faith Awakened:

David's Day 1 Comment at CFRB

Caprice Hokstad's blog

Cathi Hassan's blog

Carole McDonnell's blog

Lyn Perry's Blog