REVIEW - Proof: the Novel (Ted D. Berner)

Proof: the Novel“An intriguing read for those with a mind for theology."
RainHand Rating:
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(Review appearing for the first time on Rainhandbooks.com!)
Would it be fair of me to compare this book to the Call of Cthulhu? Bear with me when I draw a comparison like that, for I mean it from the standpoint of the storytelling, not the content (although perhaps one could draw a fictional allegory between biblical titans and Lovecraftian horrors). It’s just how I felt going through it. Large portions of this book seem to favor tell over show, and serve as a complex treatise of the situation rather than a tale taking us through it. There's some fascinating content involving ancient, larger than life beings. At times, however, it all made me feel like somebody was trying to tell me a joke, but knew I wouldn’t understand the punchline without enough explanation to ruin the telling in the first place. If you’re interested in the subject matter from a theological standpoint, there’s definitely a lot to intrigue you here. If you’re just looking for an entertaining read, however, you might get lost in the conjecture. An interest in Christian mythology and/or some biblical training are a definite plus, as you’ll encounter a lot of related content in this book.

The book is well written and clearly has had the eye of a professional editor on it. In terms of structure you won’t be disappointed, as it is quite easy to follow. In terms of content, there’s a lot going on, and the author takes us through it well. We’ve got a deep plot involving WW2 personalities, visitations to many lands throughout the world, and an overarching global threat that surely keeps pages turning. It’s unlikely you’ll go through it without learning something about the topic, and the compulsion to look a few things up on your own is certainly present.

If I am to offer a technical criticism, I’ll say that the forward/acknowledgement/documentation sections of this book are a bit excessive, both at the beginning and the end of the story. There's a heartfelt dedication to friends and family, but after the preface we're presented with an additional 'acknowledgements' section that reads like an acceptance speech that’s gone on too long. At the end, our narrative text cuts off far more abruptly than even your average cliffhanger usually allows, and transitions into an author's notes page that presents a list of 'questions to be answered in the sequel'. (Same bat-time, same bat-channel I presume?) Opinions are just that, but personally I consider it questionable form to print promises in a book regarding a sequel, when as far as I know there currently is no sequel to read (the text says 'in progress'). A giveaway offer for a t-shirt was also mentioned, as well as a link to leave a review...these are all perhaps better presented on a website or social media platform. Not in the book itself.

Check the synopsis. If it’s your thing, it’s well written to the point that I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

About the Author: Ted Berner grew up in the Mountains of Montana where he and his wife currently live on a ranch with several four-legged furry friends. Besides raising horses and Bernese Mountain Dogs, Berner is also an airline pilot and spends a few hours each week traveling around the country at thirty-five thousand feet.

Ted started his writing career in 2010 when he became fascinated with a mysterious civilization that is only briefly mentioned in the Bible. The topic of the Nephilim, the giants from the Bible, is such an intriguing subject that Berner has been a guest speaker on several shows, including Caravan to Midnight with John B. Wells and Late Night in the Midlands with Michael Vara.
('About' info reprinted from goodreads.com.)