| Title | : | The Hunter and the Valley of Death (Psalm, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 85 |
| Publication | : | Published July 2, 2018 |
A man wakes up in the Valley of Death and realizes he's given up everything, including his memories, to attempt to kill Death so that he can bring his wife back to life. But when he fails, who will be there to rescue him?
The Hunter and the Valley of Death is a profound meditation on life, death, loss, and love. Formatted as a fantasy parable on the topic of surrender, this story shows that there is only One who could kill Death--and because of him, and him alone, we say, "Oh, Death, where is your sting?"
The Hunter and the Valley of Death (Psalm, #1) Reviews
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This short book got me emotional in the end! This is an allegorical, lyrical story based on Psalm 23 and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It reads like a biblical fiction style story to me with a fantastical parable element. It may be short, but boy does it bring the emotions in the end. Maybe it's just the time in my life that I am reading it, but I did tear up in the end. I was a little confused at the beginning and it took me a little bit to understand what was going on, but by the middle of the story I was really interested in this journey our character was taking. Keep reading if you're not sure what's going on - I am glad I did.
What a beautiful reminder that "When we take our eyes off our shepherd we find ourselves surrounded by trouble. And yet, He always delivers the sheep who love Him."
In this story we have a man who wakes up in the Valley of Death and realizes he's given up everything, including his memories to attempt to kill "Death" so he can bring his wife back to life. He goes on the journey in his different trials and errors - he felt very realistic to me, much like we are in our own lives as we make mistakes. But Christ died to redeem us and purchase our love - and that's shown beautifully here.
There is a Psalm 23 short bible study and symbolism explantion afterwards that I really appreciated. He explained how things tie together and what Psalm 23 means to him. I loved that. -
If you love digging into an allegory for deeper meaning, the kind that allows you to look at a familiar Bible text in a new way, then you definitely need to check out Brennan McPherson’s The Hunter and the Valley of Death. McPherson kicks off the new Psalm series with this lyrical fantasy novella that paints a beautiful picture of the Gospel even as it draws parallels to Psalm 23.
What does the Gospel have to do with the ‘Lord is my Shepherd’ Psalm? More than you might think at first read. Which is why The Hunter and the Valley of Death makes a great re-read as well – allowing you the ability to absorb the intricacies of the allegory rather than just enjoying the story. (Hint: The in-depth discussion of symbolism and study of Psalm 23 included at the end of the novella helps too lol) In fact, I think this would be a great book to read as a small group or Bible study – not only as proof that fiction can help us grow in our faith (can I get an Amen?!) but also because of the fresh take on Psalm 23 and how much our Savior loves us.
Bottom Line: An intriguing story simply on its own, The Hunter and the Valley of Death becomes even more so when viewed as it was written – a fantasy parable/allegory on the 23rd Psalm. The Hunter is a complex character, and while he seems to be cast in a hero role it’s not always clear if he is the hero or antihero in this tale, adding to the complexity and layers of his story. Lyrically penned, the visuals are easily imagined and beautifully rendered. On its surface, this is an enjoyable and captivating story. But there is even more gold to be found by those willing to take the time to mine deeper for truth.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at
Reading Is My SuperPower -
I had a mixed experience reading this novella. It's a good lyrical piece of Biblical fiction with lots of symbolism and strong themes. It presents the gospel powerfully and the importance of surrender and dying to ourselves so we can gain more of God. It's difficult in a novella to develop characters very well and so this story was mostly thematic-based working many of the Gospel's key points in a story of good, evil and love.
However, I approached the story excited to see how McPherson presented Psalm 23 in a fictional account. BTW, I love the idea of this Psalm Series of novellas: creating fictional accounts of some of the Psalms. Psalm 23 is many people's favourite, one universally known even by non-believers, for it's beautiful and vivid imagery of Jesus as our shepherd as we journey through life. It's a Psalm of significant comfort, of praise of His goodness and one that fills all of us with hope and faith I believe. It's a special Psalm to use when starting one's day and/or time with the Lord.
Having now outlined some thoughts on the Psalm I headed into reading this novella with this background. And my struggle with the novella is that I didn't really find a lot of the essence of the great Psalm. So it wasn't as enjoyable a read simply because I was seeking that essence of the soothing intimacy of the Lord.
McPherson writes beautiful prose with vivid imagery which gives the reader a tremendous insider's view of his story. He puts us, the reader, into his story and we get to experience all of the sensory elements he describes so well.
But I feel he tried too hard and actually put too much of the Gospel into this one. The fact he has an appendix at the back explaining the symbolism in some ways reinforced this in my mind. And even in reading this appendix I questioned the way he connected his story to the Psalm even though there were specific references to individual verses.
It appears I'm an exception to the rule in terms of other reviewers and I would still encourage you to read this novella simply because it's a good story.
I'm excited to read the second in the series by Mesu Andrews. -
Story Enjoyment Rating 7/10 Christian Faith Rating 3/3
This book is an allegorical fantasy novella. It is a retelling of the gospel message based on Psalm 23 and the parable of the prodigal son.
I enjoyed it on a surface level. It was short and had good action, although the writing style is not one I usually read. It was more like a parable, myth or legend. It has loads of symbolism with Psalm 23 and the gospel message of Jesus.
It follows an orphan who gets adopted by the king and becomes his son. We see flashbacks to his life throughout the story. All the while, he is in the valley of the shadow of death, trying to defeat and kill death.
I think this book is designed to be used as an aid to study the Bible. It is creative and makes you think.
I listened to it quickly, so I expect I missed much of the symbolism in my first reading. It's probably something to take your time over if you want to get the full meaning. -
I found this book more to the OK side, but really liked the Psalm 23 bible study at the end. I think I might not have been in the mood for this type of book. The first 90% contains a fantasy parable for Psalm 23. I don't know, this just didn't connect with me.
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This is awesome! It's wonderful! It is totally engrossing and a great way to look into and get more out of the Book of Psalm. I've read Mr. McPherson's books before and loved them. This one is no different and I highly rate it and highly suggest you read it! Breathtaking and wonderful!
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Who wants a raw, un-edited teaser from the draft? Anyone? Well. . . here we go :)!!!
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He was there again on his knees, holding his Love’s hand, wetted by tears and dappled with blood. “Don’t go,” he said. “You can’t go.”
“I must," she said. "I’ve been preparing for this journey for years.”
“How could you abandon me?”
“You know better than to say that,” she turned toward a covered window set in a wall of mud bricks.
He stared at her pale, feverish face haloed by dust-filtered light. He stood, slid his hand to her cheek, and bent to kiss her. She thrust her palm into his chest, pushing him away, her eyes set hard, lips pressed tight.
He stumbled back. The tears he thought bled dry returned, and despite himself, he moaned, grieving the loss of what was yet to leave. For she had once kissed him tenderly and held him close, but now, as her final moments approached, she denied him even what she had promised to give forever.
It was a death worse than Death.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“No,” she replied, voice shaking. “You don’t.”
Again, as before, his soul tore, and all the more because he knew why she believed he'd abandoned her. He thought his throat might split from the fury of his fear. That his spirit would flee to follow her beyond the shadows of Death for want of the companionship she had once offered but now denied.
Instead, he stood shaking, weeping, aching, screaming as the last few breaths hissed between her teeth. Body ravaged by sickness, inches away, yet worlds apart.
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Can't wait to share the book in July! It's an emotional one! The story is structured after and based on Psalm 23, and it reaches into some deep God issues about love and suffering. It's a bit of a mind-bender, and conceptually challenging, but what anchors it is the raw emotion, and the deep relationships between the characters. I hope it speaks to everyone as it's spoken to me! If you want, you can go ahead and pre-order for only 99 cents. After the first week of the book's release, it will be $2.99. Thanks for reading! -
This is the 4th work I've read from this author. I like what Mr. McPherson’s writing does to me – how it makes me feel and how it makes me think. I love those feeling! By that I mean the feeling I get through the descriptive parts of the book that takes me right there in the story. Brennan McPherson really has a gift for doing this. And the characters – I feel like I’m inside each one of them. His way of writing like this makes that possible for me, and that’s important if I’m to enjoy and benefit from a book. He reaches within the fictional characters and makes them seem real. Using the 23rd Psalm for the basis of this work is genius.
This is one of the great thoughts Brennan brings us in the devotional part, after the story:
“We don’t have to dread God’s discipline. Rather, we can trust that it’s proof of his passionate love for us. That his refining work in our souls and spirits, which can feel so painful at times, is a good thing that brings about our holiness and deeper intimacy with him—so long as we surrender to it.”
The fantasy fiction work of “Hunter” prepares our hearts to sit up and take notice of thoughts like these. For me, this book made me hunger for the devotional thoughts because my heart had already been prepped - something like a garden is prepared for planting and growing. This is how lots of us (readers) are wired to work! I love the way these thoughts touch me deeply by the preparation of the fantasy fiction work of “Hunter.” People who read fiction (Christian fiction in particular,) are bound to be touched the same way. Besides all of this, it’s just another flat out good story by Brennan McPherson! -
This small book packed a lot of punch! The story is a fantasy parable relating to Psalm 23 and many other stories of the Bible.
Told in a fantasy style, the story moves at a swift pace and the reader travels with The Hunter through many places and encounters many creatures along the way.
The symbolism is easy to decipher for those familiar with the Bible. The story is packed with symbols, many that are subtle, so this book would be great for re-reading as new things would be discovered with each read.
It took a bit for me to get invested in the story but once I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down. The descriptions were very vivid and the story was hard hitting. I went through a vast range of emotions when reading the story, from sadness and remorse, to joy and thankfulness.
This would be an excellent story to use in Bible studies and small groups. There are author’s notes at the end that explain the symbolism and how the story relates to the Bible, specifically to Psalm 23. The author’s love for Christ and the scripture truly shines through and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book.
This is the first book in a series (the Psalm series) by various authors and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next story.
My Rating: 4 stars
I received this book from the author to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
This was an extremely profound story. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but it really did astound me. It felt very much like Pilgrim’s Progress or “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis. A fantasy parable/allegory. And it was beautiful and powerful.
The way it was written – so unique, and it just flowed excellently. It captivates the reader and fully draws you into its world.
The symbolism of Psalm 23 was lovely, and how it was all portrayed through the story – brilliant. I found numerous truths in “The Hunter and the Valley of Death”. And oh, the beauty of that truth, specifically regarding suffering. That couldn’t be more apt for me to read right now.
I feel like I can’t even give this book justice in a review for the beauty of it, and the deep meaning.
The only thing is I would have liked just a tiny bit bigger emphasis made of the repentance stage, as that is very important. And personally, my favourite version of Psalm 23 is the KJV or NKJV – I feel it holds the most reverence. So I would’ve preferred to see that in this, but as I’ve stated in past reviews, I know that everyone has different opinions on Bible versions.
Otherwise, I really did love this book, and the notes at the end. It was a short novella, but full of meaning. I am looking forward to rereading it, just to digest more of it. Excellent! -
I don't usually read fantasy, but I absolutely loved this book. McPherson took me so deep into the story of a man trying to save his fiancee I could hardly put it down. He has such a way of letting you feel the character's pain, joy, doubt--everything he was going through.
It was frustrating to watch the Hunter make bad decision after bad decision. I wanted to strangle him, chastise him for not trusting the King who obviously knew so much more than he did. Then I realized how often I do the same thing.
In the end, it's a beautiful story of love, redemption, and forgiveness that we can all relate to. -
I enjoyed this book, frankly more than I expected to! The author draws the reader into the story very quickly, and I was intrigued to find out what would happen.
It combines a fair bit of Scripture—Psalm 23 in addition to John 1, the prodigal son, and Jesus’ own story—and cast it in a new light. The mental pictures here are very vivid!
I like the author’s approach in retelling Scripture through fiction/fantasy and would certainly pick up other books. This one was a quick and easy read, 1-2 hours.
I received a copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or negative; all opinions are my own. -
Hunter & Valley of Death Pulls and Chills YOU!
Hunter & Valley of Death is sinply breathtaking. Laced with adrenaline, this story will have you on the edge of your seat for hours, if not days. HVD is one story you DO NOT want to put down this Summer. It is filled with suspense and passion which pulls at your heartstrings and chills you to the bones. Symbolism in Hunter & Valley of Death paints portraits which are more valuable than words can count. EVERY character will question the mind in EVERY aspect. Hunter & Valley of Death is THE Summer read of 2018. -
A beautifully well-written story as it follows the 23rd Psalm. I loved the vivid imagery that transported me to the world of Biblical times.
The characters became real to me and I immediately could feel the Psalm come to life for me. It was a powerful Biblical story immersed in symbolism that connected to Psalms 23.
I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author and willingly chose to review it. -
An interesting devotional of Psalm 23, using a fantasy story for its setting.
Normally, I don't choose fantasies to read; but I gave it a chance, and quickly caught on to the story it told. A good insight on how King David understood traits of Our Lord, and His love for us! -
Beautiful Allegory
This is an allegory based on the 23rd Psalm. At first I didn't quite get it even though I liked the beautiful imagery. Later on I began to catch on and the story is nicely explained at the end. I think if I reread it I would enjoy it more. -
This book was very thought-provoking. On the other reviews of the book, people said if you were Christian you would get the alliteration or similarities of the Bible. Although it's true I got some of them. I did not get all of them
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I did enjoy this allegorical look at the 23rd Psalm. The entire three book series was on sale, so I purchased them at the same time. Each book is written by a different author, so I am interested in seeing how the other authors interpret the same passages.
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In the words of the author, this novella is a “symbolic fantasy parable” of Psalm 23. It tells the gospel story through the lens of the Psalm. It’s a haunting tale through death to joy. The symbolism is well done and brings great depth.
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5 stars for the weirdest book I have ever tried to read. ????
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This book was was wonderful. It will stay in my mind for a long time. Felt it was very realistic, loved the poetic feel. Definitely would recommend for personal
and group studies, -
Kindle unlimited has paid off with stories like this one! And, yet I would prefer this in print to really dig into the messages and highlights to share.
