My First Official Book Review: American Midnight

I've talked about what books I've read, but this is my first official book review. (Ooo, exciting!)  American Midnight is a suspenseful Christian political thriller from authors Brandon Barr and Mike Lynch, published by Silver Leaf Books. From the website: 

A family torn apart, a country under siege from within, terrorist plots that will shake society to its core, and it’s all coming to a head in a quiet little town in Iowa...

...At eighteen, Tania Peters still carries deep scars from her mother’s tragic death, and when she’s betrayed by someone close, pain and confusion threaten to swallow her whole.  But underneath all the hurt, she senses the hand of purpose on her life and finds hope in an exciting new political movement.

But not everyone sees the movement as good. Tania’s own father fears that this promised “unity” is a threat to Christian churches across the country.

Pitted between the Party’s utopian promises and the Christian friends and families who soon find themselves on the outside of this new American dream, Tania must choose between her long dormant faith in God and her future with the Party...

...But that one decision could cost her everything—even her life.

I think it was appropriate that I read this book just before the July 4 holiday. American Midnight grabbed my attention right from the start. The well-paced action, with lots of suspense, danger and intrigue, along with a little romance, kept me eager to find out what happens next.

In this sort of book it would be easy to rely on stereotypes: pure, long-suffering Christians pitted against power-hungry, godless villains. American Midnight, however, contains characters that are real people with depth and complexity, characters that I could relate to, characters I could root for or against, and sometimes wonder which I should be doing. (I did find one character, General Aristides, to be a bit over the top, but he was a relatively minor character and filled his role well.)

American Midnight poses some timely questions, and doesn't fall back on quick and easy answers. I have found myself pondering the themes of the book--family, faith, unity, freedom--and thinking about what I might do if I were caught up in Tania's situation. It's the kind of book that makes you wonder, "Could this happen to me?"

American Midnight is a great read, and does not contain offensive content. I can highly recommend it. Learn more about American Midnight on Brandon Barr's website and blog.

*I guess I have to put the disclaimer that yes, I did receive a free copy of the book from the authors to review. Lucky me! I was asked to give my honest opinion, and that is what I have done.*