A Season of Mysteries by Rusty Whitener

Faith was relatively new to Zack, Donnie, Skeeter, and the other boys who had played together on the 1971 champion Little League team. That baseball season was forever imprinted on their souls, due in large part to the life-changing actions of a boy named Rafer. But this summer—1976—they would discover the real depth of their souls and the dangerous influences battling for control of their lives.

A follow-up to Whitener's acclaimed debut novel, A Season of Mysteries explores the seen and unseen spiritual powers at work and the Ultimate Power who controls it all.

About the Author

Rusty Whitener (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Seminary) is a novelist, screenwriter, actor, and pastor. His first screenplay, Touched, won second place at the Los Angeles Movie guide Awards (2009 Kairos Prize) and first place at the Gideon Film Festival. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Rusty and his wife Rebecca live in Pulaski, Virginia, where he writes a weekly column for The Pulaski County Patriot. Find out more at www.rustywhitener.com.

My Review:
This book reminded me of "It" by Stephen King. Richard is a man with a past. It was as much disturbing as it was spiritual. He was a boy scout, and had a certain group of friends that he hung out with. They never knew that the summer of 1979 would be a turning point for the rest of their lives. It would also be a basis for how they judged the rest of their lives as well.
There were strange things that Richard had to witness and deal with. Things that most people will never have to deal with at all. Never mind at a young age. The book definitely made me think of right versus wrong and good versus evil. The "demons" were set on getting what they wanted. They didn't care who they hurt or what the consequences were.
The book also had obvious scripture in it, but there were also little links to God throughout the book. There is definitely evil in the world. Richard lost his future and his childhood. He also had a pretty messed up life as an adult.
It is not until he tries to get better, and he has a support system that he starts to move forward. However is it really progress or just more pain? Did Richard trust his faith in time? In a world of school shootings and violence is it better to learn at a young age and become cynical, or should we be sheltered?
I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review by Kregel, however all opinions are my own!