Lisa Harris's Blood Ransom ~ Reviewed

BLOOD RANSOM
By Lisa Harris
Published by Zondervan
ISBN# 978-0-310-30905-4
317 Pages


Back Cover:

In the African republic of Dhambizao, Natalie Sinclair works with Dr. Chad Talcott to eradicate diseases that are claiming whole towns. Meanwhile, Joseph Komboli returns to his village to find rebels abducting his family. When Chad and Natalie help Joseph expose the modern-day slave trade, they're courting disaster.


Review:

This is not your typical fiction book. Lisa’s story is based on real situations that exist in the world around us - especially in Africa. I applaud Lisa for being the voice of these hurting people and for making us aware of the horrific conditions and treatment of humans through this compelling story. Gabby is the journalist in this story who feels led to be the voice of this hurting nation and is willing to do the right thing, no matter what it costs. Lisa Harris gives voice to Gabby and her concerns in this startling story.

“Ghost Soldiers” were supposed to be nothing more than rumors—a myth—what if these rumors are true and people are disappearing from their villages because of them? Hundreds and thousands of people have vanished. It’s not a rumor or myth, but a reality that Lisa Harris writes about.

Natalie Sinclair exterminates the diseases decimating whole villages. She comes in contact with fifteen year-old Joseph, who has proof the Ghost soldiers are real. Joseph is hurt, so Natalie takes him to see Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from his medical practice where he volunteers in a small clinic. They recognized each other from High School.

Dr. Chad tells her not to get involved; it’s best. Natalie takes Joseph back to his village to show her where his family disappeared. Joseph took pictures of people being killed and abducted by the Ghost Soldiers. After seeing proof, Natalie couldn’t walk away. This wasn’t right; they were selling and using people as slaves.

Natalie tells Dr. Chad of her discovery. Natalie and Chad embark on a mission to get this proof to the American Embassy. That’s when the trouble begins. Natalie sends the proof to her journalist friend, Gabby, who says, “It’s time we force these businesses and investors to change the despicable working conditions thousands are forced to live under. Nothing will change if they aren’t held accountable. They need a voice. It’s a heart-wrenching reality in our world, especially when one realizes human trafficking, child slavery and a booming sex industry, are all alive and well right here in the United States.”

Lisa pens a heart-felt, thought provoking and compelling drama you won’t soon forget. Blood Ransom is book one in the mission series. I’m so thankful to have received a copy of the powerfully moving book. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
ACFW Book Club Coordinator


Bonus Review:

Blood Ransom takes place in Kasili, the Republic of Dhambizao and involves a character named Joseph who used to be a translator and guide for a woman named Natalie Sinclair, who worked for the Embassy. While heading back home to his village, he discovered that there were “Ghost Soldiers” there, and they killed his grandfather and took the rest of his family to work in diamond mines. The story unfolds as Joseph tries to rescue his family.

What really interested me is all of the things that were going on, such as villages disappearing, Ghost soldiers taking people, the government involvement, and knowing that these types of things are really happening. The story was really easy to follow, and ended well.

I do wish the author had brought God into the story line more. The characters were going through very difficult situations and showing a stronger reliance on God could have been a good witness to various readers from different backgrounds.

Reviewed by: Laura Porter