Joelene Reviews: Phillip W. Simpson's - "Rapture"
Having glanced over the blurb of this book, I was expecting to be gently coaxed into a world where angels and demons battle it out for the spoils of Earth. Boy, was I wrong! This book started out fast and only slowed down once – I was well and truly hooked. Yes, we’re dealing with an incredibly complicated premise; post-apocalyptic society based around the mythology of a 2000 year old religion that still dominates much of Western thought, but Simpson doesn’t let that slow the pace of this novel.
Five weeks after the Rapture has taken the faithful to heaven, a teenage boy leaves his home to fulfil the destiny he has been trained for. The Earth has been transformed into a second hell. A thick layer of ash covers everything and demons swarm the towns at night, searching for victims. As a half-demon, Sam finds more comfort in his swords than in the people around him, but he must overcome that if he is to help the innocents left on Earth. Separated from the only family he has ever known, all that he has left is the path that his foster father, Hikari, has prepared for him.
Switching between past and present, Sam’s personality really shines through. He is torn between his human and demon heritage; tethered somewhat precariously to the human side only through the love of his adoptive family. Without Hikari and, his daughter, Aimi’s calming presence, it seems as though nothing will keep Sam grounded. This is a bittersweet read, the past is idyllic and loving while the present cuts out any hope of things remaining that way.
As always, this human side to a worldwide catastrophe is what anchors me to Rapture. Rather than focus on the action, Simpson really works on his characters. Don’t get me wrong, there is action and it is incredibly well-written, but the entire book comes together around Sam. His interactions with characters post-Rapture are appealing, as he’s never had extensive contact with people outside of his family unit and his uncertainty in his new friends is endearing. His attachment to his family too, is interesting, and gives dimension to the internal struggle that plagues Sam.
Unfortunately, Hikari and Aimi’s characters were not as well-rounded as I would have liked them to be, considering the pivotal role they play in Sam’s development and personality. Both of them are far too perfect, excelling in anything they try. Sam is clearly devoted to them however, and, as much of this book is in his perspective, it’s easy to see how the descriptions could be rose-coloured.
A fast pace combine with compelling characters to make Rapture a great addition to the post-apocalyptic genre. There is a possibility that hard-core Atheists or devout Catholics might be offended by some of the themes but, taken as a flight of fantasy into the Christian mythology, it’s a good, fun ride well-suited to fans of the Percy Jackson series.
Rapture – Phillip W. Simpson
Pear Jam Books Ltd. (October 1, 2011)
ISBN: 9781927182512
