Wow, just wow. That’s all I can say about “The Delusion” by Laura Gallier, a story of supernatural battle on the grandest level.
The new high school in Masonville, Texas, has seen 11 student suicides since recently opening. And as that number continues to grow, no one can figure out why so many students are taking their lives.
New in town, Owen Edmonds has a chance encounter with a mysterious man in the woods that will radically change his life. He suddenly finds himself with the ability to see what is attacking the students at Masonville High — and it’s something straight from a horror film. Is he having hallucinogenic delusions, or is what Owen seeing reality? And if so, why can no one else see what he is seeing?
With the help of his new friend Ray Anne, who is a beacon of light, Owen sets out to help those around him and save them from the grips of death itself, even as he battles his own personal demons. The two work to fight against the forces that work under the “cloak of invisibility.”
“The Delusion” is an incredible supernatural novel telling the story of the very real battle of good and evil that exists in our world. Gallier does an amazing job revealing how that good and evil could be personified. This story will totally creep you out, but yet move you to decide whose side are you on. It’s filled with utter despair and despondency and devastation, yet offers a very real hope as Owen and Ray Anne battle hell’s darkest forces.
Gallier encourages us to always search for the light and the hope in every situation, and that sometimes we have to be the one to sacrificially fight the battle. As the mysterious man in the woods reminds Owen, “A real man fights for those who can’t defend themselves. Even if it costs him everything.”
“The Delusion” also tackles such spiritual matters as does God really exist; is there someone out there who really cares about us; why does He allow bad things to happen; humanity fails time and time again, but God never does; we each have “incredible, indescribable value”; choosing freedom versus slavery; and the fact that only mankind can truly drive out wickedness.
Fans of Frank Peretti or Robert Liparulo’s Dreamhouse Kings series will love “The Delusion.” Gallier does leave her novel at a bit of an unresolved cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to see how this story continues.
And please, if you are struggling, seek help. Remember God loves you so very much and there is always hope. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.