Social media brought my attention to this gem of a
book a few months ago well before its projected release date. I picked it up a
few weeks after it came out through electronic means, but it inspired me to sit
down and write this review. Author Stephen J. Stirling weaves a masterful tale
of political intrigue that inspires the reader to think deeply about the power
faith can have on the current state of the world. His strong narrative voice
uses a fictional Russian nation called Crimea to warn the world and Americans
of the need for vigilance in these times, but more importantly, gives us a
believable example of the miracles we can accomplish when we trust in God.
Protagonist Paladin Smith is a charming and likeable
character, every bit as chivalrous as his name implies. He is called upon by a
shady politician to retrieve his niece from the influence of a vile US
Ambassador named Ian Keller. (Are there any politicians who are not shady?)
Keller intends to take advantage of the political
turmoil of Crimea for his own gain. Stirling highlights his main villain as
dastardly from the start, and for me this was the book’s only small weakness.
There is no mystery as to who is scheming for the downfall of the tiny former
Soviet Union nation. However, this does not slow the book down at all as the
author keeps the reader guessing as to the nature of Keller’s plans. In particular, the suspense builds as the
reader wonders how exactly a meager California seminary teacher of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can possibly stand a chance against
someone so politically powerful.
At first, Paladin is reluctant to take the
assignment. The girl in question is Victoria Grant, a former seminary student
of Paladin’s with a troubled history. After protecting her from a would-be
rapist, circumstances led to Paladin having to cut ties and give up his calling
as a teacher for a time. Paladin expects ill feelings from his former student
as a result. Not only that, but Paladin would have to leave his wife and home
for an unknown land to do the bidding of people he does not trust. However, the
encouragement of his wife, the blessing of his father, and the power of the
Holy Spirit convince him to take the quest.
Persona Non Grata follows a slow and steady pace,
building layers of intensity and adding palpable conflict as the plot thickens.
Smith’s simple mission to retrieve a girl struggling with her faith becomes
complicated as he is shoehorned by events and the will of God into going toe to
toe with ambassadors, tyrannical Monarchs, powerful military leaders and even
an archbishop. As the book winds towards its climax, I found myself on a
spiritual thrill ride I had not experienced since LaHaye and Jenkins “Left
Behind” series. It is a quick and powerful read I highly recommend.
Persona Non Grata can be found on amazon and many
other locations. Please see Stephen’s website for details. www.stephenjstirling.com
