Twelve - Jennifer Lynn Barnes - The Naturals Book 4.5

Twelve

The Naturals Book 4.5

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

eISBN 9781368021302

ASIN B075573YK6

ASIN B0BXMP1LML

First, I need to state that this volume is currently only available in eBook or audio book formats. Unlike the four main novels in the Naturals series. 

I picked a copy of the first book in the main series a couple of years ago because my niece was reading it at the time. However, it got lost in the numerous books on my kindle and I never got around to reading it. This year my youngest, 13, picked it to read in class for school reading and a book report. She has to read the physical copy and read it in class. She debated between this and the Inheritance Games series, both had come highly recommended, but a few other girls in her class were doing Inheritance. While picking it up for my daughter I read the prologue and was hooked. My daughter is a little mad that I read it in 1 day and she has to wait and read it in class, but oh well! And she is even madder that I have now read the four novels and this novella and she has still not finished book 1, and is not allowed past chapter 26 yet. (I had told her on March break to read book 1 and do the report on book 2. But she held out.)

The description of this volume states:

“Cassie Hobbes has been working with the FBI since she was a teenager. Now twenty-three years old, she and her fellow Naturals have taken over running the program that taught them everything they know. As a unit, they're responsible for identifying new Naturals—and solving particularly impossible cases. When their latest case brings back a ghost from their past, Cassie and the other Naturals find themselves racing against the clock—and reliving their own childhood traumas.

In a small coastal town in Maine, there has been a rash of teen suicides—or at least, that's what the police believe. Mackenzie McBride, age twelve, thinks differently. Desperate to make herself heard, she stands at the top of a lighthouse, threatening to jump . . . unless the FBI agents who rescued her from a kidnapper at age six come to hear her out. Enter the Naturals. It doesn't take Cassie long to realize that Mackenzie isn't bluffing: she truly is convinced that the suicides are murder, and she really will jump if she can't get the FBI to believe her. To the outside world, Mackenzie is nothing more than a traumatized child. But so was Cassie, once upon a time. So were Michael, Dean, Sloane, Lia, and Celine. With a storm rolling in off the ocean and Mackenzie's position becoming more precarious by the moment, the Naturals have very little time to get to the truth about the deaths—and about twelve-year-old Mackenzie McBride.”

I wrote previously that this series started just a year after Barry Lyga’s I Hunt Killers series which I read as they were releasing. I absolutely loved killers. The two series share a lot of tropes, and have some similar events, I believe both are worth reading. This series has a somewhat similar feal, except it is a team of ‘naturals’ young adults with special abilities, such as: human lie detector, ability to read emotions and feelings almost exactly and of course natural profilers. Cassie’s is brought in as the newest member of the team. This story is set five years after the last volume. Or at least the main story is set five years after the main volume. 

In this story some of the original Naturals are now in the FBI academy, some are still in Colorado running the Natural’s program and assisting on cases as consultants. Mackenzie McBride a kidnapping victim from one of the earlier novels is on the ledge of a lighthouse threatening to jump if the FBI do not come and speak with her. She wants the Agent that rescued her. Soon the teams finds they have a real case, and Mackenzie can see something others are missing. But will they be able to solve the clues in time to save her. Or will she become another victim.

This is a great little volume that is like a check in with old friends. We get to visit the team and see where they are in five years. I would still love to Barnes to go back and write stories about the Nightshade case, and other stories set after these events. This was a wonderful read for fans of the series. I can easily recommend it!

Books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

The Lovely and the Lost (2019)

Nobody (2013)

Every Other Day (2011)

…

The Naturals Series:

The Naturals (2013)

Killer Instinct (2014)

All In (2015)

Bad Blood (2016)

Twelve (2017)

…

The Inheritance Games Series:

The Inheritance Games (2020)

The Hawthorne Legacy (2021)

The Final Gambit (2022)

The Brothers Hawthorne (2023)

…

Debutantes Series:

Little White Lies (2018)

Deadly Little Scandals (2019)

…

The Fixer Series:

The Fixer (2015)

The Long Game (2016)

…

Raised by Wolves Series:

Raised by Wolves (2010)

Sweet Sixteen (2015)

Trial by Fire (2011)

Taken by Storm (2012)

…

The Squad Series:

Perfect Cover (2008)

Killer Spirit (2008)

…

Tattoo Series:

Tattoo (2007)

Fate (2009)

…

Golden Series:

Golden (2006)

Platinum (2007)

…

Christ is Our Peace! Homilies and Addresses in Turkey - Pope Benedict XVI - CTS Books

Christ is Our Peace!

Homilies and Addresses in Turkey

Pope Benedict XVI

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781860824319

ISBN 1860824315

CTS Booklet Do755

Over the last few years, I have read a number of books by and about Pope Benedict XVI. Of the popes in my lifetime, I find his writings of immense spiritual benefit. I would state that I underappreciated him until his resignation. And since then, I have read much. And with each piece I read I appreciate his wisdom, faith, and stand against modernism. This work is far more cautious than much of his writings I have a feeling this is more political because of where the addresses were given. This was another excellent read. 

The descriptions of the book is:

“At a time in history when great themes come together - Europe’s future and its Christian heritage; Religion’s role in the cause of humanity; Islam’s place in today’s world; Catholic and Orthodox relations — Pope Benedict XVI, in his addresses and homilies while visiting Turkey in 2006, makes compulsive reading. Can mankind recognise its common destiny, amid the scandal and turmoil of our age? In Christ, this destiny of true freedom and peace can be realised, in love and service towards each other.”

The volume is drawn from talks and homilies given between November 28th and December 1st 2006. The chapters in this edition are:

Sincere exchange between friends

Serving the cause of humanity 

Christ is our peace!

A love rediscovered! 

Called to be fishers of men. 

Dismantling all that divides us 

Our mission — to offer Christ to the world! 

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“All this, however, remains insufficient unless there is authentic dialogue, that is to say fruitful debate between the parties concerned, in order to arrive at lasting and acceptable political solutions, respectful of persons and peoples. I am thinking most especially of the disturbing conflict in the Middle East, which shows no sign of abating and weighs heavily on the whole of international life; I am thinking of the risk of peripheral conflicts multiplying and terrorist actions spreading. I appreciate the efforts of numerous countries currently engaged in rebuilding peace in Lebanon, Turkey among them. In your presence, Ambassadors, I appeal once more to the vigilance of the international community, that it not abandon its responsibilities, but make every effort to promote dialogue among all parties involved, which alone can guarantee respect for others, while safeguarding legitimate interests and rejecting recourse to violence.”

“The fact that the majority of the population of this country is Muslim is a significant element in the life of society, which the State cannot fail to take into account, yet the Turkish Constitution recognises every citizen’s right to freedom of worship and freedom of conscience.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, in this Eucharistic celebration we praise the Lord for Mary’s divine motherhood, a mystery solemnly confessed and proclaimed in Ephesus at the Ecumenical Council of 431.”

“We have listened to a passage from Saint John’s Gospel which invites us to contemplate the moment of the Redemption when Mary, united to her Son in the offering of his sacrifice, extended her motherhood to all men and women, and in particular to the disciples of Jesus. A privileged witness to that event was the author of the Fourth Gospel, John, the only one of the Apostles to remain at Golgotha with the Mother of Jesus and the other women. Mary’s motherhood, which began with her fiat in Nazareth, is fulfilled at the foot of the Cross.”

“The Son of God thus fulfilled his mission: born of the Virgin in order to share our human condition in everything but sin, at his return to the Father he left behind in the world the sacrament of the unity of the human race (cf. Lumen Gentium, 1): the family “brought into unity from the unity of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Saint Cyprian, De Orat. Dom., 23: PL 4, 536), at whose heart is this new bond between the Mother and the disciple. Mary’s divine motherhood and her ecclesial motherhood are thus inseparably united.”

“The first reading presented what could be called the “Gospel” of the Apostle of the Gentiles: all men and women, including the pagans, are called in Christ to share fully in the mystery of salvation.”

“Like Christ himself, the Church is not only the instrument of unity, but also its efficacious sign. And the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ and of the Church, is the Mother of that mystery of unity which Christ and the Church inseparably signify and build up, in the world and throughout history.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, in this visit I have wanted to convey my personal love and spiritual closeness, together with that of the universal Church, to the Christian community here in Turkey, a small minority which faces many challenges and difficulties daily. With firm trust let us sing, together with Mary, a magnificat of praise and thanksgiving to God who has looked with favour upon the lowliness of his servant (cf. Zk 1:48).” 

“I likewise recall the outstanding saints and pastors who have watched over the See of Constantinople, among them Saint Gregory of Nazianzus and Saint John Chrysostom, whom the West also honours as Doctors of the Church.” 

“In this part of the Eastern world were also held the seven Ecumenical Councils which Orthodox and Catholics alike acknowledge as authoritative for the faith and discipline of the Church. They are enduring milestones and guides along our path towards full unity.”

“Today, in this Patriarchal Church of Saint George, we are able to experience once again the communion and call of the two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, in the meeting of the Successor of Peter and his Brother in the episcopal ministry, the head of this Church traditionally founded by the Apostle Andrew. Our fraternal encounter highlights the special relationship uniting the Churches of Rome and Constantinople as Sister Churches.”

“In that same spirit, my presence here today is meant to renew our commitment to advancing along the road towards the re-establishment — by God’s grace — of full communion between the Church of Rome and the Church of Constantinople.”

“Together let us continue to pray for the unity of all Christians, so that, by receiving this gift from above with open hearts, we may be ever more convincing witnesses of the truth of the Gospel and better servants of the Church’s mission.”

“In this Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, I wish to thank God for all his works in human history and to invoke upon everyone the gifts of the Spirit of holiness. As Saint Paul has just reminded us, the Spirit is the enduring source of our faith and unity.” 

“Brothers and sisters, let us now hand over our desire to serve the Lord to the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Servant of the Lord. She prayed in company with the Apostles in the Upper Room, in the days leading up to Pentecost. Together with her, let us pray to Christ her Son: Send forth, O Lord, your Holy Spirit upon the whole Church, that he may dwell in each of her members and make them heralds of your Gospel! Amen.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This was one of a number of volumes written by Pope Benedict XVI on various papal visits. I have a number of these I am trying to track down that are proving most elusive. The CTS had a wide range of booklets based on his sermons, audiences, and papal visits. I have been working on tracking them down, and some are very hard to find at a reasonable price or at all. I was glad to track this one down, but of all his works I have read I struggle with it. This book feels like very careful political language was used. The meetings with officials, was hard to read. The later talks to Christians have much depth.  

This volume was not as engaging as many I have read by Pope Benedict XVI. If you can lay your hands on it, it would be worth a read, but it is by far my least favourite volume from Pope Benedict XVI. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Link to reviews of other books by and about Pope Benedict XVI.

Books by Benedict XVI:

The Way of the Cross - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - Pope Benedict XVI
Finding Life's Purpose: Inspiration for Young People
Don't Be Afraid To Be Saints - with Pope John Paul II
Confession Advice and Encouragement from Pope Benedict XVI 
From the Depths of Our Hearts - Pope Benedict XVI and Robert Cardinal Sarah
Way of the Cross Meditations and Prayers
Way of Calvary: Stations of the Cross 
Spiritual Masters Fathers and Writers of the First Millennium 
Spiritual Masters Medieval Fathers and Writers

True Revolution: The Call to Be Christian Today 

Via Dolorosa with Pope Benedict XVI

Way of the Cross with Pope Benedict XVI 2008

Lourdes Love is the True Cure

Give Yourself to Christ

Praying the Psalms – CTS Year of Faith

Christmas Homilies of Benedict XVI

Lent Easter Awaits Us Returning to the Way of God

Lent, the Journey to Easter Joy: More Words of Encouragement

Paul of Tarsus

Saint Paul

The Way of the Cross at the Colosseum - 2010

Charity In Truth - Ignatius Press

Caritas in Veritate - Catholic Truth Society

The Lenten Journey Words for Lent and Easter

Christ is Our Peace! Homilies and Addresses in Turkey 

...     

Books About Pope Benedict:
Habemus Papam! Pope Benedict XVI - Regina Doman and Sean Lam
Benedict XVI - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky
A Pope of Surprises: The First Five Years of Pope Benedict XVI's Papacy - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky
Be Saints! An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI - Amy Welborn and Ann Kissane Engelhart
Take Five: Meditations Pope Benedict XVI - Mike Aquilina and Fr. Kris Stubna
Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion – Amy Welborn and Ann Engelhart

Benedict XVI: Defender of the Faith - Joseph Pearce

...   

The Journey - Jim Sano

The Journey

Jim Sano

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970692

ASIN B0D26DPGMY

This is the seventh story I have read by Jim Sano that I have read, and it is his first written for a younger audience, it is a Middle Grade or Young Adult story. It is perfect for younger readers, tweens, and younger teens. At the moment it is a stand-alone story, but I hope it will become the first in a series, I can easily picture other adventures, with the grandfather, father, or even the same group of friends. But I am getting ahead of myself, back to this book.

The description of the book is:

“Thirteen-year-old Will Donovan wishes he could enjoy his friends and trick-or-treating without the nuisance and responsibility of his talkative younger brother, Sam, tagging along. When Will’s wish comes true after finding a strange goblet in the attic, Sam suddenly vanishes into thin air through the attic wall, and Will is challenged to muster up the courage to travel to a strange world to save him. Fortunately, Will’s friends and characters they meet along the way won’t let him face this dangerous journey alone, as they end up confronting their greatest fears, deadly creatures, and an epoch battle between good and evil.”

In some ways this is a classic buddy story, and in other a school aged story. It is a classic adventure story. But with the translation into a different world and the quest is to figure out why and to find a way home. And the why is not what we first suppose. 

The story begins on Halloween night. Will is frustrated with his younger brother often, and this evening he has reached a boiling point. When Sam steps on Will’s candy spread out on the floor, Will wishes he would disappear. And so he does. Soon Will and his friends Jules, Arrie, and Porty. The four friends are dressed as Musketeers and when will’s grandfather explains what happened and how to resolve it the group is up for the challenge. Or at least they think they are. 

Once they adventure begins they have 2 tools to help, a set number of wishes, and a blank book that magical contains text to guide, help and direct. Almost as soon as they are through the attacks begin. Dark forces attack them repeatedly. And things are often not as they appear. They must grow, face challenges, develop character and grow in virtues. They travel following the guidance of the book, and friends they meet along the way. With each city or kingdom the reach they find out more information and in each they gain new allies. This world has a prophecy that the evil force will attack and wipe it out unless they can come together under a new leader. And through it all Will is just desperate to find his brother and return his brother and friends home safe. 

There is great action, an epic journey, friends on a quest, and a final battle. This book was incredibly hard to put down. Before I even finished it I was telling my youngest two ages 13 and 16 about the story and they both were desperate to read it. This is one of those stories that could easily become a Christian Classic. It is another excellent read from Jim and Full Quiver. I highly recommend this.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Jim Sano:

Van Horn

The Journey

…

Father Tom Series:

The Father's Son

Gus Busbi

Stolen Blessing

Self-Portrait

Fallen Graces

…

Prayer of the Day Angel of God Morning and Evening

Angel of God Morning Prayer

Angel of God, My guardian Dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Be ever this day Be at my Side,

To light and guard,

To rule and guide,

Amen

Angel of God Evening Prayer

Angel of God, My guardian Dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Be ever this night, Be at my Side,

To light and guard, To rule and guide, 

If I should die before I wake, I pray my soul the Lord to take

Amen

My grandmother who was Presbyterian by and Anglican taught me these prayers we always said them last thing at night and first thing in the morning when we stayed at her place.. 

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

...

Saint Valentine The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love - Jeannie Meekins - 15-Minute Books Book 611

Saint Valentine: 

The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love

15-Minute Books 611

Jeannie Meekins

Learning Island

eISBN 9781310884344

ASIN B00HOXDRIS

This was the fifth volume I have read by Jeannie Meekins, and the sixth in this series about saints. According to amazon she has over 120 unique titles geared for young readers. Many are biographies, some are in a Fun Facts Series, and other appear to be short fiction. I first read one on Mary MacKillop, that was recommended because I had read other volumes about her. This is part of a series tagged as 15-Minute Books, which are geared to get children reading for 15 minutes a day. Based on what I have read I do not believe the author is not Catholic, but it is a biography of a Catholic saints. The Books I have read in the series have been hit or miss, some are excellent some were disappointing. This one is more favorable. 

The description of this volume is:

“You’ve probably heard of Saint Valentine’s Day. You may have given someone a card or a present. You may even have done it in secret, and watched the look of happiness on their face. You probably tried not to blush as that person tried to figure out who their secret Valentine was.

But what do you really know about the person who inspired one of the most popular days of the year?

Probably... not much. That’s because not much is known about who Saint Valentine was. In fact, the Roman Catholic Church lists three Saint Valentines. Other branches of the Christian religion claim there are up to seven Saint Valentines.

How do we know which is the right one?

Find out about the three men who may have inspired Valentine's Day in this 15-minute biography.

Ages 8 and up.”

The description of the Series is:

“LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.”

The website is now defunct, but Learning Island when I checked the internet archive machine appears to have been a site with contributors from around the world. The oldest archived versions show books available for download in PDF format and exercises to go with the books. Later iterations of the site show link to purchase cheap eBook and later even print editions of the works. There are some numbered even into the1000’s. With the most recent being from early 2013 and numbered at 1014. But I only find 163 when I search Kindle. The sections in this booklet are:

Three Valentines

Three Valentines (Yes a second time)

Valentine, Priest of Rome

Valentine the Bishop of Interamna

Valentine the Priest of Africa

Since the Third century

Where is the Real Saint Valentine?

Blessings and Images

I have not read much about the real Saint Valentine or Saints as it may be. And I enjoyed this volume. I highlighted a few passages while reading it they are:

“Probably... not much. That’s because not much is known about who Saint Valentine was. In fact, the Roman Catholic Church lists three Saint Valentines. Other branches of the Christian religion claim there are up to seven Saint Valentines.”

“There are three different Saint Valentines connected with the date of February 14. All three of them lived in the third century AD.”

“One was a priest in Rome, Italy. One was a bishop of Interamna in Italy. The town of Interamna is now called Terni. One was a priest in Africa. In the third century, Africa was a part of the Roman Empire.”

“No one knows how long Valentine was in prison before he was executed. There is no date given for his arrest and imprisonment. There are also several dates given for his death. Some sources state it was 269 or 270 AD, while others claim it was 278 AD.”

“There are enough similarities in some of the stories to believe that these two Valentines may indeed be the same person. Or that perhaps there is confusion in exactly which events occurred to which Valentine. It is just as likely that similar things happened to two men with similar beliefs and faith.”

“Saint Valentine is the Patron Saint of bee keepers, engaged couples, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, people with epilepsy or fainting spells, plague, travelers, and young people.”

This biography was engaging and well written. It does not talk down to children, it includes complicated words. It is clear and concise. It is a fun introduction to this saint, or the three possible saints. 

This is a fun little book. I can recommend this volume for school, church or home library. A great read for young readers. 

 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books about Saint Mary MacKillop:

Mary MacKillop: A Spiritual Model for All - E.J, Cuskelly - CTS Biographies

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint - Jeannie Meekins

Meet Mary MacKillop - Sally Murphy - Celebrate Australian History Meet Series

…

Books in the 15-Minute Books Series about Saints:

Saint Nicholas The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children - Melissa Cleeman 

...

Books by Jeannie Meekins:

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint 

Saint George: Dragon Slayer

Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals

Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint

The Lives of Seven Saints

…

Pixie Noir - Cedar Sanderson - Pixie for Hire Book 1

Pixie Noir

Pixie for Hire Book 1

Cedar Sanderson

Stonycroft Publishing

ISBN 9780615920436

ASIN B00GZ9SKSE

This is the seventeenth volume by Sanderson that I have read. I first encountered the works of Cedar in Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories, and after reading her piece there knew I had to track down and read something else from her pen. I had picked this one up a while ago, but had not got around to reading it. When Sanderson rebranded the series with new covers, I was far more intrigued and started reading it right away. I loved the new cover so much, I even returned my original eBook and bought it again to have the new cover, and I picked up the trilogy with the new covers, before even reading this one. It was well worth the read, and my loss that I had not read it when I first picked it up.  

The description of this volume states:

“You can't keep a tough Pixie down…

Lom is a bounty hunter, paid to bring magical creatures of all descriptions back Underhill, to prevent war with humans should they discover the strangers amongst them. Bella is about to find out she's a real life fairy princess, but all she wants to do is live peacefully in Alaska, where the biggest problems are hungry grizzly bears. He has to bring her in. It's nothing personal, it's his job…

"They had almost had me, that once. I’d been young and foolish, trying to do something heroic, of course. I wouldn’t do that again anytime soon. Now, I work for duty, but nothing more than is necessary to fulfill the family debt. I get paid, which makes me a bounty hunter, but she's about to teach me about honor. Like all lessons, this one was going to hurt. Fortunately, I have a good gun to fill my hand, and if I have to go, she has been good to look at."”

This was an incredible read, and in the best sense of that word. It is an extraordinary story of triumph and a tale of tragedy. But a tragedy worked through and overcome. And It is the beginning of a series, I cannot fathom where the story goes from here but I look forward to finding out! 

The characters are wonderfully written. Lom and Bella just wow. Watching them meet, then learn to work together. The story is written in such a way that you become completely enthralled in the story. You will find it near impossible to put the book down. The pace is excellent. And the action, oh my the action; trolls, ghouls, goblins and more. This story is an excellent beginning and leaves you wanting more!

I have been impressed with all of Sanderson’s writing that I have read to date, and have greatly enjoyed her recently works published under the name of Lilania Begley. The quick way IO would describe this volume is Epic fantasy meets Mike Hammer or Spenser! A hard working guy trying to get a job done, a job no one else could likely do, and one involving a beautiful dame, but a dame with great power, strength of character and brilliant mind. It was incredibly hard to put down. Sanderson  spin on folk tales, fairy tales, and native legends to creates a masterfully written story. It is an epic adventure where myths and legends come to life both above and Underhill. I can easily recommend this novel it is a great read. 

Books by Cedar Sanderson:

A Time To Die

Legion

Snow in Her Eyes

Lab Gremlins

Warp Resonance

The Dwarf's Dryad

One-Eyed Dragon

Memories of the Abyss

Little Red-Hood and the Wolf-man

The Violet Mouse

Stargazer

The Eternity Symbiote

Plant Life

Sugar Skull

Snow Angel

Inktail & Friends: A Coloring Book

The Twisted Breath of God

Voyageur's Cap

Fairy Little Sister

Milkweed

Mindflow

The East Witch

The Case of the Perambulating Hatrack 

Crow Moon

Zombie Maggots

…

The Groundskeeper Series:

Raking Up the Dead

The Hoodoo That You Do

My Ghoul

...

Pixie for Hire Series:

Pixie Noir

Trickster Noir 

Dragon Noir

…

Pixie for Hire: Omnibus Edition

Children of Myth Series:

Vulcan's Kittens 

The God’s Wolfling

…

The Tanager Series:

Jade Star

Tanager's Fledglings 

…

Witchward Series:

Possum Creek Massacre

… 

Illustrated by Cedar:

Something Wicked #15

Jormungandr's Venom (Fenris Unchained Book 3)

Hunted Behavior

…

Contributed to:

The Hearts' Enchantment

Cracked: An Anthology of Eggsellent Chicken Stories

Calexit- The Anthology

Supernatural Streets

Something Wicked Anthology, Vol One

Something Wicked #15

Mythic Delirium Magazine Issue 0.4

Ghosts of Malta

The Haunted Library Anthology: Volume 1 

But Not Broken - Hope and Healing Book 2

Postcards From Mars - Postcard Stories Book 1

Space Cowboys - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 4

Space Cowboys 2: Electric Rodeo - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 5

Twisted Tropes

Steam-Powered Postcards - Postcard Stories Book 2

Space Marines - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 6

Fanta-Fly Postcards: A Micro-Fiction Collection

Postcards from Foolz: A Micro-Fiction Collection

Falcons of Malta

Space Marines 2 - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 9

Single Servings of Liberty - Postcard Stories Book 5

Tales From The Occupation: A Fae Wars Book 4

…

Books as Lilania Begley:

Slice of Pie

...

Sumire Series:

Djinn A Short Story

Dust Storm

Distress Signal

...

Bluehills Series:

Farmhand

Farmwife

Star Bright

...

Contributed to as Lilania Begley:

He Was Dead When I got There

...

Deliver Us From Evil - Bishops' Conference of England and Wales - Catholic Truth Society

Deliver Us From Evil

Bishops' Conference of England and Wales

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781784697730

CTS Booklet DO968

I discovered the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society in 2018, I was doing research on Alice Curtayne and stumbled upon older out of print booklets from the CTS. Since then I have read nearly 400 different titles and many of them more than once. The booklet number for this volume is DO968 which marks it as being Doctrine, as opposed to Dxxx which would put it in the prayers and devotions series. I think it must be DO because we are informed in the introduction that this collection is based on Appendix 2 of the Church's Rite of Exorcism. That being said it is a wonderful little prayer book. 

The description of this volume is:

“This attractive volume is a treasury of prayers and supplications from Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition that can be used by the faithful in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness, in any time of fear, distress or temptation.”

The chapters this volume are:

Introduction

Prayers for Protection: Immediate

Prayers for Protection General

Prayers for Thanksgiving

Prayers of Faith and Confidence

I will provide the complete list of prayers at the end of the review. The introduction to the volume begins with:

“This booklet contains a selection of prayers and scripture passages which are supplications, thanksgivings and other prayerful words of defence against evil. The collection is based on Appendix 2 of the Church's Rite of Exorcism. Formal Exorcism is restricted to bi shops and priests whom they choose and delegate with the authority to carry out a formal exorcism in their diocese. This booklet is not intended for them, but is, rather, intended to be of universal help to all who are challenged by evil and those who have pastoral care for them.”

Later we are reminded:

“Pagan religions often include a belief that if particular words with particular rituals are used, their gods does not have any alternative other than to grant their request. This is a belief in incantation, always associated with a belief in a god who is not totally free . It has no place in Christianity.”

The general introduction ends with:

“In the early Church the gift of the 'Our Father' was treasured as a prayer partly because in praying 'deliver us from evil' we share in the limiting or restricting of the power of evil. The early Church tradition of praying the 'Our Father' three times a day continues to be commended for these reasons. The prayers in this booklet are additional prayers which may be used to this same great end of sharing in God's restricting or binding of what is evil so that good may flourish.”

This is an excellent little prayer book. I read it over a few days during a particular busy time at work, and with a busy family schedule and some serious family turmoil. I read about a section a day. We have the general introduction to the whole volume, but each section has its own introduction as well. Each section contains subsections and numerous prayers. The little maroon hardback with gold lettering on cover and image really stand out and images do not do it justice. It is a solid book and will last a lifetime. My son really liked mine and I have given it to him and already ordered a replacement for myself.

There are many great prayers in this volume. It could easily be prayed from beginning to end and start over again. And just keep praying your way through the volume. You can also use the table of contents and pick and choose depending on your current situation. I plan on keeping my copy in the pile of prayer books on my bedside table. My son is keeping his in his backpack. 

The complete list of chapters, sections and prayers is:

INTRODUCTION 

PRAYERS OF PROTECTION: IMMEDIATE 

     INTRODUCTION

     INVOCATIONS 

          Invocations to the Most Holy

               The Sign of thee Cross 

          Invocations to Our Lord Jesus Christ 

          Invocations to the Blessed Vi rgin Mary 

          Invocation to Saint Michael the Archangel 

          Litany Prayers 

     PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE 

          Phrases from Scripture 

          Psalm 70 (69) 

          Gospel 

     PRAYERS 

               The Lord's Prayer 

          Praying with Mary 

               Ave Maria 

               The Intercession of' Mary 

          Praying with the Angels 

               Prayer to the Guardian Angel 

          Prayers from the Tradition 

PRAYERS OF PROTECTION: GENERAL 

     INTRODUCTION

     INVOCATIONS 

          Invocations to the Most Holy Trinity 

          Invocations to Our Lord Jesus Christ 

          Invocations to the Holy Spirit 

               Veni Snncte Spiritus 

          Invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary 

    PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE

          Phrases from Scripture 

          Psalm 91 (90) 

          Gospel 

    PRAYERS 

        Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer 

        Prayers from the Roman Missal 

            The Most Holy Name of Mary 

        Praying with the Angels 

            The Guardian Angels 

            The Holy Angels 

            Prayer for the Household 

        Praying with the Saints 

            Prayer to St Joseph 

            A Prayer of St John Henry Newman 

        Prayers from the Tradition 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING 

    INTRODUCTION 

    INVOCATIONS 

        Invocations to the Most Holy Trinity 

    PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE 

        Phrases from Scripture 

        Psalm 30 (29) 

        Gospel 

    PRAYERS 

        Canticle of Mary (Magnificat) 

        Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus) 

PRAYERS OF FAITH AND CONFIDENCE 

    INTRODUCTION

    INVOCATIONS 

        Invocations to the Most Holy Trinity 

        Invocations to Our Lord Jesus Christ 

        Litany of the Sacred Heart

    PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE 

            Phrases from Scripture

            Psalm 27 (26) 

            Gospel 

    PRAYERS 

        Profession of Faith 

            The Apostles' Creed 

    Praying with Mary 

            Salve Regina 

            Alma Redemptoris Mater

    Praying with St Francis 

        Prayer for Peacemakets 

    Prayers from the Tradition 

    Prayers from the Roman Missal 

This booklet is a great resource. I highly recommend reading the introductions on each section at least your first time through the volume. When it was first announced I checked on an eBook edition, and for a while it was even up on Kobo for preorder. But the digital edition disappeared. I would love to have the eBook edition so I could have it on me at all times. I can easily recommend this booklet for any Catholic. It is another great read from the CTS.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the CTS Prayers & Devotions series click here.