This is a very well written book that tells us the incredible story of a man that hit the bottom on his life and was able to recover just by the grace of our God.
Michael Leehan make a deal with Satan to serve and follow him because he was disappointed with his life and he stop believing in the existence of a true loving God. That decision lead to the practice of dark arts, that filled him with the sensation of having spiritual powers and he used those powers to disturb Christian congregations. Instead of bringing him worldly rewards, he found his life going down the drain and the diligent prayer of a group of Christians brought him to realize that there were powers superior to the ones he knew from the dark side. But the final touch was his encounter with God, when he was about to end his own life out of desperation. That encounter changed his life and the lives of those around him.
This is a powerful testimony that should be not taken lightly. I recommend this book to be in the permanent library of all Christians and they should read constantly to remind them on the spiritual battle that happens daily in the spiritual realm for their souls.

This book was written by Michael Leehan and published by Thomas Nelson in September of 2011 and they were kind enough to send me a copy for reviewing through their Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers Program. ( )

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan is not a book one should read lightly or take lightly. It is dark and intense from the beginning to the end. There is no denying that is an excellently written story: gripping and emotional. It is also one that I believe every mature Christian should read when they are ready to learn about what Satanism is and what it entails. The novel is the true story of the author, Micheal Leehan who, for 20 years of his life, was a hard core satanist. When he was 33 years old he made the decision to renounce God and allow Satan into his heart and into his life. The book retells his journey and transformation from satanism, which is filled with darkness, loss and suffering, to the day when he finally allows the goodness and light of God back into his soul.

When I started reading this book I found that once I picked it up I could not put it down. I read the entire novel in one sitting because I needed to finish it, to see what happened, to see a happy ending to his life of misery, evil and darkness. While I did enjoy this book, I wish I would have known what I was getting into before I read it. It was scary, and opened my eyes to a world I knew existed, but knew absolutely nothing about. It is terrifying to me how well a Satanist blends in, and how one who serves Satan strives to ruin the lives of those filled with the light of God. When I finished it, I found myself incredibly uneasy, and I barely slept that night. I was full of apprehension and fear, and I discerned a spiritual oppression around me for a few days. My mind was full of thoughts of Satan and the book, which is why I warn those who are not ready to learn more about spiritual warfare and about what goes on unseen in the world of Satan and evil to prayfully consider reading this book. It has the capacity to overwhelm the reader if not careful. All that aside, however, this is an excellent novel in which God eventually triumphs over evil and as I said before I definitely recommend this to a mature Christian who is strong in their faith.

Note: I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for my honest review. ( )

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan is not a book one should read lightly or take lightly. It is dark and intense from the beginning to the end. There is no denying that is an excellently written story: gripping and emotional. It is also one that I believe every mature Christian should read when they are ready to learn about what Satanism is and what it entails. The novel is the true story of the author, Micheal Leehan who, for 20 years of his life, was a hard core satanist. When he was 33 years old he made the decision to renounce God and allow Satan into his heart and into his life. The book retells his journey and transformation from satanism, which is filled with darkness, loss and suffering, to the day when he finally allows the goodness and light of God back into his soul.

When I started reading this book I found that once I picked it up I could not put it down. I read the entire novel in one sitting because I needed to finish it, to see what happened, to see a happy ending to his life of misery, evil and darkness. While I did enjoy this book, I wish I would have known what I was getting into before I read it. It was scary, and opened my eyes to a world I knew existed, but knew absolutely nothing about. It is terrifying to me how well a Satanist blends in, and how one who serves Satan strives to ruin the lives of those filled with the light of God. When I finished it, I found myself incredibly uneasy, and I barely slept that night. I was full of apprehension and fear, and I discerned a spiritual oppression around me for a few days. My mind was full of thoughts of Satan and the book, which is why I warn those who are not ready to learn more about spiritual warfare and about what goes on unseen in the world of Satan and evil to prayfully consider reading this book. It has the capacity to overwhelm the reader if not careful. All that aside, however, this is an excellent novel in which God eventually triumphs over evil and as I said before I definitely recommend this to a mature Christian who is strong in their faith.

Note: I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for my honest review. ( )

Incredible true story of how one man became a mighty warrior for God after being a satanist. It truly shows how God is sovereign and He will not let you slip from His hand if He calls you to be His. ( )

Description:
Ascent From Darkness is the true story of Michael Leehan, a man who felt abandoned by God and turned to Satanism. Michael's whole life seemed to be submerged in a darkness he couldn't defeat, so he gave in. He had a loving family, friends that cared about him, and was brought up going to church, but no one seemed to be able to get though to him, especially after he experienced cult life and became "Satan's soldier". He goes through so much torment because of this, breaking apart his family, losing his job, cutting, suicidal thoughts, and an attempted murder; a downward spiral that almost lands him in jail and worse. Thankfully, he turns back to serving God before he loses his life, or takes the life of someone else.

Review:
I am a strong-willed Christian and a firm believer in redemption and forgiveness. That in mind, I knew that this book would be challenge for me because I was brought up with religion and I have never imagined not being a God-fearing Christian. Surprisingly, after the first chapter I couldn't put the book down. Michael's story both horrified and amazed me. It is unbelievable all that he went through and all that it took for him to get where he is today, faithfully serving the Lord. This is a book that every Christian should read because the devil is very real, and he is always trying to weasel his way into our lives, whether we recognize his influence or not. His story is gripping, heart-breaking, and inspiring. I believe I am a stronger individual and Christian after reading this. Overall, both style and substance were evident and appreciated. I recommend Ascent From Darkness to Christians and anyone who who wants to explore the real-world of God vs. Satan. ( )