Alcorn is a C. S. Lewis fan and it definitely reads in this book! It is a great book that will open your eyes to the spirit realm. It is a mix between Peretti’s This Present Darkness and Lewis’s Screwtape Letters. It does have scenes and topics that aren’t appropriate for younger audiences. I would love to see this one at the movies! – M. P.
Outstanding book that is similar to C. S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters but set is in the modern times with situations that young people are likely to deal with in high school and college today. There are also adult characters—parents, youth leaders and pastors. It is applicable to readers of all ages. It helps to equip parents and youth workers as well as help older teens better understand spiritual warfare. It challenges us to become closer to the Lord, so we are able to withstand temptations and the fiery darts of the devil. A must read for all old and young! – R. H.
Love it, Love it, Love it....Great book and I love how Randy Alcorn has the demons banter back and forth. They don’t interrupt at all. I agree that every teenager and anyone involved with youth should read this book. Excellent Read. – T. A.
Any book can tell the story of four imperfect students. But this book is different.
Jillian may seem like a good Christian girl, but she’s struggling. Brittany may seem like just another of those pretty girls that got in with the wrong crowd, but she’s dissatisfied. Ian may seem content with his drinking, interest in witchcraft and girlfriends, but he’s afraid. And Rob may seem like a happy, moral guy, but he’s hiding something.
Only God can help them. But this is Lord Foulgrin’s greatest fear.
Every other chapter is a letter from the correspondence of the Devil’s servants as they discuss how to ruin the four main characters. But through these letters clearly shine numerous messages to the readers. So while the evil tries in vain to destroy the good, readers are challenged to persevere for the good. To flee from evil. To see through deception. To comfort those who are struggling. To stand up to what is wrong. To encourage others to do right. To treasure God’s Word. To be continually praying and to understand the power of prayer. To value one’s family. To put others first. And to imitate Christ’s forgiveness.
It causes you to think of life through the eyes of God. It’s a glimpse of the big picture. And all the while, it’s one of those books you don’t want to put down. For teenagers or parents, this book is worth your time. All the way. – T. M.
I just wanted to tell you how much I liked The Ishbane Conspiracy. I read the German version and it's really good. As a teacher in Vienna, Austria (Europe) I see lots of teenagers every day and sometimes they let me participate in their problems. I am also a mother of 3 children between 15 and 25, so your book really had something to tell me. The idea with Ishbane's and Foulgrin's letters is brilliant. Of course, it's taken from C. S. Lewis, but it is still brilliant how it's done in your book and how it changes the reader's point of view. You clearly point out how dangerous some quite "normal" things can be—like letting teenagers surf the internet and so on. This book makes a great gift for teenage daughters, nephews and godchildren. - E. B.
It is very similar in writing style to the better known book by C. S. Lewis (The Screwtape Letters). I didn't read the prequel to this book, but it stands alone. I'm impressed by the thoughts and images and the storyline. - K. J.
I have read your book The Ishbane Conspiracy. Oh, it was so wonderful! I can't say what I meant, because I'm from Germany and this is my first year with English lessons. But this book was so great, that I need other books from you!
Through this book, I have learned, that I was Christian in my head, but not in my heart. After I read this, I prayed and I gave my life to Jesus once more. I cried and the Holy Spirit was with me. Sometimes when the devil comes and wants to hurt me, I read this book as a guidebook of God. And after this, I know, what He wants and I know He loves me. - J. J. (14 years old)
I had my two middle school age children read The Ishbane Conspiracy. The impact it has had on them spiritually is nothing short of miraculous. As a writing assignment for my daughter, I had her write a conclusion for the main characters. It was so touching. She got the message. I thank the Lord for using your gifts for His glory and helping me and my family get to know our Savior better. - R. H.
Your book The Ishbane Conspiracy has been an incredible blessing and helped work a miracle. I had ordered almost all of your books, I hadn't yet read late last year and was working my way through them. I personally love Money, Possessions & Eternity.
One of my daughters (22 years old) was looking for a book to read and read Ishbane. It moved her much closer to the Lord in an amazing way and helped her to see stuff I had been trying to get her to see for years (having read most of Randy's books)! Then she gave it to my wife (whom I have been separated from for 51 weeks, after repeated adultery by her I had moved out). I was about to serve divorce papers.
The scales fell from her eyes like for Rob when he entered Heaven in the book! She humbled herself before the Lord and repented. She came to my church this Sunday (the first time she had attended church in years).
She is now saved and the Lord is calling us back together! He had kept me from finding anyone else during the last 12 months. Praise the Lord. His ways are mysterious but He has worked a miracle here—it will not be easy given the past—but I know He is already renewing us both and our relationship.- P. H., Australia
I especially enjoyed The Ishbane Conspiracy because I'm 22 years old and it was such a short time ago that I was the main characters' ages. Thankfully, I was raised in a Christian home and went to a Christian school, so I did not have to experience some of the things that Brit, Jill, Rob, and Ian faced. However, having your, Angela's, and Karina's writings put things in a new perspective. I realize that I see the effects of the spiritual battle in the few people I know who are younger than I (and a few who are older!). Thanks for great books, especially Lord Foulgrin's Letters and The Ishbane Conspiracy. - K. R.
I just finished reading your novel (The Ishbane Conspiracy) and had to write you right away. I am 42 and the mother of 3 teenagers. I have already lived through much of the warfare that is so well revealed in your book. I applaud you for your thoroughness and courage in the bold message to parents and others working with teens.
We have had many youth come and go through our doors (my husband and I are both teachers as well) and my concern for this generation keeps escalating to the point where I want to scream at parents to wake up...and to our churches too. I will certainly be promoting your book as it is an excellent tool to open our eyes to the enemy's plans for our precious children.
Thank you again for this timely book...I gave it to our eldest for her birthday. She began using a Ouija board in grade 7 and had some very rocky years. She also struggles with eating so this book was so relevant to her. She said that the letters in the book from the demons helped her understand why she struggled with some of the thoughts and feelings that she still battles with. She loves the Lord but is still not totally free from the effects of her past. My husband and I are praying and believing that she will be soon.
I am praying the Lord will use me however He can to help other parents realize the dangers and the need to protect their children. - S. N.,
Canada
I just finished reading The Ishbane Conspiracy and couldn't just close the book and forget about it—there is too much to remember! I read much of this wonderful book with tears running down my face, and have spent much time in prayer and regret. If only my husband and I had known how the Enemy operates when we were brand-new Christians bringing up our four children, we never would have caved under pressure to let them make their own choices regarding their Christian upbringing. (Don't want to go to Sunday School? Okay then, just this once—don't want to make them hostile toward church. Our son wants to hang KISS posters in his room and play their music? Okay, as long as he goes to Wednesday night Youth Group…and on and on.)
Now that we have lost our oldest son to a drug-related killing and another about to follow, and a daughter who lives her life taking advantage of men, I live with guilt every day of my life because we didn't take a stand. The one bright spot in all this is our youngest son, who is the most decent and honorable person I know—but isn't walking with Jesus Christ. How glad I am that God forgives, because I'm having a hard time forgiving myself.
Your book has been a real wake-up call! I am praying it will be read by multitudes of parents who desperately need to read it. I have started a campaign at my church to place this book in the hands of everyone, and am urging them to tell others about it everywhere they go. This book should come with a "MUST READ" label on the cover!
Thank you so much for writing this book, and thank God for using the talent He has given you and your daughters to enlighten us and to remind us, once again, of the spiritual battle being waged for the souls of our children. - A. B.
