This was my first introduction to Randy Alcorn. I had a hard time getting into Abernathy’s character to start with, probably because Randy was doing too good of a job portraying him. Soon I wasn’t able to put it down. His introduction of the Carpenter surprised me and added much to the book. – R. R.
I'm now reading Dominion. My goodness! Where in the world do you get all this insight on race relations and other issues? It is tremendous. I'm an African American pastor's wife whose husband pastors a wonderfully multi-cultural church body. The book is doing an excellent job presenting both sides, saying in words what I and others feel. And your insight into Heaven is breathtaking, truly God given. - C. C.
I just walked into a Christian bookshop in Nigeria, where I bought your novel Dominion. I was engulfed by the book. I didn't want it to end. - P. L.
Dominion, Randy Alcorn's follow-up to Deadline, looks like one of those books so thick that it could substitute for a baseball bat in the case of a home break-in, but he scarcely allows the plot to drag for an instant. He skillfully and realistically blends the lives of Portland's upper and middle classes with those of its urban poor, and the amount of gang research that he obviously did to produce the story is impressive.
Dominion follows Jake Woods's black friend, successful newspaper columnist Clarence Abernathy. Clarence begins the book with prosperity gospel beliefs so superficial that they will pain some readers. Thankfully, reality forces him to jettison those beliefs early on, but the unfortunate vehicle for his change of mind is the drive-by shooting of his sister, Dani, and five-year-old niece. Clarence, filled with doubts about God's goodness in the tragedy's aftermath, finds himself the guardian of Dani's two remaining children, young Celeste and gangster-wannabe Ty. Though Clarence fights hard to avoid losing Ty to the streets, he becomes so addicted to his search for Dani's killer that he himself begins losing touch with his wife and two children. Helping Ollie Chambers, a cop once falsely accused of brutality and who Clarence at firsts writes off as a redneck, is an experience that stretches both the men. The many twists and turns of the case will keep readers hooked, and I doubt that many will be able to guess "whodunit." Alcorn certainly managed to shock me.
However, though Alcorn's realistic characters help cover the few mistakes in the plot, Dominion does not quite match up to its predecessor Deadline. The main mistake Alcorn makes is that of trying to use his novel as a social commentary. The subject of abortion worked in Deadline because the book covered Jake's drastic belief change and didn't venture beyond Jake. However, though the subject of race initially feels genuine due to the conflict between Ollie and Clarence, Alcorn relies more and more as the story progresses on his characters making declarations about race rather than saying or doing things that seem to fit naturally with the plot. For example, Jake Woods' apology to Clarence for the victimization of slaves and sharecroppers—even though Jake is aware of no ancestor of his who even owned slaves or exploited sharecroppers—comes out of the blue and has little to do with the plot. Alcorn should have written a nonfiction book about race, as he has done about abortion, rather than using his characters to make declarations that readers have to accept on faith. Most readers of Dominion, including myself, will likely be conservatives, and they will be skeptical of Alcorn's more liberal claims. Perhaps those particular views of Alcorn's are due to his living on the West Coast; who knows. One thing, at least, is obvious: Alcorn's portrayal of slavery is inaccurate and shows that he failed to research it as well as he did the Portland gangs.
Readers will find, in the end, that Alcorn's strongest point is not that whites ought to repent of their wickedness, despite (or possibly because of) the amount of time he spent on the subject of race. I won't mention any details to avoid spoiling Dominion for future readers, but the book's surprise ending clearly shows that a fascination with angels without a belief in Christ has the potential to be spiritually deadly. Had Alcorn's characters simply talked about the danger of angelic preoccupation, his words would have lacked force. But here, using action rather than words, and very little action at that, Alcorn gives us an unforgettable lesson. – E. J.
The descriptions of Heaven are wonderfully vivid. The storyline had me thinking about so many of life’s everyday issues, ones that are in the daily news. Makes me want to reach out to those who are unlike myself, as their struggles are just as real as mine. We all end up in the same place...that wonderfully vivid Heaven. – M. S.
A very engaging story that addresses current issues in an eye opening way. This book addresses continuing, subtle racial issues, gang activity and the power of the press to influence for good or bad. Because the story is set near to where my family lives, it was fun to “drink Starbucks” with the characters in the same Barnes and Noble I visit when I am in Portland, OR. We are reading it for the second time. The first was from the library. It was worth purchasing a personal copy. – M. K.
I recommend this book. I would read Deadline before Dominion. The book provokes thought about what goes on in our lives on Earth (Shadowland) and how Christ, through faith, will extend that existence into eternity. The storyline is great fiction and competes with the best mystery writers. The underlying current of how sin in the form of abortion, racism, gangs, drugs, excessive political ambition results in pain and hurt and ultimate separation from God forever. – R. M.
The research that went into Dominion is outstanding and it's hard to believe the sentiment that you've captured! I love your character build-up and attention to detail. Thank you for loving the Carpenter and presenting Him in a way that's enjoyable and life-altering. - B. T.
I just got a copy of your book Dominion. I have to admit that when I read the cover, I thought..."Who is this white man who thinks he can write from a black perspective?" You see, I am a black woman. And, as a black woman who could never explain to my white friends what we mean by equality, I thought your book would be a condescending disappointment. But the Spirit of the Lord kept urging me to buy the book. I have to say that you did a most excellent job of treating the story about as even handed as someone who is not black could do. - L. W.
I just finished Dominion and I have to say that it was wonderful. I was a bit skeptical at first (as a Black man) about your ability to write from a Black perspective. But I was amazed by your ability to capture so many of the concerns, values, thoughts, practices and "stories" of our community.
I was even more impressed by your ability to capture the essence of the issues surrounding reconciliation within the church. But I have to say that your vision of Heaven was astounding.
I had my first fictional glimpse of the unseen in Frank Paretti's This Present Darkness years ago. Ever since then, the idea of the Hosts of Heaven has been more real to me. But Dominion made Heaven so real and vivid to me that I'm carrying a strong sense of "that Land" with me through many circumstances here and now.
God bless you for writing such a well-researched, balanced and inspirational work. It's so validating to know that someone cared enough about our story to commit to writing it so well. You have touched my mortal soul with your story and you've influenced my eternal soul with your commitment to the Lord. - K. S.
Being a southern white woman I was raised in segregation. During my teens I had a best friend who was Indian and I was not allowed to go anywhere with her. It breaks my heart what my black brothers and sisters have gone through. Being hearing impaired, I was always picked on and had a hard time finding jobs because they thought I couldn't do it. I know a little about discrimination. Maybe that's why I relate to the black tragedy. Dominion was my first book and I am looking forward to reading more by you. - R. J.
I just wanted to take a minute and tell you how much your book Dominion has changed my life. I was born in 1963 and was given up for adoption. I was raised in a typical home, but without much spiritual attention. In college I was a self-proclaimed atheist. But in 1996 I went through a divorce and in the lowest point of my life I accepted the gift of salvation from Jesus, thanks to some people who witnessed and prayed for me. I began to consume the Word of God and raise my daughters in it. In 1998 I read your book and the scenes of heaven and of meeting past generations enthralled me. For the first time ever I began to be curious about my natural family. I decided not to wait until I got to heaven to meet them and, not knowing if they would even be there, I hoped God would use me to help if necessary. I was able to obtain records and did some researching and found my mother's address. I wrote to her and opened the door for us to begin to know each other. She wrote back and I found that I had three half-siblings. We wrote often and on Easter Sunday 1999 we met face-to-face for the first time. It was amazing. I have since then met my two half-sisters and my half-brother. I was re-married in August 2002 and my half-sister was my maid of honor, my half-brother was my groomsman, and my mom brought my grandma as an extra special surprise. So please, when you write your novels do not think they are unimportant. Every time I tell the story I still get the chills and I always give Dominion the place it deserves......God's starting block for a life-changing experience. - M. E. "My words are not adequate to express to you what reading Deadline and Dominion have done in my life. I am a mystery book reader and you captivated me, then you gave me a glimpse of heaven that I will never forget. Your appreciation for the unborn and those who by earth's standard are not perfect was so moving—so much so that I copied the section on the Down Syndrome child/man (Deadline) in heaven and mailed it off to my Christian friends who have just had a Down Syndrome baby boy. I saw them recently and they said that is the vision that God gave them of their son. Dominion changed me too. You write like you are a black man. I read it like that too. I was raised in New Orleans, and was a young white girl with a black housekeeper. I remember the things people said and sitting on the back of the bus with my Tina. I have friends from church reading Deadline now and I can't wait for my husband to read Dominion so we can discuss it. Thank you so much for obeying the Lord and writing such wonderful words, words that change people and bring them closer to our Lord." - C. K. My wife encouraged me to read your novels and I am so glad she did. I am a 23 year veteran of the FBI in LA and have truly enjoyed Deadline and Dominion. I worked gangs for over 5 years and you were right on point with your research. I felt like I was right there amongst the homies at Five Deuce, Eight Treys and the rest. But I really want to thank you for hitting me over the head with the spiritual message in each of the books. I hope you are planning other novels. We need good Christian fiction that men can read and relate to. I have actually given your books to non Christians at work encouraging them to learn more about the particular crime scene or culture and of course the valuable message behind each book. - B. H. "Fans of Alcorn's novel Deadline will be pleased to know that his new book is even better than its predecessor. Alcorn's writing remains top-notch, and he fills the pages with enough tension to cause ulcers." The Bookstore Journal, November 1996 "I loved Dominion. I thoroughly read every page . . . I didn't want to miss anything!" "The descriptions of heaven, gang-bangers, guns, everything-it's so real! I could tell how much time you spent in research. Thank you for books that minister and make you think!" "What an incredible story! I feel as though I've been on a life-changing journey. (I'm sorry it's over, but my family is glad to have me back.) Following Clarence through his heartbreaking tragedies and his search for truth was an eye-opening and absorbing experience I wasn't prepared for. I thought I knew enough about racial issues, but found in reading Dominion that I actually understood next to nothing. Dominion has changed forever the way I view my black brothers and sisters. Never have I been so unwilling to let go of a fictional characters as I have been Clarence and his family." "Just finished Dominion. Wow! It was great! Gave me lots of food for thought, as well as a new perspectives on heaven. I have a fresh feeling of anticipation for the surprises in store for us." "I have just finished reading your novel Dominion, and I believe it has changed my life. I have struggled for years with racism. I have been torn and angry. Your book has opened my eyes to so much. I am crying as I write this because I cannot express what I feel in my heart. I long for the day when we will meet in heaven and there will be no barriers." "I have read Deadline and Dominion. Both books kept me in suspense, and I feel as if these are real people I now know personally. I have never read books like that before. They have given me a new perspective on things I never thought about before. Both books have been incredibly life-changing. My deepest thanks to your for writing these books." "I loved Dominion as much as Deadline, maybe even more. I am of mixed race and your book really touched my heart. Please keep writing. Thank you for Deadline and Dominion, which are in my opinion, with the exception of the Bible, the best two books ever written." "I just finished Dominion and thank you so much for the understand you gave me regarding blacks and their feelings. I remember once shaking hands with a black man and then wiping my hand off on my skirt. This brought me up and made me realize there was prejudice in me I hadn't been aware of. After reading it, I told a black man in my church some of the things I learned through your book and he said 'thank you.' How much more understanding everyone could have if they would read this book." "Finished Dominion today and immediately paused to thank the Lord for this powerful book. The message was anointed. So much food for though, so many wonderful characters and profound statements." "Just finished Dominion—thank you for writing another excellent book. I work at a Christian bookstore and half the employees are reading it, and just raving about it! You've got a fan club here in Missouri!"
"You make your characters come alivehow I enjoyed Clarence. What a real man!"
"I am an African-American and I must let you know that no book I have read in a long time has affected me like Dominion. I really enjoyed Deadline, so I knew I was in for some good reading, but I had no idea. It is amazing to me how you are able to get inside the mind of an African-American male. The result of your hard work is a believable story about believable people that will hopefully continue the trend of racial reconciliation. It certainly has sparked much discussion among myself and my co-workers. I'm very much looking forward to a sequel!"
"The spiritual and moral truths, the research, the insights into gang life . . . Dominion was enjoyable reading with an impact-rare these days."
"I can't tell you what an impact Dominion had on me. How you got into the mind of black Americans has to be from the Lord. I pray this book will have an impact on thinking people everywhere."
"I'm two thirds of the way through Dominion and can hardly stand to put the book down long enough to write this message. It is so good! I didn't think you could outdo yourself after Deadline, but this does it. My only sadness is to know that the book will end soon, and I'll have to wait for the next one."
"I just finished reading Dominion and have to tell you it really challenged me. Just the other day I saw a black man in a nice sports car, on the phone, and I found myself thinking he must be dealing drugs. God convicted me and I thought of your book. I realized that although I've never considered myself prejudiced, it creeps into my subconscious. Thank you for challenging my thinking."
"I have never laughed, chuckled, cried and been pleasantly surprised so much as in reading Dominion. It's the little things that make your books so good! You may have to stop writing now—there's no way you can top this novel!"
Thanks so much for your two books—Deadline and Dominion. I laughed and cried and rejoiced with the characters as I shared their experiences. The visions of heaven in both books have expanded my conception of what the Carpenter has been preparing for those who trust Him—realizing that even your wonderful imagination is only a faint echo of Elyon's glorious plan! I look forward to your next book-if not here, then in that place of beauty and imagination where God is the center of all thought and action.
I received a copy of Dominion. I enjoyed it as much or more than Deadline. You opened my eyes to the other side of a lot of racial issues. Having grown up in the South (Houston), I have been exposed to a lot of prejudice and racism. As whites are a very small minority in the Texas prison system, they are often victimized there and, unfortunately, I had that experience when I went to prison in the 70's for drug possession.
I wish I could say things have changed in "modern" Texas, but the 1998 dragging death of a black man says it hasn't. I'm personally pretty disgusted with the climate of hatred and ignorance that still persists in many places here. Thank you for the book, I have circulated it tirelessly, to rave reviews from the other inmates (both black and white). Comments have ranged from "it changed my whole outlook on life" (a young black fella), to "the best book I have ever read" (from a 30ish white guy). - B.V.
Dominion is truly a great book, in fact it is going to be a reference book for my daughter as she presents a report on the Nation of Islam to her religion class. My husband, who is African-American, literally had to stop reading the book last weekend while we were at a gym watching the kids practice, because it brought him to tears. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and I said "I told you it is a great book!" He was born in Cabrini Green in Chicago and lived there in the projects for 10 years before moving to a "white" city in Indiana. He was the only black child in his school growing up for the most part...a drastic culture change and shock for one so young. The issues that Randy illustrates are so TRUE...we have been stopped by police both driving and while walking...for no reason other than my husband's color. Of course there are numerous other stories, but we do pray that God will use our insignificant family in some way to further His kingdom and help with racial reconciliation here on earth.
Anyway, again, I am recommending it to everyone I come into contact with. It is powerful! - D.P.
I just now finished reading your book, Dominion. I just had to tell you what an enormous effect it has had on my life.
As a Christian, I never realized that I still harbored racial hatred and now thank God for inspiring you to write such a heart-wrenching testimony.
Once again, thanks so much, God bless and keep up the awesome work in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - S. M.
I just finished reading your book, Dominion. I thought it wasn't possible that you could exceed Deadline. Boy, was I wrong. I've never written to anyone to express my feelings in any area. I am still processing the impact Dominion had on me, the last of which is astounding. As an African-American I still can't believe the insight you had into our culture. Truly unbelievable! I found myself saying throughout the book, "But this guy is white. How was he able to capture so accurately the thoughts, emotions, vernacular and deeply-rooted scars of my people?" Never has a book, aside from the Bible, moved me as much as this book did. I found myself crying so much throughout this book. Oftentimes, for me as an African-American I've been ashamed to express a lot of the emotions expressed by the character "Clarence." You begin to feel as if you're using your ethnicity as a crutch. Or you'll be viewed as one of those that's always blaming injustices incurred as racism.
I don't believe we'll ever see an end to racism until Jesus returns. I do appreciate the candor and openness in which you approached this often uncomfortable topic. I applaud your efforts. And I look forward to the day as described in your book that we can humble ourselves first to Elyon, and then submit ourselves one to another as depicted in the footwashing ceremony. I praise God for you. Even as I'm writing, the tears are beginning to form, because I recognize the enemy doesn't want this message of yours to go out. Please stay faithful to the Lord. - Z. S.
