Review by Magnify3 -- No Dark Clouds by R W Nelson

[Magnify3]

[Following is a volunteer review of "No Dark Clouds" by R W Nelson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The daily lives of six beggar children on the streets of Jerusalem include being driven to their respective begging stations on an ox-drawn cart by their owner known as Taskmaster. The children known as Aditya, Baa-Foo, Scooter, Figs, Rebekah and Baby each have a disability. They must beg for coins that will not only be taken away but the lack of which will result in no meals. Enter the nameless streetwise, scar-faced, beggar boy, who has no master and not only begs but steals to survive. One encounter out of the ordinary with an old lady almsgiver leads beggar boy to help two of the Taskmasters slaves. This begins a long-lasting friendship. Beggar boy takes Aditya and Figs to his home to escape their owner. Since Figs is sick, Beggar boy and Aditya find a way to steal goat's milk for him to drink. As their plan unfolds a group of Jewish zealots led by Barabbas are staging an ambush to kill some Roman soldiers. Beggar boy saves the life of Leonidas the centurion who later employs him. As a result of living in the Roman garrison Beggar boy soon learns of how Jesus healed the servant of another Centurion named Darius. Added to the fact that two of his beggar children friends have been healed by Jesus, he now begins a quest to meet Jesus so that he can be healed of his scars. Will he get to Jesus in time before the crucifixion? Will he always be a nameless boy? Do the beggar children remain beggars forever?

No Dark Clouds by R.W. Nelson is a historical Christian fiction novel. As noted on its cover it is a tale of the Christ. It is a story of love, hope, forgiveness, healing and salvation. The author is an ordained minister who has written numerous laymen Bible College Courses including: Spiritual warfare, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey andThe Minor Prophets.

Beggar boy is friendly, caring and has a big heart. He easily takes up the role of a big brother to the Taskmasters group of beggar children. He easily gets into fights with anyone who mocks him because of the scars on his face. Aditya has a beautiful singing voice and plays mother figure to the younger beggar children. Leonidas is a proud centurion of the Roman Empire who has been promoted to the position of Tribune. He believes in order and his duty. Darius who is also a Roman centurion has leanings towards the Jewish faith and has great respect for Jesus.

The narrative is in the third person. The writing is clear, descriptive and readable. The story is very appealing and pulled me in from the beginning. The book is 314 pages long and has 21 chapters. At the end of the story is an educational study guide to help the reader's interest in scriptural knowledge and biblical events. These include topics like the Ministry of Angels, The names of God and The miracles of Jesus to name a few.

What I appealed to me about the book was the engaging storyline. I also liked the insight into both Pilate and Barabbas. The book gave the feeling that there was a sequel to be expected especially after reading the prologue and of Barabbas release. There are lessons on bitterness and forgiveness to be learnt from Beggar boy. It was also good to learn about the myrrh tree.

The book appears to be professionally edited. I noted only three errors. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to all who enjoy reading Christian literature. As the book is not written in a preachy style it would also appeal to those who are not into reading Christian books but are curious enough to try.

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No Dark Clouds
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[kdstrack]

I enjoy these stories that add a different perspective to familiar stories. I like the way you described the characters and the different themes that are highlighted in the book. The study guide is a great idea! Thanks for the insightful review.

[Magnify3]

I enjoy these stories that add a different perspective to familiar stories. I like the way you described the characters and the different themes that are highlighted in the book. The study guide is a great idea! Thanks for the insightful review.

A child's perspective does help one see the Easter story in a light doesn't it. Thanks for your kind words!

[FABIAN_BATS]

I love the book already. Thanks for a great review. I would enjoy reading about the children's liberation from the taskmaster. Beggar boy seems like an interesting character I would love to read about. Thanks again

[JKO]

I am usually a fan of books that tells tales of the simplicity and meekness of the life of Christ. I will read this book when I have the chance. Excellent review.

[Magnify3]

I love the book already. Thanks for a great review. I would enjoy reading about the children's liberation from the taskmaster. Beggar boy seems like an interesting character I would love to read about. Thanks again

So glad that you love the book already! Beggar boy is really an interesting character. Thanks for the comments!

[Magnify3]

I am usually a fan of books that tells tales of the simplicity and meekness of the life of Christ. I will read this book when I have the chance. Excellent review.

I am certain that you will enjoy it. Thank you so much for taking time to read my review.

[Erin Dydek]

This does sound like an engaging story! Seeing the Biblical story through the eyes of orphaned children makes for a compelling read. Trying to get to Jesus for help before the crucifixion must create some suspense in this novel as well. Thanks for the great review!

[Magnify3]

This does sound like an engaging story! Seeing the Biblical story through the eyes of orphaned children makes for a compelling read. Trying to get to Jesus for help before the crucifixion must create some suspense in this novel as well. Thanks for the great review!

Definitely a compelling read and yes there is suspense. I hope that you do get to read it! Thanks for commenting!

[Prisallen]

This sounds like a fascinating historical fiction. Beggar boy sounds like a wonderful child who goes out of his way to help others. Thanks for your wonderful review!

[Magnify3]

This sounds like a fascinating historical fiction. Beggar boy sounds like a wonderful child who goes out of his way to help others. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Beggar boy is certainly a wonderful child. Thanks so much for reading my review!

[unamilagra]

This sounds like a unique plotline, one that fans of Christian literature will definitely enjoy. I'm glad it was well-written as well. Great review!

[Magnify3]

This sounds like a unique plotline, one that fans of Christian literature will definitely enjoy. I'm glad it was well-written as well. Great review!

It definitely is a unique plotline. Most plotlines are about the Centurion. Thank you so much for your comments!

[kandscreeley]

I've read this one as well. It appealed to me. I definitely enjoyed the message that it portrayed. Thanks for your thoughts on this one.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

A historical fiction written arround the Jesus Christ. Sounds interesting. Nice review. Thank you