This Present Darkness is about a tiny town in the grip of a sinister force. As the townspeople grapple with everyday life, an ancient evil plots to engulf the town in darkness. The story follows the intertwining paths of a newspaper reporter, a young pastor, and a handful of unlikely heroes as they confront the malevolent force and fight for the town's very soul.
Table of Content
This Present Darkness Book Summary
The small town of Ashton seems peaceful on the surface, but an ancient malevolent being known as the King has set his sights on destroying it. The battle for the town's soul begins when newspaper reporter Marshall Hogan and his assistant, Bernice Krueger, start to uncover dark secrets.
Hogan's investigation leads him to the newly-ordained pastor, Hank Busche, who, along with his wife Mary, faces intense spiritual warfare as the King attempts to corrupt and control the town through his human agents.
Meanwhile, Ashton's inhabitants are unaware of the supernatural conflict as they go about their daily lives. The town is overshadowed by the powerful media mogul, Adolf Hitler, who is under the King's influence and uses his TV station to spread lies and fear.
Doug and Kate Jackson, a young couple with a pure love for each other, become targets for the King's demons, and their struggle against darkness becomes a focal point of the battle.
Ashton's defenders are strengthened by the presence of good angels who guide and protect them. The celestial beings, led by the archangel Gabriel, work to rally the forces of light against the encroaching darkness.
During a church service, Hank Busche receives a prophetic vision, revealing the true extent of the spiritual battle. He calls for a united stand against the King's schemes, and the town begins to awaken to the reality of their situation.
Marshall Hogan's reporting brings the town's attention to the sinister conspiracy, and together with Pastor Hank, they confront the evil at the TV station, leading to a violent encounter with one of the King's demons.
In a climactic showdown, the forces of good and evil clash. The town is plunged into chaos as the King's plan reaches its zenith, with citizens influenced by fear and panic.
The battle rages on both physical and spiritual levels. Hogan and Bernice fight to expose the truth, while Pastor Hank and the townspeople stand against the darkness, their faith becoming a shield against the King's onslaught.
Angelic and demonic forces engage in a fierce struggle over the town, the outcome of which will determine Ashton's fate. The King's grip weakens as the combined efforts of the defenders push back against the dark tide.
In a moment of clarity, the citizens of Ashton turn away from the lies and embrace the truth of the situation, strengthening the resolve of the town's protectors and weakening the King's influence.
With the King's defeat seeming imminent, the town experiences a moment of deliverance, and the darkness that once threatened to consume them recedes, leaving Ashton forever changed but free from the malevolent force's grasp.
As the battle concludes, the town begins the process of healing and rebuilding. The heroes, both human and celestial, are acknowledged for their efforts, and Ashton prepares for a future that promises to be shaped by the events of this present darkness.
This Present Darkness Quotes
- There is no such thing as a small prayer.
- The best armor is to keep out of range.
- Fear is the darkroom where the devil develops his negatives.
This Present Darkness Ending Explained
At the end of This Present Darkness, the small town of Ashton has weathered the devastating spiritual battle that raged through its streets and hearts.
The townspeople, once unaware of the sinister forces at work, have faced their fears and stood together to fight against the King's darkness. Their victory comes at a great cost, but it is a triumph of light over shadow, of hope over despair.
Ashton emerges scarred but stronger, with the heroes who led the charge in the battle celebrated and the community beginning to rebuild under the watchful eyes of both earthly and heavenly protectors.
Characters in book This Present Darkness
- Marshall Hogan: The tenacious newspaper reporter who uncovers the darkness lurking beneath the surface of Ashton.
- Bernice Krueger: Hogan's dedicated and skilled assistant, who supports him in his investigation of the town's secrets.
- Hank Busche: The newly-ordained pastor of Ashton Community Church, a man of deep faith who becomes embroiled in the spiritual battle for his town.
- Adolf Hitler: The seemingly innocuous owner of the local TV station who is a pawn in the King's plan to destroy Ashton.
- Doug and Kate Jackson: A young couple whose lives become entangled in the battle for Ashton, as they are targeted by dark forces.
- Good Angels: Celestial warriors who fight on the side of light and provide assistance to the town's defenders.
- King's Demons: Malevolent creatures serving the dark master of Ashton, each with a specific role in spreading chaos and destruction.
Key Lessons
- Strength in Unity: When people come together for a common cause, their combined efforts can overcome even the most insidious of threats.
- The Power of Faith: True faith can be a powerful weapon against darkness and a source of hope in the bleakest of times.
- Perseverance Yields Results: Continuing to fight for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds, can lead to eventual victory.
- Never Underestimate the Enemy: A healthy respect for the capabilities of one's adversaries is crucial when dealing with malevolent forces.
- Be Mindful of Deception: Vigilance against deceit is necessary to discern the truth in a world where lies can be dangerously convincing.
My Personal Opinion
Is This Present Darkness worth reading? Totally! I found the story to be deeply engaging, weaving a rich narrative that blends spiritual warfare with a gripping human tale.
I was enthralled by the vivid and imaginative depiction of the battle between good and evil. However, I did find that the heavy emphasis on the spiritual conflict could be overwhelming at times, and the characterization of some key figures felt a bit one-dimensional.
In my opinion, this book is well-suited for readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives that delve into the supernatural. It may particularly resonate with those interested in the intersection of faith and the unseen world. This story certainly has the potential to provoke deep reflection and discussion.