I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In the wake of a terrorist attack, a journalist dives into the heart of violence and the impact of trauma in author Ronald Chapman’s “The Dark Side of Grace”.
The Synopsis
A devastating terrorist bomb blast at a spiritual retreat outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, sends journalist Kevin Pitcairn and his beloved Emmy on a quixotic quest to understand the roots of violence. Traveling across the country deep into the bowels of Southern Appalachia, their search takes them through a long-standing rift in the American consciousness to confrontations with remarkable and anomalous characters, some of them deeply spiritual, others well-grounded in research and psychology.
In this sequel to the much-acclaimed A Killer’s Grace, Pitcairn and Emmy return to the exploration of innocence while adding to it a deepening understanding of injury and ordeal―and its amazing corollary of Post-Traumatic Growth. As the quest and its dangers rip their lives apart, doors open that lure them back and forth across the country in search of tendrils tying together the events and anguish, as well as bringing the protagonists more deeply together.
The Review
The imagery found throughout the author’s writing was quite remarkable, showcasing the duality of beauty and horror that can often be found in violence and those who perpetrate or are victims of it. The themes of violence, trauma, and the psychological and emotional impact of it all on both sides were really thought-provoking and allowed the reader to feel the tension and atmosphere the author built around his main cast of characters.
The character arcs and world-building were top-notch in this remarkable read. The connection between Pitcairn and Emmy was remarkable, capturing the emotional journey these individuals take as they are rocked by this attack on both a social and personal level. The continuation of their character arcs from the first book in the author’s catalog, along with the underlying emotional current flowing through our world today both politically and societally, made this book really engaging.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and brilliantly written, author Ronald Chapman’s “The Dark Side of Grace” is a must-read novel. The passionate way the author wrote this story and the dynamic character arcs that the author presented did a remarkable job of drawing the reader further and further into the story, making this a truly compelling novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Ronald Chapman is an author, speaker, and facilitator of approaches that increase well-being-ness and produce breakthroughs when practiced deeply and in a sustained fashion. He is the creator of Seeing True™ and Progressive Recovery, resources dedicated to exploring concepts of engaging, releasing, and transcending blockages in our lives. At the heart of Seeing True and all of his work is the Greek notion of “metanoia,” which could translate as a profound change of heart. Ronald maintains two core businesses as well. Leading Public Health provides facilitation, strategy and consultation to public health clientele, while Magnetic North delivers similar services to a broader array of clients.
Ron spent many years as a national award winning radio commentator on KUNM radio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is an elite Accredited Speaker through Toastmasters International, and an accomplished leadership facilitator working with clients from all over the world, including the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Ron currently resides in Atlanta, and spends much of his time immersed in art and beauty wherever his travels take him.
Find Chapman Online:
https://www.ronaldchapman.com/author
https://www.seeingtrue.com/blog
https://www.progressiverecovery.org/
https://www.facebook.com/ron.chapman.5/
https://www.instagram.com/seeing_true/
The Dark Side of Grace is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon. You can add it to your GoodReads reading list as well.
Blog Tour Dates
June 5th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
June 6th @ Book Reviews from an Avid Reader
Joan from Book Reviews from an Avid Reader reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Joan’s insight into this thriller!
http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/
June 7th @ The Mommies Reviews with Tara
Tara from The Mommies Reviews shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Tara’s insight into this thriller!
http://www.themommiesreviews.com/
June 8th @ World of My Imagination
Nicole from World of My Imagination spends time asking Ronald Chapman about his latest book, The Dark Side of Grace in a fun interview about 5 Things on a Saturday Night!
https://worldofmyimagination.com/
June 9th @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews Ronald Chapman about his recent thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss this insightful and thrilling author interview!
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
June 10th @ Choices by Madeline Sharples
Today’s guest author at Choices with Madeline Sharples is fellow author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing an intriguing article titled: “Agnostic but Faithful”. Readers won’t want to miss this one!
http://www.madelinesharples.com/
June 12th @ The Mommies Reviews with Glenda
Glenda from The Mommies Reviews shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Glenda’s insight into this thriller!
http://www.themommiesreviews.com/
June 17th @ Boots, Shoes & Fashion
Linda from Boots, Shoes & Fashion interviews Ronald Chapman about his recent thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss this insightful and thrilling author interview!
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/
June 20th @ One Writer’s Journey
Today’s guest author at One Writer’s Journey is fellow author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing a fascinating article titled: “Getting Over Ourselves”. Readers won’t want to miss this one!
June 20th @ Storeybook Reviews
Today’s guest author at Storeybook Reviews is author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing a captivating article titled: “Finding Emotional Sobriety; Even in Chaos”. Readers won’t want to miss this one!
https://storeybookreviews.com/
June 21st @ Nikki’s Book Reviews
Nikki from Nikki’s Book Reviews shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Nikki’s insight into this thriller!
https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/
June 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina
Fellow Author Anthony Avina shares his thoughts as he reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss another author’s insight into this thriller!
July 6th @ Knottyneedle Creative
Judy from Knottyneedle Creative shares her thoughts as she reviews Ronald Chapman’s The Dark Side of Grace. You won’t want to miss Judy’s insight into this thriller!
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
July 16th @ A Wonderful World of Words
Today’s guest author at A Wonderful World of Words is author Ronald Chapman. Chapman has recently released another thriller, The Dark Side of Grace. Today he’ll be writing a captivating article titled: “Transformative Ideas: Self-Interest, Positivity and Stillness”. Readers won’t want to miss this one!