Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon by Dennis Gaunt
Warning! This book contains information about a deadly enemy’s top secret plans of world domination and total destruction. Your mission—should you choose to accept it—is to learn what the enemy is planning as well as what his weaknesses are so that you will be prepared to defeat him. Gathered here are case studies of some of the enemy’s top soldiers in his army—Laman and Lemuel, Korihor, King Noah, Amalickiah—as well as the strategies that allowed the Lord’s righteous warriors—Nephi, Alma the Younger, Abinadi, Captain Moroni—to defeat them.
President Ezra Taft Benson said, “The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. . . . It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day.” By learning about the bad guys, by studying their traits, tricks, and tactics, we will be able to see clearly the plans and plots Satan used in the Book of Mormon. And because they are the same plans he is using today, we will have “insider information” on how to defeat him. Your enemy is smart. You can be smarter.
My Review:
The first time I heard about this book was when I signed with Lisa Mangum at the LDStorymakers conference. She handed me a book mark and said, "Have you seen this?"
It was awesome! I wanted the book right then and there. When an email arrived asking me to review Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon, I was super excited. Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon arrived and I devoured it.
Dennis Gaunt has a fun writing personality. I love how he dived into the lives of the Bad Guys. He shares neat insights - things I never even considered - and makes it all so interesting. This is definitely not a dry gospel book. Be prepared to laugh one minute, then sit back the next and ponder how a certain statement effects your life. How you can be a hero and defeat the evil forces tempting you.
This book is written for teens and young adults - who I am positive will LOVE it. But no way can they have all the fun and knowledge! Adults - college students, moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas - y'all need to read this one! It's absolutely unique and one to definitely add to your gospel library.
You can find out more about Dennis Gaunt on his website. You can purchase the book on Deseret Book or Amazon.
Ammon by H.B. Moore
With the fire of newfound testimony, Ammon and his brethren leave Zarahemla to preach the gospel in Lamanite lands, carrying nothing but hunting weapons and the promises of God. Spotted by an enemy scout, they part ways in the dense jungle with hopes of reuniting at the close of their harvest. Ammon follows the Spirit to the borders of Ishmael, where he’s ambushed just seconds after spotting Elena, a fair-skinned woman who captures his interest.
As Ammon gains reknown in the kingdom, he defends Elena from the advances of Gad, the loathsome widower she’ll soon be required to marry. Then swearing allegiance to the Lamanite king and trusting in the Lord, Ammon further proves his strength and devotion by sparing King Lamoni’s flocks from plunderers. The amazed king and his court are converted to the gospel through Ammon’s powerful teachings and the miraculous events that follow, but each action Ammon takes causes more and more disruption throughout the kingdom. And when Elena is abducted by her own brother and hidden away in an unspeakable place, Ammon faces his greatest struggle yet: not just the outward challenge of lethal combat but also the inward challenge of loving one’s enemy.
My Review
H.B. Moore's Book of Mormon series is my absolute favorite scripture fiction books ever. All of the books have helped me understand the scriptures in a new light. I love to read her books, then go back and read through the scripture account again and see how much better I get it all. H.B. Moore has an incredible talent! Her new book, Ammon, is just as awesome as the rest of the books in the series. Before I go on my with my review, check out this interview with the author:
Now, back to Ammon. There's action and even romance. (Yeah!) But most definitely, this book is about struggle - both physical and emotional. I was so involved in what was happening between everyone in the book, that it was difficult to put it down to go to bed. Ammon's story is complex and gripping, all the way through to the last page.
The one element that I appreciated the most was Ammon's challenge to love and forgive his enemies. I try to hard to be forgiving, but honestly it's not a characteristic that comes easy for me. H.B. Moore's example of how Ammon relies his faith to find the strength to love those who hurt him and those he loved was my favorite part.
You can learn more about H.B. Moore on her website.
You can purchase Ammon on Deseret Book or Amazon.
