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Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
Marcus Douglas Presents The Cycle of Completion is set in a Christian environment. Nebuchadnezzar, once the Chief Scientist and the Orator of New Jerusalem at the beginning of the story, has led the region away from its once utopia-like setting. He dismisses God as the focus of New Jerusalem and is determined to have people rely on themselves instead of God's word. It's definitely not God's will, as the Orator leaves behind the scepter used for communication with Him. David, a young boy who had osteoporosis in his youth, listens with his brother, Noah, as his father reads a testament about David's grandfather, Abdul. When New Jerusalem was formed, the area was encased with protection by using almost unbreakable glass. The new city was broken into Localities, and Locality Seven was sealed off after disease and famine swept the region. The presence of extreme rains, disease, the threat of war, and a much-needed satellite reset make it seem like David's locality will suffer the same fate as Locality Seven. A new Orator is needed to take New Jerusalem into the future, and a threat reveals itself from a place everyone thought was lost.
Marcus Douglas has produced a book that will keep readers engaged until the end. The reader learns about New Jerusalem, David's family, and his best friend and armor-bearer Elijah's situation in layers. Douglas extends lessons of faith, perseverance, and grief, and shows man's plans are not God's plans. The material is reminiscent of several biblical events, like King David's anointing, Jesus's Parable of the Sower, and prophetic dreams. The story has several twists that will leave readers with their mouths open. Abaddon is a horrifying presence, and Douglas uses him to demonstrate humility. Readers will discover a multidimensional plot that brings the characters full circle. Jesus's Parable of the Sower is used throughout the story, and it's restated in several examples, giving the reader a clear view of the meaning of the connection and comparison. I couldn't help feeling like I was hearing about the events prophesied in the Book of Revelation, as a false prophet, war, and disease were present. Readers who enjoy action-packed, Christian-themed works will love Marcus Douglas Presents The Cycle of Completion.
This audiobook was narrated by Dale Rich and Skye Alley and produced by Marcus Douglas. Rich can move between the characters easily, even overlapping the voices of the characters when needed. With his strong, firm voice, I wasn't surprised to learn he's a minister. Alley's voice was calming, and she glided between languages effortlessly. Both vocal artists can maintain a range of characters and intonations. The music accompanying the words is soothing and swells into a crescendo whenever pivotal scenes play out. With the music, strong character representations, and vibrant Christian story, I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind or inside the story.
