The Institute, written by J. R. Wirth, quakes the soul and awakens the spirit! A massive storm approaches the Sacramento area of California. Held within the tempest is a menacing foreboding that heightens the panic of Melissa Jenkins’s returning nightmare. However, Melissa isn’t the only one suffering from a recurring nightmare. Gabriel Rucker anxiously wakes from his dream, haunted by the image of the young woman he can’t rescue. Melissa and Gabriel have never met; in fact, their lives couldn’t be more different. Yet, there is a supernatural force drawing them together. When Gabriel’s troubled brother is admitted to The Serenity Institute, their lives suddenly collide. After observing a classified procedure at The Institute, Melissa realizes the place she calls home is not serene at all. “Death is all around us.” What happens behind The Institute’s seemingly benevolent walls far exceeds normal experimental research. Gabriel’s brother Michael becomes part of a diabolical procedure to control mankind. Could Melissa's and Gabriel's dreams really be real? Are they about to enter the apocalyptic war the Bible foretells? Melissa and Gabriel join forces, willing to fight until the end while attempting to rescue Michael and save the world as we know it.

J. R. Wirth pens a riveting tale in The Institute, masterfully weaving the supernatural and natural together in a thrilling page-turner. Setting the foundation for the plot with a strange and suspenseful narrative hook, Wirth baits you with an impending “freakish” storm and nightmarish premonitions. The characterization was extremely creative. The supporting cast of characters surrounding the protagonists are not faces in the crowd or mere passers-by; they each had a vital part in telling the story. Wirth allows for the emotions, thoughts and even dreams of the characters to be heard within the narration. The antagonist was elusive and evil to the core and had his own demonic team of minions. Edmund Burke's words “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” rang in my ears as I read this compelling story. The young heroine and hero rise up and take a stand against incredible and hellacious odds. The age-old conflict of good versus evil is embedded within the plot; however, Wirth includes the element of a “righteous battle” to determine the outcome. As a believer, I felt the inclusion of scripture added depth and strength to the plot, yet Wirth keeps it real, exposing raw feelings of fear and helpless, out-of-control exclamations. J. R. Wirth’s The Institute reveals the depths of evil hidden within the hearts of men, yet no matter how wickedly difficult life becomes, it cannot withstand the fierce love of God.

In The Institute by J.R. Wirth, 17-year-old Gabriel Rucker is a good student with a promising future as a professional football player. The same can't be said for his mischievous stepbrother, Michael. After him causing trouble in school, their parents decided to send him to Serenity Institute, a mental health facility for young people, to treat his behavioral problems. Unknown to the public, the Institute's lead scientist, Dr. Jonas Smith－ known as Scarecrow to his underlings－is conducting experimental procedures on patients to develop a technology for sale to corrupt parties. A young volunteer, Melissa Jenkins, knows how dangerous the experiments are and determines to save Michael. At the same time, Gabriel and his friends are planning to rescue his stepbrother from the Insitute. Will they succeed?

J.R. Wirth's The Institute is a slightly bizarre but fascinating mystery thriller. I liked the concept and found it deftly developed into the story premise. Along with the clear prose, the short chapters give the plot a good pace and enough room to introduce as well as develop the main characters and their backstory. While it's easy to root for the protagonists, Dr. Jonas Smith - aka Scarecrow - is an odd but interesting and complex character who easily adds another layer of mystery to the mix. I didn't expect that there would be some paranormal elements included, so they were a nice addition to the plot. There's a subtle religious tone to the story that may not appeal to some readers, but overall it's an imaginative modern tale with interesting twists that will satisfy mystery fans.

The Institute by J.R. Wirth is a Christian science fiction novel centered around the Serenity Institute. Melissa Jenkins is excited about her new position there. She was raised in the quiet Serenity Village and had volunteered at the Institute. As she knew the company protocols, she was elated to observe the elusive Scarecrow. Doctor Jonas Smith had implanted a microchip in the man’s brain that would control emotional responses. Meanwhile, Gabriel’s brother, Michael, had caused serious trouble at school and also seemed to be influencing their younger sibling, Aaron, to follow in his footsteps. After going to a seminar, the boys' parents enroll them in the Serenity Institute program. Gabriel’s best friends Donnie and Daniel stumble upon evidence that turns their lives upside down as it relates to the Serenity Institute. After a phone conversation with an incoherent Michael, the boys plan to investigate. Little do they know, there are others on the inside who will alter their lives permanently.

I was impressed by how well J.R, Wirth made The Institute into an intriguing mystery with a credible storyline. I liked how Melissa always looked for her answers in the Bible, and maturely dealt with her mother’s lack of parental guidance. I would have loved to have grown up with Gabriel's parents. They worked together to come up with solutions and did their best to be fair with their discipline. The intense plot had many twists and was unpredictable, holding my attention to the unexpected ending. The characters had distinct personalities that showed through their actions and dialogue. The Bible’s book of Revelation coincided well with the events that were laid out in the story. There are also several verses integrated throughout that matched the thoughts of Melissa and Gabriel when they sought answers to their problems. Readers who enjoy Christian faith-inspired stories would enjoy the realistic characters and fast-paced action scenes.

The Institute by J. R. Wirth is a suspenseful thriller that follows Melissa Jenkins, a recent high school graduate who has grown up in the seemingly perfect Serenity Village. Volunteering at the local Serenity Institute, she soon uncovers a dark secret—its lead scientist is experimenting with neurosurgical procedures to control human behavior remotely. As she begins to unravel the horrifying truth, Melissa learns that she is tied to the Institute in ways she never imagined. With the help of a family she has never met and a young man she cares deeply for, Melissa must expose the Institute’s corruption and battle against forces that will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. In a shocking revelation, she comes face to face with the mastermind behind it all—her biological father, who believes himself to be the Antichrist.

Author J. R. Wirth uses tension and plot hooks to craft a gripping and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. I enjoyed the development and concept of this dark novel because it offers a unique and thought-provoking premise that combines the world of science with supernatural elements convincingly. There were also some well-crafted twists and shocking revelations that elevated the tension and kept the characters stretched to the limits of their nerves and potential. Wirth's strong character development, particularly in Melissa’s transformation from an ordinary girl to a courageous heroine, is a key point in keeping readers invested in the emotional journey just as much as the storyline. Overall, I highly recommend The Institute to fans of suspenseful and authentic thrillers.

The Institute by J. R. Wirth tells the story of Melissa Jenkins. A high-school graduate from Serenity Village, Melissa keeps having the same bad dream but she doesn’t know what it means. Volunteering at a private psychiatric hospital for young people, Melissa is stunned to learn that sinister procedures are being developed that could manipulate someone’s behavior remotely. But how can Melissa possibly fight against this evil? Teaming up with a family of strangers, she plans to take over the institute but when she finally comes face to face with the face behind the evil, her life is under threat. Who is this man and what is he to Melissa? When she discovers his true identity, Melissa realizes her fight is about to get personal. Can she win a fight against the anti-Christ?

The Institute by J.R. Wirth is a psychological thriller that will send shivers down your spine. This kind of institute has long been seen as evil, especially in the olden days, and this story does nothing to dispel that image. It has some excellent characters, people that you’ll either love or hate, no in-betweens, and all of them are well-developed. A word of warning; this book may contain triggers for some people. It isn’t overly violent but its descriptive nature leaves you in no doubt as to what’s going on and it may even make you feel as though you are there. This is a twisty story with plenty of revelations for the main protagonist, and it is action all the way. Each chapter leaves you wanting to keep reading and you’ll struggle to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller with plenty of suspense.