Mystical Paths

Fantastic series.

This is a truly remarkable and engaging collection of works. Each installment in the series offers a unique and captivating storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making it easy for the audience to form a connection with them. The settings are vividly described, transporting the readers into a world filled with excitement and adventure.

The writing style is fluid and engaging, allowing for a seamless reading experience. Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an action-packed adventure, this series has something for everyone.

It's no wonder that this series has gained such a large and dedicated following. Fans eagerly anticipate each new release, eager to see what new twists and turns the author has in store.

Overall, this fantastic series is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story. It will leave you entertained, inspired, and craving for more.

**Third Reading Summary**

Nicholas Darrow is reaching adulthood, striving to become a priest and lead a normal life. However, being the child of an elderly former monk, his life is far from ordinary. He has never truly mastered his psychic powers. With the passing of his mother at 14, there is no longer anyone to bridge the gap between him and his father.

"Magical Paths" is the fifth installment in the Starbridge series. As is characteristic of Susan Howatch's works, she weaves together the stories and perspectives of multiple generations. Nicholas Darrow is the son of Jon Darrow, the narrator from "Glamourous Powers". This book has the shortest time frame in the series, with most of the action unfolding over just over a week.

It's 1968, and Nicholas has quietly become engaged to a lifelong acquaintance. He has graduated from seminary and will soon be ordained. In the previous book, set in 1963, we know Nicholas was on the periphery of Venetia's circle of friends. Christian Aysgarth, the eldest son of Stephen Aysgarth and his first wife Grace, was 40, married with two young children, had a successful academic career at Oxford, and a beautiful wife, Katie, the daughter of a Duke. But in 1965, he died mysteriously in a boating accident.

Nicholas, like his father Jon, has psychic abilities. Venetia approaches him to perform a seance so Katie can contact Christian and deal with her guilt over his death. Nicholas is aware of the dangers of communicating with the dead but believes he can avoid an actual seance and solve Katie's problems independently. Of course, it doesn't go as planned. As a young man in the 1960s, he overestimates his capabilities and believes those older than him are stuck in the past. Both Venetia in "Scandalous Risks" and Nicholas in "Mystical Paths" are 23, and their naivete and confidence lead to trouble.

I appreciate Howatch's change in format in "Mystical Paths". It reads more like a mystery or thriller. Nicholas visits all of Christian's former friends to determine if they thought his death was an accident, suicide, or something else. Because it focuses on Nicholas, it delves deeper into the paranormal, discussing demon possession, hauntings, and the Christian ministry of healing and exorcism.

There is more on-screen sex (not graphic or titillating, but present) than in the rest of the series. I understand Howatch's distinction between extramarital sex and affairs when at least one person is married, and between ordained and unordained. However, I'm still uncomfortable with the series' tendency to show more grace to men than women.

The final book in the series ties together many of the threads from the earlier books. One of the series' strengths is Howatch's portrayal of various perspectives, emphasizing the difficulty of truly knowing another person, even those close to us. The way she uses multiple narrators to explore lives, understand motivations, and then revisit those scenes from different viewpoints is a significant strength. The last book, "Absolute Truths", is the only one to return to a narrator. But it also gives Lyle a voice through Charles reading her journal. Along with some joint spiritual direction sessions with Charles, Jon, and Stephen/Neville, it allows for a wider range of voices in a single book. However, it's also longer at 672 pages compared to the rest of the series, which ranges from 480 to 520 pages.

**Short Review**

Nicholas Darrow, 25 and即将被任命为牧师, seems to be causing chaos rather than bringing healing to those he's trying to help. This book has a very different feel from the previous four. It's more of a paranormal mystery than anything else, and I think that's a great way to break the cycle of the books. Still, this book does an excellent job of exploring a Christian who has grown up in the church and must find his own path of faith rather than following his father's.

As I write this, I've finished the sixth book, and I wholeheartedly encourage people to read this series. It's the best series I've read in a long time. It's not traditional Christian fiction by any means, but it has made me think deeply about my faith because of the questions it raises. My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/mystical-paths/.

Again, on a second reading, this book is even better than the first. One of the things I like about this series is its focus on the weakness of Christians, both that they are (and continue to be) sinners and that God uses weakness in ways we couldn't imagine.

My Favorite One of the Series

I have a collection of [series name], and among them, there is one that holds a special place in my heart.

It has a unique charm that sets it apart from the others. The story is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making me feel as if I am a part of their world.

The author's writing style is captivating, and I find myself completely immersed in the book every time I pick it up.

This favorite one of the series has become a source of inspiration and entertainment for me. It has taught me valuable lessons and has given me countless hours of enjoyment.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading and is looking for a great story to get lost in.

Whether you are a fan of the series or new to it, this particular book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It is truly a gem that I will cherish for a long time to come.

As with the earlier books in this series, the main character can, at times, be extremely annoying.

He persistently makes foolish choices that seem to court disaster at every turn. However, just like the entire series, this book is a well-written and captivating read.

It is filled with a certain degree of suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Additionally, it offers a very interesting perspective on a particular tradition within the Christian church.

The theme of redemption is also prominent, and the author makes it clear that it is not solely about the afterlife.

Overall, despite the flaws of the main character, the book manages to engage the reader and offer a thought-provoking exploration of various themes.

I truly enjoyed this series to a great extent.

It had so many captivating elements that kept me engaged from start to finish. The storylines were well-crafted, filled with excitement, drama, and unexpected twists. The characters were vividly portrayed, each with their own unique personalities and backstories that made them relatable and interesting.

The production values were also top-notch, with beautiful cinematography, excellent acting, and a great soundtrack that added to the overall atmosphere of the series.

I found myself eagerly anticipating each new episode, and when the series finally came to an end, I was sad to see it go. Overall, it was an amazing viewing experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great series to watch.

A truly captivating story unfolds, filled with remarkable characters. It is set within the framework of the church, delving into the lives of those who are connected to it through various means such as friendship, family, and work. The story weaves a web of relationships that are both complex and engaging, drawing the reader in and making them think deeply about the themes presented.

As the plot progresses, we are presented with thought-provoking scenarios that challenge our preconceived notions and beliefs. The characters' experiences and decisions offer valuable insights into the human condition and the power of faith, friendship, and family.

Overall, this story is not only entertaining but also enlightening, leaving the reader with a sense of inspiration and a newfound appreciation for the importance of these relationships in our lives. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-written story that explores the depths of the human spirit.

Set in 1968, this fifth installment of the Starbridge series is narrated by Nicholas Darrow, the late-life son of Jon Darrow from Glamorous Powers.

The main protagonists, Nicholas and his father Jonathan Darrow, both boast rare psychic gifts. However, their mutual belief that the son is a carbon copy of the father leads to an inability to see their situations clearly in relation to each other.

Of course, they are not entirely alike. Nicholas' psychic abilities are pulling him towards a ministry of healing, while Jon, who had unpleasant experiences when attempting to establish a healing ministry in the past, does everything in his power to dissuade Nicholas from going down that path. Additionally, Nicholas is a teenager who is desperately trying to distance himself from his father on one hand, yet is terrified to do so on the other, as he sometimes feels overwhelmed by his own psychic powers and requires his father to feel safe.

Matters seem to be spiraling out of control until a new character, Lewis Hall, a priest called to a healing ministry, takes Nicholas under his wing. He helps Nicholas find the confidence to stand alone without his father and also makes Jon realize that he can finally let go safely.

Furthermore, Nicholas' contemporaries, the so-called "popular crowd" who serve as secondary characters in the book, rapidly decline from a privileged and party-loving group into a state of addiction, mental illness, suicide, murder, or desperate, even pathological, promiscuity. The full implications of the tragedy involving Venetia Flaxton, which was set in 1963 in Scandalous Risks, are sadly evident in this 1968 setting.

The conclusion of this book is the first time I felt that Howatch got "really weird," a theme she expands upon in her St. Benet series. This is the very reason that I ultimately ceased reading them after the first book in that series, as I don't handle the occult well.

I have recently discovered a book that I simply could not put down. It was such a compulsive page turner that I found myself completely engrossed in its pages. The story follows the narrator, Nicholas Darrowby, as he delves into the mysterious death of a friend. However, things quickly become very confusing as Darrowby begins to project his own complex psychological struggles onto his friend's death. This unique blend of theology, Jungian psychology, and detective work makes the novel truly remarkable. It offers a fresh and exciting perspective that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.