Soul Release by Stephen Kunkler is a supernatural novel with strong spiritual themes. Risan has supernatural abilities and his strongest gift is the ability to touch souls. Now a terrible, encroaching darkness threatens his hometown, a dreadful phenomenon that is about to destroy life as he’s always known it. Does he have what it takes to stop the evil from taking the lives of people he loves? Does he have enough fight in him for this, and can he accept the ultimate sacrifice to bring light where darkness lurks?

Soul Release is a novel filled with religious symbolism, a story that reflects the religious themes of faith, blind trust, sacrifice, and redemption. Readers encounter a character with a unique vocation — the call to stand against evil — and while they admire the strengths of this extraordinary character, they are also struck by the suffering he goes through. Indeed, with great gifts come great responsibilities and it is interesting to see Risan live this reality. Stephen Kunkler starts the narrative with a powerful premise and introduces a phenomenal conflict, building the tension to an explosive level pretty quickly. I loved the characters and the way the protagonist is developed.

The prose is strong and the author’s unique phraseology allows the message to come across powerfully. The timely paragraph breaks and the clear and well-crafted sentences are designed to create a dramatic effect that readers can’t miss. I enjoyed the different elements of the story—the fast pacing, the strong conflict, the beautiful message, and the entertainment the overall reading experience offers.

Soul Release by Stephen Kunkler is an inspirational story that follows the journey of a hero, Risan, a strong young man with unusual powers. He has a wonderful gift, one that allows him to touch souls, literally. When darkness threatens his hometown, he becomes the only hope of survival for his people. But what is coming after them is very strong. Can Risan find the faith, the strength, and what is required to defeat the encroaching darkness? In this battle, he will need more than his supernatural gifts.

The narrative begins with an unusual phenomenon and an encounter between the protagonist and an angel. The premise is strong and the reader can understand the anxiety of the young protagonist from the very start. This is the story of a hero who, like everyone else, has his moments of darkness, of doubt, and of lack of faith. He grows weary and wants out. Stephen Kunkler’s prose is crisp and highly descriptive and it is interesting how he unveils the emotions of the characters. He gets readers to see that which is hidden, articulating brilliantly on religious themes — faith, hope, salvation, and perseverance. Soul Release is filled with light and it is difficult to ignore the inner journey of the protagonist. While it features a young protagonist, the narrative has lessons for a mature audience and for anyone engaged in a spiritual battle — and are we not all engaged in one?