THE CODE OF DARKNESS (Review)

The Code of Darkness by Russell Brandon would make a great movie, a PG movie. This well written novel deals with those who involve themselves in child pornography and child exploitation and the dark unseen forces behind it all. Though it deals with Christians rescuing sexually abused children, this a work of fiction could be appreciated by Christians and non-Christians alike.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12).

The blurb on the back cover summarises the book’s content and intent: “This is a book about three people who come together in circumstances that could easily end in their becoming enemies for life. Instead they learn about Jesus and become friends. The demons that would have held them captive are dispatched through prayer that empowers angels to turn our heroes’ lives in a whole new direction.”  

Brandon writes, “God’s strength is so much stronger than Satan’s. It was only the failure of men that allowed Satan to wreak havoc in the world through his demons when men and women stopped praying.” Page 217. As a Christian, I was encouraged in my prayer life after seeing imaginative depictions of what goes on behind the scenes whenever Christians set themselves to earnest prayer.

There is pleny of angels battling demons going on behind the scenes in The Code of Darkness. I loved the way the author demonstrated how Christians strengthen angels and weaken demons by their prayers. We work in tandem with angels. We need only to ask God for their help. “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14).

One was reminded of the time Gabriel came to Daniel saying, “Daniel, don’t be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here. But the guardian angel of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia” (Dan. 10:12-13 CEV).

The Code of Darkness is a book about prayer coupled with action, lots of action! It is an excellent, gripping, imaginative and entertaining tale of how Christians, with the help of angels, can be forces for good in this fallen world.