Torn Asunder

De: Alana Terry

Narrado por: Pamela Lorence

After graduating from the Secret Seminary, Hannah and Simon are ready to return to their homeland. Their training has equipped them to carry the gospel to a country ravaged by darkness and despair. If necessary, they're even prepared to face the North Korean labor camps, but the hardest part of their mission isn't the hunger, cold, and incessant danger. The hardest part is cutting off contact with one another. In this world of spies, secret police, and informants, Hannah and Simon learn that staying together won't just compromise their ministry. It could cost them both their lives.

Two undercover missionaries delivering a single message of hope. Two Christians willing to die for the sake of the Good News. One love - more powerful than terror, more beautiful than life, and more dangerous than either of them could possibly imagine.

A love so strong, nothing but the grave could overcome it.

©2014 Alana Terry (P)2015 Alana Terry

Great Story

From the first page right up until the last page I couldn’t put this book down. I have been hooked since I read her first book “The Beloved Daughter” and each book she has so much to live up to and I am so glad to say that she does it each time. I love this series of books and I can’t wait to read more books by her. If you love reading suspense filled books than I know you will love this one.

Pressure helps you re-evaluate priorities.

Any additional comments?

The story of Hannah and Simon will stay with me for a long, long time. Alana Terry tells a little of what the North Koreans go through who call Jesus Lord. Let’s just say that you will be a very grateful person after reading this story! We are the rich of the earth in terms of materials. Hannah and Simon are rich in their relationship with God and each other. Going through intense torture and experiencing martyrdom drove their relationship—their wrestle, deeper with God. Alana Terry does a brilliant job of portraying their journey, from eager infatuation to experienced knowing. The gems along the way (hint: they are people -smile-) are treasures teaching us all about real wealth and high priorities. Thank you Alana Terry. Superb writing--you are a gift. I am so grateful that you gave me a copy of Torn Asunder to review and glean from. Bless you!

Heartfelt and inspiring

Would you consider the audio edition of Torn Asunder to be better than the print version?

Gripping – that is the first word that comes to mind describing in this book. Honestly, that could sum up the entire thing. From the very first page all the way to the end, the entire novel is gripping, intense, and heartbreakingly real. I generally lean toward historical fiction, so this novel was a completely different type for me to delve in to. Originally, I thought to read a bit here and there over several days; however, within just one chapter, that thought went out the window and I just kept on going, unable to put it down and leave Hannah in the middle of her story.

Ms. Terry is a writer very gifted with imagery and character emotion. I could clearly see what they saw - and it wasn’t always pretty. I felt what they felt - and it hurt to even know such atrocities are possible in this fallen world. Her writing is just so very real and believable, and it’s almost incomprehensible knowing that circumstances such as these are happening half a world away. The characters took on their own identities quickly and were given a life of their own in a way that only truly exceptional authors can make happen. Hannah’s and Simon’s plights were thorough and well-developed. Supporting characters were created to be just enough and not too much – the enigma that is Moses had me going for awhile, slowly trying to figure him out and tugging my heartstrings with anguish in some areas. I questioned him, his actions and motives, and even had to get up and go find my husband to drag him into a discussion about this character and his path. This is actually the first book I’ve read by Ms. Terry, and I wonder if she’s already told some of Moses’ story. If not, she could easily create another novel focused on him. I plan on getting her other novels now just to find out!

Well done, Ms. Terry, on creating such a well-written novel that truly shows the reader the plights of hidden Christians in places that are not nearly as safe as where we personally may live.

“She pictured a day — years in the
future, but coming nonetheless — when God would transform
the very land they stood on. She saw the ground itself purged
and cleansed from all the innocent blood it had soaked up over
the decades. Former guards and former prisoners met together,
clasping hands and asking God to heal and forgive their nation.”

What a powerful image. I stopped and reread that particular passage several times. It was a poignant culmination of thought from the main character, and by the time I read it, I was feeling everything going on within her heart.

Which character – as performed by Pamela Lorence – was your favorite?

Hannah

Don't start listening to this book at bedtime

Torn Asunder is the sequel to Slave Again but can be read separately. I would actually encourage you to start with Beloved Daughter, then Salve Again, and then Torn Asunder.

Each one is powerful, but read together in this order really helps Alana's message to build.

I can't believe how these books have opened my eyes and heart to the plight of Christians in North Korea. It's difficult to wrap your mind around these things happening today.

When Torn Asunder releases on Dec. 22, Alana is partnering with Liberty in North Korea to raise funds for their underground railroad. All funds from book sales on launch day will be donated to Liberty in North Korea's rescue campaign for refugees.

So, not only could you read an exceptional book, but help Christians in this real life situation.

Don't start this book at bedtime - it isn't a read a chapter and fall asleep sort of book. Trust me - start it at a time when you will be able to spend several hours reading.

Gripping and Sobering

What did you love best about Torn Asunder?

This is truly a gripping as well as a sobering story. As I read about the characters and the difficulties they faced, I had to keep stopping to pray for Christians in North Korea and around the world who really are going through situations like that right now. This is fiction, but it reflects the hard fact of religious persecution that most of us in the West seldom think about. Though many of the events in the story were extremely unpleasant, the book is nevertheless an interesting read and was hard to put down. The characters are vivid and so real that I felt I knew them personally. The author has done a beautiful job of bringing romance and hope out of a dark and serious story.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy this book, you may want to read the other two in her series as well. All of them can stand alone, but they do share a few characters and settings. I enjoyed the others and highly recommend them all.

Wonderful storytelling

Where does Torn Asunder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Torn Asunder rates at the top of my list of audiobooks enjoyed thus far.

What did you like best about this story?

The narration was lovely. The story aspects kept me thoroughly engaged.

Which character – as performed by Pamela Lorence – was your favorite?

Hannah was spot on. Pamela Lorence made the characters come to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed hearing about how Hannah's faith was moved.

Any additional comments?

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobookblast. It was a pleasure to be taken on the journey of these two courageous Christians.

Torn Asunder

Would you listen to Torn Asunder again? Why?

I would listen to Torn Asunder again because of the story. The suspense, romance, deep questions, and faith touched me and kept me listening even though the characters experienced many harsh circumstances.

What did you like best about this story?

Torn Asunder reminded me of the realities of the persecution happening to Christians worldwide. I remember the verse in Hebrews that tells Christians to remember those who are persecuted for their faith as though we were experiencing those things with them. Therefore, I am challenged to pray for those who are persecuted.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was the execution scene at the end. I cannot tell what happens for fear of revealing the end, but it was fantastic. It brought the right amount of stress and fear for the characters while reminding me of the joy that is to come.

Who was the most memorable character of Torn Asunder and why?

The most memorable character was Moses. He was quite possibly the hardest character to understand and I did not care about him like I did the other characters. However, his circumstances challenged me to consider what it would really be like to be in a position of having to persecute someone else of the same faith. It made me question the goodness of his character. Yet, he still accomplished many good things for other Christians. I would never want to be in his situation, however.

Any additional comments?

I liked this book. it was as good as an audiobook as it was as an ebook.

I received a free audiobook copy of Torn Asunder from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Had me from the first chapter!

What did you love best about Torn Asunder?

This audio-book is a sequel to "Slave Again." Both "Torn Asunder" and "Slave Again" can be read independently, but I recommend you read them both! I learned so much about the plight of children and the government in North Korea. I devoured the books in very short order! Alana pours her heart into all her books and it shows in her characters. Torn Asunder picks up on the missionaries sent out to spread the gospel in North Korea. What happens isn't pretty, but speaking the "truth" can and does have its dangers. Suffering for Christ is something many missionaries around the world have and are experiencing now. Would reccomend this book to all!

I received this audio book free for an honest review.

What about Pamela Lorence’s performance did you like?

Her voice was sharp and clear. The characters were easy to distingish.

A Memorable Journey

What made the experience of listening to Torn Asunder the most enjoyable?

I could relax and listen without holding up a book. The voice of the narrator was soothing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I don't think I had a favorite. Both Hanna and Simon where about the same in my view. They seemed to be hesitant much of the time but both had very willing hearts when it came to serving God. They were also mission minded and I admire that.

What about Pamela Lorence’s performance did you like?

I really enjoy her soothing voice.

Who was the most memorable character of Torn Asunder and why?

I'd say the most memorable character for me was the guard who wanted to do away with Hannah and Simon the most. He reminded me of Haman in the bible. The things he did weren't as beneficial to him as he expected which was a bit comical.

Any additional comments?

This story was an interesting journey into the danger that can be in the mission field and the weaknesses that we face or deal with daily. It showed how those weaknesses can interfere and/or drive our decisions even as we serve God. Very powerful insight.

Escaping from North Korea

What a wonderful book. The audio was terrific! I love all of Alana Terry's books. Hearing one read was even better than just reading. I loved Hannah's and Simon's story.