Torn Asunder

By: Alana Terry

Narrated by: Pamela Lorence

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Powerful Suspense

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

They are equally fantastic

What did you like best about this story?

Torn Asunder by Alana Terry is an extraordinary addition to her awesome series of books which include The Beloved Daughter and Slave Again. Ms. Terry is an incredibly gifted storyteller and all of the books are intense and thought provoking while providing a suspenseful tale of mystery, devotion and perseverance. Although there is connective tissue between the stories, they can be read as stand alones.

Torn Asunder takes us back to the Secret Seminary with Hannah and Simon, two newly trained missionaries who are eager to begin their work in the underground church. Hannah is a courageous and strong believer whose greatest gifts are masked behind the delicate frame of a young woman. Because of her looks, she is continuously underestimated. Through her torture and imprisonment while performing her missionary duties, Hannah finds that love is stronger than death.

Simon is ready to take on the National Security Administration in order to serve the Lord in the underground church, but when Hannah is threatened he realizes his devotion is also tied to his love for her. All of his training in the Secret Seminary has not prepared him for the lengths he will go to in order to protect the one he loves.

Moses is the legendary man who eludes the authorities with his ability to provide bibles and protect missionaries. Some say he is a myth but there have been a few who have actually met him. His identity must remain a secret for the greater good but the NSA is getting way too close to finding him.

Torn Asunder is very well written and although the material is tough to read, it is done with discretion and class. Ms. Terry has a great way of presenting the story without unnecessary detail that will do nothing more than hinder the reader. Rather, she delivers a story of strength and courage in the face of horrific trials.

It is easy for me to write this review as Ms. Terry has undoubtedly become one of my very favorite authors. Her stories are powerful and ones that the world is blessed to read. Not only does she provide great entertainment through her books, but she also awakens readers to the reality of those who are still suffering and martyred for the sake of the Gospel.

The narration in the audiobook is well done. It was so good that I went back and forth between listening to the book and reading it just to keep the story going. I received this book from Ms. Terry in exchange for my honest and unbiased review which I’ve provided here.

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

Hannah because she demonstrates love in action.

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

Moses because he is not who I expected him to be. It was a great AHA moment.

Any additional comments?

This is a fantastic book! Easily one I would listen to again.

Great story but unfortunately, poor narrator

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

Definitely not. I read the eBook and I absolutely love it, but the narrator had an almost-robot-voice lack of emotions.

What other book might you compare Torn Asunder to and why?

The previous books of Alana Terry, because they are set in the same places and have the same subject.

Would you be willing to try another one of Pamela Lorence’s performances?

I'm not pretty sure. Maybe.

Any additional comments?

About the book (not the audiobook version)Alana Terry has the ability to leave me speechless. She can create real and vivid situations that when you read her books, they make you ask: Is this really fiction?All of her novels are full of love and passion for God but also shows the real side of human beings and their conflicts when we go through difficult times.Hannah at first I felt that she was weak and helpless. As if at any time she could give up her faith. But when the story was developing Hannah begins to mature and become a strong and confident woman, with strong convictions.In the company of Simon, Hannah must fulfill the mission of sharing their faith with others, knowing that they can fall into the hands of the authorities and die for their faith.But in all these situations, the hand of God is present and we can read how He moves everything that happens to provided care for His children.This is a powerful and deep novel and a masterfully written stor. I hope that Alana Terry continue writing books that reach the heart, like this one.