Matthew 24:24 warns “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect --- if that were possible.” With all the enticing messages trying to lead Christian young people astray, “The Forbidden Doors Series” by Bill Myers provides a bit of insight into the subtle temptations of mysticism conspiring to lead the individual into spiritual destruction.

In “The Deceived“, Myers examines the dangers posed by hypnosis and reincarnation. The main character, a high school student named Rebecca, is mesmerized by a hypnotist and undergoes past-life regression.

Thinking she is the reincarnation of a French monarch, Rebecca longs to reconnect with the powers she is convinced she once possessed, Rebecca falls under the influence of a renowned motivational speaker. However, does this occultist have Rebecca’s best interests at heart or an intention far more sinister in mind?

The family depicted by Myers is highly sympathetic in nature since as average Christians they have an inkling something is amiss but, as with the rest of us unaccustomed to dealing with the paranormal, the characters are forced to struggle with phenomena not all that common for the majority living in the rational lands of the scientific West.

Young readers will enjoy “The Deceived’s” suspenseful content. Parents will be relieved that the Christian approach taken to the material will prevent the excitement from luring the child into the world of the occult and perhaps even inoculate young minds against these dangers when they manifest themselves in other expressions of popular culture.

by Frederick Meekins