Mylow YoungReviews

This book was nothing like I thought it would be based on the cover. I really enjoyed it and found it thought provoking.

Book Description: He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets. Now Kerby Wilson finds himself held captive by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own. Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away-his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, he sells all that he holds dear for an elusive state of peace.

Herby, Kerby’s identical twin brother also known as Junior, is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won’t allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God’s unfailing love and Kerby’s need for his help.
After Kerby’s latest antics, Junior and the rest of their family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles with Kerby’s addiction to help him. Will Kerby accept the help of his family and friends? Will he stop running and turn to the only one who can saved him and give him the power to stand against the gates of hell?

This hope-filled story is one that gives a glimpse into the world of an addict and the struggles of those who love them and highlights the power of God’s grace, love and forgiveness..



Review: 3 stars

** I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**

General: Overall i felt this book did a great job of highlighting an issue that while rampant in the news, does not often get touched in the literary world beyond “the classic” novels of the past. There haven’t been many dealing with it in current society- except for the of course Go Ask Alice. But this told the tale from an adult perspective. However there were moments when I felt the book lost some of it’s flow and was a drag through read for me. Along with that I recently had the unfortunate experience to sit in the ER next to someone who suffered from an OD. I think that while the emotional levels are quite high and of course all people are different, I think I would have liked a slightly stronger connection to the times without the drugs and the dangers directly from the drugs, not the dangers brought about by his actions from the drugs.

I think that perhaps a struggle for myself might have been the strong religious ties. I have read many religious novels but none quite so entrenched as this one. I do not think it is a negative thing, but I feel it may make it difficult for those who do not have such a strong connection or are a different religion difficult to read some sections as it becomes very entrenched at some places.

The journey this book takes a reader on is impressive though. At no point did I wonder the validity of things. It had some truly heartbreaking moments as well as some action sequences that had me page turning quite quickly. I thought Mylow did a fantastic job creating the world of drugs and justice overall.

Characters: Kerby- While safe to say he is true protagonist of the book it was not by much. This character’s struggle was wonderful to read. There were a few moments when I felt he was a bit hypocritical but having no connection to addiction or drug use myself I assume that was quite the way it would work for someone in his position in life.

Herby- The other twin in this novel his character was quick tempered and a little dislikable. However his story was not as compelling as Kerby’s and that may lend itself to why he slipped a little more into the background for me.

This book took me a full two days to read, and at times is a little wordy, but the message is Supreme!
The story is about Kerby and Herby, identical twins, and their loving supportive family. Throughout the story there is a leaning, loving and supporting relationship with God.
Herby is a Police Officer, and Kerby, a former Cop, is for use of a better word...an Addict! There are times in the book that you wonder if he will ever break the Coke habit?? What a horrible drug, and the violence [be prepared for a lot of it] and everything that goes with it is very heartbreaking!
Right to the very last words of this book will you find out if Kerby will ever make it? You will become attached to many of these characters, and actually want to spend more time with them.
This is my first book by Mylow Young, and hope there are many more!

I received this book from Tywebbin blog-tours, and Moody Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

AGAINST THE GATES OF HELL is definitely a must read!The reason why I say that,because the author will evoke emotions from you(the reader) when reading this book.Author Mylow Young introduces you to the main characters of the book Herby,and Kerby.Herby is a cop who strongly believes in his family,and the lord.He has a strong spritual wife who is his back bone when needed.On the other hand Kerby was a cop just like his twin,but fell through the cracks,and became a junkie. Author Mylow Young will take you on the trials,and tribulations that Herby,and his family has to deal with his twin brother being a junkie.Will Herby,and his family break free from Kerby's junkie ways? Can Herby accept that his look alike twin is a junkie,and move on?Will GOD intervine,and guide Herby to help Kerby to break free from the demons that got a hold of his body? Only you (the reader) can answer those questions by reading it. Open the book to the first page,and you will end up reading it through to the last page,but I must let you know,be prepared to sink your mind deep into this emotional,spritual,thought provoking of a read.You'll come out from reading it with a different perspesctive,and say AGAINST THE GATES OF HELL is definitely a five star must read!

Beating the Odds

Twins Herby and Kerby are identical in almost every way, except how they deal with loss. Herby dealt with the loss of their parents and partner with anger while Kerby turned to drugs.

The twins were both police officers. Both were married, Herby with kids and Kerby in a young marriage. Both were God fearing, having been raised in the church under the leadership of their late father. Dealing with the death of their parents was hard but when their friend and fellow officer was gunned down in the line of duty it was just too much and their breaking point.

“Against the Gates of Hell” by Mylow Young is an amazing story of how one may fall from grace but never out of God’s grace. It is a very powerful story of how having faith can get you through any situation when your own strength has failed. I really enjoyed this book and the self-reflection it inspired. I look forward to more titles from Mylow Young. Five stars and two thumbs up!

Reviewed by: Alicia