This is a gripping book that holds the attention of the reader from the very beginning. The story line is that tried and trusted tale of good against evil this time in the context of 18th century on the east Yorkshire coast. The intriguing twist in the story is that the baddie - one Obadiah Demurral. - is a Bible quoting Anglican vicar! Rev Demurral is attempting to use the keruvim to gain power beyond that of the God he represents. The good guy -Raphah- seeks to return the kervim to his home village from which it was taken.

Raphah, a disciple of Riathmus (AKA Jesus) demonstrates the power of the master he serves through healing and exorcism. The power of evil is seen in various creatures: burning wiccamen, golden ravens, the Varrigal and the Glashen - all potently evil creatures. The book is intense in its representation of the contrast between good and evil.

Tom and Kate in combination with Raphah are opposing the evil vicar in his pursuit of power the and, as you would expect, they meet several challenges in their battle against evil forces. The heroes also have to face decisions about who they might trust as they pursue Demurral.

I think that the story of good against evil is brought out well in the relationship between Raphah and Thomas. Thomas, struggling to come to terms with his father's premature death and his mothers illness is rescued by Raphah and is consequently hooked into the African's mission.

Raphah perhaps is an ideal model of the christian: totally confident in the power of God and suitably gifted to incorporate others into that same mission - food for thought?