Tattooed Rats

Reader Response to Tattooed Rats by Jerry B. Jenkins and John Perrodin

Back cover reads:
"It's the year 2012, and being a Christian can get a guy killed. When the new world government declares Christianity punishable by imprisonment or death, high schooler Patrick "Patch" Johnson just wants everything to return to normal, but nothing is normal anymore. The World Peace Alliance (WPA) sends Patch to a hospital for "reprogramming" where he meets up with the "Tattooed Rats" and discovers things aren't always what they seem. The most unlikely people may have your back. Or, your best friend might turn out to be your worst enemy. With the WPA dogging his every step and the spiritual forces of good and evil engaged in the ultimate battle, will Patch lose his life, or deny Christ and lose his very soul?"

Inside cover reads:
"In the not-too distant future, the biggest changes come not in medicine, technology, or science, but in the new world government. The World Peace Alliance has outlawed Christianity and declared it hate speech to share ones' faith. Christians hide in underground settings or operate secretly in society. What happens when one student speaks out? Schoolmates betray. True friends are hard to find. And if that isn't bad enough, spiritual forces intervene causing havoc and deception."

Reaction:
The covers were written well enough to pique my interest. A very quick read. Polished it off in a day. The story was interesting and the plot kept moving. The narrative was written through several perspectives. I happened to like the dialogue between angels the most. Some of the characters were very one-dimensional... kind of like archetypes, and I didn't really like that too much. The authors use description well and keep the reader interested, but I just feel like there's no depth to it. It's the first of a series. I'm thinking about finding the next one. I'm not really all that gung ho about it, though. So. No Word Nerd Seal of Approval. I'd recommend it for ages 12-14. It's pretty juvenile. It does get you pretty pumped about the faith, though.

Quotes:
"Becoming a believer in Jesus hadn't been easy. Turning everything over to Christ was even tougher. [...] 'Living for Jesus is exciting,' Uncle Wade always said. More like terrifying. Beth longed for the bliss of boredom" (9).

"To say they didn't get along was like saying cats didn't enjoy the ocean" (10).

"But God will use even this. No mistake need ever be wasted" (98).

" 'All we can do is watch?' after centuries the youthful angel was finally getting the picture. 'For now,' the Shining One said. 'But we could help.' The Shining One held up his hands. 'We will, but in God's timing. Not ours and not Patch's.' The smaller angel tapped his foot, 'I hate being patient,' he said, face glowing" (106). (glad i'm not the only one.)

"Just 'cause you see an opening doesn't mean you should walk through" (117).

"The devil ignores the kids who already belong to him" (136).

"The Shining One lifted his wings, fluttered them wide. 'Any second. Be ready.' All angelic eyes turned his way. 'Draw your swords.' The unsheathing rang like thunder. 'Move on my command.' [...] When he saw the Shining one bow his head and close his eyes, Trevor lost all hope" (229). St. Michael the Archangel, Pray for Us!!