Freedom's Stand, the sequel to J. M. Windle's novel Veiled Freedom, reveals a story of justice, bravery, trust, and love. In the days leading up to a pivotal election, aid worker Amy Mallory, ex-terrorist Jamil, and security contractor Steve Wilson become immersed in some of Afghanistan's religious and political turmoil. When they find themselves together again, facing danger and the loss of those who are dear to them, they are forced to ask themselves what they truly believe and whether they are willing to stand by it no matter the cost.
Jamil has left behind the New Hope aid compound in order to spread the Gospel but now faces fear of persecution from his fellow Afghanis. He holds to the hope of the story in Daniel 3 which tells of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's escape from the fiery furnace, but he can't remove from his mind the fear that if he faces his own furnace, he may not be saved. Amy Mallory, having just returned from the United States to her project at New Hope, has found that things have changed drastically in her absence and that some of her charges have been given away in arranged marriages. Frustrated with the restraints of the Afghani culture and her own limitations, Amy struggles to be strong while trying to help the people she loves. Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson is in Afghanistan as a favor to a friend, but when he finds himself surrounded by corruption and lies, he begins to look for some greater purpose for his life, something to hold to when everything else fails. All three individuals seek what is good and just; however, in the midst of the riots and demonstrations, their situations have gotten more precarious and the justice they seek may come at great cost.
Freedom's Stand is certainly an intriguing story: a mixture of love, fear, hope, and redemption tied up with the cultural and political issues surrounding the characters. The struggles the main characters face as they try to seek both justice and forgiveness are thought provoking, and the love they learn to understand is beautiful to see. I would recommend this novel to anyone who embraces a good story, the search for freedom, and the sense of hope Christ provides. Chelsea Molin, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
