First of all, you need to know this is strongly influenced by Dante’s Inferno. If you know that going into it, you won’t be surprised by the plot or setting. Having just recently listened to a podcast do a review of The Divine Comedy over several episodes, I really enjoyed the setting and plot of this book.
It does not have a lot action, but it does have a lot of character and feeling. We have time to sit and feel with these characters. Sometimes we are sitting alone with a character and sometimes we are sitting amongst a group of characters. So it isn’t really the story of one person. It is a little bit about everyone contributing to the whole even when they aren’t trying to be a part of the whole.
This will make you think about guilt, forgiveness, truth, grace, past and present, the connections between people, and the space to process all of this. This is a great study of people.

Once again, this is another beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. Filled with elements of mystery and suspense, the author's deft storytelling crafted a captivating and graceful message about the power of forgiveness and redemption. This is a profoundly timeless exploration into the course of choice and its after-effects. I can see myself returning to this story time and again and still learning and feeling more! Highly recommended and highly anticipating the author's next book.

Dan and a few others have been living in the village at the bottom of the mountain for a long time - a gradually decreasing company as one by one they leave the village to go east. But life has settled down into a predictable pattern as Dan waits for his brother to come out of the mountain - until things begin to change. People begin remembering things - and an unknown woman appears from the mountain and tells Dan that his brother needs him to go and rescue him. Things can never be the same again - but will they get better or worse?

I really don't know how to describe this other than weird. I don't know quite what I was expecting, but I didn't find it. Instead, I found a story that felt like it was meant to have deeper meanings, but they went right over my head (work that out if you can!). It provided more questions than answers (as far as the story was concerned), and I was left unable to work out the point of it all. Look, it's probably the sort of book that some people will love - but it really wasn't for me. I kept reading only because I hoped to find the point and have it being worthwhile, but never felt like I succeeded. The writing is great and the content clean - though there are hints of terrible torture, it never gives any details - but the story really didn't feel like it made sense. If I'd read the author's note at the end about Dante's Inferno before starting, I probably wouldn't have bothered starting, but it came at the end instead... All in all, I don't plan to read anything more by the author.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This book came at a very inconvenient time in my life, but after following the author for multiple years and enjoying his work, I knew I wanted to read his books. And oh—what a pleasure to finally get to do so! Shawn Smucker has told a tale with many threads, but woven together so skillfully that I doubt you could come away with anything less than hope—even though the story itself sometimes seems to lack that very element.

What I loved about this story the most was the characters. They shone here, in both their strengths and their imperfections. And though I feel like not a lot happened in the first part of the book, the characters and descriptions pulled me through, making me want to keep reading. Badly. Even when I really didn’t have time. I’m fairly certain I read the first third of this book in about one sitting—forgetting about everything else. Thankfully, dinner somehow still managed to get on the table in time that night!

In many ways, this book was one after my own heart. It shows how much unforgiven hurts can lead us to be stuck where we are, and only through forgiveness can we find the way forward. There are many deep things touched on in this story, and if you enjoy reading fantasy with a depth of truth to it, I’d recommend you check this out. Some parts of the setting are weird, but in the end, it’s one that I think a lot of us can learn from. And that’s not counting the fact that the way this story was written is achingly beautiful and almost merits a discussion in its own right!

Overall, I recommend this book. It isn’t necessarily a Christian story (although, if you’re like me, you will probably find a few allegories along the way), but it is a relatively clean read. I enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to trying out other books by this author.

I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

I discovered Shawn Smucker from a podcast, and have liked learning about him and his wife's writing process. I really enjoyed the slow, yet compelling unfolding of the story. The characters were both likable and relatable. The storyline makes you think, yet the ending was satisfying. Perfect for those who enjoy a slow burn with payoff.

I have never been so drawn in by a story that left me feeling so disturbed and unsettled for most of it.

I read an early copy of this book because I'll read anything Shawn Smucker writes. (Review reflects my honest opinion.) I was disoriented from the first page. "WHAT is happening?" I kept asking myself. And with every page I turned, I was hoping for more understanding. What I got were more questions.

This probably sounds like a negative review of the story, but this disorientation is a strength because I could feel it along with the characters.

This book was like feeling your way in the dark through an unfamiliar house. At first, you inch along, afraid you're going to bang your shin on an end table or knock a picture frame off the wall. But then your eyes adjust and you start to see the shadowy outlines around you and a path opens up.

I hit that "eyes adjusted" point about two-thirds of the way through the book, and now I want to go back and re-read the whole thing.

You won't find many stories like this. And I hope you'll consider that the highest of compliments. An unforgettable read.

I've long admired Shawn Smucker's work twisting reality and imagination (or is it actually reality?!). This play on Dante's Inferno is an interesting delve into hope and the question of whether our choices forever doom us . . . or if there's a possibility of redemption.

For me it started a hair slow because I didn't quite understand the premise before I started. But hang in there. It's worth it.

Shawn Smucker has once again captured my attention in this new story of grace, redemption and forgiveness.
It also makes you take a look at yourself inside and out.
He manages to make you sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation to see what happens next.
I feel like it’s like watching a science fiction fantasy !

These Nameless Things is an allegorical story about a small village of people living peacefully, but temporarily, together while recovering from unspeakable horrors of the past. One by one, the characters realize when they are ready to continue in their journey, and the remainder of the village celebrates and wishes them well. Dan knows he can’t leave without his twin brother Adam, still stuck in the abyss.

Rarely do I read an author’s note before the book, but I’m glad I did in this case. In the note, Smucker describes his fascination with the story of Dante’s Inferno. Because it had been more years than I wish to count, I turned to YouTube to remind myself of major themes. Had I not, I may have been confused by the allegorical setting.

These Nameless Things is a fast-paced tale of sin, guilt, suffering, redemption, grace, and forgiveness. The descriptions were rich, but unfortunately, much of the symbolism was lost on me while I rushed forward at break-neck speed to find out who did what to whom.

Fans of dystopian fiction and mysteries with Christian themes will enjoy Shawn Smucker’s These Nameless Things.

There are things about this book that I simply love. The writing style that is descriptive but not oppressively so, the character development and relationships of everyone in the village, the picture that is so clearly painted of the mountain being regrets and guilt from the past, and how going to the other side of the far mountain is like entering a 'promised land' of freedom and grace. Smucker's writing style is beautiful and enveloping, and almost entrancing. I definitely wanted to keep reading.

The book gave me vibes from the show 'Lost', and when Abe made his pronouncement that confirmed my suspicions, I was disappointed. I didn't want this book to be like that. There was so much potential for the full story of redemption and grace through Jesus to be told, that it was a huge letdown that it was left out, and this was just another 'purgatory' tale with no real explanation of redemption. This was advertised as a Christian book, but I definitely do not feel that it fits that category. There is 'christianese' sprinkled throughout, but nothing blatant, and no scripture or anything. (Not that Christian fiction always has to have scripture.)

While it is an allegory, the story never really comes to completion. We don't understand WHY there is forgiveness, WHY everyone can move on when they've been hurt so deeply. Abe is a wise and caring leader, but we don't know anything about his story. We don't know how he had the strength to go back to the depths of the mountain. Had he done this before? It seems his reputation had spread to other groups of people outside their village. We don't know what happened to Karon, Sarah, Kathy...we don't know Lucia's story, or why she came back through the village. That doesn't sit well with me. It feels undone.

Several of the characters reminded Dan that Adam had to work his own way out of the mountain, and yet Dan practically forced him out. And the only consequence was that Dan had to face his part in past events. But it seems he would've had to do that to make it out of the mountain the first time. That part was confusing to me. What was he leaving behind if he didn't think anything that happened was his fault? All we see of him is regret for current choices, not the past, until he comes out of the mountain the second time.

I would definitely read a second book if the story is continued, but I wouldn't recommend this one to those searching for truth. I recognize grace and forgiveness as characteristics of my Savior, and can make a correlation to my personal experience, but a person unfamiliar with those concepts would not. And I think for a book labeled Christian, there should be some element of the truth of the scripture in it, and not just vague concepts.

This book was ok. Some might like but didn't capture my attention . I felt it was all over the place and couldn't follow the story line

A post apocalyptic loosely based on Dante's Inferno. Dan doesn't remember how long he has lived the remote mountain community, People have been leaving slowly one by one. But suddenly a strange woman arrives and suddenly everyone can remember the past.

A gripping fantastical look at grace, forgiveness and power of redemption. A gripping tale full of mystery and hope for things to come.

This was a great read. I wasn't sure what to expect from the story but I am glad I went with it. I wasn't familiar with Shawn Smucker but I will be checking out more of his work based on his novel. Solid writing, great character development and dialogue. The story is complex and slow burning, and the ending is thought provoking and will stay with you for a while. If you're looking for a good book, then this is it!

Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher for my advanced reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.

It is a strange novel. At first you need some time to adjust to the allegorical "world". As soon as you get used to the environment you're asking yourself: is this "real" or does it happen within the main character? Is he in hell, heaven or somewhere in between? Is he creating his own hell?

The book was advertised as Christian. It's not. Sin and guilt are big issues in this novel, but the solution isn't Christian.


Nethertheless the novel is gripping and you want to see how they all will reach behind the "other" mountain.

This book is so different from most books that I read. It has a lot of dark undercurrents and is very unsettling. Dan and eight others live at the foot of a mountain they escaped from. They're all tied together in some way and it's unclear why they're all still there until close to the end. A mysterious woman shows up at Dan's door and everything begins to change. People start to remember things. It reminded me of "The Giver" in some ways and "Dante's Inferno" in others.

There are so many layers and things to think about in this book. It deals with family relationships and responsibilities, guilt, love, forgiveness, temptation, consequences of decisions. It reminds you that no matter what you've done, you are never too far gone. There is always reason to hope. It shows the value of close friends and caring for one another in the hard times....of holding firm to someone when they can't hold on themselves.

I hadn't read the description of the book before reading the book so it all took me by surprise. It kept me wondering if there was going to be a big correlation to the Christian life or something. It is a slower paced book. I don't think it's a book for everyone. Some may find it too slow or too dark. However, if you like books that make you think and ponder, give this one a try.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

So, this book here surprised me. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to feel when it came to this novel, as many people had said the story-line was a bit obvious. But, seeing it on NetGalley, reading that synopsis, and seeing that cover... there was no way I wasn't requesting it. Which, I'm glad that I did because there was so much in here that gave all the feels. Yes, I might have figured it out from the first few chapters, but the story getting there made it all worth while.

The characters in here, plus the location (who knew a single mountain could cause so many chilling moments?? ), the fragmented moments in time, it was all so well done. There was a bit of a head start in the beginning, living me a little confused, but that quickly got straightened out. There were several characters in here, with a few not having much going on, but as the story continues they all played a role in what was long coming.

For the most part, this focus' on Dan and his brother, with Miho following, and then Abe. These characters here were really well created, making me feel so many things. When it came to Dan, I was sent through confusion, anger, sadness, hurt, anger again (because he really doesn't get it for awhile), but then clarity, and finally happy to see him get to the conclusion he needed. Abe does not fall far behind, as he's the father figure (leader) type in here. He doesn't have many lines, but the ones he does say a lot.

Then comes those chapters that really moves this story along. Most of that was due to one certain person that arrives, and she's no joke. That led to a really great second half that had me crying, hoping, wishing, and ready for the words that I had known were coming, to be said. That mountain, the village they came to know, the bottom of it where you must "abandon every hope, who enter here", the place to the east of the village, they each had their darkness and light moments.

The only thing I would've liked more of, would be when it comes to Adam (Dan's brother). I felt like for all the build up to it, his resolve needed more. All must arrive to the that point on their own, at least by the rules of the story. I can also see how that would change a little, but it felt somewhat rushed in those last moments. Plus, adding the extra character in the end, didn't resolve what was never asked to be forgiven. Even so, everything else made this so memorable for me. Really good!

***I received this copy from Fleming H. Revell Company, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

These Nameless Things (which I cannot say or even think without singing it to Tori Amos’s “Precious Things”) started off slow, but once I got my bearings and had a better understanding of place, I started to enjoy it. While it would be better to go into this book without knowing anything about it, I will say that this was an interesting look at denial, grace, and forgiveness. I did wish that some of the relationships between characters were built up more fully, but this book kept my attention to the very end.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m pretty sure that this is my favorite book by Shawn Smucker! This book kept me hooked the whole way through. I didn’t want to stop reading. The storyline was definitely not what I imagined it would be. I really enjoyed it! I loved the message about forgiveness and grace.



I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Do you ever find yourself really WANTING to love a story... but simply unable to find yourself getting into it? Not because of writing or story line... but simply just because? I must admit this is where I found myself with These Nameless Things. I absolutely wanted to love this book. I've read previous books by Shawn Smucker and greatly enjoyed and appreciated his unique voice among this genre. Likewise, this book had that same fantastic writing and storytelling that I had come to expect. It was complex, it was mysterious, it was well thought out and beautifully written... a book that at it's surface I feel like I should really have enjoyed. Unfortunately though, try as I might, I just really couldn't connect with this one.

While the story did have a bit of a slow start and kept me feeling a bit in the dark, I don't believe that was actually it for me. For this story, that mystery really adds to the suspense and keeps you reading. No, for me I think perhaps it's simply a matter of timing. With all that is going on in the world (and in life) at the moment, I think this was just not quite what I needed in the moment. I need something a bit more lighthearted. Perhaps if I had or do read at a different time and a different state of mind, I would have gotten much more enjoyment out of it and I do hope to revisit at a later time too.

Despite my lack of connection, I would still give this book a solid 3.5 stars based on the writing and the concept alone. While it wasn't for me in the moment, it is a thought provoking and mysterious tale that I know many are going to absolutely love.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

I have enjoyed Shawn Smucker's writing for the past few years now, and was delighted to see another book from this author. Smucker does wonderful and thought-provoking work in sharing the interior world of characters, and brings to mind the work of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker in some ways. I'm always glad to read this author's work and recommend his books.