Woodstock, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/29/2014 -- From the dripping red letters of the title, to the ominous light beyond the closed door – anyone could be forgiven for thinking that new release, ‘Closet’ is a horror novel, plain and simple.

“Not so fast,” says author and missionary, Eric Swanson, who in the past worked with the youth of Koyuk, Alaska. “There is a lot more to ‘Closet’ than meets the eye. My aim was to give people a better understanding of how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians.”

Using the landscape of the paranormal as a backdrop, Swanson’s book sketches the complex world of a family who are battling demons both inside, and out. As his main character Derek travels to another dimension to try to save his family and struggle with his own failures, Swanson’s work becomes reminiscent of the famous Christian allegory, John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.”

“I have heard the comparison, and it’s very flattering,” says the author. “What really thrills me though, is when readers tell me that the book has helped them to understand the Holy Spirit a little bit better or that it made them more excited about the Christian life. Helping people to see how adventurous and joyous the Christian life can be is my true goal.”

With electrifying action, strong familial bonds and a compelling take on the journey toward being holy, ‘Closet’ will enthrall readers who are looking for something a little different in their Christian fiction.

Synopsis:

It seemed to be an innocent looking book that John picked up from the local bookstore, but late that night, as he read it in the secret of his closet, a creature emerged. Then with arms extended the creature strangled the life out of John, leaving behind Megan and their baby Derek. But as Megan was leaving the house, two other forms attempted to kill her as well. The mysterious creatures were silent for the next two decades and Derek even managed to get married and start a family with a mentally disabled son. He went to seminary and was starting to look for a job. But, after receiving multiple rejections, Derek was at the bottom of despair. Then after a chance encounter with a witch, he picked up a book from the sidewalk that seemed to have all the answers he needed in life. Later that evening, as Derek was reading the book, there was a noise from the closet, and a door was opened to a demonic dimension that a local witch uses to take his mentally disabled son and wife into. Derek then enters the same dimension to save the ones he loves. Along the way he confronts the evil in his own life through the help of the Holy Spirit, who shows up in seven different human forms depending on the situation. After dealing with his own weaknesses Derek has to win back his wife, and confront the two creatures that plagued his parents. Closet captures the attention of young adults and fans of the supernatural. It helps the reader to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and how the Spirit helps us to not only confront our weaknesses, but to gain victory as well. Also, it helps us, the reader, gain a better understanding of the plan He has for our lives.

Since its release, the book has received glowing reviews from readers.

“Where the supernatural meets the Gospel message. From the first page to the last, Eric John Swanson is able to capture the attention of the reader. This is an amazing story about holding onto faith in God beyond what you can see, what you can hear, and things of the material world. So, whether you are a Christian or a non-believer, this book carries a powerful message for living life. And the greatest quality of all is that Eric John Swanson is able to breathe life into the Word of God through his characters and his story in the "Closet”,” wrote Nici.

Calling ‘Closet’, an “inspiring read”, David wrote: “In this imperfect world, we need God's grace to give us not only eternal hope, but also hope in our daily routine as we go about our everyday lives. We are often living in fear and insecurity, seemingly without comfort, just like the main character Derek initially is.

Through Derek's spiritual journey, the reader is greatly encouraged to depend on God's Wisdom, Assurance, Abundance, Strength, Guidance and Comfort. I highly recommend this book for those who not only enjoy a great story, but also hunger for more of God's light to illumine their sometimes difficult path.”

‘Closet’ is available now from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dJ0eP1.

About the Author
I'm the author of the paranormal thriller called Closet. Some may associate the term closet with homosexual activity, but my use has nothing to do with this behavior. My desire behind this novel is simply to give readers a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and what the Holy Spirit does in the life of a believer. I wanted to get people excited about the Christian life and progress on this great adventure towards being holy. I think the best part of my book is just how I combined the paranormal with fantasy fiction. I have faceless horsemen, a witch, and a demon that gets in the way of Derek looking for and saving his family.

I served as a missionary in Alaska. I went with little financial support and was just hoping that somehow my novel would sell so I can have food to eat, and enough fuel to last the winter. I saw God’s provision in ways I wouldn’t have thought. I was just grateful that I was able to serve the youth in Koyuk, Alaska for a certain span of time.