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This Present Darkness (Darkness, #1) cover
Young Adults · Ages 14+

This Present Darkness (Darkness, #1)

by Frank E. Peretti

Age rating: Ages 14+ · Young Adults

Age rating and Christian content guidance for parents.

First published 1986

In the small town of Ashton, a local pastor and a newspaper editor uncover a vast spiritual conspiracy involving demonic forces and angelic warfare.

Concern Level

68/ 100

Extreme

Virtue Level

80/ 100

Shining

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Things to consider

Sexual Content10

Romance is limited to chaste interactions between married couples and a brief attempted assault.

Violence / Gore45

Physical altercations occur, and spiritual battles involve intense descriptions of demonic entities being struck.

Profanity / Language5

Very minimal mild language is used by antagonistic characters to establish their nature.

Blasphemy15

Demonic characters mock God and holy things, though the narrative clearly frames this as evil.

Substance Use10

Occasional social drinking or smoking by secondary characters is mentioned briefly.

Suicide & Self-Harm20

Characters experience intense psychological pressure, despair, and spiritual oppression throughout the conflict.

Scary / Disturbing60

Descriptions of grotesque demons and their oppressive presence can be quite frightening for sensitive readers.

Occult & Witchcraft75

The plot centers on exposing New Age rituals, channeling, and occultic conspiracies.

Sexuality & Gender Themes0

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or themes in this story.

Worldview & Spirituality5

The book strongly promotes a biblical worldview, specifically focusing on the power of prayer.

Anti-God or Christian Portrayal5

While corrupt religious leaders are villains, the book champions true Christian faith and clergy.

Virtues to celebrate

Courage & Sacrifice85

Characters like Pastor Hank Busche show immense bravery by standing for truth against overwhelming opposition.

Faith & Hope95

Intercessory prayer and reliance on Scripture are the primary weapons used to win the conflict.

Love & Friendship70

Strong bonds of fellowship and sacrificial love between believers are central to the plot.

Forgiveness & Redemption60

Themes of repentance and returning to God are woven into the character arcs.

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