Rapture was very interesting. Although it was slow to start, Simpson raises some really good thoughts in this book. I will definitely be interested in finishing this series and I assume his writing skill will grow. Some things I would like to see this author work on is just slowing down.
The high action scenes go way too fast, and things aren't explained the best. Simpson focuses on too much exposition rather than showing the story. I would really like to see into Sam's mind and emotions as these things happen. Plus, Simpson seems to thrive off things happening "unbelievably," this seems to be one of his most overused words in the book. There are a lot of things that just happen, or just work out and they aren't given much thought. I'd want that slowed down and really cracked open. For example, early on Simpson writes "The demons came for him." This is a perfect spot to slow down time. Explain the feelings that Sam feels. Explain the sounds, the wind, the smell... ect. Instead we are just told that Sam can feel them, but we never see how the feeling effects him or what it may feel like to Sam.
Also, cliches need to be avoided. When I see cliches in a book I want to "rip my heart out and roast it in a wild mushroom sauce for dinner" (Peter Dully Jr, an amazing professor). Simpson used the phrase "old habits die hard" three or four times within the novel and each time I cringed.
Another few small irks for me, Gabriel is not a female. Although some say angels are gender neutral, Gabriel is always seen as male throughout the Bible. Also, some of the books of the bible that are quoted are not complete. It should be 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, ect, not just Thessalonians/Corinthians.
Also -- something really minor, but it bugged me because I'm a horse person. Sam is able to bring a few quarts of water for his journey of 200 miles with 3 people and 2 horses. One horse will drink 10 gallons of water on a cool day. Clearly he is not adequately supplied for this journey.
Aside from all of these, the book did really grab me. It was the whole idea that really made this book absorbing.
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