Laferne L. Johnson’s The Battle is a sequel to her novel The Beginning, where Linda Russell, a middle-aged black woman, is invited to join a research facility as a data analyst, and where her unique talents can be studied.
Linda has paranormal intuitive ability, as does her adolescent granddaughter, Celeste, who, like her grandmother, can sense someone in distress, whether due to illness, pain, or fear. Workers at the Genesis facility are helping them deal with their special abilities. Plans for a global teleconference between individuals with similar sensitivities are in place.
Meanwhile, the racist organization, Healthcare Services, Inc. (HSI) is also aware of the two protagonists. Genesis and the government have unsuccessfully attempted to shut down HSI clinics for their faulty diagnoses and procedures. Ominously, HSI wants legislation to force doctors and hospitals to report patients with this special gift.
To add normalcy to her life, Linda takes boxing lessons, but at the sparring facility she encounters others with her rare sensitivities. Amidst family dramas, the attempted murder of a government official, and a kidnapping, the twisty narrative unfolds.
The story intertwines themes of family, friendship, scientific research, and faith; conversing with a spiritual leader, Linda questions whether “God is testing us.” It also prompts us to consider the possibility of individuals with rare abilities among us and the danger they face of being ostracized.
Some readers, however, might find the overall plot far-fetched. Additionally, while this installment provides the basic background information, reading Johnson’s first novel would likely create fuller understanding.
Wooden prose and dialogue, which often focus on the mundane, also seriously undermine the story:
“During my ride to the gym, Celeste called.
“‘Hi, Grandma, how are you?’
“ ‘I’m good, Celeste. How are you?’
“ ‘I’m okay. Are you going to the gym?’
“‘Yes. In fact, I’m on my way now.’”
The Battle offers readers food for thought. However, trimming unnecessary dialogue and unimportant prose would greatly improve the narrative.