A book with a provocative title came across my attention recently, by way of my long-standing interest in co-author Mike Foster. He was one of the founders of XXXChurch.com, a group that brings discussion of the dangers of pornography to the forefront of the church and also reaches out in love to the porn industry, and he has since moved on to pursue other creative and ministerial projects — and, of course, writing.

Now all I knew about Deadly Viper: Character Assassins for a while was what was on the teaser Web site, which…wasn’t very much at all. So I really didn’t have any idea what to expect. When I received Deadly Viper, I was astounded by its physical shape and size. It’s a small black rectangle filled with incredibly designed and profoundly beautiful illustrations, text, backgrounds, and even comics. The overall style is heavily influenced by Asian (specifically kung fu) art, hence the book title, and it’s a pleasure to flip through the pages. Of course, all the great design in the world can’t save lousy content, so what of the book topics themselves?

In Deadly Viper, Mike Foster and fellow author Jud Wilhite discuss the very real and very dangerous “character assassins” that are constantly threatening to take out our relationships, our respect, our careers, our well-being — basically any area which, if compromised, will ruin our ability to be leaders in our homes and communities. They treat these assassins like villainous foes you have to be ever watchful of, and they give them colorful kung fu names; my favorite is called The Assassin of Boom Chicka Wah Wah (sexual addiction/adultery/etc.).

The use of short interviews with known leaders in various business and religious fields, illustrations, comics, etc. to augment the text of the book makes for engaging and delightful reading. I walked away from the book not necessarily having a sense of knowledge that that I didn’t already know, but rather having a renewed mindset of following the wise advice that the book had to offer. Being a young single guy, it’s been particularly helpful to look Boom Chicka Wah Wah in the eye now and then and show him who’s boss.

If there’s any criticism I have of Deadly Viper, it’s that I wished that the authors, both devout Christians, had made a little bit more mention of God’s role to play in our character development. I realize the book is geared towards a secular audience, and I realize it’s good to refrain from shoving religion down people’s throats when they aren’t expecting it. But, frankly, developing character on your own through sheer will power is a road that leads to failure from an eternal perspective. I think our obligation as Christians is to compassionately and intelligently bring that truth to the world’s attention.

Nevertheless, this is a great little book, and I enjoyed reading it. If you have weak areas in your character that need some help, or you feel some assassins breathing down your neck right now (and who doesn’t?), you might just find that Deadly Viper gives you the weaponry you need to fight off your enemies. Now pick up those nunchucks, young grasshopper, and stand your ground. It is not the assassins who have the power to destroy you, but your own fear.