The Unquenchable Flame is a clear, easy read; lively and humorous in places, it’s ideal for kindling an interest in the Reformation and the events that have shaped Christianity in Europe. However, don’t be fooled into thinking this book lacks depth; it’s crammed full of important details and useful insights. Reeves has written a book that is both light in style and deep in content.

The book charts a time when the world awoke to the sound of God’s word. Beginning with the pre-Reformation state of Europe, before there was even a hint of discontentment with the Roman Catholic church, the author shows how the Lord worked in the hearts of men like Luther, Zwingli and Calvin, convicting them of the supremacy of God’s word over the Pope’s. These men, and many others, fought to release Christians from the false teachings of Roman Catholicism, and introduce them to a salvation that could not be bought or earned but was graciously given by a personal God who spoke directly to them through His word.

Michael Reeves succeeds in bringing the Reformation to life and making its significance unmissable. One of the book’s strengths is that it glorifies God rather than the men He chose to use. The Reformers should certainly be admired and their example followed, but the example they set was one of devotion to following Christ.

I enjoyed this book very much, and it’s certainly encouraged me to find out more about the Reformation. Anticipating this response, IVP have set up a website with some additional resources and suggested further reading.

Lowri Iorwerth