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What did you think about the bullet wound scene? As you recall, in that scene God magically heals Cody's bullet wound and shows them the way to safety. That scene requires some suspension of disbelief, but then suspension of disbelief is vital to the enjoyment of any fiction.

For me, it seemed a little rushed. As for requiring a suspension of belief, it was no different than the time travel aspect, which is also fantasy.

I generally except one big "just go with it" in a book that is not otherwise in a fantasy world. But two is pushing it.

In order to enjoy most of my reading, I am actively involved in suspending disbelief.
Sometimes I really want to believe the unlikely or impossible in the real world.
A self-confessed day-dreamer me, but I still maintain healthy cynicism too.

I agree that the suspension of disbelief is normal and expected in most fiction. We need to allow ourselves to be sucked into the story. That being said, this book asked a bit much of the reader. Miracles need to be used sparingly or it starts to look like the author is rushing through the story or running out of ideas. The means by which a character overcomes obstacles is often instrumental to helping the character grow or making him/her more accessible to the reader. A miracle too often bypasses these opportunities and thus short-changes the story.

Is this the only scene like it in the book? I mean, does it stand out as unusual or seem like it doesn't fit in?

It is the only scene like it in the book. It's used as a plot device to get over an obstacle.

I mean, it seems like it stretches reality a bit, and if it's the only instance of its kind in the book, it would seem quite out of place.

PashaRu wrote:I mean, it seems like it stretches reality a bit, and if it's the only instance of its kind in the book, it would seem quite out of place.

Well, there is also a time travel element that is essential to the plot. That's how Suzanne got stuck in the 1800's in the Old West. So...I don't know if I would say that the bullet wound scene is the only fantasy passage.

If fit in with the other fantasy elements but I wish they would have stretched it out more for such a pivotal moment.

I understand that in a time travel book we are already in the realm of the unbelievable but still, this scene was over the top for me.

Since this book involved time travel, I could see how this scene could be added in. However, it seemed a little rushed and out of place.

I agree that it seemed rushed and out of place. The feeling of excitement that usually comes with scenes similar seemed to be lacking. And that a big thing, for me at least, because I love stories that make you feel for the characters and their situations.

I don't think a miracle is ever "out of place". What better time for a miracle to happen, then when you need it most. I find time travel less believable then Divine intervention.

I think the bullet wound that magically healed was just as acceptable as the time travel without the time machine