“That is exactly what I’m saying,” she said frankly, “and he is not some kind of freak like you and everybody else thinks he is. Thomas is our son and only God has the right to judge him, just like it says in the Bible.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Only God Can Judge” by Reginald Val Davin.This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
“Only God Can Judge” by Reginald Val Davin is a captivating and unconventional novel that masterfully blends courtroom drama, family secrets, crime, spirituality, and the supernatural into one thrilling narrative. At its core, it’s a story about identity—how it is shaped, hidden, and reclaimed—and the unrelenting pursuit of justice in a world tangled with corruption, prejudice, and deceit. With gripping twists and a layered plot that unravels both across time and continents, the novel dares readers to confront questions of morality, forgiveness, and the ultimate truth that only a higher power has the right to judge.
Reginald Val Davin is a 70-year-old native of New York City. He attended Herbert H. Lehman University in New York and received a bachelor’s degree in English. He also graduated from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois. A school that specializes in helping students develop their creative writing skills.
Mr. Davin is President and Founder of Gumbo & Associates, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles California with a “Base Prevention Program” to keep young men and women out of prison by helping them to acquire critical thinking skills with the game of chess. This technique is designed to teach the participants how to make “good decisions” by applying the principals of a chess game to become successful in whatever type of career they choose to pursue.
Mr. Davin believes this type of curriculum is greatly needed in the urban community to provide alternatives for young people who desperately need to change their lives. This book was written with the idea of using the profits from book sales to be used by Gumbo & Associates, so that the organization will continue to remain an important “tool” in helping to reduce “recidivism” in the urban community.
Through the journey of Thomas and his family, the author grapples with complex issues like generational trauma, the immigrant experience, and the often-overlooked struggles of those living double lives due to societal expectations. At the heart of the novel is a message of self-acceptance and the courage to face both internal and external judgment.
What makes Only God Can Judge a compelling and unforgettable read is its bold originality. It seamlessly combines genres—crime fiction, supernatural thriller, family drama, and spiritual reflection—into a cohesive narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are multidimensional, flawed, and deeply human, making their struggles and transformations resonate powerfully with readers.
The novel challenges conventional storytelling with its unexpected plot twists, including reincarnation through spiritual folklore and courtroom intrigue fueled by both personal and systemic battles. More importantly, it speaks to the universal desire for truth, justice, and acceptance—whether that’s acceptance by society, family, or oneself. Readers come away not just entertained, but also inspired to consider how judgment, both personal and societal, shapes our lives—and how grace and understanding can transform them.
“Only God Can Judge” by Reginald Val Davin is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: