Rating: Summary: A Triumph . . . Senese accomplishes a rare story. Review: 'Cloning Christ'? What was the author thinking?In this book many readers seem to be enthusiastically talking about, I curiously wondered how author Peter Senese gets away with such a blatant title such as 'Cloning Christ'? To think someone would go out of their way with such an outlandish thought/title was beyond me. Well, my interest got the better of me and I began to read the story of Senese's main character, a very identifiable protagonist, Max Train. The more I read, the more I was compelled to keep up with the journey of Max, and his own quests for Redemption - not to mention the deadly forces of evil continually chasing him as he embarks upon an unknown jouney for Salvation. To my happy surprise, the storyline did not direct itself towards the actual cloning of genetic material that may be from Jesus. Yes, there are many elements of the complex genetic and cloning issues presented in the story. Senese takes a strong stance - one that coincides with the teachings of Christian faith - to the point where perhaps intentionally, the main characters do not even get to the point where a real decision must be made of the possible bodily remnants Max discovers. If you are looking to read something unthinkable, there are other written works in the market that may suite you . . . but not this highly inspirational story. So then how did the author derive a title such as 'Cloning Christ' and what message, if any, is there in this novel that moves at breakneck speed . . . with well-developed players, a fascinating stage, and a possible discovery of The Ages? In Max, we have the perfect blend of a well developed character who has critically misplaced his faith in Our Lord. The reasoning behind his suffering is severe, yet actually so easily identifiable with readers (at least I think so). I think in reality, each of us has had enough issues to at least question God's existance. Senese, in Max Train, props the reader to easily identify with their own personal struggles one may have or had in holding onto their own Faith. Yes, "Faith". And so herein is the message so brilliantly executed by Senese: it appears that to 'Clone Christ' is to follow the teaching of Our Lord, something every Christian with a full and loving heart attempts to do in our day to day living. Yet we are all similiar to Max Train - life does extend difficulties only Our Holy Father knows the purpose of. It is possible at to loose our faith, to show weakness in our resolve, to question Him for what we do not know and for what we desire to understand. Our questioning, like Max Trains, actually can lead us back to Our Lord, though, without question, while not under His arm, darkness covers our spirit and soul. As an Elder in my Church, I have made it a duty to read an assortment of written works which may be influencial and helpful to those who have lost their way towards Him. In "Cloning Christ" I do say this inspirational story of Our Lord as is portrayed through Max Train as he confronts and battles the demons of evil on this earth is in my openion a praiseworthy, identifiable inspirational tale few other fiction works can be compared to.
Rating: Summary: A great story Review: At the moment I can't recall another book that played with my emotions the way Senese and Geis' novel CLONING CHRIST has. The authors offer several extraordinary plot lines, including the existance of God in the form of mankinds' faith in the Lord. Additionally, the complex (socially, morally, ethically, and scientifically) issues of genomics and genetic science are brought to the forefront of the reader through a style that I though was clever: the authors choose to leave the complexity of genetic science's formations out of the story, but provide great insight of the complex issues via the strong plot line among the story's main character, Max Train, and the seperate interactions amongst the historically accurate Fifth Crusade. What I would like to say most is that seldom has there been a time when I went back to a novel to re-read it due to a fascination with the subject matter, the gripping style of the chase, and the historical accuracy for which a writer uses fact and wraps a compelling story around it. In CLONING CHRIST, I did that. And as much as this story is an educational piece, make no mistake, it is a first rate thriller that will not allow you to put the pages down.
Rating: Summary: A great story Review: At the moment I can't recall another book that played with my emotions the way Senese and Geis' novel CLONING CHRIST has. The authors offer several extraordinary plot lines, including the existance of God in the form of mankinds' faith in the Lord. Additionally, the complex (socially, morally, ethically, and scientifically) issues of genomics and genetic science are brought to the forefront of the reader through a style that I though was clever: the authors choose to leave the complexity of genetic science's formations out of the story, but provide great insight of the complex issues via the strong plot line among the story's main character, Max Train, and the seperate interactions amongst the historically accurate Fifth Crusade. What I would like to say most is that seldom has there been a time when I went back to a novel to re-read it due to a fascination with the subject matter, the gripping style of the chase, and the historical accuracy for which a writer uses fact and wraps a compelling story around it. In CLONING CHRIST, I did that. And as much as this story is an educational piece, make no mistake, it is a first rate thriller that will not allow you to put the pages down.
Rating: Summary: Very enjoyable Review: Cloning Christ is a classic story of a person search for redemption and enlightenment. In Max Train, the stuggles the authors develop are multidemensional: combined with a plot that is tight, readers will enjoy this high-charged suspense novel.
Rating: Summary: Books needs an editor--worse writing I have ever seen Review: Concept interesting. Evil is plausible to some degree. Descriptions of tourist attractions, etc. out of context in some instances. So poorly written that the author and publisher should be embarassed for not employing a decent editor. I think they are laughing all the way to the bank. Unfortunately, I added money to their bank account.
Rating: Summary: An Exciting Thriller Review: Few thrillers I have ever read present such an important set of issues the way Senese and Geis' novel CLONING CHRIST offer to the reader. Page after page the global hunt for Dr. Max Train and the Cross he is in possession of pushes the reader to think through today's scientific advances and how these advances should interact with faith in a higher being. Most of all, CLONING CHRIST is a riviting thriller you won't be able to put down. The global setting of Jerusalem, Rome, Bologna, Milan, Como, Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, and New York are so skillfully written you become absorbed with the setting. Stylistically, the authors ability to bring you into the past and present of an ancient setting is second to a brilliantly created group of characters who symbolically represent Man's own strengths and flaws. CLONING CHRIST is one of the most meaningful books I have ever read.
Rating: Summary: A Book of Great Universal Meaning.. Review: Finally, there is a new writer focussed on Christian Fiction who brings a sophisticated, fresh, highly complex storyline to Christian Fiction readers! In Peter Senese, we may have actually found a writer who will broaden the scope of subject matter written through Senese's unending capability to weave most complex tales which the average reader will enjoy and the sophisticated reader will cheerish. In Peter Senese's novel 'Cloning Christ' what I would like to say is simple: this is the best Christian fiction book I have ever read, and I am an avid reader in this area of literature. The story of Max Train, Senese's protagonist, as he weighs what to do upon the discovery of the potential True Cross is outstanding. Most importantly, Senese does not hesitate to share his openions with respect to the cloning debates - which are actually very complex. If you are a person who values the teachings of Our Lord, I think you will find Peter Senese's Cloning Christ to simply be one of the best fiction storys you will read.
Rating: Summary: From the beginning of the book I was hooked . . . Review: From the beginning of the book I was hooked and could not seem to stop reading. Each chapter added to the suspense that arose throughout the novel. To all who enjoy a great story of suspense, I highly recommend Cloning Christ by Peter Senese. The book leads you through the life of the brilliantly portrayed Dr. Max Train; one that starts off as a complicated and perplexed life. To the reader, Dr. Train symbolizes Man's acceptance and struggles with faith in a Higher Being, and all too often, with each other. Innocent,unharmful, and determined described Train. So too does ascetic, angry, doubtful, and fearful. What a perfect blend of character for author Senese to actually place the True Cross of Jesus on Dr. Train's back! As the book unfolds we are taken into the troubled mind of Anselm Cardinal Mugant - who is absolutely, in my openion, one of the most interesting characters in fiction I have ever read - and the self-righteousness that dilutes him. The hunt orchestrated by Cardinal Mugant, who is aided by an assassin known as The Scorpion, of Dr. Train,add to the suspense that flourishes over the course of this magnificent book. I cannot speak more highly of this book. It clearly lies on the top of my list!
Rating: Summary: Literary equivalent of a root canal Review: Peter Senese is a brilliant writer. Character, plot and settings take equal part in this fast-paced, suspenseful plot. It is complicated and intriguing, and the suspense is sustained right up to the end. This books is being made into a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Be sure to watch for its release.
Rating: Summary: An Ambitious, Action-Packed Suspense Novel Review: The authors of 'Cloning Christ' more than likely set out to write a theological thriller that would cause their readers to think about the provocative religious subject matter they present in this well-scribed thriller while forcing the reader to stay with the novel's storyline due to the tightly-crafted movement of the main character's actions. Without question, Senese and Geis deliever the goods, as the reader is taken onto a fascinating historical and spiritual journey into the modern world of Christianity. I doubt very much, regardless of your religious beliefs, that a reader will mind the Christian-oriented subject matter. This book has a universal theme . . . definitly one of the better action-packed suspense novels I have ever read.
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