Rating: 
Summary: One of the best novels of this genre, I have read.
Review: I started to read this book during a retreat, and I simply could not put it down. The author not only tells a good story, but brings out the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ in the person of Holy Mother Church. While this book is fiction, there is an element of truth that tells me that what he decribes could happen in the near future. I certainly want to read more of Mr. O'Brien's other works. Deacon John T. Cretaro
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable blend of fiction and theology.
Review: In Father Elijah, Michael O'Brien has reinstated my faith in Christian literature. A well-paced, referenced, and cultured yarn setting the stage of history's last days, and remaining within the context of the Biblical testaments, Old and New.O'Brien's Catholic orientation should not offend other beliefs, but instead humbly purports the importance of remaining true. Truth is not only worthy of making a stand, but we separate ourselves from it if we don't. His ability to portray real Virtue is refreshingly counter-cultural to our Western lifestyle today. A wonderful story of the Day, of Love, of Adventure and Journey. Although one might find reason to edit or critique a select character or tangent, Father Elijah contains literary greatness that provokes and inspires. Again, my faith is renewed!
Rating:
Summary: My faith in decent modern Christian fiction has been renewed
Review: A year or so ago I swore off current Christian literature because I had such dissappointing experiences with them, from being too simplistic to too unoriginal. Albeit, the Apocalypse theme is not exactly new, O'Brian's take on it was immensely refreshing. I was challenged intellectually and spiritually. And for those who like a lot of rock 'em sock 'em action, you'll find a realistic "dose" that is definitely not rated G, but it doesn't go crazy with it. It stays focused, often bringing in other people and situations to accentuate the implications of the story.
Rating: 
Summary: okay, but overly-hyped
Review: The pace was somewhat slow at times, and engaged in dialogue that was too verbose and over my head. The overall premise is intriguing but much of the characterization which O'Brien took such great care in when first introducing characters, was pointless as he would suddenly end character's roles without so much as a hoot. If this is waht he considers suspense or thriller, then he should check out A Game of Thrones. The reader never understands the effect of Father Elijah on the AntiChrist (the President) and the story culminates in a vague and dreary descent upon Jerusalem. I thought the last part where they are about to enter the Holy City should have been fleshed out. A disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: An exemplary novel!
Review: An exemplary novel of living the Catholic Faith with an overhanging chill of apocalypse, Father Elijah inspires a deepening of faith. This novel, while not the best written literature, provokes a multitude of thoughful questions. It asks the reader to consider God's ways, to delve one's self into spiritual warfare, to return to a more conservative Catholic viewpoint (however, conservative and liberal are not good words when dealing with faith), and to examine our lives "For you know not the moment" of his return. The novel makes the human-spiritual struggle more real. HIs writing style is unique, in that the words take on symbolic and literal emaning simultaneously. His satirical comments and his devout faith makes the novel more enjoyable. This novel has increased my faith and has encouraged me to pursue my own goals in writing. I recommend this book highly!
Rating:
Summary: This book must be read!
Review: I have seldom been so moved by a book as this one. It told such a fantastic tale and yet it was (and still is) absolutly real. We are living now in these times.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Review: A must read for anyone! Very compelling, I couldn't put it down (not even to eat or sleep). The story will reach all of your emotions, and inspire you.
Rating:
Summary: Best book I have read--ever!
Review: Father Elijah is the best book I have ever read! Suspenseful and riviting. Father Elijah was an easy read that dealt with many believable issues. Definately a must read for all Christians.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent !!!
Review: I couldn't put this 600 page book down. Intriguing, several surprises, very provocative, especially for traditional Catholics.
Rating:
Summary: Destined to be a Catholic literary Classic
Review: O'Brien is a joy to read. The depth of his studious knowledge of Scripture, History, Art and many more aspects of the Faith become obvious as the reader takes these in with great ease, while becoming more entrenched with each turn of the page of this suspenseful story. His description of the internal spiritual struggles of his characters reveals an author who must be intimately familiar with a deep spiritual life, himself, and who relates it in such a way that a complete foreignor to the spiritual life would not only easily understand, but even immensely ENJOY. I have never read anything like it! Wow!
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