Dark Moon

Rating:
Summary: Unanswered Questions
Review: I would recommend this book, however I must say that I was a bit dissappointed. 'Dark Moon' was an enjoyable read, however after reading the awesome book 'The Prodigy' I was expecting this book to be just as good. In many ways that was a mistake on my part. Often times we are dissapointed when we are expecting the same quality product every time.

That being said 'Dark Moon' is a story that kept me interested throughout most of the book, however there were a few unanswered questions. The resolution was not as satifying as I wanted. I was quite interested in the story's main characters, however as the book went on there seemed to be too many other lesser characters and subplots introduced that took away from what should have been the main focus of the story. Perhaps Gansky should have made the book longer so that all of the themes and issues of science, faith and family could have explored more fully. It seemed as if most of the book was spent setting up the big climax that never really seemed to happen.

I do not want to reveal to much of the book's plot. I will say that despite some of Gansky's failings with this book, I still enjoyed it. He has created characters that I was able to identify with and care about. That in many ways is so much important than the plot of a book. I could have read more and this is not a short book at 352 pages. I would not have minded if it were 500 or more pages. Gansky is a skilled writer who I will continue to read in the future.

Rating:
Summary: It is Gansky's Style That Saves Makes This A Great Read
Review: Marcus Stiller, along with two of his students, finds a growing, red spot on the moon. As the world wonders what the cause might be, Stiller struggles with the truth of science and faith - two worlds he thought stood alone, but now is not so sure.

We are introduced to Julie Waal, a character surrounded by deception, and the reader is taken on a journey through mental illness and horrors involved. Add a three-named-professor-stalking-nutcase and you have some serious plots to intertwine. Not an easy task.

I think Gansky's only flaw with this novel is creating a story so big, no ending would suffice. I would have liked another hundred pages or so...

I give the novel five stars, because even though I felt the ending was a little drab, ninety-percent of the book was awesome.

I look forward to my next Alton Gansky novel.

www.therunninggirl.com

Rating:
Summary: Great writing, but approach to plot unsatisfying
Review: There are some great characterizations in this story. Gansky's ability to bring us into the mind of Gordon, the wayward mental hospital orderly was masterful--especially for overtly Christian novel. Also, Ms. Waal's mental struggle was excrutiating and most insightful. Dr. Stiller's personal struggles with the love of science vs. faith, vs. the love of teaching were on-track. Those with similar struggles must have resonated with the writing.

For all the interesting subplots, Gansky made a bold gambit: building up the "main plot" intrigue of a growing red spot on the moon, with all its potential political and spiritual implications...only to remind us that in the end, it is people and how we treat them in the midst of life's tragedies and normalities that really matters. Most readers, however, will feel cheated by the wrap up of the story. Yes, in most ways it was gratifying. However, many big questions were raised, only to be dismissed.

The bottom line: It's worth the read if you enjoy characterizations and human insights. Prophecy buffs and action-oriented readers ought to look elsewhere. Three stars for a decent but less than Stiller (sorry!) novel.