Rating: 
Summary: Not my usual fare, BUT...
Review: ...I'm definitely glad I picked it up!
This is NOT the type of book I read--in fact, I saw it on the clearance rack or I never would have gotten it.
As several have already said, the book is a "spiritual thriller." I have to COMPLETELY disagree with the Publisher's Weekly review in almost every point. Yes, there are significant portions of violence, but none of them "gratuitous."
Without going into the plot much, which would REEEALLY spoil it for those of you who haven't read it, Johnson does a masterful job of weaving a couple of storylines into a single work. Basically, the story takes place in two "alternate" universes. Far-fetched? Yeah, of course, but it makes a great story, and the spiritual message is not left behind.
It took me a while to figure out where the author was going with the plot, and just when I thought I had it, he surprised me again. The book was tough to put down until completed, the measure by which I judge most books--this one gets five stars!
Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Although this might be passed off by people who think that it is just another writing from the "christian" introverts that don't know what it is like in the "real world", it would be their mistake. Yes, this it a christian book, but it is also an enthralling story. From the Vivid descriptions one the very first page to the ending, it grabs you in to its complex and dark plot. It is more on the lines of a Secular fantasy than it is a Christian "happy tale". Its plot is dark and at points may be disturbing to those that are the feint of heart. I Got this book on a monday and by tuesday evening, I had finished it. I rarley read a story strait through, but I was so enthralled with the plot that I lost track of time, my mind wandering to the fantasy realm that he told in detail. I enjoyed it so much that i read it again the same week. If you are looking for a story that will keep you turning the pages, and one that has an equally gripping meaning, read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing
Review: I have to admit this book intrigued me. I'm not a great sci-fi fan but get the feeling that Shane Johnson has soundly converted me. Every step of the way was a fascinating, exhilirating journey in the shoes of somebody trapped with a time and planet-jumping artifact of unknown, ancient origin and a destiny he did not choose. An excellent read
Rating:
Summary: A great, Christian work of fiction, based upon Truth.
Review: I just finished reading this novel, and I must say I was quite impressed. I can vouch for the author, as anyone that has actually read the book can, concerning the main character. He does not represent Jesus, as he is more a John the Baptist or end-times "two witnesses" character. Check out the back cover and some of the excerpts. In The Last Guardian, I must say that Shane Johnson's descriptive talent and vivid imagination was underpinned with a lot of Biblical truth. It made this novel a joy to read. The Biblical concepts weaved into the fictional elements of the story are right on the money, and the fictional elements are well thought out and presented. After reading this book, especially the author's commentary at the end, I am sure that Shane Johnson is a true, Biblical Christian, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all Christians. The gory scenes some have mentioned are done in a manner that magnifies the depravity of certain people, and are not overdone, but are there for a reason. This is a powerful, uplifting read that I passionately recommend. 5 stars.
D.S.Burton
Rating:
Summary: A great, Christian work of fiction, based upon Truth.
Review: I just finished reading this novel, and I must say I was quite impressed. I can vouch for the author, as anyone that has actually read the book can, concerning the main character. He does not represent Jesus. Read the back cover for the information the author wanted to present to you, and check out some of the excerpts. In The Last Guardian, I must say that Shane Johnson's descriptive talent and vivid imagination was underpinned with a lot of Biblical truth. It made this novel a joy to read. I feel a kinship with him, and was surprised that some of the themes I wrote independently in my own novel were touched on by him. The Biblical concepts weaved into the fictional elements of the story are right on the money, and the fictional elements are well thought out and presented. After reading this book, especially the author's commentary at the end, I am sure that Shane Johnson is a true, Biblical Christian, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all Christians. The gory scenes some have mentioned are done in a manner that magnifies the depravity of certain people, and are not overdone, but are there for a reason. This is a powerful, uplifting read that I passionately recommend. 5 stars. D. Shane Burton, author of Black Storm Rising.
Rating:
Summary: This is one of best books I've read!
Review: I loved this book! I couldn't wait to finish it! Johnson creates a character (T.G.) that against he will, as is the case with most, will become a prophet for God! The story follows T. G. on his journey to discovering what God can do through him, and having the faith to let Him and the faith to ask Him as well. It is a lot like a Peretti book, with its spiritual battles going on and also like a LaHaye/Jenkins book, as it is about the end times! Johnson just pulls it all together! T.G. has to guard this artifact he's not even sure how he acquired it! But he feels the need to keep it safe! No matter what he does he can't loose it and it won't loose him! It just keeps appearing! He's transported to another world (Noron) and almost killed repeatedly, and tested beyond measure, but in the end he becomes "The Voice in the Dark" of Noron and fulfills what he was appointed to do! Noron is a planet just like Earth, except a few major differences! They never had the flood of Noah! The people are 7-10ft tall and there are dinosaurs still living! But at the same time, they haven't got cars; they have hover-crafts or flying cars! Their technology and medical capabilities are more advanced than Earth's! The book is very griping and on the edge of your set stuff, but it is also humbling! Your awed by God's grace and power bestowed not only on T.G., but on all! I really enjoyed reading the afterwards section of the book as well, it gave me a true feeling of the authors heart!
Rating:
Summary: This is one of best books I've read!
Review: I loved this book! I couldn't wait to finish it! Johnson creates a character (T.G.) that against he will, as is the case with most, will become a prophet for God! The story follows T. G. on his journey to discovering what God can do through him, and having the faith to let Him and the faith to ask Him as well. It is a lot like a Peretti book, with its spiritual battles going on and also like a LaHaye/Jenkins book, as it is about the end times! Johnson just pulls it all together! T.G. has to guard this artifact he's not even sure how he acquired it! But he feels the need to keep it safe! No matter what he does he can't loose it and it won't loose him! It just keeps appearing! He's transported to another world (Noron) and almost killed repeatedly, and tested beyond measure, but in the end he becomes "The Voice in the Dark" of Noron and fulfills what he was appointed to do! Noron is a planet just like Earth, except a few major differences! They never had the flood of Noah! The people are 7-10ft tall and there are dinosaurs still living! But at the same time, they haven't got cars; they have hover-crafts or flying cars! Their technology and medical capabilities are more advanced than Earth's! The book is very griping and on the edge of your set stuff, but it is also humbling! Your awed by God's grace and power bestowed not only on T.G., but on all! I really enjoyed reading the afterwards section of the book as well, it gave me a true feeling of the authors heart!
Rating:
Summary: the best book!
Review: i loved this book. i couldnt put it down, i read so much i got eye strain but it was worth it. i gave it to my mom to read and she actually cried with, it was so beautiful
Rating:
Summary: the best book!
Review: I was an avid fan of science fiction - especially "hard science" fiction rather than fantasy - long before I was a believer. Alternate timeline stories are a staple in that field and Johnson has done an excellent job with this one. I'm often disappointed with Christian attempts at science fiction--so often the science or the theology is less than effective. But he has got it all right! I bought this book and when I misplaced my copy I bought it again so I could loan it to a friend. Does that give a good idea of my opinion?
Rating:
Summary: Successful science fiction with a Spirit
Review: I was an avid fan of science fiction - especially "hard science" fiction rather than fantasy - long before I was a believer. Alternate timeline stories are a staple in that field and Johnson has done an excellent job with this one. I'm often disappointed with Christian attempts at science fiction--so often the science or the theology is less than effective. But he has got it all right! I bought this book and when I misplaced my copy I bought it again so I could loan it to a friend. Does that give a good idea of my opinion?
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