The Last Day

Rating:
Summary: Provocative!
Review: Although I read constantly I am not often compelled to recommend a book to others. This book is an exception. It is very well written and deals with a subject everyone can identify with on some level. From the moment you pick it up until the minute you put it down Jeza and Feldman become a part of your life.

Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: I got this book for Christmas, picked it up and thought I'd read just a few pages to get the gist of it, then could not put it down. This is a major page turner. Exceptionally suspenseful and surprising. I will read it again.

Rating:
Summary: In my opinion, a well-written work.
Review: I've been around the literary block often enough to recognize a badly written novel when I see it, and The Last Day is not it. On the contrary, it's a very well honed narrative, both in prose and in dialogue, fast-paced and stimulating. It's not lofty vocabulary, but then, I don't think it was intended to be. It's a mass-market publication, written at the collegiate level, not aimed at an elite audience. If there is poor writing in this novel, or bad editing, I'd like to see examples of it, because I saw no signs, anywhere. Not even a typo or grammatical error (other than perhaps in the dialogue of "Hunter" the rough-and-tumble cameraman who tends to speak in that fashion.) I am inclined to believe that some readers, upset by the content of the novel (it does broach sensitive issues that may offend some readership), are trying to discourage others from reading its controversial message. As I said, there is nothing apparent in a close reading of its 600 plus pages that shows any signs of poor quality writing or editing. This is a fine novel, intelligent and thought provoking. If someone feels otherwise, I'd like to see examples.

Rating:
Summary: Quite unusual
Review: This novel has given me a totally different perspective on organized religion that has opened my eyes to some frightening aspects that had never ocurred to me before. Society, I think, is so steeped in biblical culture that it's very difficult for most of us to separate the two and witness either from objective positions. This novel is a refreshing, if disturbing, examination of the problem, presented from a most unusual and objective vantage point. It is a harrowing tale that will keep your mind incubating long after you close the covers. Both entertaining and enlightening.

Rating:
Summary: A terrific read!
Review: An impressive story that had me guessing (wrongly) and on pins and needles throughout. If you're looking for a great escape, I strongly recommend this!

Rating:
Summary: The definitive endtimes novel of them all
Review: Having read more endtime and judgment day novels than I care to admit, I doff my cap to this one, which is head and shoulders above all the rest. I was enthralled from the first page. This novel does not travel the conventional cheap thrills route. It is far more of a psychological, sprititual journey, but a journey through a very dark and provocative tunnel. When you emerge on the other side, however, you come out into a bright light of truth that you will find very fulfilling and enlightening. This is not a depressing tale, but one of intelligence, hope and optimism, with some completely original, entertaining twists. Not to be missed!

Rating:
Summary: A great book to end the millennium
Review: What better way to end the millennium than with a novel that examines the legacy of the millennium's most disturbing barbarities? This story is about the echoes of the past 1,000 years of religious excesses and abuses that are with us still, today. True, modern day organized religion no longer burns women and free thinkers at the stake as witches and heretics, but the shadow of those horrible days still hangs over society in the form of subtle and not-so-subtle prejudices. The dangers of religious totalitarianism come out full blown and frightening in this excellent, intelligent thriller, which first places ancient prejudices in an historic context and then confronts their modern day equivalents in the harsh light of an impending Armaggedon. Obviously, some people do not want to be reminded of these facts and would prefer to see this novel swept under the rug. Fortunately, truth has a way of winning out, and I for one am delighted that The Last Day has gotten the attention and widespread readership it so richly deserves.

Rating:
Summary: Not My Cup of Tea
Review: I really didn't care for this book. None of the characters are likeable, especially Jeza the messiah who is shrill, nasty, and boring. The action was identical to a hundred other thrillers I've read and nothing much was new. Somehow, I don't think the Second Coming will be this much of a soap opera. It just is superficial and silly. I felt very let down by this author.

Rating:
Summary: Touched me deeply and personally
Review: Years ago when I was going through some troubling times in my life, I could have used this book for the great value of its message. Anyone who is genuinely confused by the profundity of religions out there, all promoting themselves as the "One and Only" needs to read this book. In it are several wonderful parables about life that are in themselves worth the price of the book. But more than that, this book is itself a parable. It uses a fascinating, supernatural drama to reveal the ludicrousness and illogic of many organized religions today. That is what makes this such a powerful story. It follows the same tack as these religous organizations and beats them at their own game. It focuses primarily on the Catholic Church, but no organized religion is immune to the compelling arguments this story makes. That would seem to be at the heart of the several attacks that have been made here against this novel. The novel has captured the spirit of freedom and rebellion in America against the dogmatic structures and know-it-all pomp of many organized religions. Every now and then a novel comes along which proves itself a bellwhether of social change, and this novel has all the earmarks. I'm not surprised to see "The Last Day" is such a well-read work, internationally. It is deserving of its acclaim.

Rating:
Summary: I liked this book
Review: I have never written in about any book before, but I felt compelled to with this novel. Without question, this is one of the best novels, the best writing, the most intelligent approach to such controversial subject matter that I've ever read. What this novel has to say, how it says it, and what this amazing mystery leads to in the end is nothing short of astounding. I can understand that some people will not agree with many of the points this novel makes, but it makes them so well, you just have to sit there stunned in reading it. This is a great book, it offers a very compelling perspective on the problems with organized religion today, and that will certainly make some readers hateful about the message it conveys. But let's face it, the cover story of Yesterday's USA Today was about the huge trend by Americans AWAY from organized religion, how people are becoming more and more disillusioned with organized relgion, and this novel hits those very points in the article squarely on the head. In fact, this novel is uncanny and brilliant (as also highly entertaining) in the way it encapsulates the complicated reasons organized religion is failing mankind. This novel is a must read if you want to get a very clear picture of what is happening in this volatile situation not only in America, but the rest of the world. Excellent and suspenseful novel.