The Last Day

Rating:
Summary: An impressive accomplishment
Review: For anyone to take a topic this difficult and render it completely credible is a remarkable achievement. But this story reads with a hard-edged realism and unflinching honesty that makes it entirely believable. I could barely put it down, could not stop thinking about it when I had to leave it, and was sorry to see it end. There is much to commend this book, but on balance, I felt it's message was the most important accomplishment of all. I was deeply moved by it. I'll read this book again, and I will read anything else this author ever cares to put into print. Outstanding story.

Rating:
Summary: Good and Bad
Review: I enjoyed the story and the characters, but was very put off by the foul language, especially when it was used in the same context as God. I would have enjoyed the book a LOT more without the cursing.

Rating:
Summary: Deliciously wicked!
Review: This is the best religious satire to come along since "The Satanic Verses." Kleier takes you on a baroquely parallel journey with the New Testament. Each time you think you know what he's up to, however, he springs a mind trap, dazzling you with a revelation or tempting you with a clue to the surprises that lie ahead. There are some outstanding passages tucked away in this tantalizing tale--including four astonishing "parables" that are not to be missed. Other favorite sections: the episode at the Wadi El Joz well; Jeza's riotous appearance at the Mormon convention center; and best of all, the electrifying confrontation between Jeza and the pope at St. Peter's Basilica.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely phenomenal
Review: This book now tops my list of all-time favorites. I have read it three times and will read it again. Each time I find new things, hidden metaphors and meanings I missed previously. Kleier is a genious and this book is one of a kind. If you've not read it yet, by all means, get a copy, curl up in your room, and have your soul transported.

Rating:
Summary: Frighteningly credible, with an optimistic note
Review: What would happen if God decided to send a messenger to this planet once more? What would he say to us and the thousands of religions that all claim to be the "one and only true religion"? The surprising conclusions reached in this book will fascinate, astound, shock, upset, amuse and beguile you. This explosive novel takes you to the edge of insanity and dares you to look into the chasm beyond. No book has engrossed me more or kept me up later. You can't put it down and you can't forget what it has to say. First rate entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: Empty Vessel
Review: Emotionally uninvolving and badly overwritten, Last Day is remarkably silly in plot, dialogue, and characters. It seems odd that this book would be considered controversial by some as there is nothing new in the idea that the original message of Christ has been corrupted by modern organized religion. This author writes like that idea is news to him and never offers a fresh view. His stereotypes are incredible and abundant. Jeza is a potentially exciting creation but her character quickly becomes more sideshow strange and empty due to the author's lack of philosophical grounding. The excesses of the Church require depth and understanding for meaningful analysis. This peculiar book's pretense is to be "important" yet it only serves to trivialize the issues in a manner calculated to incite the religious right and boost sales. There is no real attempt to illuminate, only to perpetuate myth and make a buck. The concept of this being a great opus or literary event is comical and should be left to the "best book I ever read" crowd. Thoughtful readers beware and allow the religious and anti-religious fanatics to both embrace this silly novel as much more than the empty vessel it truly is.

Rating:
Summary: This is the best novel I've ever read!
Review: For a thirty-seven year old bookworm to discover the best book of his life is an event. I bend my knee to Mr. Kleier for creating such a marvelously inspired and creative piece of fiction. This novel is perfect--tightly plotted, cleverly developed, utterly surprising throughout, filled with wonderful characterizations, with a completely satsifying and meaningful climax. America has a new king of suspense, and his name is Glenn Kleier!

Rating:
Summary: At last, a novel to challenge the mind and spirit!
Review: If ever there was a book to redeem my hopes for contemporary novelists, this is it. Jeza, the beautiful, enigmatic young woman who takes the world by storm as a new messiah is as original and powerful a leading character as has come along in decades. To say that she presents a worthy successor to the most memorable of biblical figures is quite a statement, but the author pulls it off with great flair. Although Catholic, I was not put off by the verdicts Jeza renders against some of the organized religions, particularly Catholicism. I am open minded and honest enough to admit that her arguments ring true (can I deny that my religion has enormous wealth or has a legacy of supressing women--having burned thousands at the stake as witches?). This book is incredibly well researched and rich with detail as few suspense novels are. If you like to have the wits scared out of you by a witty story, you'll love the spine-chilling effects of this masterful thriller. A must read.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: This book opens a can of worms about the frightening state of contemporary organized religion. It's an explosive story that dares confront secrets and intrigues few authors seem willing to broach. But all the seamy internal politics of religion aside, this is a dynamite story of one man's pursuit of truth in the face of staggering obstacles and ungodly challenges. I don't know where or how the author came up with such an incredibly unique plot, but this is a completely refreshing departure from all the same-old novels out there. I rate this one like the author Clive Cussler states on its dust jacket--"one of the most intriguing tales of decade." Bravo, Mr. Kleier! Can we please have more?

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book
Review: I must say that THE LAST DAY is a very intelligent and well-written story. I could not put it down, and I found its arguments unusually well developed and stimulating. I accept the fact that anytime a novel has the courage to address provocative issues, it may offend some tastes. This is not your typical novel. It tells one of the most original stories I've ever read, and it hits hard in the emotional midsection. In a positive way. I finished it feeling I'd read something very special. More than a thrilling story filled with the unexpected and fascinating, this book confronts a number of important and controversial issues in a most unique way. It's like getting two books for the price of one.