The Last Day

Rating:
Summary: A favorite book
Review: I first read this book in German, and now I'm reading the original English (so far, the translations are very close). I can recall few times I have been more impressed by a work of fiction. "Der Letzte Tag" as it is called here, is a timeless story that transcends the mystery/thriller genre. It speaks to all peoples across all time, with classic themes of Mankind's struggle to decipher and understand the Divine. As does all good literature, this novel examines and challenges convention and forces the reader to question many widely held beliefs, that, upon the closer scrutiny, become increasingly suspect. This is both healthy and good, as someone who has spent half her life in Germany is only too keenly aware. I praise this book for the light it sheds on many intriguing, dark aspects of religion that some people would prefer to keep hidden. I also praise this book as fascinating, entertaining, and thrilling. It is a story that probes the outer reaches of spirituality, and arrives at a surprise destination that will outrage some, but prove enlightening and greatly rewarding for most.

Rating:
Summary: Great Wit! Great Fun!
Review: A thought provoking thriller that didn't insult one's intelligence nor make any apologies for its complete and utter avoidance of political correctness. A delightfully balanced satire. This book, unlike most best sellers, wasn't riddled with contrivance and coincidence, nor was it dumbed down for the masses. And the ending was an incredible ride!

Rating:
Summary: Realistic
Review: What would happen if the Messiah were to return today and judge the religions of the world? We'll never get closer to knowing the answer to that great question than this novel portrays. Without regard to political correctness or popular opinion, Kleier trains a starkly bold and unblinking eye on the chicanery, hypocrisy and hidden secrets going on behind the veils of modern, organized religion. The story is logical, believable, and compelling. You'll stay up well past your bedtime on this one to get to a most unexpected (and satisfying) ending.

Rating:
Summary: An important novel
Review: For anyone who follows high-concept, contemporary fiction, this novel is a must read. Finely crafted writing and exquisite plotting throughout. Excellent, excellent story with a powerful message.

Rating:
Summary: Gets you thinking. . .
Review: I'm amazed at how one book can cause such a stir--375 reviews on this site, alone! But in reading THE LAST DAY, I can certainly see how you are either going to love it or despise it. For me, it was the confirmation of so many things I've always felt but never been able to express myself. I do feel that man has failed religion and that 99% of the organized religions out there would flunk God's judgment, were it to come (they each claim to have it right when it comes to interpreting God's meaning in the bible, and yet they simply can't all be right, now can they?). Which means, as this book so brilliantly displays, there must be a lot wrong with what some religions preach at us. If you've got the open mind to consider alternative points of view (or if you simply want to read an exceptionally good suspense thriller), this novel is great fun. It also has one heck of a message, and delivers it with panache. My recommendations.

Rating:
Summary: Very Hot!
Review: I loved this book from the first page. The author has taken some of themost controversial and provocative issues of our time and wrapped them in a story of incredible suspsense and terror. You may not like the man's theology, which is caustically irreverent at times, but you can't deny the compelling, effective way he treats his subject matter. The messiah figure is terrific--hauntingly human, yet enigmatic, awesome and divine, at the same time. The story is impossible to second guess. Couldn't put this one down and sorry to see it end. Sequel, please!

Rating:
Summary: What could have been a great book flops!
Review: I thought this would be a great book, a great topic was chosen by the author, but the development of the plot was way too slow and time consuming. I normally can read a book such as this in depth, but I ended up skimming many of the chapters to get to the meat of the book. When the author chose to, he was very good. This was not the page turner I would have expected (other than turning the pages to get to something that mattered!

Rating:
Summary: AN INTRIGUING THRILLER
Review: I am a fan of Daniel Easterman and have read all his books so far. Last week I decided to buy a book from the same "genre". When I read what The Last Day is about I first thought it was Daniel Easterman writing under the name Glenn Kleier. I bought the book and it turned to be a great page-turner. All the ingridients are there: action, mystery, love, history, current events and so on. Only one thing disturbed me in the book. I am an Israeli and was disappointed by the author's description of our political and social "regime". Israel is discribed as a military state: the army and green shirts control everything and can't be stopped by the Knesset or the Prime Minister. While reading the passage describing the journalists' escape from Israel, I said to myself: Hey man, are you reading about Israel? Israel is one of the strongest democarcies I know. It is true we are very influenced by the religious parties (that become stronger and stronger every day) and one can't deny the presence and the importance of our soldiers. But the state of Israel is not controlled by the army such as other arabic countries that surround us. However, the author believes things are handled in Israel the same way as in other military states. Please let's come over those stereotypes and face the reality. GLENN KLEIER, don't confuse Israel with other countries. WE ARE a democratic state...

Rating:
Summary: Primo!
Review: Simply excellent novel. Fast, intelligent, provocative, thoroughly riveting read. 6 stars!

Rating:
Summary: Razor sharp--beware!
Review: This book has a rapier edge. If you have no tolerance for cutting parody, don't go near this one--it will shock you and likely upset you. But if you're looking for something totally different and refreshingly honest, this is it. The story is brilliant and well told. But there's much more going on here than simply a rollicking suspense thriller. Much more. This book delves into some sensitive, topical issues, and does so very adroitly--often with great humor, always with insight. If you aren't secure in your religious beliefs, be prepared to be rocked to your foundation. This author takes a sledgehammer to spurious spiritual attititudes and practices, reducing to gravel some longstanding pillars of faith. Top shelf.