The Last Day

Rating:
Summary: More than just a great thriller
Review: The real reason why the Religious Right are trying so hard to kill this book, I think, is because it threatens to put them out of business. The finely honed point this novel makes is that people no longer need to be like sheep blindly following self-appointed, self-righteous (and self-serving) shepherds. (Take THAT, Pat Robertsons, Jerry Falwells and Jimmy Swaggerts). The novel inspires people to dump the "moral middlemen" and to take personal responsibility for our own religious convictions and salvation. That's a REAL scary proposition for the organized religions who thrive on our financial contributions. This is a first rate suspsense thriller with bite.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing book
Review: I can't get this book out of my head. I finished it a week ago and I'm going to read it again. I have never read a more engrossing story. While some books are lucky to make one or two major points, this one makes dozens. It tackles monumental issues boldly and in such an entertaining way, all carefully wrapped in almost unbearable suspense. The characters, the humor, the insights, I love this book. I can't say enough about it.

Rating:
Summary: fair
Review: Odd blend of scifi and anti-religion tract that just doesn't work. Author's obsessive hatred of Catholics gets outrageous and made me feel uncomfortable. Good plot, but not a very good read. Fair yet disappointing.

Rating:
Summary: High-caliber fiction
Review: Finally, the REAL Moral Majority of America has found its voice. This novel is a forceful clarion call to all who are fed up with the superiority and "we know best" attitude of the intolerant right-wing religions out there. That they would stoop to dishonest reviews on this site to discourage readership of the book is not surprising. This is the same mentality that preaches "Thou shalt not kill" while bombing abortion clinics. "The Last Day" reminds me very much of the classic "To Kill A Mockingbird." It's high-caliber entertainment, while also a devastating indictment against hyprocrisy.

Rating:
Summary: Shallow Digs
Review: This amateur attempt to pierce the petrified hide of organized religion and expose inane sacred tenants is very feeble. Poor writing and superficial understanding defeats a clever plot. For wit and intelligence try the masters: Gore Vidal's "Live From Golgotha" and James Morrow's "Towing Jehovah." These two novels are superior in every aspect to this nonsense and you won't be wasting your time or money. Last Day is pale in comparison and quite forgettable. Morrow and Vidal's work is hauntingly brilliant.

Rating:
Summary: Apocalpypse Row
Review: Liberal and conservative readers seem to be split here, taking to heart this book. But the more thoughtful and moderate reviewers have reached a clear consensus: this novel is fairly average for a thriller (and despite pretensions, that's all it is). Heavy on plot, this novel is light on character and suspense. Not particularly well written or exceptional in any way, it certainly isn't destined for literary endurance. The moderate majority has it right this time: average in every way.

Rating:
Summary: A very, very important work
Review: "You can caluculate the worth of a man by the number of his enemies, and the importance of a work of art by the harm that is spoken of it," Floubert once wrote. If that is so, "The Last Day" must be really, really important. I found it one of the most moving experiences of my life. The organized protest raised against this novel rings false, vindictive and disengenuous.

Rating:
Summary: I like it!
Review: Here's a nice surprise! A mystery thriller with something to say. Says it well, too. Klier's not shy about taking on sticky, volatile issues. He poses some interesting arguments as this complex plotting unfolds, then resolves them with a very "Christlike" even handedness that's consistently believable. Jeza is a powerful and convincing messiah figure and this is one heck of a suspenseful, and ultimately satisfying story.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: I, too, found this story remarkable. I especially loved the several parables that pop up here and there. My two favorites were: The Inventor's Sons, and The Illicit Child. The themes sounded in this novel are refreshingly noble and fly in the face of conventional, conservative religious thought. This author has taken a huge risk in upsetting the rigid-minded bible thumpers, and I'm not surprised at their reactions on this page. But it's about time someone had the courage to stand up against religious fraud and tyranny. Like all prophets who defy the established religious order, this one's getting persecuted. His story tells it like it is, boldly and honestly. A thrilling tale well worth the price of admission.

Rating:
Summary: A heart pounder!
Review: I thank this author for a terrific time. I thoroughly enjoyed the wit, perspicacity and intelligence woven into this very unusual mystery story. Fresh, provocative, challenging. How about a sequel?