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Restoration #1
Last Light
In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to the age before electricity, Deni Branning's career ambitions have vanished. She's not about to let her dream of marriage go as well.
But keeping it alive will require extraordinary measures. Yesterday's world is gone. All Deni and her family have left is each other and their neighbors. Their little community will either stand or fall together. But they're only beginning to realize it - and trust doesn't come easily.
Particularly when one of them is a killer.
Best-selling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if novel in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts - and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world.
But keeping it alive will require extraordinary measures. Yesterday's world is gone. All Deni and her family have left is each other and their neighbors. Their little community will either stand or fall together. But they're only beginning to realize it - and trust doesn't come easily.
Particularly when one of them is a killer.
Best-selling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if novel in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts - and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world.
381 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
1,396 people are currently reading
7,954 people want to read
About the author
Terri Blackstock
109Ìýbooks5,278ÌýfollowersTerri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,� her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,� her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.
In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.
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June 30, 2009
Terri Blackstock is a brilliant writer. In book one of her Restoration Series, Blackstock captured my attention and imagination, making it quite difficult to set a slow, steady pace to read it. I found myself like I was when a child, sneaking in little reading sessions whenever I could. Putting off other tasks in order to read. Bringing the book with me everywhere in case I had just five minutes in which I could read further in the story.
The story takes place in modern times and follows the lives of a wealthy family and neighborhood when a global event disables all technologically advanced machines. This includes all vehicles, cell phones, digital watches, plumbing systems, and telephone lines. In the midst of confusion, chaos, airplane crashes, and inability to communicate long distance, the characters in the main family find themselves launched into unexpected and unwanted journeys. To add to their worries and desperation, a killer makes him or herself known in their neighborhood and creates a tailspin in the lives of these well-crafted characters.
I am now a Terri Blackstock fan for life. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the sequel, Night Light.
The story takes place in modern times and follows the lives of a wealthy family and neighborhood when a global event disables all technologically advanced machines. This includes all vehicles, cell phones, digital watches, plumbing systems, and telephone lines. In the midst of confusion, chaos, airplane crashes, and inability to communicate long distance, the characters in the main family find themselves launched into unexpected and unwanted journeys. To add to their worries and desperation, a killer makes him or herself known in their neighborhood and creates a tailspin in the lives of these well-crafted characters.
I am now a Terri Blackstock fan for life. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the sequel, Night Light.
Read
August 2, 2011Terri Blackstock used to write Harlequin romances under a different name. She decided she should be using her writing talents to glorify Jesus Christ and encourage people in Him, so now she writes Christian mysteries. This book is Book One of a series.
I don't think she could ever be accused of writing great literature, but she does write great stories. It's not that her writing is attrocious. It's just that I find her metaphors and similes occasionally to be a tiny bit cheesy. Once in a while, they make me cringe. But for the most part, her metaphors and similes - as well as her writing in general - are fine.
In this story, I got a bit frustated with how Deni was not allowed by her parents to grieve the losses she was suffering as a result of a power outage that was apparently national, if not international. They treated her like she was being immature for whining a bit while they allowed to each other to whine. Deni was portrayed as being selfish in her expressions of disappointment when I thought she was just behaving normally, given the circumstances. In the end, she does behave very selfishly, puttting herself and others at risk, but I don't think the author sold the character's selfishness along the way.
None of this is to say that I did not enjoy the book. Like every other Blackstock novel I've read, by the time I was halfway through the book, I was losing sleep staying up late to read "just one more chapter." Overall, I enjoyed the read immensely and will soon head for Borders to look for Book Two.
I don't think she could ever be accused of writing great literature, but she does write great stories. It's not that her writing is attrocious. It's just that I find her metaphors and similes occasionally to be a tiny bit cheesy. Once in a while, they make me cringe. But for the most part, her metaphors and similes - as well as her writing in general - are fine.
In this story, I got a bit frustated with how Deni was not allowed by her parents to grieve the losses she was suffering as a result of a power outage that was apparently national, if not international. They treated her like she was being immature for whining a bit while they allowed to each other to whine. Deni was portrayed as being selfish in her expressions of disappointment when I thought she was just behaving normally, given the circumstances. In the end, she does behave very selfishly, puttting herself and others at risk, but I don't think the author sold the character's selfishness along the way.
None of this is to say that I did not enjoy the book. Like every other Blackstock novel I've read, by the time I was halfway through the book, I was losing sleep staying up late to read "just one more chapter." Overall, I enjoyed the read immensely and will soon head for Borders to look for Book Two.
January 12, 2011
Let me preface this by saying I am not a religious person, nor did I know upon downloading this book (for free to my Kindle) that there would be such a blatant hit-you-upside-the-head-with-a-bible message in it. That most definitely colored my opinion of it.
The premise is great - civilization shuts down and reverts to a time before technology, electricity, and all the creature comforts we have become accustomed to. A plot device that had such great potential became a "trust in god and you will be saved" story with no resolution and no ending. Maybe there are other books to follow, but I won't be reading them.
The premise is great - civilization shuts down and reverts to a time before technology, electricity, and all the creature comforts we have become accustomed to. A plot device that had such great potential became a "trust in god and you will be saved" story with no resolution and no ending. Maybe there are other books to follow, but I won't be reading them.
October 5, 2024
About the book:
I absolutely love this book! The action started on the first page, and I loved that. The action was what pulled me into the story. The journey to survive began with Doug Branning and his daughter, Deni, at an airport. A crazy event happened at the airport, and I had to know what other dangers awaited them. The members of the Branning family are Doug, his wife Kay and their children Deni, Jeff, Beth and Logan. Deni is a young adult, and she is the oldest sibling. Kay and her other children were away from home as well, and like Doug and Deni they experienced their share of chaos. The family wanted to get home, but suddenly all forms of transportation and electronics did not work. When they finally arrived home, they learned that a mysterious force caused an electrical power outage. They were confused, and they tried to make sense of it. When news got around that the power outage was global, the Brannings and everyone in their neighborhood began to panic, and pandemonium broke out everywhere. They found out that plumbing did not work because water treatment plans ran on electricity. There was no form of transportation. Stores ran out of food, and generators did not work. Also, there was no way to communicate. The list went on and on when it came to things they could no longer use. Everyone in the neighborhood could either hoard their food and survival items or share with others while praying for God's provision and protection. The Brannings were a family who always took God's provisions for granted; therefore, there was no peace at home. They had to work together like never before to get the things they needed to survive. There was an uproar in the neighborhood when everyone realized that the electrical power outage was not a temporary situation. On top of all the chaos that was going on, the neighborhood became an eerie place when a psychopath began to commit a string of murders. It was hard to catch the murderer because the neighborhood was completely dark at night. The killer slayed and took out anyone who stood in the way. It was not hard figuring out who the murderer was, but that did not take away from the enjoyment of the story.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed getting to know the Branning family. The Brannings and the neighborhood residents had quite a journey, and I felt like I was with them throughout the entire story. I was fully engrossed with the events that took place. There was so much to reflect and ponder on. The premise of this book was riveting, and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. The characters grew so much spiritually, and it was so refreshing seeing their growth individually and collectively. When they realized how much they needed God to get through their crisis, they started to pray and read the Bible. I enjoyed the story even more at this point because there is power in prayer. Also, a family that prays together stays together.
Sometimes it takes experiencing a major life event for God's children to shift their eyes towards Him. God knows what is best. The character who dealt the most with this realization was Deni. She was stubborn, self-centered, ungrateful, selfish and overall, a negative person. The unfolding of her character growth was displayedÌýpowerfully and beautifully. She was purged of what was not pleasing in God's sight. When she explained to others how God made her new, it tugged at my heartstrings. During the first half of the story, I found myself scowling at her insensitive remarks. She never had anything positive to say. I was also shaking my head at her poor judgement in certain situations. Later on in the story, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that everything would work out in her favor. Her maturity level increased, and I rejoiced because of her newfound perspective on life.Ìý Although Deni was a negative character, she was a needed character. Without her, the story would not have been as impactful.
Doug was my favorite character. I love how he protected and provided for his family. He was a good husband and father, and he stepped in to make sure the neighborhood was functioning as it should. He was a loyal friend. He stood up for what was fair, and he looked out for everyone's well-being. He was also a quick thinker, which is always a good trait to have as a character in a suspense story.
These are some quotes and scripture passages that I enjoyed reading:
Doug:
"The bottom line, Kay, is that God does do things like this. And look at all the stuff that's been happening in the world - war, hurricanes, tsunamis - it's like He's been trying to get our attention."
James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
"It would be all right. God would see to it. This wasn't meant to break those affected. It was only to make them stronger."
Psalm 37:25
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."
"The moon was bright, and the stars had never looked more glorious. The absence of streetlights made the heavens seem deeper, more vast, stars upon stars that almost made him catch his breath. He felt so small, so insignificant, just a speck in the universe. Yet he knew he was more than that. He was precious in God's sight."
"What if this was all some kind of divine wake-up call, a loving reminder that there was more to life than hurry and busyness and stress and work? A reminder that God was the only One to be trusted, the only constant in life. The only sure thing."
Doug:
"Whatever happens, we'll be all right. God will protect us and provide for us."
Kay:
"I know He will. I keep telling myself that. The thing is, I've never had to really believe it before. All these years, I've been so arrogant, thinking that whatever happened, you and I could provide. I haven't really known what it's like to be in need. But here we are, three days in, and I'm already losing it."
Doug:
"You're not losing it. It's just been a bad day all around. And hey, maybe this is a good thing. Maybe it's time we find out what it's like to need, so we can see how big God is."
Matthew 6:25-26
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Luke 12:27
"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
Philippians 4:12-13
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Kay:
"I've always thought I trusted Jesus. But it was kind of easy, living in a four-thousand-square-foot house, parking my Expedition next to your Mercedes, cooking in a state-of-the-art kitchen and relaxing in the air-conditioning, in front of twenty-four-hour television that entertained us and informed us about everything going on in the world."
1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever."
I am thrilled that this was a solid and spiritually enriching story, and that the rest of the series seems to be the same! I was surprised because I actually read a few of the scripture passages above before I started reading this book. Needless to say, that increased my level of enjoyment. I love when God does that! I definitely recommend reading this book. I'm excited to dive into the next book in the series, "Night Light." This series has the perfect name, "Restoration Series," because restoration definitely happens.
I absolutely love this book! The action started on the first page, and I loved that. The action was what pulled me into the story. The journey to survive began with Doug Branning and his daughter, Deni, at an airport. A crazy event happened at the airport, and I had to know what other dangers awaited them. The members of the Branning family are Doug, his wife Kay and their children Deni, Jeff, Beth and Logan. Deni is a young adult, and she is the oldest sibling. Kay and her other children were away from home as well, and like Doug and Deni they experienced their share of chaos. The family wanted to get home, but suddenly all forms of transportation and electronics did not work. When they finally arrived home, they learned that a mysterious force caused an electrical power outage. They were confused, and they tried to make sense of it. When news got around that the power outage was global, the Brannings and everyone in their neighborhood began to panic, and pandemonium broke out everywhere. They found out that plumbing did not work because water treatment plans ran on electricity. There was no form of transportation. Stores ran out of food, and generators did not work. Also, there was no way to communicate. The list went on and on when it came to things they could no longer use. Everyone in the neighborhood could either hoard their food and survival items or share with others while praying for God's provision and protection. The Brannings were a family who always took God's provisions for granted; therefore, there was no peace at home. They had to work together like never before to get the things they needed to survive. There was an uproar in the neighborhood when everyone realized that the electrical power outage was not a temporary situation. On top of all the chaos that was going on, the neighborhood became an eerie place when a psychopath began to commit a string of murders. It was hard to catch the murderer because the neighborhood was completely dark at night. The killer slayed and took out anyone who stood in the way. It was not hard figuring out who the murderer was, but that did not take away from the enjoyment of the story.
My thoughts:
I enjoyed getting to know the Branning family. The Brannings and the neighborhood residents had quite a journey, and I felt like I was with them throughout the entire story. I was fully engrossed with the events that took place. There was so much to reflect and ponder on. The premise of this book was riveting, and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. The characters grew so much spiritually, and it was so refreshing seeing their growth individually and collectively. When they realized how much they needed God to get through their crisis, they started to pray and read the Bible. I enjoyed the story even more at this point because there is power in prayer. Also, a family that prays together stays together.
Sometimes it takes experiencing a major life event for God's children to shift their eyes towards Him. God knows what is best. The character who dealt the most with this realization was Deni. She was stubborn, self-centered, ungrateful, selfish and overall, a negative person. The unfolding of her character growth was displayedÌýpowerfully and beautifully. She was purged of what was not pleasing in God's sight. When she explained to others how God made her new, it tugged at my heartstrings. During the first half of the story, I found myself scowling at her insensitive remarks. She never had anything positive to say. I was also shaking my head at her poor judgement in certain situations. Later on in the story, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that everything would work out in her favor. Her maturity level increased, and I rejoiced because of her newfound perspective on life.Ìý Although Deni was a negative character, she was a needed character. Without her, the story would not have been as impactful.
Doug was my favorite character. I love how he protected and provided for his family. He was a good husband and father, and he stepped in to make sure the neighborhood was functioning as it should. He was a loyal friend. He stood up for what was fair, and he looked out for everyone's well-being. He was also a quick thinker, which is always a good trait to have as a character in a suspense story.
These are some quotes and scripture passages that I enjoyed reading:
Doug:
"The bottom line, Kay, is that God does do things like this. And look at all the stuff that's been happening in the world - war, hurricanes, tsunamis - it's like He's been trying to get our attention."
James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
"It would be all right. God would see to it. This wasn't meant to break those affected. It was only to make them stronger."
Psalm 37:25
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."
"The moon was bright, and the stars had never looked more glorious. The absence of streetlights made the heavens seem deeper, more vast, stars upon stars that almost made him catch his breath. He felt so small, so insignificant, just a speck in the universe. Yet he knew he was more than that. He was precious in God's sight."
"What if this was all some kind of divine wake-up call, a loving reminder that there was more to life than hurry and busyness and stress and work? A reminder that God was the only One to be trusted, the only constant in life. The only sure thing."
Doug:
"Whatever happens, we'll be all right. God will protect us and provide for us."
Kay:
"I know He will. I keep telling myself that. The thing is, I've never had to really believe it before. All these years, I've been so arrogant, thinking that whatever happened, you and I could provide. I haven't really known what it's like to be in need. But here we are, three days in, and I'm already losing it."
Doug:
"You're not losing it. It's just been a bad day all around. And hey, maybe this is a good thing. Maybe it's time we find out what it's like to need, so we can see how big God is."
Matthew 6:25-26
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Luke 12:27
"See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
Philippians 4:12-13
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Kay:
"I've always thought I trusted Jesus. But it was kind of easy, living in a four-thousand-square-foot house, parking my Expedition next to your Mercedes, cooking in a state-of-the-art kitchen and relaxing in the air-conditioning, in front of twenty-four-hour television that entertained us and informed us about everything going on in the world."
1 John 2:15-17
"Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever."
I am thrilled that this was a solid and spiritually enriching story, and that the rest of the series seems to be the same! I was surprised because I actually read a few of the scripture passages above before I started reading this book. Needless to say, that increased my level of enjoyment. I love when God does that! I definitely recommend reading this book. I'm excited to dive into the next book in the series, "Night Light." This series has the perfect name, "Restoration Series," because restoration definitely happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
Starting a new series by Terri Blackstock and this one has be really thinking, what if this would happen to us. In a way with Covid but could it get any worst. The family in our story was living the American dream until one day it all changed. The electricity went off, the cars stopped working everything was gone. The only thing the family could do is learn how to live without running water and electricity. Gone was the good old days. They had to carry guns for safety. What is worse is someone was killing the neighbors. The eldest daughter wanted to go back to her finance. Life was a complete mess, so what can they do? Believe in Christ for their protection and survival, but can they give this all to Him? This story has hit home especially now. Did we know that Covid was going to hit to change our lives for the last year and a half? What if this happen next, could we survive this?
Again an eye opening book that has me thinking, could I give my fears over to Christ for His protection. I like to think I would but until faced with something like Covid I still struggle. I highly recommend this book for your eyes to be open as well. Great read!!
Again an eye opening book that has me thinking, could I give my fears over to Christ for His protection. I like to think I would but until faced with something like Covid I still struggle. I highly recommend this book for your eyes to be open as well. Great read!!
October 27, 2024
A 5 star read!? I can't think of anything I'd change about this book, so I guess so! This book is about a post 9/11 world in which everything stops in an instant. All power is out, water is out, etc. and the people have to figure out how to cope. We follow a family of a mom, dad and 4 kids as they try to survive. Theres a killer on the loose, everyone is in the in dark (literally and figuratively) and people are turning savage quickly. I loved the way faith was incorporated into this and thought it was very realistic and relatable. I love a good dystopian that makes me think about what I would do and this one definitely did that for me!
August 11, 2013
This was my first Terri Blackstock novel and my second “Christian Fiction� novel. I read Left Behind many years ago. I am a spiritual person but not a devout “pray-before-every-meal�, “pray-through-every-crisis� Christian. I try to do good things and try not to judge too harshly. I believe in “live-and-let-live�. I look for the good in people.
That being said, I think it is great that there is a Christian market for literature. Why not? There is a romance novel market, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery. Plenty of room for other genres. I’ve decided it just is not my thing. That is merely my personal � very personal � feeling. I think it is interesting to learn the author of this Christian fiction novel also wrote Harlequin romance novels, a genre that is known for lots of hot, premarital sex. Yet she judges one of the characters in Last Light as evil for owning an adult book store. Hm.
In Last Light, the world has lost technology. All of it. Except for battery operated flash lights apparently. The story centers around one man and his family who have decided to cope by getting the neighborhood to work together to survive. But there is a killer among them. Someone taking advantage of the loss of power to kill and steal whatever might be useful later. So far, I like the plot. But about a third of the way through the book I realized I was never going to like any of the characters. Life is full of unpleasant people so I accepted that. I figure it adds some realism to the story. It made it a difficult read, though.
The oldest daughter, Deni, is constantly whining. She is twenty-two years old and acts like she is twelve. I mean zero maturity. Not just a matter of being young and thinking one is indestructible. I mean this person went away to college in Georgetown, graduated, and came home with no sense of being able to take care of herself. How can that be? How is it that anyone who is an adult can go through 16 years of school and not know the sun rises in the east?! Ok, I can accept a character that is unpleasantly whiney but not one as unrealistically stupid and oblivious as Deni.
Not one child in this family has any real appreciation for the suffering of others, of what is really important in life. I do not know how realistic this is, it is beyond my experience knowing anyone truly like that � even self-absorbed children. But ok, I will accept that it is possible, even in a supposedly devout Christian family. Again, this is unpleasant but tolerable.
The parents seemed to cope best. And I think their interactions with each other and the children were the most realistic. I do not think they were as perfect as the author set out to make them, which is a good thing. In one scene the Mom has given away canned food to a neighbor in desperate need. The Dad initially feels anger but it wanes in deference to his Christian belief in helping others. Then in another scene, the dad offers a needy neighbor one of several bikes they own. Bikes have become extremely valuable as the only means of getting around and this needy family does not have any. The mom gets furious when she finds out, later explaining that it was because the dad did not consult with her first. What a hypocrite! Did she consult with him before handing out the last of their food? Was he allowed to get angry? No! And the dad was ok with this. Unpleasant but very possible in real life.
Like any apocalypse-themed book or movie Last Light makes you think about what your reaction might be in the same situation. Would it be every-man-for-himself or would you be willing to band together and how would you cope with others who are of the first mindset? I would have liked this book more if there had been at least one likeable character. For me the last several chapters were over-the-top preachy. But that is what I would expect to find in Christian fiction so that is not a valid criticism. Just my personal opinion.
That being said, I think it is great that there is a Christian market for literature. Why not? There is a romance novel market, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery. Plenty of room for other genres. I’ve decided it just is not my thing. That is merely my personal � very personal � feeling. I think it is interesting to learn the author of this Christian fiction novel also wrote Harlequin romance novels, a genre that is known for lots of hot, premarital sex. Yet she judges one of the characters in Last Light as evil for owning an adult book store. Hm.
In Last Light, the world has lost technology. All of it. Except for battery operated flash lights apparently. The story centers around one man and his family who have decided to cope by getting the neighborhood to work together to survive. But there is a killer among them. Someone taking advantage of the loss of power to kill and steal whatever might be useful later. So far, I like the plot. But about a third of the way through the book I realized I was never going to like any of the characters. Life is full of unpleasant people so I accepted that. I figure it adds some realism to the story. It made it a difficult read, though.
The oldest daughter, Deni, is constantly whining. She is twenty-two years old and acts like she is twelve. I mean zero maturity. Not just a matter of being young and thinking one is indestructible. I mean this person went away to college in Georgetown, graduated, and came home with no sense of being able to take care of herself. How can that be? How is it that anyone who is an adult can go through 16 years of school and not know the sun rises in the east?! Ok, I can accept a character that is unpleasantly whiney but not one as unrealistically stupid and oblivious as Deni.
Not one child in this family has any real appreciation for the suffering of others, of what is really important in life. I do not know how realistic this is, it is beyond my experience knowing anyone truly like that � even self-absorbed children. But ok, I will accept that it is possible, even in a supposedly devout Christian family. Again, this is unpleasant but tolerable.
The parents seemed to cope best. And I think their interactions with each other and the children were the most realistic. I do not think they were as perfect as the author set out to make them, which is a good thing. In one scene the Mom has given away canned food to a neighbor in desperate need. The Dad initially feels anger but it wanes in deference to his Christian belief in helping others. Then in another scene, the dad offers a needy neighbor one of several bikes they own. Bikes have become extremely valuable as the only means of getting around and this needy family does not have any. The mom gets furious when she finds out, later explaining that it was because the dad did not consult with her first. What a hypocrite! Did she consult with him before handing out the last of their food? Was he allowed to get angry? No! And the dad was ok with this. Unpleasant but very possible in real life.
Like any apocalypse-themed book or movie Last Light makes you think about what your reaction might be in the same situation. Would it be every-man-for-himself or would you be willing to band together and how would you cope with others who are of the first mindset? I would have liked this book more if there had been at least one likeable character. For me the last several chapters were over-the-top preachy. But that is what I would expect to find in Christian fiction so that is not a valid criticism. Just my personal opinion.
November 4, 2024
There was so much I liked about this story. I loved the premise! I liked that it was a family fiction. It reminded me of “You Don’t Me� in that there was an underlying threat (or rather multiple), but a big section of the book was about family and neighborhood dynamics (in this case, during a global shut down.)
I agree with the many that had a hard time reading about the selfishness and immaturity of a few characters but I also agree that they all had great growth through the story. I liked the twists and actions at the end. I LOVED the focus on trusting God and God’s provision! I loved the focus on God’s sovereignty and knowing that in him, pain and distress have purpose.
The writing felt a bit dated which pulled me out of the story at times, but overall, I loved it.
I loved the afterword as well. I’m so thankful that God made authors and works through their writing to move hearts toward him!
I agree with the many that had a hard time reading about the selfishness and immaturity of a few characters but I also agree that they all had great growth through the story. I liked the twists and actions at the end. I LOVED the focus on trusting God and God’s provision! I loved the focus on God’s sovereignty and knowing that in him, pain and distress have purpose.
The writing felt a bit dated which pulled me out of the story at times, but overall, I loved it.
I loved the afterword as well. I’m so thankful that God made authors and works through their writing to move hearts toward him!
April 26, 2017
Some consider this book to be too religious, but I personally appreciate its strong, Christian message. Without the religious aspects I would probably give this book four stars. Still a great book.
The story follows the Branning family through a terrible ordeal in which all electronic equipment is rendered useless. Without power, communication, vehicles, clean water, or the ability to go to the grocery store for food or even the bank for money, they must learn how to survive in a new world along with their neighbors.
The plight that the Brannings and their neighbors find themselves in worsens when they find that there is a murderer among them killing innocent people in their own homes. The community must band together in order to survive, but no one can be trusted. The story unfolds through the eyes of the devout Christian family who must learn how to survive and protect themselves while helping their neighbors and protecting their community at the same time.
This story is a great thriller with plenty of positive, Christian teachings thrown in. I enjoyed it very much.
The story follows the Branning family through a terrible ordeal in which all electronic equipment is rendered useless. Without power, communication, vehicles, clean water, or the ability to go to the grocery store for food or even the bank for money, they must learn how to survive in a new world along with their neighbors.
The plight that the Brannings and their neighbors find themselves in worsens when they find that there is a murderer among them killing innocent people in their own homes. The community must band together in order to survive, but no one can be trusted. The story unfolds through the eyes of the devout Christian family who must learn how to survive and protect themselves while helping their neighbors and protecting their community at the same time.
This story is a great thriller with plenty of positive, Christian teachings thrown in. I enjoyed it very much.
November 27, 2012
Okay...another a bit hard to rate. I'd go 3.5 here and I round it up to 4 as, well we don't have "half stars".
How do I describe this, sans spoilers? We open here after what is apparently an EMP attack or event of some kind (ElectroMagnetic Pulse). There are a few things in the story that don't ring true for that and even imply that whatever "happened" may still be "happening" and was/is not a "pulse". So, something knocked out all power and all electronics "apparently" everywhere. That's at least everywhere we are able to get to or find out about and no one ever shows up to tell these people otherwise.
The book is built around a given family whose daughter has just arrived back from college, planning a visit back to her "hick parents" before she goes to work as an intern for NBC in Washington DC and gets married.
This might sort of be called a post-apocalyptic . You need to be aware that this is a very Christian novel. It is however a good novel. I'm aware of the "Christian novels aren't as good as secular Novels" assumption. Here it's not the case. The book is well written, BUT the Christian sections are rather heavy handed. I'm a Christian and I can't go along with some of the ideas that are here. That doesn't bother me. Christians disagree and minor points of doctrine aren't "deal breakers". (A Presbyterian Pastor I like, Steve Brown says that when we stand before Christ He'll say, "I've got good news and I've got bad news. The bad news is you were all wrong, the good news is it's okay.")
Much of the action here is built around those who can't come to grips with a change in reality, the bad decisions made in this situation and the dark side of human nature. None blindingly original but as I've said often I doubt there are any actually "original" plot points left. This places these elements in an interesting setting and tells a good story with good characters.
Look, I think you can read this book without the Christian aspects of it bugging you if you like. If you are a Christian of any stripe I think also you'll enjoy the book even if you disagree. The book is better than some other "survival books" I've read or tried to read and I may follow it up.
Aside from that I wasn't really in the mood for this type book. I'm over loaded with books to read and my brain is in a fantasy/brain-candy vein right now. I still give it a good rating.
So, family friendly, somewhat hopeful, and a flavor of realism
Recommended. Enjoy.
How do I describe this, sans spoilers? We open here after what is apparently an EMP attack or event of some kind (ElectroMagnetic Pulse). There are a few things in the story that don't ring true for that and even imply that whatever "happened" may still be "happening" and was/is not a "pulse". So, something knocked out all power and all electronics "apparently" everywhere. That's at least everywhere we are able to get to or find out about and no one ever shows up to tell these people otherwise.
The book is built around a given family whose daughter has just arrived back from college, planning a visit back to her "hick parents" before she goes to work as an intern for NBC in Washington DC and gets married.
This might sort of be called a post-apocalyptic . You need to be aware that this is a very Christian novel. It is however a good novel. I'm aware of the "Christian novels aren't as good as secular Novels" assumption. Here it's not the case. The book is well written, BUT the Christian sections are rather heavy handed. I'm a Christian and I can't go along with some of the ideas that are here. That doesn't bother me. Christians disagree and minor points of doctrine aren't "deal breakers". (A Presbyterian Pastor I like, Steve Brown says that when we stand before Christ He'll say, "I've got good news and I've got bad news. The bad news is you were all wrong, the good news is it's okay.")
Much of the action here is built around those who can't come to grips with a change in reality, the bad decisions made in this situation and the dark side of human nature. None blindingly original but as I've said often I doubt there are any actually "original" plot points left. This places these elements in an interesting setting and tells a good story with good characters.
Look, I think you can read this book without the Christian aspects of it bugging you if you like. If you are a Christian of any stripe I think also you'll enjoy the book even if you disagree. The book is better than some other "survival books" I've read or tried to read and I may follow it up.
Aside from that I wasn't really in the mood for this type book. I'm over loaded with books to read and my brain is in a fantasy/brain-candy vein right now. I still give it a good rating.
So, family friendly, somewhat hopeful, and a flavor of realism
Recommended. Enjoy.
July 17, 2015
Without bothering to explain Himself, God takes away all electrical and mechanical power from humanity. Teenagers are outraged, middle aged parents and neighbors throw tantrums, and general bedlam ensues. While shallowly depicted characters in stereotypical situations work out their responses to the crisis of no cell phones, running water, or Home and Garden Network, a killer decides this is the perfect time to begin his serial career.
Though I love the genre of end-of-the-world scenarios and urban survival, this one was tough to read, just not well-written. Filled with Christian-ese, blocky dialogue, and a filthily predictable plot, I only finished it because a friend recommended it, and I hate to not finish books. Sorry, Terri Blackstock, I am no Steinbeck myself and should not judge, but I will not be reading you again.
Though I love the genre of end-of-the-world scenarios and urban survival, this one was tough to read, just not well-written. Filled with Christian-ese, blocky dialogue, and a filthily predictable plot, I only finished it because a friend recommended it, and I hate to not finish books. Sorry, Terri Blackstock, I am no Steinbeck myself and should not judge, but I will not be reading you again.
May 19, 2013
Do you think pornography is as abhorrent and sinful as murder?
Do you think that God will save your family from starving?
Do you think prayer solves everything?
Then this book might be for you!
I love the whole EMP no power, what now? I love the plot idea. And I know this is a Christian book and I am not a Christian, so I have been giving this book a lot of leeway, but here are the things I hate about this book:
1. Deni. She should have been a teenager, because surely she is as dumb and self-absorbed as the worst stereotype of a teenager.
2. Oh, you sell pornography? You must be the worst possible evil! Because clearly anyone who sells porn cannot possibly be anything other than evil.
3. Heavy-handed preachiness...yes, I know this is a Christian book, but still. Preachiness about everything.
4. How in the world does a college graduate 20 something NOT know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west?!?!
If you can stand Deni (gag), and are cool with the whole "let me tell you all about morality" thing, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. Because there is a good story as the frame there. EMP, murder mystery, stranded people, no power, how do we survive? Good frame of a story. It just would be better without all the preachiness...and without Deni.
Do you think that God will save your family from starving?
Do you think prayer solves everything?
Then this book might be for you!
I love the whole EMP no power, what now? I love the plot idea. And I know this is a Christian book and I am not a Christian, so I have been giving this book a lot of leeway, but here are the things I hate about this book:
1. Deni. She should have been a teenager, because surely she is as dumb and self-absorbed as the worst stereotype of a teenager.
2. Oh, you sell pornography? You must be the worst possible evil! Because clearly anyone who sells porn cannot possibly be anything other than evil.
3. Heavy-handed preachiness...yes, I know this is a Christian book, but still. Preachiness about everything.
4. How in the world does a college graduate 20 something NOT know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west?!?!
If you can stand Deni (gag), and are cool with the whole "let me tell you all about morality" thing, you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. Because there is a good story as the frame there. EMP, murder mystery, stranded people, no power, how do we survive? Good frame of a story. It just would be better without all the preachiness...and without Deni.
May 28, 2024
Imagine one day all technology is wiped out, this book shows what people do in response to that mixed in with a thriller. It is nice to see the characters turn to God to help guide them through the crisis. This book was very entertaining.
June 13, 2024
I felt like I was right there with the characters experiencing the total electrical shutdown. I was on edge so many times, wondering what would happen next, and I kept thinking about this situation when I wasn't reading. I like that we are focused on one family in particular with an age span of characters. People react to the circumstances in various ways, and this leads to some dangerous happenings that feel so real. Deni's whining was a little annoying at times, and she made a reckless choice which could have turned out so much worse than it did. There were a couple parts that felt a bit too convenient to be real, but there are times in real life that God works in mysterious ways and nothing is impossible. I enjoyed the way faith was weaved in and how God provided people to help Deni when she really needed it. I have connected with this family, and some of the neighbours, that I am eager to continue to the series to see what happens next.
Read
April 6, 2024I need to think about this one for a bit. I spent this whole book annoyed, but does that make it just a frustrating book or a really good one. 🤔
September 21, 2013
Loved this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Reading this book did make me want to run out and stock up on bottled water and batteries though!
July 1, 2017
I LOVED IT!!!!!!! Review to come!!
February 12, 2015
I don't think I've ever read a book like this one! It had me pulled in and totally engrossed from the very start! I didn't expect this, Terri Blackstock, but I loved it!
Deni is at the airport with her Dad when pandemonium and mayhem breaks out. Everything stops working: the airport equipment, cell phones, vehicles, airplanes, lights, etc. The results of this is absolutely shocking and devastating. Trying to get home with no car or cell phone, they see bicycles suddenly being fought over as the highest commodity, people's ugly side coming out in many ways, and more chaos as a result.
All of a sudden, things are very different, and people have to learn how to survive in a blacked-out world, with no sign of hope or sure solutions on the horizon. Men are having to step up and be more courageous than ever before. The entire family and community, the whole world, having to work hard for things that always came easily for them, giving up other things they never dreamed of doing without. Travel becomes difficult and very dangerous. How will they survive? Only one way: learning to depend on God, each other and choosing to not be selfish when it's the most tempting.
I read the entire series and then recommended it to my Dad. He picked it up and couldn't put it down! This is a must read!
Deni is at the airport with her Dad when pandemonium and mayhem breaks out. Everything stops working: the airport equipment, cell phones, vehicles, airplanes, lights, etc. The results of this is absolutely shocking and devastating. Trying to get home with no car or cell phone, they see bicycles suddenly being fought over as the highest commodity, people's ugly side coming out in many ways, and more chaos as a result.
All of a sudden, things are very different, and people have to learn how to survive in a blacked-out world, with no sign of hope or sure solutions on the horizon. Men are having to step up and be more courageous than ever before. The entire family and community, the whole world, having to work hard for things that always came easily for them, giving up other things they never dreamed of doing without. Travel becomes difficult and very dangerous. How will they survive? Only one way: learning to depend on God, each other and choosing to not be selfish when it's the most tempting.
I read the entire series and then recommended it to my Dad. He picked it up and couldn't put it down! This is a must read!
September 18, 2016
I have to admit that I started reading this book knowing it was Christian fiction but determined to give it a chance. I was disappointed in the writing style, the use of the pronoun "her" at least twice without a reference to whom the author was referring and the shallow development of the characters. I truly did not care what happened to these people but wanted to finish the book in hopes it would improve. The simplistic plot and the heavy-handed Christian references were a bit too much. There are 2 or 3 more books in this series, but I am definitely not interested. If someone wants to read a well written and much better story about the collapse of civilization, read Stephen King's THE STAND. This, too, is a message of good versus evil with an excellent story.
March 14, 2011
I really liked Intervention that this author wrote. I picked up Last Light as a break away from my normal fantasy novels and because the synopsis totally drew me in. Planes falling out of the sky, cars won't start, no electricity or running water. Great concept of a story. At first, it made me want to inventory my pantry and other reserves, just to be on the safe side. Then the book took a turn that I did not care for, preaching. Now I do not mind when people have their own opinions on religion and express them as that, opinion. However, this book was simply preaching to me. Quit it 50% in. Just couldn't imagine having to struggle through the series of all 4 more books.
September 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. This was a Christian science fiction. It takes place under what could happen in the future. In reading this book the thought came to my mind, did anybody write a fiction book on the destruction of the twin towers before that ever took place. I may be wrong but I don't think anybody did, because it was not in anybody's mind that it would take place. In reading this book, what happens on earth has not yet happened yet, but I believe it is possible. So the author took an idea and made a fiction novel about it, and when you look at it, it scares you, knowing that people could very well act this way if it ever took place. If it takes place, what would you do?
August 4, 2020
Georgia is in a state of pain when the power goes out. And with no sign of the lights going back on the people start to horde, become violent and thrn their backs on their neighbors.
Will they be able to keep their faith and stay positive and safe before the lights turn back on?
I read this now because of the mild state of panic our world is in due to COVID and seeing the similarities in a fictional story written long before covid happened was really interesting.
Will they be able to keep their faith and stay positive and safe before the lights turn back on?
I read this now because of the mild state of panic our world is in due to COVID and seeing the similarities in a fictional story written long before covid happened was really interesting.
August 28, 2017
"I've seen God do amazing things in my lifetime. Maybe this is one of those things"
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 6, 2025DNF @ 20%
Distant writing, uninteresting characters, slow plot, and questionable theology! How lovely 🥰 (that was sarcastic, if you couldn’t already tell)
In the first 10 chapters of this book, we get told that Atlanta lost power. Planes stopped working mid-flight and free fell to the earth. Cars stopped working all at once, causing mass pile ups. Generators wouldn’t start. Watches stopped ticking.
So Doug and his hot-shot news-intern daughter Deni had to walk home from the airport. They trudged 16 miles along highways and country roads in the spring Atlanta heat. (Also, to my extreme displeasure, Deni is unbelievably stuck up and complains the whole way home. And additionally, complains constantly once home as well.)
Sounds like a pretty bad day, huh.
(Poor Deni. She’ll be late to her internship!! Don’t bother worrying about the whole entire population of Atlanta being without power or generators or cars. Is she so childish that she can’t grasp how many people would eventually die?)
I don’t know if Blackstock offers a reasonable explanation for how this happened later in the book, but I honestly can’t see how that could even be explained logically. The power going out? That’s believable. The cars stop working? Yeah, I can see that. Most cars these days require electricity of some sort to run. But gas generators? The ones that are literally designed to work when there is no power? Watches? Mechanical watches don’t require power.
Considering all this, I think Blackstock wanted to write a dystopian novel, but wanted to also be unique. Well I’m sorry darling, but it’s better to have an actual plausible plot than to be unique.
Her (boring) characters speculated as to why this has all happened, wondering if it’s an EMP, terrorists, or even� God.
“The bottom line, Kay, is that God does do things like this. And look at all the stuff that’s been happening in the world—war, hurricanes, tsunamis—it’s like He’s been trying to get our attention.�
Later, another woman contemplates how thankful they should be that it isn’t worse than this. That God was getting their attention in such a “gentle way.�
When I read these two parts, I knew it would be a DNF. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly believe that God is active today, works miracles, and will give us signs, but I don’t believe He would cause war and terrorist attacks to do so. Sin like war and terrorism is what happens when people are turned away from God. He can certainly use bad things to do good, but He made a covenant to never devastate the Earth again.
Maybe Blackstock redeems herself and makes her message more clear later in the book. Maybe I’m misunderstanding her point. But what seems like flawed theology/false doctrine combined with the less than satisfactory writing and bland characters is why I won’t be continuing this book.
And to anyone who enjoyed this book, I’m happy for you! It just wasn’t my piece of cake. (If you’re wondering, my favorite flavor of cake is chocolate ;)
Distant writing, uninteresting characters, slow plot, and questionable theology! How lovely 🥰 (that was sarcastic, if you couldn’t already tell)
In the first 10 chapters of this book, we get told that Atlanta lost power. Planes stopped working mid-flight and free fell to the earth. Cars stopped working all at once, causing mass pile ups. Generators wouldn’t start. Watches stopped ticking.
So Doug and his hot-shot news-intern daughter Deni had to walk home from the airport. They trudged 16 miles along highways and country roads in the spring Atlanta heat. (Also, to my extreme displeasure, Deni is unbelievably stuck up and complains the whole way home. And additionally, complains constantly once home as well.)
Sounds like a pretty bad day, huh.
(Poor Deni. She’ll be late to her internship!! Don’t bother worrying about the whole entire population of Atlanta being without power or generators or cars. Is she so childish that she can’t grasp how many people would eventually die?)
I don’t know if Blackstock offers a reasonable explanation for how this happened later in the book, but I honestly can’t see how that could even be explained logically. The power going out? That’s believable. The cars stop working? Yeah, I can see that. Most cars these days require electricity of some sort to run. But gas generators? The ones that are literally designed to work when there is no power? Watches? Mechanical watches don’t require power.
Considering all this, I think Blackstock wanted to write a dystopian novel, but wanted to also be unique. Well I’m sorry darling, but it’s better to have an actual plausible plot than to be unique.
Her (boring) characters speculated as to why this has all happened, wondering if it’s an EMP, terrorists, or even� God.
“The bottom line, Kay, is that God does do things like this. And look at all the stuff that’s been happening in the world—war, hurricanes, tsunamis—it’s like He’s been trying to get our attention.�
Later, another woman contemplates how thankful they should be that it isn’t worse than this. That God was getting their attention in such a “gentle way.�
When I read these two parts, I knew it would be a DNF. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly believe that God is active today, works miracles, and will give us signs, but I don’t believe He would cause war and terrorist attacks to do so. Sin like war and terrorism is what happens when people are turned away from God. He can certainly use bad things to do good, but He made a covenant to never devastate the Earth again.
Maybe Blackstock redeems herself and makes her message more clear later in the book. Maybe I’m misunderstanding her point. But what seems like flawed theology/false doctrine combined with the less than satisfactory writing and bland characters is why I won’t be continuing this book.
And to anyone who enjoyed this book, I’m happy for you! It just wasn’t my piece of cake. (If you’re wondering, my favorite flavor of cake is chocolate ;)
June 10, 2022
This is a life-changing, perspective altering story about a family struggling to adjust to life after the power grid and electronics fail. A stunning tour-de-force that stays with the reader long after the last page. Brilliant and scary.
July 22, 2021
An international crisis has hit the nation. One minute everything was going on as normal but the next everything crashed. The electricity went out. Cars stalled and planes crashed. Phones died. Anything remotely connected to modern technology was finished. Riots began to happen. In the community where the Jennings lived it was hard to know whom to trust especially with a killer on the loose. Deni, the eldest daughter is set on taking her own way. She is determined to get to Washington to be with her fiance but doing so puts her life at risk.
January 21, 2025
Ok well now I need book two I guess 😳
October 28, 2018
Good, thought-provoking story.
April 19, 2023
I have three problems with this book. 1) the theology is very bad, and does a pretty poor job of depicting how true Christian believers should behave in an emergency. 2) the basic premises of a complete blackout, or EMP, has enormous potential and this story fell sadly short. And 3) the writing is pretty basic.
Also: Is this how children actually speak to their parents? This was the first thing that hit me with this book, and it was a serious turnoff. I get that teenagers and preteenagers are little terrorists that backtalk and throw attitude and complain and all the rest, but why on Earth is it allowed to go on and on and on and on, even in a very serious emergency? Maybe I'm out of touch, and maybe parents do just let their kids speak to them in such a way. But I don't understand that.
As for the theology, this book probably is an accurate portrayal of what modern Americans think it is to be Christian, which is a commentary on the failings of the modern American church, and I will refrain from getting on that soapbox. But I'll summarize by saying the theology is extremely poor, and it is really heartbreaking to me that people will use this book to either guide their own behavior as a Christian or judge what Christianity is in general by what they read here.
I love the concept, and, as others have noted, I think the execution was seriously short of what it could have been. Especially because it would be a wonderful exercise to explore solid, robust theology in the face of an emergency that would completely upturn society as we know it. What does Christianity look like in the face of a natural disaster? How would foundational, Biblically sound Christians behave in the aftermath of such an emergency as this one? What does it mean to be set apart, to be in the world but not of it, and what would that knowledge and faith look like with shoes on it?
I don't think that it looks like a grown man in fear of protecting and providing for his family getting his butt kicked and his bike stolen in front of his daughter, and letting it stand. Perhaps it was just me, but I had no respect for the main character after this event, which made the remainder of the story quite tedious.
It also does not look like a bunch of people constantly begging God for this and for that. God is not a cosmic genie that will just dispense everything you want just because you ask for it. And I suppose the writer wasn't familiar with Matthew 6:7, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking." Another translation puts it this way: "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely be repeating their words again and again."
These characters just constantly babbled through their prayers, begging for this and for that. It was so tedious, so annoying.
Finally, the writing is pretty basic. Very little character development, almost no exposition, wishy-washy, superficial characters with conflicting, constantly changing motives and desires, and almost no primary story arch to drive the characters. What story arch there really is doesn't even really show up until perhaps the later twenty-five percent of the book.
Additionally, I was struck by the author's note at the conclusion of the book. The prose of that letter to the reader was so much more elegant and interesting that any portion of the book.
This one was a miss for me, though obviously lots and lots of people have read and enjoyed it. It was actually highly recommended to me. So take what I've written here with a grain of salt. Just don't take this book as an accurate reflection of Biblical Christianity, because it most definitely is not.
Also: Is this how children actually speak to their parents? This was the first thing that hit me with this book, and it was a serious turnoff. I get that teenagers and preteenagers are little terrorists that backtalk and throw attitude and complain and all the rest, but why on Earth is it allowed to go on and on and on and on, even in a very serious emergency? Maybe I'm out of touch, and maybe parents do just let their kids speak to them in such a way. But I don't understand that.
As for the theology, this book probably is an accurate portrayal of what modern Americans think it is to be Christian, which is a commentary on the failings of the modern American church, and I will refrain from getting on that soapbox. But I'll summarize by saying the theology is extremely poor, and it is really heartbreaking to me that people will use this book to either guide their own behavior as a Christian or judge what Christianity is in general by what they read here.
I love the concept, and, as others have noted, I think the execution was seriously short of what it could have been. Especially because it would be a wonderful exercise to explore solid, robust theology in the face of an emergency that would completely upturn society as we know it. What does Christianity look like in the face of a natural disaster? How would foundational, Biblically sound Christians behave in the aftermath of such an emergency as this one? What does it mean to be set apart, to be in the world but not of it, and what would that knowledge and faith look like with shoes on it?
I don't think that it looks like a grown man in fear of protecting and providing for his family getting his butt kicked and his bike stolen in front of his daughter, and letting it stand. Perhaps it was just me, but I had no respect for the main character after this event, which made the remainder of the story quite tedious.
It also does not look like a bunch of people constantly begging God for this and for that. God is not a cosmic genie that will just dispense everything you want just because you ask for it. And I suppose the writer wasn't familiar with Matthew 6:7, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking." Another translation puts it this way: "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely be repeating their words again and again."
These characters just constantly babbled through their prayers, begging for this and for that. It was so tedious, so annoying.
Finally, the writing is pretty basic. Very little character development, almost no exposition, wishy-washy, superficial characters with conflicting, constantly changing motives and desires, and almost no primary story arch to drive the characters. What story arch there really is doesn't even really show up until perhaps the later twenty-five percent of the book.
Additionally, I was struck by the author's note at the conclusion of the book. The prose of that letter to the reader was so much more elegant and interesting that any portion of the book.
This one was a miss for me, though obviously lots and lots of people have read and enjoyed it. It was actually highly recommended to me. So take what I've written here with a grain of salt. Just don't take this book as an accurate reflection of Biblical Christianity, because it most definitely is not.
February 23, 2024
I was so shocked by this book. Typically I don’t love Christian fiction because the authors often take verses out of context and push superficial theology. However, this book was not that. I couldn’t put it down, it made me really think about how I respond when things don’t go my way, and used scripture rightly and naturally in conversation among characters challenging each other to truly believe in the sovereignty of God. I appreciate that this is an end of the world type novel that doesn’t teach eschatology, but focuses on what it might look like to be a Christian when the world seems to be falling apart. It was fantastic.
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