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The Great and Terrible #1
Prologue: The Brothers
Before the Great War, before so many sons of God turned away from their Father and walked knowingly into the dark, there was a choosing, a sifting, a contest of ideas and a battle for souls. Brother fought brother. Families were torn apart. Some fought to protect their homes, their freedom and peace. Others fought to destroy everything they had once held so dear. And as the battle between good and evil came into each home, all God's children had to chose which side they were on, which principles would they fight for, and what price would they pay.
In this contest before the Great War, each of us learned the first lessons of life. The great ones may fall. The wicked can change. The weak and the foolish can be made the strongest of all. And when the contest was over, we also had learned the greatest secret of all: the children of God can defeat their adversary, for they have fought him before.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
136 people are currently reading
3359 people want to read
About the author
Chris Stewart
135 books273 followersChris Stewart is a bestselling author and world-record-setting Air Force pilot whose previous military techno-thrillers have been selected by the Book of the Month Club and published in six different countries. He is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Great and Terrible, as well as A Christmas Bell for Anya, which was performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their 2005 Christmas concert. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security. He is president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company and founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,410 reviews
June 20, 2008
This book made me wonder if Deseret Book was unloading their low-end junk on the Time-out-For-Women-Book-Club, a commercial decision to get duds off their inventory and on to the bookshelves of faithful Relief Society Sisters across Utah Arizona and Idaho.
It's a speculative look at the pre-existence and the war that took place there between the followers of Jesus and the followers of Lucifer. Sort of a Saturday's Warriors with political intrigue, espionage, double agents, and a voldemort-style Satan thrown in for thrills.
All the characters were cookie-cutter and all the scenes were cliche. But author Chris Stewert's real sin, was being unable to envision any female characters of any note in this pre-earth-life tale. All this good Mormon boy could offer was one naively childish emotionally fragile sister, a very very minor roll to a woman aligned with Satan but rethinking her position, and, of course, a brief glimpse at a silent, unapproachable Mother in Heaven.
How very very fitting.
It's a speculative look at the pre-existence and the war that took place there between the followers of Jesus and the followers of Lucifer. Sort of a Saturday's Warriors with political intrigue, espionage, double agents, and a voldemort-style Satan thrown in for thrills.
All the characters were cookie-cutter and all the scenes were cliche. But author Chris Stewert's real sin, was being unable to envision any female characters of any note in this pre-earth-life tale. All this good Mormon boy could offer was one naively childish emotionally fragile sister, a very very minor roll to a woman aligned with Satan but rethinking her position, and, of course, a brief glimpse at a silent, unapproachable Mother in Heaven.
How very very fitting.
May 20, 2008
I read this book only because it was assigned for a book club review. It was incredible because of what it did for me. I believe in a pre-earth life and what I believe about it is what this story is all about. But admitedly, I never really thought about the role I played in it before reading this book. It made me think about my personality traits now and which of those are part of who I was then and which were shaped by my experiences in this life. Was I someone who watched casually and went with the flow? Did I have strong convictions and did I actively fight for them? Or did I think that Lucifer's points were something to consider and because my lazy nature found them somewhat appealing?
The story is good but the value I found in reading this book was in contemplating my own weaknesses and strenghts and knowing things needed to change. For this earth life, none of that matters if I decide that I have convictions here and living them to the best of my ability is vital.
The story is good but the value I found in reading this book was in contemplating my own weaknesses and strenghts and knowing things needed to change. For this earth life, none of that matters if I decide that I have convictions here and living them to the best of my ability is vital.
February 12, 2009
Since I'm actually not too fond of most LDS fiction, I was surprised to discover that I really enjoyed this book! The story takes place in the pre-existence during the great battle between "good and evil." Since we know very little about this conflict, it is obvious that this story is completely fictional. I've never been fond of the common worldly view that we spent our time "sitting on clouds playing harps" and this was the first time I've thought about the reality of what happened and the emotional and physical conflicts that took place. I found myself wanting to work harder to be part of the valiant and that has to be a good thing! :-)
May 20, 2008
Not the most talented writer in the world, but still great. Like other reviews before mine, a few parts about premortal life made me a little wincey, if I may use the word. It was a great book to jump start your thoughts of premortal life if you don't have many. I actually look at my daughter a little differently now. I imagine her up there fighting for what was right. So if anything, it made me respect her and all the other people on the earth who fought for the Plan. It made me give myself a little more credit, too.
January 15, 2013
If I could give this negative stars I would. Terribly written, boring story, predictable outcomes to every situation. Maybe the worst book I've read (and yes I read Twilight) Apparently Satan likes purple bows in his hair? Seriously?
Above all that I can't stand the way this book is written, the word "for" is not needed in every sentence. He looked out the window, for he was curious about the weather. She walked down the street, for she was bored. He stabbed his own eyes out, for this was so terribly written.
I can only imagine the high ratings are given because a) Mormons support their own no matter how poorly they do ( we all still root for the 49s right? Since Steve young once played for them?) b) no one got past the first chapter and just assumed it was good c) their relief society president said it was good so it must be true.
It would be fantastic if an LDS member had a great story, with compelling characters that told a great story allegorically teaching the gospel (CS Lewis and Narnia anyone?), but this is not it.
Don't read this book,FOR there are much better ways to waste your time.
Above all that I can't stand the way this book is written, the word "for" is not needed in every sentence. He looked out the window, for he was curious about the weather. She walked down the street, for she was bored. He stabbed his own eyes out, for this was so terribly written.
I can only imagine the high ratings are given because a) Mormons support their own no matter how poorly they do ( we all still root for the 49s right? Since Steve young once played for them?) b) no one got past the first chapter and just assumed it was good c) their relief society president said it was good so it must be true.
It would be fantastic if an LDS member had a great story, with compelling characters that told a great story allegorically teaching the gospel (CS Lewis and Narnia anyone?), but this is not it.
Don't read this book,FOR there are much better ways to waste your time.
January 20, 2009
This was a disappointing book. The writing displayed very little imagination or creativity and was almost too boring to continue. The character development is weak. The descriptions are empty and unbelievable, and the dialogues only inspire eye rolling and sighs.
I wanted to like this book because I knew it was about the pre-existence, and I was curious to glimpse someone's imagery of it. At times I actually found myself feeling a little embarrassed and sorry for the author. Not to be mean, but parts were just sad. Stewart's conceptualization of Satan is almost comical.
Here is one example where Satan and one of his followers, Balaam, are having a disagreement.
"I'm saying, Master Mahan, that you and I had a deal."
"Then I must have been lying. Now leave me alone."
Balaam didn't move, though his eyes burned with rage.
"But you said, my dear Master..."
"I know what I said, But I was lying to you. Now go! I am busy. I have other men to deceive."
"You will not honor our agreement?"
"I don't honor anything! And I owe nothing to you. I lie. I deceive. Everyone does. It's the way we operate; it's the way things get done. Are you so naive as to believe I would actually share my power?..." (pg 160)
Immediately following this argument, Satan takes the form of a bloody pig head and chases Balaam from the room. I think I actually laughed out loud at that one.
On a positive note it is only a couple hundred pages so your suffering will be short lived if you forge ahead. I do not recommend this one.
I wanted to like this book because I knew it was about the pre-existence, and I was curious to glimpse someone's imagery of it. At times I actually found myself feeling a little embarrassed and sorry for the author. Not to be mean, but parts were just sad. Stewart's conceptualization of Satan is almost comical.
Here is one example where Satan and one of his followers, Balaam, are having a disagreement.
"I'm saying, Master Mahan, that you and I had a deal."
"Then I must have been lying. Now leave me alone."
Balaam didn't move, though his eyes burned with rage.
"But you said, my dear Master..."
"I know what I said, But I was lying to you. Now go! I am busy. I have other men to deceive."
"You will not honor our agreement?"
"I don't honor anything! And I owe nothing to you. I lie. I deceive. Everyone does. It's the way we operate; it's the way things get done. Are you so naive as to believe I would actually share my power?..." (pg 160)
Immediately following this argument, Satan takes the form of a bloody pig head and chases Balaam from the room. I think I actually laughed out loud at that one.
On a positive note it is only a couple hundred pages so your suffering will be short lived if you forge ahead. I do not recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2011
I'd give this book a 3 for the writing style. I also think there were some missed opportunities in explaining how people came to decide which plan they wanted to follow and why. It could have been developed a lot more. In that way, it seemed like a young adult book to me - is it?
After the first 73 pages (almost halfway through), Grove asked me how the book was and I said, "I don't know - nothing happened yet." so I think it was slow to get going. Maybe because there are so many books in the series?
But, I have to give credit to the author for the idea of this book and for his thorough imagination in creating a pre-mortal world, something we don't know much about, especially physically.
I'll also give the author credit for making me think a lot! I had taken the pre-mortal existence at face value without thinking in depth of our relationships and decisions there. I love it when books make me think of things in a new way. And, I love that it reminded me how essential it is for us to keep our second estate.
After I read books like this, I always want to go to the scriptures & make sure I know what really happened and what was written for story development.
So basically a 3 for missed opportunities and writing style, but a 5 for an original idea. I would recommend it.
After the first 73 pages (almost halfway through), Grove asked me how the book was and I said, "I don't know - nothing happened yet." so I think it was slow to get going. Maybe because there are so many books in the series?
But, I have to give credit to the author for the idea of this book and for his thorough imagination in creating a pre-mortal world, something we don't know much about, especially physically.
I'll also give the author credit for making me think a lot! I had taken the pre-mortal existence at face value without thinking in depth of our relationships and decisions there. I love it when books make me think of things in a new way. And, I love that it reminded me how essential it is for us to keep our second estate.
After I read books like this, I always want to go to the scriptures & make sure I know what really happened and what was written for story development.
So basically a 3 for missed opportunities and writing style, but a 5 for an original idea. I would recommend it.
May 20, 2008
Book 1 was awesome. Really shines an interesting light on the pre-mortal life. It's got great characters and a
wonderful plot. Couldn't put it down!
On the series:
These books are fantastic! The series starts in the Pre-existance and is supposed to conclude with the Second Coming. They are wonderfully written and packed full of action and suspense! I love them because they are written in line with the Gospel and some of the main characters are LDS. There is nothing in them that is offensive, ie: swear words, sexual imagery, etc. They are very fast paced and I have a hard time putting the book down. The only problem is that the series is not complete yet (the author said, in an interview that I read on deseretbook.com, that he expects there to be 7 or 8). I pretty much grab them up as soon as they come out
wonderful plot. Couldn't put it down!
On the series:
These books are fantastic! The series starts in the Pre-existance and is supposed to conclude with the Second Coming. They are wonderfully written and packed full of action and suspense! I love them because they are written in line with the Gospel and some of the main characters are LDS. There is nothing in them that is offensive, ie: swear words, sexual imagery, etc. They are very fast paced and I have a hard time putting the book down. The only problem is that the series is not complete yet (the author said, in an interview that I read on deseretbook.com, that he expects there to be 7 or 8). I pretty much grab them up as soon as they come out
January 4, 2011
It was hard to rate this book. I wouldn't give the "writing" 4 stars. It wasn't a book that I "couldn't put down" and honestly I just kept reading it because I've heard the series is incredible and I wanted to get to the next book. BUT because of the impact this book had on me, I gave it 4 stars and maybe should give it 5. It was a book that made me think NON-STOP about the war between Satan and our Savior. I believe this is a serious, real war that each of us face every single day of our lives. Our decisions truly will impact our salvation. Because this hits so close to home and I've experienced a taste of both sides, it was a POWERFUL book!!! It has made me truly reflect on my life and has made me want to become much stronger in my faith. So though I didn't love the writing, there are many things he said that I keep reflecting on and truly believe it has strengthened me. I would recommend everyone to read this and even if you don't "love" it, read the whole thing and reflect on your life.
August 22, 2008
this book has changed my perspective on the premortal existence. i felt the spirit so many times while reading this book and has helped me become a better person.
July 16, 2012
I enjoyed the book in that it gave me insight into someone else's perspective on what life was like before this life. I'm not sure I agree with it, but it was interesting and good food for thought and a decent enough story.
That said, man, I've never read a book that had so many cliches. And wherever the author quoted scripture, popular LDS lore, or snippets from the LDS temple movie it made me cringe. Don't tell me the book is written for teens--Harry Potter was written for pre-teens but it wasn't painful to read, it was a pleasure. This book is melodramatic and downright cheesy throughout 90%. It wouldn't have taken too much effort to clean all that stuff up and have a much more enjoyable novel. I'm hoping the author improves with the other books, because as painful as it may be I plan on reading all of them.
But in spite of all that, it was overall an enjoyable experience.
That said, man, I've never read a book that had so many cliches. And wherever the author quoted scripture, popular LDS lore, or snippets from the LDS temple movie it made me cringe. Don't tell me the book is written for teens--Harry Potter was written for pre-teens but it wasn't painful to read, it was a pleasure. This book is melodramatic and downright cheesy throughout 90%. It wouldn't have taken too much effort to clean all that stuff up and have a much more enjoyable novel. I'm hoping the author improves with the other books, because as painful as it may be I plan on reading all of them.
But in spite of all that, it was overall an enjoyable experience.
December 8, 2016
This is a great book. Even though it is fictitious, it had the ring of truth dealing with the pre-mortal existance. It helped me examine my beliefs and firmed up my testimony.
March 2, 2022
Great start to a series with lots of potential. I loved reading someone's ideas about the pre-existence. It may not be the best writing at times and a little slow in spots, but the message this book gets across is awesome and had me a bit emotional at the end. Look forward to the next book!
April 7, 2011
What a great insight into what/how things happened in the pre-existence. I know non of us know exactly how things occured, only what the scriptures say, but this story creates a very possible story. Lucifer is so creative and evil. And the reasoning of the righteous when trying to choose what side was very logical. I'm not doing so well at explaining, but the bottom line is... I really liked it!
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
pg 189: This statement may not seem as powerful when just quoted, but it's Ammon's response to Lucifer when Lucifer was trying to persuade Ammon to join his side. It was incredibly powerful, and I feel that if I could have this firm of a resolve I too can conquer all that Satan throws at me:
"Do what you will. I don't fear you now. I understand, can't you see that? I know what you can and can't do to me now.
"You can tempt me, desert me, or cause me great pain; you can create a dark world that may cause me to fear; you can rule your world with blood and terror, that's true.
"But you can't win. And I know that. Weak as I am, with my imperfections and sins, even with all my failings, I am stronger than you.
"I will soon have a body. And I have my agency now. I will increase in my faith and knowledge and power. I am not perfect, but I will be, and there's not a thing you can do! I will become like the Father if I follow the Son. You are powerless to stop me. You can threaten and tempt and whisper lies in my ear, but you can't stop me, Satan; I see that so clearly now! I can stop myself, yes, but only if I follow you.
"And I reject your temptations. I reject your whispered lies. I reject you, Lucifer, and your entire plan. You have no power to control me. I am in control of myself. And try as you might, you won't control me on eart. We will defeat you in heaven, and we will defeat you on earth. Here, or the earth, it doesn't matter; I am ALWAYS stronger than you."
pg 196: Elizabeth is expressing sadness about leaving the pre-existence to Heavenly Father, and this is his response:
"So on quiet nights in the summer, when you are still and peaceful, I want you to look up at the heavens, the moon and the stars, so your spirit can remember these things I have shown you today. And if you do, you will remember some where deep in your soul, that you are part of a heavenly family, a heavenly plan, something eternal and wonderful and incredibly large. You will remember that your family is up here cheering for you, that family is the only thing that matters, the only thing of any significance. And though your human language won't have words for the feelings I will place in your hearts, your spirit will remember and you will long to be with me again."
pg 199: Heavenly Father gives Samuel, Ammon, Luke, and Elizabeth one very important mission that we must all remember:
"So think on this, my children, for it might be the most important thing I can say. Your salvation would be hollow if you don't help each other come home. Remember we are family, and families leave no one behind."
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
pg 189: This statement may not seem as powerful when just quoted, but it's Ammon's response to Lucifer when Lucifer was trying to persuade Ammon to join his side. It was incredibly powerful, and I feel that if I could have this firm of a resolve I too can conquer all that Satan throws at me:
"Do what you will. I don't fear you now. I understand, can't you see that? I know what you can and can't do to me now.
"You can tempt me, desert me, or cause me great pain; you can create a dark world that may cause me to fear; you can rule your world with blood and terror, that's true.
"But you can't win. And I know that. Weak as I am, with my imperfections and sins, even with all my failings, I am stronger than you.
"I will soon have a body. And I have my agency now. I will increase in my faith and knowledge and power. I am not perfect, but I will be, and there's not a thing you can do! I will become like the Father if I follow the Son. You are powerless to stop me. You can threaten and tempt and whisper lies in my ear, but you can't stop me, Satan; I see that so clearly now! I can stop myself, yes, but only if I follow you.
"And I reject your temptations. I reject your whispered lies. I reject you, Lucifer, and your entire plan. You have no power to control me. I am in control of myself. And try as you might, you won't control me on eart. We will defeat you in heaven, and we will defeat you on earth. Here, or the earth, it doesn't matter; I am ALWAYS stronger than you."
pg 196: Elizabeth is expressing sadness about leaving the pre-existence to Heavenly Father, and this is his response:
"So on quiet nights in the summer, when you are still and peaceful, I want you to look up at the heavens, the moon and the stars, so your spirit can remember these things I have shown you today. And if you do, you will remember some where deep in your soul, that you are part of a heavenly family, a heavenly plan, something eternal and wonderful and incredibly large. You will remember that your family is up here cheering for you, that family is the only thing that matters, the only thing of any significance. And though your human language won't have words for the feelings I will place in your hearts, your spirit will remember and you will long to be with me again."
pg 199: Heavenly Father gives Samuel, Ammon, Luke, and Elizabeth one very important mission that we must all remember:
"So think on this, my children, for it might be the most important thing I can say. Your salvation would be hollow if you don't help each other come home. Remember we are family, and families leave no one behind."
January 25, 2010
I'll give this book an immediately-after-reading 2.5, but I know over time that score will diminish into a 2.nothing.
If you're not Mormon, don't bother with this book. You won't get it. That said, even for Mormons this is speculative doctrine land (which isn't an insult, since he says the same thing in his opening pages). Therefore, if you aren't clear, and I mean CLEAR, on the doctrines of the pre-existence, please don't read this book.
I liked that it made me think about the pre-existence in a different way. I disagreed strongly with some of his stereotypical conservative Mormon views (this world IS dark and dangerous, but it's also brilliant and wonderful. Come on, people, let's get a little optimism!), but I liked that it gave me a different way to approach the Plan of Salvation and our time before coming to earth.
By the end I wanted to yell at Stewart and his choice of a lead female character. Seriously?! THIS is who you give me to fight for and believe in? Shoot me now. (Apparently she gets a backbone and has a noble role to fill in the books that follow. Still, that doesn't excuse this book.)
I also disliked some of his other stereotypical Mormon portrayals. Of COURSE the person who falls away and becomes one of Satan's ring leaders is a liberal-leaning university professor. Who ELSE would it be? ... Give me a break, Stewart.
I won't be reading the rest of the series. I found the imagery of the pre-existence to be somewhat useful, but I really really really don't want Stewart to be interpreting the real world for me.
If you're not Mormon, don't bother with this book. You won't get it. That said, even for Mormons this is speculative doctrine land (which isn't an insult, since he says the same thing in his opening pages). Therefore, if you aren't clear, and I mean CLEAR, on the doctrines of the pre-existence, please don't read this book.
I liked that it made me think about the pre-existence in a different way. I disagreed strongly with some of his stereotypical conservative Mormon views (this world IS dark and dangerous, but it's also brilliant and wonderful. Come on, people, let's get a little optimism!), but I liked that it gave me a different way to approach the Plan of Salvation and our time before coming to earth.
By the end I wanted to yell at Stewart and his choice of a lead female character. Seriously?! THIS is who you give me to fight for and believe in? Shoot me now. (Apparently she gets a backbone and has a noble role to fill in the books that follow. Still, that doesn't excuse this book.)
I also disliked some of his other stereotypical Mormon portrayals. Of COURSE the person who falls away and becomes one of Satan's ring leaders is a liberal-leaning university professor. Who ELSE would it be? ... Give me a break, Stewart.
I won't be reading the rest of the series. I found the imagery of the pre-existence to be somewhat useful, but I really really really don't want Stewart to be interpreting the real world for me.
May 6, 2016
I put this book on my Kindle only because my son requested it. He was on day 10 following a serious accident and severe brain injury. I realized that maybe I could bring him comfort and a distraction by reading to him. We asked him what book he'd like to hear, not fully sure how much he was understanding. In a voice that was very difficult to understand, he told us, "The Brothers." And when searching this title on Amazon and then giving him the choice between authors, he was confident in what he wanted. As I began reading, I immediately wondered where this title came from; this wasn't his type of book (as I later described in the book I wrote about his recovery--his complete recovery). Weeks later, when finally home, I asked him where he heard of this book. He told me he'd never heard of it. Through his healing, I had been given proof of angels and of the power of prayer. We were all so blessed to have him back, but I continued to struggle with the why's for the pain and the suffering that he had to endure--that we all endured. Being led to 'The Brothers' and thus continuing to complete the series through that summer, I learned that I was led to these books for me. I was brought comfort and affirmation in my own beliefs in the fact that there are reasons, and good can (and does) come through all that we must endure. And yes, angels do whisper answers and direction to us; it is up to us to listen.
January 8, 2013
this was a painfully boring read for most of the book, plus I had a hard time getting past all the physical sensations the characters were having (ie. cold, tired, in physical dannger), since LDS doctrine says we came to earth to get a mortal body to experience these things for the first time. In terms of studying Satan's tactics for tempting us, I'm a much bigger fan of The Screwtape Letters. I don't like that members of the LDS church think that they are learning truth from this book. Until there are some General Authority quotes or scripture references to back up the author's descriptions and organization, this book lingers on the side of Mormon Myth. I gave it two stars because in the end, there were a couple of rousing speeches. P.S. Did it bother anyone else that the author's description of God's grand city hall is little more than a well-lit version of the Great and Spacious Building from Lehi's Dream? I mean, c'mon, it had no foundation and was floating in the air...ack!
November 19, 2020
First Read: A really good read, good for our book club too while it was going on. Will have to read more of this series. I got seriously sucked into it, and feel the passion of the families and how they progress through the Plan of Salvation. Great concept to write a book from!!!This book made me wonder if Deseret Book was unloading their low-end junk on the Time-out-For-Women-Book-Club, a commercial decision to get duds off their inventory and on to the bookshelves of faithful Relief Society Sisters across Utah, Arizona, and Idaho.
Second Read:
It's a speculative look at the pre-existence and the war that took place there between the followers of Jesus and the followers of Lucifer. Sort of a Saturday's Warriors with political intrigue, espionage, double agents, and a voldemort-style Satan thrown in for thrills.
How very very fitting
Second Read:
It's a speculative look at the pre-existence and the war that took place there between the followers of Jesus and the followers of Lucifer. Sort of a Saturday's Warriors with political intrigue, espionage, double agents, and a voldemort-style Satan thrown in for thrills.
How very very fitting
April 9, 2011
I LOVED this book! Granted it is fiction, as we cannot remember what happened in the pre-earth life, but this sounds like it really could be true! I loved so much about it. There were so many truths in it, that I love to throw out to people when we get to talking. Having been to many rock concerts, I absolutely adore the idea of Lucifer holding a concert type of rally for his supporters. I cried my heart out as we all sat in council, and he describes the look on Mother's face, and her solemn resolve knowing what was going to happen. This book really made me think.....what role did I take in the war? Was I active? Was I as concerned about saving my friends from Lucifer's seductive ways? What was like to play with Father and sit on his lap?
May 20, 2008
I tried, I really tried to like this. I just can't do it. . I can't like a fictional book about premortal life with speculation about the conditions there. For crying out loud, if you're going to write a book about it, maybe including so many details isn't the way to go. He wrote about the color of the flags whipping in the wind that Lucifer used. . . . .. (more rant & rave go here).
To those who love it - that's great. I just can't do it.
To those who love it - that's great. I just can't do it.
June 20, 2008
I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning. But when I picked it up again later, I was hooked. Really made me think about how things could have been in Heaven before coming to earth. It really helped me to reconnect with the fact that we all knew each other in the pre-existence and we cared for one another. How important it is for us now on Earth to look out for, find, love and support one another. We are all Brothers and Sisters of our Heavenly Father.
March 1, 2015
I really liked this book. At first I thought it was so weird! I didn't know if I'd be able to get into it. But some of the messages in there really got to me and I appreciated the truths written.
July 26, 2012
Actually didn't finish this one. Never did like "mormomy" books and this certianly was no exception. There's a reason for a vail people, stop the speculation.
November 8, 2020
So I waited to review this until I read the entire series. I will say that this book wasn't great. While it was interesting to a degree and somewhat thought provoking when considering our pre-earth life, as a story it fell flat for me. That being said, the whole rest of the series is fantastic--so don't quit because of this one! In fact, if you need to, you could even skip it and start with book 2, you would just be missing a little background, but not enough that you couldn't figure out what was going on.
August 3, 2017
I really like the concept of this book. It made me reflect on my feelings and thoughts about our premortal life and the war in heaven. I just wish it had been developed more. He barely scratched the surface of the story he could've told, but instead it was rushed and surface level. I'll continue to read the series.
December 21, 2021
Great story and really interesting. The acknowledgment at the beginning that this isn’t doctrine but a fun story is important to remember. It only took me two days to read and it kept me excited and in the edge of my seat until the end. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, interesting, and uplifting book.
September 5, 2018
Pretty good premise. Intriguing story telling. Incredibly sloppy writing. The editor should be shot! Did anyone proof read this at all? The author found it impossible to imagine a premortal life that wasn't just like mortality. Are you kidding me?
July 30, 2018
AMAAAAAAZING
June 30, 2021
While I don't visualize everything like the author, the story was great at giving me an eternal perspective & reminder of life before this one & the power of my children.
June 4, 2024
Thought provoking tale of the war in heaven.. will continue to the next in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,410 reviews