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bethtabler's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review.
If given unequivocal proof that god exists, what would happen to the world's religions?
That is the question that Turtledove asks in his newest alternate world science fiction novel called Alpha and Omega. Turtledove is famous for asking the big "What if's" in alternative history. Previous stories include a second civil war (How Few Remain), third world war (American Empire series), supervolcano (Eruption) plus many more. Turtledove is a highly prolific author.
Alpha and Omega sees ancient prophecy realized in Jerusalem. All prophetic triggers for the end of days. This proves that without a doubt that God is real. But the question becomes "whose god?" What should the followers of Christianity, Judaism or Islam expect from the realized prophecies?
This was a difficult read for me. The subject matter is interesting, alternative history can be engrossing especially when you are somewhat familiar with the subject matter. This might have been my issue with this book and why it did not resonate with me. I am not overly familiar with Judaic and Islamic traditions and history. I think had I been more familiar this would have been a more engrossing read. As it stood though, I found it very dry and difficult to get into. I attempted to finish this but I ended up DNF at 80%. I could not get into the story. I just did not care about the characters enough to be interested in their plight.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please check out my website at https://beforewegoblog.com/
If given unequivocal proof that god exists, what would happen to the world's religions?
That is the question that Turtledove asks in his newest alternate world science fiction novel called Alpha and Omega. Turtledove is famous for asking the big "What if's" in alternative history. Previous stories include a second civil war (How Few Remain), third world war (American Empire series), supervolcano (Eruption) plus many more. Turtledove is a highly prolific author.
Alpha and Omega sees ancient prophecy realized in Jerusalem. All prophetic triggers for the end of days. This proves that without a doubt that God is real. But the question becomes "whose god?" What should the followers of Christianity, Judaism or Islam expect from the realized prophecies?
This was a difficult read for me. The subject matter is interesting, alternative history can be engrossing especially when you are somewhat familiar with the subject matter. This might have been my issue with this book and why it did not resonate with me. I am not overly familiar with Judaic and Islamic traditions and history. I think had I been more familiar this would have been a more engrossing read. As it stood though, I found it very dry and difficult to get into. I attempted to finish this but I ended up DNF at 80%. I could not get into the story. I just did not care about the characters enough to be interested in their plight.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please check out my website at https://beforewegoblog.com/
bethtabler's review
2.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review.
If given unequivocal proof that god exists, what would happen to the world's religions?
That is the question that Turtledove asks in his newest alternate world science fiction novel called Alpha and Omega. Turtledove is famous for asking the big "What if's" in alternative history. Previous stories include a second civil war (How Few Remain), third world war (American Empire series), supervolcano (Eruption) plus many more. Turtledove is a highly prolific author.
Alpha and Omega sees ancient prophecy realized in Jerusalem. All prophetic triggers for the end of days. This proves that without a doubt that God is real. But the question becomes "whose god?" What should the followers of Christianity, Judaism or Islam expect from the realized prophecies?
This was a difficult read for me. The subject matter is interesting, alternative history can be engrossing especially when you are somewhat familiar with the subject matter. This might have been my issue with this book and why it did not resonate with me. I am not overly familiar with Judaic and Islamic traditions and history. I think had I been more familiar this would have been a more engrossing read. As it stood though, I found it very dry and difficult to get into. I attempted to finish this but I ended up DNF at 80%. I could not get into the story. I just did not care about the characters enough to be interested in their plight.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please check out my website at https://beforewegoblog.com/
If given unequivocal proof that god exists, what would happen to the world's religions?
That is the question that Turtledove asks in his newest alternate world science fiction novel called Alpha and Omega. Turtledove is famous for asking the big "What if's" in alternative history. Previous stories include a second civil war (How Few Remain), third world war (American Empire series), supervolcano (Eruption) plus many more. Turtledove is a highly prolific author.
Alpha and Omega sees ancient prophecy realized in Jerusalem. All prophetic triggers for the end of days. This proves that without a doubt that God is real. But the question becomes "whose god?" What should the followers of Christianity, Judaism or Islam expect from the realized prophecies?
This was a difficult read for me. The subject matter is interesting, alternative history can be engrossing especially when you are somewhat familiar with the subject matter. This might have been my issue with this book and why it did not resonate with me. I am not overly familiar with Judaic and Islamic traditions and history. I think had I been more familiar this would have been a more engrossing read. As it stood though, I found it very dry and difficult to get into. I attempted to finish this but I ended up DNF at 80%. I could not get into the story. I just did not care about the characters enough to be interested in their plight.
If you would like to see more of my reviews, please check out my website at https://beforewegoblog.com/
teachinsci's review against another edition
4.0
I have always enjoyed Turtledove's alternate history stories and books. This book was very different in that instead of being about a change history, it was about a possible change in the future. Specifically, it is about the religious End of Days. One thing that sets this apart from other End Days books is the perspectives. First, instead of Christian's being the focus (as in common in America), the majority of the book is about the Jewish coming of the Messiah and what is predicted to follow. Turtledove additionally doesn't rely on one group's view but instead offers the book from the viewpoints of members of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam... often using members with varying amounts of piety.
Without giving anything away, I fell I can say that Turtledove does a good job (as always) of considering the small consequences of his "historical"change along with the larger. Not being at all religious, some of the emotions in the book were flatter for me. Still it was a good read and an interesting departure for Turtledove.
When Netgalley offered the opportunity for me to read his upcoming book in exchange for an honest review, I appreciated the chance.
Without giving anything away, I fell I can say that Turtledove does a good job (as always) of considering the small consequences of his "historical"change along with the larger. Not being at all religious, some of the emotions in the book were flatter for me. Still it was a good read and an interesting departure for Turtledove.
When Netgalley offered the opportunity for me to read his upcoming book in exchange for an honest review, I appreciated the chance.
teachinsci's review against another edition
4.0
I have always enjoyed Turtledove's alternate history stories and books. This book was very different in that instead of being about a change history, it was about a possible change in the future. Specifically, it is about the religious End of Days. One thing that sets this apart from other End Days books is the perspectives. First, instead of Christian's being the focus (as in common in America), the majority of the book is about the Jewish coming of the Messiah and what is predicted to follow. Turtledove additionally doesn't rely on one group's view but instead offers the book from the viewpoints of members of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam... often using members with varying amounts of piety.
Without giving anything away, I fell I can say that Turtledove does a good job (as always) of considering the small consequences of his "historical"change along with the larger. Not being at all religious, some of the emotions in the book were flatter for me. Still it was a good read and an interesting departure for Turtledove.
When Netgalley offered the opportunity for me to read his upcoming book in exchange for an honest review, I appreciated the chance. #AlphaOmega #netgalley
Without giving anything away, I fell I can say that Turtledove does a good job (as always) of considering the small consequences of his "historical"change along with the larger. Not being at all religious, some of the emotions in the book were flatter for me. Still it was a good read and an interesting departure for Turtledove.
When Netgalley offered the opportunity for me to read his upcoming book in exchange for an honest review, I appreciated the chance. #AlphaOmega #netgalley
jhouses's review
2.0
Una rara avis del maestro de la ucronía, que abandona sus temas habituales en favor de una visión del Apocalipsis bíblico en el futuro cercano.
Es una visión ecuménica en la que aparentemente las tres religiones del Libro parecen ser compatibles. Sin embargo se detectan grandes carencias argumentales. Por falta de interés o de inventiva deja de lado las consecuencias globales de los hechos que describe. El catolicismo no aparece siquiera y no se aventura la reacción de ateos o miembros de otras religiones. Termina de una forma tan anticlimática que parece garantizar ser el inicio de una serie.
Es una visión ecuménica en la que aparentemente las tres religiones del Libro parecen ser compatibles. Sin embargo se detectan grandes carencias argumentales. Por falta de interés o de inventiva deja de lado las consecuencias globales de los hechos que describe. El catolicismo no aparece siquiera y no se aventura la reacción de ateos o miembros de otras religiones. Termina de una forma tan anticlimática que parece garantizar ser el inicio de una serie.
books_with_style's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
thebeardedpoet's review against another edition
4.0
The core of story centers around events headed toward the rebuilding of the third temple in Jerusalem. Supernatural occurrences leave no doubt that the end times are happening. What happens to various people when these events eliminate all doubt that there is a God and He will do what He will do?
Turtledove runs the scenario with generous character empathy. The book succeeds in portraying sympathetic characters of every persuasion and stripe: atheists, secular Jews, secular Christians, orthodox Jews, evangelical Christians, born again Christians, Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims and so on. Admittedly there are one or two unsavory characters, but they are short lived. Occasionally there are characters who do too much reciprocal thinking, but I could put up with it.
Turtledove does an impressive job of seamlessly weaving through the narrative a tremendous amount of biblical and religious knowledge. I really liked some of his speculative guesses too.
I am sure not everyone will be satisfied with the climax, but I found it thought provoking fiction. That's the wonderful thing about fiction--it postulates "what if" and stretches your mind.
Turtledove runs the scenario with generous character empathy. The book succeeds in portraying sympathetic characters of every persuasion and stripe: atheists, secular Jews, secular Christians, orthodox Jews, evangelical Christians, born again Christians, Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims and so on. Admittedly there are one or two unsavory characters, but they are short lived. Occasionally there are characters who do too much reciprocal thinking, but I could put up with it.
Turtledove does an impressive job of seamlessly weaving through the narrative a tremendous amount of biblical and religious knowledge. I really liked some of his speculative guesses too.
I am sure not everyone will be satisfied with the climax, but I found it thought provoking fiction. That's the wonderful thing about fiction--it postulates "what if" and stretches your mind.
brents's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very unique book, but it is one I enjoyed quite a bit. It's unique in that I'm not really sure what genre I would put it in. It was in the sci fi section of the book store but I wouldn't call it sci fi. You could make an argument that it's fantasy, but it bares little resemblance to almost any other fantasy work. Maybe it's supernatural mystery or alternate history, but it's not really those either.
What it really amounts to is a book that starts with an interesting "what if" premise and throws normal people into very unusual situation and we see how they react as it plays out. In this case the "what if" is what if the biblical account of the end times played out verifiably for all of the world to see, and how would various people from all backgrounds both faithfully religious and secular react as it plays out.
That was enough to get me hooked, but I can see how it wouldn't work for a lot of people. If you really want a driving plot, action, or traditional protagonists and antagonist you're not really going to find that here. What you will find is some really interesting characters that all have very distinct viewpoints and voices trying to reconcile their beliefs or lack there of with what is happening before their very eyes. As someone who has always loved to speculate, and think of counter-factual theories of historical events I ate this up.
Also I appreciate all the research that Turtledove put in regarding all of ancient history and biblical history here. And I appreciate the way he wrote about the various religious beliefs without either being preachy or mocking of said beliefs. Each religion gets handled both with reverence and sometimes a little skewering without being offensive.
If I had to criticize anything here I'd probably say I found the ending a bit of a letdown. It was fine in the context of the rest of the story, and it makes a point, but I prefer more resolution and less open-endedness. I didn't need an action packed climax. That wouldn't fit the tone of the rest of the book. But what I would have liked was it not to be quite so rushed and just a bit more definitive. However, I will admit maybe definitive answers also don't fit the tone of the book.
In summary I really enjoyed this as an entry point to Turtledove's work. He has so many books and series it's a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. This is as good of a place as any. I will be checking out more of his work. I would also recommend this to a specific type of reader. Maybe one who is interested in the premise and ideas of books like those of Dan Brown, but are interested in a more thoughtful and less "pot boilerly" story with better writing.
What it really amounts to is a book that starts with an interesting "what if" premise and throws normal people into very unusual situation and we see how they react as it plays out. In this case the "what if" is what if the biblical account of the end times played out verifiably for all of the world to see, and how would various people from all backgrounds both faithfully religious and secular react as it plays out.
That was enough to get me hooked, but I can see how it wouldn't work for a lot of people. If you really want a driving plot, action, or traditional protagonists and antagonist you're not really going to find that here. What you will find is some really interesting characters that all have very distinct viewpoints and voices trying to reconcile their beliefs or lack there of with what is happening before their very eyes. As someone who has always loved to speculate, and think of counter-factual theories of historical events I ate this up.
Also I appreciate all the research that Turtledove put in regarding all of ancient history and biblical history here. And I appreciate the way he wrote about the various religious beliefs without either being preachy or mocking of said beliefs. Each religion gets handled both with reverence and sometimes a little skewering without being offensive.
If I had to criticize anything here I'd probably say I found the ending a bit of a letdown. It was fine in the context of the rest of the story, and it makes a point, but I prefer more resolution and less open-endedness. I didn't need an action packed climax. That wouldn't fit the tone of the rest of the book. But what I would have liked was it not to be quite so rushed and just a bit more definitive. However, I will admit maybe definitive answers also don't fit the tone of the book.
In summary I really enjoyed this as an entry point to Turtledove's work. He has so many books and series it's a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. This is as good of a place as any. I will be checking out more of his work. I would also recommend this to a specific type of reader. Maybe one who is interested in the premise and ideas of books like those of Dan Brown, but are interested in a more thoughtful and less "pot boilerly" story with better writing.
remembernavarro's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
metaphorosis's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars, Metaphorosis Reviews
Summary:
In the heart of the Holy Land, ancient prophecies begin to come true. But whose prophecies, exactly, and to whose benefit?
Review:
I enjoy Harry Turtledove’s writing, though I’m not really a fan of the alternate history niche that he’s claimed as his particular specialty. Here, he’s strayed from the SFF field into what’s more of a religion-heavy pop thriller with supernatural overtones. It’s a quick, smooth read with strong characters, but it didn’t win me over.
The book is largely set in Jerusalem, and Turtledove does what I imagine he thinks is a painstaking job of presenting all viewpoints fairly. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really pull it off, and the Palestinians get short shrift, coming off as only slightly rounded villains. Most writers do worse, so I suppose we should be thankful that he tried at least, but that’s faint praise. Gender issues don’t always fare better, and while it’s possible to attribute some of these to character viewpoint, the story would have been fine without them. There’s also a tendency to believe that anyone who’s served in the military (especially the Israeli military) is and always will be a noble killing machine. In short, while I don’t know anything at all about Turtledove’s politics, the book fits comfortably in moderate right of center perspective. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but because of nature of the book, the thin presentation of the Palestinian case undermines the entire thing.
The supernatural elements come up mostly toward the end. Most of the book is taken up with an examination of the characters and the political and theological questions they face. To Turtledove’s credit, he faces the political questions head on (if not with perfect balance). That makes it all the more disappointing that he avoids all the theological questions he so carefully tees up. That the end of the book is a cop-out is putting it mildly. He brings us and his characters along with the promise of revelations to come, and then … vanishes into the air. And even then, only the three main Abrahamic religions are addressed. Atheists, Hindus, etc. aren’t involved.
It’s a disappointing book. Turtledove introduces interesting, engaging characters, but then does little with them. While he tries for balance, he doesn’t succeed. Where he raises interesting theological questions, he avoids them in the end. If you’re already to the right on Middle East issues, this book will confirm your views, and you might enjoy it. I can’t really recommend it to anyone else.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
In the heart of the Holy Land, ancient prophecies begin to come true. But whose prophecies, exactly, and to whose benefit?
Review:
I enjoy Harry Turtledove’s writing, though I’m not really a fan of the alternate history niche that he’s claimed as his particular specialty. Here, he’s strayed from the SFF field into what’s more of a religion-heavy pop thriller with supernatural overtones. It’s a quick, smooth read with strong characters, but it didn’t win me over.
The book is largely set in Jerusalem, and Turtledove does what I imagine he thinks is a painstaking job of presenting all viewpoints fairly. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really pull it off, and the Palestinians get short shrift, coming off as only slightly rounded villains. Most writers do worse, so I suppose we should be thankful that he tried at least, but that’s faint praise. Gender issues don’t always fare better, and while it’s possible to attribute some of these to character viewpoint, the story would have been fine without them. There’s also a tendency to believe that anyone who’s served in the military (especially the Israeli military) is and always will be a noble killing machine. In short, while I don’t know anything at all about Turtledove’s politics, the book fits comfortably in moderate right of center perspective. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but because of nature of the book, the thin presentation of the Palestinian case undermines the entire thing.
The supernatural elements come up mostly toward the end. Most of the book is taken up with an examination of the characters and the political and theological questions they face. To Turtledove’s credit, he faces the political questions head on (if not with perfect balance). That makes it all the more disappointing that he avoids all the theological questions he so carefully tees up. That the end of the book is a cop-out is putting it mildly. He brings us and his characters along with the promise of revelations to come, and then … vanishes into the air. And even then, only the three main Abrahamic religions are addressed. Atheists, Hindus, etc. aren’t involved.
It’s a disappointing book. Turtledove introduces interesting, engaging characters, but then does little with them. While he tries for balance, he doesn’t succeed. Where he raises interesting theological questions, he avoids them in the end. If you’re already to the right on Middle East issues, this book will confirm your views, and you might enjoy it. I can’t really recommend it to anyone else.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.