BOOK REVIEW: The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

If I had seen this book in a bookstore, or read about it online, I probably wouldn't have bought it. If not for the free review copy I received from the publisher, I would have missed reading one of the better books I've read in quite some time.

There are several reasons why I wouldn't have picked this book to buy. First, it looks bulky, and perhaps too long. A closer check shows the last hundred pages are notes and supplementary information. Of course a novel requiring notes may turn off some buyers. Another reason I was not enthused about the book was that the story is set in the year 2048 and, because of my own writing, I have been reading only contemporary books for a long time.

But, as I said, I am glad I took the free book and read it. In fact, I ordered, and paid for the Kindle version soon after I started reading just to be able to more easily make notes. Also, I prefer the size and weight of the Kindle over most printed books.

I never read reviews until my own is published, but I sure hope no one tells you everything about this book. Part of the enjoyment is the way it is organized and developed. You must experience it for yourself to fully appreciate the story. What I can tell you is that it is about the end of the world as described in Revelations. There are both good and evil people, all born on the same day and time, thirty-six years earlier, who are involved in the story. Paul Binder, a historian and professor of cultural studies, was also born at the same time. However, his role is that of a facilitator, and as such, he is an important part of the story.

Even though the book is set in 2048, the authors didn't delve into the futuristic aspects too much. Oh, there are a few glimpses into what may be in our future, but all are easy to accept. Pearl, for example, is a body-mind-interface device that people wear, or have implanted, to communicate and access information. It is not far beyond technological capabilities of 2011. Other futuristic references have to do with travel and the use of avatars.

There are many interesting characters and you will enjoy getting to know them all. It is not until near the end that you will learn which ones to cheer for, however. Even so, there are surprises all the way to the very last page. I loved this book and still think about it every day.