The Choice: Death Is Just The Beginning

by Slade Combs

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"What’s happening to me?” a young man named Jonas asks as he looks into the eyes of his Aunt Claire—a woman who’s been dead for over twelve years. Like most people, Jonas had no idea his time had come, nor is he prepared for what he’s about to face next. He had assumed he would be taken to an afterlife full of puffy clouds and golden harps, but instead, he is met with a cold, terrifying revelation: “Heaven isn’t a place you can go to escape your fears,” his aunt says, “it is a place for those who have already faced them.”

Little did Jonas know, in order to get to heaven, he would need to find the courage to walk through hell first.

The Choice is a novel that takes us through some of our worst fears in order to find a beauty and hope that transcends even the most heart wrenching pain. Cross over to the other side and explore the meaning of life from the perspective that only death can provide.

Genres: Fiction

332 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My favorite part was the interpretation of the role that Spirits play in our lives here on earth. I had a hard time putting this book down. It was an easy read with a lot of deep ideas to ponder. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

[Kellen Chumbley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult to describe or understand the true meaning of the book without describing the intentions of the author. I first heard of this book from the author himself at a seminar at my university. To sum up his message, he basically explained how a great many people (more than we realize) are suffering with PTSD from being abused emotionally, mentally, physically, or sexually. His intentions are to instill a social change in society that would bring about an awareness of that so that we can come together as a society and heal together and help those in need.

With that being said, this story consists of the contents of his message in narrative form. The story is intriguing. It is a dark (and at times twisted) story that hardly sugar coats anything, but with all that there seems to always be a hope for the light. It has a great balance of dark and light, good and evil. The concept that the book contains of life after death I personally find to be fantastic and in a way truthful. but, more importantly, the messages it contains are simply powerful. Messages like “Believe that you are someone worth saving,” “There is no place so dark that light cannot lead the way,” and many more.

All in all, a fantastic book well worth reading.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

`If there is something science has to say about our universe...there is far more out there than we have ever imagined'

New York City author Slade Combs directs commercials as a day job, but in his heart is the seed of being an author who is able to entertain while inspiring his readers. THE CHOICE: DEATH IS JUST THE BEGINNING is his debut novel. The extraordinarily beautiful cover art for his novel is by Ivo Horvat.

Slade respect both his readers and the adventure he is about to unfold by presenting a few pages of significant notes before the Prologue (a dream in this instance) begins: the first set of informative notes is The Anathemas against origin (5th ecumenical council, Constantiople 553 AD) which states `If anyone asserts the fabulous [feigned] pre-existence of souls . . . : let him be anathema. If anyone shall say that there is a twofold race of demons, of which the one includes the souls of men and the other the superior spirits who fell . . . : let him be anathema. The second set of notes defines Dissociative Identity Disorder - `is associated with overwhelming experiences, traumatic events, and/ or abuse occurring in childhood. The full disorder may first manifest at almost any age (from earliest childhood to late life). Individuals with dissociative identity disorder may report the feeling that they have suddenly become depersonalized observers of their own speech and actions, which they may feel powerless to stop. Such individuals may also report perceptions of voices. In some cases, voices are experienced as multiple, perplexing, independent thought streams over which the individual experiences no control.'
This order of respect not only informs but whets the appetite for the journey (and it is that) we the readers are about to take.

As is so often the case, the author's plot synopsis serves us best: "What's happening to me?" a young man named Jonas asks as he looks into the eyes of his Aunt Claire--a woman who's been dead for over twelve years. Like most people, Jonas had no idea his time had come, nor is he prepared for what he's about to face next. He had assumed he would be taken to an afterlife full of puffy clouds and golden harps, but instead, he is met with a cold, terrifying revelation: "Heaven isn't a place you can go to escape your fears," his aunt says, "it is a place for those who have already faced them." Little did Jonas know, in order to get to heaven, he would need to find the courage to walk through hell first. The Choice is a novel that takes us through some of our worst fears in order to find a beauty and hope that transcends even the most heart wrenching pain. Cross over to the other side and explore the meaning of life from the perspective that only death can provide.'

To assure us we are grounded in character that are credible, Slade opens with one of the best descriptions of surfing written and it is here that we meet Jonas. Get to know him and accept the author's invitation to explore the beyond and you will begin an experience that is extraordinary. Slade Combs has clearly entered the literary world with a unique voice that deserves to be hear/read. Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by my sister after she met the author (although before she read the book), but unfortunately I didn't end up enjoying it. I had two major problems with this book. The first was that I didn't like the author's writing style. It was too wordy and long-winded for my tastes. I often felt like the plot was bogged down in overly long descriptions. Despite being very descriptive, not much time was spent on character development. All of the characters were flat, and I didn't have an emotional connection with any of them. The second problem I had with this book was just the story materiel itself. I realize this is a matter of personal preference, but it was a big reason I didn't enjoy the book. I didn't like many aspects of the afterlife world that the author imagined, such as the idea that abused children continue to suffer after they die and the prevalence of evil sprits. I also felt like the afterlife in the book was heavily influenced by Mormon theology, and I wish the author had been more original and creative. I also didn't like the descriptions of child abuse. Rather than being written in a way to make me feel empathy or sadness, it was just creepy and made me feel uncomfortable. The wordy writing style and uncomfortable plot material led to a book that I found to be boring, creepy, and unenjoyable. Time to leave this one and find something happy to read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected mix of suspense, terror, science, and faith, Combs ably weaves in religious history and mental health definitions. This book will foster discussion amongst people of all faiths about the connections between our pre-earth life, the presence of the dead amongst the living, and the life we live when we leave mortality. I found Slade's vision of the post-mortal world believable and comforting (I've always felt my Grandma Annie was watching over me!).

When asked how I liked the book my answer was: "Wrenching." Vivid descriptions of the spirit world are sandwiched between wrenching episodes of angels trying to help the lost, lonely, or abused. A book you can't stop thinking about and want to talk about with others, I should have also answered, "Haunting." Combs's novel should soon be a book group favorite. The Choice is not just about our choices but how the choices of others impact us and those we love. I hope the book catalyzes social awareness of child abuse the way Elizabeth Gaskell championed oppressed British industrial workers.

[Riannan Altvater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, The Choice, is a thrilling read that keeps you thinking, wondering, and reading until the very last sentence. Starting out with a suspenseful beginning, this book has you imagining every scene with it's detailed and descriptive writing, the middle and core content of the book is filled with engaging dialogue, fascinating religious and spiritual discoveries, and plot thickening realizations that make the book all the more impressive. Ending with a surprisingly positive ending, this book had me thinking, wondering, and questioning my own beliefs and ideals all throughout and even after I was finished reading it.

Although the book has some dark content, it's all real world experiences that are true in today's world, and getting through the gritty details is all worth it in the end. If your looking for a new book that is not only interesting but also makes you think and could possibly change your life, idea's, and beliefs, then look no further and purchase this book!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Choice", without giving away any details, is essentially a tale about how the way we choose to live our lives and the decisions we make effect both ourselves and the people we've touched. Not just in this life, but in the afterlife as well. This book is thought provoking, with a fresh look at the ideas of heaven and hell, good and evil. It's a great read, and so hard to put down. I can't wait for the next book!

*I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Firstreads.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start off I have yet to read this book but as I hold it in my hands I can sense a sort of power from it. Reading this book is going to send my mind on a journey the likes of which it has never seen before. I can't wait to begin this and when I am done...I don't even know what to do once that happens. My only job now is to muster the courage to start.
I received this book via Goodreads First Reads programs of which I am truly grateful.
................................................................................
SPOILERS

Ok Ok first off this book was awesome but had many many flaws.

To start, I read some reviews before reading this comparing this to Dantes Inferno. I mean it seriously says he has to walk thorough hell to reach Heaven. What I was not expecting was a five page journey through hell and a 3 chapter history lesson in religion. Don't get me wrong the history lesson was awesome and relevant to the story but don't compare it to a book when it has basically nothing to do with it.

So story is good we start of with Jonas and his friend Chris who are in Hawaii and surfing around doing their cool thing when they make a mistake and something horrible happens which leads to Jonas dying. Now we know from the pretty much everything that Jonas is going to die, what we do not know is that it takes him 6 chapters to figure this out. YES SIX FUCKING CHAPTERS!!!!!!! Seriously dudes...he swims onto shore sees his dead aunt and walks away with her to go on this magical adventure that she will tell him about later. funny thing about his aunt, she never really explains anything. She pretty much shows Jonas a few cool things and then has the nerve to not answer a damn thing or takes her sweet ass time doing it. Fine and dandy right? Moves the plot along and leaves us wanting to continue reading so we can figure it all out. Sad part about it is that even when things do get answered we still have way more questions. Whatever though...so six chapters in (he died in the 3 chapter by the way and found out he was dead in the end of chapter 8 beginning of 9)he finally figures out what is going on...kind of. See he is a special person and his purpose in life is to help protect humanity from the Evil corrupting peoples hearts...kind of. Why he was chosen is never fully explained since the only thing special about him is his father.
Oh yes...his father...now I won't ruin that bit of information for you but I would really like to point out this writer amazing use of foreshadowing. Like two thumbs up bro cause I was not expecting that.
His father somehow makes him some badass angel.
Now I love Jonas, he is really cool and relatable ( sort of with everything but his bat shit insane father). Having to watch your family move on from your death is hard to accept. Hell we barely like seeing our family functioning when we leave for college. I can not be the only one who wanted a phone call every once in a while from my mom saying she misses me and wants me back home.
We want to feel loved and needed. Having to let go doesn't mean that we are no longer needed, they still look to us for guidance but it does mean that they have to move on. That our presence doesn't define them and that is something he must accept when his girlfriend that he wanted to marry moves on in life...with his brother....

This story...this story was good yes. Amazing concept and storyline.


I CRIED and you will too.

[Ryan Olds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodreads first reads winner


Overall the book is entertaining and the plot moves at a great pace. I really liked the premise and the idea of the afterlife in the beginning but that is when the book went from a novel about the afterlife to a thriller to catch a child abuser. The afterlife and the world after death takes a second seat to catching and serving justice to the abuser. I felt the novel was more written to open up the readers eyes to the damage of abuse than it was about life after death. The story evolved into a detective story but instead of a police force they are sprits. Again, after Jonas dies the novel quickly pivots to explaining about the afterlife to him accepting a mission to catch the abuser. I was hoping for more mythology and exploring the metaphysical world instead of a story that takes place in real world( most of the novel involves the spirits following certain characters that are alive). I noticed this is book one of a series and not sure where you could go from here. The author does wrap up the novel well with some great touching moments. If your in for a fast read that is entertaining than I would recommend, but if your looking for a novel that explores life after death, this is not that book.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read these types of books, but this was really good gives a really interesting perspective on death and the afterlife, I even cried at the end!!! I definitely recommend it!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was an amazing story of what life and death could be like! It starts with a nightmare, a child in despair. Jonas finds himself with his Aunt Claire who had died. Aunt Claire takes him with her to meet the others. The others prepare Jonas for what he was chosen to do, before he can get to heaven. I found myself reaching for tissue as I read some parts that are very sad, making you think about the people you leave behind when you die and what might be waiting for us when we do die. It makes you think of how important our lives can be while we are here on earth and what happens after. I really enjoyed reading the story. I hope others choose to read this story too. The author stated in his book that a donation has been made on behalf of the purchase of a new copy of The Choice" Death Is Just The Beginning. to help abused children. I won this book for free on the Goodreads giveaway.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combs paints a beautiful and believable after life in this thriller. I loved how he described the character, Jonas', experiences as he succumbed to a tragic death. Then slowly progressing, learning and understanding his new "environment". It's a page turner. And then when he begins to recognize his force for good, which can still impact those around him who are enjoying their physical bodies, it's overwhelming and very well written. We live on; we do not die; we continue as we once were, just without a physical body. I truly enjoyed this book, loving the characters and despising the antagonist. I was grateful not to hear gruesome details of his crimes. But I also appreciated the severity of the evil that is real on this earth.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway. I wasn't sure what to expect here. The story idea seemed interesting and something I would be interested in. The book started out with a bang, I was hooked right away. The suspense was fast moving. The first few chapters had me engrossed then, as books sometimes do, it sagged. I plodded through the middle. There were some interesting turns in the middle, but not enough to help the story along. However, I kept reading. It picked up in the home stretch. The ending was not as predictable as one might imagine, but it was not that out of the ordinary.

I liked the message, I liked the idea, I liked the language. Overall, I enjoyed this book.

[Meegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a really great message plus it is an easy read. I met the author when he came to my school and he was a really neat guy. It is inspiring as a writer to hear about success stories. Yet being a writer and an English Major is what made my enjoyment of this book less than I had anticipated. The writing is fast and simple and yet, the characters are not developed. The plot is the most important part of the story. The plot is good, but how can I enjoy the story without relating to at least one of the characters? Without having interest in this book, I haven't finished it. I probably will one day, but it won't be anytime soon.

[Katarina Jambresic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theaters - brace yourselves for this gem! The story line is as captivating and thought-provoking as it is entertaining. The characters are well developed and the initially separate stories connect and intertwine seamlessly. You can tell the topics discussed were well researched and Slade's style keeps you wanting to know what comes next. You will basically have a hard time putting this book down until you have reached the acknowledgements page.

[Cindy Batdorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Choice: Death Is Just The Beginning (Paperback)
by Slade Combs

I was excited to read this book until I got in a few pages. A major part of the storyline involves a pedofile. I know this is a real part of the world but it is not something I wish to read for pleasure. That being said I was intrigued by Jonas' story of the afterlife. The sweet and the bitter were nicely woven together. The ending will not disappoint.

This was a Goodreads First read.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I liked this book and the story about the guy dying and going to wherever he went (sorta confused on where he went) except it would have this flashback to a pedophile abusing a child like every 40 pages and it was just like a two page chapter. I only read about 100pages of this book and knew this wasn't for me. I know child sexual abuse is THE worst thing but I couldn't read about it and was worried about where it was going to go. Would not recommend this book.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads first reads winner.

Overall, I liked the book. I had trouble focusing on it around the middle of the book. This book is one that has kept me thinking throughout it and will continue to think. The plot wasn't what I had expected at all, but I really like how i was completely surprised by the overall story.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first page of this book really put me off. I think I'm glad I stuck with it. Really thought-provoking but so so disturbing. And his writing about surfing is painful to read, needed a bit more research there to get the jargon down.

[Dawn Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.

This book made me laugh and cry and contemplate life. I really enjoyed its creativity. It talks about some very serious subjects but it never feels disrespectful or flippiant. I had an opportunity to meet the author and he was super kind and down to earth.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story of life and death, of choices and consequences. I love how Combs envisioned the other side of the veil, and the reality of angels and devils that fight for each soul.

[China Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. It reads so fast it takes your breath away.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via the Goodreads First-reads program.

[JJ Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to describe the awesomeness of this book. Serious recommend.