What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great and Terrible #5
From the End of Heaven
As millions of Americans face the prospect of imminent starvation, chaos and violence rule the angry streets. For some, all hope is lost as they struggle in a world suddenly turned on its head. But for those who keep their faith, hope is still alive. While Sara Brighton helps a shadow government rise to power, Sam and Bono are sent on the most dangerous military mission of their lives. Azadeh agrees to guide them through the mountains of Iran and Pakistan as they seek for the key that could save the world. Struggling against overwhelming odds, they realize the most important lesson of their time: Faith is the only thing that matters as the final day draws near.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2008
30 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Chris Stewart
145 books277 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
November 8, 2020
Review of books 3-6:
This is one long continuous story in these final books. While each book does have a climactic ending, you definitely don't get a feeling of resolution until book 6. Sometimes the author's attention to detail can be maddening and slow the pace. But at the same time, the details are what makes the story rich and believable. I love how he would show angels from both sides working on mortals. I would have preferred more from the Light, but the dark angels give a good picture of how men can behave as they sometimes do, and give insight into our own internal battles.
The political and military battles felt like watching the TV show 24 at times. So intense and yet frighteningly believable (especially in today's world). Definitely recommend if you like entertainment and insight at the same time!
This is one long continuous story in these final books. While each book does have a climactic ending, you definitely don't get a feeling of resolution until book 6. Sometimes the author's attention to detail can be maddening and slow the pace. But at the same time, the details are what makes the story rich and believable. I love how he would show angels from both sides working on mortals. I would have preferred more from the Light, but the dark angels give a good picture of how men can behave as they sometimes do, and give insight into our own internal battles.
The political and military battles felt like watching the TV show 24 at times. So intense and yet frighteningly believable (especially in today's world). Definitely recommend if you like entertainment and insight at the same time!
February 21, 2022
The first half of the book was rough for me, but it was still a great book. The second half was a nice change in pace from the first and finished great, leaving me excited for the next book
May 3, 2020
Well, now I can see why so many people believe in food storage. I felt like this book was the book when all the bad stuff stopped happening, and we finally got some good news.
July 15, 2008
I had to read it so my mom sent it to me -thanks! I couldn't put it down and now I have to wait for number 6 -yikes! I did read from the author that #6 will be the last book but in a few years will write a trilogy with the grandchildren of the characters. Interesting!
Here is the interview he was talking about his upcoming writing:
When people finish this last book they are not going to have a sense that the story is unended. They are going to feel like, "Oh, that's it." And I think there is a real conclusion to this story and to these characters, but there is enough that can happen here, and enough doors left open, that it would be easy to come back and to move the story forward, you know, 20 or 30 years in time, and deal with maybe not these characters only, but some of their children and, as I said, really have a final chapter to this. And we will tell people when we do that that it will be a trilogy, so they will know exactly what to expect and won't be left hanging on quite so much.
(Everyday Lives, Everyday Values Interview with Chris Stewart, author of The Great and Terrible, Vol. 5: From the End of Heaven.
Program originally aired on KSL Radio on June 22, 2008.)
Here is the interview he was talking about his upcoming writing:
When people finish this last book they are not going to have a sense that the story is unended. They are going to feel like, "Oh, that's it." And I think there is a real conclusion to this story and to these characters, but there is enough that can happen here, and enough doors left open, that it would be easy to come back and to move the story forward, you know, 20 or 30 years in time, and deal with maybe not these characters only, but some of their children and, as I said, really have a final chapter to this. And we will tell people when we do that that it will be a trilogy, so they will know exactly what to expect and won't be left hanging on quite so much.
(Everyday Lives, Everyday Values Interview with Chris Stewart, author of The Great and Terrible, Vol. 5: From the End of Heaven.
Program originally aired on KSL Radio on June 22, 2008.)
August 12, 2009
I discovered something about this series with this book -- it wasn't meant to be read aloud. I have listened to the audio CD of the first 4 books, and unfortunately, this allowed the mediocre reader to emphasize the cliche phrases of Mr. Stewart ("she pressed her lips together", "he compressed his lips," "she bit her lip" -- what's with the lip fetish?) over and over again. All of these books have been obtained for me by my lovely local library from the Salt Lake Library system, but an error was made with the last two volumes, and they came in print. Eager to finish, I dove right in, and discovered that the book is very readable, and very exciting, when read this way, because you skip over all the nonsensical emotional inconsistencies and expressions and get right to the fairly good plot. So if you're going to read this, read it in print. It read very quickly, about 5-6 hours worth, which is much, much faster than the grueling CD's. I'm kind of looking forward to the last in the series, No. 6.
July 7, 2008
If I were the type of person to get freaked out about the future, this book would really get to me. Oh, wait. I AM that type of person. And so I'm determined to get those water barrels filled TODAY, and finish my food storage inventory. And possibly buy a gun. Or three.
This book continues the Great and Terrible saga, and things are coming to a head. Battle lines have been drawn. Food is scarce, water is scarcer, the government is in shambles, and people are showing their true natures, for better or for worse. My main complaint about this book is that it leaves us hanging, again. And since it's a pretty recent release, it will be awhile before we get the next installment.
In the meantime, I'm going to stick my head in the sand, well-surrounded by canned veggies. And I'm just kidding about the guns. Mostly.
This book continues the Great and Terrible saga, and things are coming to a head. Battle lines have been drawn. Food is scarce, water is scarcer, the government is in shambles, and people are showing their true natures, for better or for worse. My main complaint about this book is that it leaves us hanging, again. And since it's a pretty recent release, it will be awhile before we get the next installment.
In the meantime, I'm going to stick my head in the sand, well-surrounded by canned veggies. And I'm just kidding about the guns. Mostly.
June 13, 2008
So far my favorite from this series has been the first book, however I have enjoyed them all very much. More than the actual storyline, what I find most interesting are the events that take place and the overall reactions by the people who are not key figures. The writing isn't wonderful and some of the conversations seem a little bland but it is still a compelling story. I hear there is only one more book after this; I can't imagine how it will wrap up that soon!
February 28, 2011
I'm LOVING this series. It's one one those stories where you can sit back and say, Whoa, this could totally happen, it IS happening all around us. It has completely changed my outlook on the "Last Days" and preparing for the Second Coming of the Savior. We all know it's going to get really bad before it gets better and Chris Stewart has woven a wonderfully complex story portraying the Great and the Terrible!
August 22, 2008
Yea! I finally got to read book 5 of this series. I love this author and this series. He certainly leaves the door wide open for book 6 at the end of the book. Sigh . . . I guess I'll start anticiptaing it's release already.
April 23, 2023
This book moved much faster than the previous one, from my perspective. I zipped right through it. It was interesting, yet depressing. Sometimes the events required a "suspension of disbelief"--not that I don't believe in miracles.
A couple of quotes I liked:
Mary talking about her daughter, Kelly Beth, said "My little girl was dying, dying right before my very eyes. I've watched others passing; I know what happens to them just before they slip away. The lose interest in the world, folding into themselves. The become smaller, shallow, the darkness drawing near." (pg 73) I thought that was interesting and insightful.
Sara Brighton talking to Mary said "Eveything that happens is a part of His plan. No matter what happens to us to our children, to either you or me, there is a purpose and reason for it." (pg 75) This almost implies that God directs everything, discounting our free agency. I think that there are things that happen as a result of our own choices, and the choices of others, that are not directed by, or the will of, God.
"Caelyn studied the homemade smoker: an old metal garbage can, a metal chip box, a couple of metal grills. Her father had cut a six-inch hole in the bottom of the garbage can, dug a pit to allow for venting, then built a small fire and put the lid in place. He'd even installed a small thermometer guage he had taken from an old tractor, which read 224 derees, right where they wanted it to be." (pg 109) I found this to be very creative.
A couple of quotes I liked:
Mary talking about her daughter, Kelly Beth, said "My little girl was dying, dying right before my very eyes. I've watched others passing; I know what happens to them just before they slip away. The lose interest in the world, folding into themselves. The become smaller, shallow, the darkness drawing near." (pg 73) I thought that was interesting and insightful.
Sara Brighton talking to Mary said "Eveything that happens is a part of His plan. No matter what happens to us to our children, to either you or me, there is a purpose and reason for it." (pg 75) This almost implies that God directs everything, discounting our free agency. I think that there are things that happen as a result of our own choices, and the choices of others, that are not directed by, or the will of, God.
"Caelyn studied the homemade smoker: an old metal garbage can, a metal chip box, a couple of metal grills. Her father had cut a six-inch hole in the bottom of the garbage can, dug a pit to allow for venting, then built a small fire and put the lid in place. He'd even installed a small thermometer guage he had taken from an old tractor, which read 224 derees, right where they wanted it to be." (pg 109) I found this to be very creative.
July 18, 2020
Chris Stewart is a bestselling author, world-record setting pilot and president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company. He is a member of the Renaissance Organization, a private group of leaders from across the globe who meet to explore the "Renaissance spirit."
Chris served for fourteen years as a pilot in the United States Air Force, where he piloted both the B-1Bbonber and rescue helicopters. On June 3, 1995, he led a flight of two B-1S on a nonstop flight around the world, setting three world-speed records in the process, and received the MacKay trophy for the "most significant aerial achievement of the year."
Chris is the author of three highly popular military techno-thrillers. His books have been selected by The Book of the Month Club and published in twelve different countries. He has also been a guest editor for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security concerns.
Chris and his wife, Evie, are the parents of six children and live in Utah.
From the End of Heaven, was another exciting book from the series. Once I started reading it, it was very difficult to put it down! I'm just loving these books. I know that I will feel sad once I've finished this series. I have one more to go, but I already know that I'll be wishing there were more in the series. They have given me so much to think about, especially in the area of making choices. I look at freedom in a much different way anymore, and I think about how sly evil can be. You really have to be aware at every moment. In summary, I highly recommend not just this book, but the series of six books. Excellent Recommendation
Chris served for fourteen years as a pilot in the United States Air Force, where he piloted both the B-1Bbonber and rescue helicopters. On June 3, 1995, he led a flight of two B-1S on a nonstop flight around the world, setting three world-speed records in the process, and received the MacKay trophy for the "most significant aerial achievement of the year."
Chris is the author of three highly popular military techno-thrillers. His books have been selected by The Book of the Month Club and published in twelve different countries. He has also been a guest editor for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security concerns.
Chris and his wife, Evie, are the parents of six children and live in Utah.
From the End of Heaven, was another exciting book from the series. Once I started reading it, it was very difficult to put it down! I'm just loving these books. I know that I will feel sad once I've finished this series. I have one more to go, but I already know that I'll be wishing there were more in the series. They have given me so much to think about, especially in the area of making choices. I look at freedom in a much different way anymore, and I think about how sly evil can be. You really have to be aware at every moment. In summary, I highly recommend not just this book, but the series of six books. Excellent Recommendation
July 5, 2025
I’m not sure why it takes me so long to finish these books because they’re actually really good. Oh yeah it’s because I have to actually sit down and read a book instead of listening to it while I accomplish 1 million other things. I’ve really enjoyed the last few days just sitting and reading these stories of intrigue and escape and The possible outcomes of an EMP blast and what would happen to the world. There are supernatural or rather supernal events where the characters get help from those on the other side of the veil, but anyone who has experienced miracles knows that that is not as far-fetched as it may seem. We don’t normally get to hear what’s going on on the other side of the veil, but I think that many of us have Experienced that help that can only come from heavenly messengers..
October 21, 2017
Wow! This is not an outrageous unbelievable "end of the world" book, but one that can be truly realistic and applicable for want is going on around us in these latter days. The first part of this book is good, but the last part is such an exciting page turner! It has well thought out unexpected and inter-related events with the characters from his first 4 books in this exciting series. In addition, I love how it weaves in gospel-related themes/characters/scriptures that relate to the the world as it may be prior to the 2nd coming. It is also cleanly written so you don't have to cringe at the unexpected vulgarity that unfortunately is found in many books. Highly recommend this series to all!
February 11, 2021
This book continues the saga with the same writing style and quality and character development. If you enjoyed the previous installments in the series, you will want to read this one. If you haven't read the others, you won't even begin to understand this one - don't read it - go read the series from the beginning.
Another page turner that kept me up way too late reading with the same thrill ride and the same annoyance at a few instances of completely unrealistic dialog. I definitely recommend this series!
Another page turner that kept me up way too late reading with the same thrill ride and the same annoyance at a few instances of completely unrealistic dialog. I definitely recommend this series!
June 12, 2020
Kind of scary to read about all the devastation and how the good are surrounded by Satan and his followers to not believe. Makes me more determined to keep the faith. Also, hope this scenerio does not ever happen in the USA - or the world for that matter. Interesting read - I didn't want to put it down. Can't wait for book 6 but I know I'll be disappointed when the series is all over.
January 10, 2022
"The Great" concepts "and Terrible" execution. I wanted to love it, I really did! But I could only tolerate it. It was some of the most interesting ideas with the absolute worst writing. I loved his idea of the pre-mortal existence, and following this "family" throughout their mortal journey until present day. However, it was incredibly cheesy writing - almost painful to make it through.
February 2, 2023
I love these books and will be so sad when I finish the series. Definitely a book/series I will come back to again and again. Im curious to see how this will be wrapped up in inly one more book though… #5 wasn’t my favorite book of the series, but it was still so uplifting and continued to effectively build on the rich, powerful, and unique story line.
May 22, 2025
Tied in the previous books nicely and set up the concluding book well. I have enjoyed the series and even though maybe the plot and prose isnt a masterpiece, I have enjoyed going through these over the last 10 months or so.
July 17, 2017
Loved this series
August 30, 2017
couldn't put the book down. Very exciting
September 13, 2019
Least favorite as sometimes the details were a little too drawn out, but still so suspenseful and crazy to think how real this whole scenario could be.
December 31, 2019
Another great book in this series. Excited for the conclusion in the last book!
April 12, 2020
Exciting, inspiring.
April 20, 2020
5th book in Chris Stewart’s the “Great & Terrible” series.
July 21, 2021
Wow. This book was seriously intense. It is starting to all come together which is really nice after all the build up and background. Can't wait to see what the end of this saga is like.
October 1, 2021
Book 4 of 5.
The challenges continue in this book.
The challenges continue in this book.
August 28, 2022
On to the last book.
A powerful tell-tale of the last days…
A powerful tell-tale of the last days…
December 2, 2023
My favorite so far! Not so much about Lucifer and dark works, more of the interactions and struggles of the main characters.
February 4, 2024
Starting to get stressful again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews