Lightfall

by Christian Carvajal, Fear Nought Publishing (Editor)

In Sugar Roses, Oklahoma, events tumble rapidly toward the End of the World. We're introduced to a cross-section of this fervently Baptist college town as it struggles to comprehend a series of supernatural roadkill returned to life, a little girl who speaks classical Greek, an ominous shortwave signal, and a demonic voice that calls itself the Megatron. No less foreboding is the news from around the world, in which Christian fundamentalists and Muslim terrorists alike seem hellbent on hastening the Apocalypse. Who or what caused these mysterious events? And if they do presage the foretold Rapture, what on earth--or beyond--will come after? Lightfall is a secular, satirical thrill ride, in which all humanity's glories and vanities can be seen in one lyrical, hypocritical microcosm. The Lightfall is coming...

295 pages, Hardcover

First published November 4, 2009

Reviews

[Ned Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting apocalypse-approaching novel.

The book was a little disjointed, and I found it hard to identify with -- and empathize with -- a specific protagonist. But in this regard, and many others, Carvajal reminds me of both evangelical novelist Frank Peretti and classic SF writer John Brunner (in his Sheep Look Up and Stand on Zanzibar phase).

Carvajal evokes Brunner through his use of manufactured "news" stories from the near future.

The book was entertaining, thought-provoking, occasionally hilarious (especially in Carvajal's caricatures of Christian far-right painted sepulchers), and slightly bizarre.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book a few times, and I've listened to it on Audible a few times. I cannot recommend Audible enough. Beautifully narrated by the author, the audio version is a master class in oral storytelling. Carvajal nails every character and shift in tone. Read it. Listen to it. Do both. It's a fantastic story.

[Christina Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how the narrative reflected the attitude of whichever character the point of view was focused on. I also liked that the author puts an unexpected twist on our expectations of the apocalypse/Armageddon (the ending was great!).

There were a lot of characters to keep track of during the first half of the book, but by the middle it was much easier to keep them straight in my mind.

This was a fun read. I'll definitely read another book by this author!

[Alec Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew the end of the world could be so funny.