This novel reminded me simultaneously of two movies: Groundhog Day and Equilibrium. Damon lives in a future world where Unity (his hometown) appears uThis novel reminded me simultaneously of two movies: Groundhog Day and Equilibrium. Damon lives in a future world where Unity (his hometown) appears utopian at first glance, but which is in fact enslaved under an authoritarian regime that is systematically lying to its citizens about the supposed dangers of the world beyond Unity's dome. Damon gradually discovers the truth over a number of lifetimes, but unlike most stories involving reincarnation, he is reliving the same life over and over. And with each lifetime, he also comes closer to discovering the true nature of his being and indeed his unique destiny.
The novel is an atmospheric mix of science fiction and metaphysical fiction, with a large cast and even bigger world. And like all true sci-fi, at its heart lie some philosophical questions about what it means to have freedom and be united....more
I don't normally read fantasy or young adult fiction, but made an exception in this case for its visionary element. The story follows Sharay, who is wI don't normally read fantasy or young adult fiction, but made an exception in this case for its visionary element. The story follows Sharay, who is wrongly sent to a mental institute by her aunt Phoebe, and is later framed for her uncle's murder (Phoebe's husband) as well. In fact Sharay belongs to a bloodline order of Celtic priestesses and she is at the centre of a prophecy that will bring humanity to a new stage of spiritual evolution. Her aunt is jealous of her niece and wants to seize power for herself.
All the characters are strong and believable. Phoebe is well and truly bad, and actually I would have liked to have seen more of her. I also particularly liked Dillon, Sharay's friend and guide. The story is engaging and very well written, and the magical elements are described with attention to detail. I agree with another reviewer who has said that one love scene, notwithstanding its connections to the religious ideas of the novel, is better suited for maturer audiences than the young adult. But in any case, the novel is a good read....more
I found this second and concluding novel in the series to be even better than the first. After a tragedy that occurs in the opening pages, Sharay chooI found this second and concluding novel in the series to be even better than the first. After a tragedy that occurs in the opening pages, Sharay chooses to separate herself from those she loves in a misguided attempt to protect them.
Jodine Turner does a great job of keeping the emotions running high without being overdramatic. We gradually see Sharay come into her own, and her true strength as heroine comes through as she learns to vanquish her inner demons before she has to face a physical foe, in the form of a dark entity conjured up by her aunt Phoebe. Just one minor quibble: British police officers don't routinely carry guns! :) But this hardly matters, as the final battle between Phoebe and Sharay is gripping and everything falls into place for a memorable ending....more
I read this novel a few months ago in its 'serialised' form. It's a twist on the reincarnation theme; the protagonist (Carol) is taken to her future lI read this novel a few months ago in its 'serialised' form. It's a twist on the reincarnation theme; the protagonist (Carol) is taken to her future life instead of her past one. She's a pianist with a mysterious pain her hands and it's threatening to end her career. Whilst she's on a forced break from her professional playing Carol spends some time at a sleepy village, where she meets a man from her school days (Gene). He becomes the therapist who takes her on her journey to the future.
What makes Carol's journey interesting is that she's a skeptic. She doesn't really believe in reincarnation, but she's drawn both to Gene and to this future, which I won't describe because it'd take too long. Her unique 'future life' sessions soon get the attention of the village and the local spiritualists - and not in a good way. The village starts off very drab and frankly quite dull - but later on the residents become increasingly creepy. And then Carol faces a frightening question: If she really is seeing her future life, what does it say about her own mortality? And is death coming sooner than she thinks?
A good book. Not for everyone, but if you like 'strange' (not horror) fiction, you'll like this....more
I read this book last year. The concept behind it is to introduce the reader to the works of Iqbal, whilst aiming to teach his indescribable 'secret' I read this book last year. The concept behind it is to introduce the reader to the works of Iqbal, whilst aiming to teach his indescribable 'secret' (which is connected to the Islamic worldview and the human aim of immortality).
It's hard to describe the contents of this novel, because though it is technically a work of prose art, it's not really a story as such. It's probably best described as metafiction in the sense of the movie 'The Neverending Story', in which the reader becomes part of the story line.
In this 'novel' (the author pertinently calls it a 'novel of reality') you are taken inside a Garden and begin a voyage of self-discovery as you meet sages and other figures both real and fictional, but all legendary. Your guide is referred to only as 'the Poet' - who is the Islamic poet-philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. All the characters you meet have appeared at some point in Dr Iqbal's poetical works, and there are numerous references to his non-fiction prose as well.
If you're familiar with at least some of Iqbal's works, you will be quite enchanted with this literary maze. If you're not familiar, then you will probably be a little lost. But if you follow the advice to go in and leave your everyday 'self' at the door - that is, your preconceptions - then you will still take something from it.
I have given this book a five star rating because to me it puts all of Iqbal's thought in one place, and it's the kind of book that you can open at any page due its fluid artistic style and lack of formal structure. Most books on Iqbal's philosophy are dry and difficult for the average reader. This one is true to his creative spirit, and is a work of art....more
I came across and read this book a year ago and highly recommend it to anyone who questions what life is about. But you will need to have an open mindI came across and read this book a year ago and highly recommend it to anyone who questions what life is about. But you will need to have an open mind - in fact, if you are to get anything out of it at all, an open mind is an absolute must. Oates' central message is that since we are the animals with an optimally evolved intellect, we must realise our 'higher' purpose in life and reject our current utterly destructive lifestyle. It hardly needs to be said that we humans are by turns the are the most creative and most destructive creatures on earth, but in addition, says Oates, we are wasting our true potential. Our existence lacks direction. We are part of the 'Machine' - a product of collective mindset which arguably came into being with legitimate reasons, but which now is outdated, and threatens our very survival. What is the point of our material progress? Is it worth the cost? Oates says that it is not.
We are not using our intellect for constructive purposes. We are using it simply to ... well, progress for the sake of it. Our lives are becoming increasingly automated, and this means we are heading blindly into a future that can only be described as bleak. And this is where the book gets very interesting. He has spent half a century observing the workings of the Machine and applying his mind to working out how we can escape its grasp (he calls this 'intellating'). It goes without saying that his solution requires a complete education of the human race (which his book aims to provide), but in addition it demands action. Action to actively refuse to participate in the present reality - no matter how small a minority it makes you, and no matter how much mockery you may face from those who don't understand.
If there is one criticism to make, I would say only that Oates makes the mistake of getting into minor details of his vision for the ideal world. As a wise man once said, we should always leave the details to the Future, as the Future is the best arbitrator. By going into details, Oates may well accidentally have appeared to crystalise something that is best understood from its fundamental principles of justice and freedom.
But this doesn't detract from Oates' brilliance. His book contains an important message to humanity, and we must all know it. ...more
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