The Book of Summer

I was wondering how James F. David would continue the Judgment Day storyline. I was not disappointed -- it was readable and interesting. I liked it, especially as the author continues to boldly address uncomfortable/non-PC topics. But, the Christian emphasis was stronger in this book and it ended definitely as one part of an ongoing story. I didn't like those aspects as much, so I gave 4 out of 5 stars.

I've read every book James F. David has written, since his first book was released well over a decade ago. He is one of those authors who you shake your head and wonder why he isn't a bestseller, as he has all the forumlas for big time success. Completely original stories, edge of your seat excitement and thrills, tightly written mysteries that keep you moving onto the next chapter, when you should have turned the lights out hours before and good character development. His latest book, "The Book of Summer", is no exception. While the novel will completey stand alone, I'd recommend reading "Judgment Day" first, as "The Book of Summer" continues a generation or so after the end of the previous novel. The main character is teenager named Summer, who has been born into slavery on the distant plannet of America. While it is all she knows, she has heard about life before slavery and dreams of escaping. The novel is her story. I won't include any spoilers, but I will state that at times I found the novel disturbing. David's descriptions of the horrible abuse by the slavemasters is vivid at times and I found myself cringing. As I read the novel, I was reminded many times of the novel, "The Sparrow". The jacket quotes a reviewer as saying that it is an "acopalyptic novel Left Behind readers will like" and would strongly agree and disagree at the same time. I'd agree that readers of those novels would love David's two books and find them ten times better written and researched. Unfortunately, I would disagree in that there can be no comparison in these two lovels. If you are looking for a great read, check out "Judgment Day" and "The Book of Summer" - you will not be disappointed.

God spoke to the Christians and gave his Chosen one a vision of a new world along with the science and technology to make it happen. He delivered on his promises and the Fellowship landed on America, which was not the world God granted them. Among the passengers are blacks who want to have a better lifestyle. They remained on planet America; when soldiers from earth arrived to eradicate them, the settlers defeated them. The blacks are the masters while the whites are the slaves. Summer is a slave who is owned by Master Rice; though she abhors him she believes he will make her his concubine like he did with her mother. When Rice kills the man she loves, Summer runs off to a hiding place. There she meets Rey Mann, who has traveled the world after twenty years of being alone on the other side. He hoped the Fellowship would return him from exile, but is unaware they are gone. He has encountered severe loneliness and endured horrific hardship until he meets Summer; he delivers her baby. When Summer is captured and taken to town for punishment, Rey goes to rescue her unintentionally starting a freedom revolt. The sequel to JUDGMENT DAY is a fascinating racial bending reversal of the Antebellum South. Summer craves freedom and is willing to die to achieve it. Master Rice is a fully developed villain who is a product of his society as he nor his peers see his actions as evil; instead Summer is property to abuse and discard on a whim; his rage drives him over the edge as he wants the power his mother-in-law possesses. This is superb thriller filled with redemption and faith as some believe God has abandoned his children, but others strongly disagree. Harriet Klausner