The Last Guardian

...I'm definitely glad I picked it up! This is NOT the type of book I read--in fact, I saw it on the clearance rack or I never would have gotten it. As several have already said, the book is a "spiritual thriller." I have to COMPLETELY disagree with the Publisher's Weekly review in almost every point. Yes, there are significant portions of violence, but none of them "gratuitous." Without going into the plot much, which would REEEALLY spoil it for those of you who haven't read it, Johnson does a masterful job of weaving a couple of storylines into a single work. Basically, the story takes place in two "alternate" universes. Far-fetched? Yeah, of course, but it makes a great story, and the spiritual message is not left behind. It took me a while to figure out where the author was going with the plot, and just when I thought I had it, he surprised me again. The book was tough to put down until completed, the measure by which I judge most books--this one gets five stars!

My mom sent this book to me when I was at camp this summer. I thought I would have no time to read it. Wrong. In fact, I was so hooked, I skipped a lot of the camp activities so I could keep reading.This isn't another copied story. It's an intense, original, masterfully written novel that quickly became one of my very favorite books. And coming from an avid C.S. lewis, Frank Peretti, and John White fan, that's saying alot. And, this book incorporates many of the great characteristics of these authors. If you're as much of a Christian fantasy/thriller fan as I am, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK. It has a lot to teach.

The Last Guardian was my first venture into the Christian fiction genre, so I didn't know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised by what I read. Shane Johnson is an amazing writer. His imagery is vivid; I could very easily visualize the characters, settings, and situations in the book. Some of the scenes were literally chilling! If movies weren't so often made by committee, I would love to see a filmed version of this novel. I couldn't help but try to read The Last Guardian in one sitting. Johnson does a remarkable job weaving scripture, spirituality, and discovery into a compelling story whose every paragraph compels you to dive into the next. At the same time, the story makes you think. The main character, T. G. Shass, undergoes a spiritual rebirth, and along the way he asks questions that we face ourselves: Who am I? Why am I? What is my purpose? As Shass finds his answers through faith, we come to feel that, if we haven't already found our own answers, we can. I highly recommend The Last Guardian, and I thank Shane Johnson for sharing his talent and inspiration with his readers.

If you're interested in a powerful end times thriller with a Peretti like style, this is most definitely the book for you. Johnson brings his characters to life with an amazing and intriguing storyline. Though filled with intricate sci-fi plot twists, Johnson stays dead on with Scripture-an amazing accomplishment. Not only a must read, but a tell-everyone-you-know book. Buy this book, and spread the word! I hope to hear from this author again!

When I read the summary on the back of this book, it didn't really grab me. But I went ahead and started reading anyway. Wow! Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. That said, this book is sure to be controversial. Some scenes are somewhat graphic (strong PG), but certainly not gratuitous. One thing I have always regretted about Christian fiction was that it is usually either poorly written, overly preachy, or both. The "Left Behind" series is a welcome departure from this trend, as are the Frank Peretti novels. If you enjoy Peretti, especially "Piercing the Darkness" and "This Present Darkness," or if you enjoy science fiction or fantasy, even if you aren't a Christian, you will like this book. Get it. You won't regret it.