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The Alpha and the Omega: An absurd philosophical tale about God, the end of the world, and what's on the other planets
Monday, March 28, 2016 begins like any other day for Zack, a devout atheist with a profitable appointment as an equity fund manager at a top Wall Street firm. He squeezes into the last seat on the subway car and does not say anything to the man sitting next to him selfishly hogging all the space. He grabs a coffee at his favorite newsstand and heads to his office. And later, his eyes wander to the photo of his dead parents on the corner of his desk.
However, a few minutes after the closing bell, a most unusual thing happens. The true and living God of Heaven and Earth walks into Zack’s office and declares that he is real, that he is ending the world and turning Earth into the new Heaven, and that Zack may stay, despite his atheism, because he was a good person.
Once Zack gets his bearings in the stunning dreamscape that is God’s new kingdom on Earth, God introduces him to Lilly, a headstrong former-lawyer for the poor who also once worshipped at the church of the faithless. Together, they explore paradise’s many wonders large and small, such as telepathy, the cloud cities, and never needing to use a bathroom. In this, they find a measure of happiness. However, not everything is as it seems, as it may turn out that God has a reason for not revealing what he keeps on the other planets … and there just might be more than one deity in the universe.
The Alpha and the Omega is a satiric, post-apocalyptic love story. It’s an absurdist philosophical novel. It’s a sci-fi/action, Hollywood-blockbuster waiting to be made. And it will answer all of your deepest questions about the meaning of life and will reveal all of the universe’s wildest, most incredible secrets. I promise.
WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS PROFANITY; POLITICAL OPINION; LONG, PHILOSOPHICAL-ISH DIALOGUE; AND OTHER OFFENSIVE MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR MOST READERS. ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS ARE PURELY FICTIONAL, AND ANY RESEMBLANCES TO YOUR GOD OR OTHER GODS YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL. ALSO, PRODUCT MAY NOT ACTUALLY REVEAL THE MEANING OF LIFE OR THE UNIVERSE’S WILDEST, MOST INCREDIBLE SECRETS. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WILL VARY.
However, a few minutes after the closing bell, a most unusual thing happens. The true and living God of Heaven and Earth walks into Zack’s office and declares that he is real, that he is ending the world and turning Earth into the new Heaven, and that Zack may stay, despite his atheism, because he was a good person.
Once Zack gets his bearings in the stunning dreamscape that is God’s new kingdom on Earth, God introduces him to Lilly, a headstrong former-lawyer for the poor who also once worshipped at the church of the faithless. Together, they explore paradise’s many wonders large and small, such as telepathy, the cloud cities, and never needing to use a bathroom. In this, they find a measure of happiness. However, not everything is as it seems, as it may turn out that God has a reason for not revealing what he keeps on the other planets … and there just might be more than one deity in the universe.
The Alpha and the Omega is a satiric, post-apocalyptic love story. It’s an absurdist philosophical novel. It’s a sci-fi/action, Hollywood-blockbuster waiting to be made. And it will answer all of your deepest questions about the meaning of life and will reveal all of the universe’s wildest, most incredible secrets. I promise.
WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS PROFANITY; POLITICAL OPINION; LONG, PHILOSOPHICAL-ISH DIALOGUE; AND OTHER OFFENSIVE MATERIAL NOT SUITABLE FOR MOST READERS. ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS ARE PURELY FICTIONAL, AND ANY RESEMBLANCES TO YOUR GOD OR OTHER GODS YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL. ALSO, PRODUCT MAY NOT ACTUALLY REVEAL THE MEANING OF LIFE OR THE UNIVERSE’S WILDEST, MOST INCREDIBLE SECRETS. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WILL VARY.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2014
About the author
H.M. Charley Ada
1 book386 followersI like reading philosophy, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, speculative - basically anything that makes me think or look at the world in a different way. Lately I've also been a little more into non-fiction - especially politics. Let's just say that with everything going on in the U.S. and the world right now, I want to be informed.
My reviews tend to be positive because I choose what I read carefully. I read a lot of reviews and samples, and if I can't get into something and have to put it down early, I don't review because I don't think it's fair.
Due to certain life events and schedule constraints, I listen primarily to audiobooks. I've always loved dusting off an old print favorite from my bookcase or discovering a rare, out-of-print paperback from a used bookstore with yellow pages practically falling out. But these days, unless we're talking about a kids' book, a how-to, or something like that, a print book or even a kindle version is going to have to wait a long time before I can get to it.
I write too, and you can check out my first novel below.
I also love photography and post a lot of sunrise/sky pics on Twitter, using the handle @BigBluC, and on Instagram, using the handle curious_brown_eye
My reviews tend to be positive because I choose what I read carefully. I read a lot of reviews and samples, and if I can't get into something and have to put it down early, I don't review because I don't think it's fair.
Due to certain life events and schedule constraints, I listen primarily to audiobooks. I've always loved dusting off an old print favorite from my bookcase or discovering a rare, out-of-print paperback from a used bookstore with yellow pages practically falling out. But these days, unless we're talking about a kids' book, a how-to, or something like that, a print book or even a kindle version is going to have to wait a long time before I can get to it.
I write too, and you can check out my first novel below.
I also love photography and post a lot of sunrise/sky pics on Twitter, using the handle @BigBluC, and on Instagram, using the handle curious_brown_eye
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 17, 2015
"Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, nothing is secret that will not become known."
3.7 HEAVENLY STARS!
I can't say I didn't enjoy this.I think this is an educational novel with a lot of humor.Actually I'm a great fan of novels with a hidden humor and I must say the author has a quite sense of it.
The idea is quite unique.During the adventure the author brings in the surface a lot of issues and important points.Also for me the arrival of God on the Earth,showing himself in front of a young man shows skepticism which I truly admired because I'm a fan of skepticism's influence.
The story is about a boy named Zack and a girl called Lily , and their awesome adventure to the beautiful heaven.I liked the author's kind of heaven.It was fun and so different from how I had imagined.I would actually like to try that.Especially talking with the dead ones.
I can't say this was perfect.For me the book had some flaws especially in the dialogues.There were so long and sometimes pointless.Also the description of the characters was lacking a little.I really couldn't cling or know the characters,like their thoughts,feelings.I only saw them leading the adventure but not living it.
I recommend this book to all the readers,especially to the ones who like philosophy.It's an educational novel ,which can answer or add you a lot of questions.This may seem as a children novel but it's actually for all the ages.
February 8, 2015
3.5 Stars... (When, oh when, will we be allowed to include half starts in our ratings? )
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character, Zack, a Wall Street guy, has God appear in front of him one day announcing that he is bringing heaven to earth and that Zack has earned a place there in spite of his atheism, because he was a good person. Once there, God pairs him with Lilly, a feisty public defender who questions everything, even God and heaven.
What follows is an interesting take on the nature of heaven and an individual's perception of what it should be. After the pair travel to another planet in hopes of saving some lost souls, the story begins to loosely follow the story of Adam Ave Eve in the garden of Eden.
I was initially a little disappointed with his vision for his God character. That is, until his "counterpart" is introduced and the debate on whether the primary goal of life is the pursuit of happiness or the pursuit of knowledge. The explanation of their relationship was clever and intriguing
The novel is full of creativity, humor and wit and unique ideas. It was more light hearted than I anticipated but that is not a criticism at all. It was simultaneously fun and thought provoking for someone like me who really wants to know "what lies beyond". There were times when the dialog between characters dragged out a bit, but in all a very enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character, Zack, a Wall Street guy, has God appear in front of him one day announcing that he is bringing heaven to earth and that Zack has earned a place there in spite of his atheism, because he was a good person. Once there, God pairs him with Lilly, a feisty public defender who questions everything, even God and heaven.
What follows is an interesting take on the nature of heaven and an individual's perception of what it should be. After the pair travel to another planet in hopes of saving some lost souls, the story begins to loosely follow the story of Adam Ave Eve in the garden of Eden.
I was initially a little disappointed with his vision for his God character. That is, until his "counterpart" is introduced and the debate on whether the primary goal of life is the pursuit of happiness or the pursuit of knowledge. The explanation of their relationship was clever and intriguing
The novel is full of creativity, humor and wit and unique ideas. It was more light hearted than I anticipated but that is not a criticism at all. It was simultaneously fun and thought provoking for someone like me who really wants to know "what lies beyond". There were times when the dialog between characters dragged out a bit, but in all a very enjoyable story.
October 30, 2014
I loved this tale about heaven, god, and the Garden of Eden. Can heaven really be created on Earth? What if your idea of heaven is someone else's hell? Or if a loved one's heaven does not have you in it? Can it really be heaven if you are concerned about people in hell? And if you're not concerned, do you really deserve to be in heaven?
I love theology and fiction is sometimes the best vehicle to explore it. If you like issues about bliss, knowledge, and morality, this is definitely the book for you.
I love theology and fiction is sometimes the best vehicle to explore it. If you like issues about bliss, knowledge, and morality, this is definitely the book for you.
February 5, 2015
The Alpha and the Omega: An absurd philosophical tale about God, the end of the world, and what's on the other planets was a very refreshing read. I like philosophically based books and this one is quite unique. It has a specific style yet a smooth narrative. I enjoyed the entertaining view on the after life and the overall playful approach to faith and religion.
The novel begins with the story of Zack and Lilly, two ordinary humans and atheists, who go about their lives calmly, before God enters their lives and invites them to heaven. The heaven seems like the promised paradise at first. One can savour his favourite meals ceaselessly, meet his deceased relatives and have all the fun he could imagine. However, it eventually turns out to be not as ideal and even God doesn’t seem so perfect anymore. What follows is a rich, deep but also whimsical journey through different worlds, planets and an unfolding romance between Lilly and Zack with an amusing twist in the end.
What stood out the most to me was the philosophy behind the question that we all probably ask ourselves sometimes, and the answer it poses:
Why doesn’t God do anything to change the world for the better?
But why don’t WE do anything?
The novel also brought up the themes of duality, balance in life and responsibility, taking action instead of blaming the world, change the within if we seek change without, the concept of higher power and why humans have the desire to follow leaders, gurus, mentors or any kind of authority in general. This story really makes your mind spin but in a fun light mode and I enjoyed that.
The novel begins with the story of Zack and Lilly, two ordinary humans and atheists, who go about their lives calmly, before God enters their lives and invites them to heaven. The heaven seems like the promised paradise at first. One can savour his favourite meals ceaselessly, meet his deceased relatives and have all the fun he could imagine. However, it eventually turns out to be not as ideal and even God doesn’t seem so perfect anymore. What follows is a rich, deep but also whimsical journey through different worlds, planets and an unfolding romance between Lilly and Zack with an amusing twist in the end.
What stood out the most to me was the philosophy behind the question that we all probably ask ourselves sometimes, and the answer it poses:
Why doesn’t God do anything to change the world for the better?
But why don’t WE do anything?
The novel also brought up the themes of duality, balance in life and responsibility, taking action instead of blaming the world, change the within if we seek change without, the concept of higher power and why humans have the desire to follow leaders, gurus, mentors or any kind of authority in general. This story really makes your mind spin but in a fun light mode and I enjoyed that.
November 5, 2014
Happiness or Knowledge (Truth), what is the real thing? And what matter most? The Alpha and the Omega is a wonderful journey, a journey to find the answer, a solid one. It starts as it starts in everyday new york or some other metropolitan city with two not so but so normal characters, and things get changes in the middle, then its start of wonderful journey, journey to find the answer of our very existence. You learn everything get defined again, Happiness, Knowledge, Truth, JFK, Abortion, Our Beliefs, and Our Needs. And it ends where everything got started somewhere you never imagined :)
June 10, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book and found that the author has a very creative mind and a great sense of humor. He brought up many controversial points throughout the story and addressed many issues that are difficult for us all to deal with in an intelligent manner. This is definitely one that promotes thinking about "what could happen". I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy reading a captivating book which causes continued thought after you've finished reading it.
October 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. A light fun read that still has great depth to it. It asks a lot of serious questions and poses a lot of potential answers, but all of this is just a background to that great adventure that Zack and Lilly take. I would recommend this book to anyone, the content spans several genres and I think everyone will find something they like in this book.
February 12, 2015
I won a copy of this book on Goodreads First-Reads.
This was an interesting journey! I liked it a lot, and also there were a lot of different topics which I absolutely agreed with. I've never read anything like this before though.
This was an interesting journey! I liked it a lot, and also there were a lot of different topics which I absolutely agreed with. I've never read anything like this before though.
November 21, 2014
Unconventionally Amazing..!
March 9, 2015
May contain spoilers.
Another normal day begins as Zack, a devout atheist, resumes his office life as a manager in wall street. As 4 o'clock approached it seemed like another routine would come to a conclusion, but in an unexpected turn of events, it just wasn't any day, it was in fact, the end of the world.
No, there wasn't any catastrophic event. In an unusual afternoon, a man walks by his office and then.....................
God tells him that He is bringing heaven to earth.
of course Zack is confused. He is an Atheist, but his goodness brought him to heaven. This heaven, God explains, will have no disease, no pain, no death and any material thing you wish, you will get.
Zack had a bit of fun in this paradise. But he is still bothered. He still has questions. Then God introduced him to Lilly, an atheist feisty lawyer for-the-poor who is going through the same phase as he is. Together they go on a philosophical journey through worlds, planets as they seek truths to questions about life and God (and probably questions that bother some of us as well).
Your idea heaven is?
Clearly the author painted a beautiful albeit weird picture of heaven. A heaven on earth? A library where history of every man exists? You can do Anything and I mean.....
THIS.. PLACE.. HAS... EVERYTHING........your Childhood Story written by God, Your long lost relatives brought back to life, unlimited food supply, telepathy, cloud beds, getting drunk without hangovers. This is probably going to be my heaven now. The possibilities here are endless.
Each one of us has a different take on heaven. Heaven for most of us is "The End" . A paradise for our soul after we are done with our life on earth and finally reunite with the creator. But in the novel, it is just the starting point of the bigger story.
This novel is very creative and very unique. It takes a bit of time to build up, a slow start, (and for me, the story really took flight by the time they went to limbo) but it delivered in the end. Delivered what? you may ask, definitely a fresh take on the big issues of life.
What really impressed me the most is that it opens up your perspective to a lot of things, opinions and beliefs. Let's be real, religion is such a sensitive topic, and it's difficult to give points without touching some nerves. But the beauty of this book is, commentary on God, life, religion, humanity never got across as a one sided view point. Some are new to me, the allusions and metaphors the author used are original and interesting. But 'less is more' approach could have made this book from being 'so good' to 'out of this world good'. There's too much dialogue in some sequences. But the charm and humor from this book can make up for that now. And most importantly, it is not easy to pull off a part sci-fi, part philosophy, part fantasy story but the author surely made it. I expect great things from this author.
I don't really know why but reading this book reminded me of The Little Prince. Maybe because of travelling to another planet? or because the main character was also seeking truths about life as well? a little bit of both but more of the latter for me.
If you like reading books that will give you thoughts to ponder on, this is the perfect book for you. It's fresh, it's unusual, it's unique.
Another normal day begins as Zack, a devout atheist, resumes his office life as a manager in wall street. As 4 o'clock approached it seemed like another routine would come to a conclusion, but in an unexpected turn of events, it just wasn't any day, it was in fact, the end of the world.
No, there wasn't any catastrophic event. In an unusual afternoon, a man walks by his office and then.....................
God tells him that He is bringing heaven to earth.
of course Zack is confused. He is an Atheist, but his goodness brought him to heaven. This heaven, God explains, will have no disease, no pain, no death and any material thing you wish, you will get.
Zack had a bit of fun in this paradise. But he is still bothered. He still has questions. Then God introduced him to Lilly, an atheist feisty lawyer for-the-poor who is going through the same phase as he is. Together they go on a philosophical journey through worlds, planets as they seek truths to questions about life and God (and probably questions that bother some of us as well).
Your idea heaven is?
Clearly the author painted a beautiful albeit weird picture of heaven. A heaven on earth? A library where history of every man exists? You can do Anything and I mean.....
THIS.. PLACE.. HAS... EVERYTHING........your Childhood Story written by God, Your long lost relatives brought back to life, unlimited food supply, telepathy, cloud beds, getting drunk without hangovers. This is probably going to be my heaven now. The possibilities here are endless.
Each one of us has a different take on heaven. Heaven for most of us is "The End" . A paradise for our soul after we are done with our life on earth and finally reunite with the creator. But in the novel, it is just the starting point of the bigger story.
This novel is very creative and very unique. It takes a bit of time to build up, a slow start, (and for me, the story really took flight by the time they went to limbo) but it delivered in the end. Delivered what? you may ask, definitely a fresh take on the big issues of life.
What really impressed me the most is that it opens up your perspective to a lot of things, opinions and beliefs. Let's be real, religion is such a sensitive topic, and it's difficult to give points without touching some nerves. But the beauty of this book is, commentary on God, life, religion, humanity never got across as a one sided view point. Some are new to me, the allusions and metaphors the author used are original and interesting. But 'less is more' approach could have made this book from being 'so good' to 'out of this world good'. There's too much dialogue in some sequences. But the charm and humor from this book can make up for that now. And most importantly, it is not easy to pull off a part sci-fi, part philosophy, part fantasy story but the author surely made it. I expect great things from this author.
I don't really know why but reading this book reminded me of The Little Prince. Maybe because of travelling to another planet? or because the main character was also seeking truths about life as well? a little bit of both but more of the latter for me.
If you like reading books that will give you thoughts to ponder on, this is the perfect book for you. It's fresh, it's unusual, it's unique.
December 4, 2014
“The Alpha and the Omega is a satiric, post-apocalyptic love story. It’s an absurdist philosophical novel. It’s a sci-fi/action, Hollywood-blockbuster waiting to be made. And it will answer all of your deepest questions about the meaning of life and will reveal all of the universe’s wildest, most incredible secrets. I promise.”
I’d take that particular “promise” with a grain of salt. What Mr. Ada should have promised (because he definitely delivered) was a thoroughly entertaining read, with some of the wildest imaginative metaphoric and analogical storytelling I’ve had the great pleasure to read. The author didn’t completely renege on his promise to answer your questions about the meaning of life. Although, the “universe’s wildest, most incredible secrets” were more than adequately delivered the degree of revelation is dependent upon your own, personal prior experience with the universe, its secrets and your own level of prior knowledge
It was as promised, a sci-fi/action story. The development of the characters was superbly done and I was instantly drawn to Zack and Lilly. I wasn’t quite able to suspend disbelief or empathize with God. For me, he was a bit too flippant, too…well, “deux-ex-machina” in an oblique way. Difficult to explain but, I simply couldn’t get my head around some of his actions or explanations. No matter, Zack and Lilly, along with an intriguing cast of supporting actors more than made up for a less than warm and fuzzy God-guy. Adding to an enjoyable reading experience, Mr. Ada often displays an admirable level of philosophical theories about life, other worlds, religion and historical implications in the development of all the above. Usually, this kind of input into a sci-fi/action story would become didactic and ruin the pace. Mr. Ada’s use of metaphor and analogy in a variety of humorous ways allows these ideologies to seamlessly blend into the story. Highly recommended for young and old. Kudos, Mr. Ada.
I’d take that particular “promise” with a grain of salt. What Mr. Ada should have promised (because he definitely delivered) was a thoroughly entertaining read, with some of the wildest imaginative metaphoric and analogical storytelling I’ve had the great pleasure to read. The author didn’t completely renege on his promise to answer your questions about the meaning of life. Although, the “universe’s wildest, most incredible secrets” were more than adequately delivered the degree of revelation is dependent upon your own, personal prior experience with the universe, its secrets and your own level of prior knowledge
It was as promised, a sci-fi/action story. The development of the characters was superbly done and I was instantly drawn to Zack and Lilly. I wasn’t quite able to suspend disbelief or empathize with God. For me, he was a bit too flippant, too…well, “deux-ex-machina” in an oblique way. Difficult to explain but, I simply couldn’t get my head around some of his actions or explanations. No matter, Zack and Lilly, along with an intriguing cast of supporting actors more than made up for a less than warm and fuzzy God-guy. Adding to an enjoyable reading experience, Mr. Ada often displays an admirable level of philosophical theories about life, other worlds, religion and historical implications in the development of all the above. Usually, this kind of input into a sci-fi/action story would become didactic and ruin the pace. Mr. Ada’s use of metaphor and analogy in a variety of humorous ways allows these ideologies to seamlessly blend into the story. Highly recommended for young and old. Kudos, Mr. Ada.
August 27, 2018
Alpha and the Omega was a great read. It’s an educational and philosophical experience, as well as an enjoyable read. What I really appreciated about this book was that it helps you to see the other side’s viewpoints on a lot of big issues in the world. Most of us tend to get comfortable with our own worldviews, and we often surround ourselves with people who hold similar viewpoints. This book, however, doesn’t stick to shoving one agenda at you. Sure, it starts with a narrator who is atheist, but then he dies and meets God. I won’t ruin it, but things get even more interesting from there, the more he interacts with God. Just realize that this book as far as I can tell is neither atheistic nor theistic, it just is.
For anyone who is interested in philosophy, but is put off by the difficult to read volumes that are out there now, Alpha and the Omega is a nice place to start. It delves deeply into big philosophical issues, like what is morally right, where we come from, and what our purpose is. Most importantly, the book is easily understood, while still going through real complexities.
If you are thirsty for true knowledge, and true understanding of the meaning of life, you’ll want to read this book. It will not spoon feed you, but it sure as heck will give you food for thought. Of course, if nothing I’ve said sparks your interest, this may not be the kind of book for you.
I. C. Robledo, Author in "Mind & Brain Improvement"
To learn more, search my name in your Goodreads search bar.
For anyone who is interested in philosophy, but is put off by the difficult to read volumes that are out there now, Alpha and the Omega is a nice place to start. It delves deeply into big philosophical issues, like what is morally right, where we come from, and what our purpose is. Most importantly, the book is easily understood, while still going through real complexities.
If you are thirsty for true knowledge, and true understanding of the meaning of life, you’ll want to read this book. It will not spoon feed you, but it sure as heck will give you food for thought. Of course, if nothing I’ve said sparks your interest, this may not be the kind of book for you.
I. C. Robledo, Author in "Mind & Brain Improvement"
To learn more, search my name in your Goodreads search bar.
July 12, 2014
I thought the story was great, not to mention unique in design. You could argue the story is fantasy fiction, because I guess to some degree it is, but I'm not a huge fan of fantasy and this book didn't feel as much like fantasy as it did a commentary on humanity. The book deals with God's return to earth, but remains fiction because the author finds himself questioning the plans of God. You get this feeling that maybe, just maybe, God doesn't have the most well thought out plan, but this is what kept me reading. I grew up in a Southern Baptist home, and the story really appealed to me in that a lot of talk is given to the Rapture but nobody really goes into any detail other than it seems like a huge Hollywood production. The author was able to make this event human. You get to see the confusion, the skepticism, and you get a sense of foreboding that is eased by humor. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the scenes; you will too.
July 15, 2014
Despite the somewhat misleading cover, "the Alpha and the Omega" while possessing some whimsical humor, is not a children's book. It is an exciting adult fantasy of what could happen if "God" were to appear to an ordinary young man going about his ordinary business on an ordinary day. This "Everyman" theme raises important questions about modern society and our place in the universe. Filled with humorous observations, it becomes an adventurous trip through strange worlds where the"impossible" becomes possible. This tale strives to answer age old questions by presenting original and creative speculations as possible truths. This new author to the literary scene manages to do this with an exciting story and interesting characters who will linger in your mind long after the final pages. Since this is billed as the beginning of a trilogy, I can't wait to discover what is next for Zack and Lilly!
March 27, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
This book! I was expecting to like it, just to like it, instead I ended up enjoying it very much. The characters are realistic, they feel like real people. I found in Lilly a new female heroin and the story went to the right places at the right times. The only thing that I think needs a little improvement is the dialog. Certain words sometimes made me realise that I was reading and to me off of the story for a second or two. Despite that the philosophical conversations between Zack and Lilly were perfect. I must say that one of my favorite quotes was: "In Heaven, women were equal in physical strength to men". I wonder what would change in the world if that suddenly became true... The last two things I want to mention are the cover -so pretty- and the video game ideas -so freaking cool.
This book! I was expecting to like it, just to like it, instead I ended up enjoying it very much. The characters are realistic, they feel like real people. I found in Lilly a new female heroin and the story went to the right places at the right times. The only thing that I think needs a little improvement is the dialog. Certain words sometimes made me realise that I was reading and to me off of the story for a second or two. Despite that the philosophical conversations between Zack and Lilly were perfect. I must say that one of my favorite quotes was: "In Heaven, women were equal in physical strength to men". I wonder what would change in the world if that suddenly became true... The last two things I want to mention are the cover -so pretty- and the video game ideas -so freaking cool.
January 19, 2015
I enjoyed reading it the second time as much as the first. It was different than what I had expected. The first time I read it. It is very well written and how Zack and Lilly got to know each other. The way in which they felt the world should be, and the fact that heaven for each person was just a little different. How Zack and Lilly want to help other people who were not quite ready for heaven and how there are different plants out there and the fact they want to know about all the different worlds that there are. To me this is a really interesting book, Charley said he was wanting to make it a trilogy I can not wait to read his other books when they get wrote and published. It is a great book.
October 21, 2015
3.5 ⭐️
An enjoyable read and quite interesting - it just lacked finesse...to really give it a better rating.
I'm wondering would it have a sequel? Is that in the plans?
An enjoyable read and quite interesting - it just lacked finesse...to really give it a better rating.
I'm wondering would it have a sequel? Is that in the plans?
July 29, 2016
I appreciated the honesty and the sense of humour. It reminded me that, just because it's impossible to find the answers, we shouldn't stop asking ourselves the questions.
October 29, 2014
This is an unusual book.
It is a book of ideas. The title is quite right to call it "an absurd philosophical tale", because what we get is a riot of philosophical musings, imagination, fantasy.
It is like an explosion in an ideas factory - a gigantic BANG!!! followed by a hailstorm of thoughts and ideas showering around us. I get the strong sense that Charley has a lot to say and that sitting down to write it, all of these ideas have come tumbling out of his imagination. It's a released flood when the dam breaks.
The plot is hard to describe. There are two main characters leading ordinary lives until judgment day, God appears, we flit over to Limbo, one character's dog becomes sentient, there is a small war, we build a spaceship, another God-like character ...
In other words, a lot happens. But there are also large parts of the book where not a lot happens. We get characters talking to each other for page after page. For example, towards the end of the book there is a discussion with God about abortion. It comes from nowhere, isn't connected to the plot, and it goes nowhere.
The effect on the reader? I suspect that most people will have a mixed reaction to this book. There is lots to like. The ideas are intriguing. But because there are so many ideas we never really get the chance to explore any one of them in any depth. There is so much dialogue that we don't see how characters are feeling.
The action alternates between very slow and very fast. Lots of dialogue is followed by a main character dying in a single sentence. An intense feeling of "are we nearly there yet?" is followed by a "whew! Where did that come from?"
All in all, it's a creditable first novel. There are enough ideas in here to power a dozen novels - and that perhaps is both its strength and a weakness.
Charley Ada is an author to watch out for.
It is a book of ideas. The title is quite right to call it "an absurd philosophical tale", because what we get is a riot of philosophical musings, imagination, fantasy.
It is like an explosion in an ideas factory - a gigantic BANG!!! followed by a hailstorm of thoughts and ideas showering around us. I get the strong sense that Charley has a lot to say and that sitting down to write it, all of these ideas have come tumbling out of his imagination. It's a released flood when the dam breaks.
The plot is hard to describe. There are two main characters leading ordinary lives until judgment day, God appears, we flit over to Limbo, one character's dog becomes sentient, there is a small war, we build a spaceship, another God-like character ...
In other words, a lot happens. But there are also large parts of the book where not a lot happens. We get characters talking to each other for page after page. For example, towards the end of the book there is a discussion with God about abortion. It comes from nowhere, isn't connected to the plot, and it goes nowhere.
The effect on the reader? I suspect that most people will have a mixed reaction to this book. There is lots to like. The ideas are intriguing. But because there are so many ideas we never really get the chance to explore any one of them in any depth. There is so much dialogue that we don't see how characters are feeling.
The action alternates between very slow and very fast. Lots of dialogue is followed by a main character dying in a single sentence. An intense feeling of "are we nearly there yet?" is followed by a "whew! Where did that come from?"
All in all, it's a creditable first novel. There are enough ideas in here to power a dozen novels - and that perhaps is both its strength and a weakness.
Charley Ada is an author to watch out for.
August 17, 2014
Heaven is often portrayed as a human goal, but that may be a little self absorbed... Considering its holiness, maybe we'd only be a small feature in its story? Rather than being the end, Heaven is only the starting point for this novel, and the scope reaches out broadly from there to what larger adventures might be occurring than just on our little earth.
The main adventure also contains another mini-story about a perspective on the attempt to bring others into your own religion. This is the first book in a series, so I guess we'll find out later whether we meet more mini-stories or that plot continues.
There are some definitely funny scenes, but this isn't one of those books that is there to poke fun at religion (eg. Scepticism Inc). Instead it delivers a larger-than-life adventure with some splashes of philosophy to ponder along the way.
Three stars from me and, since something average can barely get one star from me, a good effort.
The main adventure also contains another mini-story about a perspective on the attempt to bring others into your own religion. This is the first book in a series, so I guess we'll find out later whether we meet more mini-stories or that plot continues.
There are some definitely funny scenes, but this isn't one of those books that is there to poke fun at religion (eg. Scepticism Inc). Instead it delivers a larger-than-life adventure with some splashes of philosophy to ponder along the way.
Three stars from me and, since something average can barely get one star from me, a good effort.
October 17, 2015
I want to mention that I won a copy of this book.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel, and it was an absurd philosophical tale, the title doesn't lie. The initial premise is a little absurd and as you get into the book it just gets crazier and crazier until the final crazy twist at the end.
I liked the progression of ideas in the book and I think that the author has an interesting take on the afterlife and religion in general. I like the way it makes you consider certain ideas about morality and virtue.
The dialog and writing is a bit stilted, especially in the beginning, but with further writing experience I think that the style will catch up with the ideas and creativity. Seeing that he plans on writing two follow-up books, I will continue to see how the story unfolds.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel, and it was an absurd philosophical tale, the title doesn't lie. The initial premise is a little absurd and as you get into the book it just gets crazier and crazier until the final crazy twist at the end.
I liked the progression of ideas in the book and I think that the author has an interesting take on the afterlife and religion in general. I like the way it makes you consider certain ideas about morality and virtue.
The dialog and writing is a bit stilted, especially in the beginning, but with further writing experience I think that the style will catch up with the ideas and creativity. Seeing that he plans on writing two follow-up books, I will continue to see how the story unfolds.
October 22, 2015
An astounding tale that ties in philosophy with adventure.
Ada has managed to keep readers engaged with by building up a magnificent plot while hiding philosophical easter eggs in the characters' witty conversations. To say anything more would be spoiling the story, thus I shall stop my near incessant rant here!
Hoping to see the second volume soon!
Ada has managed to keep readers engaged with by building up a magnificent plot while hiding philosophical easter eggs in the characters' witty conversations. To say anything more would be spoiling the story, thus I shall stop my near incessant rant here!
Hoping to see the second volume soon!
October 23, 2015
I won this book in a good reads giveaway and am glad I did.
Quirky and original book. It's not often God wanders into your office on a workday, and if you are an atheist it would certainly shake up your day. Good bit of philosophy in this and will make you think. Quite amusing at times as well. Recommended.
Solid 3 star.
Quirky and original book. It's not often God wanders into your office on a workday, and if you are an atheist it would certainly shake up your day. Good bit of philosophy in this and will make you think. Quite amusing at times as well. Recommended.
Solid 3 star.
August 18, 2014
Great book! It held my interest throughout! It really made me think about all the possibilities relating to God, religion, and our purpose on this earth. I can't wait to see where the author will take us in Book Two.
April 24, 2016
Well it is a very well writed book, that has a very unique subject. It is funny and I very much recommend it. Personally I liked it even I do not approve everything that the writer says in his book. Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for the oportunity of reading this book.
August 14, 2015
It was a little hard to get into the book in the beginning, but once I got through one third of book, I couldn't put it down. It was refreshing and daring. It was a kind of book that made me think.
March 26, 2018
An interesting read, though I did struggle to pick it up for the first half. It wasn't dull, but I hated the ending. It really cheapened the whole experience and it didn't end. It's like the end is missing!
I expect this author will grow and improve with each next novel.
I expect this author will grow and improve with each next novel.
January 9, 2016
I won a copy of this book as part of a GR First Reads giveaway. I am not really sure what I was expecting coming in but it wasn't this story. I am surprised that I read it as quickly as I did as the story never really clicked with me. The overall concept had some promise but the story just never drew me into being immersed. It only really got interesting when Kerberus appeared on Limbo.
Once I got past the halfway mark I started thinking about the end game, I kept wondering how it would all wrap up. The end was just not satisfying, it didn't make a lot of sense to me and the final scene just felt tacked on. It was almost like the author had a page limit and once it was reached the story ended right there.
There were some interesting philosophical debates in place; sometimes it felt like the author was showing atheism to be the truth, then in other places it went the other direction. This just wasn't the book for me.
Once I got past the halfway mark I started thinking about the end game, I kept wondering how it would all wrap up. The end was just not satisfying, it didn't make a lot of sense to me and the final scene just felt tacked on. It was almost like the author had a page limit and once it was reached the story ended right there.
There were some interesting philosophical debates in place; sometimes it felt like the author was showing atheism to be the truth, then in other places it went the other direction. This just wasn't the book for me.
October 16, 2014
I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads.
I had high hopes for this book--maybe too high. The subject matter (questioning prevailing metaphysical philosophies) is a favorite of mine. The story is good but it reads more like a parable than a novel.
The characters ask the right questions and make realistic choices, but we don't get to see inside their heads. This makes for two dimensional characters that don't seem to grow as much as I would expect. I couldn't connect with them in a way that made the read exciting. I easily put it down at the end of each reading session.
The plot and twists and turns were engaging and that got me through.
I had high hopes for this book--maybe too high. The subject matter (questioning prevailing metaphysical philosophies) is a favorite of mine. The story is good but it reads more like a parable than a novel.
The characters ask the right questions and make realistic choices, but we don't get to see inside their heads. This makes for two dimensional characters that don't seem to grow as much as I would expect. I couldn't connect with them in a way that made the read exciting. I easily put it down at the end of each reading session.
The plot and twists and turns were engaging and that got me through.
June 18, 2015
Oh dear. There are many things I could say about this book, none of them very good. The author had a good idea and I can't help but think how things would have been different if someone like Rushdi took a stab at telling the story.
It is obvious to me that the author has not developed enough to be published. I can't say he ever will be, but I'm willing to give him an extra star for possible potential. However, as it stands I found it unreadable. I couldn't finish it because life is too short and full of great literature.
It is obvious to me that the author has not developed enough to be published. I can't say he ever will be, but I'm willing to give him an extra star for possible potential. However, as it stands I found it unreadable. I couldn't finish it because life is too short and full of great literature.
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