Review
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Title: From The End of Heaven
Author: Chris Stewart
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Fiction
Year Published: 2008
Number of Pages: 332
Binding: Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-59038-858-7
Price: $21.95

Reviewed by Jaymie Reynolds

There are so many different ways that this review might begin. I could say, "If you were an excellent scout and you thrive on the motto 'Be Prepared', then this is the book for you". Or I could start by saying, "If you are a conspiracy nut and you see hidden threats around every corner, this is your book. Beware! This book is almost guaranteed to heighten your level of paranoia." I could even say, "If you are an every day, average person who is trying to live life in a world where the economy, moral values and love for mankind are crumbling, then you will feel a kinship with many of the characters in this book." In his book, From The End of Heaven, author Chris Stewart has managed to serve up a dish with something for almost everyone.

The United States of America has been crippled and nearly destroyed by electromagnetic pulses that have wiped out their entire electrical grid. In a world that has turned upside down and left them with little food or water, the citizens of the United States are reverting to the most basic components of their own natures. Those who have preferred evil or have been inclined to immorality and empty pleasures are cannoning down a slippery slope toward the death and destruction of themselves and all they encounter. Those people who have spent their lives seeking out that which is good and uplifting are struggling to survive in a world filled with physical and moral darkness.

This is the world in which Sara Brighton and her sons, Ammon, Luke and Sam, find themselves. Sara is wrestling with her newly acquired knowledge of a conspiracy to take over the United States, while at the same time, dealing with the death of her beloved husband. Sam is stepping up to his responsibilities as the man of the family. By using his military training, Sam is doing all he can to protect his family and lead them out of the big city to a safer haven. The Brighton family, along with their new friends, Mary Dupree, her daughter, Kelly Beth, and their friend, Azadeh, are planning their escape.

Meanwhile, Sam's best friend, Bono, is on a desperate cross-country trek on foot to find his wife and daughter. Caelyn is staying with her parents in Memphis. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she is struggling to hang on to her faith and protect both her parents and her daughter. During her trial by fire, Caelyn comes to realize just how much help she receives from the other side of the veil.

While the fate of the United States and its constitution hang by a thread, these good people are desperately trying to help each other. Their goodness grows greater with the passing of each challenge. By the same token, the darkness and evil around them grows greater with each passing hour.

From The End of Heaven is a book that will appeal mostly to those who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mainly because that is the dominant religious focus of the book. This book is exciting to read. It is a fast-paced, fairly smooth read. It is also linked closely enough to the world in which we now live to be fairly plausible. The miracles evidenced in this story are similar to those witnessed by followers of the Savior throughout the ages. That isn't to say that there were not some portions of this book that were far-fetched.

I did find it rather distracting that the Holy Ghost spoke directly by voice and some rather lengthy speech multiple times to almost every main character in this book. While I understand that the author probably wants to convey just how much help comes from the Holy Ghost, it would be great to see this done in a little more realistic manner. In future books, I would like to see this handled more as the leaders of the Church state...by thought and by feeling, etc. I realize that some people do actually hear a voice, however it is not such a high percentage and not every time that they need an answer.

Overall, Chris Stewart has done a great job of creating a thought-provoking piece of work. Readers of From The End of Heaven will have an opportunity to see the world as it could possibly be. This book is a great mix of action and faith that will cause many readers to take stock of their own lives, their faith and their preparedness for times of need.