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A review by josiahdegraaf
The Last Disciple by Hank Hanegraaff
5.0
This book is kind of like what the Left Behind Series would be if it had good eschatology and good writing.
Pros:
The series is based on the premise that, as Christ promised the events He foretold would happen within the generation, the prophecies of Christ, and much of Revelation were fulfilled in the Destruction of Jerusalem. Thus, while being historical fiction, it also uses a lot of apocryphal imagery to accompany these times under Nero's persecution. The result is a fascinating story of the persecutions leading up to 70 A.D. with a partial-preterist view of Revelation.
A lot of Christian novels fail to present complex and realistic characters. This book happily does not fall into this trap. Hanegraaff and Brouwer allow protagonists to mess up at times and make foolish and sinful decisions--and then show them suffering the consequences for it. In addition, all significant areas of character development in the story feel realistic and not forced because "this character has to convert by the story's end."
Very engaging story that is difficult to put down. While the potential negatives of this approach is described below, the utilization of multiple plot-lines going on at once create a very rapid and quick-paced narrative that always leads you to keep turning the pages.
Cons:
Whether or not this is a real con, there are a lot of characters set up in this book and a lot going on. It can be confusing and somewhat difficult to keep up with all of them. While for me, this created a complex and enjoyable read, it also makes this book one that's best read in a short period of time, and not read slowly over a long period of time given how much you have to take track of.
At some points, the novel can get a bit preachy when evidence is being given for the partial-preterist view of the end times. While I agreed with all the arguments, some of the exposition on this point seemed a bit forced. Nevertheless, this was a small detraction in the midst of the whole book.
Overall:
This book is an excellent example of Christian fiction done well. While I came to the book already agreeing with the eschatological view it presented, there's nothing like being able to see such a view visually presented in a novel in such a masterful way. I found myself continually enthralled both by the apocalyptic world it presented, as well as the fascinating characters which populate the story. Must-read.
5 stars.
Pros:
The series is based on the premise that, as Christ promised the events He foretold would happen within the generation, the prophecies of Christ, and much of Revelation were fulfilled in the Destruction of Jerusalem. Thus, while being historical fiction, it also uses a lot of apocryphal imagery to accompany these times under Nero's persecution. The result is a fascinating story of the persecutions leading up to 70 A.D. with a partial-preterist view of Revelation.
A lot of Christian novels fail to present complex and realistic characters. This book happily does not fall into this trap. Hanegraaff and Brouwer allow protagonists to mess up at times and make foolish and sinful decisions--and then show them suffering the consequences for it. In addition, all significant areas of character development in the story feel realistic and not forced because "this character has to convert by the story's end."
Very engaging story that is difficult to put down. While the potential negatives of this approach is described below, the utilization of multiple plot-lines going on at once create a very rapid and quick-paced narrative that always leads you to keep turning the pages.
Cons:
Whether or not this is a real con, there are a lot of characters set up in this book and a lot going on. It can be confusing and somewhat difficult to keep up with all of them. While for me, this created a complex and enjoyable read, it also makes this book one that's best read in a short period of time, and not read slowly over a long period of time given how much you have to take track of.
At some points, the novel can get a bit preachy when evidence is being given for the partial-preterist view of the end times. While I agreed with all the arguments, some of the exposition on this point seemed a bit forced. Nevertheless, this was a small detraction in the midst of the whole book.
Overall:
This book is an excellent example of Christian fiction done well. While I came to the book already agreeing with the eschatological view it presented, there's nothing like being able to see such a view visually presented in a novel in such a masterful way. I found myself continually enthralled both by the apocalyptic world it presented, as well as the fascinating characters which populate the story. Must-read.
5 stars.