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The Other End
Do you ever feel you'd like to reboot the world? Do you ever think that the human world is hopelessly out of balance, blighted, off track, and the only hope is some kind of apocalypse, some sort of "Judgment Day with justice" that would allow the human race to start over--without, ah, certain people? You know you don't want--and can't believe in--the usual Judgment Days that are predicted and ballyhooed by hysterical, superstitious people. But when you look around at the world as it stands you see Darfur, you see Somalia and the Congo, you see the modern slavery of indentured servitude, you see children sold into prostitution, you see millions starving, you see mindless wars, you see people you care about dying of Alzheimer's and children dying of cancer and millions of others trapped in schizophrenia or living lives of media-hypnotized desperation... And you know that it's only going to get worse. This can't go on; something has to change. What if you could change it? What if you could design your own Judgment Day? Not a Judgment Day based on childish interpretations of religion, on bias and cultural narrowness... What if you could design a Judgment Day, for the whole world--one that offers real Justice?What would it be like? In John Shirley's novel, THE OTHER END, a wave of light shatters the world's assumptions; human behavior takes a sudden unexpected turn. Swift, a newspaper reporter, has to find his missing daughter in a panicking world even as something from Every Where makes millions of people suddenly look inward. And looking inward, strangely, takes them outward again... And then come the Adjustors. Who are they? Where exactly are they from? They say they're not angels, or aliens... Then who are they? The usual End Timers offer one End of the World as We Know It... John Shirley's courageous, genuinely risky new novel offers the other end. The other end of the ideological spectrum; the other end of the world. Does it involve...aliens? No. Does it involve God? Not really--but then, it depends on your definition. John Shirley, the award-winning author of DEMONS, IN DARKNESS WAITING, CELLARS, A SPLENDID CHAOS, ECLIPSE, BLACK BUTTERFLIES, and so much more gives us a totally unexpected Judgment Day. Something is coming, to near-future Earth--to the whole world. Something is coming that will finally give the human race the chance it never had before...to bring it to THE OTHER END.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2007
56 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
John Shirley
320 books463 followersJohn Shirley won the Bram Stoker Award for his story collection Black Butterflies, and is the author of numerous novels, including the best-seller DEMONS, the cyberpunk classics CITY COME A-WALKIN', ECLIPSE, and BLACK GLASS, and his newest novels STORMLAND and A SORCERER OF ATLANTIS.
He is also a screenwriter, having written for television and movies; he was co-screenwriter of THE CROW. He has been several Year's Best anthologies including Prime Books' THE YEAR'S BEST DARK FANTASY AND HORROR anthology, and his nwest story collection is IN EXTREMIS: THE MOST EXTREME SHORT STORIES OF JOHN SHIRLEY. His novel BIOSHOCK: RAPTURE telling the story of the creation and undoing of Rapture, from the hit videogame BIOSHOCK is out from TOR books; his Halo novel, HALO: BROKEN CIRCLE is coming out from Pocket Books.
His most recent novels are STORMLAND and (forthcoming) AXLE BUST CREEK. His new story collection is THE FEVERISH STARS. STORMLAND and other John Shirley novels are available as audiobooks.
He is also a lyricist, having written lyrics for 18 songs recorded by the Blue Oyster Cult (especially on their albums Heaven Forbidden and Curse of the Hidden Mirror), and his own recordings.
John Shirley has written only one nonfiction book, GURDJIEFF: AN INTRODUCTION TO HIS LIFE AND IDEAS, published by Penguin/Jeremy Tarcher.
John Shirley story collections include BLACK BUTTERFLIES, IN EXTREMIS, REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY WEIRD STORIES, and LIVING SHADOWS.
source: Amazon
He is also a screenwriter, having written for television and movies; he was co-screenwriter of THE CROW. He has been several Year's Best anthologies including Prime Books' THE YEAR'S BEST DARK FANTASY AND HORROR anthology, and his nwest story collection is IN EXTREMIS: THE MOST EXTREME SHORT STORIES OF JOHN SHIRLEY. His novel BIOSHOCK: RAPTURE telling the story of the creation and undoing of Rapture, from the hit videogame BIOSHOCK is out from TOR books; his Halo novel, HALO: BROKEN CIRCLE is coming out from Pocket Books.
His most recent novels are STORMLAND and (forthcoming) AXLE BUST CREEK. His new story collection is THE FEVERISH STARS. STORMLAND and other John Shirley novels are available as audiobooks.
He is also a lyricist, having written lyrics for 18 songs recorded by the Blue Oyster Cult (especially on their albums Heaven Forbidden and Curse of the Hidden Mirror), and his own recordings.
John Shirley has written only one nonfiction book, GURDJIEFF: AN INTRODUCTION TO HIS LIFE AND IDEAS, published by Penguin/Jeremy Tarcher.
John Shirley story collections include BLACK BUTTERFLIES, IN EXTREMIS, REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY WEIRD STORIES, and LIVING SHADOWS.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 5, 2017
What a cool book. I had this for a while, but I was hesitant to read, yet it is John Shirley, so I figured it would be worth a go. I am not disappointed at all. This is a unique spin on the end of days, and is conveyed in a very interesting way. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you shod read it. Epic story, nice and short. It could have gone on a lot longer, but certainly gets points for brevity when some other authors would have dragged it out forever.
February 11, 2019
A noble endeavour, creating a more 'atheistic' approach to the Left-Behind-Judgement-Day genre, but ultimately let down by a rather dull and uninspired writing style and failure to engage me.
November 27, 2011
You can't help but like the premise of this book: What if there were another "end of the world as we know it" rather than one based on childish interpretations of religion, bias, bigotry, exclusion, and cultural narrowness-mindedness? What if Judgment Day came for the whole world and offered true justice? I had high hopes in Shirley's answer to these questions, but my final judgment (haha) is: meh. I almost gave up on this a couple times, because there are so many characters running around, and none of them are really fleshed out, so they're hard to keep track of, and you end up not really caring about any of them. The Other End is not as preachy as the first Left Behind book (the only one I read), but that's not saying much. I liked Shirley's idea(s) and the way he explained how the Other End was going to go down, it was just the execution that was lacking. That said, give it a go if you're in the mood for an escape from all the ultra conservative bullshit religiosity that's permeating so much of society these days.
February 5, 2017
It's another end of the world as you know it
I can't remember the last book I read so voraciously. Mr. Shirley has written a fine page turner here. I won't give away any spoilers, but when I saw the direction he was taking it, I couldn't put it down. Great pacing, some pretty tense moments, and a satisfying ending make this an excellent story.
I can't remember the last book I read so voraciously. Mr. Shirley has written a fine page turner here. I won't give away any spoilers, but when I saw the direction he was taking it, I couldn't put it down. Great pacing, some pretty tense moments, and a satisfying ending make this an excellent story.
January 12, 2019
Interesting take on the end of the world. Too preachy for me though. Too stuck in While the book nods at the notion that people and problems are complex, there is still WAY WAY WAY too much "Republicans and Christians are EEEEEEVVIIIILLL" or just too warped to accept that the way to salvation is to believe in all the liberal shibboleths.
October 1, 2019
The author doesn't hide that there's a bit of politically inclined wish fulfillment to this book; it's explained in the foreword. He wanted to write an end of the world story that not only wasn't a typical Christian take on it, but that specifically critiqued what he sees as hypocritical religious leaders who are either exploiting people or more concerned with pursuing their own petty hatreds than actually making the world a more pleasant place.
From what I gather, I broadly agree with Shirley's political views. All the same, it's a little uncomfortable to have a book straight up tell you it's going to indulge your political leanings. I commend his honesty! It's a short book, and wisely doesn't stretch out events. It covers the lead up to the end of the world, the end of the world itself, and a bit of post-end epilogue. You see events from the point of view of several different characters, most of whom are fairly sympathetic.
I enjoyed reading it, but wasn't all that impressed. Things felt a little awkward and not all that neatly tied together. It held my attention and had some strong moments, but after it was finished I wasn't entirely satisfied. Overall, it was a solid story and nice to see a different take on the end of the world, but (perhaps ironically, considering that the author wasn't shy about this being a partial reflection of his world view) I feel like it was missing soul. The characters were fine as I was reading, but slipped away as soon as I stopped. The events that seemed significant come out a little plain and dull looking back on them. This might sound harsher than I intend, but I have to say that my main feeling in hindsight is that of being unsatisfied. I feel there's a better, more intense and emotional story to be told here.
From what I gather, I broadly agree with Shirley's political views. All the same, it's a little uncomfortable to have a book straight up tell you it's going to indulge your political leanings. I commend his honesty! It's a short book, and wisely doesn't stretch out events. It covers the lead up to the end of the world, the end of the world itself, and a bit of post-end epilogue. You see events from the point of view of several different characters, most of whom are fairly sympathetic.
I enjoyed reading it, but wasn't all that impressed. Things felt a little awkward and not all that neatly tied together. It held my attention and had some strong moments, but after it was finished I wasn't entirely satisfied. Overall, it was a solid story and nice to see a different take on the end of the world, but (perhaps ironically, considering that the author wasn't shy about this being a partial reflection of his world view) I feel like it was missing soul. The characters were fine as I was reading, but slipped away as soon as I stopped. The events that seemed significant come out a little plain and dull looking back on them. This might sound harsher than I intend, but I have to say that my main feeling in hindsight is that of being unsatisfied. I feel there's a better, more intense and emotional story to be told here.
May 29, 2019
John Shirley has written what a lot of us might have thought about. An original end of the world story. An intelligence called The Absolute, that exists everywhere has seen us ruin our world through brutality, religious fundamentalism, war, human trafficking et al. Something called the UnderGod seeded the planet with the notions of destruction and death.
A huge double coned light passes over the world a tract of land at a time, like a twister, killing those that are irredeemable; the murderers, the predators, the ones beyond consciousness raising.
People are given a choice whether to stay in the old world or travel with "Dennis" and "Judith", representatives of The Absolute, 20,000 years into the future to reclaim a rebooted earth.
The great thing here is while amazing things happen, there is nothing supernatural about them. Everything that is extraordinary is natural. And the Adjusters have enough faith in those left to live peaceful long happy lives.
The novel is episodic, it gives us scenarios from around the world where the bad are wiped out, leaving, not so much the good, but the redeemable. And the ending makes The Other End a special read.
John Shirley is not a household name but he should be.
A huge double coned light passes over the world a tract of land at a time, like a twister, killing those that are irredeemable; the murderers, the predators, the ones beyond consciousness raising.
People are given a choice whether to stay in the old world or travel with "Dennis" and "Judith", representatives of The Absolute, 20,000 years into the future to reclaim a rebooted earth.
The great thing here is while amazing things happen, there is nothing supernatural about them. Everything that is extraordinary is natural. And the Adjusters have enough faith in those left to live peaceful long happy lives.
The novel is episodic, it gives us scenarios from around the world where the bad are wiped out, leaving, not so much the good, but the redeemable. And the ending makes The Other End a special read.
John Shirley is not a household name but he should be.
March 31, 2018
I'm not sure what you would call an happy Dystopian novel but this is one of them.
John Shirley takes us through the end of the world with a totally new and unique perspective. Without giving away the story line, know that Shirley addresses: evil, god, the rapture, family dynamics, aliens, culture, tv evangelists, and much more in an easy to read fiction.
This is not the best writing I've come across, there are too many white male protagonists, few important female characters, and very simplistic presentations of different religions, races, etc. That said, this book is a fun and simple read and is a nice change from all of the Dystopian novels I have been reading of late.
John Shirley takes us through the end of the world with a totally new and unique perspective. Without giving away the story line, know that Shirley addresses: evil, god, the rapture, family dynamics, aliens, culture, tv evangelists, and much more in an easy to read fiction.
This is not the best writing I've come across, there are too many white male protagonists, few important female characters, and very simplistic presentations of different religions, races, etc. That said, this book is a fun and simple read and is a nice change from all of the Dystopian novels I have been reading of late.
October 25, 2020
Loved the prose in this book, and find that my personal beliefs align well with the author’s. Generally found the characters to be interesting, and relatively well constructed.
In essence, it’s a good book that I would generally recommend to others, but... it feels like I’m drowning myself in a happy fantasy and not facing the harsh realities of society.
I find that the best fantasy provides readers with real world issues from a different perspective to give us insight on why those issues exist and how to fix them, this work on the other hand seems to acknowledge real world issues but doesn’t really provide any solutions, speculative or otherwise.
In essence, it’s a good book that I would generally recommend to others, but... it feels like I’m drowning myself in a happy fantasy and not facing the harsh realities of society.
I find that the best fantasy provides readers with real world issues from a different perspective to give us insight on why those issues exist and how to fix them, this work on the other hand seems to acknowledge real world issues but doesn’t really provide any solutions, speculative or otherwise.
February 23, 2018
This work of fiction is written from a humanistic and atheistic point of view. As such, it offers an alternative version of "end times" (spoiler: they don't end) to that outlined in the Bible, chiefly Revelation. Hence the "Other End" or as I would prefer it, another end. I found this novel to be both entertaining and thought provoking. The brief reference to Gurdjieff reflects John Shirley's thorough acquaintance with the founder of The Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man. It should be noted that John Shirley also wrote Gurdjieff: An Introduction to His Life and Ideas (2004).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2019
More of a 2 1/2 star attempt. Just did not have a vested interest in the characters that much and while set in a near future, the book seems dated with attempts at new slang and situations. I thought the premise was cool (a secular "rapture" of sorts) , but the execution was pretty flat. Maybe if Mr. Shirley would have made this into a series or a bit longer, I could of felt more invested in the story. The author gives props to the Left Behind series, but I felt he should have given more homage to Clarke's Childhood's End.
November 3, 2022
Wow, what an interesting take on the “Left Behind” books. I really liked it, definitely a more empathetic and humane version of “the Rapture”. I don’t want to say much more, I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone! I will say that I found all the characters to be relatable and very human. The story was great with excellent world-building. My only complaint is that I really didn’t want the book to end….I wanted more!! Another excellent book by John Shirley!! Top book of the year!
January 24, 2021
Re writing the End Times
This is an nteresting piece of fantasy, apparently intended as a corrective to those awful Left Behind perversions of actual Christian beliefs. It's got some choice counter arguments to use if you ever need to. I'm reminded of that lovely scene from The West Wing where the president demolishes the arguments of a right wing evangelical woman.
This is an nteresting piece of fantasy, apparently intended as a corrective to those awful Left Behind perversions of actual Christian beliefs. It's got some choice counter arguments to use if you ever need to. I'm reminded of that lovely scene from The West Wing where the president demolishes the arguments of a right wing evangelical woman.
May 18, 2022
Always fun to encounter a book genuinely unlike anything I've encountered before, the concept essentially: what if the there was a non-religious rapture.
Shirley is always an incredible writer and he succeeds in giving a compelling treatment to an interesting premise..
Shirley is always an incredible writer and he succeeds in giving a compelling treatment to an interesting premise..
October 7, 2024
Really a 4.5, the only thing I didn't like (so much) was at the very end, which seems to hint at a sequel.
The book was maybe a bit short, and things wrapped up a bit quickly, but I was pleased with the way things worked out.
The book was maybe a bit short, and things wrapped up a bit quickly, but I was pleased with the way things worked out.
January 17, 2019
The best possible End of the World! Definitely something to hope for...
January 24, 2019
This book is dumb. But compulsively readable.
February 17, 2019
A weird sci-fi take on the religion, God and the rapture. 2.5 stars
October 2, 2019
great book! i wasn't sure what i was reading but it got really nice explained eventually and the way it comes together is really satisfying. got this book from humble bundle
February 13, 2021
An interesting premise with uninteresting characters and pedestrian writing. Even at 200 pages it felt long as cd slightly simplistic.
November 3, 2008
Wish fulfillment for those of us who hate the injustice, oppression, and greed in the world. Across the globe, cones of light are flashing above people and a certain number of those folks suddenly realize the connection between all things and cease their brutality or negative actions. Meanwhile, fundamentalist xtians think the lights hail the return of Christ, and a reporter goes in search of his daughter who was taken to the xtian compound. In addition, there are, well, beings, who take over the bodies of suicides and set out to right wrongs. I loved this book precisely because the scenarios are so unbelievable and despite the weak spiritual mumbo-jumbo.
September 20, 2014
I've only read five other books by Shirley, so I'm no expert on his entire oeuvre but the tone of the prose seemed quite different than his others. My impression was that he was so taken with the ideas in the story that he didn't want to waste a lot of time crafting the sort of sharply elegant sentences I had come to expect from him.
Which was fine by me! I loved the idea of this book from the first italicized paragraphs! It was, frankly, a refreshment for the soul.
I would love to see a sequel that follows both the left behind group and the renewed people on the new future earth...that would be a GREAT book!
Which was fine by me! I loved the idea of this book from the first italicized paragraphs! It was, frankly, a refreshment for the soul.
I would love to see a sequel that follows both the left behind group and the renewed people on the new future earth...that would be a GREAT book!
August 5, 2013
Really enjoying this novel, moves along at a cracking pace, basically a weird inversion of an apocalypse where the bad get punished and the disturbed reborn! I found it to be a satire, reminded me a bit of the recent 'southland tales' movie. I dont understand why this book didnt get more kudos, compared to other contemporary scifi. Definitely needs a bigger audience, a pulpy, yet smart scifi trying to fight the good fight, but not ironic and smug and nihilistic like Chuk Palniuk, ok hes not sci, but you get my drift! One of Shirleys best books!
April 29, 2011
This was just re-issued, the progressive Science Fiction writer's answer to the left behind books. The novel is perfectly toned to express the message the author was hoping to achieve. John Shirley always has something important to say and this might be the most perfectly balanced work of fiction and message he has ever produced. Is it my favorite of his novels? No, but it is important work, written with almost surgically perfect prose that needs to be experienced.
July 3, 2008
Recommended to me by Ryan... This was one unique book. An apocalypse where the hearts of those with enough heart left are turned, while some manipulate events to effect their own favored outcome. Several references to that "other" end times series. An interesting alternative end of the world scenario with writing that's a bit rough around the edges.
August 3, 2015
I hated this book. It might be the worst I have ever read. The premise was lame (fighting against the "Left Behind" series). The characters were forgettable. The plot was repetitive. Skip at all costs.
January 8, 2013
I get a mention in it, (Mike Kawitzky) along with my friend Terence Mckenna...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews