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Under-Heaven
"There is so much emotion in this book that you can't help but feel it in the depths of your soul. ...just the right amount of religious undertones to truly make you think... and wonder." -Kitty Bullard,GreatMinds Think Aloud Literary Community
"This story was so beautifully told and well written. I had a connection with all the characters because each brought a certain emotion to the story and it really drives this book into intense and scary places. ...Highly recommended!" -Offbeat Vagabond, book blog
"I totally recommend this book. Under Heaven is a moving and well written story." -WistfulskimmiesBook ReviewsBlog
"...the stuff of which QUALITY films are made and for which boxes of tissues were invented." -Diana Hockley, Author
"The writing is vivid and Greaton masters the known Earthly environments and unknown heavenly environments very well. The various "angels" and "souls" we encounter are excellently drawn and you find a way to feel sympathy for them, as well as to fear one or two of them." -J. Bryden Lloyd, Author
"This story was so beautifully told and well written. I had a connection with all the characters because each brought a certain emotion to the story and it really drives this book into intense and scary places. ...Highly recommended!" -Offbeat Vagabond, book blog
"I totally recommend this book. Under Heaven is a moving and well written story." -WistfulskimmiesBook ReviewsBlog
"...the stuff of which QUALITY films are made and for which boxes of tissues were invented." -Diana Hockley, Author
"The writing is vivid and Greaton masters the known Earthly environments and unknown heavenly environments very well. The various "angels" and "souls" we encounter are excellently drawn and you find a way to feel sympathy for them, as well as to fear one or two of them." -J. Bryden Lloyd, Author
322 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2011
10 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Tim Greaton
23 books151 followersI live in Maine with my beautiful wife and three amazing children. We share seven acres with one dog, two cats and a population of ducks that varies with the weather. I'm is a full-time corporate writer and novelist. My fiction and nonfiction have appeared in forums all around the globe. You can find my novels in paperback and ebook formats at all quality book retailers.
Though I'm sometimes referred to as "Maine's Other Author" (TM), I prefer just Tim.
Though I'm sometimes referred to as "Maine's Other Author" (TM), I prefer just Tim.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 7, 2011
"UNDER-HEAVEN" BY TIM GREATON
It's two o'clock in the morning here and I just finished Tim Greaton's novel "Under Heaven." I could not go to bed until I wrote this review and you will soon understand why. There is so much emotion in this book that you can't help but feel it in the depths of your soul.
Perhaps it's that the story has so much to do with children and the tragic demise of young Nate, or perhaps it's simply the spiritual elements that have just the right amount of religious undertones to truly make you think... and wonder. What happens to little Nate makes you feel a mixture of hurt, sadness, and anger at a whole new kind of prejudice that a lot of us likely never even knew existed. But, the part that brings the wonder is watching his story in "Under-Heaven" develop alongside that of another young boy named Jesse.
By the time you get to the end you won't believe the connection the two share and as much as you try to figure it out you never will. I loved this novel and urge you to read it. It's a beautifully written story with a cinematic quality you can see play out perfectly in your mind's-eye. Frustrations will form as you try hard to figure out what the two stories have in common, but it's the good kind of frustration that keeps you riveted to the book until the very end.
I give it 5 Ravens!
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud / http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunit...
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
It's two o'clock in the morning here and I just finished Tim Greaton's novel "Under Heaven." I could not go to bed until I wrote this review and you will soon understand why. There is so much emotion in this book that you can't help but feel it in the depths of your soul.
Perhaps it's that the story has so much to do with children and the tragic demise of young Nate, or perhaps it's simply the spiritual elements that have just the right amount of religious undertones to truly make you think... and wonder. What happens to little Nate makes you feel a mixture of hurt, sadness, and anger at a whole new kind of prejudice that a lot of us likely never even knew existed. But, the part that brings the wonder is watching his story in "Under-Heaven" develop alongside that of another young boy named Jesse.
By the time you get to the end you won't believe the connection the two share and as much as you try to figure it out you never will. I loved this novel and urge you to read it. It's a beautifully written story with a cinematic quality you can see play out perfectly in your mind's-eye. Frustrations will form as you try hard to figure out what the two stories have in common, but it's the good kind of frustration that keeps you riveted to the book until the very end.
I give it 5 Ravens!
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud / http://www.greatmindsliterarycommunit...
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
March 3, 2013
"Under-Heaven" follows the paths of two boys' lives. You first meet Jesse, a five-year-old boy who lives in Boston with his mother. He comes from a troubled home and his parents have split up recently. This isn't easy on him as he has fond memories of the three of them as a family. Unfortunately, his father has become a drunk and drug addict which has caused a lot of problems. Jesse wants his parents to reconcile, as he loves his father a lot and misses him, but also knows his mother can't handle his dad under the current circumstances. In the boy's young mind, he doesn't understand why things have changed so much and he is willing to try anything to fix them. Unfortunately, it may be a task too great for his small shoulders to handle alone.
The other boy, Nate, also has a strong presence in the novel. He died at the age of nine in the 1940s and went to a place called "Under-Heaven". This isn't necessarily a bad place, more of a transition point for most souls. Yet Nate can't resolve the tragedy that happened in his past life to move on. For awhile, he can't even allow himself to remember it, but knows that unlocking the mystery behind his death is key to knowing what step he must take next in his afterlife. It is not something he is capable of for a long time, though, and the novel follows his experiences in "Under-heaven" and the other souls and angels he meets there who try to help him.
I must say this book was difficult for me in the beginning. It starts in a dark place for both boys and felt rather depressing. The multiple points of view also caused me some trouble until I got into the flow of the story, but I stuck with it believing it would get better. As it turned out, I was right. Somewhere around the fifteen percent mark, the novel picked up speed and the suspense became intense. I found myself getting attached to both boys and needing to know what would happen to them. They came alive for me and I knew at some point the author would entwine their stories together, despite the time difference. How exactly this happens, I won't say, but it wasn't in the way I anticipated. The depth of the novel is far greater than one can even predict.
For those considering this book, I would say that if you are like me, it may be tough to get through at first. Do not let that deter you, because the story progresses and once you reach a certain point, it will be nearly impossible to put down. So many unexpected events happen and you meet some very interesting characters in addition to the main two boys. The way the author gets inside these kids heads is amazing and you will feel like you are right there with them, suffering through the hard times and smiling through the good. When the conclusion came, I found myself misty eyed as all the pieces came together, even parts I hadn't considered as significant.
If you are interested in alternative versions of the afterlife and enjoy stories where something good comes from tragedy, this is the perfect story to read. "Under-Heaven" will touch you in ways you cannot even imagine and bring a whole new perspective to how you view the world. I certainly enjoyed it and plan to read the novel again!
The other boy, Nate, also has a strong presence in the novel. He died at the age of nine in the 1940s and went to a place called "Under-Heaven". This isn't necessarily a bad place, more of a transition point for most souls. Yet Nate can't resolve the tragedy that happened in his past life to move on. For awhile, he can't even allow himself to remember it, but knows that unlocking the mystery behind his death is key to knowing what step he must take next in his afterlife. It is not something he is capable of for a long time, though, and the novel follows his experiences in "Under-heaven" and the other souls and angels he meets there who try to help him.
I must say this book was difficult for me in the beginning. It starts in a dark place for both boys and felt rather depressing. The multiple points of view also caused me some trouble until I got into the flow of the story, but I stuck with it believing it would get better. As it turned out, I was right. Somewhere around the fifteen percent mark, the novel picked up speed and the suspense became intense. I found myself getting attached to both boys and needing to know what would happen to them. They came alive for me and I knew at some point the author would entwine their stories together, despite the time difference. How exactly this happens, I won't say, but it wasn't in the way I anticipated. The depth of the novel is far greater than one can even predict.
For those considering this book, I would say that if you are like me, it may be tough to get through at first. Do not let that deter you, because the story progresses and once you reach a certain point, it will be nearly impossible to put down. So many unexpected events happen and you meet some very interesting characters in addition to the main two boys. The way the author gets inside these kids heads is amazing and you will feel like you are right there with them, suffering through the hard times and smiling through the good. When the conclusion came, I found myself misty eyed as all the pieces came together, even parts I hadn't considered as significant.
If you are interested in alternative versions of the afterlife and enjoy stories where something good comes from tragedy, this is the perfect story to read. "Under-Heaven" will touch you in ways you cannot even imagine and bring a whole new perspective to how you view the world. I certainly enjoyed it and plan to read the novel again!
February 24, 2012
(see the short video review here: http://vimeo.com/37327577)
Where do we go when we die? What happens to our souls when our bodies are no more? Are we better off dead or alive? These are questions that many people ponder throughout their lives, and ones that Nate continues to ponder even in Under-Heaven. Aside from poking the readers’ brains with philosophical questions, the tragic stories of both Nate and Jess will tug on your heart strings like a fiddler playing a solo.
This uncertainty and confusion that Nate feels is easily related to, leaving readers, like myself, clutching my chest at the thought of a young boy dying so viciously and meaninglessly; or, watching poor Jess get his hopes up on his drug-addicted father. If fingernail marks aren’t left on your breast, then you have a heart that’s harder than steel.
An interesting dynamic about pondering the after-life is dealing with the joy of reuniting with old family and friends while trying to accept the absence of those left on earth. While Nate may have left his dangerous life in death, his sister continues a perilous life on earth. Such a situation begs the question: Is it better to have lived, or to have died?
While most situations and decisions are not black and white, it seems that even in Under-Heaven, there are most certainly grey areas, as well as red, blue, yellow, black, green, etc. Watching Nate’s uncle from Hell be a likeable character is both disturbing and amusing. Likewise, seeing a caring boy in Under-Heaven who could dangerously be snatched by demons is vexing. Judging the good and the bad isn’t so easy, even in the afterlife.
Though there isn’t much laughter or smiles, there is a form of peace in this story. Like walking the edge of a cliff that provides a breathtaking view, this book is both scary and beautiful. Prepare to gasp on fears and choke back tears; this novel pulls out all the stops and pays no heed to speed bumps.
- EZRead Staffer, Amelia
Where do we go when we die? What happens to our souls when our bodies are no more? Are we better off dead or alive? These are questions that many people ponder throughout their lives, and ones that Nate continues to ponder even in Under-Heaven. Aside from poking the readers’ brains with philosophical questions, the tragic stories of both Nate and Jess will tug on your heart strings like a fiddler playing a solo.
This uncertainty and confusion that Nate feels is easily related to, leaving readers, like myself, clutching my chest at the thought of a young boy dying so viciously and meaninglessly; or, watching poor Jess get his hopes up on his drug-addicted father. If fingernail marks aren’t left on your breast, then you have a heart that’s harder than steel.
An interesting dynamic about pondering the after-life is dealing with the joy of reuniting with old family and friends while trying to accept the absence of those left on earth. While Nate may have left his dangerous life in death, his sister continues a perilous life on earth. Such a situation begs the question: Is it better to have lived, or to have died?
While most situations and decisions are not black and white, it seems that even in Under-Heaven, there are most certainly grey areas, as well as red, blue, yellow, black, green, etc. Watching Nate’s uncle from Hell be a likeable character is both disturbing and amusing. Likewise, seeing a caring boy in Under-Heaven who could dangerously be snatched by demons is vexing. Judging the good and the bad isn’t so easy, even in the afterlife.
Though there isn’t much laughter or smiles, there is a form of peace in this story. Like walking the edge of a cliff that provides a breathtaking view, this book is both scary and beautiful. Prepare to gasp on fears and choke back tears; this novel pulls out all the stops and pays no heed to speed bumps.
- EZRead Staffer, Amelia
October 16, 2011
I'm sure we have all wondered at one time or another where our souls go when we die. “Under Heaven” is a suspenseful novel that puts a twist on the traditional theory. I was kept captive by Greaton's characters on earth as well as under heaven, a place in which the main character's soul spent many years trying to decide which direction it should go. I can honestly say I did not know how the story would end. I do know though I want a dog like Whiskey. I give Tim Greaton 5 Big Happy Cookies for this one.
Marla
Marla
November 19, 2011
Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2011/11/indie-book-review-under-heaven-by-tim.html
I was approached by the author, Tim Greaton, to review this book. I knew I was going to be in for a very interesting read, but sweet Jesus! From page one, this book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let up until the end. Like others have said, because it is true, I really can’t believe this is only $1. The mystery surrounding this book is so overwhelming; I guarantee that even though this book is intense, it will leave a smile on your face.
Under-Heaven is two stories in one. One story is about a boy named Nate who has been killed. He doesn’t go immediately to Heaven; however, he is in a place called Under-Heaven. It is where souls go that still have close ties to Earth and if their conscious overtakes them, they could still be taken to Hell. Nate can’t remember what happened to him, but he knows it was bad. He learns that things are not as black and white as they may seem and we follow him as he struggles in the afterlife. Read the synopsis, it does this best. The other story is about another boy named Jesse. He has a mom and a dad. Dad has a big problem and his mother wants nothing to do with him. We see how Jesse struggles with wanting a father, but Jesse is scared for him and for those he hangs around.
This is another book I will have to tread very carefully with. Any small thing I say could spoil this and I can’t do that to you guys. Trust me, it will knock you out of your seat. I loved our main characters. I am not use to reading books where the points of view are from an 9 and 10 year old. We see how they have to struggle with hardship and have to take on adult roles for the sake of the ones they love. Nate had to for the sake of his baby sister, Vicky. After what happened to him and his family, Vicky grows up and is heading down a horrible path. Also all the other people (dead relatives) he meets in Under-Heaven that makes a huge impression on him and bring so many personalities to this book. Jesse is the man of the house because his father can’t grow up and be a man. There are times when Jesse has to become the parent for his dad’s sake.
This story was so beautifully told and well written. I had a connection with all the characters because each brought a certain emotion to the story and it really drives this book into intense and scary places. Again, I won’t spoil this, but the real focus is watching how these boys struggle with the situations that have been forced on them. What can they do to get out of their predicaments? Can they help those they love? Can they keep their family together? Following them on their intense journeys and watching them trying to make adult decisions, really adds something extra special to this book and was very thrilling to see.
You really have to check this book out. Like I said, it was very intense. If you are a parent, I think it might strike an extra chord with you. It is sad, scary, and sweet all at once. I don’t really have any complaints except for one character that we are introduced to, Mary-Lou Evans. She was the very definition of a psychopath and I really would have liked to have known what happened to her. She really opens Nate’s eyes to what is real evil and I just want to know where she went. Hope it is where she deserves to be. This book does talk a lot about Heaven and Hell, but it isn’t preachy. Even if you aren’t a religious person, you will love this book. It truly puts a little spin on things we have heard and it just makes it that much more refreshing. Highly recommended!
I was approached by the author, Tim Greaton, to review this book. I knew I was going to be in for a very interesting read, but sweet Jesus! From page one, this book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let up until the end. Like others have said, because it is true, I really can’t believe this is only $1. The mystery surrounding this book is so overwhelming; I guarantee that even though this book is intense, it will leave a smile on your face.
Under-Heaven is two stories in one. One story is about a boy named Nate who has been killed. He doesn’t go immediately to Heaven; however, he is in a place called Under-Heaven. It is where souls go that still have close ties to Earth and if their conscious overtakes them, they could still be taken to Hell. Nate can’t remember what happened to him, but he knows it was bad. He learns that things are not as black and white as they may seem and we follow him as he struggles in the afterlife. Read the synopsis, it does this best. The other story is about another boy named Jesse. He has a mom and a dad. Dad has a big problem and his mother wants nothing to do with him. We see how Jesse struggles with wanting a father, but Jesse is scared for him and for those he hangs around.
This is another book I will have to tread very carefully with. Any small thing I say could spoil this and I can’t do that to you guys. Trust me, it will knock you out of your seat. I loved our main characters. I am not use to reading books where the points of view are from an 9 and 10 year old. We see how they have to struggle with hardship and have to take on adult roles for the sake of the ones they love. Nate had to for the sake of his baby sister, Vicky. After what happened to him and his family, Vicky grows up and is heading down a horrible path. Also all the other people (dead relatives) he meets in Under-Heaven that makes a huge impression on him and bring so many personalities to this book. Jesse is the man of the house because his father can’t grow up and be a man. There are times when Jesse has to become the parent for his dad’s sake.
This story was so beautifully told and well written. I had a connection with all the characters because each brought a certain emotion to the story and it really drives this book into intense and scary places. Again, I won’t spoil this, but the real focus is watching how these boys struggle with the situations that have been forced on them. What can they do to get out of their predicaments? Can they help those they love? Can they keep their family together? Following them on their intense journeys and watching them trying to make adult decisions, really adds something extra special to this book and was very thrilling to see.
You really have to check this book out. Like I said, it was very intense. If you are a parent, I think it might strike an extra chord with you. It is sad, scary, and sweet all at once. I don’t really have any complaints except for one character that we are introduced to, Mary-Lou Evans. She was the very definition of a psychopath and I really would have liked to have known what happened to her. She really opens Nate’s eyes to what is real evil and I just want to know where she went. Hope it is where she deserves to be. This book does talk a lot about Heaven and Hell, but it isn’t preachy. Even if you aren’t a religious person, you will love this book. It truly puts a little spin on things we have heard and it just makes it that much more refreshing. Highly recommended!
July 15, 2012
In a message from the author, found on Amazon.com, Tim Greaton explains how he had a difficult, no, horrible childhood. Rather than wallow in despair, the young Tim found escape in his local library and books. Many of us found solace, friendship and safety in books.
Now Tim writes books in the hopes of passing on to others, the moments of escape books gave him as a child.
In Under Heaven, Tim gives us two stories twinned together like strands of DNA, not to be absorbed separately, but rather as a whole. Two boys, both are in painful circumstances, seemingly without hope or beauty; although each experiences love, which ultimately is the hope and beauty in their lives.
Nine year old Nate is brutally murdered along with his parents, in retribution for being "not one of us". His beloved dog, Whiskey, saves Nate's baby sister, Vicky. Good thing, too, because watching Vicky becomes Nate's anchor, his reason to continue existing when he finds himself in Under Heaven, a kind of waiting room for Heaven. Souls come and go in Under Heaven, but Nate is frozen in place, wanting more love, but fearing more pain.
Five year old Jesse is alive. Alive in a world that seems determined to change that. He both loves and fears his father, wanting to go forward, yet stepping back in fear.
Jesse's dilemma appears to echo Nate's in Under Heaven. Just where the echoes link them, however, is found in the end where the unravelled strands of the DNA of the story are woven tightly together in a profound and satisfying way.
Tim Greaton's book Under Heaven is a dark, scary moving tale with dollops of love and angels abound. Not only did Tim succeed in his chosen path to provide escape for others in books, he makes the reader want more of his brand of fiction.
Now Tim writes books in the hopes of passing on to others, the moments of escape books gave him as a child.
In Under Heaven, Tim gives us two stories twinned together like strands of DNA, not to be absorbed separately, but rather as a whole. Two boys, both are in painful circumstances, seemingly without hope or beauty; although each experiences love, which ultimately is the hope and beauty in their lives.
Nine year old Nate is brutally murdered along with his parents, in retribution for being "not one of us". His beloved dog, Whiskey, saves Nate's baby sister, Vicky. Good thing, too, because watching Vicky becomes Nate's anchor, his reason to continue existing when he finds himself in Under Heaven, a kind of waiting room for Heaven. Souls come and go in Under Heaven, but Nate is frozen in place, wanting more love, but fearing more pain.
Five year old Jesse is alive. Alive in a world that seems determined to change that. He both loves and fears his father, wanting to go forward, yet stepping back in fear.
Jesse's dilemma appears to echo Nate's in Under Heaven. Just where the echoes link them, however, is found in the end where the unravelled strands of the DNA of the story are woven tightly together in a profound and satisfying way.
Tim Greaton's book Under Heaven is a dark, scary moving tale with dollops of love and angels abound. Not only did Tim succeed in his chosen path to provide escape for others in books, he makes the reader want more of his brand of fiction.
August 18, 2012
Worlds Collide
This is the third book from Mr. Greaton I chose to read. How does it compare to the first two? Completely different-in a good way. Of all the books I've read and reviewed over the past few years, this one falls into its own category-of which I'm still trying to place.
This book reminds me of a fine Cuban cigar, perhaps a glass of Dom Perigion or a well aged Brandy. Each are to be savored and enjoyed, not rapidly consumed waiting for a refill. Relax and enjoy the moment.
The story starts out a little slow with two diverging story lines. I went back several times to make sure I was reading the same story. I thought maybe a chapter or two were inadvertently snuck in. Patience. The two stories are paralleling an unseen time line. The lives of two boys Nathaniel (who was murdered and caught in under-heaven, a sort of weigh station between Heaven and Hell) and Jesse, who is very much alive (hoping his parents reunite) are going to collide in a most unusual way. I was twenty-four chapters into the read and still had no idea where the story was going. For some, that can be frustrating, Refer back to how I described this read. It's not a six pack of Miller-Lite or a Pack of Marlborro Light 100's that the users frequently can't get enough of. This is a story for savoring and reflecting. Believe me, there is so much extra activity surrounding these two boys, one will need to regroup and reflect before moving forward. Enjoy the moment, then move forward. with caution.
In the end you will be shaking your head in stunned silence and asking the question, "No way!" I know I was.
A great read for all.
September 12, 2012
Book: Under-Heaven
Author: Tim Greaton
Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Paranormal (life after death)
Length: Approximately 322 pages
A thought-provoking read.
UNDER-HEAVEN by TIM GREATON is a beautifully written novel about life after death. Mr. Greaton has introduced a unique and interesting theory on what happens after our soul leaves the body. I thoroughly enjoyed reading what is a new take (for me) on this often thought of experience.
I must admit while reading about Nate's living experiences, as well as the horrific events of the end of his life and his family's lives, I found it almost too painful to continue. My heart broke for these characters both for their every day life's experiences and their tragic passing. Through Mr. Greaton's writing the reader experiences such vivid emotion. I found myself gasping at the actions of some of the characters as well as wanting to reach through my Kindle and wrap my arms around those suffering such great pain. This book will bring tears to your eyes and at times a smile to your lips.
I don't want to give too much away about Under-Heaven, the place that Nate found himself in for decades after his death, because I was enchanted and at times disturbed by this place. I want the reader to experience it firsthand as I did.
UNDER-HEAVEN by TIM GREATON is a must read novel. At the end I was left with the feeling of warmth, joy, and a touch of wonderment.
Author: Tim Greaton
Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Paranormal (life after death)
Length: Approximately 322 pages
A thought-provoking read.
UNDER-HEAVEN by TIM GREATON is a beautifully written novel about life after death. Mr. Greaton has introduced a unique and interesting theory on what happens after our soul leaves the body. I thoroughly enjoyed reading what is a new take (for me) on this often thought of experience.
I must admit while reading about Nate's living experiences, as well as the horrific events of the end of his life and his family's lives, I found it almost too painful to continue. My heart broke for these characters both for their every day life's experiences and their tragic passing. Through Mr. Greaton's writing the reader experiences such vivid emotion. I found myself gasping at the actions of some of the characters as well as wanting to reach through my Kindle and wrap my arms around those suffering such great pain. This book will bring tears to your eyes and at times a smile to your lips.
I don't want to give too much away about Under-Heaven, the place that Nate found himself in for decades after his death, because I was enchanted and at times disturbed by this place. I want the reader to experience it firsthand as I did.
UNDER-HEAVEN by TIM GREATON is a must read novel. At the end I was left with the feeling of warmth, joy, and a touch of wonderment.
June 19, 2012
I believe.
I believe there is life after death.
I believe angels walk among us... and Tim Greaton has met them.
From the depths of despair and tragedy two boys follow the only path they can to ultimately find peace. Of course there are a few bumps in the road... like murder, kidnapping, death and all the cruelty that tears a struggling family apart.
UNDER HEAVEN is a brilliant collection of characters and Tim weaves them into a story that will tug at your heart. He found a way to encompass all that is horrifying in a child’s life and at the same time open the door to pure joy and happiness. I’m a mom... my heart ached for Nate and Jesse and I wanted to hold them, protect them and then cheer for them when life opened new possibilities.
Life is not perfect, and quite frankly, I couldn’t put this book down even though I was sure it would make me cry... but it didn’t. Just when I wanted to burst into tears Tim gave me hope. Well done!
UNDER HEAVEN is brilliant... and the end? Perfection!
Thank you Tim!
I believe there is life after death.
I believe angels walk among us... and Tim Greaton has met them.
From the depths of despair and tragedy two boys follow the only path they can to ultimately find peace. Of course there are a few bumps in the road... like murder, kidnapping, death and all the cruelty that tears a struggling family apart.
UNDER HEAVEN is a brilliant collection of characters and Tim weaves them into a story that will tug at your heart. He found a way to encompass all that is horrifying in a child’s life and at the same time open the door to pure joy and happiness. I’m a mom... my heart ached for Nate and Jesse and I wanted to hold them, protect them and then cheer for them when life opened new possibilities.
Life is not perfect, and quite frankly, I couldn’t put this book down even though I was sure it would make me cry... but it didn’t. Just when I wanted to burst into tears Tim gave me hope. Well done!
UNDER HEAVEN is brilliant... and the end? Perfection!
Thank you Tim!
October 1, 2012
I wasn't really sure what I was getting into when I began the book. It is essentially three stories cleverly inter-related. The story focuses on two young boys, Nate and Jesse whose stories seem completely unrelated even though as a reader you know they must be. The story line eventually leads you to this connection pretty cleverly and in a way which is very hard to see coming.
I'm not sure how to categorize this book. At first I thought it was religious fiction but ultimately I would call it a fantasy with many spiritual overtones and borrowing heavily from christian beliefs regarding life after death and mixing in a little reincarnation. It's a pretty unique mixture and I found it interesting and thought provoking.
The book is a tear-jerker and not my usual type of reading but I must say I enjoyed it very much. I'll look for more books by this author.
I'm not sure how to categorize this book. At first I thought it was religious fiction but ultimately I would call it a fantasy with many spiritual overtones and borrowing heavily from christian beliefs regarding life after death and mixing in a little reincarnation. It's a pretty unique mixture and I found it interesting and thought provoking.
The book is a tear-jerker and not my usual type of reading but I must say I enjoyed it very much. I'll look for more books by this author.
October 10, 2011
I can't believe this book is only .99c on kindle. Having read it, I know it is worth so much more in emotional investment; a story of such power, written so beautifully has my vote every time. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
Tim Greaton became one of my favoured authors with his Santa Story and he has gained my respect and further admiration with this novel about a young boy, murdered and taken to Under Heaven, where he has to make a "life changing" decision.
I was wondering how Mr Greaton would tackle the ending, so was amazed and delighted with his solution.
This novel is the stuff of which QUALITY films are made and for which boxes of tissues were invented.
I highly recommend Under Heaven.
Tim Greaton became one of my favoured authors with his Santa Story and he has gained my respect and further admiration with this novel about a young boy, murdered and taken to Under Heaven, where he has to make a "life changing" decision.
I was wondering how Mr Greaton would tackle the ending, so was amazed and delighted with his solution.
This novel is the stuff of which QUALITY films are made and for which boxes of tissues were invented.
I highly recommend Under Heaven.
February 13, 2012
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At first it was hard to see what each story had to do with each other but then -bang- it hits you between the eyes. The merging was very cleverly done and when I came to the dramatic end I was in tears.
I totally recommend this book. Under Heaven is a moving and well written story.
At first it was hard to see what each story had to do with each other but then -bang- it hits you between the eyes. The merging was very cleverly done and when I came to the dramatic end I was in tears.
I totally recommend this book. Under Heaven is a moving and well written story.
August 31, 2012
If you were murdered before you were 10 years old and given a choice to go back to Earth or go to Heaven, what would you do? That's the question that young Nate faces and he can't decide. What finally persuades him? Finding out what happened to his faithful dog.
While there are two stories being told at the same time, they are easy to keep separate and kept me wondering how they were connected until the very end.
While there are two stories being told at the same time, they are easy to keep separate and kept me wondering how they were connected until the very end.
October 23, 2012
Excellent writing and story. This book is different from his Christmas story and very disturbing at times. I can see how it could be cathartic for the author, yet quite moving for the reader. Sometimes I had to put it down because it was so difficult for Nate. Read it and find out what I'm talking about...
August 20, 2012
I enjoyed this book, it was emotional, humorous and well written. The characters were lovable and I was eager to discover the connection between the two boys...if I have any complaint it would be not getting to know more about Clay!
February 14, 2012
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May 6, 2012
I really enjoyed out he made his own version of purgatory live. Tim intergrated the stories of Jesse and Nate with seamless style. the character are great.
May 8, 2012
simply AMAZING!!! I will re read again and again!
May 22, 2012
Loved it. Kept me guessing how everything was connected, but came together nicely in the end. It is also interesting to read how others imagine the afterlife to be. Intriguing concept.
August 1, 2012
This book was very interesting. It integrated a few stories but come together nicely. I enjoyed the stories as hard as they were of Nate, Jessie, and Clay. Sometimes thinking is a good thing.
August 28, 2012
Definately a teary one for me, but a good book none the less.
January 15, 2013
I didn't mind this book but it didn't all come together until the end. It was definitely a different read.
October 5, 2018
Wow!
I don't want to say too much and risk ruining it for others. But I WILL say it didn't end the way I expected it to and I very highly recommend it!
I don't want to say too much and risk ruining it for others. But I WILL say it didn't end the way I expected it to and I very highly recommend it!
July 1, 2013
Nine year old Nate has died. But where does he go from here? Five year old Jesse just wants his family back together. How can he halt his father's descent into self-destruction? In Under-Heaven we follow these two young souls as they struggle to understand and deal with dilemmas That would test the very best of us.
This is story telling on an epic scale. It is a deeply moving tale that explores some of the most profound aspects of our world, life, death, love, loss and the very nature of existence. All of this is done in an entertaining and engaging way.
Most of the story is told from the perspective of young Nate and Jesse who, perhaps, represent the children in all of us. This point of view ensures that the weighty issues considered here are accessible to all readers, in much the same way that Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder was able to make Philosophy more accessible.
The skilfully described scenes give Under-Heaven a realism that it may have lacked in the hands of a less talented writer. Similarly, the earth bound scenes and characters are very well drawn. This means that the whole story keeps its feet firmly planted in the reality of everyday life. A reality we can all relate to. The murder mystery elements of the story are equally well constructed. This allows the narrative to cross genre boundaries without detracting from the central themes of the story. The important characters were all well-defined, having both depth and multi-dimensionality.
I did feel that a couple of the threads were a little confused. It was as if the author had decided that those ideas may be better examined in another story. This, however, merely altered the rhythm of the piece for a time. Ultimately, this was a well constructed, moving and thought provoking story. At times it was a little heavy going as a result of the themes it deals with but, well worth the effort.
****
A great book from a very talented writer
This is story telling on an epic scale. It is a deeply moving tale that explores some of the most profound aspects of our world, life, death, love, loss and the very nature of existence. All of this is done in an entertaining and engaging way.
Most of the story is told from the perspective of young Nate and Jesse who, perhaps, represent the children in all of us. This point of view ensures that the weighty issues considered here are accessible to all readers, in much the same way that Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder was able to make Philosophy more accessible.
The skilfully described scenes give Under-Heaven a realism that it may have lacked in the hands of a less talented writer. Similarly, the earth bound scenes and characters are very well drawn. This means that the whole story keeps its feet firmly planted in the reality of everyday life. A reality we can all relate to. The murder mystery elements of the story are equally well constructed. This allows the narrative to cross genre boundaries without detracting from the central themes of the story. The important characters were all well-defined, having both depth and multi-dimensionality.
I did feel that a couple of the threads were a little confused. It was as if the author had decided that those ideas may be better examined in another story. This, however, merely altered the rhythm of the piece for a time. Ultimately, this was a well constructed, moving and thought provoking story. At times it was a little heavy going as a result of the themes it deals with but, well worth the effort.
****
A great book from a very talented writer
August 7, 2014
I really enjoyed your interpretation of purgatory. I loved all the characters that weaved through out the story. How they all were yoked together in the end was a smart play. Great story. Great characters.
January 15, 2016
Archangel
Touching Once everything came together was just amazing. All the family members was funny they all played an important role. I felt for Wagner and Jesse. I didn't see that connection coming.
Touching Once everything came together was just amazing. All the family members was funny they all played an important role. I felt for Wagner and Jesse. I didn't see that connection coming.
August 11, 2013
A wonderful story!
August 12, 2015
Must read
I rated this book 5 star because I have never read a book like this one. It keeps you wanting to keep reading even after you close your eyes.
I rated this book 5 star because I have never read a book like this one. It keeps you wanting to keep reading even after you close your eyes.
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