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The Beyond Trilogy #3
Hell and Beyond
A prominent atheist dies unexpectedly and goes to hell. Or so it appears...but nothing is what it seems in this engrossing allegorical novel about the afterlife. In the tradition of C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce and John Bunyon's Pilgrim's Progress, Michael Phillips has produced a riveting tale of eternity. Hell and Beyond is a lively and fascinating trip through the afterlife-one that will inspire you to re-discover the significance of your life here and now.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
59 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books612 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 26, 2019
Many books I review here (among Christian fiction) I've noted can/could be read as simply a novel by those who wish to avoid Christian works. This one is an allegory and therefore it's essential "Christianness" is pretty much front and center.
My review here will pretty much HAVE TO concern the subject and lessons of this book so...if that bothers you I get it.
I like this one though I'd recommend that you be ready for it. The doctrines discussed here (so to speak) will definitely cause some discussion and some disagreement. I think that there is an error in the book that simply revolves around the use of a single word. I am very intrigued by the book and it's thought provoking look at certain scriptures. I think this one is well worth reading and thinking about.
The writer is an admirer of both C.S.Lewis and George Macdonald (as am I). While I can't say he's in that league he is well to repeat myself, a thought provoking writer.
By the way, this is the third book in a trilogy. I wasn't aware of that when I got it. I have ordered the first and am still looking for the second. I may be forced to buy it (if at all) in Ebook form and I really don't want to.
Recommended for most Christian readers. Also recommended for thos who can read with an open mind...especially considering the subject matter.
My review here will pretty much HAVE TO concern the subject and lessons of this book so...if that bothers you I get it.
I like this one though I'd recommend that you be ready for it. The doctrines discussed here (so to speak) will definitely cause some discussion and some disagreement. I think that there is an error in the book that simply revolves around the use of a single word. I am very intrigued by the book and it's thought provoking look at certain scriptures. I think this one is well worth reading and thinking about.
The writer is an admirer of both C.S.Lewis and George Macdonald (as am I). While I can't say he's in that league he is well to repeat myself, a thought provoking writer.
By the way, this is the third book in a trilogy. I wasn't aware of that when I got it. I have ordered the first and am still looking for the second. I may be forced to buy it (if at all) in Ebook form and I really don't want to.
Recommended for most Christian readers. Also recommended for thos who can read with an open mind...especially considering the subject matter.
September 22, 2013
An allegory, this book helped me during a troubling time, the death of my brother, an atheist. I hope he also has found Jesus and God the Father in his journey beyond this life.
April 4, 2013
Sort of a modern day verson of Pilgrim's Progress or CS Lewis' The Great Divorce. If you are a rigidly orthodox Christian you might find it unsettling to have your concept of Hell challenged. If you couldn't bear to read a book like "The Shack" you'll have a hard time with this one too. But it'll be your loss. You just need to bear in mind that the book is just a fictional speculation of what might be. Basically the writer is speculating on whether "the fires of hell" are a place of torment or if they possibly are a necessary but painful refining and purifying of those who choose it having not received salvation through Christ. Maybe we don't know as much about Hell as we think. Maybe our concept of Hell is too much influenced by lingering medieval thought and literature. Maybe we just won't know until all is revealed when Jesus returns. Even if the author is totally incorrect - Christian, Atheist or otherwise I don't think you can read this book and not come away changed for the better as you reflect on how you live your life and what the consequences are for yourself and everyone around you.
October 27, 2013
This book took me awhile to finish, but it was well worth the read. I enjoyed the book, and it does make you ponder your destination after death. It is best to be ready to meet the Lord by living for Him in this life, because you don't want to have to face the evils of hell. I will be reading this one again, and digesting it a bit more as I read it over.
September 25, 2013
I would not recomment this to my friends. The Bible states Jesus is the way to heaven. You cannot deny God, die, and then work your way to heaven. Not Biblical. Sorry. If you are an Atheist when you die, you can't end up in a place you don't believe exists.
June 23, 2017
Different than expected
When I downloaded this book I didn't know at the time that it was by a Christian author. I just knew that it was defined as horror. I'm not sure I would define it as horror, but it could be, based on your own beliefs.
I was still pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. The journey the main character endured was written amazingly. The descriptions were excellent. I just might be interested in reading other works by this author.
When I downloaded this book I didn't know at the time that it was by a Christian author. I just knew that it was defined as horror. I'm not sure I would define it as horror, but it could be, based on your own beliefs.
I was still pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. The journey the main character endured was written amazingly. The descriptions were excellent. I just might be interested in reading other works by this author.
September 17, 2018
Food for thought
As a believer, I'm not sure how I feel, or what I expected from this novel. It was an interesting, and thought provoking take on the hereafter. I appreciated the words from the author at the end---gave me a bit more perspective. I would definitely consider reading more of his work.
As a believer, I'm not sure how I feel, or what I expected from this novel. It was an interesting, and thought provoking take on the hereafter. I appreciated the words from the author at the end---gave me a bit more perspective. I would definitely consider reading more of his work.
September 1, 2019
Review
This book was so different than what I thought it would be. A quick read about Heaven from the author's view
This book was so different than what I thought it would be. A quick read about Heaven from the author's view
June 15, 2025
Incredible and eye-opening
This book is wonderfully written and will inspire your heart to seek and know God. Fiction it might be but its depth and insight are profound.
This book is wonderfully written and will inspire your heart to seek and know God. Fiction it might be but its depth and insight are profound.
December 31, 2013
An interesting non-traditional but Christian fictional/allegorical take on heaven and hell or the afterlife if you will. Phillips leans toward the universalist side but with a great deal of purgatorial type purifying and repentance. Heavily influenced by CS Lewis and George MacDonald and along the lines of Pilgrims Progress.
At first blush it struck me as much too universal in the sense of lacking an connection to history or scripture in a rooted or narrative way. It is an imaginative creation based on a conception of God's character and love but not connected to the story of God in time and space (the people of Israel, Jesus the Messiah, the martyr church, etc.). So it is literary to some degree but really more philosophical. And thus came across as speculation and metaphysics rather than storytelling.
At first blush it struck me as much too universal in the sense of lacking an connection to history or scripture in a rooted or narrative way. It is an imaginative creation based on a conception of God's character and love but not connected to the story of God in time and space (the people of Israel, Jesus the Messiah, the martyr church, etc.). So it is literary to some degree but really more philosophical. And thus came across as speculation and metaphysics rather than storytelling.
October 21, 2013
This book reminded me somewhat of Dante's Inferno, but much more user-friendly. I found this book to be both compelling and encouraging. As the author clearly states, this is fiction and not a theological document, it really does make you think. I certainly don't know what Heaven or Hell is like, but this interpretation certainly makes a whole lot of sense. A truly loving God, who gave his only Son so that we may be saved is not going to just allow us to be defeated by ignorance and sin. There will certainly be a price to pay, and that price is contingent upon the life you led, but I want to believe that he loves us no matter what.
February 11, 2015
The writing was tremendous, the word pictures were exquisite. Much like, "The Shack," this book challenged my thinking because I didn't completely agree with Mr. Phillips "after-life" theology, yet I couldn't completely dispute it either. I love that his "after-word" (no spoilers here) makes it very clear that this is a work of fiction and should not be taken as a theological definition of heaven and hell (my translation of his final thoughts). If you like being challenged and enjoy a beautiful use of the English language, Hell and Beyond will not disappoint you.
January 10, 2020
This book was a gift. I sat down to email a Thank You, but instead devoured the whole book! I'd read The Garden at the Edge of Beyond and Hell and Beyond, so I knew that I was up for some awesome thought provoking reading, but Heaven and Beyond had me blinking (if I'd known that I was going to read the book, I would have had kleenex handy!), and turning pages as fast as I could read. This book will have you looking at everyone that you meet in a totally different way-seeing people more as Father sees them, and hopefully treating them with more Love.
June 13, 2014
A novel with some very interesting points for the reader to consider.
The part which affected me most was the forgiveness section. While not attempting to ruin the book for others, those we need to ask forgiveness of extends much farther than we would ever think or believe. I am attempting to remember this in my daily activities.
Unique perspective and may not be for those who are very specific in their views.
The part which affected me most was the forgiveness section. While not attempting to ruin the book for others, those we need to ask forgiveness of extends much farther than we would ever think or believe. I am attempting to remember this in my daily activities.
Unique perspective and may not be for those who are very specific in their views.
November 12, 2013
You definitely have to have an open mind to digest this book...or a very closed one.
I haven't decided what to think about this book. Interesting, I guess would be the best word I could use. Definitely not a read for someone who offends easily where doctrine is concerned. I had a hard time getting past some things, myself, but all-in-all....not a total waste of time.
I haven't decided what to think about this book. Interesting, I guess would be the best word I could use. Definitely not a read for someone who offends easily where doctrine is concerned. I had a hard time getting past some things, myself, but all-in-all....not a total waste of time.
November 19, 2013
I loved it, loved it, loved it! Very vivid descriptions make you feel like you are there in the story. As the author states, you must remember that this is completely fiction. It does, however, make you really think and makes you examine yourself from the inside out. What a journey this story took me on! I highly recommend this book!
January 7, 2022
Engaging, captivating, uplifting...
When I read any of Michael Phillips' works, I come away with a fresh awareness of the goodness of God and an increased desire to know and love him more. The Beyond Trilogy has wonderfully lifted my gaze to "the things above" in a refreshingly powerful way.
When I read any of Michael Phillips' works, I come away with a fresh awareness of the goodness of God and an increased desire to know and love him more. The Beyond Trilogy has wonderfully lifted my gaze to "the things above" in a refreshingly powerful way.
December 30, 2013
If I never knew who the author of this book was, I could have guessed correctly in 2 seconds. The images of the atheists' journey into the afterlife were vivid, palatable, beautiful, painful, powerful, unique, expected, unexpected........etc. an interesting read.
February 19, 2014
A very interesting book on how what happens to you after you die and if you were a sinner. The main character was a popular aesthetics who spread his false messages to millions. It takes him through hell and how and where he ends up afterwards. Nice little read.
October 13, 2022
Ended too soon!
I love the imagery and the expression of God's mercy and love for everyone ... No matter what they did in their life, what they believed or didn't believe in ... Everyone is given a chance to attain eternity with God!
I love the imagery and the expression of God's mercy and love for everyone ... No matter what they did in their life, what they believed or didn't believe in ... Everyone is given a chance to attain eternity with God!
September 22, 2013
I have never seen the afterlife like this before. Very interesting read. The story stays with me while I'm not reading.
September 24, 2013
very good
November 16, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much. Interesting concept of hell. Some will find this allegory story unsettling but remember it is a piece of fiction.
May 2, 2015
Tiresome, but I suspected I wouldn't enjoy it just based on the premise. What I didn't expect was for it to try so hard to be trite.
September 22, 2016
Well written and thought out.
December 12, 2021
Amazing vision of the wonders and glory of Heaven!
June 29, 2013
It makes you think and reflect about God, life and afterlife. A very good book to read.
September 18, 2013
Definitely had me thinking. Keep an open mind and just read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews