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The Last Day
The Barnes & Noble Review:
Christmas Eve, 1999. A comet, satellite, or perhaps the finger of God, rends the night sky above Israel and rains fiery destruction on a top-secret military research facility in the Negev. Only one mute and naked survivor struggles from the ruins in the aftermath of the explosion, then vanishes into the desert unnoticed.
Drawn by the rumor of a Jordanian SCUD attack, a World News Network team producing a Millennium Eve special in Jerusalem races to the scene and stumbles upon the story of their lives, involving veteran reporter Jonathan Feldman and his cameraman Breck Hunter in perhaps the greatest story ever told.
Throughout the final year of the century, messianic sects have descended upon the great religious centers of Rome, Jerusalem, and Salt Lake City to await the coming of the millennium, convinced that the Last Days are at hand. Now, in the fulfillment of prophesy, at the stroke of midnight, New Year's Eve, a beautiful and mysterious young woman appears on the steps of the ancient Israelite Temple of the Messiah just as a violent earthquake rocks Jerusalem and sets off aftershocks felt even in the Vatican.
By a stroke of purest luck, WNN has it all on videotape. As a world audience primed for spectacle clamors for more, Feldman and Hunter follow the elusive figure as she appears throughout "Apocalypse Central," proclaiming a new gospel of the apotheosis to Christian, Muslim, and Jew alike. Overnight, Jeza, as she calls herself, has become a worldwide phenomenon, occasioning a summit meeting of the world's religious leaders and spawning a brisk trade in T-shirts,ashtrays, and other novelties bearing her image.
But despite reports of miracles, fulfillment of biblical prophecy, and even the announcement of an 11th commandment "Thou shall honor woman as thy equal; and thou shall cherish her in unity with thy fellow man", the question remains: Is Jeza imitating or emulating Christ? Is she messiah, antichrist, or something even more sinister; a biotech experiment gone tragically wrong?
Deftly incorporating subplots that include Vatican conspiracies, IDF assassination squads, cutting-edge scientific speculation, and the doomsday prophesy of the Last Secret of Fatima, Glenn Kleier's The Last Day cleverly exploits the growing fascination with the millennium and eschatology, provoking impassioned questions about our most cherished beliefs; and delivering a suspenseful thriller of the highest order.
Christmas Eve, 1999. A comet, satellite, or perhaps the finger of God, rends the night sky above Israel and rains fiery destruction on a top-secret military research facility in the Negev. Only one mute and naked survivor struggles from the ruins in the aftermath of the explosion, then vanishes into the desert unnoticed.
Drawn by the rumor of a Jordanian SCUD attack, a World News Network team producing a Millennium Eve special in Jerusalem races to the scene and stumbles upon the story of their lives, involving veteran reporter Jonathan Feldman and his cameraman Breck Hunter in perhaps the greatest story ever told.
Throughout the final year of the century, messianic sects have descended upon the great religious centers of Rome, Jerusalem, and Salt Lake City to await the coming of the millennium, convinced that the Last Days are at hand. Now, in the fulfillment of prophesy, at the stroke of midnight, New Year's Eve, a beautiful and mysterious young woman appears on the steps of the ancient Israelite Temple of the Messiah just as a violent earthquake rocks Jerusalem and sets off aftershocks felt even in the Vatican.
By a stroke of purest luck, WNN has it all on videotape. As a world audience primed for spectacle clamors for more, Feldman and Hunter follow the elusive figure as she appears throughout "Apocalypse Central," proclaiming a new gospel of the apotheosis to Christian, Muslim, and Jew alike. Overnight, Jeza, as she calls herself, has become a worldwide phenomenon, occasioning a summit meeting of the world's religious leaders and spawning a brisk trade in T-shirts,ashtrays, and other novelties bearing her image.
But despite reports of miracles, fulfillment of biblical prophecy, and even the announcement of an 11th commandment "Thou shall honor woman as thy equal; and thou shall cherish her in unity with thy fellow man", the question remains: Is Jeza imitating or emulating Christ? Is she messiah, antichrist, or something even more sinister; a biotech experiment gone tragically wrong?
Deftly incorporating subplots that include Vatican conspiracies, IDF assassination squads, cutting-edge scientific speculation, and the doomsday prophesy of the Last Secret of Fatima, Glenn Kleier's The Last Day cleverly exploits the growing fascination with the millennium and eschatology, provoking impassioned questions about our most cherished beliefs; and delivering a suspenseful thriller of the highest order.
624 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 1, 1998
59 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Kleier
6 books471 followersAuthor of novels THE LAST DAY (Warner Books) and THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD & EVIL (Macmillan).
New release-- THE PROPHET OF QUEENS
New release-- THE PROPHET OF QUEENS
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 9, 2012
In the beginning it seems as though this is yet another Science-fiction story, with criticism of the normal science and warfare services. But soon it appears that not only against science and the (Israeli) secret service is protested, but against anything that is not in accordance with the teachings of the great masters.
The parables of Jessa follow the same picture as those of Jesus, but in a modern form that fits more with our time.
The statements between the two groups of supporters and opponents are suited to the Revelation of John, leaving it up to the reader if this is the true fulfilment.
Ultimately it is clear that Jessa is still a real human being with a high intelligence, who sees herself as the follow-up of Jesus (in the meaning of prophetess). She dies on Good Friday and on Easter her body is gone. Whether alive or not, remains unsolved.
At the end of the book many people live in utopia and everything is all peace and love.
A good decision is the "Jesse Institute", which sets itself the goal of not only to distribute her prophecies, but all the sacred scriptures of this world for free, without propagating any particular religion. In essence, a kind theosophisch Sciene-fiction story.
Exciting, poignant, thought-provoking. Must read!
The parables of Jessa follow the same picture as those of Jesus, but in a modern form that fits more with our time.
The statements between the two groups of supporters and opponents are suited to the Revelation of John, leaving it up to the reader if this is the true fulfilment.
Ultimately it is clear that Jessa is still a real human being with a high intelligence, who sees herself as the follow-up of Jesus (in the meaning of prophetess). She dies on Good Friday and on Easter her body is gone. Whether alive or not, remains unsolved.
At the end of the book many people live in utopia and everything is all peace and love.
A good decision is the "Jesse Institute", which sets itself the goal of not only to distribute her prophecies, but all the sacred scriptures of this world for free, without propagating any particular religion. In essence, a kind theosophisch Sciene-fiction story.
Exciting, poignant, thought-provoking. Must read!
February 28, 2013
I am a science fiction reader and I came upon this book by accident at a book fair. I bought it, and it was one of those books I could not put down. It is the story of Jeza the second coming of Christ. I was fascinated because it illustrates how the church has all this wealth, and Jeza (the real Christ 2) is commanded by God to have the Catholic Church "disband" and use all of its amassed wealth to help people in need.
Now that is fascinating to me, and I found myself thinking about this book again now because of the Pope and what is about to happen. As with all science fiction there is some truth, and I think I recieved some insight about the wealth of the Catholic Church and it brought up the question " would Jesus be a member of the Catholic Church?" In my opinion I think not.
Now that is fascinating to me, and I found myself thinking about this book again now because of the Pope and what is about to happen. As with all science fiction there is some truth, and I think I recieved some insight about the wealth of the Catholic Church and it brought up the question " would Jesus be a member of the Catholic Church?" In my opinion I think not.
September 26, 2011
The Last Day is an absolutely fabulous book that makes you take some time and just think. It's full of ideas and scenarios that probably will freak the hell out of people that don't live with an open mind. For a first time fiction novel by an author who clearly states that this is a work of fiction, I say well done Glenn Kleier. I commend you for ripping a big fat hole in that box of religious propoganda. If you have been indocrinated into a judgemental being then you will find fault with anything not fed to you by your church....so why are you reading a fiction novel? i digress....and reiterate that The Last Day is an awesome book and I look forward to more.
April 28, 2018
I picked up and read this book right around the turn of the millennium and loved it enough to keep it through numerous moves. While pursuing my bookshelf last week, my eyes snagged on it. I remembered the beginning and the climax and a few key points in between. So, I reread it. It was as good as ever. I read voraciously on a wide variety of subjects. (I’m on book 22 for the year so far in April.) I think having kept the book for 18 years and remembering the general plot and very vividly several of the big highlights speaks for itself.
September 10, 2013
As the millennium approaches there is an unexplained explosion in the desert in Southern Israel which completely destroys a laboratory. One person survives and there begins an extraordinary story. When an ethereal young woman appears on New Years Eve things start happening in earnest, involving the news media, the Vatican, assassination plots and reports of miracles not to mention conspiracies and an aspect of science fiction too.
This is a very engrossing read. The research and details are amazing and the plot intricate and involved. There's no treading softly or cautiously here, it challenges the reader psychologically and well as spiritually.
A fascinating story which opens the door to many thought provoking questions, not least about the incredible wealth and pomp of the Vatican and the Church in general, also 'religious trivia and rituals' and their relevance in the bigger picture.
The suspense and tension build throughout, it's masterful, challenging and still very relevant given the ongoing intolerance between religions. This book takes you on an extraordinary journey into the 'what ifs' which seem entirely conceivable, rocking many boats along the way. An unexpected and moving ending.
Highly recommended and I'm very much looking forward to Mr Kleier's next book!
This is a very engrossing read. The research and details are amazing and the plot intricate and involved. There's no treading softly or cautiously here, it challenges the reader psychologically and well as spiritually.
A fascinating story which opens the door to many thought provoking questions, not least about the incredible wealth and pomp of the Vatican and the Church in general, also 'religious trivia and rituals' and their relevance in the bigger picture.
The suspense and tension build throughout, it's masterful, challenging and still very relevant given the ongoing intolerance between religions. This book takes you on an extraordinary journey into the 'what ifs' which seem entirely conceivable, rocking many boats along the way. An unexpected and moving ending.
Highly recommended and I'm very much looking forward to Mr Kleier's next book!
October 25, 2011
An excellent and thought-provoking read. A cross between science-fiction, post apocalyptic, and Middle-East thriller, its premise is out of date, since 2000 is long past, but this is one of the books I re-read every other year. An interesting and well written book.
June 5, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Last Day". The plot was satisfyingly twisty, and I appreciate Mr. Kleir's extensive research into rapidly evolving mass media, modern Middle Eastern history and politics, particularly regarding intelligence and warfare, as well as his comprehensive knowledge of Roman Catholicism, the inner workings of the Vatican in particular. The complex characters Glenn portrays are vividly drawn, and they all display good development as the story progresses. More importantly, I found myself empathizing with the characters as they lived through the events of this extraordinary story.
Bottom line: I couldn't put "The Last Day" down! Thank you, Glenn. I've preordered your soon-to-be released next novel. "The Knowledge of Good & Evil"!
[WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS.]
My only problem was the issue of the actual date of the turn of the millennium. Having read the book 10 years after the turn of the millennium, I remembered discussions with friends and colleagues during the entire year 1999 in which it was often pointed out in the media that December 31, 1999 was the last day of the 20th century and not the official end of the 20th century. I can forgive Mr. Kleier this point as "The Last Day" was originally published in 1996. However, I find it difficult to believe that the Pope, as well as the rest of the world's people, particularly the millinarians, did not reach this conclusion until well after December 31, 2000 had come and gone without the occurrence of the prophesied catastrophes taking place.
Nonetheless, the book still has much to commend itself. The character of Jeza, so central to the novel, is well drawn. Her character is what I would expect of a New Age prophet (or Messiah, to use the terminology of the three major Judeo-Christian world religions). Her message that all organized religions have been corrupted and degraded, the better for people to use religion as a political tool, rather than to focus on the Message, and live it, in its purest form. She embraces people of all belief systems of the world and exhorts them to put down their swords in exchange for ploughshares; i.e., she calls for peace among all the peoples of the world. [Cf. Isaiah 2:4 & Micah 4:3.] Glenn beautifully brings together the fundamental principles and truths of all the great world religions and belief systems. The most noble of all aspirations, if only this story was true...!
I especially liked the author's acronyms G.O.G. and M.G.O.G. as representing the war between Gog and Magog prophesied in the Book of Revelations. That was a brilliant touch!
Bottom line: I couldn't put "The Last Day" down! Thank you, Glenn. I've preordered your soon-to-be released next novel. "The Knowledge of Good & Evil"!
[WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS.]
My only problem was the issue of the actual date of the turn of the millennium. Having read the book 10 years after the turn of the millennium, I remembered discussions with friends and colleagues during the entire year 1999 in which it was often pointed out in the media that December 31, 1999 was the last day of the 20th century and not the official end of the 20th century. I can forgive Mr. Kleier this point as "The Last Day" was originally published in 1996. However, I find it difficult to believe that the Pope, as well as the rest of the world's people, particularly the millinarians, did not reach this conclusion until well after December 31, 2000 had come and gone without the occurrence of the prophesied catastrophes taking place.
Nonetheless, the book still has much to commend itself. The character of Jeza, so central to the novel, is well drawn. Her character is what I would expect of a New Age prophet (or Messiah, to use the terminology of the three major Judeo-Christian world religions). Her message that all organized religions have been corrupted and degraded, the better for people to use religion as a political tool, rather than to focus on the Message, and live it, in its purest form. She embraces people of all belief systems of the world and exhorts them to put down their swords in exchange for ploughshares; i.e., she calls for peace among all the peoples of the world. [Cf. Isaiah 2:4 & Micah 4:3.] Glenn beautifully brings together the fundamental principles and truths of all the great world religions and belief systems. The most noble of all aspirations, if only this story was true...!
I especially liked the author's acronyms G.O.G. and M.G.O.G. as representing the war between Gog and Magog prophesied in the Book of Revelations. That was a brilliant touch!
July 4, 2017
I have often wondered whether the worlds Christian churches would actually recognise the second coming of Chrtist as such an event would be a threat to their power, control and wealth. This even though the return of the Messiah is the basis for their very existence. The Last Day is a must read for anyone questioning the status quo of organised religion. This should make an awesome movie however sadly I sincerely doubt that any studio would take on such controversial material for fear of upsetting the hierarchy of the worlds churches. I just love this book.
October 12, 2017
An intriguing read about the arrival of a possible new Messiah at the turn of the Millenium. Is this young female a divine emissay as she claims or merely the product of a blasphemous & bizarre scientific experiment. As you would expect the world & it's religions are divided in their opinions.
On the whole the story works pretty well, the new parables from Apotheosis, the "new" testament are a nice touch.
The ending for me was a bit of a let down but then a book about a possible Armageddon could only end one of two ways....
On the whole the story works pretty well, the new parables from Apotheosis, the "new" testament are a nice touch.
The ending for me was a bit of a let down but then a book about a possible Armageddon could only end one of two ways....
June 21, 2012
I already question and doubt organized religions. I feel they will do and say whatever it takes for them to hold their congregations in their grips all for the sake of money. I would love for a "Messiah" to come along and shake them to their very core, maybe then people would wake up and realize they have been had all this time.
April 12, 2009
I keep searching for a really good apocalyptic/end of days book. This is the closest I've come to the one I'm looking for. Very interesting reinterpretation of the Bible. Very enjoyable with good twists and turns.
June 29, 2010
i LOVE apocalyptic/end-of-days books. This one had some really interesting twists. I questioned the intent & truth of the events & heroes of the book until the end & even then I still wondered about the possibilities.
March 21, 2020
This is an amazing thriller involving sci-fi, religion, politics, and human interest stories!
April 13, 2013
First, in a genre plagued with very mediocre writing, this book is a welcome change. Thank you Glenn!
I am not so gifted with words, so I will just say that I found this book fascinating, with finely crafted characters and a though-provoking plot. I could not wait to find out how he would end it, but did not want it to end. Frankly I worried about how the author would actually bring it to a satisfying ending and was surprised and pleased with his choices. I consider myself a "progressive Christian" in that while I regularly attend church (and sing with a worship team) and love my church and its leaders, I still have a problem with how much of organized religion represents Christ to the masses - as is our duty. Jeza's call to abandon your churches and pulpits and fully embrace Christ's message to love and care for ALL people rang true. As did the anger and hatred it inspired in many world church "leaders." Just like Christ's message did in His time.
At the end of the day this was one of the best books I have read in a long time and I am eager to read more from this author. Please keep writing!!!
I am not so gifted with words, so I will just say that I found this book fascinating, with finely crafted characters and a though-provoking plot. I could not wait to find out how he would end it, but did not want it to end. Frankly I worried about how the author would actually bring it to a satisfying ending and was surprised and pleased with his choices. I consider myself a "progressive Christian" in that while I regularly attend church (and sing with a worship team) and love my church and its leaders, I still have a problem with how much of organized religion represents Christ to the masses - as is our duty. Jeza's call to abandon your churches and pulpits and fully embrace Christ's message to love and care for ALL people rang true. As did the anger and hatred it inspired in many world church "leaders." Just like Christ's message did in His time.
At the end of the day this was one of the best books I have read in a long time and I am eager to read more from this author. Please keep writing!!!
June 27, 2017
I bought this book as a paperback way back when I collected them, and I haven't forgotten the story. Which tells you it's one of those books that stays with you. Part science fiction, part religious mystery, part christian fantasy, part conspiracy thriller, The Last Day is an original and fascinating take on the Second Coming.
This woman appeared in our present day, and for religious fanatics, it was noticed that she was enacting the prophecies in the bible; the sequence of events that needs to come to pass for Jesus' Second Coming. From her birth, her existence mimics Christ --- but her message, is totally different from current religious dogma.
Of course, people didn't believe her. Firstly, she's a woman. We weren't expecting that. Secondly, her message goes against many of our current beliefs. The Vatican didn't like that.
Why is she really here and is she genuine? This is the gist of the story.
I just love this book! Go read it now.
This woman appeared in our present day, and for religious fanatics, it was noticed that she was enacting the prophecies in the bible; the sequence of events that needs to come to pass for Jesus' Second Coming. From her birth, her existence mimics Christ --- but her message, is totally different from current religious dogma.
Of course, people didn't believe her. Firstly, she's a woman. We weren't expecting that. Secondly, her message goes against many of our current beliefs. The Vatican didn't like that.
Why is she really here and is she genuine? This is the gist of the story.
I just love this book! Go read it now.
July 13, 2011
I started off suspicious and not certain if I should give my time to this book, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. Part wishful thinking, part thoughtful what-if of human reaction, this is quite a well-done story of the Second Coming. Except this time the Messiah is a woman. (I rather liked that) Her message wasn't always easy to swallow -- she wanted all the churches, etc, to disband because they were "misleading" people -- but some of it was wonderful, such as her liberation of women from what men have made them. The results are wishful thinking but beautiful and thought provoking, though the typical human reaction of this consumeristic modern world is disturbing but unfortunately very believable.
April 20, 2010
This novel is not my normal type of book. It is a very unusual book and I liked it. It had to overcome my skepticism about the topic of the book but it did and I thought the book was a good read.
I think that mystery readers and sci-fi readers and some religious people interested in the end of things will find this an interesting read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
I think that mystery readers and sci-fi readers and some religious people interested in the end of things will find this an interesting read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
April 4, 2013
Really loved this book! My husband brought it into our home & we fought over who would re-read it first, we both enjoyed it thoroughly!! Glenn takes you on a journey of intrigue & made me re-evaluate some of my personal held beliefs. What all good books should do this one does in spades: makes you think, keeps you interested, opens your mind to new possibilities!! Bravo Glenn Kleier!!
April 5, 2011
This is one of those books that, even though I read it years ago, I think about regularly. The twists and care given to creating three dimensional characters were highly appreciated. I felt terribly sorry for the Pope.
You get nothing more from me to avoid spoilers - just read it!
You get nothing more from me to avoid spoilers - just read it!
May 27, 2015
I just reread this book and found it just as amazing as the first time around. It is very well researched and, although billed as a thriller, is a more thoughtful and interesting novel than what you would expect. It was amazing and I can't wait for the author's next book.
December 30, 2011
I recommend this book to everyone. He is a little known author and this may be his only book. Once you get into this book you will not put it down. I lost many hours of sleep because of this book (in a good way).
September 25, 2012
If you want a book that will keep you up all night and when your not reading it you are thinking about the story continually, then Last Day will do it. Five stars says it all since I can not give it six or nine or more.
May 3, 2013
Great story!
Shame the conclusion would never become even remotely true.
Shame the conclusion would never become even remotely true.
June 28, 2013
One of my all time favorite books.
September 4, 2017
I read this when it first came out, one of my favorites.
January 16, 2013
It isn't very often you find a thriller that makes a moral statement. This book does. I read Mr. Kleier's second book before this one and loved it. I love this one too but for different reasons. It is, in its most simple analysis, a thriller where science and religion take center stage but there isn't debate about which one has it right. Instead the book makes a statement about what religion should be in this day and age. Jeza is eloquent and tolerant. Without spoiling anything I will say it is refreshing to read something that should be obvious to us all. Whether you believe in a divine being or not this book deserves to be read. Jeza's words deserve your attention. And her message deserves to be practiced. And if you don't know who I mean when I say Jeza, read the book!
March 28, 2012
The attention to detail as far as biblical passages and descriptions of locations and people was excellent. While reading the book, a lot of the author's story could be seen as an actual possibility, but reading it more than a decade after the time line of the book made me see it as a little far fetched. I think if I had read this in 1999, it would have been 100 times more believable and possibly "food for thought." It took a few days to get in to it...I struggled through the first few chapters as far as holding my interest, but over all it was a pretty good book.
August 3, 2013
MY FAVOURITE BOOK TO DATE AND I READ A LOT OF BOOKS
No plot spoilers in this review only opinion.
Imagine the world's beliefs turned on their heads well this will make you do that. A magnificent author tackling a difficult subject. Don't be put off by the religious element if you are an atheist. It's probably fair to say you will get more out of it if you have a basic understanding of the plot of the bible but even if you've never heard of God or religion then I'm sure you will still find it a good read.
A real page and brain turner.
No plot spoilers in this review only opinion.
Imagine the world's beliefs turned on their heads well this will make you do that. A magnificent author tackling a difficult subject. Don't be put off by the religious element if you are an atheist. It's probably fair to say you will get more out of it if you have a basic understanding of the plot of the bible but even if you've never heard of God or religion then I'm sure you will still find it a good read.
A real page and brain turner.
April 5, 2012
Great book. Glenn Kleier did a great job researching his information. The book follows parts of the Bible and revelations but has a modern theme to it. There are twist and turns to keep you reading. It is designed for fun reading not for a religious discussion.
Read
September 3, 2017(found read date in diary)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews