What do you think?
Rate this book
Final Beginnings
Drawing on his expertise in psychic phenomena, John Edwards spins a suspenseful, supernatural thriller that culminates in a midtown Manhattan tunnel where the lives and deaths of four characters converge. 75,000 first printing.
308 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 13, 2022
If you fall at the intersection of people who believe in psychics, but also enjoy predictable potboilers, have I got the book for you! This odd specimen is a collaboration between psychic John Edward (of Crossing Over With fame) and Natasha Stoynoff, which tells me Natasha did 98% of the work. It features famous psychic Katherine Haywood, who (unlike John Edward) is always right in her predictions. She still does the "Who's the female with an 'M' name? Mary? Martha?" cold reading routine, but this is fiction, so she's on the money. A series of premonitions pulls her out of her vacation in Italy and back to New York, where she's slated for a radio call-in show. While reading for an angry, cynical cop who calls in, she's suddenly overtaken by a dire prediction, proclaiming there will be a massive attack in the city. Today! The book came out in 2004, so this is hearkening back to 9/11, and one can't help but wonder why we only heard from the real-world psychics after that event occurred.
This prediction happens to complicate the plans of a billionaire who is unveiling his new major biotech building. He also happens to own the radio station, so he summons the psychic to berate her for sowing fear. Meanwhile, we're introduced to a variety of characters to fill out our B, and C, and D plots. The aforementioned angry cop is at the end of his rope, having lost the love of his life and just retired, so he's going to go out in a blaze of glory and kill the psychic. Another guy is working on the landscaping for this new biotech building, and we're supposed to pin him as the terrorist. He also lost his wife (who was a Muslim), and it's easy to confuse him with the other sulky guy. There's an intrepid reporter with an insipid job writing horoscopes, who is hoping to get a scoop on this fresh disruption. And, of course, the billionaire has a stuttering, incompetent son who was once a twin, until his ambitious brother died... oh, you already figured out where that's going? Yeah, me too.
Their respective missions bring them all together, with the psychic always two steps ahead. After an explosion happens just as she predicted, there's an even larger biological threat looming on the other side of town. All race together to stop it, until they get stuck in a tunnel filled with preternatural billowy white clouds. People get shot, new romance buds, and secrets that we'd already figured out are revealed. As the clock is ticking - everyone from New York to Hoboken will die of a horrendous airborne pathogen in 20 minutes! 15 minutes! - everything comes to a screeching halt so that the characters can spend the last quarter of the book stuck in the stupid tunnel making sappy end-of-life speeches and receiving visitations from their departed loved ones.
At the end, a nearly blank page promises "If you enjoyed FINAL BEGINNINGS and want to continue with this spiritual adventure to see what happens next, look for INFINITE ENDINGS ... coming soon ..."
Well, it's 18 years later and that book doesn't exist, so I'm guessing not too many people enjoyed Final Beginnings. You can hear me talk about this book, and analyze a live performance by psychic John Edward, on my podcast.
This prediction happens to complicate the plans of a billionaire who is unveiling his new major biotech building. He also happens to own the radio station, so he summons the psychic to berate her for sowing fear. Meanwhile, we're introduced to a variety of characters to fill out our B, and C, and D plots. The aforementioned angry cop is at the end of his rope, having lost the love of his life and just retired, so he's going to go out in a blaze of glory and kill the psychic. Another guy is working on the landscaping for this new biotech building, and we're supposed to pin him as the terrorist. He also lost his wife (who was a Muslim), and it's easy to confuse him with the other sulky guy. There's an intrepid reporter with an insipid job writing horoscopes, who is hoping to get a scoop on this fresh disruption. And, of course, the billionaire has a stuttering, incompetent son who was once a twin, until his ambitious brother died... oh, you already figured out where that's going? Yeah, me too.
Their respective missions bring them all together, with the psychic always two steps ahead. After an explosion happens just as she predicted, there's an even larger biological threat looming on the other side of town. All race together to stop it, until they get stuck in a tunnel filled with preternatural billowy white clouds. People get shot, new romance buds, and secrets that we'd already figured out are revealed. As the clock is ticking - everyone from New York to Hoboken will die of a horrendous airborne pathogen in 20 minutes! 15 minutes! - everything comes to a screeching halt so that the characters can spend the last quarter of the book stuck in the stupid tunnel making sappy end-of-life speeches and receiving visitations from their departed loved ones.
At the end, a nearly blank page promises "If you enjoyed FINAL BEGINNINGS and want to continue with this spiritual adventure to see what happens next, look for INFINITE ENDINGS ... coming soon ..."
Well, it's 18 years later and that book doesn't exist, so I'm guessing not too many people enjoyed Final Beginnings. You can hear me talk about this book, and analyze a live performance by psychic John Edward, on my podcast.
April 26, 2011
Edward's psychic thriller fails to deliver much spiritual depth
John Edward's second novel, a supernatural thriller, is more "thriller" than "supernatural." Co-written by Natasha Stoynoff, Final Beginnings offers a quick beach read with a reasonably suspenseful story. However, I was disappointed by its lack of spiritual exploration.
Spiritual/metaphysical content: Low. Given John Edward's international reputation as a psychic medium and author of seven books, I expected a more substantial metaphysical or spiritual foundation for Final Beginnings. Instead, the book follows the currently fashionable practice of hanging a traditional potboiler on a psychic hook. I was hoping to get a glimpse of how a world-famous medium views our culture in general and contemporary metaphysics in particular, but the psychic's character in the novel isn't very well developed. The story culminates in a midtown Manhattan tunnel, where each of the four families' psychological and spiritual trauma is healed and the loose ends are neatly tied up. However, the bulk of the story doesn't incorporate much spiritual depth, which could have made the characters more believable and the story less predictable.
My take: As a taut-paced thriller that uses the visceral memory of 9/11 to rachet up the tension, the book is fairly successful. Edward's second novel is easy to read and is reasonably well written. However, I found the lack of spiritual and metaphysical depth disappointing. Despite the implicit promise of a novel written by a psychic medium, the theme includes few ideas that characterize new age thought. There's nothing wrong with the book; but from the perspective of new age fiction, there isn't much right about it either.
For more reviews of new age novels, see Fiction For A New Age.
John Edward's second novel, a supernatural thriller, is more "thriller" than "supernatural." Co-written by Natasha Stoynoff, Final Beginnings offers a quick beach read with a reasonably suspenseful story. However, I was disappointed by its lack of spiritual exploration.
Spiritual/metaphysical content: Low. Given John Edward's international reputation as a psychic medium and author of seven books, I expected a more substantial metaphysical or spiritual foundation for Final Beginnings. Instead, the book follows the currently fashionable practice of hanging a traditional potboiler on a psychic hook. I was hoping to get a glimpse of how a world-famous medium views our culture in general and contemporary metaphysics in particular, but the psychic's character in the novel isn't very well developed. The story culminates in a midtown Manhattan tunnel, where each of the four families' psychological and spiritual trauma is healed and the loose ends are neatly tied up. However, the bulk of the story doesn't incorporate much spiritual depth, which could have made the characters more believable and the story less predictable.
My take: As a taut-paced thriller that uses the visceral memory of 9/11 to rachet up the tension, the book is fairly successful. Edward's second novel is easy to read and is reasonably well written. However, I found the lack of spiritual and metaphysical depth disappointing. Despite the implicit promise of a novel written by a psychic medium, the theme includes few ideas that characterize new age thought. There's nothing wrong with the book; but from the perspective of new age fiction, there isn't much right about it either.
For more reviews of new age novels, see Fiction For A New Age.
April 7, 2011
Although I am a HUGE fan of John Edward's nonfiction books, I didn't have very high expectations for this book. I don't know why, and as it turns out, low expectations were highly unwarranted! This book was EXCELLENT. I was surprised by how action-packed it was; I could not put it down and in fact finished it in a couple of days (it is also a fairly quick read). There are several characters that get introduced one after the other and I was afraid I'd get confused, but I didn't. Everything was laid out and paced very well, and the climactic finale in this book is worth the price of the book alone! I cried at the end, it was so beautiful and inspiring. I should have known that John Edward would be able to make me feel that way, since I find his work so inspiring! I am really glad I gave this book a chance!
November 7, 2018
I have to say that the book kept me very interested. It was a good story. And, worth reading.
March 8, 2013
All I knew of John Edwards was 'Crossing Over', Pyschic Medium. As always, when I read something I keep an open mind. This novel was breathtakingly awesome. It takes the reader to levels that challenge the mind, not only in character outlays, but also in the unfoldment of the story. It is gripping and keeps you edgy whilst at the same time asking yourself "why?". As incarnate souls some do have a hard time coming to terms with death, crossing over, and receiving messages from the beyond the veil. John is helping to bridge this gap. It is a fantastic piece of work that encourages you to open, and live more in your heart space.
May 8, 2017
Interesting idea for a novel and one which caught me from the get go. Even more interesting is that the book is written by a world-renowned medium. A medium becomes embroiled in a terrorist plot and it's her visions that help to keep the ragtag band of heroes and heroines together. The plot is quick to keep moving, leaving the reader little time to draw breath. If you're interested in the metaphysical and want something that is packed with action and interesting characters then give this one a go.
December 23, 2012
This is the second time I've read this book. I just can't get enough of the page-turning, life & death drama which unfolds in New York City. A disillusioned psychic, able to converse with those who have made the transition to the 'other side,' foretells all the chaos in advance, though no one believes her until it's too late. A genetics tycoon has built an empire, though it all comes crashing down - partially due to his genius son.
April 17, 2008
Having read (and loved) John's books "Crossing Over" and "One Last Time", I was intrigued to read his first attempt at fiction.
I was not disappointed! In fact I was surprised at how quickly I was drawn into the story and how embroiled I became in the lives and journey of each character!
I only hope the rumours of a sequel are true.
I was not disappointed! In fact I was surprised at how quickly I was drawn into the story and how embroiled I became in the lives and journey of each character!
I only hope the rumours of a sequel are true.
February 1, 2008
This novel has woven into the story psychic phenomenon. It's about a brilliant genetics researcher & his strange son, a police captain, a reporter, a psychic, a retired military man, etc. The story includes explosions and threats of them. It was an interesting story and I enjoyed it.
October 24, 2013
A thriling romance by one of the best known mediums of our time. Intense and with a lot os suspense, the story develops as we get to know the characters. An adventure where each will find a different outcome, and all will overcome their own limitations.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 23rd. October 2013.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 23rd. October 2013.
October 14, 2015
I can easily see this book becoming a movie. It's got the action that so many people crave, plus illustrates how God can bring people together to create a miracle. The scenes in the end also show the other side, and that our loved ones are there and watching over us.
August 30, 2008
Validating, captivating, timely. Trust your gut instinct. My comments are limited- too close to home for now.
September 24, 2008
interesting book
February 28, 2011
Not at all what I expected from John Edward, but a good thriller with a great premise.
December 4, 2013
How do you read the book?! Help asap
April 8, 2014
Was really surprised what a good writer he is. Really
enjoyed the book and i made me cry at the end
enjoyed the book and i made me cry at the end
Want to read
April 7, 2014I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12587000
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12587000
March 16, 2016
Loved this book! John Edward never disappoints!
July 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this story! I was a bit confused with all the characters at first, but I managed to get in the story.
June 18, 2021
This is the very first book I will write a review for. I was looking to pick up a short book I literally read the first chapter and I was hooked . Long story short I picked this up at a Goodwill because I saw the author John Edward on the cover I been a fan of his for a long time. Little did I know I wasn't going to put this book down, what a rollercoaster of action. Everytime I finished one chapter I wanted to go onto the next one until I was done. I ended up finishing it in 8 days.
This is a post 9/11 story but actually blends in some supernatural ideas and things that are kinda happening now in the world which was a little scary. Dont be surprised that after the main first chapters of the book are done the story starts to change a little. I did not see this coming. The ending scenes are amazing and ties everything up together it doesn't miss a beat this is a great book. It reads like a movie as well. Why this hasn't been made into a film yet I wish it would happen. I highly recommend it.
This is a post 9/11 story but actually blends in some supernatural ideas and things that are kinda happening now in the world which was a little scary. Dont be surprised that after the main first chapters of the book are done the story starts to change a little. I did not see this coming. The ending scenes are amazing and ties everything up together it doesn't miss a beat this is a great book. It reads like a movie as well. Why this hasn't been made into a film yet I wish it would happen. I highly recommend it.
December 15, 2019
This was a reread but I enjoyed every page of it. Great story with a great cast of characters.
March 13, 2023
Great help if you've lost a loved one and even if you haven't. It heals with strong belief in life after death!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews