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Jude Asher first called on outside forces to change his destiny as a child. Now a wealthy entrepreneur with his star soaring, he's prepared to make his most daring bet ever to reach the pinnacle of earthly power. Jude's twin brother, Thomas, has chosen a different path as a reporter for The New York Times. As much as he's tried to cut himself off from his brother's trajectory, he finds himself drawn back in ... and troubled by the secret that only he knows.
Surrounded by principalities and powers, each brother must choose their own path—for good or for evil.
Surrounded by principalities and powers, each brother must choose their own path—for good or for evil.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2013
15 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Nesbit
33 books63 followersJEFF NESBIT was the director of public affairs for two federal science agencies. He was once profiled in The Wall Street Journal as one of the seven people who ended the Tobacco Wars. He was also a national journalist, communications director for former Vice President Quayle, and the director of a Washington, DC-based strategic communications business. Now the executive director of Climate Nexus, he is also a contributing writer to The New York Times, Time, U.S. News & World Report and Axios. He lives in New York and San Francisco.
His new book, THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS, from St. Martin's Press will be available Sept. 25, 2018. Bill McKibben calls it a "touchstone book for understanding the world we're daily creating." Senator John Kerry says it is an "enlightening - and alarming - explanation of the climate challenge as it exists today." Sierra Club leader Michael Brune said the book "challenges us to save not just our world but our humanity.:"
Nesbit's previous book with St. Martin's Press, POISON TEA, was well-received by critics. The New York Times called it a "refresher course in Civics 101." Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Kobert said: "Poison Tea is compelling, richly reported, and utterly chilling."
In addition to his non-fiction work, Nesbit has also written more than 20 inspirational novels with Tyndale, Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, Guideposts, Summerside Press, David C. Cook, Hodder & Stoughton, Harold Shaw (part of Random House) and Victor Books. His latest fiction series, with New York Times best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, is the Worthington Destiny series.
In Washington, he was a senior public affairs official in the U.S. Senate and federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration; a national journalist with Knight-Ridder and others; head of a strategic communications consulting firm for more than a decade; director of communications for former Vice President Dan Quayle at the White house; and the director of legislative and public affairs at the National Science Foundation from 2006-2011.
His new book, THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS, from St. Martin's Press will be available Sept. 25, 2018. Bill McKibben calls it a "touchstone book for understanding the world we're daily creating." Senator John Kerry says it is an "enlightening - and alarming - explanation of the climate challenge as it exists today." Sierra Club leader Michael Brune said the book "challenges us to save not just our world but our humanity.:"
Nesbit's previous book with St. Martin's Press, POISON TEA, was well-received by critics. The New York Times called it a "refresher course in Civics 101." Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Kobert said: "Poison Tea is compelling, richly reported, and utterly chilling."
In addition to his non-fiction work, Nesbit has also written more than 20 inspirational novels with Tyndale, Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, Guideposts, Summerside Press, David C. Cook, Hodder & Stoughton, Harold Shaw (part of Random House) and Victor Books. His latest fiction series, with New York Times best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, is the Worthington Destiny series.
In Washington, he was a senior public affairs official in the U.S. Senate and federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration; a national journalist with Knight-Ridder and others; head of a strategic communications consulting firm for more than a decade; director of communications for former Vice President Dan Quayle at the White house; and the director of legislative and public affairs at the National Science Foundation from 2006-2011.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 24, 2014
I'm so absolutely disappointed by this book.
Although 'Jude' grabbed my attention in the first chapter (and it's been a long time since I've read a book that's done that), it did not stop the novel from going downhill.
'Jude' has a very interesting premise, and the story was good at the beginning; and then it sank from there along with the original 5 star rating I was going to give.
This novel started getting boring, repetitive, and feeling more like a collection of non-fiction essays about politics and the economy rather than fiction.
It's a shame because I really did like the premise AND the author's writing style.
The end came as a huge shock in the face for me. It left me feeling haunted of what I had just read. Maybe that was Nesbit's intention. Whether it was or wasn't, the novel ended on a cliffhanger.
And just like another reviewer on Amazon stated, I believe this novel's intentions were for the reader to witness the uprising of the anti-Christ.
Although 'Jude' grabbed my attention in the first chapter (and it's been a long time since I've read a book that's done that), it did not stop the novel from going downhill.
'Jude' has a very interesting premise, and the story was good at the beginning; and then it sank from there along with the original 5 star rating I was going to give.
This novel started getting boring, repetitive, and feeling more like a collection of non-fiction essays about politics and the economy rather than fiction.
It's a shame because I really did like the premise AND the author's writing style.
The end came as a huge shock in the face for me. It left me feeling haunted of what I had just read. Maybe that was Nesbit's intention. Whether it was or wasn't, the novel ended on a cliffhanger.
And just like another reviewer on Amazon stated, I believe this novel's intentions were for the reader to witness the uprising of the anti-Christ.
September 8, 2013
Wow, this one was a surprise! I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this story about an intriguing young man who can make things happen with the help of his "regents", who sometimes advise and sometimes intervene directly. I sat down, intending to just get started, and before I knew it I was just a few pages from the end!
The story and reasons are revealed slowly but surely, steadily building towards the conclusion, using the ominous repetition of "principalities and powers" to foretell what may be revealed.. There's a hint of a sequel, but it could stand on its own. (And for those interested, the stats on foster care are true and unfortunately only cover a small part of the problems faced by foster children who age out.)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story and reasons are revealed slowly but surely, steadily building towards the conclusion, using the ominous repetition of "principalities and powers" to foretell what may be revealed.. There's a hint of a sequel, but it could stand on its own. (And for those interested, the stats on foster care are true and unfortunately only cover a small part of the problems faced by foster children who age out.)
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2018
A wonder seen by both brothers, though the one Jude,wanted to use it for his own gain. Saying people can’t control your thoughts, or punish you for them. He was now running for senate, feeling he was master of his fate.
While Thomas was a reporter for the N Y Times.seeking answers on a quest in Montana. For Jude it begins to unravel, and no end is in sight.
A different type of thriller, having that eerie feeling that Jude made it with the Devil, to have the power, fame and money.
While Thomas was a reporter for the N Y Times.seeking answers on a quest in Montana. For Jude it begins to unravel, and no end is in sight.
A different type of thriller, having that eerie feeling that Jude made it with the Devil, to have the power, fame and money.
August 23, 2018
30 pieces
Whoa, whoa, whoa. WHAT!?!? I figured some things out as I read along. I mean, the author didn't come right out and say things, but assumptions could be made. That last chapter threw me off my feet, though! This was GOOD!
Whoa, whoa, whoa. WHAT!?!? I figured some things out as I read along. I mean, the author didn't come right out and say things, but assumptions could be made. That last chapter threw me off my feet, though! This was GOOD!
March 13, 2017
Loved it. Great story line, a valuable storyline that packs the punches of a good thriller.
April 11, 2014
If you frequent my blog, you know there are some things that I absolutely cannot tolerate in the books that I read. One of them is the bandwagon for global warming or other kinds of dire, ecological planet danger. As a Bible-reading, believing Christian I know that the earth has a limited time table and only God is able to destroy this planet in His good timing. Perhaps because Nesbit was director of public affairs for two science agencies, he knows better. Nesbit actually mentions McKibbons, which I found interesting. When an author like McKibbons or those like him write books, I steer clear of their books because they make my blood pressure soar. Thank goodness, Nesbit doesn't stay on this kick more than a couple of chapters. However, there is an underlying reason for this ecological flag waving, which I address in a moment.
The main character is Thomas Asher (the book is written in first person, and praise God stays in first person point of view) who has a twin brother that basically becomes the financial ruler of the world with the help of powers and principalities that Thomas calls regents. This is a good premise because right from the start the reader meets these principalities and what they can do. It is not graphic violence, just the suggestion, and that can be more terrifying than the actual depiction of it (authors please take note!)
The characters are developed very well, the reader gets an excellent sense of the inner core of each brother. But, I often wondered why Jude even cared what Thomas thought, and why Thomas was drawn inextricably to Jude when their core values seemed to be polar opposites. However, they are twins. Too many clinical studies have provided empirical evidence that twins have some kind of connection that regular siblings do not have. However, to explain why Thomas is not completely repulsed by Jude's dependence on the regents' prevailing succor, Thomas admits to being agnostic with no penchant for Christian things. This makes his unemotional narrative of the happenings surrounding Jude's rise to power even more chilling. The reader is drawn into this fascinating tale with a bit of trepidation as if this very personal look into their lives is similar to voyeurism.
You don't want to look but you can't look away. It is the same feeling the reader gets from Thomas. He tries to separate himself from his brother, but he can't. It is a very interesting, psychological thriller. Thomas sets aside the ecological flag waving for more crucial and life-threatening things to study and write about, and that puts everything into a more godly perspective.
This is the first book by Jeff Nesbit that I've read. I believe I will read more from this author. I give it 4 of 5 stars. The reason is because the flashbacks which happen every other chapter do not transition well. Jumping back and forth in time is too jarring. It would be so much better if present day happenings would lead into the happening depicted in the flashback. Better still, in my opinion, if all the flashbacks were told together leading up to the present day.
The main character is Thomas Asher (the book is written in first person, and praise God stays in first person point of view) who has a twin brother that basically becomes the financial ruler of the world with the help of powers and principalities that Thomas calls regents. This is a good premise because right from the start the reader meets these principalities and what they can do. It is not graphic violence, just the suggestion, and that can be more terrifying than the actual depiction of it (authors please take note!)
The characters are developed very well, the reader gets an excellent sense of the inner core of each brother. But, I often wondered why Jude even cared what Thomas thought, and why Thomas was drawn inextricably to Jude when their core values seemed to be polar opposites. However, they are twins. Too many clinical studies have provided empirical evidence that twins have some kind of connection that regular siblings do not have. However, to explain why Thomas is not completely repulsed by Jude's dependence on the regents' prevailing succor, Thomas admits to being agnostic with no penchant for Christian things. This makes his unemotional narrative of the happenings surrounding Jude's rise to power even more chilling. The reader is drawn into this fascinating tale with a bit of trepidation as if this very personal look into their lives is similar to voyeurism.
You don't want to look but you can't look away. It is the same feeling the reader gets from Thomas. He tries to separate himself from his brother, but he can't. It is a very interesting, psychological thriller. Thomas sets aside the ecological flag waving for more crucial and life-threatening things to study and write about, and that puts everything into a more godly perspective.
This is the first book by Jeff Nesbit that I've read. I believe I will read more from this author. I give it 4 of 5 stars. The reason is because the flashbacks which happen every other chapter do not transition well. Jumping back and forth in time is too jarring. It would be so much better if present day happenings would lead into the happening depicted in the flashback. Better still, in my opinion, if all the flashbacks were told together leading up to the present day.
November 3, 2014
Tell, don't show - check.
Boring plot, complete with what seems to be hastily-added elements? Check.
Dull, meaningless and long conversations that added nothing to the book? Check.
The shallowest characters? Check.
Weak references to classical literature and current affairs? Check.
Oh, and don't forget to check "fine example of a mediocre literary work" eh?
Don't get me wrong. Jeff Nesbit did use some nice ideas in his structure.
The switch between past and present? I quite liked it, to be honest. Certainly not a common strategy.
Also, the fusion of almost-not-fantasy and completely-human genres? Quite fresh and new, but Jude is probably the second or third piece of work I've come across that uses this idea.
Ah, how could I forget? The ending!
Now, the way Nisbit ended it was definitely not original, but creative nonetheless. Ending a book like that is a surefire way to get the readers thinking about the main themes you explored, or in this case tried to explore.
See, this is probably where he lost me. It was quite obvious from the start that this book was going to be an exploration of ideas. No problem. But for one, he did not even tease out nor properly investigate what he wanted to - or at least what I thought he wanted to spark about our contemplation. And two, the ending. Yes, the ending. As I said before, you only end a book that way if you want to write a sequel, and/or get us readers thinking. And it did. But there wasn't anything to think about! He merely touched upon these ideas.
Why? Just why would you that?
And...I'm still asking myself how and why I even finished it!
Boring plot, complete with what seems to be hastily-added elements? Check.
Dull, meaningless and long conversations that added nothing to the book? Check.
The shallowest characters? Check.
Weak references to classical literature and current affairs? Check.
Oh, and don't forget to check "fine example of a mediocre literary work" eh?
Don't get me wrong. Jeff Nesbit did use some nice ideas in his structure.
The switch between past and present? I quite liked it, to be honest. Certainly not a common strategy.
Also, the fusion of almost-not-fantasy and completely-human genres? Quite fresh and new, but Jude is probably the second or third piece of work I've come across that uses this idea.
Ah, how could I forget? The ending!
Now, the way Nisbit ended it was definitely not original, but creative nonetheless. Ending a book like that is a surefire way to get the readers thinking about the main themes you explored, or in this case tried to explore.
See, this is probably where he lost me. It was quite obvious from the start that this book was going to be an exploration of ideas. No problem. But for one, he did not even tease out nor properly investigate what he wanted to - or at least what I thought he wanted to spark about our contemplation. And two, the ending. Yes, the ending. As I said before, you only end a book that way if you want to write a sequel, and/or get us readers thinking. And it did. But there wasn't anything to think about! He merely touched upon these ideas.
Why? Just why would you that?
And...I'm still asking myself how and why I even finished it!
September 12, 2013
At what cost, power?
Twin brothers, yet total opposites. Concerned about the decrease of polar bears in the Arctic, journalist Thomas Asher plans a trip he never takes. Billionaire investor with the ability to mesmerize an audience, Jude Asher seeks a Senate seat no matter the price. After all, “the end justifies the means” according to Jude. When Thomas reluctantly joins Jude’s campaign, the past comes back to haunt him. A past that involved mysterious forces at play in Jude’s life and that still orchestrate events in the present. This odd phenomenon sends Thomas on a quest for answers which leads him to a remote mountain area in Montana. All the while, Jude powers his way to the top, but at what cost?
In Jude, Jeff Nesbit writes a chilling account of what can happen when a human driven by demonic powers is left unchecked. Written with simplicity and clarity, Nesbit delivers a compelling story dealing with complex current issues and a clarion call concerning the future.
I would have enjoyed more action over the predominant back story and narrative, but overall, the book lived up to its promise. Reading groups: Pick this one up! Jude offers much to ponder!
Twin brothers, yet total opposites. Concerned about the decrease of polar bears in the Arctic, journalist Thomas Asher plans a trip he never takes. Billionaire investor with the ability to mesmerize an audience, Jude Asher seeks a Senate seat no matter the price. After all, “the end justifies the means” according to Jude. When Thomas reluctantly joins Jude’s campaign, the past comes back to haunt him. A past that involved mysterious forces at play in Jude’s life and that still orchestrate events in the present. This odd phenomenon sends Thomas on a quest for answers which leads him to a remote mountain area in Montana. All the while, Jude powers his way to the top, but at what cost?
In Jude, Jeff Nesbit writes a chilling account of what can happen when a human driven by demonic powers is left unchecked. Written with simplicity and clarity, Nesbit delivers a compelling story dealing with complex current issues and a clarion call concerning the future.
I would have enjoyed more action over the predominant back story and narrative, but overall, the book lived up to its promise. Reading groups: Pick this one up! Jude offers much to ponder!
February 28, 2014
Jeff Nesbithas developed a new type of Christian-thriller. Instead of random demonic violence running amok in the general population, we see the methodical and narcissistic Jude. Two brothers grow up but choose different paths. Jude makes a secret deal to get what he wants out of life while his brother becomes a simple reporter who is known as Jude's brother. The story follows how the secret of Jude's success begins to unravel around him. Those looking for a new writer in the same vein as Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker This should be on your need to read list.
May 30, 2014
This was good. It was a good versus evil, mixed with politics and an anti-Christ type for the bad guy. I am still trying to figure out the ending, which was way too abrupt.
About the endingso the ending either left you waiting for a sequel to explain it, or left you in a pensive state of reflection about the book--although you can't sort it out from the book itself. So the ending didn't work for me except to leave me with that, "Ooh there's something hidden" feeling, like a puzzle you think you can solve if you just think about it long enough. But you can't.
About the endingso the ending either left you waiting for a sequel to explain it, or left you in a pensive state of reflection about the book--although you can't sort it out from the book itself. So the ending didn't work for me except to leave me with that, "Ooh there's something hidden" feeling, like a puzzle you think you can solve if you just think about it long enough. But you can't.
December 8, 2013
I don't understand the seemingly new trend of ending books right at the climax with no real closure. Up until the end I was ready to give this book 5 stars. The characters were interesting, the plot thought provoking - I was really curious where he was taking it...and then I found out...no where.
The book just ends - right when you think there might now be some focused direction. Some purpose.
As it stands, the book is just a platform to preach about global political issues, environmental issues and some weird, twisted, religious-ish millennial overtones. With no ending it was all meaningless.
If the author thought that the last paragraph was going to bring it all together and give the reader an "ah-ha" moment he was definitely wrong (at least for me).
Maybe this is the first installment in a series...I couldn't find info to that effect...but, to me, that is the only way this book could be redeemed.
The book just ends - right when you think there might now be some focused direction. Some purpose.
As it stands, the book is just a platform to preach about global political issues, environmental issues and some weird, twisted, religious-ish millennial overtones. With no ending it was all meaningless.
If the author thought that the last paragraph was going to bring it all together and give the reader an "ah-ha" moment he was definitely wrong (at least for me).
Maybe this is the first installment in a series...I couldn't find info to that effect...but, to me, that is the only way this book could be redeemed.
October 2, 2013
Twin brothers who grow up in foster homes, one normal (Thomas) and the other (Jude) in command of demonic powers that sees his rise into a powerful figure, much like an antichrist. A chilling look at what becomes of someone when evil is left unchecked. The only thing I had a problem with was Thomas' seeming indifference to Jude's morality and manipulation and how it affected others lives. This book was, by no means, written from a Christian perspective, but even viewed from the Thomas' point of view and knowing what he knew, you would think that he would question his brothers' motive a bit more.
A good solid read.
A good solid read.
May 22, 2014
Surprisedly, unexpected when I began reading this book I was not sure of what to expect. Jeff Nesbitt is an extraordinary writer. Thoroughly, enjoyed reading the story unfold as you see a set of twins venture through their childhood as orphans. One desperately seeking ways to obtain freedom for himself and his brother. While the other drifts along seeking a sense of normalcy apart from his twin brother.
I'm hoping there is a sequel the ending leaves one to believe there is more to this story.
I'm hoping there is a sequel the ending leaves one to believe there is more to this story.
September 19, 2013
I just finished "Jude" by Jeff Nesbit. It was a heart pounding page turner...a definite fight between good and evil. The book is a must read. Add it to your collection tomorrow. The release of JUDE is dated 9/20/13. I read the book on my kindle and plan to buy a hard copy to give to my brother for his birthday...yes, it too is 9/20. He's going to love it. You will too! Thanks Jeff, for your latest novel.
July 30, 2014
I read this story because the advertisement sounded really interesting to me. I found that part of what kept me reading this story was the dark undertone. The two main characters were twins, but they had opposite personalities. The author did not vary from normal life when he described the twins. I did get a little upset that one twin was so laid back that he went along with Jude for most of their lives. Because this story kept me reading, I will seek out the author again in the future.
March 25, 2016
I kept reading because I was intrigued (and a little confused)...but then the end just leaves you hanging. I realize there will most likely be a sequel, but I think books should have some sense of closure even if there is a sequel coming. I skimmed through some parts -- like the explanation of the "Fortress" program because I got bogged down by the technical explanations and I felt like it was slowing the pace of the story. I want to read the sequel, but I am not going to pay to buy it.
October 16, 2013
A well written book with interesting subject matter. My main complaint is that it ended quite abruptly. It was tagged as a Christian book, but it's not obviously Christian. Most reviewers think it's more "good v. evil." This could potentially be a spoiler, but I would recommend getting familiar with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand and the book of Revelation before reading this.
October 6, 2013
It's not much Christian, but as a possible scenario for the Antichrist, it's really good. It's an excellent story with interesting characters well developed.
December 7, 2013
Totally biased here....Jeff is Garrett's Father-in-law.....enjoyable read
January 3, 2014
I thought the ending was disappointing
Read
January 5, 2014Very interesting, but didn't seem finished.
May 16, 2014
very quick read. abrupt and slightly disappointing ending.
May 16, 2014
A little too weird for my tastes.
May 21, 2014
This will make you think.
This novel is a page turner. it made me think and I was disappointed when it ended. Hope there's a sequel.
This novel is a page turner. it made me think and I was disappointed when it ended. Hope there's a sequel.
May 28, 2014
A decent story line that flows well.
March 31, 2015
wow, didn't see that coming!!
Well a very good book. I certainly didn't see the ending coming. Get ready for a surprise !!!! Good read
Well a very good book. I certainly didn't see the ending coming. Get ready for a surprise !!!! Good read
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews