Armageddon and the 4th Timeline: A Spiritual Odyssey Through Time & Eternity

by Don Mardak

"Armageddon and the 4th Timeline" is a mystical fantasy with three thought-provoking themes: the war on terror and the potential of a nuclear holocaust; time travel in an attempt to alter future events; and the teaching of new-age spiritual principles that affect the way mankind coexists.

The book was a finalist in the 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2012

About the author

Don Mardak has been a student of Christian mysticism, the Infinite Way writings of Joel S. Goldsmith, and the teachings of numerous spiritual masters for more than four decades. He also has conducted classes on Living the Mystical Life, and has been a successful entrepreneur for most of his working years. As the President, CEO and Chairman of a small public company, Mr. Mardak always tried to apply the mystical principles outlined in his books and on this website in his business dealings and relationships. The results have been quite astonishing as, very often, without taking thought, or striving for a specific result, the proper person appeared, or a meaningful event occurred, which made each day a divine spiritual unfoldment. His greatest desire is that those of you who truly are receptive to this message will open yourselves up to the inflow of the Spirit. In that process, you will find answers to your deepest questions which, then, will lead you to your own search for Truth and, ultimately, your personal spiritual destiny.

Mr. Mardak lives with his wife Judy in Wisconsin and Florida. They have two grown children and four grandchildren

Reviews

[Misha Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is time travel real? Do we live in alternate or parallel realities? Is it possible or probable that we can change the future? This story shows us human potential by taking a deeper look into two worlds; the unseen spiritual realm and the tangible physical reality. We get to decide if one is more important or less than the other. Is it possible to only live in one without the other? This story guides us into a truth beyond words.
At the age of twelve, Eric meets an enlightened teacher, when he gets separated temporarily from his parents. They are on a vacation in Jerusalem. He spends only a short time with the master, while he learns insights and meditation. He has to leave, but the chance meeting changes him indefinitely.
Years later, Eric and his wife get a letter from the Tibetan master, Shimahn, requesting they visit his ashram in Tibet. He has a plan that if implemented could affect the future of mankind. They must let go of what they know and attempt to change the past, to save the future.
In the meantime, there is a mysterious ship spotted between Bermuda and Newport, Rhode Island. It is believed to be a Pirate ship, but truth is much more threatening.
It was unpredictable and clever. The author makes accurate references to stories from biblical history, and although it is fiction, world history is woven into the tale in a beautifully believable way. There are several stories happening simultaneously and are told seamlessly. This is a book I will read over and over.

[Erik Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is extraordinary, to say the least. The book is written in a way that doesn't conform to the cookie-cutter stereotype of other Apocalyptic books, and the author has done a great job of making it stand out. I was so deep into the story I couldn't stop until I knew how Eric was going to change the circumstances that were happening to the world around him. There is so much going on with this story I can't even begin to explain. You will meet some pretty extraordinary people, and if you’re anything like me, you will feel a sense of underlying doom, as you imagine the very thing happening to our world now.
All the concepts expressed in the book are unique in that they explain something perfectly that is usually disregarded as unrealistic or impossible. The author knows his craft well, and all the terms (military, religious, political, etc.) used are correct, and all his characters are unique and complete. I usually don’t think about “End-of-the-world” concepts, but this book had me thinking. I look at the news differently now. I want to participate more in spiritual practices, meditate and even eat better. Thanks Don for a great book! It doesn’t feel like just a book, but a new scroll of some kind.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Truly is a Mind-Bending Story!

This is a fast-paced adventure about the war on terror and the potential nuclear holocaust that the world is now facing. Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is a mind bending tale that will take you on an extraordinary journey through time and space. This really is an amazing story! I haven't seen such creative expression from an author in such long a time.

This is a well crafted piece of fiction. I have no doubt that fans of this genre will love sinking their teeth into this one! The story flows from scene to scene effortlessly, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling.

With a mixture of New Age spiritual principles, this fascinating page turner will give the reader much to think about regarding life, spirituality and the future of the human race.

The author undoubtedly seems to have his finger on the pulse of humanity. He has an uncanny ability to express our fears in this absolutely mind-blowing fiction...or is it? I guess with Quantum Physics, anything is possible!

A highly recommend read! It's not that often I'm caught off guard...but this story definitely had me engaged from the beginning. It's one of those rare stories that come along that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I'm not giving anything away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery!

[Tanya Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m speechless…

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read. I read the whole thing in one night,

I was so deep into the story I couldn’t even think of stopping until I knew how Eric was going to change the circumstances that were happening to the world around him.

There is so much going on with this story I can’t even begin to explain. You will meet some pretty extraordinary people, and if your anything like me, you will feel a sense of fear as you imagine the very thing happening to our world now.

My favorite character was Eric. I loved reading of his journeys and the remarkable people he saw every time he left that chair in the library.

This is a kind of book you have to experience for yourself, it will change your way of thinking and maybe even the way you live your life.

I recommend this book to everyone!

[Janja K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystical fantasy that will encourage you to think about the science, religion, war, your life and much more!

I love to read good inspirational and mystical books and Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is definitely one of them! This is certainly not an ordinary story, far from it.

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is a mystical fantasy, which contains many various elements and symbols of a great book that draws you into it: spirituality, mysticism, science, quantum physics, God, apocalypse, politics, war, end of the world, interplay of fiction and reality and even time travel! It definitely will not leave you indifferent.

The book is really well written and great to read - it has great, extraordinary characters and many surprises. The story jumps back and forth between the various events, times and places, which makes reading even more interesting. The book will encourage you to think not only about the war on terror and other events that are happening around the world, but also about the spiritual principles and finding the truth in your life.

I definitely recommend it!

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read! The aptly named ‘Armageddon’ is a great book that focuses on the possible and complete annihilation of mankind at this uncertain period in time, and what we can to do to avoid it. Dividing our known reality into two; the spiritual and the physical, Mardak explains that we may be able to survive within a different reality.
This book is extremely eye-opening and will make you think. A lot! With quantum physics and religion, this book really has to be read with an open mind. It is seriously bridging the gap between fiction and reality and takes a good hard look at the future of mankind! The story is very, very clever and extremely well plotted; I’d even go as far as to say that it is close to perfect!
I highly recommend this work of genius not just to fans of this genre, but anyone who fancies a good, mind-blowing read. I will most certainly be looking out for ‘the Don’ again! *****

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Is this the end of it, or only the beginning?”

Addictive from the first page to the last, this apocalyptic read included well formed characters, and setting that pulled me right into the adventure. I loved the variety of philosophies explored combined with alternate realities. With each new plot twist I found myself asking more questions and thinking about the book long after I had finished it. Although "science fiction" usually isn't my genre, I will definitely be reading more of Don Mardak in the future!

[Vinny Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When asked to read the book Armageddon and the 4th Timeline by author Don Mardak and give my honest opinion, I was pleasantly surprised not to find it filled with aliens and zombies like so many other books of this genre. We humans are so quick to pass-the-buck of our own possible destruction on to something outside ourselves and out of our own control. Fortunately there are those among us like Don that see this dilemma we are in, as our own problems to solve and who also have the talent to write about it in such a way to keep it interesting as well as intensely thought provoking.

I hear people cry "Save the Planet." Like there is something outside ourselves to save it from. The planet has survived worse than the atrocities we humans commit by taking it all back and starting over. We should all be finding ways to "Save Ourselves." The planet will survive and rebuild from our human follies. The question is; will we survive the errors of our own human ways? What an arrogant and foolish species we are to think we need to be saved from anything but ourselves.

This book brings to light in a very entertaining way the errors we as an "intelligent" species are committing. They say that the mark of insanity is doing the same thing over-and-over again and expecting different results. Perhaps our insane leaders could be convinced to comprehend this thought and take it to heart when defining our fate as a species with their arrogant, short-sighted and war-mongering decisions made on our behalf. I'm sure there are a lot more "intelligent" species in our universe than ourselves. However, if they are smart enough to get here, they're smart enough to see the errors of our ways and just wait until we "do ourselves in." There will be no fight or invasion needed. The planet will welcome the newcomers with the same opportunities it gave us to get it right. I hope they do.

I really enjoyed reading this book by Don Mardak from beginning to end. The characters and story-line were well researched, thought out and presented in such a way as to appeal to a wide range of readers; providing it's read with an open mind. The mix of science "fact?" with spirituality, history and possible future outcome makes for a very intelligent read. Although I'm not prone to reading a book twice; this book will be an exception and I'll be returning to it time-and-again to pull more of the subtle nuggets of insight and wisdom from it's pages.

[Joawmeens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Armageddon" 't pass this book by! @badwordplay,

When I saw this book on the digital shelves of my not-local-at-all Amazon store, I looked at the cover, and thought "Oh, this is a book along the lines of a DeGrasse-Tyson, or a Sagan, that explains about the universe. After I clicked it, I realized something: You should not judge a book, based on it's cover. That's a really good quote I just came up with, I should copyright it....

Anyway, while there are a lot of scientific and spiritual ideas in this "Armageddon", this book is actually a fiction book. It deals with such minuscule and totally into important things such as time travel, religion and spirituality, and the potential and danger of an all out nuclear world war. And one man trying to stop the possible end of the world. So you know, a lighthearted read...

I only make jokes about it, because I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read an apocalyptic-type story that wasn't about zombies for once. Do I sound like a psychopath for saying that? What I mean to say is, whether or not you believe that a zombie outbreak could happen (and I will debate anyone on that subject), that kind of apocalyptic story seems a couple of steps removed from reality. Like, if it happened, I think people could organize enough to get the outbreak contained. But a story like this is grounded so much into reality, that it makes it a lot more engaging, and a lot more unnerving to consider the real life possibilities. Not that I'm one of those tin foil hat wearing conspiracy theorists (it's actually made out of ALUMINUM, thank you!), but it does make you consider things you probably never have before.

I think this is a very fascinating read, and a very well done fiction novel. I blew through this book, and I am curious to see where Mr. Mardak goes next!

[Jacob Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention straight away, it literally takes the Armageddon genre which is frankly oversaturated nowadays and takes it in a completely different direction. What makes it stand out is the unique blend of disaster, science and religion.

The scary thing about this book is the fact it is so realistic. You can actually imagine something like this happening in the real world with all the unrest. This just helps to engage you even more into the plot.

I’ve found in the past that some sci-fi books end up getting bogged down in technical jargon and drawn out sequences, almost like the author is just satisfying their needs instead of putting the readers interests first. This certainly does not fall into that trap. I was completely engrossed from start to finish as the plot twisted one way and another throwing up countless surprises along the way.

The characters only added to my enjoyment. I found them to be believable which I feel is an underrated element in books these days. To truly engage readers authors must create characters that are relatable to. Often this is not the case but this book was an exception so credit must go to the author.

Don Mardak clearly has a talent for writing but also a passion. I can see the time and energy he has put into crafting this book and I commend it. Overall this is arguably the best book I have read all year, a fantastic tale that thoroughly entertained me. Five stars is the only rating that will do justice to this epic.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having purchased this on a day off whilst at home I decided there was no better time to start reading. Several hours passed before I even looked up again as I immersed myself in the story. Rarely do books like this come along, so in-depth and brilliantly crafted with underlying messages and examinations of the real world.

In a genre flooded with similar sounding books this one rises above the rest. It’s not your typical Armageddon story, sure there is plenty of adventure and action but its multi layered. There are religious elements, physics related content and most interestingly of all, an examination of the sometimes self-destructive motives and actions of humans. Maybe the reason this book had such a thought provoking effect on me is because you can actually imagine similar events unfolding in real life.

Even with all these different strands the plot itself is fast paced and each page flows. I was worried that the story may suffer due to the underlying messages the book has but that moment never came. From start to finish I was completely compelled. The characters are well rounded and their actions were realistic considering the surreal environment they inhabit.

To summarize I have to say that I’m very impressed. Managing to create such an in-depth book is no easy task, very few could pull it off but the author, Don Mardak, manages too without sacrificing any of the action and suspense. This is a truly brilliant book that will last long in the memory of any readers.

[Chenelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent and unique concept which I have never read before. In all honesty the book kept me at the edge of my chair the whole time. The twists and turns of the plot are what made it so amazing to me. The characters were flawlessly conceptualized. What I loved most about the book is how alive the characters became to me like I was in another zone. I loved the vivid descriptions and I can just imagine all the things Mardak created in his own little world becoming real. This book truly opened up my eyes to spiritual things I could have never imagined.
The plot had a very good outline and I loved how it tackled head on the issues that plague us in the world today. There is always the issue of war where there is religion and wherever there is religion it is contradicted by science. The back and forth of the plot in this book really created an interesting and thought provoking novel. It truly raised some philosophical questions that have been for asked for generations. This book is a perfect read for those interested the end of times interpretations in the world. It will also expose you to some realities you never thought existed. I found the spiritual aspect most intriguing and could easily identify with the book. In all I think that this was a Outstanding Creation.

[Lifesaver155 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel just defined and set a new and very high bar for what it means to be an "Armageddon" storyline. Sometimes I feel like authors that write about the end of the world like to put zombies and other creatures of the like in there and blame them for the end of times because it is easier than looking at the things that really may bring about the end of times. Well, Don Mardak did exactly the opposite in Armageddon and the 4th Timeline. He tackled the end of time with issues that really do face us as a country and planet, and used those as a basis for his thrilling and engaging novel. This novel was thought provoking like no end-of-times novel I have ever read and that was paired with incredible characters that had me rooting for them from the start. Never have I read a novel that was able to weave such a complex and captivating storyline, and yet tie it in to themes that run through our lives in reality as well. I have not been a fan of most end of the world, way out there novels, but this one changed my mind. It has relevance, and depth, and wrapped it all up in a thrilling, engaging, exciting, and incredibly well developed storyline that had me reluctant to put this book down for anything. I can not wait to read other books from this author and I highly recommend getting this novel right now and starting in on it. You will be glad you did!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was something else! And I mean that in the best way possible! I'm still reeling from it. When a book has me thinking about it well after I've finished it, I know I've got a keeper.

It was a perfect blend of sci-fi, action thriller and New Age spirituality.

From the start it was gripping and thrilling, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Real world threats added a sense of "Whoah, this could really happen!" that heightened the suspense and tension. Add the totally believable theories and rationale behind the time travel and the profound life principles and Wow.

Yeah, as you can see, I really loved this book.

There were many intriguing and credible characters with action taking place throughout multiple locations around the world. The story was wove in a way that really had me reading up late into the night.

Definitely recommended if you want something that will vastly entertain and expand your mind!

[Kevin Lintner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Armageddon and the 4th Timeline" is an amazingly good read. Even though it is heavily influenced by Mr. Mardak's studies in Christian mysticism, there is enough action and suspense to keep anyone reading from start to finish. Don Mardak is a masterful storyteller who goes out of his way to enlighten readers with his lessons in spirituality while still entertaining them as well, The author meshes together science and military thrills in an end of the world scenario that is just heads and tails above any other Armageddon fiction that I have read. The characters in the book are very well developed and are very believable. None of them seem like just paper people. They all have a place in the book and their dialogue is natural and not forced or fake. This is one of those books that I thought I would never finish and then before I know it I was done and was wanting more.

[Chameleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline has definitely set the bar in its genre. It is thought-provoking, entrancing, and filled to the brim with gut-wrenching and hold-your-breath events. It played on several themes which may be challenging to notice like, the war on terror, but also spiritual principles were conveyed in rather sophisticated manners. Of course, it goes without saying that time travel is an integral aspect of the entire book.

I found myself taking pause throughout the novel to reflect on parallels to the real world. Armageddon and the 4th Timeline was something so spectacular to discover, and I would encourage as many readers as possible to dive in. It's also a great discussion piece - something that I will be encouraging among my circles. Truly, feeling enlightened!

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this I must say, my mind is completely blown! As one person stated, the "3-in-1 Formula" that Mr. Mardak uses is what makes this book so fascinating and unique. You have adventure, science and a twist of religion in the mix which comes together to make an incredible read for fans of most genres. No matter if you like Sci-fi or adventure, this book will satisfy the literary pallet for devoted fans of the genres. Another thing that I admire about Mr. Mardak's work here is that, while this is an armageddon story, it's not the average "zombies are climbing out of the ground and eating people" type of approach that we see constantly today. It is a refreshing book that really isn't all too different from what our world is like in real life and it truly is thought provoking for the reader who will be all the while enjoying a wonderfully adventurous and mystical story. I won't give away too much of the book but I highly recommend reading it because I can guarantee that once you begin, you won't be able to put it down!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally start my reviews with a summary of the book. But with Armageddon and the 4th Timeline, there is just no way I could ever do it justice with a few sentences in a summary.
This book is one you have to read, and experience, for yourself to believe. Don Mardak brings together religion, time travel, the supernatural, war, and so much more together in this book and combines it in a way that is enjoyable, easy to read, and it feels like this is how it should be done.
Everything about this book is amazing. The writing blows you away, the story is incredible, the characters relatable. This book makes you think, it makes you feel, and it makes you question things you thought you knew, but in a good way. We need more books like this, and we need more authors like Don't Mardak. This world would be a little better for it.
Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is definitely a book I recommend, and definitely a book everyone should read. It doesn't matter what religion you are or what genre you prefer to read. This is a book for all people, and you will not regret reading it!!!

[Von Dame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is the end near? I ask myself that a lot, and Don Mardak has created a work that really makes me think. It may be a work of fiction, but it’s a fast paced look at what very well could be waiting for us in the future. We do in fact live in uncertain times, and this accelerates things into a serious catastrophe.
Part survival horror, part biblical novelization, I found Mardak’s book to hit hard with emotional connection and left me wondering, what if? I loved it. It’s a book I will be reading again, as there are some subtle points that I have to re-read. It’s a solid book for those that are looking towards the end, as it very well may be near.
Whether you’re religious or not, this is a solid read, and one that could very well turn your doubts into hope. It’s fascinating, to say the least.

Von Dame

[John Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

This was an interesting read filled with time travel and religious history! I found this book a thought provoking one!

[Payal Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is a brilliant tale based on spiritual odyssey through time and eternity. Armageddon is a long story with spiritual and theological elements and extremely thought provoking. The story shows how history and religion are closely connected to one another and that man travels endlessly through time in different lives and at different times to leave a mark on history in his own small (or big) ways.

The story starts with a timeline of many important occurrences in the Western World and almost all these occurrences find place in the intricate story line of humanity. I feel that the story could have been bigger but, the author constrained himself and brought it to a satisfying end. While rekindling our belief in the superpower- the God, the story also makes us look up our spiritual self. It shows that apart from our DNA, our soul is also evolving with the many experiences of previous births. Hence, today we can find kids to be smarter and more capable to learn things at an early age, because they have the backing of the previous lives to support their present intellect. The story also shows how strategic decisions could have a momentous course on the way history is formed, and so all little things matter and we should work to create angels and not monsters.

There are many things which could be written about the book apart from the beautiful story, but to sum up- it is educative, spiritual, time travel, theological, and much more and would form a thoughtful present to both young and old.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action, thrills, and time travel?! - and some political / religious undertones that were less than subtle. In an alternative future type universe, the story of Eric starts at the age of 12 as he meets a mysterious stranger while vacationing with his family. We later find that this stranger will have played a huge roll in not only Eric’s life but saving the universe.

There was a lot of very spiritual utopia sort of talk that really made it feel like the author like the idea of sci-fi but really wanted it to be a religious sort of LWW or LOTR type book. But I think it really missed the mark. Some identity needed to be clarified and I am not quite sure who was the audience after reading this book because it felt a bit all over the map.

However, if there is a young boy in a deeply religious household who spends his nights watching Dr. Who and dreaming of reading more daring sci-fi stories, this one may be for you….Sheldon, is that you?

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is a sci-fi book about an end of the world event. I’m a bit hesitant to include it in the sci-fi genre because it has so much religious and philosophic details that I felt a bit conflicted. I don’t think that science and religion have to be mutually exclusive but the book focuses more on the religious than in the scientific.
And that is where my problems with the story start: I think it felt a bit forced this all vision of the world and does not contribute actively to the story. Which is a shame because the premise is quite good and I enjoyed the characters. The thing is: when I’m reading sci-fi I expect a certain kind of writing. And what I felt throughout the book was that the topic of religion was being thrown at me for no particular reason other than the author wanting to share his vision and opinions.

[Mr Denis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystic fiction

I enjoyed reading this fiction story.
Theologically of course it's fiction .
I thought it interesting that the author made little reference to the whole life of Jesus , the Logos. And especially his death and resurrection .
Also I found the notion of 'the time machine' and reincarnation a bit too far fetched .
But I did appreciate that today the Christian mystic can indeed live under Grace rather than the Law !

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

This book has a lot going on. There are mentions of every known religion, traces of science fiction, traces of mysticism, and aspects of conscious altering theories that were just a little too much for me. In all fairness though, the author does warn the reader in a forward in the book.

[Maya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped at 43%. Just didn't grab me at all. I'm not sure why this was recommended to me, in the SF section.

[Raymond Mathiesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling ride from the first page…

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline by Don Mardak is a thrilling ride from the first page. This science fiction novel combines time travel, spiritual themes, a fascinating mix of characters and modern intrigue to create an unputtable down novel.

We meet the CIA Director, Scott Cunningham, a former Navy SEAL, and his Assistant Lori Colbert, addressing a meeting after a terrible terrorists attacks. We also meet husband and wife Kathy and Eric who are in Lhasa, Tibet, on a spiritual quest. Through Eric's time travel, both worlds intersect. Mardak's premise throughout the novel is that there "is a spiritual universe, and mankind has the ability to rise into a higher level of consciousness where all conflicts can be resolved peacefully without resorting to wars, or threatening a nuclear holocaust.”

Mardak's Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is a science fiction novel, containing elements of time travel. It is set in 'the Present' with a clear aim of trying to reconcile what is happening. There is a definite sense of good and bad in the novel. Mardak’s fascinating use of the scriptural characters of Paul and Silas to both examine Christianity, and to change the future, is an amazing read. How Mardak structures the novel is particularly well done, so that the ending is both satisfying, works in a science fiction way, and races to the finish, all at once.

The novel examines the various tenets of a number of the main religions (Christianity, Tibetan Buddhism, and Judaism) using them as plot devices: e.g. Paul's Missionary Journey. This exploration of religion is quite a wild ride, but worth it.

The first third of the novel introduces us to the characters: to the CIA, the issues related to Eric and Kathy, and to the Himalayan mystic Shimahn. This first third also introduces broader geopolitical issues, as well as setting up the 'four dimensional world of space time'. In the second section of the novel the actual time travel begins. We see its effects from Eric's point of view. He is an interested participant. In this section Mardak makes good use of structure to make his point, but also to move the plot along. The last third of the novel brings everything together: the time changes and the new ideas and perspectives. There is an ending which is in some ways surreal, and which is beautifully realised.

One of the main themes of this book is religion. It's a fascinating book because I believe many people see Religions as having "Truths" and this novel certainly plays with some of those. Anyone who believes that the Bible is the written word of God will have a difficult time with this novel. That said, it is far from Mr. Mardak's aim to make anyone annoyed about this. I feel, quite the contrary.

The novel discuses time travel and how it can save the world. What difference would it make to war? Mardak also asks what kind of world are we creating? How do we cause and prevent nuclear holocaust? Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is also about an attitude of helping and working together to create change.

The relationships that are explored in the novel illustrate personal growth and caring. Kathy and Eric, Colbert and Cunningham, Paul and Silas are all studies in how we see, how we relate, and how we can change. The focus in Armageddon and the 4th Timeline is how this happens.

A minor quibble about the characters is the character of Kathy. I didn't feel that she had very much to say for herself, and was a little too passive for my liking. Eric, however, is well written and his relationship with Kathy is nicely drawn. The CIA group are depicted as a good bunch. They sounded quite different to Eric and Kathy: they were exciting and gung-ho. They were well drawn.

The scenes in the desert were particularly evocative and the relationships depicted there, though brief, remind the reader that some of the central ideas of the novel are relationship and awareness. The different families in the desert remind the reader that families have many different shapes. In terms of diversity and families there are a range of families: Lori Colbert is a divorced mother, Kathy and Eric have been married seven years and there are the families in the Sinai desert. There is also the relationships between Shimahn and Eric and Kathy, and between Paul and Silas. Mardak also emphasises diversity by depicting various religions and mixing those religions in unique ways.

This novel runs along at a fast, fast pace. At times it fairly gallops. It has fantastic ideas about time and space and makes the reader think.

Armageddon and the 4th Timeline has a thoughtful purpose, but is highly readable and action packed. Mardak's plot is well structured and he makes good use of characters. From the first' gloomy Thursday in Langley…' I wanted to read on, to find out what was happening, what was going on. The science fiction genre makes a twist with a spectacularly good ending. I am happy to rate this novel as 4.5 out of five stars.

[Anna Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A Spiritual Odyssey" with emphasis on spiritual. I made it to the end and have found myself since finishing this book pondering some of the meditation concepts. A bit over the top when Eric takes his mental essence and soul back and fix the end of the world by convincing Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of Goodreads give away program.

At a high level this is a book about using new age meditation practices to time travel to avert nuclear war.

The book has an interesting concept and I learned a lot about new age practices (the book does not identify a name for the belief system but it seems like a hybrid of Buddhism and Gnosticism with some Bible quotes thrown in for flavor, the book never makes those comparisons though) but I think that ultimately it falls short of what it could be.

I've written a lot more negative comments than positive ones but this isn't a bad book, it's just that it's better read as an exploration of new age philosophy than as a thriller (though it certainly has virtues as a thriller too)

On the upside, Mr. Mardak writes a nice thriler. The story bounces back and forth between American Cabinet meetings on the deteriorating state of the world and our heroes sequestered in a Tibetan monastery as they race to save the world from a nuclear fire. The early scenes with the Cabinet are exposition heavy but as the frequency of terrorist activity increases we get a high level view of the world's fall as the terrorist attacks increase in frequency.

On the downside, the book falls into the 'tell' side of things a lot. We're told repeatedly that the world is on the verge of collapse but we never get the feel that it is. We get a lot of discussions of how things are going downhill but we never get scenes of riots, mass evacuations or anything that would really show us just how far the world has fallen.

Also, it's never really explained why Buddho - Gnosticism (I made that term up) will save the world from impending apocalypse. Sure, Mr. Mardak explains the mechanics alright but never says why this new faith is so swell and will bring world peace. We're introduced to 3 adherents and we're told their decent, spiritual people but that's it. We're never shown why their faith has improved them, just told that it has, now please stop asking questions and continue the book.

One last complaint, Muslim terrorists figure heavily into the apocalypse which I have no problem with. If you want Christian fundamentalists, communists, Nazis, Muslim terrorists or Colombian drug cartels as your bad guys that's fine. But spare the offhand mention of how the terrorists are a tiny minority of Muslims and Islam is actually a great and noble religion. Especially if you're going to proceed to have every Muslim be a terrorist. It just feels insincere. On the other hand, the Americans come across rather blood thirsty as well so maybe Mr. Mardak is making a claim about how in this world everyone is caught up in a cycle of violence and suffering. But then, the Americans never get an offhand comment about how they're not all bloodthirsty so I'm not sure how to interpret that presentation of Muslims.

[Andy Coleman · Rating 1 out of 5]

A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:

I'll admit it - I was suckered in by the promise of science and spirituality. Time travel to save our doomed world? Sounds great! But...

There was no science in this book. Sure, the author used scientific terms, but just like with many other new age books, it was purely pseudoscience. There may or may not be a fifth dimension we can all ascend to, but throwing scientific jargon at it doesn't make it any more real. It just makes it seem like the author didn't take the time to learn about the subject.

The spirituality part of the book was just a rehash of the same old theme: God is a part of us all; We are all God and therefore all separation is impossible; The material world is just an illusion. I actually subscribe to much of this philosophy but the author tries too hard to make it seem revelatory by infusing the message with "bible speak". It comes off as a bit pompous.

And what is it with these types of books and the description of the characters? All the main characters are described as handsome, strong, beautiful, enlightened, etc. Even a character with only a handful of lines had to be described as "attractive" in her scene. Do the authors put a bit too much of themselves into these main characters and therefore the ego comes along for the ride? I'm just wondering.

Skip this book. The story is full of cliche characters and situations. Of course it all works out in the end and as an epilogue, the author gives us a new timeline of events where all contentious moments in history were peacefully resolved and the worst villains mysteriously died. Yep, it's all wrapped up in a nice bow.