What happens after mortal death and before eternal judgment? Or as the author wrote in his “What is on the other side? Perhaps death is not the finale but a prelude to other mysteries beyond our limited perceptions.”
In this Christian historical fantasy novel, Creator Elshaddai sends angels of death to bring four souls back to Him for judgment. To accomplish their missions, the four Aidenns transform into the favorite dogs of targets Adolf Hitler (Blondi), Pontius Pilate (Banga), Abraham Lincoln (Fido), and Tom an elderly man in a nursing home (Chief).
After mortal death, the four souls follow their dogs to revisit monumental events that defined their lives. They are immersed in experiences that show each how his actions shaped history. The four souls meet the seven deadly sins, and they discover dark energy which captures all activity on Earth in a permanent record reviewable in the perfect memory of spiritual consciousness. Once transformed from the physical world into a spiritual existence, their journeys to judgment prepare them to stand before their Maker.
This book was thought provoking and I would highly recommend reading it. The author gets your attention by the unique perspective of three men in history as they look into their futures after death. A great book!!
It’s fair to say that, of the many books I’ve read, there have been few as engrossing or thought-provoking as this one, certainly in its subject matter. It is as vast and spiritual as fiction can ever get – and a truly tremendous narrative. With Christianity very much at its core, we follow the afterlife of three incredibly influential figures from history and one unknown individual, as they are accompanied by Aidenn – the collective name for the angels of death – to reflect on their lives, their humanity and their faith. Their Limbo, or posthumous contemplation, is immensely profound over an unspecified period of time – perhaps minutes or millennia, in a timeless realm – before facing their judgement by the Almighty Creator. Whilst we don’t get to witness their final judgement, that isn’t really the point; this book is about the journey, as the four individuals relive and discourse with their celestial companions their actions and choices in life. It is a parable in the form of fantasy fiction. And it feels like a cold, sad allegory.
There are a couple of surprises. Those accompanied figures being none other than Pontius Pilate, President Lincoln and Adolf Hitler, you might think it is a simple, black-and-white case of guilty or not guilty, Heaven or Hell, but this book is much, much more than mere hegemony and righteous rhetoric. It is exceptionally knowledgeable, and there are ambiguous aspects about the two formerly named; Hitler, of course, is pure evil and narcissism personified, and is rightly afforded no redeeming features, but we see contrition in Pilate, and very serious moral flaws in some of the decisions made by the mythologically virtuous archetype which is Abraham Lincoln. All of their characteristics and more contrary actions are explored in spiritual, psychological and metaphorical depth, by a gifted, talented and clearly highly intelligent author. The respective narratives of all four men are cleverly yet inevitably intertwined, as they each get to see the impact of their own decisions and legacies on the later lives of their fellow travellers.
I don’t know if Ford Nettleton is a Christian, but I believe his faith is strong, for he considers the profound layers of humanity, and the irresistible lure of the seven deadly sins personified, with wonderfully committed consideration; he probably suspects the fate of each man crossing over, while we are invited to consider objectively. The book is clearly intended to compel us to reflect on the choices we make, the world we live in, and our collective and individual paths. One thing becomes indisputably and unambiguously clear, though: we cannot continue as we are, in hate, hubris and desire for more than the collective good, for the outcome of our species is becoming unavoidable.
This book has me more thoughtful than any I have read previously – not in respect of the afterlife, for I am not a religious or spiritual person, but in compassion for those who are. It must be a horrifying prospect to anticipate facing your Creator to answer, and this book, whilst not overpowering with the darkness, certainly implies that it is there, at the end, waiting for us in all the dark matter we have imprinted upon. It is a tremendously good book which I highly recommend, whether you are a reader of faith or just one who loves deep, metaphorical literary fiction.
In pop culture theology, when a beloved pet dies, it is said that when your own corporeal body dies, your spirit will be led to the afterlife by your beloved pets who have passed on before you and who are waiting to greet you. They will meet your spirit on the Rainbow Bridge to lead you to Judgment, where your eternal destiny awaits. Such a story is told as a comfort to those who have lost a favorite pet, but in this novel the premise becomes multidimensional as we see four humans led into the life after death by angels who have taken the form of the humans’ former pets. Yet, this novel is much much more than a sweet homily to soothe our fears of dying. What if consciousness does not stop when the human body dies? What if there really is another dimension, where our earthly deeds are recorded in dark matter and where our eternal futures depend upon how we lived our lives? This novel takes us to more than one earthly continent, to more than one period in history, but also to celestial realms only imagined. AIDENN is a thought provoking read, not without its poignant moments and interesting twists.
Ford Nettleton’s AIDENN: Crossing to Eternity is a masterful blend of Christian historical fantasy and mystery, offering an inspirational exploration of morality and redemption. This unique narrative follows four souls—Adolf Hitler, Pontius Pilate, Abraham Lincoln, and an elderly man named Tom—as they are guided by divine messengers disguised as dogs. These angelic beings, appearing as Blondi, Banga, Fido, and Chief, lead the characters through pivotal moments of their lives. Along the way, the souls encounter the seven deadly sins and witness a spiritual realm where every action is meticulously recorded. Their transformative journeys culminate in an audience with Creator Elshaddai, where they must confront the weight of their choices and face eternal judgment.
Nettleton’s novel is nothing short of a triumph. The vivid imagery and imaginative storytelling breathe life into history, reimagining renowned figures with a fresh, spiritual lens. The concept of angels taking canine form to guide souls is both ingenious and deeply thought-provoking. Each chapter feels like stepping into a finely detailed painting, rich with symbolism and layers of meaning. The author’s portrayal of historical figures is particularly compelling. Adolf Hitler, Pontius Pilate, and Abraham Lincoln are not mere caricatures of history; instead, they are rendered with depth, complexity, and spiritual resonance. Their interactions with the seven deadly sins and the sinister energy-binding human deeds imbue the story with a haunting gravity. These elements elevate the narrative, blending history and theology in a way that feels both seamless and profound.
The novel’s spiritual journey is as moving as it is thought-provoking. The themes of accountability, redemption, and the ripple effects of human actions resonate deeply. Nettleton’s ability to intertwine historical fantasy with Christian allegory is unparalleled, crafting a story that is both accessible and profound.
Every aspect of this novel captivates—from the intricate pacing to the nuanced character development and the philosophical undercurrents running through the narrative. AIDENN: Crossing to Eternity is more than a novel; it is an experience that lingers long after the final page. For anyone seeking a book that challenges the mind while touching the soul, this is a must-read. Nettleton has created a rare and unforgettable masterpiece, one that I cannot recommend highly enough.
This book was nothing short of transformative. It masterfully weaves together the lives of four individuals, each born in vastly different times and cultures, yet united by the universal truth that all humans must face: death and what lies beyond it. Through their unique experiences and choices, the story compels readers to confront the weighty question of eternity.
The narrative is both captivating and deeply thought-provoking. It challenges us to consider not only the fleeting nature of this life but also the significance of the choices we make in determining where we spend the life to come. The book doesn’t just tell a story—it serves as a mirror, reflecting our own beliefs and prompting us to explore the meaning of truth and our ultimate destiny.
This is more than a book; it’s a journey that lingers in your mind long after the final page. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life, death, and eternity, this is an absolute must-read.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.6.NIV