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Taven's Departing
Taven’s death is only the beginning. In his afterlife, he mistakenly unleashes a terror on his family, living and deceased. But for Taven, it’s his mistake that gives him the power to make things right.
“Mr. Jackson is a very gifted writer and this book is definitely worth a read.”
Doreen (goodreads.com)
“This was a surprising, heartfelt and deeply thought provoking read for me and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.”
Megan (goodreads.com)
“... emotional highs and lows, twists and turns....quite enjoyable. I look forward to more from this author.”
Crystal (goodreads.com)
“A definite must read.”
Andy (goodreads.com)
http://www.amazon.com/Mike-Jackson/e/...
“Mr. Jackson is a very gifted writer and this book is definitely worth a read.”
Doreen (goodreads.com)
“This was a surprising, heartfelt and deeply thought provoking read for me and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.”
Megan (goodreads.com)
“... emotional highs and lows, twists and turns....quite enjoyable. I look forward to more from this author.”
Crystal (goodreads.com)
“A definite must read.”
Andy (goodreads.com)
http://www.amazon.com/Mike-Jackson/e/...
Paperback
First published November 30, 2012
1 person is currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Mike Jackson
6 books27 followersI am a husband and a father of five. I am a practicing lawyer. I am both religious and spiritual in my approach to the world. I love love love basketball and still dream about dunking from time to time. My best friend died when I was 17. When I was 19 I lived in Madagascar for two years and spent my time sharing the good news and learning to love my fellow human beings.
I'm an Alberta, Canada boy born and raised. Grew up in a small town of about five thousand people where basketball was what kept me out of trouble, well, out of major trouble. I had three children under seven while I was in law school, four by the time I was articling and five not too long after. I love the little pudgy fingers and rolly-polly arms on 18 month olds.
I'm not super good at being an employee. Don't get me wrong, I work really hard, but much prefer working for myself. I'm really enjoying being my own boss and running my own practice. http://www.mdjackson.com
I've written several books and I've got several more on the go. I've had a few thousand downloads of the Tanner Kids series on the iBookstore. They're free, try them out.
I like to laugh. I like to help. I don't like stress, but I can push through it. I love to write. It brings the best out in me.
I'm an Alberta, Canada boy born and raised. Grew up in a small town of about five thousand people where basketball was what kept me out of trouble, well, out of major trouble. I had three children under seven while I was in law school, four by the time I was articling and five not too long after. I love the little pudgy fingers and rolly-polly arms on 18 month olds.
I'm not super good at being an employee. Don't get me wrong, I work really hard, but much prefer working for myself. I'm really enjoying being my own boss and running my own practice. http://www.mdjackson.com
I've written several books and I've got several more on the go. I've had a few thousand downloads of the Tanner Kids series on the iBookstore. They're free, try them out.
I like to laugh. I like to help. I don't like stress, but I can push through it. I love to write. It brings the best out in me.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 6, 2013
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**
I just finished Taven's Departing by Mike Jackson. I was so excited when I was notified that I had won a copy. This book just sounded like one that had infinite possibilities. It did.
This book was a little nebulous for me to grasp in the very beginning, but as I read further, the story opened up and blossomed. Mr. Jackson is a very gifted writer and this book is definitely worth a read.
I just finished Taven's Departing by Mike Jackson. I was so excited when I was notified that I had won a copy. This book just sounded like one that had infinite possibilities. It did.
This book was a little nebulous for me to grasp in the very beginning, but as I read further, the story opened up and blossomed. Mr. Jackson is a very gifted writer and this book is definitely worth a read.
March 15, 2013
As an individual who often gets curious about the afterlife and what it holds for us, I was thrilled to take Taven's journey! At the beginning of the book I found myself relating to Taven - not about excperiencing the afterlife, but in his confusion. Where was he? What had happened? What does he do now? All questions I have pondered myself when relating them to what happens after death. As he began to find his way a little the journey was not all sunshine and laughter as I expected. It was hard, Taven struggled, and felt utterly alone in a place he knew nothing about. And when he needed it most he was given a break. When his brother, Finn, found him and the author recounts the details of how Finn came to be in the afterlife - I could not help but shed a few tears. Their reunion was so touching.
In the midst of an emotional and thought provoking storyline, the author does a fantastic job of creating and describing this imaginary world within our dreams. The next time I had a particularly vivid dream I couldn't help but think that maybe the Dream Junkies had invaded it! What a creative spin on the connection of our dreams to a different world.
I loved the depiction of Taven's family dynamic - it could not have been more accurate (in my case at least). There was a sweet old aunt, a stubborn & hard headed uncle, the 'Cheif' who despite the hard exterior was 100% supportive, and a brother who just worshiped the ground he walked on. It was occasionally chaotic at family get togethers, but the love of a family was more than felt.
My favorite thing about this story is the way the author gradually reveals details about Taven's life, so that the reader is putting together his story and realizing things at the same time as Taven. It is frustrating at times, as it is for Taven, because you just want to know what has/is going to happen! It is exciting at times when you're rooting for the 'hero' in the dreams to pull through, and it is emotional at all times as the story of his life and afterlife is unveiled. It keeps you turning the page, and it is so worth it when the reward comes at the end. The mystery that surrounds his relationship with Eve is finally revealed their story is absolutely beautiful.
This was a surprising, heartfelt and deeply thought provoking read for me and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
In the midst of an emotional and thought provoking storyline, the author does a fantastic job of creating and describing this imaginary world within our dreams. The next time I had a particularly vivid dream I couldn't help but think that maybe the Dream Junkies had invaded it! What a creative spin on the connection of our dreams to a different world.
I loved the depiction of Taven's family dynamic - it could not have been more accurate (in my case at least). There was a sweet old aunt, a stubborn & hard headed uncle, the 'Cheif' who despite the hard exterior was 100% supportive, and a brother who just worshiped the ground he walked on. It was occasionally chaotic at family get togethers, but the love of a family was more than felt.
My favorite thing about this story is the way the author gradually reveals details about Taven's life, so that the reader is putting together his story and realizing things at the same time as Taven. It is frustrating at times, as it is for Taven, because you just want to know what has/is going to happen! It is exciting at times when you're rooting for the 'hero' in the dreams to pull through, and it is emotional at all times as the story of his life and afterlife is unveiled. It keeps you turning the page, and it is so worth it when the reward comes at the end. The mystery that surrounds his relationship with Eve is finally revealed their story is absolutely beautiful.
This was a surprising, heartfelt and deeply thought provoking read for me and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
February 20, 2013
When I was 18 years old, my best friend passed away. Ever since then, life after death has been a very real topic for me. "Taven's Departing" sprung out of some of my thoughts and imaginations about what life after death might be like.
January 29, 2013
Another great book by Mike Jackson! I really loved it. A definite must read.
September 17, 2013
When I first picked up Mike Jackson's book Taven's Departing and started reading it, I was compelled to keep reading on. At first the concept he was presenting reminded me of the movie Ghost. It was very well written. As I got through the book more, the plot became what I would call cheesy. It started reminding me more and more of the movie "Dreamcatcher" with a cheesy plot of an alien entering the mind and the battle of Good versus Evil. By the end of the book there were so many questions that I had unanswered.
As I got to the last few pages, I was a little disappointed thinking that there was so much left out and finally in the last few pages all my questions were answered which really for me was the highlight of the book after the first few initial chapters. All in all a very well written book and I am sure in 10-20 years some screenwriter may make an adaptation from this book and present it in Cinema form.
As I got to the last few pages, I was a little disappointed thinking that there was so much left out and finally in the last few pages all my questions were answered which really for me was the highlight of the book after the first few initial chapters. All in all a very well written book and I am sure in 10-20 years some screenwriter may make an adaptation from this book and present it in Cinema form.
December 24, 2012
This book took me on a journey. I felt the fear, pain and excitement right along with the characters. I loved this book and the unexpected turns I took while reading it. I highly recommend reading it! I look forward to reading more books from this author!!!
February 27, 2013
What a great read! I enjoyed the unexpected journey this story took me on. I highly recommend reading this novel. There is emotional highs and lows, twists and turns....quite enjoyable. I look forward to more from this author.
July 15, 2013
This book is a great read. The writer writes in a way that you can really feel and understand the characters and what they are going through. It has a great story idea with both some humor and intensity throughout the book. Well done!
December 22, 2012
One of my favourites now. I couldn't put it down. Love this! It is a must read!!!!! BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 1, 2013
I won this book through a giveaway and it's a firstread! I was so excited to get this book in the mail. I was surprised when it arrived only a few days after I received my notification because it said 4-6 weeks. I was scared to read this book because it was the first time I had won a giveaway and i didnt want to hate the book. I worried needlessly as usual!
I enjoyed this book because I often wonder about the afterlife. The imagery and imagination that went into writing this book blew me away. At first I was very confused about everything happening. Im sure that was the point because Taven was also very confused. I kept reading though and started to figure it out peice by peice. Once i got the gist of how the afterlife "works" it all really made sense to me. I also have to say that this was the first time in a long time that I have had an ending surprise me as much as this one did. I may have been the only one in the world who didnt see it coming but my mind was not even close. It all makes sense though!
All that being said. The only complaint I have is that the action and scenery were described awesomely. I still really dont have a clear picture of what Taven, Eve, or many of his family members look like. They were given brief descriptions and were just kind of blurry in my mind with no real connection. I really didnt form a bond with any one character except for Finn and it was only due to his innocence.
If you are in the mood for a confusing but satisfying story with a lot of action and a bit of teen romance..this is a good book for you.
I enjoyed this book because I often wonder about the afterlife. The imagery and imagination that went into writing this book blew me away. At first I was very confused about everything happening. Im sure that was the point because Taven was also very confused. I kept reading though and started to figure it out peice by peice. Once i got the gist of how the afterlife "works" it all really made sense to me. I also have to say that this was the first time in a long time that I have had an ending surprise me as much as this one did. I may have been the only one in the world who didnt see it coming but my mind was not even close. It all makes sense though!
All that being said. The only complaint I have is that the action and scenery were described awesomely. I still really dont have a clear picture of what Taven, Eve, or many of his family members look like. They were given brief descriptions and were just kind of blurry in my mind with no real connection. I really didnt form a bond with any one character except for Finn and it was only due to his innocence.
If you are in the mood for a confusing but satisfying story with a lot of action and a bit of teen romance..this is a good book for you.
August 13, 2016
I won my copy from the author via Goodread's FirstRead program. The book was imaginative and well written. I did find myself tearing up at the end and I was glad the main characters received a happy ending. However, and there is frequently a however, I did get a bit bogged down in the middle part. No real reason, but I did. This isn't my take on the afterlife although it will appeal to many. Kudos to Mike for being willing to take a chance.
And I would challenge anyone to take a chance. Read something outside your usual genre, it just might strike a chord for you. And it not, try something else until you do. :-)
And I would challenge anyone to take a chance. Read something outside your usual genre, it just might strike a chord for you. And it not, try something else until you do. :-)
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March 24, 2014Review to come. ^_^
August 25, 2013
It is one of my favorites. A really good book! It really gets you thinking about the afterdeath. A really cool plot and storyline! I am so excited I won a copy of this novel!
October 30, 2013
Very interesting perspective on what happens when you die. I actually cried a little at the end when everything came together.
January 2, 2013
Even though this book was very well written, I found myself unable to become engrossed as I do in many of the books that I read and re-read. I loved the character development and the progression of the story line, but, for some reason, it just didn't capture me. It is my sincerest hope that others pick up this book and are fascinated by it! The author did an extremely great job on this book and I am truly sorry that it did nothing for me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews