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K-Pax #2
On a Beam of Light
In a followup to the novel K-PAX, a psychiatrist attempts to ascertain the real identity of an interesting young man possessing some unusual supernatural abilities named "Prot," a patient at the Manhattan Psychiatric Institute, who believes he is a visitor from another world. Reprint.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2001
About the author
Gene Brewer
23 books85 followersGene R. Brewer was born and raised in Muncie, Indiana and educated at DePauw University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before becoming a novelist Dr. Brewer studied DNA replication and cell division at several major research institutions, including St. Jude Children's REsearch Hospital (Memphis) and Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland). He is the author of the acclaimed K-PAX trilogy, a memoir (Creating K-PAX), a story for young adults ("Alejandro" in Twice Told), and the stage adaptation of his novel, K-PAX. He lives in New York City and Vermont with his wife and their dog Flower. Hobbies are flying, running, chess, astronomy/cosmology, music, theater, and of course, reading (favorite author: Kurt Vonnegut). Passions include ecology, animal rights*, and his wife, Karen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 17, 2016
Aug 11 ~~ Well, I have to agree with my original review. This second book was not as compelling, even though I zipped through it pretty quickly (thanks to my good friend Insomnia).
It felt less like a story and more like a way for the author to air his own grievances about the world and to ramble on about various forms of mental health. The characters in the hospital are mostly different from the ones in the first book, but none of them feel as real here as the others did.
I began rereading these books because I had bought K-PAX III after stumbling across it one evening at my favorite online bookseller. I am starting that book today. Supposedly at the time it was published it was the end of the trilogy. But GR shows two more, making it a five book series. I know for certain I won't be going any further than book three. I just don't know yet if I will regret going even that far. I have a feeling the author should have left well enough alone and stopped after the first book.
Aug 8, 2026 ~~ Jumping into this one right after finishing K-Pax. We'll see if it is a bad decision the way it seemed to have been ten years ago. Will update review when I find out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Original Review ~~ 2016
I jumped right into this book after finishing K-Pax, anxious to find out what happened next at the Manhattan Psychiatric Institute with prot, Robert, and everyone else.
This was both a good and bad decision on my part. Good because I was able to read 'the rest of the story' right away. Bad because sequels are rarely as captivating as first books. The reader has to get reminded of background details; sometimes the story tends to stumble along when you remember it zipping just a few hours ago in the other book; and often the plot itself becomes a bit more bizarre or gruesome than expected.
While I was happy to learn what happens five years after K-PAX ended, I could not lose myself in this story the way I did in the first book. And prot himself seemed more of a snarky wiseguy than he had been. He may have had his reasons for that, of course, but in K-PAX I was tickled by his sayings while here I thought he was being a bit of a jerk. I also was disappointed in the portrayal of the psychiatrist in this book: I do not think any such doctor would ask advice from any patient about other patients, or encourage any patient to help others in quite the way this one did.
I still don't know for certain who he was or where he came from or why. There are hints in the final chapter, and I imagine all will be explained in the next book, but I have spent enough time with prot for now. Of course, if Someday I ever stumble across that third book, I would read it, but I'm not going to rush off on a wild prot chase just now.
It felt less like a story and more like a way for the author to air his own grievances about the world and to ramble on about various forms of mental health. The characters in the hospital are mostly different from the ones in the first book, but none of them feel as real here as the others did.
I began rereading these books because I had bought K-PAX III after stumbling across it one evening at my favorite online bookseller. I am starting that book today. Supposedly at the time it was published it was the end of the trilogy. But GR shows two more, making it a five book series. I know for certain I won't be going any further than book three. I just don't know yet if I will regret going even that far. I have a feeling the author should have left well enough alone and stopped after the first book.
Aug 8, 2026 ~~ Jumping into this one right after finishing K-Pax. We'll see if it is a bad decision the way it seemed to have been ten years ago. Will update review when I find out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Original Review ~~ 2016
I jumped right into this book after finishing K-Pax, anxious to find out what happened next at the Manhattan Psychiatric Institute with prot, Robert, and everyone else.
This was both a good and bad decision on my part. Good because I was able to read 'the rest of the story' right away. Bad because sequels are rarely as captivating as first books. The reader has to get reminded of background details; sometimes the story tends to stumble along when you remember it zipping just a few hours ago in the other book; and often the plot itself becomes a bit more bizarre or gruesome than expected.
While I was happy to learn what happens five years after K-PAX ended, I could not lose myself in this story the way I did in the first book. And prot himself seemed more of a snarky wiseguy than he had been. He may have had his reasons for that, of course, but in K-PAX I was tickled by his sayings while here I thought he was being a bit of a jerk. I also was disappointed in the portrayal of the psychiatrist in this book: I do not think any such doctor would ask advice from any patient about other patients, or encourage any patient to help others in quite the way this one did.
I still don't know for certain who he was or where he came from or why. There are hints in the final chapter, and I imagine all will be explained in the next book, but I have spent enough time with prot for now. Of course, if Someday I ever stumble across that third book, I would read it, but I'm not going to rush off on a wild prot chase just now.
February 21, 2019
Not as good as the first one but still enjoyable, although some parts are very dark.
January 10, 2024
I probably liked On a Beam of Light more than I liked K-PAX and I'm stunned by that! I went into it somewhat expectant but armed myself to be disappointed just in case. Boy was I wrong!
WARNING: if you haven't read K-PAX, this review'll come with SPOILERS.
Getting back with Robert was nice as we get to know him more intimately. prot is still prot, though I found him more annoying this time, to the point of almost disliking him. That's not something I expected at all!
However, the story is still fascinating and the question of prot's origin continues to be interesting, even though this is now not the main plot at all (was it the case in K-PAX? Not from my POV anyway).
Like at the end of K-PAX, I'm clueless regarding what the next (and last) book in the series will be about, seeing how this one ended. I'm going to trust dr. b. and continue with his session reports!
WARNING: if you haven't read K-PAX, this review'll come with SPOILERS.
Getting back with Robert was nice as we get to know him more intimately. prot is still prot, though I found him more annoying this time, to the point of almost disliking him. That's not something I expected at all!
However, the story is still fascinating and the question of prot's origin continues to be interesting, even though this is now not the main plot at all (was it the case in K-PAX? Not from my POV anyway).
Like at the end of K-PAX, I'm clueless regarding what the next (and last) book in the series will be about, seeing how this one ended. I'm going to trust dr. b. and continue with his session reports!
August 28, 2014
Weeell... what was I expecting? You can't top a work as fine as K-Pax. Brewer tried his best, but didn't quite make it.
In an effort to rekindle the magic of the first novel, Brewer is forced to rely on a growing cast of eccentric secondary characters, Dr Brewer's relationship with Rob, prot's schizophrenic alter-ego (or is it the other way round?), and a pair of sad gimmicks, Paul and Harry. prot himself is reduced to proselytism, answering fan-mail and TV show appearances, before simply (according to the bumbling idiot, Dr Brewer) fading to black, a figment of the imagination of an abused child.
Still a good read, and prot is still the prot we know and love, but K-Pax is a hard act to follow and this was a disappointment.
In an effort to rekindle the magic of the first novel, Brewer is forced to rely on a growing cast of eccentric secondary characters, Dr Brewer's relationship with Rob, prot's schizophrenic alter-ego (or is it the other way round?), and a pair of sad gimmicks, Paul and Harry. prot himself is reduced to proselytism, answering fan-mail and TV show appearances, before simply (according to the bumbling idiot, Dr Brewer) fading to black, a figment of the imagination of an abused child.
Still a good read, and prot is still the prot we know and love, but K-Pax is a hard act to follow and this was a disappointment.
December 6, 2015
Maybe partly a bit too naive with it's "happy ending", where all the sort of loose ends get tied together rather nicely, but sometimes it can be even refreshing to read a book like this - what a positive change to all the tragic/dramatic storylines :P
I must agree - Prot's ideas and suggestions to human kind are as accurate and important today as they were at the time this book was written. I like how the author provides us his concerns regarding human kind's lifestyle and unavoidable doom.
And just when you think that with how the things have developed regarding Rob, all is and will be clear, still the question remains - was Prot an alien being visiting us or just an imaginary companion created in Rob's mind. I like it! :) Can't wait to start with the next book in series!
I must agree - Prot's ideas and suggestions to human kind are as accurate and important today as they were at the time this book was written. I like how the author provides us his concerns regarding human kind's lifestyle and unavoidable doom.
And just when you think that with how the things have developed regarding Rob, all is and will be clear, still the question remains - was Prot an alien being visiting us or just an imaginary companion created in Rob's mind. I like it! :) Can't wait to start with the next book in series!
February 6, 2023
3.5/5
For years I did not know this was a trilogy until I found a copy that included all 3 books. I will say it's not as good as book one, which is to be expected, it was a great story which would be hard to follow up. Book 1's strength was in the ambiguity of the whole situation. Book 2 is less ambiguous, the mystery of prot starts to trickle away. prot is still there, but the direction the story takes requires his character to remain undeveloped as we focus on Robert's character. Subject matter takes a more serious turn and gives you what you'd expect from a psychiatry book.
It was still funny, still a page turner and I'm interested to see what Brewer does with it in book 3! If you truly loved the first book and liked the ending... Maybe don't move to book 2.
For years I did not know this was a trilogy until I found a copy that included all 3 books. I will say it's not as good as book one, which is to be expected, it was a great story which would be hard to follow up. Book 1's strength was in the ambiguity of the whole situation. Book 2 is less ambiguous, the mystery of prot starts to trickle away. prot is still there, but the direction the story takes requires his character to remain undeveloped as we focus on Robert's character. Subject matter takes a more serious turn and gives you what you'd expect from a psychiatry book.
It was still funny, still a page turner and I'm interested to see what Brewer does with it in book 3! If you truly loved the first book and liked the ending... Maybe don't move to book 2.
June 9, 2008
The sequel to K Pax (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...).
It concentrates more on the doctor's idea that prot is the alter-ego of Robert, and trying to uncover the traumas that made Robert retreat (partly with hypnosis), but otherwise it doesn't add much to the story; reads like padding for the middle section of the first book.
The balance of the first book is gone; although prot's extraordinary powers are noted and unexplained, the presumption is very much that prot is an alter ego of Robert's MPD.
The trilogy concludes in K Pax III: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
It concentrates more on the doctor's idea that prot is the alter-ego of Robert, and trying to uncover the traumas that made Robert retreat (partly with hypnosis), but otherwise it doesn't add much to the story; reads like padding for the middle section of the first book.
The balance of the first book is gone; although prot's extraordinary powers are noted and unexplained, the presumption is very much that prot is an alter ego of Robert's MPD.
The trilogy concludes in K Pax III: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
March 17, 2014
A brilliant second book in what so far is one of my most favourite series. Makes me wonder though. Why can we only see the problems of our world when they are pointed out from the perspective of an outsider? Perhaps because it is so effective, clear-cut and objective. I love books that make me think. This one has certainly achieved that.
December 18, 2025
This was not as good as K-PAX. Felt like it was quite an unrealistic view of mental health and recovery. The section on autism was hilariously out of date. Some really poignant moments were somewhat glossed over
April 24, 2020
I definitely did not see this coming. Very interesting progression and leaving some unexplained occurrences to let the reader choose what they want to believe.
August 17, 2020
Sequel to the brilliant book/movie K-Pax
Loved the original and was hoping this would add something new to the story but found it pretty much the same without a similar degree of charm and originality.
That said it was nice to have some more prot in my life again to help challenge my preconceptions of our place in the universe :)
Loved the original and was hoping this would add something new to the story but found it pretty much the same without a similar degree of charm and originality.
That said it was nice to have some more prot in my life again to help challenge my preconceptions of our place in the universe :)
January 28, 2010
On a Beam of Light (K-PAX #2) by Gene Brewer (St. Martin's Paperbacks 2001)(Fiction - Science Fiction) is the second installment in the K-PAX series. Prot returns to his body at the hospital after a five year absence. This story just keeps getting better! My rating: 8.5/10, finished 2010.
October 25, 2015
Un buen libro que resuelve muchas de las dudas del viaje y procedencia de prot. Buena continuación que se centra más en Rob y que nos muestra a un prot que quiere ayudar a Rob. Deja con ganas de más porque deja algunos interrogantes importantes ;).
March 22, 2016
A quick, simple, enjoyable read. Not quite as good as it's predecessor, but still not bad. It lacks a really deep story, so there isn't a ton to seek your teeth in to, but that doesn't stop it from being interesting, especially if you like psychology.
April 21, 2025
Personagens:
Dr Gene: psiquiatra, se torna diretor do Instituto de Psiquiatria de Manhattan depois da morte de Dr Villers, atende prot/Robert e descobre seu passado
Prot: alien do planeta K-Pax, viaja na velocidade da luz, está no corpo de Robert e o ajuda nos momentos de crise, retorna a Terra depois de 5 anos
Robert: órfão de pai desde muito cedo, tem múltiplas personalidades, foi abusado sexualmente pelo seu tio, se casou após sua namorada engravidar, encontra sua esposa e filha mortas após serem estupradas e mata o criminoso, tentando se matar em seguida, Prot toma seu corpo em momentos de crise,
Harry: uma das personalidades de Robert, menino de 5 anos muito raivoso, ele que matou o invasor/estuprador de Sally e Rebecca
Paul: uma das personalidades de Robert, assume em momentos sexuais que Robert tinha com Sally
Gisele: repórter, investiga sobre UFOs, apaixonada por prot e desenvolve um romance com Robert
Sally: esposa de Robert que foi estuprada e morta por um invasor junto com sua filha Rebecca
Dr Villers: diretor do Instituto, sua esposa descobre um câncer e os dois se suicidam
Will: filho de Dr Gene, quer ser psiquiatra e faz estágio no Instituto
Resumo:
Depois de 5 anos prot retorna à Terra como prometido. Robert ainda está em estado catatônico desde que prot foi embora mesmo tentando vários tratamentos. Dr Gene escreveu um livro sobre esse caso e teve bastante atenção, prot recebeu muitas cartas e muitos estavam esperando seu retorno. Agora o dr consegue hipnotizar prot de novo para conseguir falar com Robert e tentar ajudá-lo. Gisele é avisada do retorno de prot e vai periodicamente ao instituto para conversar com ele e fazer a ponte com diversos profissionais que querem falar com ele. O Dr consegue ajudar bastante Robert e descobre que ele não é o pai de Rebecca, pois ele e Sally nunca tiveram relações sexuais, mesmo apoia vários anos de casados. Esse bloqueio do sexo foi por causa do abuso sexual que sofreu de seu tio ao passar um período em sua casa quando tinha 5 anos e seu pai tinha acabado de sofrer o acidente. Robert estava cada vez mais confiante e conseguindo conversar mais com o Dr, até que em seções de hipnose outras personalidades apareceram, Harry e Paul. Harry aparecia quando o tio de Robert começava a abusar sexualmente dele, e era um menino jovem que tinha muita raiva. Já Paul apareceu na adolescência, quando Sally e Robert tinham relações sexuais. Por causa do trauma sexual, Paul aparecia nesses momentos e Robert ficava adormecido, sem ter conhecimento dessas outras personalidades, por isso ele acreditava que não era o pai de Rebecca. Ele nunca havia conversado sobre isso com Sally, então ela não fazia ideia sobre Paul. Foi a personalidade de Harry que apareceu quando Robert encontrou Sally e Rebecca mortas, ele que matou o invasor. Agora tudo faz sentido e o Dr Gene sente que chegou ao fundo dos problemas de Robert, e a solução seria uma integração de todas as personalidades em uma só. Então, pede para ele escutar as fitas das seções e descobre por si mesmo a existência de outras personalidades além de prot. O Dr também fala sobre sexo e mostra fitas para Robert, já que ele nunca teve uma conversa sobre e nunca tinha tido relações. Gisele o ajuda também e eles começam um caso. Robert aparece cada vez mais e prot cada vez menos. prot e outros pacientes vão zoológico, uma ideia de Gisele, para descobrir se ele realmente consegue falar com animais. Ele também participa de um talk show e insiste que o planeta Terra está acabando e devemos abandonar religiões entre outras coisas para salvar a Terra. Alguns pacientes também são curados após passar essas semanas com prot, incluindo um suicida e um homem que estava grávido. De Gene pede exames de sangue quando prot aparece e quando é Robert, para fins de comparação, além de testes psicológicos. Os testes e inclusive exames de sangue deixam bem claro que são pessoas diferentes, mas o Dr Gene acredita que houve algum erro humano nos exames de sangue. Robert muda para o primeiro andar da clínica, onde são os casos mais leves, e depois de algum tempo consegue sair do instituto e vai morar com Gisele. prot não aparece mais e tudo está bem.
Dr Gene: psiquiatra, se torna diretor do Instituto de Psiquiatria de Manhattan depois da morte de Dr Villers, atende prot/Robert e descobre seu passado
Prot: alien do planeta K-Pax, viaja na velocidade da luz, está no corpo de Robert e o ajuda nos momentos de crise, retorna a Terra depois de 5 anos
Robert: órfão de pai desde muito cedo, tem múltiplas personalidades, foi abusado sexualmente pelo seu tio, se casou após sua namorada engravidar, encontra sua esposa e filha mortas após serem estupradas e mata o criminoso, tentando se matar em seguida, Prot toma seu corpo em momentos de crise,
Harry: uma das personalidades de Robert, menino de 5 anos muito raivoso, ele que matou o invasor/estuprador de Sally e Rebecca
Paul: uma das personalidades de Robert, assume em momentos sexuais que Robert tinha com Sally
Gisele: repórter, investiga sobre UFOs, apaixonada por prot e desenvolve um romance com Robert
Sally: esposa de Robert que foi estuprada e morta por um invasor junto com sua filha Rebecca
Dr Villers: diretor do Instituto, sua esposa descobre um câncer e os dois se suicidam
Will: filho de Dr Gene, quer ser psiquiatra e faz estágio no Instituto
Resumo:
Depois de 5 anos prot retorna à Terra como prometido. Robert ainda está em estado catatônico desde que prot foi embora mesmo tentando vários tratamentos. Dr Gene escreveu um livro sobre esse caso e teve bastante atenção, prot recebeu muitas cartas e muitos estavam esperando seu retorno. Agora o dr consegue hipnotizar prot de novo para conseguir falar com Robert e tentar ajudá-lo. Gisele é avisada do retorno de prot e vai periodicamente ao instituto para conversar com ele e fazer a ponte com diversos profissionais que querem falar com ele. O Dr consegue ajudar bastante Robert e descobre que ele não é o pai de Rebecca, pois ele e Sally nunca tiveram relações sexuais, mesmo apoia vários anos de casados. Esse bloqueio do sexo foi por causa do abuso sexual que sofreu de seu tio ao passar um período em sua casa quando tinha 5 anos e seu pai tinha acabado de sofrer o acidente. Robert estava cada vez mais confiante e conseguindo conversar mais com o Dr, até que em seções de hipnose outras personalidades apareceram, Harry e Paul. Harry aparecia quando o tio de Robert começava a abusar sexualmente dele, e era um menino jovem que tinha muita raiva. Já Paul apareceu na adolescência, quando Sally e Robert tinham relações sexuais. Por causa do trauma sexual, Paul aparecia nesses momentos e Robert ficava adormecido, sem ter conhecimento dessas outras personalidades, por isso ele acreditava que não era o pai de Rebecca. Ele nunca havia conversado sobre isso com Sally, então ela não fazia ideia sobre Paul. Foi a personalidade de Harry que apareceu quando Robert encontrou Sally e Rebecca mortas, ele que matou o invasor. Agora tudo faz sentido e o Dr Gene sente que chegou ao fundo dos problemas de Robert, e a solução seria uma integração de todas as personalidades em uma só. Então, pede para ele escutar as fitas das seções e descobre por si mesmo a existência de outras personalidades além de prot. O Dr também fala sobre sexo e mostra fitas para Robert, já que ele nunca teve uma conversa sobre e nunca tinha tido relações. Gisele o ajuda também e eles começam um caso. Robert aparece cada vez mais e prot cada vez menos. prot e outros pacientes vão zoológico, uma ideia de Gisele, para descobrir se ele realmente consegue falar com animais. Ele também participa de um talk show e insiste que o planeta Terra está acabando e devemos abandonar religiões entre outras coisas para salvar a Terra. Alguns pacientes também são curados após passar essas semanas com prot, incluindo um suicida e um homem que estava grávido. De Gene pede exames de sangue quando prot aparece e quando é Robert, para fins de comparação, além de testes psicológicos. Os testes e inclusive exames de sangue deixam bem claro que são pessoas diferentes, mas o Dr Gene acredita que houve algum erro humano nos exames de sangue. Robert muda para o primeiro andar da clínica, onde são os casos mais leves, e depois de algum tempo consegue sair do instituto e vai morar com Gisele. prot não aparece mais e tudo está bem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
Not sure what the hell happened to the author, but this was so awful it took me ages to read.
There is zero (0) research in the mental disorders he speaks about. The psychiatrist ends up sounding like an idiot. I understand the books came out in the early 2000s, but some of his takes on his patients read as deeply insulting. God, all the stereotypes. The autistics, the trans patient, the serial killer patient. At some point I felt like I was reading a boomer‘s facebook page. I did notice some questionable takes back in K-PAX I, but man, did he go overboard in this one.
I was especially appalled to read he considered most of his patients a lost cause. Man, if my therapist thought I was beyond saving I’d sure hope to be redirected towards a better colleague.
The worst part is that the evolution of Robert’s backstory is ridiculously cliché. The hypnosis bits were badly construed. I could see where this was going as soon as two certain family characters were introduced. Plus, I hate that all the other patients fell into their own huge plot holes with no explanation. What was the point of having so many secondary characters if we aren’t going to understand anything about them?
Given how much I loved the first book, I am disappointed beyond belief.
Some “what the actual fuck” moments in no particular order:
- Lou’s story. Like, all of it. Does anyone care to explain? (Plus the fact that she was misgendered all the way up to the birth of her child was disgusting for many reasons)
- On the note of misogyny: can the author leave Giselle alone? In the first book it sounds like she’s trying to get Gene to cheat on his wife, and in this one she’s literally kept close to Robert and lured into having sex with him for the sake of “fixing his trauma”????????? How is this an ethical approach?????????????
- Above all: how on earth was prot at the funeral while Robert wasn’t? You can’t just drop that bomb and then pretend nothing happened.
I might read the third one just because I bought the entire trilogy in one book, but given the sneek peek, I am not expecting any plot twists. I read the premise and it feels self-explanatory.
There is zero (0) research in the mental disorders he speaks about. The psychiatrist ends up sounding like an idiot. I understand the books came out in the early 2000s, but some of his takes on his patients read as deeply insulting. God, all the stereotypes. The autistics, the trans patient, the serial killer patient. At some point I felt like I was reading a boomer‘s facebook page. I did notice some questionable takes back in K-PAX I, but man, did he go overboard in this one.
I was especially appalled to read he considered most of his patients a lost cause. Man, if my therapist thought I was beyond saving I’d sure hope to be redirected towards a better colleague.
The worst part is that the evolution of Robert’s backstory is ridiculously cliché. The hypnosis bits were badly construed. I could see where this was going as soon as two certain family characters were introduced. Plus, I hate that all the other patients fell into their own huge plot holes with no explanation. What was the point of having so many secondary characters if we aren’t going to understand anything about them?
Given how much I loved the first book, I am disappointed beyond belief.
Some “what the actual fuck” moments in no particular order:
- Lou’s story. Like, all of it. Does anyone care to explain? (Plus the fact that she was misgendered all the way up to the birth of her child was disgusting for many reasons)
- On the note of misogyny: can the author leave Giselle alone? In the first book it sounds like she’s trying to get Gene to cheat on his wife, and in this one she’s literally kept close to Robert and lured into having sex with him for the sake of “fixing his trauma”????????? How is this an ethical approach?????????????
- Above all: how on earth was prot at the funeral while Robert wasn’t? You can’t just drop that bomb and then pretend nothing happened.
I might read the third one just because I bought the entire trilogy in one book, but given the sneek peek, I am not expecting any plot twists. I read the premise and it feels self-explanatory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
prot is back after 5 long years, but he isn't the main focus, Robert is. Can he finally work through his problems and become a functioning member of society? Is prot a part of Robert himself? Or is he truly an alien visiting us and looking to take 100 lucky people back to the wonderful planet of K-PAX?
With some lovable characters from the first book sticking around but mainly a whole new cast in the facility, we get a bit of a mix up of vibe from the first novel. This book relies less on the mystery of prot (although it still features heavily) and instead focuses on Roberts recovery. Personally, I liked this shift and it was my favourite storyline of the book, I was intrigued by what led Rob to his current state, turns out he had an extremely difficult childhood which has difficult to read sections that I struggled with. The end is sweet and I don't understand what the 3rd novel could possibly be.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, there are some plot points that just don't work in my opinion and some are almost insane for a psychiatric unit. I think Brewer scrapes the line with what is acceptable in terms of discussions around mental health and what certain conditions really are, but sometimes he does do a really good job. On this note though, Rob and Giselle's relationship towards the end was creepy, he was in active recovery and I didn't feel any connection between the two. The same goes for the idea of letting prot be on tv even though he is in Robs body, they gain consent from prot whilst in the full knowledge that Rob is currently able to speak and might say no. These points pull you out of the novel and leave it feeling like a bit of a mess at times.
Overall, this is still a good book and I like the mystery, it will be a while before I read the 3rd though.
With some lovable characters from the first book sticking around but mainly a whole new cast in the facility, we get a bit of a mix up of vibe from the first novel. This book relies less on the mystery of prot (although it still features heavily) and instead focuses on Roberts recovery. Personally, I liked this shift and it was my favourite storyline of the book, I was intrigued by what led Rob to his current state, turns out he had an extremely difficult childhood which has difficult to read sections that I struggled with. The end is sweet and I don't understand what the 3rd novel could possibly be.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, there are some plot points that just don't work in my opinion and some are almost insane for a psychiatric unit. I think Brewer scrapes the line with what is acceptable in terms of discussions around mental health and what certain conditions really are, but sometimes he does do a really good job. On this note though, Rob and Giselle's relationship towards the end was creepy, he was in active recovery and I didn't feel any connection between the two. The same goes for the idea of letting prot be on tv even though he is in Robs body, they gain consent from prot whilst in the full knowledge that Rob is currently able to speak and might say no. These points pull you out of the novel and leave it feeling like a bit of a mess at times.
Overall, this is still a good book and I like the mystery, it will be a while before I read the 3rd though.
July 19, 2025
more!
The Universe (no pun intended) created by Mr.Brewer- or, more accurately, the Universe created by the characters about whom Brewer writes (including himself)in A BEAM OF LIGHT, is as compelling and real as that of the first book. Combined with the success of the film version of Book 1, K-PAX, which was due - in no small part - to the film’s cast and crew’s commitment to this Universe, Mr. Brewer and company have gifted the world with a rare jewel which deserves to be one of the most successful and beloved series produced in recent times. I re-read 2 of these series without fail every year: (James Herriot’s “All Creatures Great and Small” series and J.K.Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series). Every 4 or 5 years, I revisit L.Frank Baum’s original 12 “Oz” books - illustrated in exquisite Beaux- Arts style by John R. O’Neill- (do not settle for “modernized” illustrations). There is a beauty and timelessness to these creations, which, without the devices that create artificial demand (franchises - Harry Potter’s audience would have been just as loyal without Universal Studios , CGI, huge events), yet these very different authors, at the end of the day, bring us characters whom we love dearly, as they remind us of what really matters. Just 2 books and a movie into the K-PAXIAN and MPI worlds, I am anxious for the next installment and already am certain that Mr. Brewer’s 5 book series will be my 3rd yearly reread - or, reset, if you will.
The Universe (no pun intended) created by Mr.Brewer- or, more accurately, the Universe created by the characters about whom Brewer writes (including himself)in A BEAM OF LIGHT, is as compelling and real as that of the first book. Combined with the success of the film version of Book 1, K-PAX, which was due - in no small part - to the film’s cast and crew’s commitment to this Universe, Mr. Brewer and company have gifted the world with a rare jewel which deserves to be one of the most successful and beloved series produced in recent times. I re-read 2 of these series without fail every year: (James Herriot’s “All Creatures Great and Small” series and J.K.Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series). Every 4 or 5 years, I revisit L.Frank Baum’s original 12 “Oz” books - illustrated in exquisite Beaux- Arts style by John R. O’Neill- (do not settle for “modernized” illustrations). There is a beauty and timelessness to these creations, which, without the devices that create artificial demand (franchises - Harry Potter’s audience would have been just as loyal without Universal Studios , CGI, huge events), yet these very different authors, at the end of the day, bring us characters whom we love dearly, as they remind us of what really matters. Just 2 books and a movie into the K-PAXIAN and MPI worlds, I am anxious for the next installment and already am certain that Mr. Brewer’s 5 book series will be my 3rd yearly reread - or, reset, if you will.
December 15, 2024
I found this a worthy continuation of the thought-provoking journey that began in K-PAX. Gene Brewer once again brings the captivating and otherworldly—or is he?—character, back to Earth, where his interactions with the psychiatric hospital’s patients and staff lead to moments of profound transformation and introspection.
The sequel delves even deeper into the lives of those he touches, offering a fresh layer of humanity and hope to an already fascinating premise. The patients’ stories are handled with care, and their struggles feel authentic, as he challenges them to reimagine their realities and confront their deepest fears.
K-PAX II doesn’t quite match the sheer mystery and impact of the original. The themes of redemption and healing are beautifully woven throughout the story, and once again, Brewer keeps you guessing.
If you loved K-PAX, this sequel is a must-read. It offers more of the philosophical questions, emotional moments, and hints of cosmic mystery that made the first book so memorable.
The sequel delves even deeper into the lives of those he touches, offering a fresh layer of humanity and hope to an already fascinating premise. The patients’ stories are handled with care, and their struggles feel authentic, as he challenges them to reimagine their realities and confront their deepest fears.
K-PAX II doesn’t quite match the sheer mystery and impact of the original. The themes of redemption and healing are beautifully woven throughout the story, and once again, Brewer keeps you guessing.
If you loved K-PAX, this sequel is a must-read. It offers more of the philosophical questions, emotional moments, and hints of cosmic mystery that made the first book so memorable.
April 15, 2024
Książka trzyma poziom pierwszego tomu! (choć ktoś mógłby też powiedzieć, że to powielony schemat i nic odkrywczego - no ok, tak też można to widzieć ;) ). Niby coś tam więcej się dowiadujemy o Procie/Robercie ale i tak pewna niepewność pozostaje... Poza tym wiele do dodania ponad to co napisałem w opisie pierwszego tomu: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... nie mam. To również dobra powieść, warto było przeczytać.
Na koniec znowu dwa cytaty, które do mnie trafiają:
(czytana/słuchana: 28.03-3.04.2024)
5/5 [8/10]
Na koniec znowu dwa cytaty, które do mnie trafiają:
"Gdzie posadzi pan drzewo, gdy już nie będzie go gdzie posadzić?"
"Kiedy przestaniecie czynić cnotę z zabijania, kiedy rodzenie dzieci stanie się mniej ważne od tego, by pozwolić żyć innym – nie tylko ludziom, ale wszystkim innym
stworzeniom na waszej PLANECIE – wtedy będziecie na drodze do dorosłości."
(.pdf str.99-100)
(czytana/słuchana: 28.03-3.04.2024)
5/5 [8/10]
September 2, 2025
This was still fairly interesting, and even managed to include a trans story that I expected to be handled pretty poorly mostly due to when it was written, but ended up fairly well. It continues to be much more prescriptive than the movie, but manages still be pretty engaging around the diagnoses (even if it is wildly popularized by TV since its writing meanwhile in real life it’s been confirmed like 3 times ever~). It’s a decent sequel but is less interesting than the original. And I’m curious to see where it could really go in the next book, since everything seems pretty buttoned up, to me.
January 15, 2022
2/2.5
I just found myself not wanting to pick this book up. Hence why it took a while to get through. I really enjoyed finding out about Roberts backstory and how he came to be in the hospital.....but that was about it. It was all just very samey.
For me the most frustrating thing about this book was the character Giselle. I just found her completely unbelievable and her relationship with Prot completely inappropriate (at least to start with). I found myself rolling my eyes whenever she appeared.
I just found myself not wanting to pick this book up. Hence why it took a while to get through. I really enjoyed finding out about Roberts backstory and how he came to be in the hospital.....but that was about it. It was all just very samey.
For me the most frustrating thing about this book was the character Giselle. I just found her completely unbelievable and her relationship with Prot completely inappropriate (at least to start with). I found myself rolling my eyes whenever she appeared.
September 14, 2021
I enjoyed this one but it was almost like reading K-PAX all over again. The therapy sessions, prot saying and doing things that make you believe he could actually be from K-PAX, Dr Gene trying to get Robert to open up, Giselle running around in the background finding out information... This all happened in K-PAX 1.
But it's still good. This time we see more of Robert and delve deeper into his past to find out what made him the way he is. prot is always a fun character and I loved his wisdom (or craziness) quotes at the end of the book. Plus there's all new characters in the psychiatric hospital this time. Just like the last book, they are all likeable, but again, it would have been nice if they had more pages dedicated to them so we could get to know them a little better.
But yes, this was a good en, slightly less so than the first book, but still up there, and I'm eager to get started on book number 3.
But it's still good. This time we see more of Robert and delve deeper into his past to find out what made him the way he is. prot is always a fun character and I loved his wisdom (or craziness) quotes at the end of the book. Plus there's all new characters in the psychiatric hospital this time. Just like the last book, they are all likeable, but again, it would have been nice if they had more pages dedicated to them so we could get to know them a little better.
But yes, this was a good en, slightly less so than the first book, but still up there, and I'm eager to get started on book number 3.
June 22, 2017
" Mental illness is often in the eye of the beholder. Too often on this planet, it refers to those who think and act differently from the majority. "
Gotta love the perspective PROT gives about everyday human life.
Gotta love the perspective PROT gives about everyday human life.
July 7, 2025
Perfect conclusion to first book K-PAX which follows the return of 'prot'. Readers must realize that the described treatment of psychiatric patients date close to 30 years ago. Found out that a movie based on the first book was made years ago. Easy read, just over 200 pages. I enjoyed it.
March 2, 2026
Enjoyable read!
I read "K-Pax" a few years ago it was nice to read the sequel.
The story moved along at a nice pace.
There was humor and and sadness.
All in all a very good time.
I read "K-Pax" a few years ago it was nice to read the sequel.
The story moved along at a nice pace.
There was humor and and sadness.
All in all a very good time.
August 27, 2026
Not as good as the first, but a quick and mostly satisfactory read. Much of it reads as outdated or inappropriate in terms of medical treatment standards, which requires a hefty dose of suspension of disbelief.
December 25, 2019
Creamos la realidad a través de nuestros pensamientos??
May 18, 2020
Easy read/fun to get lost in
Saw K-PAX movie then read book. Had to read 2nd book. Interesting.
I liked it. Would recommend.
Now on to next book in series
Saw K-PAX movie then read book. Had to read 2nd book. Interesting.
I liked it. Would recommend.
Now on to next book in series
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