Heaven and Hell: A Novel: A Journey of Chris and Serena Davis

Tears of Heaven #1

by Kenneth Zeigler

Heaven and Hell takes you on a journey through Heaven and Hell, as viewed through the eyes of Chris and Serena Davis, who come to experience their reality first hand. Through God's mercy, those who dwell in Heaven have no recollection of loved ones in Hell. At least, most don't. Yet, in the most beautiful place in the universe, one man's troubling dreams lead him to realize that the love of his earth life has been condemned to Satan's realm. Now, with the help of a famous scientist from the past, Chris endeavors to pull off the ultimate prison break.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Fantasy, Amazon, Ebooks, Paranormal

562 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

I'm Ken Zeigler, author of the Tears of heaven series. I've been writing stories since junior high school; science fiction short stories mostly. I attended Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, way back when it was still called Shippensburg State College. I hold a masters degree in chemistry, and did my graduate research in quantum mechanics.... I openly profess Jesus Christ to be my personal lord and savior.
It wasn't always that way. The change in my life came about as the result of a near death experience when I was eighteen years old, during my freshman year in college. The circumstances of that experience were so remarkable that my life hasn't been the same since. Indeed, for me, the age of miracles has just begun.
I have taught chemistry, physics, and astronomy at both the high school and college level. Currently, I teach at University High School in Tolleson, Arizona. During my career in science, I've concentrated mostly on the study of asteroids, the tiny planetoids that circle the sun mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. I have been an educational consultant for NASA on the Messenger Mercury Program.
I have a wife who I have been married to for 25 years. I also have two wonderful step-children. My professional writing career didn't officially begin until 1997, with the publishing of my first book; The Waters of Ulan, which was actually an off beat vampire story set in the South Pacific before World War II.
Now, I write only books with a Christian theme. Yet, I truly believe that these books will appeal to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Welcome to the new world.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book as a freebie on my Kindle and took a chance and I am so glad I did. I couldn't put this one down. As a Child of God, this story was heart breaking as the husband was a christian and his wife was not. They get into a car accident and both die, he goes to heaven and she goes to hell. Reading about all the pain and suffering she endures in hell is so heartbreaking and made me realize I DON'T want ANY of my family or friends to go to HELL!! People, HELL is real and I for one DO NOT PLAN ON GOING THERE!!! Her husbands journey in HEAVEN is so wonderful and amazing, I can't wait till I get to experience that JOY and LOVE....The book has a twist at the end that I never saw coming, and made me love it all the more and GODS LOVE IS SO POWERFUL and HE can do it ALL!! I am on the 3rd book in the series now....its that good!!

[Karen Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tearfully I read this electrifying book about a young couple's journey after death; one to Heaven and the other to Hell. This is a book everyone should read. Yet I have to warn you, although this book is difficult to put down, the scenes about Hell are painfully graphic. Thank you, Kenneth Zeigler for sharing this story about a difficult topic.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really got to me. As a Christian believer, it strengthened my belief not to go to Hell for anything. I was riveted and yes, appalled by the descriptions in Hell, and many will say that a good God could not do these things, but He has given us the choice of good and evil. I liked the way it ended, not at all what I expected. Highly recommended. Especially to those who are wavering in their belief.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Umm, well, it was a good story. I have a lot of issues with the Theology and have to keep reminding myself that it's just a story. It's not meant to be fact. In fact, some of the Theology bugged me so much that I had to put the book down and discuss it with my husband. The end of the book I'm not wild about. To be honest, I skipped a lot at the end. It's just too "out there" for me.
The book did give me enough to chew on though. Since we do not know exactly what Heaven and Hell would be like this book did give me things to think and chew on. I'm glad I read it but probably won't read it again nor will I recommend it. The other books in this series I'm not so sure on. I may end up skipping those. They sound good but it's the Theology that has me iffy on.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be keeping this one. This book is very thought provoking. I say a must read for Christians and especially non-christian's before it is too late!

[Stacey]

Did not finish this book. I can't even say what the problem was, just that it was difficult to engage with the characters and with the length of the book (over 500 pages), I just wasn't willing to put in the work.

[Dave Wickenden · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book in the series, we follow two married individuals after their deaths. Chris who is a true follower of God, goes to Heaven, while his wife, Serena, who has yet to accept Jesus, goes to Hell. Standing up to Satan earns her a trip through hell to see how the devil has transformed this world in his likeness. From one tortuous punishment to another, we see what awaits those who do not follow God.

In Heaven, we see how Chris is accepted into the House of the Lord and all the spectacular opportunities for an eternity of happiness.

The story is very well crafted and I enjoyed the descriptions of both Heaven and Hell. What bothered me was the arrogance of the author and that of the Born Again religion that specifies that only those who follow the Christian religion will see Heaven. All the rest go to hell, regardless of the goodness in their souls. So all other religions, regardless of the devoutness of their followers will go to hell, rather than to their own version of Heaven. The author also tries to deny the existence of another race in the universe, as if we are the only living species smacks of arrogance. Like the Left Behind series, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, the story is exciting and well told, but leans too heavy on their own interpretation of end of days.

[Emily Howitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter of this book caused me to have a crisis of faith for a few days. The description of judgement in the first chapter scared me half to death. I'd been a believer before reading this book, but I always kind of had an irrational of fear of what would happen if I got to Heaven and Jesus said "no"? But I won't go into details on that, so long story short, I did some research, prayed about it, and fully trust Jesus now. Back to the story. It makes you think. From the moment you start reading, the descriptions are so real. If you have any belief at all in an afterlife that involves the Christian God, I think this book will make you really think about what you believe. It puts things in perspective. Non-fiction books about theology are fine, and helpful, but when it's in a novel form it lends itself better to the imagination, and people are able to envision the possibilities of Heaven and Hell better. Now I don't necessarily agree with Zeigler's version of Hell, or Heaven, but the principle is the same. And if something of his Hell is true, it helped me understand more why people are tortured in Hell. But again, I'm not necessarily sure I agree with his view. All in all, the actual story line was quite good, and I think the book can both help and entertain a lot of people.

[Heather McCoubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It really made me rethink some parts of my life, and endeavor to do better. Even before reading this book, I knew I didn't want to spend eternity in hell. And now, I want to be 100% positive that I'm going to Heaven.

I feel like this is a book that my children should read when they come of age. It's so well-written, the descriptions are so real you actually feel as if you're there with them both, going through what they're going through. It's a book that when you read it, if you're not already a believer, you'll become one. If you are a believer, you'll drop everything and find your nearest pastor and make sure you've done what you need to do.

I would gladly recommend this book to everyone I know. It's now part of my favorites collection.

Kenneth ZeiglerHeaven and Hell: a Novel: A Journey of Chris and Serena Davis

[Steve Curll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not since Peretti's "This present Darkness", has a book which featured Demons and Hell from a Christian author's point of view , have I been kept awake a few nights from the horrendous terror of the picture this author draws of Hell. This book is not for the squemish. I Think Peretti has much better theology, but once you set aside some of the speculation and accept this book as a novel, it is riveting. This book , if taken as even partially true, has the potential to literally "Scare the Hell out of an unbeliever." The heavenly descriptions seem a little warped in order to make a good story, but a great thrilling story it is. A must for all believers, just remember that much of our and his pictures of Heaven and Hell are speculative, although there is nothing against the scriptures here. Just an intense experience that might change your image of Heaven and especially Hell, and Satan's role. No spoilers here, but the plot revolves around a couple, one Christian and one not, and their separate journeys to Heaven and Hell. Again, great read, but not for the faint of heart

[Patrick Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the hardest books I have ever read. So hearbreaking and horrifying that I ended up skipping half the book. It broke my heart, challendged me, convicted me, made me question everything I believe. The thought that those I love could and will end up in this place of torment was just to much. It has renewed my faith. 100 pages into the book I found myself begging God for forgivness. The thought that I could end up in the horrible place scared me beyond any book I have ever read. I made it to the end of the book and the good ending. But, wow what a ride?

[Gin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO SO GOOD!

Oh my gosh! I just finished this book and I've got to take a minute tho encourage others to read this book. Besides being one of the most entertaining stories I've read in a long time, it is one of the most important. No matter how much of this book fits in with what we will find to be fact, for now it am amazing inspiration tho study and ponder just what we do believe and too realize we had better take the time to do so-while we can. I highly, highly recommend this book!!! :)

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D.

[Re · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book, but very graphic in it's depiction of hell. I was taken back a bit, but then again, hell will not be a picnic for anyone. The book will cause anyone who reads it to think about the words we speak and our actions to others. There are many lessons taught throughout the book, and how our actions not only affect us, but others as well. Treat how you want to be treated. And what a GREAT God we serve!

[Heathr Kabaniec · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good read..toward the end had a little odd twist, almost Teenish, but understood the oddness by the end.

[Vicki Carbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book. It was sooooo good! Just might be the best I have ever read! I can't wait to start the next in the series!!!

[Susan Matthews · Rating 1 out of 5]

Heaven and Hell

I am not finishing this book. I find it odd. The Mercy of God is over powering and it didn't come through to me

[Trudy Gleason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I think I went through all the emotions reading this book.
Almost quit reading while reading the exploits in Hell. It was worse than I could imagine. How could God let that happen. His judging methods seemed too harsh. Did those people in Hell deserve what they got - what happened to forgiveness.
From the beginning of her experiences in Hell, Serena seemed to have more faith in God than the people in Heaven. How could God let her suffer like that.
Not sure if I like that memories of people who went to hell were erased from the memories of those in heaven.

As the book went on, it grew on me. I didn't like that Chris never went to God to ask him directly about Serena. I would have like to hear God's take on that.

I do like the ended and was glad that 2nd chances can happen - and I like that Benny got one also. What his the black book the lady that lady Chris saw crying in the Hall of Records was reading?

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. First the good: I'm very impressed with the scientific aspects of this fictional story, and though I'm no scientist, I can tell the author is very smart. I really liked the second half of this book a lot because the direction it took was completely unexpected & pretty much edge-of-your-seat thrilling. I also loved the ending, which I sort of expected something like that to happen, but still it was great. I also think the author composed the story well, it was well thought out, researched & paced well, even though it was a long book (which didn't bother me).

The things I disliked: the author's voice really came through the narration. When I read a third person POV, I really like for the narration to remain fairly neutral. I find it distracting from the story if the narration has too dominant of a personality to the point where the narrator almost is a character of their own in the story. In this book, even without reading about the author beforehand, I could tell an older gentleman wrote this book. I literally felt like my grandpa was telling me a tale. Using terminology such as "the youth" when referring to a younger guy and referring to Satan as "old slew foot" was a dead giveaway. For the most part this old fashioned way of speaking was used in the narration, but once transferred over into Chris's dialog.

'Chris shook his head. "Has it been that long? I'm sorry I worried you, Mom. I've been a real heel."'

This guy is supposed to be in his late 20's I believe. I'm pretty sure no one under the age of 60 calls anyone a heel anymore. So, you know, it's not a huge deal, but I think especially for younger readers, it could stand a little modernizing of the terminology and just the general way of relaying the story. It kind of feels like it was originally written in the 60's but maybe has been updated with some references to technology and events like plasma screens and 9/11. But look, really, if you give it a chance & ignore these aspects it's a pretty impressive book.

I also struggled through the first half of the book because it was disturbingly graphic. Now, this is Hell were reading about. So, for the author to candy coat it would not benefit anything. But I guess because it was so detailed and graphic and the fact that it was many chapters going on & on on the subject, I had to set it down & do something else for awhile. I have a very detailed and active imagination that will almost involuntarily dwell on something once it gets stuck in my head & before I know it, I'm imagining not just what's happening to the character, but I put myself in their position and can imagine it happening to me, & what it feels like... I stay away from horror movies like 'Saw' & even movies about the Holocaust are so horrifying to me that I can't let those images get into my imagination. So this part was really hard. The description of what Serena's body goes through in GRAPHIC detail while being in the Lake of Fire was intense, for example. I guess I would've felt a little better at least, if maybe her journey through the different parts of Hell wouldn't have taken up so much of the book, but I understand why it was written.

I'm sorry, but Chris got on my nerves. I appreciate that this man genuinely loved his wife & there was an almost 'What Dreams May Come' movie feel to this part of the story. The husband goes to Heaven but the wife goes to Hell & the husband can't go on without her. But as a Christian, his attitude toward God was disrespectful and also, it almost seemed like he idolized his wife. It was irritating to me, to see him get to speak face to face with the Father and have Him tell Chris to come to Him alone with the questions he was having & would have, and then watch him disobey God. I'm like dude, you're in Heaven with face to face time with God but you think you're going to figure something out on your own? He even warned you that you would do exactly what you are doing but you're still going to do it anyway?? Idiot. Sorry, it was annoying, but this is also the part of the story that was very fun to read because it's where it takes an unexpected & thrilling turn, so I had to just put a lot of theological issues aside & take it for what it is- a fictional story. But when Chris says Heaven without Serena was somehow empty my mouth dropped. I know I wouldn't want to be in Heaven without my husband, but I could hardly call being in the presence of Almighty God empty.

I also wish the author would've at least put more detail in the telling of the world of Heaven as he did in describing Hell. There was of course some describing of the City of Zion & a couple of mansions & a record hall, but I never got the detailed picture of how extravagant & beautiful & amazing Heaven was, like I did get in the opposite detailed description of Hell. In fact, it kept saying that Heaven was a lot like Earth, and while I can definitely see that, I also know a place where streets are paved with gold and gates are made of an entire solid pearl, it's a little more impressive than Earth. I also really compared this a lot to The Chronicles of Brothers series by Wendy Alec because I just recently read them, especially the first book in the series,because her description of the opulence of a Heaven & the majesty of God is really amazing. I didn't get that as much here, but then again, Wendy Alec was almost too over the top on a lot of her descriptions too. I digress...

Over all, I really enjoyed this book. The author wrote a very impressive story & I'll be reading the others in the series. One more tiny complaint: I wish it was more obvious the specific order in which to read these books. On Goodreads & on the author's website it's not very clear. I actually bought The War in Heaven first but then realized I needed to read this one first. Oh well.

[Lesley Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story the different journeys of Chris and Serena. I know spoilers will be written on my review so thread carefully, they are married and get into a bad accident they die. The way its described they see a light and go into it together but she winds up with God going through her life she winds up in hell like for real. Chris goes to heaven the way its described is so epic and awesome to be there you reunite with people who died, but what got me more is that there was a place of books color coded its books on people lives alive and dead. I got so lost in this story but in a good way an awesome way Chris and Serena get to reunite briefly it turns out they are given a second chance to make things right. They both preach write books and turns out Serena sees a person she befriended in hell he wants his book signed. He was dead for 20 minutes and lived in hell for more than a year how insane is that. This book is a must read and it's so good I will reread t again

[Maggie Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFUL STORY AND/OR WARNING???!!!

This book reached out and wrapped its warnings and promises around my heart and soul more than even the LEFT BEHIND series. A gentle breath of warning and promise of safety and salvation offered to all who would accept and believe... Are there any among us so foolish as to not accept that which is so freely offered - eternal salvation and the peace of Paradise and it's heavenly Father, his blessed son - the Lord Jesus Christ, and all the heavenly hosts of Angels and Saints? I would certainly hope not...

[Melissa Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike anything I have ever read in my life! The action starts immediately. The descriptions are very vivid and at times extremely terrifying. At times I had to remind myself to breathe but I could not make myself stop reading. I only give it 4 stars because I didn’t care for the twist at the end…it seemed a bit too sci-fi and didn’t really fit the vibe of the book but it was still a good read. It will definitely make you seriously think and examine your choices!

[Trisha Lackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!!!

This book brought me to tears and made me laugh. It grabbed me and made me want to read straight through to see what fate Serena would ultimately land on.
Heaven and Hell are both real places and it is my sincerest prayer that this book will touch you if you've never met God or reignite your faith if you've lost sight of your relationship with Him.

[Michele Tibbens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good vs Evil

This book is riveting. If you are not a believer, you will be by the time you finish reading. I have re- read this several times and it is always new. Even though this is fictional, it brings to light the importance of accepting Christ as your personal Savior and the consequences if you don't.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Good read. This book gave me a lot to think about. I am very careful about what I read concerning GOD. There is so much misinformation out there. But I think this comes out giving the most important message to us , to accept GOD as our savior. Ask for forgiveness and believe in GOD, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT ,and also to know that there is a devil.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. It took me a while to get through because of how scary and realistic Hell was described. Honestly found myself praying at times reading this book! Some parts were a little too sci-fi for me, but all in all, a good read.

[mlkendle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amen

Although fiction, it spurs me on to share the gospel with the lost by taking every opportunity that presents itself. I want heaven to be flooded with those who were lost but now are found.

[Roger · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is overly long. The first half of the book is the author's personal vision of Heaven and Hell. The characters are one dimensional. There are no plot twists. Boring.

I am a Christian but I was not inspired by the book.

[Jestine Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a couple who die. The husband goes to Heaven since he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, while the wife goes to Hell. The story paints a very bleak and painful picture of the horrors of Hell and what is there to experience when a human makes a decision to not accept Christ.

[Georgi Norris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, but very dark and dismal. It talks of redemption and being sent to hell for offenses many a person makes. The descriptions of a life in hell were frightening. It offered no insight into a forgiving God or a God who knew what was in your heart.

[Lil Bigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!!! My friend and I were reading it together. She couldn’t finish the book. It hit places that she hasn’t address in her life. But, this is definitely on my read again list.