Elijah in Jerusalem

Children of the Last Days #7

by Michael D. O'Brien

Elijah in Jerusalem,the long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed, best-selling novel Father Elijah: An Apocalypse,is the continuing story of the Catholic priest called to confront a powerful politician who could be the Antichrist foretold in the Bible.

A convert from Judaism, a survivor of the Holocaust, and a participant in the founding of Israel, Father Elijah was for decades a monk on Mount Carmel, the mountain made famous by his Old Testament prophet-namesake. In the events of the preceding novel, the Pope commissioned Father Elijah to meet the President of the European Union, a man rising toward global control as President of the soon- to-be realized World Government. Recognizing in the President a resemblance to the anticipated Antichrist, the Pope asked Father Elijah to call the President to repentance, a mission that ended in failure.

In this sequel, now-Bishop Elijah, wanted for a murder he did not commit, tries again to meet the President. Accompanied by his fellow monk Brother Enoch, he enters Jerusalem just as the President arrives in the holy city to inaugurate a new stage of his rise to world power. This time Elijah hopes to unmask him as a spiritual danger to mankind. As the story unfolds, people of various backgrounds meet the fugitive priest, and in the encounter their souls are revealed and tested.

Elijah perseveres in his mission even when all seems lost. The dramatic climax is surprising, yet it underlines that God works all things to the good for those who love him. 

Genres: Fiction, Catholic, Religion, Christian, Christianity, Literature, Novels

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Michael D. O'Brien is a Roman Catholic author, artist, and frequent essayist and lecturer on faith and culture, living in Combermere, Ontario, Canada.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conclusions to series are hard. You want to know ‘what happens’ yet are loathe to say goodbye to favorite characters who over the course of several books, or maybe one, or even introduced herein this last book, are now gone for good. Book characters are not ‘real people’ so why do we become so attached to them? Or maybe, I just mean, why do I become so attached? They certainly linger in my memory for a long while after the book is finished and, in some cases, forever.

Elijah is one of those forever characters. He was introduced as a very young Jewish man escaping the Jewish Ghetto in Sophia House, and then he was a middle-aged man in Father Elijah: An Apocalypse where through flash-backs the struggles of his young manhood are revealed. In this concluding story, the final chapter of his poignant and pain-filled life plays out, no less dramatic, for all he is an ‘old man’ – the term he uses for himself. As humble as ever, he continues to encounter and be used by his God, God Almighty, Father of Heaven and Earth, to change hearts and lives wherever he goes throughout Jerusalem to fulfill his final mission, the outcome of which I shall not comment on. I will only say that Elijah is my epitome of a true Shepherd, wise, patient, kind, loving, simple, generous, suffering, self-effacing, ever-faithful, and gentle with all.

Being female and a sinner, while I love Elijah, I more readily relate to characters of my own sex, especially the sinners, sadly. In Elijah in Jerusalem, there were two women who especially intrigued me. They were almost classic prototypes for the prodigal daughter (Karin) and the proud older sister (an unnamed Irish self-proclaimed visionary). Again, it would be giving too much of the story away, not to mention beyond my writing abilities, to describe how deftly the author handled the spiritual encounters of these persons with Elijah, but it made for rich reading and reflection, what I most value in O’Brien. For male readers, there are even more such exchanges between Fr. Elijah and men (from terrorists to saints) he encounters over the course of the book.

Another jewel! Hard to say good-bye, but wonderful to read!

[Fonch · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Spain the 6th of January is a special day, because we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, which is when the Magi bring gifts to the children. So I think, which is the best day to publish this review (which began to write before the "crying Blood" of Jorge Sáez Bred). Because Each critique is a gift, which is offered to the reader a guide of someone who does not intend to impose their tastes but to share them with the users of Goodreads.
My last review (except a few complimentary words I wrote in honor of "the daughter of Murakami's pirates.") The war against Nobunaga "). It was "the Diamond Castle" the novel that Juan Manuel de Prada wrote in honor of Saint Teresa of Jesus. It looks like Juan Manuel de Prada, and Michael D. O'Brien for their respective styles are very different writers, but both have something in common, and what they share is that both like Leon Bloy When they want to find out what is happening do not read the newspapers, or sit down to watch TV, but they read the apocalypse.
The first thing you would humbly wish to do is to congratulate the publishers for free books, and especially their director Carmelo López-Arias for having had the smell of editing simultaneously with the publishing house Ignatius Press this brilliant continuation, and The outcome of the history of Father Elias. Who I discovered in this editorial (Free books) when I read "Father Elias." "An Apocalypse." This has an added merit, because it has often criticized the fact that Spanish publishers do not dare to edit the current Catholic literature. It is necessary to ponder the good work, when it is done well. It also deserves a strong applause the translation of the original, which have been carried out by Enrique García-Maíquez, and Aurora Rice Derqui (of which I could enjoy an excellent translation of the book of Joseph Pearce "by the eyes of Shakespeare" of the editorial RIALP).
There are four types of Catholic writers. 1º is the writer who has been born Catholic, but he denies his religion, or decides to adapt it to his times by disfiguring his beliefs so that his literature is anticatholic. 2º Then There is the Catholic writer, who lives his faith, but this one has no reflection in his books. In the words of Graham Greene "a writer, who happens to be Catholic", but this is not reflected in his literary work. 3º is the writer who is Catholic, yes he treats in his work his Catholicism, and has even read theology, but ignores the Catholic novel, and the 4th group is the one that belongs to Michael D. O'Brien A Catholic writer who treats in his work novel Catholic issues, but is drenched in Catholic literature is what a Catholic author would say a network of minds that feed each other
After having placed the author it is necessary to speak of his novel "The Father Elijah in Jerusalem" Here I will take the contrary to all the world is not so much a sequel, but an epilogue, or a brilliant conclusion of his work Magna. What Is it "Father Elias." A revelation "(which belongs in turn to the cycle of the Last days)." One of the reasons why this novel has A Star More is by his brilliant prologue written by the author, where he speaks of the nature of the Antichrist, and that I recommend to the readers. Where it explains how the scriptures, the theologians, the writers, and the catechism have been treated as the figure of the Antichrist.
Without further ado, the story goes on. Those who have not been able to enjoy the "Warsaw bookseller", or "Elijah in Jerusalem" can find out thanks to a brilliant resource, which uses Michael D. O'Brien that by means of a Flash Back we can read in the thoughts of Father Elijah and see what happened in those two books. In the first one must confront a totalitarian government visible Nazism in the crude years of persecution of the Ghetto of Warsaw (being saved by a Catholic bookseller named) Tarnowski), also seen as trying to be a successful lawyer, and as the death of his wife, and his son led him to conversion, and to change his name David Schaffer For Elijah's. In the second we see how the Antichrist reveals himself to humanity and as Father Elijah must redirect him (a mission What Even if it were destined for failure, it had to be carried out. All this is counted on page 33 of the Spanish edition of "Elijah in Jerusalem".
The strong point of this novel (has several) is that Michael D. or' Brien is the writer Suitable to make a brilliant allegory, or rebuild as could pass the events described in the Book of Revelation, as it is a mystic as St. John. Perhaps the evangelist who has written the most beautiful gospel of the four, even if it is not synoptic. It is one thing he has in common with G.K. Chesterton, who also used allegorical characters inspired by the Bible for his delicious fiction books. It would be as JRR Tolkien would say a true myth. Of Fact There is a time when the author pays homage to JRR Tolkien in this novel when Fr. Elias turns on the computer, and Gandalf appears fighting against the Balrog. Also another symbolic image of combat, which has to rid the church against the power of the demon. This is one of the things that most pleases Michael D. O'Brien who knows the greats of the twentieth century, and does not hesitate to pay homage to them. The same thing did in "Father Elijah" with Monseigneur Stangsby Adding Chestertonianas qualities, and Smith was inspired by Hilaire Belloc.
Another point in favor of this novel is that Michael D. O'Brien is a born storyteller. I could have entertained the Sultan Schariar As many nights as Scherezade In the 1001 nights, without the Sultan captivated by the spell to tell stories he would have been bored. Each testimony is as good as the previous one of Tarek Abass, Karin (a sad spoil of a century to which in the words of JRR Tolkien "Only Fools and Madmen can look at it without horror") the same as Viktor-Petros (In this case, O'Brien will overcome us because Elijah dominates in such a way his priestly ministry, which is able to read in the sore soul of the Ukrainian Mafioso), and Lev (all will respond affirmatively and in his way to the forgiveness that God offers them) instead in the Coptic Katerhine You Shafiq We'll find a door to transcendence. In addition Is that not only that, but he is a writer, who happens to him as Sixtus V who does not have an average term, or is loved, or hated. It must have always existed, or it should never have existed. Unlike the novel "Rhakat"or" The Sparrows "of Mary Doria" Russell Which is a very good novel, but you are unable to connect with your characters, or dialogues. In my case I connected splendidly with the vision of Michael D. O'Brien and his motives. It is able to rescue the most ennobling of the twentieth century (which also exists I think of the so praised by my favorite film critics Juan Orellana, and Jerónimo José Martínez the Russian director Tarkovsky).
It is also Interesting Although a brilliant epilogue the mission Elijah believes after having failed, that his mission is to unmask the Antichrist with the help of Father Enoch. But I, this is my impression, believe that the role of Father Elijah is to become a pastor, and to strengthen the faith of those who still have it, and back to those who seem to have lost it. A part of the aforementioned stories we find that of that priest to whom Elijah returns hope which will have important consequences at the end of the story. We also have the party where Elijah is invited by Karin to know the links, and rings of power of the president (for me is a great success that Michael D. O'Brien does not reveal his identity to us, although in this he commits to my way of seeing the error of telling us where it comes from.) In this circle we see characters on the verge of condemnation as the despaired Characters from the "great Divorce" of C.S. Lewis, though to My They reminded me of those desperate ghosts at the end of the "in Search of Lost time" people who are caricatures of what were consumed by pleasures. In this case these characters are consumed by putting faith in someone who will condemn them. Without However Within this well of hopelessness we observe signs of redemption in the Jewish rabbi, who also penetrates with Elijah, with the Japanese (I am a lover of the country of the rising sun, and I have had the pleasure of reading to) Shusaku I felt moved when I read this passage, as I know a little about the history of the Japanese Catholic community. We also saw acidic criticisms against the English ambassador unable to move against the persecution of Christians, but willing to condemn any other. The pompous South American critic fascinated by the official literature Infiernada In this case O'Brien launches his darts against the South American magic realism, and against some existentialism (I take it for granted that it does not attack the existentialism of Soren Kierkegard, Gabriel Marcel, Unamuno, or my beloved Mika Waltari, but to the existentialism of Camus, and of Sartre despairing, and incompatible With Christianity. It also continues the critique that has already launched against theological Modernism, and the progressive (In "Father Elijah" attacked Tillman Who might have been inspired by a famous theologian whose name I won't say, he also attacked a failed Dominican in this case attacks a progressive German cardinal. It's obvious that in Michael D. O'Brien has influenced the bad role of the German clergy in the family synod. In "Father Elias" it was already in favor of the flourishing and promising Christian churches in Asia, and Africa, and criticized the snobism of European progressive Catholics who mocked them. I'm a great Asian lover I share point by point what Michael D defends. O'Brien. Of Fact George Weigel In an article has afeadoed the cardinal Danels And another progressive theologian his rejection of the African Church, and another theologian, that this church is critical to the homosexual lobby. Europe that there was a time experiment with the fall of the Roman Empire as its faith crumbled had to be evangelized by Irish, and English. We do not dismiss the possibility that now (I think that Europe is a land of mission) must be for Poles, Hungarians, Asians, and Africans. Where was the presumed tolerance of the Europeans. In addition It is worrying about the gradual ageing of Europe (something that tries to silence itself, and what is not to be talked about), and the small number of births. In the flourishing of the churches in Asia, and Africa there is no threat to see, but an opportunity. Cardinal Robert Sarah does not hesitate to be thankful to Europe for the arrival of the European missionaries. This option is much more feasible to the failed multicultural model (not realizing that true tolerance is the fruit of Christianity the other is a parody). Despite all I can disagree that a Europe that has fallen into the hands of intellectuals, and demagogues of the worst species is finished still has good things to show the world of that I have no doubt. More or less what Michael D wants to say. O'Brien is that salvation comes from the Jews, and the Gentiles that are the human tide that form the children of the Great Tribulation.
It's funny, but Father Elijah reminds me of Caramon Majere One of the heroes of the Dragonlance, that in the cycle of "Legends of the" Dragonlance"Part deceived thinking that his mission is to be to save his brother ()"Raistlin Majere) when his true mission in the words of the pair wizard Out It will be saving your soul (and the most wonderful thing is that you get loved things). As the true mission of Father Elijah was aimed at is not to expose the antichrist to something that is not thought of in the Divine Plan, but to return souls to the fold (what he does at the meeting described above, and with Katherine) Shafiq Even if I fail with the Irish, and be a testament to the glory of God.
We will talk about the flaws, which also has them although as you can see in my rating there are many more lights, that shadows. Perhaps during the stay of Father Elias, and of Enoch lose a little force the plot, and slow.
Also in my view is a mistake that gives the nationality of the Antichrist, and especially that makes him a psychopath. I think What Even if he doesn't have the literary talent of Michael D. O'Brien, Robert Hugh Benson was more skillful when I believe Julian Felsenburgh (There are many similarities between Felsenburgh of Robert Hugh Benson and the president among them the physical resemblance between Felsenburgh, and starring character Percy Franklin who finally becomes wild III, also Elijah, when David was Schaffer He may have been the Antichrist, but he decided to follow another path after his wife's death, and his son. Something that will reproach his colleague and friend Lev who at first would not understand the resignation of Elijah) of the "Lord of the World" in opinion is much more realistic than the president, because Felsenburgh He pursues in the name of tolerance and peace as he is convinced of his mission. A part is that the novels of Robert Hugh Benson are prophetic as they could be those of Jules Verne, and also to some extent "a happy world" of Aldous Huxley, "1984" of Orwell, and "1985" of Anthony Burgess. Another thing, which can be a weak point is geopolitics, it is not known when the Antichrist will arrive, but he trusted that the ISIS (DAESH) can be defeated before the advent of the Antichrist. of Hamas and of Hizbola I don't speak, because they seem to be eternal. If instead I agree with the defense of the Christians in the Holy Land, and that O'Brien is critical of the persecution that They suffer for different reasons, and different intensity on the part of Israel, and of the Palestinians. Without However The solution proposed by O'Brien is against the hatred of Gabriel's love and kindness. Another thing that is positive, who does not like the topic Paurasístico, religious can enjoy it as a thriller, or a geopolitical novel.
I still maintain that there are certain similarities between writers like Dean Koontz, Val Bianco, and Michael D. O'Brien as I wrote in my review of "Sons Of Cain"Https://www.goodreads.com/ReviewShow. . It is possible that the novel of Val Bianco does not have an antichrist, but emulating his admired Tom Clancy The characters fight physical and spiritual battles against a Gnostic-Satanist organization called Sons of Cain, or Bohemians led by a terrible demon called Namon. The same thing happens in the novels of Dean Koontz where the characters Face against World-wide, and sometimes against Satanist organizations as seen in "Odd Thomas, "and though I am not entirely in accordance with the tone" Conspiranoids I also drop the father's novels Malachi Against a new world order, and against the Satanism. Morris West also approaches the last days in his novels The "Clowns of God."
However it is interesting to make a brief tour (I am not a specialist for literature) Paurasística, and by the various antichrists, which have appeared. Sure there are more, but these are some of the most famous ones. We have at the beginning of the decade of the last century Julian Felsenburgh In "The Lord of the World", also have the novels of Hugo Wast "666", and "Juanita Tabor" (although it is less accurate and inspired than that of Robert Hugh Benson, has some successes like the fall of the birth, and the fact that the Antichrist has an praetorian guard formed by the children of the War of the Spanish Civil war , it also e Antichrist has a couple a Jezebel as bad as the Antichrist himself. We also have the books of the Argentinean Jesuit Leonardo Castellani "El Apokalypsis "De San Juan", where he explains and interprets the apocalypse, and in novel are "The roles of Benjamin Benavides" (greatly praised by the great Juan Manuel de Prada). In the fantastic literature we have the mono Shift, or trick of the last Book of "The Chronicles of Narnia" "The Last battle." In"Silmarillion"Of JRR Tolkien the last form it takes" Morgoth Is that of the tyrant of Angband (which I suspect is the Antichrist) and who ends up destroying Gondolín, or Beleriand. There is also "a case of conscience" by James Blish Where the Antichrist would be an alien called Svertschi That comes from a planet called Litia, and that would have been created by the demon (what collides with Catholic doctrine because only God can create ex nihilo). Although The worst thing is that the world is controlled by the UN. We have something very curious in the novel "The Seed of the devil" of Ira Levin where a woman becomes pregnant with a demon, "The Prophecy" of David Seltzer where the Antichrist is a child named Damian. We also have the case of Joram the protagonist of the cycle of the "Sword of Joram" by Margaret Weiss, and Tracy Hickman That if it is not the antichrist it seems to belong to a magical world called Merlón and it ends up bringing the ruin to its magic world (although here the presumed Antichrist is not evil). One of the films in the series of drawings Doraemon Created by Fujiko Fujio "Doraemon An Odyssey in Space "The Antichrist is called Angol Moa has no body as it is human wickedness, and according to" Tsuneo Versed in the prophecies of Nostradamus his fate will be to destroy the Earth, however this does not happen because Doraemon And his friends defeat him (in this case Moa is an incarnation of evil).
Of all this collection can choose the one they prefer although I personally stay with those of Benson, and Michael D. O'Brien can say as a conclusion that the novel does not end badly. Because what seems a defeat is a triumph as evil will go from victory to victory until his ultimate defeat.
I can't finish this review without two requests to encourage publishers to translate Michael D. novels. O'Brien as "Teophilos"," A father's story, "and"Voyage To Alpha Centauri"(a friend confessed to me that he asked an editorial to translate these last two novels of Michael D.") O'Brien, without However "The plea was not heard." I'd also like to throw a challenge at this brilliant writer named Michael D. O'Brien and is that since he has written a theoretical guide warning about the dangers of fantasy books “Landscape With Dragons: The Battle For Your Child Mind"Because he doesn't write his own fantasy novel I'm sure he could create a literary saga that made history." In addition One is already sick of the Protestants taking advantage of us in this field. (A person named Street he to G.K. Chesterton in the same way, after this write "heretics", and this man who later discovered that he was G.K. Chesterton's brother, Cecil told him because instead of criticizing what was wrong he did not write in that it was due Believe. The result was "Ortodoxía"One of the best books written by G.K. Chesterton."
Once done I hope you enjoy this brilliant book that closes the end of days cycle as much as a server has done. Once they have reached the final page they will not be the same.
(At the moment I offer this review in Spanish, but I promise to translate it into English some day).

[Maddie Zehner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I say I am a Micheal D. O’Brian fan after only having read two of his books??

Really liked this one too, although not as much as Father Elijah. I should have seen the end coming, although, I totally didn’t. At some point I will definitely finish the series!

[Victoria Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Father Elijah, an Apocalypse, which was a spiritual/political thriller. In that book, Father Elijah was asked by the Pope to confront the President of the European Union and urge him to repent. He failed in that mission, but it’s the attempt that was important.
Elijah in Jerusalem takes up where the previous book ended, with now Bishop Elijah and his friend Brother Enoch walking into Jerusalem. Elijah, wanted for a murder he didn’t commit, is attempting to renew the mission given him by the Holy Father, to call the most powerful and admired man on earth to repentance. He is the Man of Sin, on track to become president of the coming World Government, and appears to some to be the Antichrist. This is the story of Elijah’s attempt to do the will of God, his struggles with his own fears and doubts, and the people he meets in his journey.
It is not as exciting or suspenseful as Father Elijah, and not nearly as long, but it says all that needs to be said. As the author says in the Preface, it is not meant to be an accurate prediction of coming events, of how the end times will play out. Instead its primary mission is to awaken the reader’s imagination, to recall him to basic principles of life in Christ. In the trials and events and people Elijah meets, he like other messengers, is “a living word, a sign of contradiction and of consolation.”
Meditative and beautifully written, full of darkness, evil, grief and also hope and courage and perseverance, it is a book that will be treasured by anyone wishing to draw closer to the spirit of Christ.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first as I read this I thought of it as more as an appendix to the original novel as similar themes were explored. And then it became it's own novel as a contribution and not just an entry to the series.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah in Jerusalem, the conclusion to Michael O'Brien's Father Elijah trilogy, provides the final confrontation between Elijah and the forces of evil which are overtaking the world, most notably the rising power of the Antichrist who many speculate to be the newest President of the European Union. Thematically, much is repeated from O'Brien's previous work Father Elijah: An Apocalypse, and while many of these insights were valuable, this installment to the series felt like it didn't add much new to the overarching world and narrative O'Brien was building. Throughout the novel we see now Bishop Elijah and his companion Brother Enoch journeying to Jerusalem to confront and attempt to call the President to repentance, and while they face many obstacles and hardships along the way, O'Brien beautifully depicts these two men of God persevering and courageously attempting to complete the mission God has called them to. Now in his old age and made stronger after a lifetime of suffering, Bishop Elijah lives a life of sainthood all the way until the very end and, much like the previous novel Father Elijah: an Apocalypses, acts as the highlight of the story by providing a powerful witness to holiness in a world devoid of the Spirit of Christ. It will certainly be hard to leave behind such an impactful character with the end of this series. While conclusions to series are often difficult to execute, nonetheless one focused on the Eschaton, O'Brien makes a noble effort to provide an ending to this story that is both rooted in scripture and does justice to the story told thus far. Unfortunately, in comparison to the two previous works in this trilogy which set a remarkably high watermark, Elijah in Jerusalem falls a little flat in my opinion. While O'Brien's masterful depiction of a world in spiritual disarray is still present and Bishop Elijah's character is beautifully and wonderfully portrayed, the condensed plot and what I felt to be a slightly unsatisfying ending to the story leaves the reader with more to be desired.

The plot of Elijah in Jerusalem takes place over the course of just a week, which results in a number of narrative vignettes throughout the story that come and go as the tension builds for Elijah's final confrontation with the President. Ultimately I felt this to be a hindrance, as the plot felt slightly rushed and the opportunity to dive more deeply into some of the characters and to really live with them was missed. While we do get to encounter an almost entirely new cast of characters in Elijah in Jerusalem, many of them are introduced and then quickly left behind, sometimes having little bearing on the plot moving forward. In comparison to Father Elijah, where the reader has the opportunity to really grow to love the characters and connect with their whole person, Elijah in Jerusalem doesn't seem to provide the same opportunities for character development, aside from Elijah himself. Another aspect of the novel I felt dissatisfied by was the ending, which was built up to be the final confrontation between Elijah and the President. The President, who is only vaguely alluded to throughout the entire novel, is given his dramatic entrance in Jerusalem only to minutes later have Elijah quickly swept away and detained by security, barely having the opportunity to call the President to repentance. This felt like a tremendous missed opportunity to showcase justice against the forces of evil ensnaring the world and grant readers their desire to see good triumphing over evil. As cliché and some might say predictable this could be, there is a reason stories like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, or Harry Potter are so endearing and stand the test of time; they fulfill this desire for justice that rests in every human heart. While O'Brien still leaves the door open, and even insinuates, the President's coming downfall, it felt as if there was more left unsaid that could unpacked.

Although I felt parts of Elijah in Jerusalem unsatisfying, there are still many highlights and O'Brien continued to showcase his masterful storytelling and keen spiritual insights. First and foremost, while the cast of characters could have used more development for my liking, they nonetheless provided a powerful portrait of the varying responses of humanity amidst the spiritual turmoil of the end times. As always O'Brien's characters are especially interesting, relatable, and diverse. In Elijah in Jerusalem, the characters showcase the full spectrum of humanity from pure evil (Viktor/Petro), incredible woundedness (Karin), spiritually misguided (the Irish woman), broken yet redeemed (Amal), beautifully humble (Katherine), and saintly holiness (Bishop Elijah and Brother Enoch). Parts of each character can be found in every human heart and O'Brien beautifully reveals this reality to the reader, forcing them to grapple with the parts of their heart in need of transformation. The urgency with which O'Brien depicts and stresses the need for repentance and conversion in light of the possibility of the end times is alarming and convicting. Christ admonished His followers to, "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come." After reading the entirety of the Father Elijah series, this reminder to remain vigilant in preparation for Christ's second coming is the greatest strength of the series. Reading O’Brien’s work, it is nearly impossible to avoid reflecting on the eternal implications of the spiritual reality and the need to continually seek out the Lord in great humility. It is rare for a fictional work to leave a spiritual impact on the reader quite like O’Brien does with this series. For this reason, the Father Elijah series is a modern classic for Catholic readers and Elijah in Jerusalem provides an invigorating, though flawed, ending to the series.

[Audrey Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to Father Elijah was wonderful. While the sentiment that ‘a sequel is never as good as the first book’ rings true, this book surely comes close.

A sign of a great writer is one who has compelling, complex characters, and O’Brien certainly pulls this off… I felt deeply attached to the characters introduced over the course of this book to the point where it feels painful to part ways with them. I absolutely love how O’Brien also weaves in the backstories of side characters with intricate detail. It drives home the notion that every individual has a rich history, wounds, and experiences that we never notice on the surface.

While this is only my second Michael O’Brien book and I started the series out of order, I can confidently say this won’t be my last!

[ShepherdsDelight · Rating 3 out of 5]

72/100 (= 3.4/6) ≈ 3 Stars

[Anodos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to have such an impact on me. But by the time I came to the end, I found myself greatly moved. "Elijah in Jerusalem" is a warning to the complacent. And I readily admit I am all too often complacent. I struggle to pray fervently, consistently, and frequently. I also struggle to lead my fellow man to lives of faith and virtue. I am too often a poor witness. As I followed Elijah's journey through to the very end, I felt the very real need pray and reflect. Elijah was an image of a courageous soul working to tirelessly to surrender completely to the will of God. "Elijah in Jerusalem" was able to penetrate my apathy, and allowed me to honestly reflect. And for that I am enormously grateful.

I should also add that any book attempting to tackle the eschaton, and Revelation, is in dangerous waters. To avoid uninspired prophecy, and accidently misleading the reader is not an easy task. But Michael D. O'Brien navigated those treacherous waters quite admirably. It reminded me a great deal of "Lord of the World" by Cardinal Robert Hugh Benson. And I consider "Elijah in Jerusalem" to be a worthy successor. "Lord of the World" is an absolutely superb novel about the Apocalypse. It is another book I strongly counsel everyone to read. In it, Cardinal Benson reaches approximately one hundred years into the future and presents a vision of what the world might have looked liked, and how the Apocalypse might unfold. In it we see fascinating visions of technologies to come, and a disturbing new society plagued by unbelief and apostasy. However, to modern readers, this world may seem too abstract now. Especially since we are living in the approximate time frame the story covers. Cardinal Benson's predictions were impressive, but they are not so close as to make the world easily recognizable. "Elijah in Jerusalem" follows a very similar line as "Lord of the World", but is set not far from the present. As a consequence it is easier to recognize, and to imagine our own place in it. A creative decision I commend Michael D. O'Brien for.

It's a great book.

[Jorge Criado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debo reconocer que esta continuación a El Padre Elías no me terminaba de convencer al principio. Sin embargo, mejora según avanza hasta llegar a un final que, sencillamente, me encantó: la lucha final de ese hombre, la batalla final por su alma.
El encuentro con la monja irlandesa también es fantástico: retrata muy certeramente cómo hay quienes se dejan engañar con gusto por revelaciones privadas como mínimo discutibles no aprobadas por la autoridad eclesial y echan en cara a la Iglesia su prudencia con estos fenómenos. Salvando las distancias me ha recordado alguna discusión que he tenido yo mismo.
En definitiva, se trata de una novela buena e interesante que podría haber llegado a más pero que sirve como digno colofón a la trilogía que tiene por protagonista a David Schäfer/el padre Elías.

[Andrew Gillsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful conclusion to the Father Elijah series.

[Erika Robuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful sequel to Father Elijah and a moving account of the lead up to the last days, based on Christian Scriptures. These books will haunt me.

[Ben Nyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story teller

[Jorge Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me parece la conclusión adecuada para una gran obra. El Padre Elías en Jerusalén, se antoja como un anexo de la obra principal, no solo por la extensión, sino por la narrativa y el manejo de la historia.
El autor a diferencia de la obra principal no va preparando a la audiencia hacia un climax brutal, de subidas y bajadas, emociones mezcladas con fibras sensibles que involucran la fe y la esperanza, en este escrito es mucho menos emocional, más directo y menos descriptivo holísticamente hablando.
Las micro historias que preparan la trama principal son importantes y efectivas para cerrar el círculo, y vaya que se realizan de una gran manera.
En momentos la lectura se vuelve repetitiva y cansada, pero vale la pena aguantar estos breves lapsos. Sigo pensando en que el autor podría haber aprovechado mucho más la obra y sacar más jugo a los personajes.
Una obra con ciertos simbolismos que los creyentes disfrutarán, y que muchos no creyentes se perderán pero que pueden gozar como parte del libro. Bien por Michael.

[Carol McHale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael O'Brien's writing weaves a web that pulls the reader into the book like few authors can do. This is the third book in a trilogy following the life of Bishop Elijah. It picks up immediately after the second book, Father Elijah An Apocalypse, ends. The struggle between Mr. President and Bishop Elijah ensues.

The characters come alive on the pages with O'Brien's masterful storytelling as does the Holy Land as seen through his eyes.

When I began the book, I would've given it 6 starts out of 5. However, as the book concludes, I was becoming disappointed in it. The last few chapters were good, but not as spellbinding as the rest of the book. That's why I gave it 4 stars.

I hope to go back and re-read the entire trilogy back to back. I never read the first book, but LOVED Father Elijah.

[Benita Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to finally get to go straight to the sequel after reading Father Elijah again recently. Thankfully no disappointment was forthcoming; Michael O'Brien is a fantastic author! Elijah in Jerusalem has several of those lightbulb moments which I love finding - "Ack, this in EIJ parallels this in the Bible!!!" This one is faster-paced than its prequel; I finished it in one evening, although that was mostly because I couldn't put it down. The characters were painted with a talent that I as an author can only dream of attaining, and I especially loved the young man in the wheelchair. I was in tears by the end of the book. One I will recommend? YES!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read:

Still so good. A very readable reminder of the spiritual battle we are constantly fighting, cf. Eph 6.

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Excellent storytelling from a tried and true storyteller. This sequel to Father a Elijah: an Apocalypse does not disappoint. Shorter in length, it is not as diabolically edge-of-your-seat thrilling as the first book, but it retains many of the beautiful symbolic, mystical, and moving characteristics. Overall, a highly recommended book of great gems, very relevant for our times (as its prequel is also).

[Katie Marquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be completely honest, this is a meandering, narratively flawed book. Compared to the first in the series (Father Elijah), this was largely a disappointment. The tangentially connected personal stories of side characters make up the bulk of the book and much of the tension of the story was lost. HOWEVER, I personally really enjoyed this book simply because I love Fr. Elijah as a character. I was glad to be able to spend more time with him and see the world through his eyes. So on a personal level, this book was highly enjoyable. Objectively, I see that it's very flawed.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eloquent, meaningful, powerful.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite good but not as good as the original.

[Ana Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jako sam zadovoljna ovim romanom, u biti cijelom ovom serijom Djece posljednjih vremena. Voljela bih pročitati i nastavak kada bi on postojao.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun end of the world thriller. Good versus evil.

[Jose Ovalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reading of Catholic fiction will continue until reformed writers begin to write good stories 😤

Not nearly as good as Father Elijah. Not as much of a spy thriller/ murder mystery as the first book. This one was way more fast paced, but like not in a good way? Father Elijahs slow pace led to increased tension and intrigue. This book could have used that, but it felt like O’Brien was just trying to get to the end as fast as possible. Which led to some clunky parts- I think there were two times where characters just asked if they could tell Elijah their whole life stories and then just did lol. If the book was like 200 pages longer it would’ve been S Tier because the core stuff was still so good. I was invested the whole time, I loved the main characters, and the story was still well written overall. Additionally, it led me to moments of reflection and prayer, which is just something I want more of when I read fiction.

“Whenever he was alone grief threatened to overwhelm him... he grieved over the follies of mankind, the repeated choice for falsehood, generation after generation, as men preferred darkness to light, the mystery of iniquity to the long, hard labors of love.”

“Fruitfulness is in the Father’s hands, and its weight and measure are known to him alone.”

“Just be a very little child,” said the priest. ���You are in the hands of God. Always you are in the hands of God. He works everything to the good for those who love him.”

“Goodness was everywhere, he thought, and the indwelling of the Holy Trinity in the souls of believers was a power greater than the serpent now coiling itself around mankind, seeking to devour everything.”

[James Hazeldean · Rating 4 out of 5]

'There was a remote possibility that the walls of protection around the Man of Sin would be breached, or fall, and that he, Elijah, would be able to speak the words that the Holy Spirit would entrust to him. The words might even be heard. Yet he also knew that the mission was not so much about success but about whether he stood firm in obedience. It was the Cross, rooted in the dust of the earth, watered by the blood of God's servants, the sign pointing to Heaven, soaring upward into pure light'.

I'm half of the mind that this sequel never needed to be written, the first book was so nicely wrapped up. Possibly a little too much commentary on the Church laundered through the characters, and the dialogue sometimes strained credulity, but there were also bits that were simply brilliant. Rendering the infinite paradoxes of the Church is an impossible task, and to even attempt it well is worthy of acclaim.

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While "Father Elijah" felt like a thriller elevated by spirituality, "Elijah in Jerusalem" read like something entirely different and unique. It was more than an epilogue — its climax is better than the one in the prequel, and the overall conclusion is more satisfying than the ending of Mons. Benson's "Lord of the World". It was human, but also divine — the testimonies of various people mingled with the holy mission of opposing the Antichrist. And this book convinced me that the President could be the Antichrist — the less we see of him, the better.

This book still has flaws, but the entire message of Elijah's trilogy is that even saints err and have flaws, but God still guides them and brings good to the earth through them. In this context, literary embellishments become meaningless, and we approach the Scripturistic style of substance over form.

Whoever understands will love.

[Margaret Dorroh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to Father Elijah

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a convert to Catholicism and having read the Left Behind series when younger, this series is much better. A pleasurable read to ponder the end times.

[Emily Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just helps Father Elijah come to a better conclusion. But all the stuff happening in the last part of Fr. Elijah is basically happening through this whole book.

[Anne Godoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tan pronto lo termine de leer, quise empezar de nuevo.
El libro me conectó con los personajes al punto de sentir dolor, desesperación y alegría tanto como ellos.

Ha sido una experiencia lectora que como católica también me interpeló, pero que ha incendiado mi corazón por seguir buscando la verdad.

INCREÍBLE

[Brooklyn Hannan]

if i were a man this would probably convince me to give the sem a go