Angel

by Alton Gansky

An earthquake shakes Southern California and sets the stage for the appearance of Aster, a stranger from a world far from our own. Miracles happen around him, spectacular promises are made, and wisdom flows forth from his lips. Aster says he has come to complete our knowledge, to explain our beginnings, and to correct our spiritual errors. He speaks of one greater than he who will soon return to the earth he seeded long ago. And the world is ready to receive politicians seek his advice, religious leaders wish to call him friend, scientists want to study him, and philosophers wish to debate him. But not everything is what it seems in Aster s world. Priscilla Simms, an investigatory journalist, is the only one with doubts. This messenger seems too good to be believed. With the courage of conviction and faith, she sets out to find the truth. It s a search that may cost her reputation, and maybe even her life.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction

Hardcover

First published October 2, 2007

About the author

Alton Gansky is the author of 30 books--24 of them novels, including the Angel Award winner Terminal Justice and Christy Award finalist A Ship Possessed. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he holds a BA and MA degrees in biblical studies. Alton and his wife reside in Southern California.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!" -- Galatians 1:8 (NIV)

When I was in fourth or fifth grade, I first heard about the Mormon faith. I'm pretty sure it was thanks to hearing about the infamous Osmond family singers, both thanks to an old cassette tape of Christmas songs by them, plus watching Donny & Marie on the occasional school-free weekday. While Donny and siblings were and still are great singers, my mom showed me that above verse back then, which shows that Mormonism is actually against the Bible; she also told me that, well before I was born, she had a job as a librarian, and she decided to open up the Book of Mormon, only to read, "The Bible, the Bible! Woe to those who think there's only the Bible!" That was all she needed to see right there.

By now, you're probably wondering what on Earth the Osmonds and their faith have to do with this book. Simple: This book describes an event that is much like what the Mormons believe happened to Joseph Smith: a messenger, supposedly from heaven, reveals a new "gospel" contrary to the one in the New Testament. It's no surprise that this book references the above verse from Galatians; it's something that we all need to remember. These days, with people claiming that God told them all sorts of things that contradict His Word, we need to remember that, if it goes against the Bible, then it isn't from God, even if a preacher or your Christian parents are the ones saying it. The only way to know what the Lord has to say is to read His Word; that's something I've been doing daily for years now, and I challenge all Christians to do the same.

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story that reads between "science fiction" and "Christian fiction" - well written with many turns - great plot & ending.

[Carol Atta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christian thriller. I hate sometimes to say a "Christian book" as some readers think it will be some Bible thumping story that offers nothing but religion. So wrong. This book was a suspense thriller through and through. Aliens, angels, and the works. Yes, there's a spiritual message, but many books have one. This was something I'd purchased in the bargain bin and just picked up this weekend, finally, and started reading. Ta da! I'm done already. Fun, thrills, and a quick read. I'm going to check out other books by this author.

[Karen Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok.

[Ariel Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing. I really enjoyed the pace of the story, the different characters were also interesting. That ending was not expected especially with Lizzy's character, i experienced so many feelings towards the end of this book. I'm not sure what to do now, i'm still processing.

[W. Franklin Lattimore · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was OK. I was disappointed by one of the characters that was "brought back to life." So much more could have been done and said by this character.

[Katlego Molatlhegi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending blew my mind away. Wonderfully written.
Loved it.

[Ester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I was over the moon that I've found a novel on this topic (alliens from a biblical perspective). However, it didn't meet my expectations, which I must admit were extremely high. I really enjoyed the first part of the story, but in the second part, when it changed perspectives, it went downhill for me. I think that a lot of things could be better explained, at least I wanted them to be. Some characters could be developed more and used in a more purposeful way.
I was dissapointed that in the end they didn't fought with Aster and his buddies by spiritual means like prayer, Jesus name, word of God- Bible verses, but rather physically battled and tackled them, if I don't count the Lizzy part.

But in overall I enjoyed this book, it is worth reading.

I recommend author's other book called Plot Line, which deals with similiar issues. I enjoyed it much more even though it's shorter.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

My library tags the spines of books with a genre tag. This one is tagged both "science fiction" and "Christian fiction," which is an interesting combination. I don't read that much science fiction, but some. This seems typical of the genre (Owen, want to weigh in?) in that there's an interesting premise and it's heavily plot-driven at the sacrifice of characterization. I don't mind that if it's a really GOOD plot. This one is so-so. And the ending is completely wacky. And another peeve is that the copyeditor missed some marks: your/you're, for example, and the wrong pronoun for a character. It is not as preachy as Christian fiction can be, which is a plus.

[Daniel G Keohane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alton Gansky has a great storytelling voice. I've enjoyed a number of his past books, and this one was one of the better ones. Unique, especially for a novel in the Christian fiction genre. A clever idea and is carried through well. The narrative even changed from third person, to first person half way, then back to third. I was getting worried near the end because pages were running out and the end didn't seem in sight, but I was pleasantly surprised. Clever revelations and lots of action. Overall, this is a unique and clever story, written well with solid, three dimensional characters.

[DEBBIE AGUILAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Ride!!! Loved It!!

Gansky, Just gets better and better!!! Angel to me is one of The Best Books!! If you know your Bible it speaks of realms , there are three heavens. The average person doesn't understand that , I loved the way Lizzy & Priscilla interact with each other and love each other with No Condemnation or judgment. Great Ending !! This book made me think of the End times ,devil & second coming of Christ Jesus!!! Be Ready He Is Coming Soon!!! Enjoy!

[Mike Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Christian fiction is hard to find. This does a pretty good job between walking the line between a good story and some sort of morality tale. Some silly dialog makes it sound a little too "Christian". (Some character was referred to as having gone to a "beer party", no one outside of a church would ever refer to it that way). Still not totally predictable and a fun read.

[H L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intriguing novel provides an excellent play-by-play of how the anti-Christ might appear and be able to infiltrate our lives. Not preachy, but thoughtful and well-paced, the characters react much as you or I might to the appearance of a seemingly all-powerful extraterrestrial and the world's reaction. Well worth the read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was a little disjointed. Clyn and Ian needed to be fleshed out more, as did Sloan and Izzy. That said, it was a good read - it left me wanting to really be well-versed in Biblical truth so I won't be fooled.

[Christine Bowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an very interesting read. Although it started off a bit slow, it took many turns that I did not see coming, even having some idea of what to expect from the author. I really enjoyed reading it! Glad to discover a new author to follow.

[Shiela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opener. Aster reminds me of someone, or something. I don't wanna elaborate it cause well, just out of respect to others who are on that side. On the other hand, i agreed with how Mr. Gansky define "faith". Just what i expected it to be. Love this book! :)

[Peggy Hawthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting way to look at the future!

Great read! A different way to think about things! Interesting story with a twist! Definitely held your attention! Would read more by this author!

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book; a little creepy, because if you read it, you'll know what i mean... (haha)
but especially at the end, it really brings to life that scripture about entertaining angels....

[Jason Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from page one. It is an awesome book that is very hard to put down. When I was done I wanted more. Check it out.

[Kayli · Rating 1 out of 5]

no one read this book! Alton gansky is a horrible writer thats all i have to say!

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me of the Old 80's sci-fi show: V

Only shorter. And more Bible based.

[Holli · Rating 3 out of 5]

To strange - not sure about this author

[P.A. Pursley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alton Gansky does not fail in delivering an action packed suspenseful story with "Angel." Very good book and well worth the read! You will not be disappointed!

[Nick Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Alton's books. Great plots, interesting characters and all of them would make great movies, especially Christian movies with action!

[Terry Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Alton Gansky. My favorite genre.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a sci-fi book when I borrowed it from the library but it turned out to be an interesting read about the spiritual realm of angels and demons.