This book was exactly what I hoped it would be as far as exploring the ideas I hoped it would explore. There were times when the battle between good and evil seemed to be portrayed a bit simplistically, but I came to feel that could be viewed as a strength in its own way. It didn't set out to show us exactly what the pre-mortal world was like--no one can know that. But it was a very interesting glimpse. I always wanted a peek of what Lucifer might have been like, and I enjoyed reading his ideas. There was something about the writing that at first struck me as amateur, but then I decided it had its own style about it. Something about it seemed fresh, unpretentious. And I decided I really loved it. ( )

This first book in the series is very slow, but has a few interesting ideas. It is essential to read it before you go on to the other books in the series, or you'll miss out on a lot of what is going on. A family of people in the pre-earth life are assigned to different places on earth, but their lives all eventually intersect, bringing them together in the final wind-up scene. Arab conflicts are key to the plot.