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revisiting since I read a lot of YA books out there.
its interesting. still doesn't go up to 2 stars, but I'll give it 1.5 stars. Because its seriously not as bad as I thought. It just has a very insulting scene in the end/the end is insulting in general, to what the main part of the book is about. You think there's going to be an interesting ending or some reveal or something, but its some mystical being. This would have been a better suspense book, not quite horror but urban dystopia. The ending took me out of all of that.
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can't remember when I read this, but I never finished it. 0.5 stars, probably. 1 if I'm being generous. I'm not sure if I will ever come back to this to explain why, most of the problems melt away when I remember the near end scene of the main character undressing his adoptive sister in his mind. It's a gross book. No one wants to read about that, and not appropriate for the ages reading it. seriously, I anti recommend this book. I've never felt so strongly about a book. I would give this negative stars given the chance. ( )

adventure, fantasy, young adult, science fiction, bryan davis, christian fantasy, echoes from the edge trilogy, ya, christian fiction, christian ( )

Yesterday afternoon, when I decided to get ahead by reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Most of the reviews I had read so far were brief and all stating the wonders of this book and this author in general. The first chapter was a little odd and I was a little confused. But as I read more, more was able to sink in and I was able to understand what was going on. This is one of those books that I could not get my eyes to travel fast enough to find out what was coming next. There were times when I had to go back and re-read a passage, just because it was too much. I've never been much of a fiction sci-fi person outside of TV shows and movies, but this was better than any TV show and any movie that I have ever seen. There was spy action, there was holistic attitudes, and morals! Suspense and thrilling twists... An under lying message, and even just plain good human interaction and relationships of people to each other. I'm extremely glad that I have now been introduced into the works of [author: Bryan Davis] and I must say that I'm excited for more. I especially cannot wait until this fall when book two comes out [book: Eternity's Edge]! ( )

Yesterday afternoon, when I decided to get ahead by reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Most of the reviews I had read so far were brief and all stating the wonders of this book and this author in general. The first chapter was a little odd and I was a little confused. But as I read more, more was able to sink in and I was able to understand what was going on. This is one of those books that I could not get my eyes to travel fast enough to find out what was coming next. There were times when I had to go back and re-read a passage, just because it was too much. I've never been much of a fiction sci-fi person outside of TV shows and movies, but this was better than any TV show and any movie that I have ever seen. There was spy action, there was holistic attitudes, and morals! Suspense and thrilling twists... An under lying message, and even just plain good human interaction and relationships of people to each other. I'm extremely glad that I have now been introduced into the works of [author: Bryan Davis] and I must say that I'm excited for more. I especially cannot wait until this fall when book two comes out [book: Eternity's Edge]! ( )

Can Christianity and science fiction be successfully blended in one work? That is the question I found myself asking as I read through Beyond the Reflection’s Edge. Before my conversion I was an avid fantasy and science fiction reader; after my conversion I set the genre aside due to the extreme un-godliness of many of the themes. It was with interest that I read this entry into the Christian, young-adult, adventure-fantasy field (I think it would be better classed as science fiction however).

Bryan Davis is certainly an accomplished author, who draws his readers into the world that he has created and keeps them reading through a series of high-paced scene (and dimension changes). His main character, Nathan, is an honorable Christian young man. I appreciate the model that he provides for young readers when dealing with standards of modesty, respect for women and sexual purity. Nathan also has a heart for those who are lost, and do not know the love of Christ in their own lives. Examples such as this are difficult to find, and often lacking in contemporary fiction written for young adults. It is obvious that the absent father figure has trained his son well, as his influence continues to be felt on a daily basis in practical, real-life decisions. This is a father who has trained his son well. Nathan’s deep love, obedience and respect for his parents are also refreshing in the sea of youth fiction, where parents are either emotionally absent or disregarded by their children.

Some of the characters could have benefited from a deeper level of development so that readers could empathize with them more fully. At times when they found themselves in desperate situations I found myself feeling emotionally neutral in regards to their predicaments. Solutions to various conflicts involve physical force and violence, which is not discouraged, but rather lauded as skillful by other characters. I doubt that I would encourage young teenage children of my own to read it due to some of the darker events that occur.

After reading this novel I’m still not certain if Christianity and science fiction can be successfully blended. I am certainly thankful for the Christian character examples provided, as well as the acknowledgement of God as creator throughout. God is certainly never absent, and is often referenced by several of the characters. While I doubt this title will draw you nearer to Christ in your walk with Him; if you are interested in some light summer reading, that is quick paced and entertaining without compromising your Christian values, then this would be an excellent choice for you. I did find the reading enjoyable, and quick paced, I had a difficult time setting the book aside. ( )