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(More customer reviews)At first glance, David Arnett's new novel entitled "Messengers" may seem apocalyptic in theme and scope, yet it thankfully has little to do with the current fixation on 2012 or any other Doomsday prophesy. Instead, Arnett's first person narrative centers around ordinary citizen Jake Daniels as he recounts the extraordinary events that lead him from the scene of a near fatal accident to revelation after revelation in relation to the dawning of a new world and his unique and important role in initiating a relevant change stemming from the spirit.
Indeed, rather than forecasting doom, gloom or portending a major shift based on cosmological changes, Arnett's novel suggests a change of mindset. "Messengers" mirrors the major theme of the recent series `Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt: A Novel' crafted by former vampire aficionada Anne Rice where the reader explores Christ and his mission from the vantage point of Christ's personal experience told in his own words.
Now if that doesn't seem ambitious wait until you get into Arnett's story. As in all good tales of spiritual transformation, Jake sees his life flash before his eyes as he escapes from near death due to the miraculous guidance of a beautiful and compelling woman who warns him to move out of harm's way just moments before a truck careens into his lane of traffic. As he recovers, marveling over his good luck, Jake ponders the advent of the woman, viewing her appearance as more than just a hopeful fantasy or coincidence. His fascination metamorphoses into an obsession as the artist in him manically captures her image and especially her mesmerizing eyes on canvas. Using his portrait, Jake embarks on a mission to discover who and what she is and why she saved his life. Deciding that spirituality trade fairs are a good starting point, he travels from venue to venue gathering information regarding his apparition until like all good angels of prophesy or otherwise, she makes herself known to him through the medium of dream. He discerns her name--Ariel or Uriel--and eventually her function as the angel of transformation who ignites within him the notion that a new facet of his life is about to begin.
And as it is told, at thirty years of age Jake begins a spiritual training in which each of the four Watchers, Uriel, Raphael, Gabriel and Michael appear to him and strengthen him to do battle with the build-up of evil man has wrought. As he grows, he sculpts his mantra from the two great commandments of Christ: Love God and Love thy Neighbor as Thyself. The more he realizes the profound magnitude of these simple truths the more fortified he becomes--so much so that power emanates from his heart chakra with such force he can literally pin recipients to the wall and wash their souls with a love so tremendous they tremble in its wake. Miracles of healing ensue as Jake's life emulates that of Christianity's most beloved master and teacher and eventually, the reader understands that like Gibran's "Prophet" the son of Man has again been born to another woman, has gone through the trials and tribulations of the devil and with the help of God's messengers, the angels, has again realized who he is and what he must again do.
Technically speaking and strictly from a reader's perspective, Arnett's "Messengers" could be slightly more engaging. He employs a first person narrative with little dialogue and lots of inner chatter that for the most part `tells' but doesn't always `show.' However, as this is supposedly Jake's journal written while incarcerated, it makes some sense to voice some of Jake's incredulity regarding his own developing skills while encountering his angelic helpers. Arnett's knowledge of angels proves to be extensive and informative while his burgeoning Christ figure acts with characteristic calm control, humility and gratitude for his ability to channel the ultimate power of God's love.
Bottom line? In David Arnett's "Messengers," main character and narrator Jake Daniels discovers his true calling through the supernatural intervention of the major archangels. Jake's story takes him through self-doubt to a full acknowledgement of his new-found self-identity that will also journey the reader through the perilous steps necessary for all those called to do the work of God. Some of Jake's Job-like trials may seem tedious at times, but, for the most part, "Messengers" is fraught with great information and a wondrous theme of the power of infinite love. Recommended for all those who understand the strength of acceptance, compassion and love.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc
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By all accounts, Jake Daniels should have died when his SUV collided head-on with a moving truck. Now the vision of the mysterious woman who saved his life is consuming his every thought. A formerly nonreligious person, Jake becomes obsessed with learning more about angels, near-death experiences and spirituality. He leaves his fiancée and art career on hold to travel the country searching for the mystery woman, who he believes is an angel. As he s drawn into a series of earth-shattering angel and demon experiences, Jake discovers he s being prepared for an imperative task to step into world affairs to prevent the clash of civilizations and reverse the violence and hatred of the post-9/11 world. As his search for answers leads him around the world and across faith traditions, Jake questions: Why him? Why now? And is it too late? A riveting novel about the urgent spiritual and political questions we face in the 21st century, Messengers will leave you reconsidering your outlook on life and death and why we are here.
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