Rating: 
Summary: Stirring and thought provoking!
Review: "In His Image," the first book of "The Christ Clone" trilogy, author James BeauSeigneur captures your imagination and draws you completely into the world that exists between it's covers. It is an exhilarating experience. A highly imaginative and extremely well written novel of epic proportions, it covers a span of over forty years, during which time the reader is transported from the world as we know it today, to the very dawning of the "New Age." The story unfolds with a ring of authenticity that makes it a compelling read, with a scope reminiscent of Asimov's classic, "Foundation."
The story begins "two decades ago," as journalist Decker Hawthorne attaches himself to a large contingent of American scientists who are off to Italy to conduct tests on the Shroud of Turin, long believed to be the burial cloth of Christ, in an effort to determine it's authenticity. The first two chapters are a dramatization of an actual expedition in 1978, and BeauSeigneur draws upon the published reports of the actual scientists involved, seamlessly weaving fact and fiction together to create a riveting narrative, much as Michael Crichton did with "Eaters of the Dead." He uses footnotes to reference factual information, which gives the reader the best of both worlds-- documentation of an important historical event, but delivered within the context, and with the flow, of a well written novel-- rather than in the dry, academic tone of a text book.
The third chapter jumps ahead ten years-- the first of many transitions that encompass months or years, a technique effectively employed throughout the book by BeauSeigneur-- and here the story begins in earnest. During the expedition to Turin, due to time constraints the scientists were limited as to the number and types of tests they were able to conduct; now, Harry Goodman, a member of the Turin team, has reexamined some of the samples taken from the shroud and has uncovered what he believes is the most important discovery since Columbus discovered the New World. A phone call later, Decker Hawthorne is with his old colleague Goodman, who promises Decker exclusive rights to what will be an evolving story, if he will agree to provide Goodman with confidentiality, and publish his report only when-- according to Goodman-- the time is right. And it's only the beginning of an extraordinary story that will sweep you along without pause to the very end.
BeauSeigneur brings his characters vividly to life, and with a depth that along the way offers some real insight into human nature. Those who populate his world are very real, and there are those with whom you will readily identify, for he presents a far-ranging and diverse cross section of humanity that reflects a number of attitudes and perspectives. There are, indeed, heroes and villains, but BeauSeigneur makes them believable and avoids any cliches or stereotypes, which gives them the necessary credibility. You'll recognize some of these people; they're friends and co-workers, neighbors and acquaintances, and some of celebrity. All of those who make up the very real world in which we live.
BeauSeigneur facilitates entry into this world and makes suspension of disbelief easy, by grounding even the most extreme episodes in reality. He does this through the occasional use of footnotes, which elucidate facts, or supply the reader with context through specific passages from the Bible. His most effective means, however, is by establishing a frame of reference for the reader, in which actual places and events become an integral part of the story. The U.N., for example, is central to the story, as is the Wailing Wall in Israel. The conflicts and cataclysms that ensue, as well as the politics and parties involved, are all realistically rendered, and BeauSeigneur keeps it all flowing steadily forward with a brisk pace and impeccable transitions, through which suspense builds so rapidly that at times you will not be able to turn the pages quickly enough. There is one section involving strategic issues that gets a bit technical, a la Tom Clancy, but it affords the reader a basis of understanding that later becomes invaluable in appreciating the full impact of certain incidents that come to pass, and BeauSeigneur's approach is similar to what Melville did with "Moby Dick." By the time the whale breaches, you know the importance of the harpooner, as well as that of the rest of the sailors in the longboat.
In the final analysis, "In His Image" is a stirring, thought-provoking novel that will no doubt induce you to take pause and reflect upon the state of the world around you. Thoroughly entertaining and at times profound, it will literally take you to another place and another time.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting and exciting start, but loses intensity
Review: A team of research scientists is given brief access to study the Shroud of Turin, believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus. Decker Hawthorne, a journalist, finds out that one of his old professors (before he changed his major from pre-med to journalism), Harry Goodman, is on the team, and manages to get himself included as an assistant. Although their findings are largely inconclusive, Goodman later discovers live human skin cells from the shroud. These he uses to develop many promising cancer and AIDS treatments, granting Decker exclusive access to publish his findings first. But Goodman also uses the cells, believed to be from the ressurrected Christ, to create a clone whom he initially passes off as his nephew, Christopher. Before long it becomes apparent that there is something different and special about Christopher, and some believe he is to usher in a "New Age" of religion.
Evaluating it merely as a suspense thriller, it certainly has it's moments. Some of the early sections of the book are particularly good, such as battles between Israel and several Arab nations which is reminiscent of "Red Storm Rising" by Tom Clancy. But around the middle of the book (this is only the first of three) it bogs down as both Decker and a grown-up Christopher become involved in the United Nations. Some of the intrigue between various members provides for some interest, but it's mostly coasting on the steam built up in the first half of the book.
And while I'd like to evaluate the book only as a fictional novel, it's impossible to ignore that fact that this is a religious-based book. The author includes a statement at the beginning asking readers to remember that the opinions expressed by fictional characters in his books do not necessarily represent his own opinions. And while I personally found some parts rather distasteful (particularly the excerpts from the next book), I must admit that his story and ideas are interesting. Even some of his historical explanations were interesting, such as how the Shroud could actually have been what some claim to be, in spite of carbon dating proving it's not that old. Additionally, it seems well researched, even containing many footnotes (I assume they're legitmate references, unlike Michael Crichton's "Eaters of the Dead" many of which were admittedly phony), and he certainly seems to have a good knowledge of scriptures.
Overall, it's a very interesting idea and has some very good parts but it bogs down too much and becomes a bit boring. And the excerpts from the second book certainly didn't make me eager to keep reading the trilogy.
Rating: 
Summary: No quite "up to speed"
Review: First off - I am a Christian and although I'm not a Bible "scholar" as such - I have studied the Bible and the end-times revelations in the Bible. I do realize this book is fiction - the author even writes a bit of a disclaimer at the beginning of the book. But presumably the book is based on the Bible's revelations of the end-times. However, I find some things disturbing as they DO NOT illustrate what the Bible actually says. As in the case of the dead bodies - where is it mentioned that the bodies of the "saints" are left behind? The book actually "glosses" over the "Diaster" - with NO mention of the fact that the dead people were all Christians and that there could possibly be a "Christian Theory" about what happened. What about all the friends and family members left? They HAD to think - at some point - about what they'd heard from their Christian family members and friends. I know that I have a Bible with those passages marked sitting out where someone can find it if the Lord comes for me in that manner. And the appearance of the apostle John - now where is that in the Bible? I know the author gave a scripture reference (subject to interpretation) - but in all my years - I'd NEVER heard that John never died. Again, there was NO "reason" given for why the "Diaster" happened - just a mention of a couple of theories. I can't imagine something of that magnitude happening without a "concrete" explanation - even if it was wrong. We have committees and investigative procedures for everything in this country - i.e. "weapons of mass distruction". So why would an event with such an enormous impact NOT be investigted throughly? In addition - except for a couple of instances involving Jewish characters, there is absolutely NO mention of a Bible found anywhere. I found all the pages written about the UN to be BORING - I actually skipped over much of that. What needed to be said in that regard could have been said without soooooooooooo much detail. Instead of all that nonsense - why didn't the author use his time to develope his characters? I'm not quite finished with this book (about 20 pages left) and will read the next in the triology only to find out what happens to Christopher - to see if the author "brings it together" (and I've already purchased the book - jury is out on whether I'll purchase the third). Most importantly I find that the author doesn't develop his characters - There isn't any connection with the "main" character Decker Hawthorne - his entire family dies and except for a few days of "mourning" his life goes on as usual - with the exception that Christopher appears at his doorstep! Decker does NOT investigate WHY his family died - and he's a REPORTER! That doesn't make sense to me - IF my entire family died along with millions of other people I'd turn over every rock to find out WHY! As to the character Christopher - he seems to be made of cardboard. I'm sure Jesus had a personality - unfortunately His "clone" doesn't! Talk about the lack of developing a character - why don't we really know what he's thinking - not just in his dreams - but what makes him "tick"? THAT's why I bought the book in the first place. In all honesty this book is NOT "...by far the most exciting, true-to-life portrayal of end times events..." as John Terry of PropheZine stated. It's really quite a disappointment. I didn't expect it to be "word for word" out of the Bible - but I did expect some character development. These people are as forgetable as last week's weather forecast. As I stated earlier I am a Christian and as such read this type of book with a different mind set than a lot of people - but even given that - the book still is a disappointment anyway you read it. In general its NOT a good book.
Rating:
Summary: Fiction based on fact!
Review: I am a large fan of fictional and tutorial works based on the book of Revelations, my favorite book in the Bible. As such, in regard to fictional works, I have read (books) and seen (movies)depicting many different authors' ideas concerning the end times. Some were very far fetched and did not follow the prophesy and there are a rare few that not only follow the prophesy, but are also very entertaining and hard to put down such as the Left Behind Series by LaHaye and Jenkins. The Christ Clone Series is one of these works also. It puts a different spin on the Rapture than I have seen, but it backs it up with scripture. Through out the book, there are footnotes refering to actual events and science reference. The author does an excellent job of intermingling scriptural prophesy, science, and history, referencing actual people and events, into one of the most believable works of fiction I have read. For those worried that this book may not be based on scripture, rest assurred. Not only does he do this, but he has created a very soul moving ending. This is one of my favorite works to date. It was so gripping I read all three books in 3 days.
Rating: 
Summary: A LOOK AT THE NOVELS OF REVELATION
Review: I am a very big fan of novels that deal with the Biblical Apocalypse and, with so many different types, thought it would be worthwhile to give an overview of the ones I have read.
Left Behind, by Tim Lehay- The series that started it all. These novels are, in truth, somewhat boring, but it covers the bases with a depth that none of the others do, probably owing to the fact that there are so many of them. They lack character development and deep theology, but are a fun, if shallow read
The Christ clone Trilogy by James Beauseigneur- Well written novels that focus on the scientific and political. Tom Clancy meets Left behind is not too far off the mark. I greatly enjoyed these books although I felt a little let down by the ending. Overall, a good political take on the End.
We All Fall Down by Brian Caldwell- Certainly the most controversial of these novels. The focus here is the individual and why someone would ever in their right mind reject salvation. Very brutal, although probably more realistic, in its depiction of the End. This is certainly not a book for the timid, but for the rest, I found it the most intelligent, well written, and, oddly enough, spiritual of the bunch. It's hard to walk away from this book with feeling to need to take a fresh look at one's own relationship to Christ.
Blood of Heaven, by Bill Myers- These are intelligent, character focused novels. I found the theology again to be a little weak, but really enjoyed following the distictive characters.
The Last Gentile Trilogy by Cary Bybee- Better written than Left Behind, but lacking the scope of that work. Like conquest of Paradise or Christ clone, it it based in science, but perhaps too much. Not enough religion for my taste.
Rating:
Summary: Mysteries within mysteries, but all is revealed in book 3
Review: I don't want to give anything away about this story, but even if I did, I don't think I would spoil it for you. The Christ Clone Trilogy is packed with mysteries within mysteries within mysteries within ... (well, you get the idea).If you've read the Left Behind series, you may may begin to wonder what they've gotten yourself into. Things don't happen the way the do in Left Behind, but you'll find that the author has done some amazing research and analysis (including studies of the original Greek) before telling the story in such an unexpected way. The best example may be how the Rapture is portrayed. It's nothing like Left Behind, but if you can't wait, go to pages 119 and 120 of book 3 (Acts of God). The author explains his presentation very convincingly (he changed my mind). But while the story is very different, BeauSeigneur and LaHaye have the same pre-trib/pre-mil eschatology, so if something doesn't seem quite right, keep reading: it will be explained. The Christ Clone Trilogy is much more real life than Left Behind and you may lose track of what is real and what is fiction, especially in post-9/11 America. It's grittier than Left Behind and aimed at the lost more than at the choir. Some characters in these books occasionally use harsh language (less than in some of C.S. Lewis's best known fiction), but don't expect BeauSeigneur's false prophet and the Antichrist to say, "Golly, gee!" Over all this is a ground-breaking series, and if you've been secretly or openly disappointed with the quality of Christian fiction, I think you'll agree that with The Christ Clone Trilogy, Christian fiction has finally come of age.
Rating:
Summary: Great Series
Review: I found this trilogy by accident while surfing a website. All three books are great. James BeauSeigneur is a little slow getting each book started but once he hits his stride it is hard to stop reading. Its too bad that this book wasn't highly publicized in Christian bookstores because this is hands down a better read than the Left Behind series.
Rating:
Summary: Left Behind an Appetizer for In His Image, the Main Course
Review: If you're like me, you've read the Left Behind books with considerable pleasure. And, most importantly, you've been LEFT WANTING MORE. Well, I'm here to tell you that MORE is here, right now, with In His Image, book 1 of The Christ Clone Trilogy. Say you're at your favorite restaurant and you order your favorite starter dish--escargot, smoked salmon, beluga caviar, it doesn't matter. You're savoring the delicate, delicious flavors, BUT NOW YOU'RE READY FOR THE MAIN COURSE. What if that was all the food you got? Wouldn't you be disappointed? I know I would. That's what it's been like for us who're Left Behind fans. As we've gone through the series, we've encountered an endless string of appetizers--good, as far as they go--but not really totally satisfying. Listen. Your problems are over. If you're at all like me, you'll DEVOUR In His Image--probably at one or two sittings. And the great thing is, books 2 and 3 just keep getting better and better. And you'll get up from your easy chair COMPLETELY SATISFIED. At least that's how I see it.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing experience!
Review: In His Image is the first book of a fantastic, horrifying, and powerfully moving trilogy. I was deeply touched by some of the character's insights on God and why we are here. I didn't want it to end. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Ingenious plot and perspective
Review: Like many end-times fiction works, this story parallels biblical prophecies, mostly in tune with the interpretations espoused by Hal Lindsey in THE LATE GREAT PLANET EARTH. Unlike most other works, however, BeauSeigneur weaves a rich, gripping tale, told from the perspective of the confused "man in the middle." The protaganist is not an "almost Christian," who converts as soon as his loved ones disappear. Rather, he is an intelligent, thoughtful man who struggles through the series, trying to do what is right. We struggle with him--understanding why he does not immediately "get it." There are many twists and turns in the plot that keep the suspense level high. The author creates a true dilemma--stretching all readers--regardless of their current religiosity. Additionally, there is a sophistication here that many other novels in this genre lack. The bottom line: read this book! My hope is that a major publishing house discovers this talented author.
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