Alpha and Omega
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New York Times bestselling author Harry Turtledove reveals a new side of his potent imagination in a gripping speculative novel about the End of Days—and a discovery in the Middle East that turns the world upside down. What would happen if the ancient prophecy of the End of Days came true? It is certainly the last thing Eric Katz, a secular archaeologist from Los Angeles, expects during what should be a routine dig in Jerusalem. But perhaps higher forces have something else in mind when a sign presaging the rising of the Third Temple is located in America, a dirty bomb is detonated in downtown Tel Aviv, and events conspire to place a team of archaeologists in the tunnels deep under the Temple Mount. There, Eric is witness to a discovery of such monumental proportions that nothing will ever be the same again. Harry Turtledove is the master at portraying ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events, and what is more extraordinary than the incontrovertible proof that there truly is a higher force controlling human destiny? But as to what that force desires . . . well, that is the question.
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review.
If given unequivocal proof that god exists, what would happen to the world's religions?
That is the question that Turtledove asks in his newest alternate world science fiction novel called Alpha and Omega. Turtledove is famous for asking the big “What if's” in alternative history. Previous stories include a second civil war (How Few Remain), third world war (American Empire series), supervolcano (Eruption) plus many more. Turtledove is a highly prolific author.
Alpha and Omega sees ancient prophecy realized in Jerusalem. All prophetic triggers for the end of days. This proves that without a doubt that God is real. But the question becomes “whose god?” What should the followers of Christianity, Judaism or Islam expect from the realized prophecies?
This was a difficult read for me. The subject matter is interesting, alternative history can be engrossing especially when you are somewhat familiar with the subject matter. This might have been my issue with this book and why it did not resonate with me. I am not overly familiar with Judaic and Islamic traditions and history. I think had I been more familiar this would have been a more engrossing read. As it stood though, I found it very dry and difficult to get into. I attempted to finish this but I ended up DNF at 80%. I could not get into the story. I just did not care about the characters enough to be interested in their plight.
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A quick and interesting read. Religious fantasy and not a very plausible “alternative history.”
