What do you think?
Rate this book
Edge of Eternity
Imagine Being Pulled Into the Hereafter. While You’re Still Alive.
A disillusioned business executive whose life has hit a dead-end, Nick Seagrave has lost loved ones to tragedy and his family to neglect. Now, at a point of great crisis, he unbelievably and inexplicably finds himself transported to what appears to be another world.
Suddenly he’s confronted with profoundly clear views of his own past and personality. At the same time, he’s enabled to see, hear, taste, and smell the realities of both heaven and hell–realities that force him to face dangers and trials far greater than any he’s known before.
Pitted against flying beasts, a monstrous web that threatens to hold him captive, an evil, brooding intelligence, and undeniable evidence of a spiritual world, Nick must finally consider the God he claims not to believe in.
Walking between two worlds, Nick Seagrave prepares to make decisions that will change his life forever, as he stands on the Edge of Eternity .
A disillusioned business executive whose life has hit a dead-end, Nick Seagrave has lost loved ones to tragedy and his family to neglect. Now, at a point of great crisis, he unbelievably and inexplicably finds himself transported to what appears to be another world.
Suddenly he’s confronted with profoundly clear views of his own past and personality. At the same time, he’s enabled to see, hear, taste, and smell the realities of both heaven and hell–realities that force him to face dangers and trials far greater than any he’s known before.
Pitted against flying beasts, a monstrous web that threatens to hold him captive, an evil, brooding intelligence, and undeniable evidence of a spiritual world, Nick must finally consider the God he claims not to believe in.
Walking between two worlds, Nick Seagrave prepares to make decisions that will change his life forever, as he stands on the Edge of Eternity .
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
127 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
217Ìýbooks1,539ÌýfollowersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website,
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 23, 2022
A crazy thrill ride of an allegory. Loved it!
January 22, 2021
Long rant ahead.
I've read only a third so far, but I'm not going to fight my way through to the end like I did with Pilgrim's Process, because that was a complete waste of time and this is pretty much a carbon copy of that book. The story is a paint-by-numbers allegory of the gospel. The protagonist is your typical egocentric atheist that you find in nearly every overly Christian book or movie, because Christian media can't handle the idea that a non-Christian character could be a decent person. He ends up one day in a "fantasy world" that is divided between the red path leading to Heaven and a bunch of grey paths leading to Hell. They're not called Heaven and Hell in the book, but that doesn't really matter. He meets some people on the way, some who want to deceive him and others that want to lead him on the right path. He also meets the Woodsman (aka Jesus) and this dark man who is obviously the devil. He is constantly torn between the two but eventually chooses the right path I presime.
The story is so painfully obvious in its message and so wholly unoriginal it is infuriating. I find the nods to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis insulting, because clearly the author completely misunderstood what they were trying to do in their writing. Admittedly, Lewis also used allegory to some degree (and too much for my taste), but what he and Tolkien did was present some Christian themes in new and exciting ways that could inspire believers and non-believers alike. Simply put, they wrote good stories, not sermons. This book on the other hand is not doing anything new at all. All it does is hammer it's message into your brain. It's telling, not showing. The only reason it's so well reviewed is because believers like to read a story that confirms what they already know. No non-believer would ever enjoy this and neither would anyone with some appreciation for good writing. The characters are dull, the protagonist seems to think and do whatever the plot needs him too, the plot itself is messy (at times it reads like the most Christian acid trip ever), and the writing style is overly pandered to Christian readers.
I find it really sad that a lot of Christians live under the impression that a song, book, movie or whatever can be good only by virtue of being Christian. Any work of art needs to be good apart from the message it's trying to send. There are definitely good Christian authors out there, but they're hard to find and Alcorn is not one of them. I'm sure there are people who found this book inspiring and that's great! But trust me, if you want to read some good allegories, just read the ones Jesus tells in the Bible instead.
I've read only a third so far, but I'm not going to fight my way through to the end like I did with Pilgrim's Process, because that was a complete waste of time and this is pretty much a carbon copy of that book. The story is a paint-by-numbers allegory of the gospel. The protagonist is your typical egocentric atheist that you find in nearly every overly Christian book or movie, because Christian media can't handle the idea that a non-Christian character could be a decent person. He ends up one day in a "fantasy world" that is divided between the red path leading to Heaven and a bunch of grey paths leading to Hell. They're not called Heaven and Hell in the book, but that doesn't really matter. He meets some people on the way, some who want to deceive him and others that want to lead him on the right path. He also meets the Woodsman (aka Jesus) and this dark man who is obviously the devil. He is constantly torn between the two but eventually chooses the right path I presime.
The story is so painfully obvious in its message and so wholly unoriginal it is infuriating. I find the nods to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis insulting, because clearly the author completely misunderstood what they were trying to do in their writing. Admittedly, Lewis also used allegory to some degree (and too much for my taste), but what he and Tolkien did was present some Christian themes in new and exciting ways that could inspire believers and non-believers alike. Simply put, they wrote good stories, not sermons. This book on the other hand is not doing anything new at all. All it does is hammer it's message into your brain. It's telling, not showing. The only reason it's so well reviewed is because believers like to read a story that confirms what they already know. No non-believer would ever enjoy this and neither would anyone with some appreciation for good writing. The characters are dull, the protagonist seems to think and do whatever the plot needs him too, the plot itself is messy (at times it reads like the most Christian acid trip ever), and the writing style is overly pandered to Christian readers.
I find it really sad that a lot of Christians live under the impression that a song, book, movie or whatever can be good only by virtue of being Christian. Any work of art needs to be good apart from the message it's trying to send. There are definitely good Christian authors out there, but they're hard to find and Alcorn is not one of them. I'm sure there are people who found this book inspiring and that's great! But trust me, if you want to read some good allegories, just read the ones Jesus tells in the Bible instead.
July 31, 2020
Rating: 5 stars
This book started off a little slow. Also, I did not like the narrator's voice. I got used to it but never liked his reading.
Overall, this book had all the elements that I love in a fantasy adventure except Yeshua is actually the real hero on the journey with Nick and his companions. It had a LOTR meets The Bible vibe and flow. Whether you are a Believer or not, it is enjoyable and a book for anyone who delves into an adventurous mystery. Loved every moment until the end where you find out where the MC actually is in his life.
This book started off a little slow. Also, I did not like the narrator's voice. I got used to it but never liked his reading.
Overall, this book had all the elements that I love in a fantasy adventure except Yeshua is actually the real hero on the journey with Nick and his companions. It had a LOTR meets The Bible vibe and flow. Whether you are a Believer or not, it is enjoyable and a book for anyone who delves into an adventurous mystery. Loved every moment until the end where you find out where the MC actually is in his life.
February 3, 2014
The Bible describes spiritual warfare in Ephesians chapter six, among other places. What if it were possible to roll back the screen of the supposedly tangible, and actually *see* the battles that take place between angels and demons? What if we could see more clearly than ever the actual truth of the spiritual world that we claim to believe in, but so often act as if we do not?
These interesting questions are explored by Randy Alcorn in his book, *Edge of Eternity*. The earlier-reviewed book, *The Chasm* is a later-written adaptation and expansion of part of *Edge's* narrative. In the story, a wealthy businessman, Nick Seagrave, is trapped in a storm on the way to a hunting trip and stay at his cabin in the woods. He finds himself in a strange land where he is attacked by some animals and protected by others.
He proceeds to follow the road to the City of Light, called *Charis*. Along the way, numerous evil forces try to corrupt him and turn him to the path of evil. Well, actually, they *do* turn him to the path of evil, but he is rescued by the working of the King and the King's mighty army.
When he gets near the city, he finds the way blocked by a fearsome, infinite chasm. He despairs of there ever being a way to cross it. What hope is there in any path? Won't he just die in this strange world no matter what he does? Then something interesting happens.
Nick takes part in a brutal execution of an innocent, who turns out to be the King, and is redeemed when the King rises from the dead. The King even helps him and several other of his murderers reach the other side of the chasm. Now placed on his journey with a group of fellow "Chasm-crossers", Nick and his friends must navigate the strange world in which they find themselves, with the help of the "Guidebook".
To identify which book was the "inspiration" for this story would be difficult. I'd say that it is bits of *The Pilgrim's Progress* by Bunyan, Lewis's *The Pilgrim's Regress* and *The Great Divorce*, and a smattering of some of Tolkien's poetry that has facets of journeys to otherworldy realms, as well as tiny bits of, and references to, others. All of these influences are rolled together and used to create a gripping tale that has truly convicted me of the enormous sins in my life.
I see so many of the person that I am, and the sins that I commit, in the fictional person of Nick Seagrave. These include both the supposedly "minor" ones (a nice fiction, there are no truly minor sins), and the supposedly huge ones, all committed by Nick Seagrave. He was a US Marine in Vietnam, and I was a Soldier in Iraq. I won't go further into the comparisons as to what sins or failings, but they are there.
I think to myself how awful I am. I think of how my relationship to my King, Father, Savior, Lord, and God, is not what it ought to be. I am going to endeavor anew to make it what it ought to be. With His help, I will succeed.
Yes, there are some drawbacks in the narrative. The shoutouts which were really neat at first to other theologians and to Lewis and Tolkien, get mighty tiresome eventually. I found myself rolling my eyes at them. I also felt that I was reading Alcorn's attempt to mimic the cosmic descriptions of song by the angels to God at the end of *Perelandra*, and not a good mimicry either. I also would have liked to have seen Nick's further life as he attempted to ask his family for forgiveness and witness to then. I feel like the story was left hanging.
Nevertheless, the not-so-good parts were even quite good, and who knows, maybe there will someday be a sequel. Perhaps the most significant thing I can say about the novel was that it truly convicted me with this view into a fictional representation of the truth of the spiritual battles going on around us. Please, read this book. Think on what it says. If you don't know Christ, come to Him as Savior. If you're pathetically ungrateful and away from Him, like I am, then turn back to Him as well. Please.
Highly Recommended.
These interesting questions are explored by Randy Alcorn in his book, *Edge of Eternity*. The earlier-reviewed book, *The Chasm* is a later-written adaptation and expansion of part of *Edge's* narrative. In the story, a wealthy businessman, Nick Seagrave, is trapped in a storm on the way to a hunting trip and stay at his cabin in the woods. He finds himself in a strange land where he is attacked by some animals and protected by others.
He proceeds to follow the road to the City of Light, called *Charis*. Along the way, numerous evil forces try to corrupt him and turn him to the path of evil. Well, actually, they *do* turn him to the path of evil, but he is rescued by the working of the King and the King's mighty army.
When he gets near the city, he finds the way blocked by a fearsome, infinite chasm. He despairs of there ever being a way to cross it. What hope is there in any path? Won't he just die in this strange world no matter what he does? Then something interesting happens.
Nick takes part in a brutal execution of an innocent, who turns out to be the King, and is redeemed when the King rises from the dead. The King even helps him and several other of his murderers reach the other side of the chasm. Now placed on his journey with a group of fellow "Chasm-crossers", Nick and his friends must navigate the strange world in which they find themselves, with the help of the "Guidebook".
To identify which book was the "inspiration" for this story would be difficult. I'd say that it is bits of *The Pilgrim's Progress* by Bunyan, Lewis's *The Pilgrim's Regress* and *The Great Divorce*, and a smattering of some of Tolkien's poetry that has facets of journeys to otherworldy realms, as well as tiny bits of, and references to, others. All of these influences are rolled together and used to create a gripping tale that has truly convicted me of the enormous sins in my life.
I see so many of the person that I am, and the sins that I commit, in the fictional person of Nick Seagrave. These include both the supposedly "minor" ones (a nice fiction, there are no truly minor sins), and the supposedly huge ones, all committed by Nick Seagrave. He was a US Marine in Vietnam, and I was a Soldier in Iraq. I won't go further into the comparisons as to what sins or failings, but they are there.
I think to myself how awful I am. I think of how my relationship to my King, Father, Savior, Lord, and God, is not what it ought to be. I am going to endeavor anew to make it what it ought to be. With His help, I will succeed.
Yes, there are some drawbacks in the narrative. The shoutouts which were really neat at first to other theologians and to Lewis and Tolkien, get mighty tiresome eventually. I found myself rolling my eyes at them. I also felt that I was reading Alcorn's attempt to mimic the cosmic descriptions of song by the angels to God at the end of *Perelandra*, and not a good mimicry either. I also would have liked to have seen Nick's further life as he attempted to ask his family for forgiveness and witness to then. I feel like the story was left hanging.
Nevertheless, the not-so-good parts were even quite good, and who knows, maybe there will someday be a sequel. Perhaps the most significant thing I can say about the novel was that it truly convicted me with this view into a fictional representation of the truth of the spiritual battles going on around us. Please, read this book. Think on what it says. If you don't know Christ, come to Him as Savior. If you're pathetically ungrateful and away from Him, like I am, then turn back to Him as well. Please.
Highly Recommended.
April 20, 2018
This was SUCH a good book. Where do I even start? The characters are well written, the plot works great, and the whole thing is such a beautiful testimony to the power of Jesus.
Edge of Eternity is a modern-ish version of Pilgrim's Progress. It tells the story of Nick Seagrave, a fifty-ish man who has spent his whole life chasing after the newest and the best. He has wrecked his family and his marriage, but now he will get a chance to try again. He must walk the red road to the great Chasm, which only the Woodsman's death can cross. This is, obviously, a thinly-veiled allegory for salvation and the Christian walk, and Alcorn executes it so perfectly.
There are very few books that make me cry, but this one did. Randy Alcorn is one of the best authors of this age, and I pray that his legacy will endure for a long time, for he is today's C.S. Lewis.
Edge of Eternity is a modern-ish version of Pilgrim's Progress. It tells the story of Nick Seagrave, a fifty-ish man who has spent his whole life chasing after the newest and the best. He has wrecked his family and his marriage, but now he will get a chance to try again. He must walk the red road to the great Chasm, which only the Woodsman's death can cross. This is, obviously, a thinly-veiled allegory for salvation and the Christian walk, and Alcorn executes it so perfectly.
There are very few books that make me cry, but this one did. Randy Alcorn is one of the best authors of this age, and I pray that his legacy will endure for a long time, for he is today's C.S. Lewis.
June 20, 2010
FABULOUS book. The imagery was amazing, and many truths were well-communicated through the story. Has a very interesting fantasy-genre feel.
October 19, 2018
I am unlikely ever to finish this book. The writing is so bad. I'd swear this was a high school project of a first novel. The similes are inappropriate. The style is disjointed. This is told from a first person perspective, but the narrator knows things he can't possibly know, assumes things that have no basis in logic, and does things that make no sense.
I understand what the author is trying to accomplish here, but he bumbles it so badly, it is painful to watch. I'm not normally a book snob or too tough of a critic, but this is unconscionable. As C. S. Lewis said, we should be good writers first and Christian writers second. Otherwise, we end up like this.
Even more baffling is the near-universal praise for this book as a great allegory. These must be people who love to be beaten over the head with the blindingly obvious. If you want to read good dark fantasy that is well-written, well-developed, and sometimes inexplicable, read Angel Fall by Coleman Luck. Much, much better.
I understand what the author is trying to accomplish here, but he bumbles it so badly, it is painful to watch. I'm not normally a book snob or too tough of a critic, but this is unconscionable. As C. S. Lewis said, we should be good writers first and Christian writers second. Otherwise, we end up like this.
Even more baffling is the near-universal praise for this book as a great allegory. These must be people who love to be beaten over the head with the blindingly obvious. If you want to read good dark fantasy that is well-written, well-developed, and sometimes inexplicable, read Angel Fall by Coleman Luck. Much, much better.
July 14, 2022
How can I start to describe what I think about this book. Lets talk about the story first. The story is about Nick Seagrave who finds himself in a different world then Earth. On Earth he is a businessman, I think he is preforming very well. His private life is a mess. But still Nick thinks he is really a good person. In the other world he has basically nothing, and he is trying to find his way home. In this world he can see images of heaven and hell. He starts walking on the red road (the good one) and meets all kind of people, also trying to find their way. Nick also meets wrong people who try to get him away from he good way, by showing him different paths. The story resembles the Pilgrims voyage. But is more suitable for this time, especially if you like fantasy. So I will not tell the rest of the story. The part I liked the most was when Nick met Jesus and helped to kill Him. The described struggle of Nick while helping to kill Jesus was so real. He did not want it, did it anaway, blamed others, blamed himself and so on. Also really well described what it costed Jesus. But Nick crosses the chasm and cintinues his travels on the red road, and finds all kind of challenges. I think the book is given a good impression about the journey of a christian.
I will definately reread this book in the future. I think in different stages of my live, I will like different parts of this book the best.
I will definately reread this book in the future. I think in different stages of my live, I will like different parts of this book the best.
April 1, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. I rate it with John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. If you liked Pilgrim's Progress, you will definitely like Edge of Eternity. Throughout the story you will find familiar Scripture referred to as Nick Seagrave (the main character) tries to find his way heaven.
June 6, 2017
Hm. It felt slow, drawn out, disjointed, and choppy. I was bored most of the way through. Maybe I don't have enough patience. Maybe allegory isn't for me. :p
August 16, 2021
Terrible
Repetitive, no character development, preachy, doesn't make you think. This book would be okay for a child but not for an adult book club.
Repetitive, no character development, preachy, doesn't make you think. This book would be okay for a child but not for an adult book club.
August 4, 2018
Journey into another world -- one with perils and decisions that may seem strikingly familiar!
A first-person narrative, Nick's story of his journey to the edge of eternity will at times feel like one you've been on, even while taking you to an unknown land. It reminded me of classic allegories likeÌýPilgrim's ProgressÌýandÌýHinds Feet on High Places.
Although I wasn't sure about the story at the beginning, deep truths are woven into this fantasy that are worth reading for. If you don't read a lot of fantasy, you may not feel immediately drawn to the story, but I would encourage you to keep reading!
Put your journey toward eternity into an entirely new perspective withÌýEdge to Eternity. Dig into what the Bible says, and it may impact your life for eternity!
(This review was first published on my blog -- .)
A first-person narrative, Nick's story of his journey to the edge of eternity will at times feel like one you've been on, even while taking you to an unknown land. It reminded me of classic allegories likeÌýPilgrim's ProgressÌýandÌýHinds Feet on High Places.
Although I wasn't sure about the story at the beginning, deep truths are woven into this fantasy that are worth reading for. If you don't read a lot of fantasy, you may not feel immediately drawn to the story, but I would encourage you to keep reading!
Put your journey toward eternity into an entirely new perspective withÌýEdge to Eternity. Dig into what the Bible says, and it may impact your life for eternity!
(This review was first published on my blog -- .)
April 27, 2024
Wow. I'm so glad that I stumbled across this book. I was a little unsure in the beginning because it was moving a bit slow, but the middle really picked up and unpacked a lot. The ending packed a good punch. It made me consider the unseen battles all around me, think about the depth of spiritual warfare and the importance of daily choices and interactions with others. I'm sure I missed some great details in my first read, so I already want to read it again.
April 3, 2012
Edge of Eternity is the first book that I've read by Randy Alcorn. After seeing all of the very positive reviews, and being that I love a good Christian allegory, I was excited to dig into Alcorn's book. Without a doubt, Alcorn does an admirable job of putting some things into perspective and makes some nice comparisons. Unfortunately, despite a well intentioned book, this falls very short of others in the genre. Alcorn's characters are shallow and obvious. The dangers in the book are never scary and the antagonist is less than convincing. Instead of weaving a story that lets the reader do some thinking and soul searching, Alcorn has written a book that spells out every possible temtation and pitfall that could possibly fall on a Christian. He leaves nothing to ponder or imagine because everything is spelled out and obvious.
Again, the book isnt terrible. There are some good things in there, but if you're looking for a hard hitting allegory, this isnt it. If you're a Christian looking for something to encourage you, then this book might serve that purpose. But if you're looking for something to give a non-Christian with the hopes that it will make them curious or make them think, then is would be a poor choice. Were I not a Christian, I wouldn't have made it through the book because the comparisons are so obvious and the story very wooden.
I would reccomend instead, Narnia by C.S. Lewis, or if you're looking for something really compelling, The Circle Series (Black, Red, White, and Green) by Ted Dekker.
Again, the book isnt terrible. There are some good things in there, but if you're looking for a hard hitting allegory, this isnt it. If you're a Christian looking for something to encourage you, then this book might serve that purpose. But if you're looking for something to give a non-Christian with the hopes that it will make them curious or make them think, then is would be a poor choice. Were I not a Christian, I wouldn't have made it through the book because the comparisons are so obvious and the story very wooden.
I would reccomend instead, Narnia by C.S. Lewis, or if you're looking for something really compelling, The Circle Series (Black, Red, White, and Green) by Ted Dekker.
February 22, 2010
‘A non-stop, action packed, personality changing novel destined to be a classic.�
For the Christian struggling through the ever changing emotional roller coaster we call this world and battling the tidal wave of mental conversations we all conduct with ourselves, this is a dynamite book.
Very similar to ‘Pilgrim’s Progress� by John Bunyan and written with many of the same allegorical doctrine, I cannot say it surpasses Bunyan’s great work, but it does come close.
The journey of Nick Seagrave and his travels through another world where Truth is revealed to him in vivid imaginary. His life is changed first by seeing the impact a rampant wordly view of life has on the one’s he loves and then by being given a choice.
His emotions are unearthed and his motivations are examined, what he thought was true is proved to be a lie, what he thought was good is proved to be not so. In the end, he is not forced to choose so much as given the opportunity to choose.
As with all Randy Alcorn books, I simply loved it. Quick and face paced, this is a page turner. Don’t miss an opportunity to get this book read. There are so many real life Christian issues heralded in this book, it cannot help but change the readers perspective. I know it did for me, on many levels.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
For the Christian struggling through the ever changing emotional roller coaster we call this world and battling the tidal wave of mental conversations we all conduct with ourselves, this is a dynamite book.
Very similar to ‘Pilgrim’s Progress� by John Bunyan and written with many of the same allegorical doctrine, I cannot say it surpasses Bunyan’s great work, but it does come close.
The journey of Nick Seagrave and his travels through another world where Truth is revealed to him in vivid imaginary. His life is changed first by seeing the impact a rampant wordly view of life has on the one’s he loves and then by being given a choice.
His emotions are unearthed and his motivations are examined, what he thought was true is proved to be a lie, what he thought was good is proved to be not so. In the end, he is not forced to choose so much as given the opportunity to choose.
As with all Randy Alcorn books, I simply loved it. Quick and face paced, this is a page turner. Don’t miss an opportunity to get this book read. There are so many real life Christian issues heralded in this book, it cannot help but change the readers perspective. I know it did for me, on many levels.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
December 13, 2013
I enjoyed reading this as an allegory. As a novel, the plot was often disjointed and episodic, but the points being made about life and salvation were clearly communicated. The author did express appreciation to C. S. Lewis and others in his acknowledgements, but I felt that he directly quoted Lewis without giving him any credit much too much from using the term Shadowlands to saying Erebus was just a crack in the tile of Charis (see ) to having a character say, "Everyone you pass on the street will one day be a creature of unimaginable greatness or unimaginable horror", a sentence so close to what Lewis actually wrote that I expected a footnote and was annoyed that there was none. I appreciate allusions as well as homages, but I felt that this came close to being almost plagiaristic. So I wouldn't want to introduce people to this book until they'd read all the Chronicles of Narnia, the Space Trilogy, The Great Divorce, and perhaps Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters as well.
I did finish this book longing to live my life whole heartedly for Christ.
I did finish this book longing to live my life whole heartedly for Christ.
January 26, 2016
I wasn't too sure at first if I would like this book, but as I read more and more, I was struck by the beauty and genius of this Christian allegory. It made me excited all over again to know the grace of God. Woohoo!
June 26, 2016
Wow! what a great read.....an allegory of the Christian life.....and then just as he thinks he's entering eternity.....a change I didn't see coming....made me aware to live each day as though it could be my last....and so ever thankful for Grace!
Want to read
June 2, 2008This is a cool book- it is one i can turn back to and read again and again.
April 25, 2021
A modern Pilgrim's Progress
January 30, 2024
Feels like a contemporary sci-fi Pilgrim’s Progress. (5 stars)
This novel is a complicated allegory that a reader well-versed in Scripture will recognize numerous Scriptural references. Allegorically, it resembles a modern science fiction version of Pilgrim's Progress.
However, its complexity does not detract from its readability. It reads easily as a powerful novel, and even readers relatively unfamiliar with Scripture will find it an enjoyable read, and grasp the depth of its powerful message. Alcorn would do well to consider making a study guide as a companion to this novel, however.
My first read of this book did leave me with some doctrinal questions about Alcorn's theology, but on the whole this is an eminently readable and powerful novel. In contrast to most contemporary Christian fiction which merely leaves the reader satisfied, this novel is sure to leave you satisfied and with a renewed perspective on your life. Great stuff!
This novel is a complicated allegory that a reader well-versed in Scripture will recognize numerous Scriptural references. Allegorically, it resembles a modern science fiction version of Pilgrim's Progress.
However, its complexity does not detract from its readability. It reads easily as a powerful novel, and even readers relatively unfamiliar with Scripture will find it an enjoyable read, and grasp the depth of its powerful message. Alcorn would do well to consider making a study guide as a companion to this novel, however.
My first read of this book did leave me with some doctrinal questions about Alcorn's theology, but on the whole this is an eminently readable and powerful novel. In contrast to most contemporary Christian fiction which merely leaves the reader satisfied, this novel is sure to leave you satisfied and with a renewed perspective on your life. Great stuff!
August 15, 2019
This is one of my favorite books! I think this is the third or fourth time I have read it, and every time it brings me to tears over the beautiful picture of what Christ did on the cross for me and convicts me to live more for Him!
The first time I read it, I didn’t understand what kind of book it was and almost put it down. Then when I realized it’s like a modern-day ‘Pilgrim’s Progress�, I stopped where I was, about 3 chapters in, and started over from the beginning
The word pictures in this book are amazing! The struggle between good and evil in the world, the struggle that goes on in each of our hearts, the debt we owe that only Christ could pay, the way the enemy seeks to defeat us, and heaven that awaits us- it’s all so beautifully reflected in these pages. I recommend it to every believer! And I’m sure I will read it again and again!
The first time I read it, I didn’t understand what kind of book it was and almost put it down. Then when I realized it’s like a modern-day ‘Pilgrim’s Progress�, I stopped where I was, about 3 chapters in, and started over from the beginning
The word pictures in this book are amazing! The struggle between good and evil in the world, the struggle that goes on in each of our hearts, the debt we owe that only Christ could pay, the way the enemy seeks to defeat us, and heaven that awaits us- it’s all so beautifully reflected in these pages. I recommend it to every believer! And I’m sure I will read it again and again!
May 26, 2025
This book was Amazing! You are following this person named Nick Seagrave he is a business man. He is a boss of many people under him and he works in a tall building. Eventually in the book you are following this road to this “home� which is correct. You can go off of the path and go get gas and come back or whatever but eventually you’ll end up back on the path leading to this one place. You will meet death along the way and happiness as well on the same path. I never cried on any book I ever read and this one made me cry. Randy does an awesome job of making it realistic and relatable to anyone. You got to read this book even if you are not Christian or if you are Christian. Randy also makes you rethink what you think of life in a different way.
June 25, 2019
Highly recommend. Nick Seagrave wakes up in an unfamiliar world of strange beasts, monsters, confusion, fear and terror. There is also incredible beauty and new friends that test him to the limits of his body and mind. It soon becomes clear that Nick has a serious decision to make. One that will determine where he will spend eternity. But it's not as easy as it seems as temptations are everywhere. Just when he seems sure he finds himself on a precipice of frightening proportions.
The story seems strange at first but the reader quickly becomes wrapped in the underlying story and if allowed will see themselves in some of the same situations.
The story seems strange at first but the reader quickly becomes wrapped in the underlying story and if allowed will see themselves in some of the same situations.
February 13, 2021
This book is an allegory of the Christian walk. It gives us pictures of our relationship with Jesus and our walk in faith. It is sometimes thought provoking, challenging us in how we walk today.
I did find the book tended to be a bit long-winded. The 2nd half of the book tended to be a bit draggy for me.
The last couple of chapters sped up, and I quite enjoyed them.
It's fairly well written. Perhaps the best audience for the books is those who are relatively new in their faith, and/or those who enjoy fantasy novels. But as someone who does not fall into either of those categories, it was still an ok read.
I did find the book tended to be a bit long-winded. The 2nd half of the book tended to be a bit draggy for me.
The last couple of chapters sped up, and I quite enjoyed them.
It's fairly well written. Perhaps the best audience for the books is those who are relatively new in their faith, and/or those who enjoy fantasy novels. But as someone who does not fall into either of those categories, it was still an ok read.
January 19, 2022
Randy Alcorn is one of the few authors that can bring me to tears.
He is also one of the few non-romantic authors that I keep on my keeper shelf.
This book is like a modern adaptation of Pilgrim's Progress but with a twist.
Parts of the story from a story structure standpoint felt blunt, some of the characters I wished were a tad fleshed out a bit more, some of the scenes smoothed out.
However that ending. It's one of those books that I read just at the right time.
It reminded me of things I needed to pay attention to.
I once again cried on a Randy Alcorn book. Not from sadness, but the way he writes about Heaven makes me long for it so deeply. It always moves me.
He is also one of the few non-romantic authors that I keep on my keeper shelf.
This book is like a modern adaptation of Pilgrim's Progress but with a twist.
Parts of the story from a story structure standpoint felt blunt, some of the characters I wished were a tad fleshed out a bit more, some of the scenes smoothed out.
However that ending. It's one of those books that I read just at the right time.
It reminded me of things I needed to pay attention to.
I once again cried on a Randy Alcorn book. Not from sadness, but the way he writes about Heaven makes me long for it so deeply. It always moves me.
August 17, 2022
At first, I wasn’t sure if This novel was my cup of tea but our small group was reading it together so I persevered and after reading several chapters and discussing it with other members I really became excited to read the next weeks assigned chapters so much so I finished the book early because I had questions. My husband also read his first non fiction book in probably 20 years. I am not sure of the ending and if I really liked it but after reading the novel it is the only way it should have ended. Very interesting read.
November 26, 2020
C. S. Lewis meets John Bunyan meets Frank Peretti
...and the result is a delightful, hope-filled depiction of our journey through life and only a faint glimpse of what going into Heaven will be like. Think Biblically as you read and it will be much to your benefit...But be sure to read all the way to the end! You will be challenged, encouraged and motivated to live your life with eyes on eternity...because each of us stands right on the edge of it!
...and the result is a delightful, hope-filled depiction of our journey through life and only a faint glimpse of what going into Heaven will be like. Think Biblically as you read and it will be much to your benefit...But be sure to read all the way to the end! You will be challenged, encouraged and motivated to live your life with eyes on eternity...because each of us stands right on the edge of it!
December 30, 2021
One of the best books from Randy Alcorn. Heaven and hell are visualized in ways that are easy to grasp, with countless allegory similar to CS Lewis. Reader travels with fictional characters along life’s road. We meet Jesus, angels, people who are so caught up in this earth they cannot see the right road. Even satan shows up. We all have a choice to make…in daily life and in the ultimate path we take for eternity. I want to read again.
May 24, 2017
Great fiction scattered with biblical truths. Written for those who enjoy Christian fiction with a message and for those who need a reminder of why we are still here. This is a good book to give to a friend. I would highly recommend it for the joy of reading. Some thinking is necessary which is the kind that I like. This is my second Randy Alcorn book to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.