17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational spiritual fiction that will keep you reading until the end, September 1, 2009
In her first published novel, ISSA: The Greatest Story Never Told, Lois Drake has created a work of religious historical fiction worthy to grace any spiritually-minded person's bedside table.
While it's inspired by Elizabeth Clare Prophet's research presented in The Lost Years of Jesus, the author has gone beyond the bare bones of the documented information to imagine an entire story of Jesus' youth - the so-called "missing years" of the Bible.
In doing so she manages to weave in an abundance of spiritual teachings and truths as they are encountered and understood by the characters in the novel - Jesus (Issa) and his family, the young Prince Vima Kadphises and his father King Taktu, the prince's friend Sanum, Joseph of Arimathea and his servant Awa, the wealthy warlord Panum Sri Bashir, and many others.
Against the backdrop of warfare and the expansion of the Kushan empire in the East, and under the watchful protection of the ancient Order of Melchizedek, Jesus and his friends make their way across India and the Himalayas on a quest of spiritual learning as they seek the guru - Maitreya, "the Coming Buddha". Throughout ISSA, spiritual teachings are touched upon in a way that enhances the flow of the novel, and are more often than not an integral part of the plot.
I noted the presence of karma, twin flames, spiritual testing, dharma (mission), Hinduism, Buddhism, inner attunement, heart-centeredness, handling emotions, black magic (focused misuse of energy), miracles, conquering our own dark side, sacrifice, and discerning/following God's Will.
The story flows almost seamlessly from one event to another, somehow covering a period of many years in 218 pages without making me feel lost. I was completely absorbed into the characters' lives and world, and was pleasantly surprised to find myself at the end of the story without having had any desire to put the book down during reading.
I have seen the book referred to as young adult fiction, probably because of the ages of the main characters, and while I'm sure teens and young adults would enjoy it, I'd lean more towards the categorisation on the back cover of the book - inspirational fiction - as I believe any spiritually-inclinded or open-minded person has a lot to gain from it.
As a novel, ISSA has all the right pieces and it's gripping enough to keep you riding the waves. As a spiritually inspiring book, it's thought-provoking enough to allow you to tune into a time and place where the people are God-focused and striving to better oneself is the norm. For that "tap on the shoulder" reminder alone, I am personally grateful.
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11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Inspiring Read of the Life of Jesus as a Child, September 5, 2009
Little, if anything, is known of the life of Jesus as a teenager or young adult. Issa gives the reader insight into the possible challenges and inspirations of Jesus in his early years.
The reader should remember that the book is historical fiction thus is designed to be thought-provoking rather than taken as gospel.
Read the book and decide. Did Jesus have similar challenges as we have today? I say, yes he did. Issa brings the early life of Jesus closer to us and makes us appreciate our Lord even more. Any book that accomplishes bringing us closer and knowing Him in some way better than we did before is a very beneficial read.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Issa is just alright with me, January 18, 2010
Doesn't quite live up to it's tag line of "The Greatest Story Never Told", but kudos for the clever line.
The story starts out fast and furious, but flat lines in the second half while the characters flounder about in angst as to what is to come. Overall a solid effort that kept me reading to the end.
The spirituality is a combination of ancient Asian and Middle Eastern practices, and it is seamlessly integrated into the book. I did not come away with any profound insights, but I did enjoy the speculation on what Jesus might have been like as a teen. The portrayal was a bit flawed for me, Jesus, aka Issa, was a bit too somber, serene, sacred, and serious. I would picture someone with that kind of connection to the divine to be more playful, happy, and joyful.
Entertainment: 4 stars
Enlightenment: 4 stars
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