Customer Reviews

The Last Guardian

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...I'm definitely glad I picked it up!

This is NOT the type of book I read--in fact, I saw it on the clearance rack or I never would have gotten it.

As several have already said, the book is a "spiritual thriller." I have to COMPLETELY disagree with the Publisher's Weekly review in almost every point. Yes, there are significant portions of violence, but none of them "gratuitous."

Without going into the plot much, which would REEEALLY spoil it for those of you who haven't read it, Johnson does a masterful job of weaving a couple of storylines into a single work. Basically, the story takes place in two "alternate" universes. Far-fetched? Yeah, of course, but it makes a great story, and the spiritual message is not left behind.

It took me a while to figure out where the author was going with the plot, and just when I thought I had it, he surprised me again. The book was tough to put down until completed, the measure by which I judge most books--this one gets five stars!

When I read the summary on the back of this book, it didn't really grab me. But I went ahead and started reading anyway. Wow! Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. That said, this book is sure to be controversial. Some scenes are somewhat graphic (strong PG), but certainly not gratuitous. One thing I have always regretted about Christian fiction was that it is usually either poorly written, overly preachy, or both. The "Left Behind" series is a welcome departure from this trend, as are the Frank Peretti novels. If you enjoy Peretti, especially "Piercing the Darkness" and "This Present Darkness," or if you enjoy science fiction or fantasy, even if you aren't a Christian, you will like this book. Get it. You won't regret it.

My mom sent this book to me when I was at camp this summer. I thought I would have no time to read it. Wrong. In fact, I was so hooked, I skipped a lot of the camp activities so I could keep reading.
This isn't another copied story. It's an intense, original, masterfully written novel that quickly became one of my very favorite books. And coming from an avid C.S. lewis, Frank Peretti, and John White fan, that's saying alot. And, this book incorporates many of the great characteristics of these authors.
If you're as much of a Christian fantasy/thriller fan as I am, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK. It has a lot to teach.

The Last Guardian was my first venture into the Christian fiction genre, so I didn't know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised by what I read. Shane Johnson is an amazing writer. His imagery is vivid; I could very easily visualize the characters, settings, and situations in the book. Some of the scenes were literally chilling! If movies weren't so often made by committee, I would love to see a filmed version of this novel. I couldn't help but try to read The Last Guardian in one sitting. Johnson does a remarkable job weaving scripture, spirituality, and discovery into a compelling story whose every paragraph compels you to dive into the next. At the same time, the story makes you think. The main character, T. G. Shass, undergoes a spiritual rebirth, and along the way he asks questions that we face ourselves: Who am I? Why am I? What is my purpose? As Shass finds his answers through faith, we come to feel that, if we haven't already found our own answers, we can. I highly recommend The Last Guardian, and I thank Shane Johnson for sharing his talent and inspiration with his readers.

This book is amazaing. I have always enjoyed reading fantasy type books. I randomly picked up this book at the library, and I am so happy I did. This book so many different aspects that I enjoy from some of my favorite authors. Johnson is like a combination of Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, and Randy Alcorn all rolled into one book. There were a number of spots that I got confused towards the end. Also, there is a number of gruesome parts, however it could be worse. One last thing that a potential reader should think about is that it deals largely with spiritual warfare. I think that kids will probally want to stear clear of this one. For everyone else, READ this book. It will make you think about how you are living your life. Worthwhile read!

I have to admit this book intrigued me. I'm not a great sci-fi fan but get the feeling that Shane Johnson has soundly converted me. Every step of the way was a fascinating, exhilirating journey in the shoes of somebody trapped with a time and planet-jumping artifact of unknown, ancient origin and a destiny he did not choose. An excellent read

I just finished reading this novel, and I must say I was quite impressed. I can vouch for the author, as anyone that has actually read the book can, concerning the main character. He does not represent Jesus, as he is more a John the Baptist or end-times "two witnesses" character. Check out the back cover and some of the excerpts. In The Last Guardian, I must say that Shane Johnson's descriptive talent and vivid imagination was underpinned with a lot of Biblical truth. It made this novel a joy to read. The Biblical concepts weaved into the fictional elements of the story are right on the money, and the fictional elements are well thought out and presented. After reading this book, especially the author's commentary at the end, I am sure that Shane Johnson is a true, Biblical Christian, and I whole-heartedly recommend this book to all Christians. The gory scenes some have mentioned are done in a manner that magnifies the depravity of certain people, and are not overdone, but are there for a reason. This is a powerful, uplifting read that I passionately recommend. 5 stars.

I loved this book! I couldn't wait to finish it! Johnson creates a character (T.G.) that against he will, as is the case with most, will become a prophet for God! The story follows T. G. on his journey to discovering what God can do through him, and having the faith to let Him and the faith to ask Him as well. It is a lot like a Peretti book, with its spiritual battles going on and also like a LaHaye/Jenkins book, as it is about the end times! Johnson just pulls it all together! T.G. has to guard this artifact he's not even sure how he acquired it! But he feels the need to keep it safe! No matter what he does he can't loose it and it won't loose him! It just keeps appearing! He's transported to another world (Noron) and almost killed repeatedly, and tested beyond measure, but in the end he becomes "The Voice in the Dark" of Noron and fulfills what he was appointed to do! Noron is a planet just like Earth, except a few major differences! They never had the flood of Noah! The people are 7-10ft tall and there are dinosaurs still living! But at the same time, they haven't got cars; they have hover-crafts or flying cars! Their technology and medical capabilities are more advanced than Earth's! The book is very griping and on the edge of your set stuff, but it is also humbling! Your awed by God's grace and power bestowed not only on T.G., but on all! I really enjoyed reading the afterwards section of the book as well, it gave me a true feeling of the authors heart!

If you're interested in a powerful end times thriller with a Peretti like style, this is most definitely the book for you. Johnson brings his characters to life with an amazing and intriguing storyline. Though filled with intricate sci-fi plot twists, Johnson stays dead on with Scripture-an amazing accomplishment. Not only a must read, but a tell-everyone-you-know book. Buy this book, and spread the word! I hope to hear from this author again!

I really enjoy fantasy and since I only read biblically centered books that leaves very few choices. The idea for the book is really good, very interesting concepts and could have made for a great story but the writing is so poor that it kept me from enjoying the book as much as I would have liked. One of the litmus tests I use is "do I really know the characters and if I do will I miss them when the book is finished?" The characters in this book, including the main character T.G. (an annoying name especially when you have to read it a thousand times) have no depth. Sure I knew what they did and I knew a lot about them but I didn't know them.
Shane does a good job of showing us the struggle between good and evil...God and Satan. Many Biblical truths can be found in this book, although the author does push the unbiblical view that once you come to know Jesus as your Savior your free-will has been taken away and you cannot, even if you want to, turn your back on Christ.
Beware: it is not a "Little House on the Prairie" kind of book. It gets really tough at times.
This was my first Shane Johnson book and I have another which I have not read yet. I hope its better then this one.