The Messenger (Kindle Edition)

by Andrew E. Shipley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"keeps one turning the pages like lightning...gripping plot...highly original rollercoaster ride that is simultaneously inviting, terrifying and inspirational." -- TCM Reviews, November 1, 2007

"one to add to your list...very well-written debut...one of the highlights of my year." -- The Book Fiend, December 30, 2007

Four Stars: "exceptionally readable...entertaining action...characters are clear, comprehensive...perfect to tuck into the beach bag...sure to provide conversation." -- ForeWord Clarion Reviews, October 1, 2007

Product Description

Is United States Senator John Peters a prophet or a fraud? A freshman in national politics, Senator Peters vaults to worldwide fame after his first speech from the Senate floor. According to Senator Peters, he delivered his speech in English, but according to amazed listeners from around the world, he could be understood by all who heard it, no matter what their language. When the 'tongues' phenomenon recurs, powerful interests seek to exploit the apparent miracles for their own purposes. As Peters' newfound fame propels his career to heights beyond those he had ever dreamed possible, two men from opposite ends of the world, and following completely different trains of thought, reach an identical conclusion: the Senator must die. In the background, a centuries old society known as the Order of Mani keeps watch. The Order believes that it alone holds the secret to the Messenger's true purpose, and it is determined to stop it.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 360 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0012FOKA8
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #91,185 in Kindle Store (See Bestsellers in Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a thinking story about the impact of faith, September 29, 2007

By	Dennis Batchelder (Bellevue, WA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Messenger (Paperback)

Shipley's "The Messenger" tells the story of a non-believer speaking in tongues, and how this affects the faith and actions of those around him.

The speaker is freshman senator John Peters, and soon the reader meets those who are impacted: his assistant and his wife, who are able to grow spiritually; a preacher and a priest who try to use the "miracle" to further themselves and their churches; a governor who is jealous of Peters' popularity; bad guys and members of a secret society who want to silence his voice; and Peters himself, who struggles to find himself amidst the unwanted fame.

Shipley tells a good story. His characters are strong, conflicted, and believable. The ending, while not traditional, is satisfying, and it provides the reader the opportunity to ponder the question of whether Peters' message has any personal relevance.

I look forward to reading future books from Shipley.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Fusion of Church and State, October 21, 2007

By	Kevin Joseph (McLean, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Messenger (Paperback)

The First Amendment has always been interpreted as mandating the separation of Church and State, yet with the increasing influence of religious fundamentalists on the Republican Party and the escalating global conflict between Islam, Judaism and Christianity, religious considerations are playing a critical role in shaping America's political landscape. The Messenger brings this tension into sharp focus, fusing religion and politics in a thrilling and fascinating way.

John Peters makes for an unlikely prophet. A U.S. Senator with an agnostic mindset, Peters is not the sort you'd expect to be chosen as the medium for a religious miracle. But when Peters begins speaking in tongues during publicly broadcast speeches, inexplicably allowing certain people to hear his words in foreign languages, there's no denying that some higher force is at work.

As word of this miracle spreads, Peters's popularity soars, catapulting him from obscure junior Senator to front-runner for the Democratic Party's Presidential nomination. Despite his best efforts to focus on his political message and downplay the religious undertones of this phenomenon, Peters becomes the target of a secret religious society known as the Order that controls men in high places and uses them to further its unsavory agenda.

Comparisons to The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, while inevitable, are somewhat misplaced. Andy Shipley's view of religion is more nuanced than Dan Brown's, his characters more real, and his writing style more literary. While those requiring cliff-hanger chapters, over-the-top action and violence to power their thrillers may be off-put by the introspective and philosophical passages, The Messenger serves up plenty of sophisticated suspense, the kind that stimulates your brain as much as your pulse. Highly recommended.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Got the Message, September 9, 2007

By	Robert J. Korzeniewski "Bob K" (Great Falls VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Messenger (Paperback)

Based upon a recommendation from a friend I grabbed Andy Shipley's book to read on my summer vacation and could not put it down. Shipley spins a Di Vinci Code like novel that weaves a non-fiction historical background into this fast moving fictional novel. As a Washington resident I enjoyed his grasp of the political environment and the way he combines it with a deep religious context that surfaces the question of the role of religion in today's political environment. A well developed set of characters made this a book one that I would recommend to all who enjoyed Dan Brown's style. As a matter of fact my wife's book club has it on thier list to read soon!