Official Review: Mason by Tom Wheeler
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- Momlovesbooks
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Official Review: Mason by Tom Wheeler
Mason: The Last Messenger, by Tom Wheeler, is a science fiction fantasy. It is a thriller that contains political intrigue, spiritual battles, and hidden technological advances.
The story begins as Mason, a soul in Heaven, is upset about leaving the heavenly realms to be birthed on Earth. However, once he realizes he is the last messenger to call America to repentance, he accepts his calling. Mason is born to a father who should have been a messenger, but was waylaid from his calling. At the same time in another country, Hassan is being raised as a different type of messenger. We follow the struggles of Mason and Hassan as they discover secret technological products, battle their own private demons, and protect their loved ones - all while trying to follow their calling.
Wheeler has written an action packed novel that I couldn’t put down. It is very descriptive in its geography - consisting of settings from Washington, D.C. to the Middle East.
The characters are one of the most interesting aspects of the book. Since this is a supernatural thriller, it contains angels and demons. They are vividly described. For example, “All of the archangels are brilliantly white with a form similar to a human and a circle of rainbow colors shooting from their chest”. The human counterparts are just as intriguing. Mason and his family are likeable characters, despite their failings and bad judgement at times. Even the antagonist, Hassan, is developed in such a way that I felt he was an important part of the story and not just a side character trying to thwart the protagonist.
I enjoyed how this book delved into the supernatural realm, yet kept me grounded in the physical world by tying things together using the secret advances in technology that might be going on now and the hidden battles going on in the unseen realms. Robert Whitlock (an author) comments “In Mason, Tom Wheeler has opened the door to the spiritual realm in a way not seen since Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness. Pick up this book and you won’t put it down.”
On the downside, there were a couple of characters’ storylines that I felt were not fully developed. I’m hoping that the sequel will focus on those areas. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It seemed to be professionally edited, but there were quite a few minor grammatical mistakes. The book would benefit from another editing. There was only mild profanity and sexual references.
Based on the above observations, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. If there had been fewer grammatical errors, I would have rated it 4 stars. I believe anyone that enjoys sci-fi adventure novels will enjoy this one. However, I feel conservative, religious types would enjoy it more. I look forward to reading the sequel to this book.
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Mason
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- shannonkate8
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On another note, your review and obvious enjoyment of the story makes me want to read this, despite not being a huge sci-fi lover!
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I discovered Tom Wheeler through a friend's recommendation of his blog that deals with Christian Fantasy Sci-Fi at it's floopiest. However, I haven't read any books by him yet, so when I saw your review I thought I must check it out because I have come to respect your opinion. Even being able to equate it to This Present Darkness was helpful in clarifying the ambiance/fragrance/style of the book.
I appreciate your review and your apparent vast knowledge about many other books that only serves to enhance your reviews and help your reader decide if it's a suitable book for them.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
"You are worthy to take the book,
and to open its to seals,
for You were slain and have redeemed us to God,
by your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and Nation." Rev. 5:9
NKJ & KJV
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