This second book in the Chiveis Trilogy continues the search for the New Testament in a world where the Bible has been lost.
The Chiveis Trilogy takes readers hundreds of years into the future. War and disease have destroyed civilization as we know it. Much technology has been discarded and history is largely forgotten. Slowly, the few survivors have begun to build new communities, and kingdoms now prosper in a kind of feudal order. But the Word of God has been lost for centuries.
After the finding of an Old Testament in book one of the trilogy, The Gift picks up the story of Teo and Ana. Exiled from their homeland and trying to survive in unknown and dangerous lands, they search for any record of the missing Testament. Their journeys lead them into the region we know as Italy. An elite society welcomes Ana, who finds she must choose between her new life and her dream of returning to Chiveis. Will Teo and Ana's relationship withstand the circumstances and new enemies pulling them apart? And can Teo keep ahead of a powerful and mysterious force opposing his search for the New Testament?
Litfin's imagination and fast-paced narrative style will capture the hearts and minds of all fiction readers.
©2012 eChristian Inc. (P)2012 eChristian Inc.
"Good theology meets bad story telling"
The listening experience was not bad...it was the story. It's basically a Christian junk novel with good theology. The characters are unrealistic, and it seems like the author just wanted to create some idealized Christian characters, place them in a hostile environment and show how heroic they could be. (Wish fulfilment for believers)
The cheesy romantic storyline between the main characters, AND their unbelievable ability to develop good theology without having access to the New Testament.
It just seemed to me that some of the faith statements the Christian characters were making in this story would require some sort of knowledge regarding a risen savior. They understood that there would be a suffering servant who would be pierced for their trangressions (Isa 53, Zech 9) And they understood that there would be a descendant of King David who would reign forever (II Sam 7) but I don't really think any non-Jewish people living with no historical reference point to understand Judaism could have faith in the God described in the OT.
Jesus had to come and help people make sense of the OT messianic prophecies which are about Him. The characters in this book just sort of figure it all out.
In spite of this God is remarkably impersonal in this book.
meh
I don't know if any particular character needs to be cut... but you could cut 5 hours from the book and tell the same story. To be honest I purchased the book because it was long, and I wanted to have a book that would last me a long time, but.... so much of it is just the author drawing the story out to try to increase suspense.
*SPOILER ALERT* So in order to see if the story got better I listened to the 2nd book. In the 1st & 2nd books the main female character gets captured 4 or 5 different times. The author is really obsessed with using the fear of rape as a plot device. Almost every time Anastasia is in danger the threat of violation from her hostage takers is ever present. The hero Teopho (sp?) always swoops in just in time. The author also uses a lot of sexual tension between the two characters. It seems apparent that the third book is going to culminate with the spread of the gospel in their former homeland, coupled with their impending nuptials / consummation. I am sure it will not go into detail, but it just seems like there is an unnecessary focus on the sex they are not having.
After two books I finally gave up on the series. I could not care less what happens to these characters in the third book. I basically know what will be already.
"EXCELLENT SEQUEL"
I loved the fact that shows Anastasia human side.... she makes mistakes and very bad choices....and yet, God still loves her.
Every single word
No, this is my first book, he is an excellent performer.
yes
a great listen !
"fascinating future scenario"
Sure, the Gift has a lure due to its unique setting of a future world after near devastation with an attempt to eliminate all aspects of the Bible, its Author and His followers and their impact on society.
struggle between good and evil
Eternal Good over Evil
"Slow, Predictable, Borders on Boring"
The first book, The Sword, was good. You liked the characters and the story kept moving. But this story is just too predictable. It moves much slower than the first book. I actually gave up before I even got to part 2.