The Gift

By: Bryan M. Litfin

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

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)

What was most disappointing about Bryan M. Litfin’s story?

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of King David who would reign forever (II Sam 7) but I don't really think any non-Jewish people living with no historical reference point to understand Judaism could have faith in the God described in the OT.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.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

meh

What character would you cut from The Gift?

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.

Any additional comments?

*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.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

very interesting

Thanks for the great story. It's great to listen to something without all the smut

Fun and exciting

Very imaginative Christian story, lots of action that is a bit over the top but fun if you like this type of literature.

"This time I will have my vengence"- Iron Shield

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes.Good references to the bible!
And a very good twist at the end. You will not see it coming.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Gift?

Fight between good and bad guys.I think the bad guys here are more powerfull and more interesting than the first book.

Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

THE IRON SHIELD.

Great second book!!

Lots of twists and turns!! Cannot wait for the book in the series!! I am thankful to find a distopian type book in a Christian setting.

Frustrating

What made the experience of listening to The Gift the most enjoyable?

Just enough suspense

If you’ve listened to books by Bryan M. Litfin before, how does this one compare?

This my second book in this series, so = to the first.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

I like resolution not deferred gratification. Really irritated at one point during the book and I almost just put it down and didn't pick it up again. I don't like being toyed with, so I am not buying book #3.

Made the commute enjoyable

Believable storyline. Imagine no New Testament - thank God we have it! The characters continue to be real and the emotions tangible. Two very good parts so far, hope part three delivers!

Great ficton with God in the center

What made the experience of listening to The Gift the most enjoyable?

I love how the characters show their vulnerable side and questioning God's reason (like us) of the purpose of their being and suffering. But with their faith in the One True God they persevere and do what they know God has called them to do.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Gift?

When evil was all around them and all the people gathered and prayed.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the battle seemed nearly lost and the army of misfits came to their rescue.

If you could take any character from The Gift out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The Teacher, to hear his wisdom

Any additional comments?

There is a lot of violence, and animal credulity, which was difficult to get thru, but you just knew that was the evil working.

EXCELLENT SEQUEL

What did you love best about The Gift?

I loved the fact that shows Anastasia human side.... she makes mistakes and very bad choices....and yet, God still loves her.

What did you like best about this story?

Every single word

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is my first book, he is an excellent performer.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

a great listen !

fascinating future scenario

Would you listen to The Gift again? Why?

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.

What did you like best about this story?

struggle between good and evil

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Eternal Good over Evil