From Strardust to Babylon by Amanda Bucan | A Book Review

I also got this book from LibraryThing. This has been on my TBR and it was only about a month ago that I was able to read this. I didn't read the blurb before I started this book so it was a bit of a surprise to find what this book was about. It's a mix of a lot of genres. It started out as a young adult romance and then it turned into a ghost story and then to a new age, religion-christianity and historical biblical story towards the end. I am not sure what to feel about this book. So, allow me to explain it.

I think I picked this book because the title caught my attention. I mean, come on? Isn't it curious to you? From Stardust to Babylon. Babylon alone got me already. It got me curious. I know I read the blurb before but I can't remember what it was when I really started on this book. This is actually a true story. It is up to you if you believe it or not. I haven't exactly decided if I do but there are some parts of the story that could possibly be true and some which I really want to be true because I want that to happen to me or to apply to my life also. 

As I have mentioned earlier, this started out with two teenagers who fell in love with each other deeply. The confusing part is that they are really into each but the relationship was never meant to last. Yes, it is sad. So, they got separated for about nineteen years and then by some telepathic message, Amanda felt that Simon has died. And from there, she started having dreams and experienced paranormal activities that she associated with Simon. With this onslaught of paranormal sightings and all, Amanda tried to understand as much as she can. She meet people who are into new age stuff and about past lives. She tried to gain as much knowledge from this people as she can. She got into a lot of things just so she would be able to unravel the mystery of the messages that Simon is showing her. And it turned out, Amanda and Simon are soulmates and they have reincarnated several times and have always found each other in each life but then, they never really lasted together forever or for long. There were always death, betrayal and all that. The most shocking of all is the connection of Amanda and Simon to the Egyptians Moses and other things in the Bible.

As I have also said, I am not sure if I believed everything in this book. I sort of relegated this to fiction. I believe in the first part of the story where they both fell deeply in love at such a young age but didn't end up with each other due to circumstances which I think would be Simon's fault. I think Amanda, in all fairness, tried to stay in the relationship and keep Simon but Simon continued to not believe in that the two of them should be together. It was a heart-breaking story and I do get why Simon would feel that he has let a great thing slip away. It was hard watching these two not together. And Amanda, realizing that she too felt that she married the wrong guy but she can't seem to do anything about it. 

The part about the paranormal occurrences and sightings attributed to Simon haunting Amanda and her mother is in a way believable, but I guess the part that I found that bothers me a bit was how Amanda was making a lot effort to find meaning and reason for all the haunting which all lead to some discovery about their past lives. I love learning about past lives. I, for one would really want to believe that it's true because I wanted to know about what I was in my past life or lives too. But I guess her obsessive quest for finding the meaning and answers to what purportedly Simon is trying to communicate to her is what really I can't get my head on it. I understand she went through a very profound loss and depression and I understand it may be just be her own way of trying to get to terms and the handle of things. 

Then, she was able to trace back her past lives and connection to Moses and all that. It's fascinating and if I were in her place, I too would be so astounded of this great discovery that somehow she is connected to some great person in the past and is tasked to fulfill a mission. That's a very good way to find meaning and purpose in this life. I would actually want to have something like that. And I salute her for finishing this book and sharing this to the whole world. It is admirable. And in that sense, she has fulfilled her part of her mission and purpose and now it's up to the readers to take that as it is or chuck it to fiction. As of the writing of this review, I still can't decide if I wanted to believe everything or not. Maybe there are just some things that I did not get or understand or maybe some of these things are just too good to be true. But I am not judging, it will just probably take time to process all this. Or maybe, I need not have to decide if I believe it or not, it's just there.

All in all, I give this book a 3/5 Towers of Babylon. This is an incredible story but it also left me thinking and wondering about a lot of things. One of which is if I was convinced to believe it. This story also solicited a lot of emotions. I can't help but feel the devastating break-up between Amanda and Simon. And the sense of loss and regret she and Simon felt when they both are no longer in same plane of existence. The emotions in the story are very real and I could definitely feel them. I guess, the part about the paranormal transitioning into a story that rooted or can be traced back to the times of the Egyptians and Babylonians was what really I could not fully grasped. I believe it's incredible and absolutely amazing to be able to claim that you actually lived in the past as somebody important and had a hand in shaping world history. It's totally wonderful and that part of the story is what I really wanted to be absolutely true and I would like that to apply to me too. I want to actually know what I were my past lives so I could make sense of this current life, just like what the author actually accomplished in this life time.

Absolutely, this was not a light read and this tends to make you question a lot of things and your convictions. That has happened to me and this book, in a way, probably is telling me that there maybe a life after this one. And I hope that it would be much much better than this. 

And lastly, I truly agree and believe in what the author said below. It is definitely the truth. People are just jealous that some are just comfortable with themselves and that somehow bothers them so in turn they wanted to make those people uncomfortable too. To feel the same way that they do, as miserable as themselves.

The irony is that many who are targeted are made to feel weak, yet it's often your very strength of character and individuality that incites the act of bullying as others envy your resistance to conformity.

- Amanda Bucan, From Stardust to Babylon - 

Thank you, LibraryThing, PublishNation UK, and Amanda Bucan for the copy.

By Light of Hidden Candles by Daniella Levy | A Book Review

I have always been fascinated with historical fiction/thriller stories. Anything with a historical background or story that transports me back to the past, as far back as the age of the cavemen, is surely going to end up in my TBR. This book is one. Even more so, because it talks about faith--Jewish faith. Judaism. I am not Jewish but this story had me reeling because it hits my weakness. I love stories about conspiracies or theories or just about anything about faith, religion, and artifacts. This story just had a mix of all that.

This is my first time to read a book by this author and I am happy to admit that it was not a wasted effort. This book transported me to Spain--the modern and the old one. It brought me as far back as the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The time when Jews were exiled and persecuted by the Spanish authorities. This story also reminded me one of the books I just read last month about Christopher Columbus--The Virgin of the Wind Rose by Glen Craney. The same book spoke of the Spanish Inquisition and how Jews at that time hid their faith just so they could stay alive. 

Unlike Glen Craney's book which was more of conspiracies and plots and a likely theory of the real identity of Columbus, this book is more of a romantic genre. This book centers on two strong characters of opposing religion--Alma, a devout and practicing Jew; and Manuel, a Catholic Spaniard who wants to become a priest. These two crossed paths when Manuel, out of curiosity stopped at a Jewish shop of Alma's grandma. Both were oblivious to the fact that their lives are more entwined than they ever could imagine.

The story goes back a few generations where the ancestors of these two characters met. The beginning of the story which leads up to the current time where Alma is tasked to fulfill what her grandmother and her great-grandmothers before her were unable to accomplish. Alma, out of her love for her grandmother and for curiosity of the women in their family that came before her, gladly accepted the honor and the opportunity to get to know more about her family tree. 

At the same time, here is Manuel, obviously, taken with Alma when he first saw her. As fate would have it, Manuel and Alma get to partner with each other to do the research on their family tree in Spain. These two's  differences in faith would prove to be both an advantage and a hindrance to their slowly blossoming closeness. Manuel, by some inexplicable force or reason could not temper his curiosity for the Jewish religion. It seemed like an unknown hand is guiding him to probe deeper into the intricacies and ceremonies of the Jewish culture and Judaism. And it doesn't help that he is bound by his love and loyalty to a Catholic priest who was like a second father to him.

All these doubts and confusion going on both in Alma and in Manuel, added to the air of suspense to the whole story. Not to the mention, the quest for each of the stories of each ancestors. The daunting task of both being able to unravel their families history and background has been a really addicting ride. At first, the search proved to be hitting a dead end and then, the unlikely discoveries, one after the other, were leading up to the climax of both realizing they were a product of a long history of friendship, business partnership, and more.

And the best part of the story was when Manuel met his grandmother's sister. It was what I have been waiting all along. I had a suspicion that the little things his mother does for him, like being a vegetarian and all, weren't just nuisance details but a hint into something more. It was the grandmother of all revelations. I took a really deep breath after that part. Ah...a happy ending after all.

I give this book 5/5 lit candles. This story brought light to me as to the customs and intricacies of the Jewish religion and culture. It is a good insight into the religion that was purported to be the origin of the Catholic faith. The intricately planned and written historical background of the characters and the connection between Alma and Manuel just blew me away. I admit, at the start, I had an inkling that Manuel will prove to be a big part of Alma and her quest to fulfill her grandma's last wish. As to how the story was beautifully and artfully uncovered was just so beyond me. It was so exhilarating and fulfilling. It was like I was with Alma and Manuel in Spain, digging through the archives for some document that will contain some evidence as to lives of my descendant. This book had me thinking that maybe, since the Spaniards occupied my country for 333, I too may have a drop of Spanish blood in my veins. What an adventure it would be to go and research that lost family connection? That's just a thought. I am not actually sure if we have Spanish ancestors. Just the thought of undertaking the same endeavor as Alma and Manuel and then finding actual proof is just too hard to pass. I actually have a desire to trace my family tree, especially on my mother's side since they are a really big family and relatives are scattered all over. I have started with the project but have not been really giving a lot of thought to it. Who knows, because of this story, I might continue on reconstructing that family tree and eventually find I might be related to some important hero like Lapu-lapu. Again, just a thought.

But you know, our story is not only about exile and oppression and suffering. It is the story of thriving, of triumph, and of great faith. It is the story of a people that laughs in the face of deepest despair, that stubbornly clings to life and to joy even in the face of horror and death. We take our pain and turn it into poetry. We take our misfortune and transform it into opportunity.

- Daniella Levy, By Light of Hidden Candles -

Thank you, Netgalley and Daniella Levy, for the copy of this amazing story.

The Book of Revelation Decoded by Rabbi K. A. Schneider | A Book Review

When I signed up for this book, I didn't know that this was a non-fiction. I had read of similar works before about the exposition of faith or religion, some great research findings about Christ and about Freemasonry. I admit, I am drawn to these kind of books. I am drawn by the intrigue and the controversy surrounding and generated by these kind of works. This is definitely the reason why this book did not escape my notice out of the many in Netgalley.

This is a simplification of the mysteries and interpretations of the Book of Revelation. The last book in the New Testament of the Holy Bible and the most controversial and scary, whether taken literally or figuratively. It speaks of the Apocalypse, the Armageddon, Rapture, the end of the world and the second coming of the Messiah. The world will be cleanse of its impurities and evil in disastrous ways no one has ever seen or imagined. This book wishes to prepare the faithful for that eventful coming of the Lord and to move people to change their ways and go back to God's graces. 

One of the most noteworthy and often emphasized thought in this book is the relation of the Old and New Testament. This book cited many examples that whatever is mentioned in the Revelations is also found in the books of the Old Testament. Meaning, even before, people had been asked to prepare for this eventual general cleansing of the earth. It also mentioned and emphasized that the Jewish or the people of Israel are the chosen people of God. The lost ten tribes of Israel is being called forth to go back to their roots and into the arms of God. But this does not mean that non-Jewish people like I am are going to be left to be ravaged by the elements and tempest that are bound to rock the earth in the end times. No, the Gentiles are also called to help bring back the stray chosen people of God to look back to their faith and the faith of their fathers. 

A lot of interesting and clarifying points have been discussed in this book and I can't help but be educated and informed. I too have been misguided or have been given misinterpreted information about the Book of Revelations. I am glad that I came upon this book now when I am mature and open-minded enough to understand its message and its call for conversion. This book also warns of the ultimate justice that God will impose on those that committed various crimes, inequalities and sufferings. On the end times, no one will escape this grand judgement. No one can bribe the judge or minimize the verdict. All that has been owed  and all the hurt and pains inflicted will received its due punishment. But the punishment will not be light and it will be unending. 

In truth, the things written in the Book of Revelations are scary and terrible. They are horrible ways to die and end this world. In as much as they are horrendous to contemplate, the book also brings a message of hope. Hope that there is still time. Time to change our wicked ways. It's not yet too late. We can still be part of those few who will survive the predicted horrible forms of catastrophe that will savage our world, physically, mentally and emotionally.

I am not sure if it is proper or is it even allowed to rate this book. But for the purpose of its understanding and of its getting the message across, I will  rate this book on such criteria. I give this 4/5 stars on the basis of being able to convey the message clearly. Was I able to understand it and if I was able to reach a form of discernment while reading its pages. On that note, the book did good on that. Point by point, the author was able to explain the major items to be understood when reading the Book of Revelations--the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, the seals and the signs. The connection between the old and new testament and the relevance of the events in the bible to the current times. They were all clearly dissected. My only concern was that there were some points where I had to stop. There is a tendency that you will be overwhelmed with all the information. There is also a part where you would feel that this non-fiction book is too much and will be tempted to stop. I did. I took a break and read a book of a different genre. A much lighter read to at least to unload my mind. Then I went back to finish this book. 

Clearly this is very informational and enlightening. The title summed it up. The Book of Revelations is indeed decoded in this book. Thank you again, Netgalley, for the review copy.

Yeshua's Second Coming at Armageddon will begin a sequence of events including the church's Rapture, Israel's salvation and the most glorious event in the history, "marriage supper of the Lamb."

- Rabbi K. A. Schneider, The Book of Revelation Decoded -  

To One Knight's Heaven by Simon West-Bulford | ARC | A Book Review

Here's another one. Another ARC I did not get to post a review right away. Again, my sincere apologies. 

This is another very interesting and engrossing read. That is if you are into mystery, conspiracies, and scandals about religion or faith. I am into all those things and I am curious as to the claims that the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church is hiding a lot of books, manuscripts, etc. that could ruin a lot of believers in the faith. Or most damaging of all, destroy all those hard-fought millennia of widely established and followed religion. I live for this kind of stories. Yes, I am a fan of Steve Berry and Dan Brown. I even have a copy of the Hiram Key and The Book of Hiram, which are works of Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. 

To One Knight's Heaven is like one of those books and works I mentioned. It's a story of a megalomaniac who has a messiah complex who plotted to wipe out all religions in the world. 

This book is exactly my bowl of rice. I like plots like these. If you are familiar with all those books I mentioned above, you will know that they are all about religion, faith, the Bible, and all other mysteries about faith. I am not sure why, but I am just so drawn into these subjects. They are like tantalizing pastries that I want to savor and relish with gusto. And this book is just what exactly satisfied my craving needs. It had all the fixings I need in a book that is attempting to shake the foundations of faith and religion. This is a jackpot!

I think, in a way, I can relate to Lucas. I think, for those of us who believe in religion or a God who has control over everything, I'm sure there was a time when you were bombarded with doubts about your beliefs. Let's just say that I am now in a limbo. In a state where I am unsure about myself, what I can do and what I believe in. It's more than theological. It's more of questioning my purpose. And I am lost, in all sense of the word. I don't know where I should go, what I should do or where I am going. Like I am in a stand-still. I am waiting and praying for some inspiration. For a strong jolt to push me to that thing or purpose for my being alive. So far, I haven't felt any twitch.

I don't know why I haven't heard of Simon West-Bulford before. He has written a few books and there are some titles which are of the same genre of this book. Now, I have one more author to stalk and I will definitely start to hunt for his works of the same subjects. I bet he has more interesting ideas because apparently, he has been writing theological essays for a decade. Finally, another name to join the lines of Berry, Brown, Knight and Lomas. Nice to meet you Mr. West-Bulford.

I give the book 5/5 crosses. This is another book that found me. I have enjoyed being shown another glimpse of the workings of the mind of an ego-centered man. I hope these psychopaths like him will stay only in the books and stories. We can't have them living among us. The embers of my curiosity were also fanned to a rising flame when the book talked about other lost books that should have been part of the Bible. Aside from the alleged lost gospels of James, Judas Iscariot, etc., this book hinted of more controversial and forbidden books that are purported to hold more evidence of the life and mysteries surrounding Jesus Christ. If these books are real, what would be their impact to the world? Hmmmm...I think that sounds like a good outline for another book. But who knows, they may be real and currently gathering dust in an old chest or in the vaults of Vatican.

...his faith had all but collapsed into the hot, dry sand of theology. It had been a gradual process, insidious in its decline, but the waters of his early faith, the excitement he felt when he first walked with God, had dried up.

- Simon West-Bulford, To One Knight's Heaven -

Release Date: November 21, 2016

Thank you again, Librarything.com and Simon West-Bulford for the ARC.