RIVEN Paperback – 1 Jan. 2009

This is not the sort of book that I normally choose to read; however, I am pleased that I did as it proved to be a surprisingly good story. It focuses on 2 main characters; Thomas, a priest, and Brady a 16 year old product of a broken home. The book moves backwards and forwards between the two, showing what is happening in their lives.Thomas is not doing well; unable to maintain a position within a parish and with a wife who is suffering with leukaemia, and a daughter that no longer follows her parents faith. He eventually accepts a position as a prison chaplain at a super maximum security prison in the USA. Meanwhile Brady is doing whatever he can to survive, getting into trouble despite the attempts of other people to help him, but with a sad inevitability, he ends up on death row in the same supermax prison where Thomas works.What happens next could be of major interest to committed Christians, and probably a little boring for non-believers; but never the less, it is an interesting coverage of someone's spiritual journey. To his surprise, Thomas finds that his faith is also given a jolt by the young man, and he begins to feel that his life has lead to this point in time. The climax is quite stunning; and actually probably meant to be quite disturbing.I found it to be a really good read, although perhaps a little formulaic. Probably not suitable for the younger or more immature reader, but one that I am glad that I chose to download.

Okay, let me begin by saying I'm not religious. Not Christian either. But I could tell Jerry Jenkins put his very all into this novel. It felt personal and like a message being delivered. I read it all within a week. Would definitely recommend.

This is a great read but won't be for everyone as there is a Christian angle to the story which for me adds to the depth and characters and brings the whole story together. The plots move along and are good stories in themselves and make a great read as they come together towards the end. I felt sympathy for Brady in spite of his crimes and flawed personality. It's a compelling read and will make you think. I enjoyed the theological angle to the story and the theme of redemption and salvation but this won't be for everyone. I did find the repeated hymns a little saccharine though!All in all, an author I will seek out again in the future.

It's true this book has a singularly large number of religious references but it shouldn't detract from what is a riveting story. Yes, it's a slow burner initially, but the main characters are well crafted and, like others who have reviewed this, I couldn't read the last few chapters without tears running down my face. A long time since any book has had that kind of profound effect. I don't consider myself religious or even spiritual, but I would argue that this is not just a book for the religious community. It is at times thought provoking and challenging (if you want it to be) but otherwise, it is a well-written piece of fiction. Count me as a fan.

This is the best book I have read so far this year. I got really upset when it accidentally got deleted from my Kindle but managed to recover it so I could finish it. I wouldn't let the 'Christian' label that some others have put on the book put you off. This is a good story however the author could easily have left out some of the 'Christian' stuff at the end without damaging the story. Well worth a read.

Wasn't sure at first, but grew to like the characters more and more, moving story which, these days is unfortunately so common, but the ending is unexpected. It also makes you realise that there must be at least 50% who, like Brady, might have turned out differently if life had given them a better chance....

Already had the book so had read the novel previously. Disappointed to have bought it because I have it in hard copy.

As the to main story start you think whats does this mean soon becomes clear,Brady to ASP were Thomas has been chaplin and Brady's execution 3 yrs later has a massive following due to the way he wants to die its a must read moveing story