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The Great and Terrible #4
Fury & Light
The world waits in suspense as America struggles to survive following the attack on Washington, D.C., but who remains to run the government? Who will make the world-changing decisions that must be made? As King Abdullah prepares for the final attack that will bring America to its knees, the characters are trapped in a desperate fight for their lives. Sara Brighton and her sons, Luke and Ammon, head west in a doomed attempt to reach Salt Lake City. Sam returns to the States in anticipation of a U. S. retaliatory strike, but finds his home abandoned, with no trace of his family there. In Chicago, Azadeh Pahlavi meets her adopted mother and little sister, who are enmeshed in their own crisis with life-or-death consequences. The end is near now.
313 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
23 people are currently reading
1,085 people want to read
About the author
Chris Stewart
129 books269 followersChris Stewart is a bestselling author and world-record-setting Air Force pilot whose previous military techno-thrillers have been selected by the Book of the Month Club and published in six different countries. He is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Great and Terrible, as well as A Christmas Bell for Anya, which was performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their 2005 Christmas concert. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security. He is president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company and founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
August 7, 2012
Once again the story is interesting enough and well-written enough to keep me going, but not well-written enough to keep me from rolling my eyes every now and then. Stewart indulges in stereotypes, cliches, and downright cheesy language. Worst of all, I keep finding myself reading and thinking "But a real person would never do that!" or "A real human would never say something like that!" It's not so bad as to make the series unreadable--I still like the books although I wouldn't necessarily recommend them to anyone, but again, be prepared to roll your eyes a bit if you decide to dive in.
November 8, 2020
Review of books 3-6:
This is one long continuous story in these final books. While each book does have a climactic ending, you definitely don't get a feeling of resolution until book 6. Sometimes the author's attention to detail can be maddening and slow the pace. But at the same time, the details are what makes the story rich and believable. I love how he would show angels from both sides working on mortals. I would have preferred more from the Light, but the dark angels give a good picture of how men can behave as they sometimes do, and give insight into our own internal battles.
The political and military battles felt like watching the TV show 24 at times. So intense and yet frighteningly believable (especially in today's world). Definitely recommend if you like entertainment and insight at the same time!
This is one long continuous story in these final books. While each book does have a climactic ending, you definitely don't get a feeling of resolution until book 6. Sometimes the author's attention to detail can be maddening and slow the pace. But at the same time, the details are what makes the story rich and believable. I love how he would show angels from both sides working on mortals. I would have preferred more from the Light, but the dark angels give a good picture of how men can behave as they sometimes do, and give insight into our own internal battles.
The political and military battles felt like watching the TV show 24 at times. So intense and yet frighteningly believable (especially in today's world). Definitely recommend if you like entertainment and insight at the same time!
July 18, 2020
Wow. WOW. I just can’t believe it. This book is very satisfying. After all the endless military detail, violence and jumping around in past books, this one is like a breath of fresh air. I loved it. It was easier to follow, more touching, and more exciting. Now that the characters are fully developed and you feel a lot closer to them, their stories and feelings have a greater impact.
The whole thing was mind boggling. Could that EMP thing really happen, and that easily bring the US to its knees? Yikes! It was all so real. I now fully understand why Stewart puts in so much military detail. It’s total proof that that kind of destruction is possible. Finally I’m actually interested in ‘war stuff’….that EMP thing really got me going.
The destruction of the ‘Great Satan’ that has been being planned for years in advance has finally taken place. So has King Abdulla won? Has he gotten everything the old man promised? According to himself, he has. But Satan tells him the truth. He has lied. He was wasted his life and has sealed his fate with the blood of thousands.
The main characters finally meet. (YAY!!!) Their stories finally come together is a beautiful twist. I feel the REAL story has only begun. The REAL trial, the REAL test of faith, and the REAL courage will now finally be shown. I admire each one of the Brightons. I love reading about each of their perspectives and feelings.
I loved how the Spirit’s promptings overpowered Satan’s in this book. At least, the spirit had a bigger effect. It showed how God has more power in everything, and how He is watching us.
Over all, this book was terrifying and very powerful. It was beautiful. I loved the emotion and feelings portrayed in this book. Sam’s story touched me the most. He’s always been a favorite character, and I’ve loved seeing how his feelings towards God and the Spirit and other morals were shown in his life; just differently than most people. I cried—no, bawled—when he found his family and told them he had the priesthood. I just couldn’t help myself. I read it over and over again. You may think that I’m being a little dramatic, but I’m telling you—that was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read. And then his blessing…wow. I felt the spirit by just reading it. I get chills just THINKING about it! I cried through the rest of the book. It was just so sweet! So touching and perfect! Oh, I could go on and on. I just loved it. It was written so well I could almost see his face; almost hear the words; almost feel the very wave of power from being in an angel’s presence. It was all so wonderful! *sniff* I’m not kidding: it really was beautiful.
Stick with the first few books....this book is worth it!!!
The whole thing was mind boggling. Could that EMP thing really happen, and that easily bring the US to its knees? Yikes! It was all so real. I now fully understand why Stewart puts in so much military detail. It’s total proof that that kind of destruction is possible. Finally I’m actually interested in ‘war stuff’….that EMP thing really got me going.
The destruction of the ‘Great Satan’ that has been being planned for years in advance has finally taken place. So has King Abdulla won? Has he gotten everything the old man promised? According to himself, he has. But Satan tells him the truth. He has lied. He was wasted his life and has sealed his fate with the blood of thousands.
The main characters finally meet. (YAY!!!) Their stories finally come together is a beautiful twist. I feel the REAL story has only begun. The REAL trial, the REAL test of faith, and the REAL courage will now finally be shown. I admire each one of the Brightons. I love reading about each of their perspectives and feelings.
I loved how the Spirit’s promptings overpowered Satan’s in this book. At least, the spirit had a bigger effect. It showed how God has more power in everything, and how He is watching us.
Over all, this book was terrifying and very powerful. It was beautiful. I loved the emotion and feelings portrayed in this book. Sam’s story touched me the most. He’s always been a favorite character, and I’ve loved seeing how his feelings towards God and the Spirit and other morals were shown in his life; just differently than most people. I cried—no, bawled—when he found his family and told them he had the priesthood. I just couldn’t help myself. I read it over and over again. You may think that I’m being a little dramatic, but I’m telling you—that was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read. And then his blessing…wow. I felt the spirit by just reading it. I get chills just THINKING about it! I cried through the rest of the book. It was just so sweet! So touching and perfect! Oh, I could go on and on. I just loved it. It was written so well I could almost see his face; almost hear the words; almost feel the very wave of power from being in an angel’s presence. It was all so wonderful! *sniff* I’m not kidding: it really was beautiful.
Stick with the first few books....this book is worth it!!!
January 29, 2021
These books are hard to put down, despite the fact that I got a little bogged down in this one with so much discussion of technology. As with most good fiction, there are definitely times when you have to suspend your disbelief and just accept the ridiculous coincidences, but Stewart has written characters that the reader believes in and wants to root for, so I was willing to suspend my disbelief. Yes, there were a few times when the dialog was just cheesy and, after 20+ years as a military spouse, I know soldiers wouldn't actually talk that way. Still, the book was compelling and I want to know what happens next.
Despite the fact that realistically the story line could actually happen (a nuke to the Gaza and DC and an EMP that destroys countries) and that scares me to death, I still have to know what's going to happen and I look forward to reading the sequel. 4 stars!
Despite the fact that realistically the story line could actually happen (a nuke to the Gaza and DC and an EMP that destroys countries) and that scares me to death, I still have to know what's going to happen and I look forward to reading the sequel. 4 stars!
January 3, 2023
I finally feel like the story is gaining momentum! This book has more "story" than the first 3 and I enjoyed reading this one much more!
August 31, 2014
It took me a lot longer to get into this one than the previous books, but I still really enjoyed it. My mind is always racing as I read these, thinking about what can happen in the world and how crazy it could be. But then I remember that if we are prepared we don't need to fear. And I remember how God is truly a god of miracles and He can guide us and direct us and do amazing things. It's the world and Satan's influence that teaches us that good can't happen and that things are impossible, but it's not true. He can do anything and He does more than we even realize. I can't and won't say these are very well-written books (because they're not and there's a lot of things that bug me), but I love the characters and the message and I can't wait to see what happens next!
October 17, 2007
Big payoffs! Things really heat up in book 4, but it still leaves us hanging, so I hope the author is hard at work on book 5. I was very happy with the developments in the story. Thoroughly satisfying.
December 20, 2019
I have read this series before and loved it. The message I got from the series that greatly impacted me was the fact that Satan has so many followers who are standing by ready and waiting to tell you you’re not good enough and you aren’t worth anything. These negative thoughts I would entertain before reading this series. This series touched my life and helped me realize that I shouldn’t listen to those negative thoughts and now that I’m reading them to my family it has been a great way to teach my children, especially teenagers, about that negative voice. Thank you so much for writing this story! It keeps us coming back for more, but it also launches some wonderful discussions and thought provoking questions.
April 6, 2023
I liked this volume better than the preceeding one, although there were some places where I felt you there was just too much "coincidence". I know that people can receive clear spiritual guidance and direction, but some of this was a little over the top for me. Still, I read the book in just a couple of days as it was very captivating.
It is important to keep in mind that this is just the author's idea of what the last days might look like. In some ways, it fits a rather stereotyped scenario, but I wonder if things might not be quite different. I sometimes think that our narrow vision of things is what causes us to think this might be a return to the mid-1800's. I suspect that things may be different and more complex than the author suggests, but that's just my speculation.
It is important to keep in mind that this is just the author's idea of what the last days might look like. In some ways, it fits a rather stereotyped scenario, but I wonder if things might not be quite different. I sometimes think that our narrow vision of things is what causes us to think this might be a return to the mid-1800's. I suspect that things may be different and more complex than the author suggests, but that's just my speculation.
April 20, 2020
Volume 4 in the 6 book series of the Great and Terrible by Chris Stewart- I read The first three books a couple years ago. I read this book in one day I have enjoyed this series, I am looking forward to reading the next two books to complete the series.
The way the books are written it puts life in perspective and seems that this could be a real possibility in our world. I like the way it portrays the good and evil- it’s so believable.
The way the books are written it puts life in perspective and seems that this could be a real possibility in our world. I like the way it portrays the good and evil- it’s so believable.
June 10, 2020
This was frightening to think about if the United States ever had an EMP happen. I don't know what I would do if that were the case. Prince Abdullah is a wicked man but goes to show you how much satan's followers are here on the earth speaking evil to people. Glad that Sam found his family and now has found Azedah. Look forward to the next two books to see how things recover from all the devastation.
January 28, 2022
This series is a "last days" genre. EMPs aren't just a plot device in this type of story, they are a real threat, and our country still isn't prepared for the possibility. Parts of it almost reads like a history book already. Kind of chilling.
I just learned that this 6 book series was condensed and put out in 10 episode books called Wrath and Righteousness. It was changed from an LDS audience to a mainstream Christian audience.
I just learned that this 6 book series was condensed and put out in 10 episode books called Wrath and Righteousness. It was changed from an LDS audience to a mainstream Christian audience.
August 8, 2024
Whew!! Written 20 years ago but it feels like something that could and might be happening now. Makes you want to run out and prepare for an uncertain future! The story of the Brighton Family, Azadah, the King of Saudi Arabia continues in this, might I say ,gripping novel. I read the whole thing in two days because I couldn’t put it down. There were some impossible miracles that happened but with God nothing is impossible. Can’t wait to read the next one
May 30, 2017
This is prob my least fav in the series so far but overall very good. There were some cheesy parts with dialogue between Sara, the mother, and her sons. There was also much more emphasis with and a few slow parts after, the EMP strike, which made it go by a bit slower for me than the 1st 3 books. Loved the ending though!
January 10, 2022
"The Great" concepts "and Terrible" execution. I wanted to love it, I really did! But I could only tolerate it. It was some of the most interesting ideas with the absolute worst writing. I loved his idea of the pre-mortal existence, and following this "family" throughout their mortal journey until present day. However, it was incredibly cheesy writing - almost painful to make it through.
January 20, 2023
Yet again, my already high expectations were far surpassed. This book is packed with action, faith, hope, heartbreak, truths… its kind of cheesy, but in a way that leaves you warm and cozy in your soul. This series is just incredible, and I am on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next.
February 17, 2024
plot thickens
The plot thickens and people
Reunite. Others meet for the first time and blessings can happen, even in our lives. Great piece of literature and ties religion into other aspects of life.
The plot thickens and people
Reunite. Others meet for the first time and blessings can happen, even in our lives. Great piece of literature and ties religion into other aspects of life.
June 10, 2018
What a very good and intense book.
July 17, 2017
Lived this series
September 2, 2019
Another great read! This story is so crazy because it seems so real, like these things could really happen. I love the characters and can't wait to read the next one.
December 16, 2019
Another great book in this series!
July 16, 2021
Interesting book that kept me reading. I feel like there is a lot of fluff, but perhaps that's my being a millennial speaking. The timeline is confusing at times, but I think it works out.
September 24, 2021
Difficult story to read. Very gloomy possible future.
Read
November 16, 2021I struggled with the last three books in this series. They were almost sappy to me.
February 3, 2024
My favorite of the series. I liked how everyone’s stories collided.
March 5, 2024
Captivating though not the best writing. I’m trying to finish the series.
November 27, 2024
Fascinating! The idea of any of this coming true is absolutely terrifying.
December 28, 2024
100% must read! It's an incredible series!
June 11, 2014
Okay, this series deserves a review. Hmmm. Where to start?
Writing Style and Story: two stars. It is painful in parts. Especially in the first book, "Prologue: The Brothers." The series is many parts boring, and several parts cheesy. I skimmed a lot of this series. It seemed that over half of the entire series was devoted to everything and everyone but our main characters. Everyone that was in the story seemed to have a chance to tell the story from the good to the bad to the insignificant. Therefore, you always knew what was going to happen next. And because we spent so much time hearing about everyone in the world and out of the world our main characters are not really developed and by the end when you are still holding out to know more about them it's time for the story to end and so you don't get to hear anything more. Everyone just kinda gets dropped. I wanted to know what happened to them. They lived. That was all I got.
We also had a lot of build up and then we turn to the next page and the situation is over and you were given a few words from someone good or bad like, "Wow, can't believe we survived that. That was hard. But now we are safe and it over." To know what happened we were given one or two lines. "Sam made it out in time." "The earth was created." Anti-climatic. Disconnected.
Theology: One and a half stars. In many ways this is a LDS "Left Behind" apocalyptic story. In the first book we see the Pre-Mortal Life. I know many people might get nervous over this. It was all pretty watered down though so deep breaths please. Nothing to get nervous about. Sure there were some assumptions, but they were pretty probable or so ridiculous that you could roll with it. But I don't think the author's point is to get us fixated on what it was like physically, but to get us to think what it was like on a spiritual level. He didn't a better job with this.
When they are on earth the characters seem almost apologetic to everyone for their religion. They are embarrassed trying to explain a mission. They forget until people are almost dead that they can give blessings. Prayer is an after thought. Sometimes if it's mentioned at all. One main character mom lectures a non-Mormon character about why she shouldn't tell anyone about her daughters healing. There are too few references to what LDS people believe in this book. That frustrated me.
Also we have one character who starts out unsure of his faith. Little is told of his struggle to know and what he does. Contrast maybe a G. Lund book and we have books on Joshua's Steed's searching and pleading. Our character mentions he wants to know more. Than hundred's of pages later (maybe in another book- not sure- I read three books in one day), our character falls from the sky (literally in a parachute) and says, "Don't worry mom, I am an elder now. I can give our dying brother a blessing." I'm serious. Basically this series is very weak on most levels theologically speaking. I'm not sure why....
Overall Take Home Message: Five stars. Now I'm sure by now you think I hate this series. Quite the contrary. Yes, much of it I've blocked out because it was rough. But, I have not been able to stop thinking about some of the ideas in this book. There's a lot of Screwtape and Wormwood (CS Lewis' masterpiece) discussion going on. What are those voices telling me right now? There is a lot of dialogue about what's happening on the other side of the veil both good and bad. What promises did you make before you came? Who you might have known there that you know here? What's your purpose here on earth? Do we realize how many are fighting for us? against us? We have a lot of power. We have a lot of light and truth.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about some of these ideas. Some I've dismissed and others have redirected me and my own earth life experience. So if I had to wade through over 1800 pages to get at least 5 life changing ideas, (which I did), it was worth it. Will I read this again? Yes. Probably a couple of times. (It helps that it has a happy ending-albeit very choppy and slightly confusing-but happy is good. I like happy endings).
Writing Style and Story: two stars. It is painful in parts. Especially in the first book, "Prologue: The Brothers." The series is many parts boring, and several parts cheesy. I skimmed a lot of this series. It seemed that over half of the entire series was devoted to everything and everyone but our main characters. Everyone that was in the story seemed to have a chance to tell the story from the good to the bad to the insignificant. Therefore, you always knew what was going to happen next. And because we spent so much time hearing about everyone in the world and out of the world our main characters are not really developed and by the end when you are still holding out to know more about them it's time for the story to end and so you don't get to hear anything more. Everyone just kinda gets dropped. I wanted to know what happened to them. They lived. That was all I got.
We also had a lot of build up and then we turn to the next page and the situation is over and you were given a few words from someone good or bad like, "Wow, can't believe we survived that. That was hard. But now we are safe and it over." To know what happened we were given one or two lines. "Sam made it out in time." "The earth was created." Anti-climatic. Disconnected.
Theology: One and a half stars. In many ways this is a LDS "Left Behind" apocalyptic story. In the first book we see the Pre-Mortal Life. I know many people might get nervous over this. It was all pretty watered down though so deep breaths please. Nothing to get nervous about. Sure there were some assumptions, but they were pretty probable or so ridiculous that you could roll with it. But I don't think the author's point is to get us fixated on what it was like physically, but to get us to think what it was like on a spiritual level. He didn't a better job with this.
When they are on earth the characters seem almost apologetic to everyone for their religion. They are embarrassed trying to explain a mission. They forget until people are almost dead that they can give blessings. Prayer is an after thought. Sometimes if it's mentioned at all. One main character mom lectures a non-Mormon character about why she shouldn't tell anyone about her daughters healing. There are too few references to what LDS people believe in this book. That frustrated me.
Also we have one character who starts out unsure of his faith. Little is told of his struggle to know and what he does. Contrast maybe a G. Lund book and we have books on Joshua's Steed's searching and pleading. Our character mentions he wants to know more. Than hundred's of pages later (maybe in another book- not sure- I read three books in one day), our character falls from the sky (literally in a parachute) and says, "Don't worry mom, I am an elder now. I can give our dying brother a blessing." I'm serious. Basically this series is very weak on most levels theologically speaking. I'm not sure why....
Overall Take Home Message: Five stars. Now I'm sure by now you think I hate this series. Quite the contrary. Yes, much of it I've blocked out because it was rough. But, I have not been able to stop thinking about some of the ideas in this book. There's a lot of Screwtape and Wormwood (CS Lewis' masterpiece) discussion going on. What are those voices telling me right now? There is a lot of dialogue about what's happening on the other side of the veil both good and bad. What promises did you make before you came? Who you might have known there that you know here? What's your purpose here on earth? Do we realize how many are fighting for us? against us? We have a lot of power. We have a lot of light and truth.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about some of these ideas. Some I've dismissed and others have redirected me and my own earth life experience. So if I had to wade through over 1800 pages to get at least 5 life changing ideas, (which I did), it was worth it. Will I read this again? Yes. Probably a couple of times. (It helps that it has a happy ending-albeit very choppy and slightly confusing-but happy is good. I like happy endings).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews