Book Review: The Last Reunion by Daniel and Mary Ann Nusbaum

Scanning the market for "Last Days" fiction, one might categorize that genre as oversaturated. However, The Last Reunion provides some twists different from recent forays into this genre. The beginning, set at an orphanage in rural Indiana, evokes the old-fashioned feel of the classic "Last Days" novel, The Twinkling of an Eye. During a blizzard, the custodian of the orphans' home discovers a basket containing a newborn baby. The first miracle of Jim Hoeven's life occurs in the next few minutes, and the reader senses, correctly, that little Jimmy is no ordinary baby. The opening chapters describe mysterious wolf-like creatures, which connect to the child's fate and fortune. These fearsome beasts appear more than once to threaten Jimmy and those he loves, and each encounter proves more dangerous. 

The lack of details about Jim's mother's or father's origin, about which the writers make certain implications by referring to Scripture, will probably not deter the reader from focusing on the growth and adventures of the protagonist. An early blood test reveals his first anomaly to Jimmy's adoptive parents, foreshadowing his strange, often heroic feats. The child encounters leopards at the circus, as well as confronts the wolf-like animals. He shows athletic prowess and intelligence beyond his years, swimming at a tender age and enrolling in college at age twelve. As Jim develops under the loving supervision of his parents, who oversee the orphanage, he seems a healthy, normal child, except for special strengths and gifts reminiscent of Superman.

The introduction of a sinister man, Wendell Anderson, alerts the reader to the presence of Jimmy's lifelong enemy and the threats this boy must constantly evade. At two different points in Jim’s life, Anderson plants a different woman in Jim’s home, attempting to destroy him. In the meantime, the Governor and his wife, who become close to Jim through their friendship with his adoptive parents, involve the young man in politics and diplomacy. The knowledge Jim gains over the years through this long-term internship will serve him in his ultimate calling and his final showdown with Anderson.

Article Author: Karen Phillips

Karen answered her call to write when her nest emptied. She draws on her faith, love of books, and family life for inspiration. See her blogs at http://sky-highview.blogspot.com, http://blog.myspace.com/writethetruth, and http://www.shoutlife.com/karenhphillips …

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