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Comet Dust
Eighteen month ago, the earth survived a comet strike. Famine, economic depression, and soaring crime rates rode in on its tail. While the government scrambles for solutions, Gina Applegate vlogs about college life and current events. God doesn’t figure large in her life. Nonetheless, Gina thinks she’s a pretty good person—until the prophesied event known as the Illumination of Conscience gives her a glimpse of hell, shaking her fragile faith. As the world slips deeper into darkness, the gulf between the godly and the godless widens, leaving no middle ground. Gina must choose a side.
Inspired by scripture and private revelations of the saints.
Before the comet comes, many nations, the good excepted, will be scourged by want and famine. The great nation in the ocean that is inhabited by people of different tribes and descent will be devastated by earthquake, storm, and tidal wave. It will be divided and, in great part, submerged . . . For in none of those cities does a person live according to the Laws of God. A powerful wind will rise in the North, carrying heavy fog and the densest dust, and it will fill their throats and eyes so that they will cease their butchery and be stricken with a great fear. —Saint Hildegard (12th Century)
Comet Dust is written from a Christian-Catholic worldview, but the characters live in a modern culture on a downward spiral. Expect some strong language, sexual situations, and violence. For ages 16 and up.
Inspired by scripture and private revelations of the saints.
Before the comet comes, many nations, the good excepted, will be scourged by want and famine. The great nation in the ocean that is inhabited by people of different tribes and descent will be devastated by earthquake, storm, and tidal wave. It will be divided and, in great part, submerged . . . For in none of those cities does a person live according to the Laws of God. A powerful wind will rise in the North, carrying heavy fog and the densest dust, and it will fill their throats and eyes so that they will cease their butchery and be stricken with a great fear. —Saint Hildegard (12th Century)
Comet Dust is written from a Christian-Catholic worldview, but the characters live in a modern culture on a downward spiral. Expect some strong language, sexual situations, and violence. For ages 16 and up.
- GenresFiction
361 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2016
108 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Verhoff
7 books127 followersI live in rural Ohio with my husband and our two teenagers. I've worn many hats over the course of my life, including: retail clerk, elementary school teacher, medical lab processor, registered rep in insurance and finance. My reading tastes are eclectic, but when I write my own stories they usually contain elements of fantasy, science fiction or the paranormal. Thank you for stopping by.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 15, 2024
ENGLISH: This is the sixth book I have given five stars since the year 2000. I read all of its 300 pages in less than two days, and when the book ended I felt overwhelmed.
This is an apocalyptic novel in the strictest sense of the word. But I don't think the question is whether things may come to happen this way. I'd rather consider the whole book as a warning, telling us what could happen, in the same sense that the protagonist's vision at the beginning of the book was a warning. And one must not forget that her second name is Magdalene. This is crucial to the story.
ESPAÑOL: Este es el sexto libro al que le doy cinco estrellas desde el año 2000. La novela es abrumadora, pero una vez empezada es muy difícil dejarla. Leí sus 300 páginas en menos de dos días y cuando terminé el libro tuve una fuerte sensación de aplastamiento mental.
Esta es una novela apocalíptica en el sentido en el sentido etimológico del término. Pero no creo que la cuestión sea si las cosas pueden llegar a suceder de esta manera. Prefiero considerar todo el libro como una advertencia, que nos dice lo que podría suceder, en el mismo sentido que la visión que tiene la protagonista al principio del libro fue una advertencia. Y no hay que olvidar que su segundo nombre es Magdalena. Esto es crucial para la historia.
This is an apocalyptic novel in the strictest sense of the word. But I don't think the question is whether things may come to happen this way. I'd rather consider the whole book as a warning, telling us what could happen, in the same sense that the protagonist's vision at the beginning of the book was a warning. And one must not forget that her second name is Magdalene. This is crucial to the story.
ESPAÑOL: Este es el sexto libro al que le doy cinco estrellas desde el año 2000. La novela es abrumadora, pero una vez empezada es muy difícil dejarla. Leí sus 300 páginas en menos de dos días y cuando terminé el libro tuve una fuerte sensación de aplastamiento mental.
Esta es una novela apocalíptica en el sentido en el sentido etimológico del término. Pero no creo que la cuestión sea si las cosas pueden llegar a suceder de esta manera. Prefiero considerar todo el libro como una advertencia, que nos dice lo que podría suceder, en el mismo sentido que la visión que tiene la protagonista al principio del libro fue una advertencia. Y no hay que olvidar que su segundo nombre es Magdalena. Esto es crucial para la historia.
February 4, 2021
I dedicate with affectione this review to my friend Manuel Alfonseca, without whose enthusiasm i would have never read this novel.
The reading of this novel has been one of the most dificult challege of my reader career. Not only because i read in my computer`s screen (i sually to read on Paper), besides i read in his original language (i usually read the books translated to spanish). However it was a fascinaiting challenge. "Comet Dust" or "Dark Days" figures in the category of eschatogy novels, or parousistic novel, whose main examples would be "The Lord of World" was written by Robert Hugh Benson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Father Elijah`s novel was written by Michael D. O `Brien https://www.goodreads.com/series/6765...
The Trilogy of Kenth E. Knowell https://www.goodreads.com/series/1080...
The novel of argentinian and spanish writers "666" was written by Hugo Wast https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
"The papers of Benjamin Benavides" was written by the Jesuit Leonardo Castellani https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and "Apocalypse: The day of Lord" was written by the spanish writer Jorge Saez Criado
The difference is that in "Comet Dust" inserts elements of the novel of catastrophes as a Third World War against the muslim, it is interesting the comparaison with the novel "The Lord of World" (it reminds me the Japanese Anime "Akira" very Philip K. Dickian, where in a future society there are a third world war https://www.goodreads.com/series/5744... ), and the collision of the comet against the Earth. It is interesting as the spanish priest Fortea mistress Verhoff try to explain the signal of the revelation with natural causes, or disasters.
Verhoff shows this image with the sight of an university student Gina Magdalene Applegate. An old catholic girl, who loses her faith. One of the best points, or advantages of "Comet Dust" perhaps it was that Misstress Verhoff offers the best spiritual portrait of a character and the risk of the atheism, although in this case the anger the main character against God it is most reasonable than the the Aidan MacCainech`s huff (the main character of "Byzantyum" was written by Stephen R. Lawhead https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... ). In this case the cause it was because God caught the brother, who died about cancer. It is a very Camus reaction that C.S. Lewis try to reply in their books "A grief observed" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... and "The problem of Pain"
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
During the action of this novel Gina has characters positives to her return to the faith of their parents especially her grandmother, her classmate that at beggining atheist Kylie Huang, Miguel, Zachary Lombardi, and the men and women of God, who appears in this noel on the other hand the characters who try to go far to her objective, between them one of the most unpleasent, nerd, selfish and unsensitive character that i have met in my reader trip the boyfriend of Gina, erome, although it was not the worse villain that i have met this honor is for Amon Goeth "The Schindler Ark" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... , Roth/Rat "The Way of Shadows" was written by Brent Weeks, and Roger Van Houten "Die under your Sky" was written by Juan Manuel de Prada
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... a part of these characters we can add to the collection to Julie, and the Proffessor Langley, who is a seed of the age of sixties (spirit of May of 68 in Europe, woodstock generation in United States) he is the typical proffesor, who was not an authority proffesor, he want to be a buddy of the students, and he is more worried to indoctrinate and politicizes them than to teach or try to find a job. Of course he strikes the beliefs of their students (those they do not follow his theories). This is a custom in Europe (In Spain they have created a political party) and the rumors said to me that this evil are spreading by United States, including Christian, and Catholic Universities (case Anthony Esolen affair), but if the readers excuse me i am going back to speak about the characters of this novel. The female characters are better, and more developed than them (especially Gina, and her colleague Kylie Huang), although i must confess my predilection for Zachary Lombardi.
Other interesting element is analyzing the society destroyed by the war, chaos and the violence tribes of cannibal, that he reminded me to books "The Road" was written by Cormac MacCarthy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... or movies as The book of Eli, or Judge Dreed (I am the law :-)). This is the ages for prophecies, warning, miracles, and priests more or less saints.
I must recognize that i am not a fan of universitaries, or adult sea of hormones that appear in movies as animal lampton, and the graduateor critics novels with the corruption in the campus "I am Charlotte Simmons" was written by the briliant Tom Wolfe https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
I must confess that in ocassion it was dificult for me continueing the reading but the end it is so good that i could not resist the temptation to rate with five stars. If you are not a very religious person, perhaps you can be interested in the overnatural thrillers were written by Dean Koontz, and Stephen King overall his novel "The stand" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... this novel has things in common with these novels previously quoted, r the people worried with the education of the Campus this is her novel. I also was conquered with the references of mistress Verhoff with popular classics the Chronicles of Shannara https://www.goodreads.com/series/4952... and Dragon Ball, although at this moment i preffer Doraemon Gadget cat from the Future (it is interesting Doraemon: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Underworld)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doraemo... also the tribute to misstress Verhoff to the american writer Michael Novak, Ed said a quote to died writer (rest in peace). The novel has several echoes to "1984" was written by George Orwell, and "The Lord of Flies" was written by William Golding than "A Brave new world" was written by Aldous Huxley. However in one thing i disagree (it is my personal opinion) i think that the neuist did not need a coup to obtain the power, on contrary they will get the power without any violence, aclaimed by the people. I totally agree with the spanish writer Juan Manuel de Prada "The new tyranny"
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
The new tyranny will give rights and their followers will pursuit in the name of tolerance, more in the line of Julian Felsenburgh was created by Robert Hugh Benson. About the newpagan rites of the brotherhood reminded me to the bohemians/sons of Cain of the american writer Val Bianco https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Despite this handicap i recomend enthusiastically the novel of this talentful writer, watching the action throughtout the vlogs of Gina. The purpose of these novels is not being sad, on contrary is joy. There is a tribute to the Virgin Saint Mary.
............................................................................................................................................................................
Dedicado con afecto a mi amigo Manuel Alfonseca, sin cuya animo no habría leído esta novela.
Leer esta novela ha sido uno de los retos más difíciles de mi carrera como lector. No sólo porque la leí en pantalla (cuando yo suelo leer en papel), y porque la leí en su idioma original (yo suelo leer los libros traducidos, porque mi conocimiento del idioma no es tan extenso). Sin embargo fue un reto apasionante. "Comet Dust", o "Dark Days" representa lo que se ha llamado género escatológico, o parusístico, cuyos ejemplos serían "El Señor del Mundo" de Robert Hugh Benson, las dos novelas del Padre Elías de Michael D. O´Brien, la trilogía de Kenneth E Knowell, y para el público hispano las novelas de los argentinos Hugo Wast "666", "Los papeles de Benjamín Benavides" o "Su majestad Dulcinea" de Leonardo Castellani, y "Apocalipsis: El día del Señor" del escritor español Jorge Sáez Criado.
La diferencia es que en "Comet Dust" C.D. Verhoff introduce, también elementos de las novelas de catástrofes, como una tercera guerra mundial, librada contra el islam (esto me recordó al Anime Akira, que arranca después de una tercera guerra mundial), y el choque de un cometa contra la Tierra. Como el Padre Fortea, trata de explicar los sucesos apocalípticos descritos en su novela, mediante causas naturales.
Algo muy curioso es que Verhoff nos muestra este panorama desde el punto de vista de una estudiante de un Campus universitario, o College, llamada Gina Applegate. Una antigua chica católica, que ha perdido su fe. Quizá uno de los aciertos de "Comet Dust" es mostrarnos quizá junto con "Bizancio" de Stephen R. Lawhead la mejor fotografía del estado espiritual de un personaje, y los riesgos del ateísmo. Aunque en este caso el enfado de Gina, me parece más lógico, que el del protagonista de "Bizancio" Aidan MacCainech. En este caso, porque Dios se llevo a su hermano, que murió de Cáncer, es una reacción muy de Camus porque Dios no impide el sufrimiento. Tema, que exploró C.S. Lewis en "El problema del dolor", o en "Una pena en observación".
Durante el transcurso de la novela Gina, tendrá personajes favorables a su vuelta a la fe la abuela de la protagonista, la en un principio atea Kylie Huang, Miguel, Zachary Lombardi y los religiosos, y por el otro lado gente que la tratará de alejar uno de los personajes más antipáticos, y necios, que encontrado, el novio de la protagonista Jerome aunque no sea el villano más malvado, dicho honor es cortesía del Amon Goeth de "La lista de Schindler", Roth/Rat "Camino de sombras", y Roger Van Houten "Morir bajotu cielo" de Juan Manuel de Prada que he encontrado. Me refiero al novio de la protagonista Jerome, su amiga Julie, y el Profesor Langley, que desgraciadamente me pareció un personaje muy real, porque lo tenemos en este momento en nuestro país el del profesor politizado, que más que un profesor es un amigo de los alumnos (todo muy de Mayo del 68), y que en lugar de formar a los alumnos, lo que hace es politizarlos, y adoctrinarlos, y por supuesto ataca las creencias de los alumnos. Esto ya es costumbre en Europa (en España hasta han creado un partido político), y por lo que me dicen, parece, que este mal se está extendiendo a los Campus Americanos, incluso en Universidades Cristianas. Pero si se me perdona, se puede volver al análisis de los personajes. Ellas están mucho mejor (sobre todo Gina, y Kylie Huang), que ellos, aunque yo reconozco mi predilección por Zachary Lombardi. Otro de los elementos de interés es analizar la sociedad destruida por la guerra, el caos, y la violencia, que se extiende. Entre ellos tribús de canibales, que parecen salidas de distopías como la "Carretera" de Cormac MacCarthy, o películas como "El libro de Eli", o "El juez Dredd". También hay tiempos para milagros, y profecías con sacerdotes más o menos santos.
Reconozco, que no soy un gran fan del fenómeno teen, o novelas de universitarios impuberes más propias de películas como desmadre a la americana, el graduado, o novelas críticas con la corrupción en los Campus, como "Mi nombre es Charlotte Simmons", del siempre corrosivo Tom Wolfe. Reconozco, que hubo momentos en que la novela se me hizo pesada, pero es que el último tercio es tan bueno, que no pude evitar ponerle cinco estrellas. Sino le interesa la novela escatológica, pero si es usted fan de las novelas de Dean Koontz, o Stephen King sobre todo de su novela "The Stand", o está preocupado por la educación, que recibe sus hijos en el Campus esta es su novela. Otro de los aciertos de Misstress Verhoff son los guiños a la cultura popular, yo me sentí muy feliz de ver referencias a las crónicas de Shannara de Terry Brooks, y a una de mis series favoritas de la infancia cortesía de Ed Dragon Ball. También me gusto mucho el homenaje y tributo, que rinde C.D. Verhoff a Michael Novak, poniendo en boca de Ed una frase suya. También tiene ecos de la novela distópica más "1984" de Orwell, que "El mundo feliz" de Aldous Huxley. Sin embargo hay una cosa en la que discrepo de Verhoff. Los malvados Neuist no van a necesitar un golpe de estado para llegar al poder, por el contrario llegarán a él sin hacer uso de la violencia demandado por la gente. Aquí tomo como referencia a uno de mis autores favoritos Juan Manuel de Prada, y su "Nueva Tiranía", dónde más o menos remarca que la Nueva Dictadura, no será represiva, sino que otorgará derechos, y serán sus seguidores los que ejerzan la violencia en nombre de la tolerancia, sin que el tirano se manche las manos de sangre. El modelo sería el Julian Felsenburgh de "El Señor del mundo". Respecto a los Neuist sus practicas neopaganas me recordaron a los Bohemios/Hijos de Caín de la novela del escritor Val Bianco "Sons of Cain"
Con todo a pesar de esta pequeña discrepancia les invito a disfrutar de la recreación del final de los días contadas por esta talentosa escritora, y que nos cuenta su heroína Gina mediante blogs, porque y es innecesario decirlo el propósito de estas novelas no es contar algo triste, sino por el contrario es alegre, hay un gran reconocimiento a la Virgen María.
The reading of this novel has been one of the most dificult challege of my reader career. Not only because i read in my computer`s screen (i sually to read on Paper), besides i read in his original language (i usually read the books translated to spanish). However it was a fascinaiting challenge. "Comet Dust" or "Dark Days" figures in the category of eschatogy novels, or parousistic novel, whose main examples would be "The Lord of World" was written by Robert Hugh Benson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Father Elijah`s novel was written by Michael D. O `Brien https://www.goodreads.com/series/6765...
The Trilogy of Kenth E. Knowell https://www.goodreads.com/series/1080...
The novel of argentinian and spanish writers "666" was written by Hugo Wast https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
"The papers of Benjamin Benavides" was written by the Jesuit Leonardo Castellani https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... and "Apocalypse: The day of Lord" was written by the spanish writer Jorge Saez Criado
The difference is that in "Comet Dust" inserts elements of the novel of catastrophes as a Third World War against the muslim, it is interesting the comparaison with the novel "The Lord of World" (it reminds me the Japanese Anime "Akira" very Philip K. Dickian, where in a future society there are a third world war https://www.goodreads.com/series/5744... ), and the collision of the comet against the Earth. It is interesting as the spanish priest Fortea mistress Verhoff try to explain the signal of the revelation with natural causes, or disasters.
Verhoff shows this image with the sight of an university student Gina Magdalene Applegate. An old catholic girl, who loses her faith. One of the best points, or advantages of "Comet Dust" perhaps it was that Misstress Verhoff offers the best spiritual portrait of a character and the risk of the atheism, although in this case the anger the main character against God it is most reasonable than the the Aidan MacCainech`s huff (the main character of "Byzantyum" was written by Stephen R. Lawhead https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... ). In this case the cause it was because God caught the brother, who died about cancer. It is a very Camus reaction that C.S. Lewis try to reply in their books "A grief observed" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... and "The problem of Pain"
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
During the action of this novel Gina has characters positives to her return to the faith of their parents especially her grandmother, her classmate that at beggining atheist Kylie Huang, Miguel, Zachary Lombardi, and the men and women of God, who appears in this noel on the other hand the characters who try to go far to her objective, between them one of the most unpleasent, nerd, selfish and unsensitive character that i have met in my reader trip the boyfriend of Gina, erome, although it was not the worse villain that i have met this honor is for Amon Goeth "The Schindler Ark" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... , Roth/Rat "The Way of Shadows" was written by Brent Weeks, and Roger Van Houten "Die under your Sky" was written by Juan Manuel de Prada
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... a part of these characters we can add to the collection to Julie, and the Proffessor Langley, who is a seed of the age of sixties (spirit of May of 68 in Europe, woodstock generation in United States) he is the typical proffesor, who was not an authority proffesor, he want to be a buddy of the students, and he is more worried to indoctrinate and politicizes them than to teach or try to find a job. Of course he strikes the beliefs of their students (those they do not follow his theories). This is a custom in Europe (In Spain they have created a political party) and the rumors said to me that this evil are spreading by United States, including Christian, and Catholic Universities (case Anthony Esolen affair), but if the readers excuse me i am going back to speak about the characters of this novel. The female characters are better, and more developed than them (especially Gina, and her colleague Kylie Huang), although i must confess my predilection for Zachary Lombardi.
Other interesting element is analyzing the society destroyed by the war, chaos and the violence tribes of cannibal, that he reminded me to books "The Road" was written by Cormac MacCarthy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... or movies as The book of Eli, or Judge Dreed (I am the law :-)). This is the ages for prophecies, warning, miracles, and priests more or less saints.
I must recognize that i am not a fan of universitaries, or adult sea of hormones that appear in movies as animal lampton, and the graduateor critics novels with the corruption in the campus "I am Charlotte Simmons" was written by the briliant Tom Wolfe https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
I must confess that in ocassion it was dificult for me continueing the reading but the end it is so good that i could not resist the temptation to rate with five stars. If you are not a very religious person, perhaps you can be interested in the overnatural thrillers were written by Dean Koontz, and Stephen King overall his novel "The stand" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... this novel has things in common with these novels previously quoted, r the people worried with the education of the Campus this is her novel. I also was conquered with the references of mistress Verhoff with popular classics the Chronicles of Shannara https://www.goodreads.com/series/4952... and Dragon Ball, although at this moment i preffer Doraemon Gadget cat from the Future (it is interesting Doraemon: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Underworld)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doraemo... also the tribute to misstress Verhoff to the american writer Michael Novak, Ed said a quote to died writer (rest in peace). The novel has several echoes to "1984" was written by George Orwell, and "The Lord of Flies" was written by William Golding than "A Brave new world" was written by Aldous Huxley. However in one thing i disagree (it is my personal opinion) i think that the neuist did not need a coup to obtain the power, on contrary they will get the power without any violence, aclaimed by the people. I totally agree with the spanish writer Juan Manuel de Prada "The new tyranny"
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
The new tyranny will give rights and their followers will pursuit in the name of tolerance, more in the line of Julian Felsenburgh was created by Robert Hugh Benson. About the newpagan rites of the brotherhood reminded me to the bohemians/sons of Cain of the american writer Val Bianco https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Despite this handicap i recomend enthusiastically the novel of this talentful writer, watching the action throughtout the vlogs of Gina. The purpose of these novels is not being sad, on contrary is joy. There is a tribute to the Virgin Saint Mary.
............................................................................................................................................................................
Dedicado con afecto a mi amigo Manuel Alfonseca, sin cuya animo no habría leído esta novela.
Leer esta novela ha sido uno de los retos más difíciles de mi carrera como lector. No sólo porque la leí en pantalla (cuando yo suelo leer en papel), y porque la leí en su idioma original (yo suelo leer los libros traducidos, porque mi conocimiento del idioma no es tan extenso). Sin embargo fue un reto apasionante. "Comet Dust", o "Dark Days" representa lo que se ha llamado género escatológico, o parusístico, cuyos ejemplos serían "El Señor del Mundo" de Robert Hugh Benson, las dos novelas del Padre Elías de Michael D. O´Brien, la trilogía de Kenneth E Knowell, y para el público hispano las novelas de los argentinos Hugo Wast "666", "Los papeles de Benjamín Benavides" o "Su majestad Dulcinea" de Leonardo Castellani, y "Apocalipsis: El día del Señor" del escritor español Jorge Sáez Criado.
La diferencia es que en "Comet Dust" C.D. Verhoff introduce, también elementos de las novelas de catástrofes, como una tercera guerra mundial, librada contra el islam (esto me recordó al Anime Akira, que arranca después de una tercera guerra mundial), y el choque de un cometa contra la Tierra. Como el Padre Fortea, trata de explicar los sucesos apocalípticos descritos en su novela, mediante causas naturales.
Algo muy curioso es que Verhoff nos muestra este panorama desde el punto de vista de una estudiante de un Campus universitario, o College, llamada Gina Applegate. Una antigua chica católica, que ha perdido su fe. Quizá uno de los aciertos de "Comet Dust" es mostrarnos quizá junto con "Bizancio" de Stephen R. Lawhead la mejor fotografía del estado espiritual de un personaje, y los riesgos del ateísmo. Aunque en este caso el enfado de Gina, me parece más lógico, que el del protagonista de "Bizancio" Aidan MacCainech. En este caso, porque Dios se llevo a su hermano, que murió de Cáncer, es una reacción muy de Camus porque Dios no impide el sufrimiento. Tema, que exploró C.S. Lewis en "El problema del dolor", o en "Una pena en observación".
Durante el transcurso de la novela Gina, tendrá personajes favorables a su vuelta a la fe la abuela de la protagonista, la en un principio atea Kylie Huang, Miguel, Zachary Lombardi y los religiosos, y por el otro lado gente que la tratará de alejar uno de los personajes más antipáticos, y necios, que encontrado, el novio de la protagonista Jerome aunque no sea el villano más malvado, dicho honor es cortesía del Amon Goeth de "La lista de Schindler", Roth/Rat "Camino de sombras", y Roger Van Houten "Morir bajotu cielo" de Juan Manuel de Prada que he encontrado. Me refiero al novio de la protagonista Jerome, su amiga Julie, y el Profesor Langley, que desgraciadamente me pareció un personaje muy real, porque lo tenemos en este momento en nuestro país el del profesor politizado, que más que un profesor es un amigo de los alumnos (todo muy de Mayo del 68), y que en lugar de formar a los alumnos, lo que hace es politizarlos, y adoctrinarlos, y por supuesto ataca las creencias de los alumnos. Esto ya es costumbre en Europa (en España hasta han creado un partido político), y por lo que me dicen, parece, que este mal se está extendiendo a los Campus Americanos, incluso en Universidades Cristianas. Pero si se me perdona, se puede volver al análisis de los personajes. Ellas están mucho mejor (sobre todo Gina, y Kylie Huang), que ellos, aunque yo reconozco mi predilección por Zachary Lombardi. Otro de los elementos de interés es analizar la sociedad destruida por la guerra, el caos, y la violencia, que se extiende. Entre ellos tribús de canibales, que parecen salidas de distopías como la "Carretera" de Cormac MacCarthy, o películas como "El libro de Eli", o "El juez Dredd". También hay tiempos para milagros, y profecías con sacerdotes más o menos santos.
Reconozco, que no soy un gran fan del fenómeno teen, o novelas de universitarios impuberes más propias de películas como desmadre a la americana, el graduado, o novelas críticas con la corrupción en los Campus, como "Mi nombre es Charlotte Simmons", del siempre corrosivo Tom Wolfe. Reconozco, que hubo momentos en que la novela se me hizo pesada, pero es que el último tercio es tan bueno, que no pude evitar ponerle cinco estrellas. Sino le interesa la novela escatológica, pero si es usted fan de las novelas de Dean Koontz, o Stephen King sobre todo de su novela "The Stand", o está preocupado por la educación, que recibe sus hijos en el Campus esta es su novela. Otro de los aciertos de Misstress Verhoff son los guiños a la cultura popular, yo me sentí muy feliz de ver referencias a las crónicas de Shannara de Terry Brooks, y a una de mis series favoritas de la infancia cortesía de Ed Dragon Ball. También me gusto mucho el homenaje y tributo, que rinde C.D. Verhoff a Michael Novak, poniendo en boca de Ed una frase suya. También tiene ecos de la novela distópica más "1984" de Orwell, que "El mundo feliz" de Aldous Huxley. Sin embargo hay una cosa en la que discrepo de Verhoff. Los malvados Neuist no van a necesitar un golpe de estado para llegar al poder, por el contrario llegarán a él sin hacer uso de la violencia demandado por la gente. Aquí tomo como referencia a uno de mis autores favoritos Juan Manuel de Prada, y su "Nueva Tiranía", dónde más o menos remarca que la Nueva Dictadura, no será represiva, sino que otorgará derechos, y serán sus seguidores los que ejerzan la violencia en nombre de la tolerancia, sin que el tirano se manche las manos de sangre. El modelo sería el Julian Felsenburgh de "El Señor del mundo". Respecto a los Neuist sus practicas neopaganas me recordaron a los Bohemios/Hijos de Caín de la novela del escritor Val Bianco "Sons of Cain"
Con todo a pesar de esta pequeña discrepancia les invito a disfrutar de la recreación del final de los días contadas por esta talentosa escritora, y que nos cuenta su heroína Gina mediante blogs, porque y es innecesario decirlo el propósito de estas novelas no es contar algo triste, sino por el contrario es alegre, hay un gran reconocimiento a la Virgen María.
August 14, 2020
I don't know why I enjoy books like this so much, but I do. Father Elijah: An Apocalypse, This Present Darkness, Left Behind, Pierced by a Sword...I like Christian 'end of the world' stories. I feel odd even typing it, but what can I do? Eschatological fiction is fun. It's scary and satisfying. I know it's all fantasy, but like good horror, it gives me a shiver.
This book is especially good. It's written almost in a YA style (first person narrative, young narrator navigating boys and school and family) but with the addition of the world ending, the opening of Hell's gates, religious conversion, and the return of Jesus. So that all happens. The writing is good, the plot is fast-paced, and the story is compelling. I liked the Catholic prophecy piece very much. Take that, Rapturist Protestants! We had it first!
So, I literally know one or two people who would enjoy a book like this, but I will recommend it. Dark, scary, Catholic fantasy. Very enjoyable, especially now that there is a global pandemic, our economy is in free fall, and our politics are broken. This was a real pick-me-up. Sob sob sob...
This book is especially good. It's written almost in a YA style (first person narrative, young narrator navigating boys and school and family) but with the addition of the world ending, the opening of Hell's gates, religious conversion, and the return of Jesus. So that all happens. The writing is good, the plot is fast-paced, and the story is compelling. I liked the Catholic prophecy piece very much. Take that, Rapturist Protestants! We had it first!
So, I literally know one or two people who would enjoy a book like this, but I will recommend it. Dark, scary, Catholic fantasy. Very enjoyable, especially now that there is a global pandemic, our economy is in free fall, and our politics are broken. This was a real pick-me-up. Sob sob sob...
October 12, 2016
This is a come to Jesus kind of book. I usually never read about religion but I really enjoyed this one because it didn't smack you in the face about God. A story of one woman finding her faith again and I think there are many people who can relate to this character.
It was easy to read, entertaining and enlightening. I was very pleased that I chose to read this book. It educated me on some things about Revelations that I was unaware of. A worthy read if you looking for something different even if your not into reading about religious faith.
It was easy to read, entertaining and enlightening. I was very pleased that I chose to read this book. It educated me on some things about Revelations that I was unaware of. A worthy read if you looking for something different even if your not into reading about religious faith.
August 19, 2016
After Comet Yomogi struck Earth, nothing was ever the same. The atmosphere was filled with a brownish dust, the Pope was killed, the Neuists took over Europe and Gina Applegate is not ignorant to it. Living in the Generation of Fading Light, Gina documents her experiences in her vlog, recording the increasing violence and fear that possess people’s lives. With only 21 years old, she already had her fair share of loss and grief which, little by little, made her lose her faith in God. When she finally sees herself in His eyes, she feels ashamed: why does God hate her? But the Days of Darkness are approaching and faith is the only thing that will help her survive.
“Comet Dust”, written by C.D. Verhoff, is an apocalyptic Christian novel that borrows from passages of Scriptures and revelations of saints, creating an action-packed story of the End of the Times. There was always something thrilling going on, which made “Comet Dust” a very quick and interesting read. I also enjoyed the list of prophecies provided by the author on the end of the book since you can see where she found her inspiration.
Gina is one of those characters that one can easily identify with. She is modern and the fact that she blogs about this new era gives a whole new depth to her. She is also flawed and that is the most important part – she is a sinner like the rest of us. When she received The Warning, she knew for sure that she was doomed, but God had other plans. I especially liked the way the priest explained to her the meaning of this revelation and that there was still the possibility of redemption.
I did find the story a bit pessimistic and gloomy at times, especially after what happened to Gina’s family and the attach of the Neuists. However, I suppose that a depressing setting is needed for an apocalyptic novel. I also didn’t really like the way she seemed to make fun of The Tattered Man in her vlog and how she often joked with serious matters, but I enjoyed seeing her develop into a more conscious and responsible human being.
The most important message about “Comet Dust” is that one can always find redemption and that God wants to save us, regardless of how many times we push him away. Although Verhoff uses the prophecies of the End of the World to illustrate this, the truth is that the end truly comes when one dies and we should always be at peace with our choices when that time comes. I liked reading “Comet Dust” and I think that it is a book that helps us see God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary and religion itself through other eyes – the eyes of a sinner who found redemption.
“Comet Dust”, written by C.D. Verhoff, is an apocalyptic Christian novel that borrows from passages of Scriptures and revelations of saints, creating an action-packed story of the End of the Times. There was always something thrilling going on, which made “Comet Dust” a very quick and interesting read. I also enjoyed the list of prophecies provided by the author on the end of the book since you can see where she found her inspiration.
Gina is one of those characters that one can easily identify with. She is modern and the fact that she blogs about this new era gives a whole new depth to her. She is also flawed and that is the most important part – she is a sinner like the rest of us. When she received The Warning, she knew for sure that she was doomed, but God had other plans. I especially liked the way the priest explained to her the meaning of this revelation and that there was still the possibility of redemption.
I did find the story a bit pessimistic and gloomy at times, especially after what happened to Gina’s family and the attach of the Neuists. However, I suppose that a depressing setting is needed for an apocalyptic novel. I also didn’t really like the way she seemed to make fun of The Tattered Man in her vlog and how she often joked with serious matters, but I enjoyed seeing her develop into a more conscious and responsible human being.
The most important message about “Comet Dust” is that one can always find redemption and that God wants to save us, regardless of how many times we push him away. Although Verhoff uses the prophecies of the End of the World to illustrate this, the truth is that the end truly comes when one dies and we should always be at peace with our choices when that time comes. I liked reading “Comet Dust” and I think that it is a book that helps us see God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary and religion itself through other eyes – the eyes of a sinner who found redemption.
August 5, 2016
Days of Darkness is one of the best books of its kind that I have ever read. It is right up there with Lord of the World by Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson. The author creates a main character in Gina that is entirely too similar to many people today, including myself. Her struggles, doubts, thoughts and opinions could be those of any modern American. And while the overwhelming truth of the Catholic Church is never really in doubt throughout the work, Gina is never brow-beaten with it. She is never talked down to, screamed at, shunned or anything of the like.
This is just one example of the even-handedness with which Verhoff treats all of her characters, from the agnostic Gina, to atheist Jeremy, to new-found Christian Kylie. All are real people, living in a real world, each with good and evil within vying for dominance.
Other faiths are also treated very fairly. Again, the fact that the author is Catholic is never in doubt but no faith is treated as being stupid or a complete waste. Again, the even-handedness while maintaining a clear commitment to truth is an accomplishment in itself, especially in this divisive age.
The writing itself is crisp and engaging, keeping you moving along through the plot at a brisk pace. The setting of a world in decline following a nuclear war and comet impact is also described very believably, creating a backdrop of impending doom that provides much of the framework for how the characters see the world and react to the central events of the story.
To sum up, Days of Darkness is a great read, whether one is Catholic or not. In fact, I would argue that the writing is more than good enough that an open minded non-Christian could enjoy it on those grounds alone. We need more books and authors like this, people writing quality fiction with a clear commitment to truth and an understanding of culture that can reach beyond the walls of the Church, evangelizing the culture through its own tools.
I look forward to seeing much more from this author.
This is just one example of the even-handedness with which Verhoff treats all of her characters, from the agnostic Gina, to atheist Jeremy, to new-found Christian Kylie. All are real people, living in a real world, each with good and evil within vying for dominance.
Other faiths are also treated very fairly. Again, the fact that the author is Catholic is never in doubt but no faith is treated as being stupid or a complete waste. Again, the even-handedness while maintaining a clear commitment to truth is an accomplishment in itself, especially in this divisive age.
The writing itself is crisp and engaging, keeping you moving along through the plot at a brisk pace. The setting of a world in decline following a nuclear war and comet impact is also described very believably, creating a backdrop of impending doom that provides much of the framework for how the characters see the world and react to the central events of the story.
To sum up, Days of Darkness is a great read, whether one is Catholic or not. In fact, I would argue that the writing is more than good enough that an open minded non-Christian could enjoy it on those grounds alone. We need more books and authors like this, people writing quality fiction with a clear commitment to truth and an understanding of culture that can reach beyond the walls of the Church, evangelizing the culture through its own tools.
I look forward to seeing much more from this author.
May 6, 2017
To be honest, I usually stay away from speculative fiction tales about a Biblical apocalypse, because they are generally way too preachy and, frankly, lamely written. That is certainly not true of this book.
I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning to find out what would happen next. Gina Applegate is a pretty ordinary college student who finds herself living in extraordinary times -- the kind of times that put one's character to the ultimate test. And for much of the story it looks like Gina is going to fail the test. Although she indulges in the vices that many college students fall into -- sex, drugs, booze, yadda-yadda-yadda -- Gina believes that she is "basically a good person" (don't we all?). After a startling experience shows her that the Big Decider in the Sky does not share that opinion, she tries to prove Him wrong ... and fails miserably. Luckily for her, she has friends in high places who are pulling for her. (She also has some powerful friends in low places ...)
Although many readers will be attracted to this book because of its fictional account of the prophesied End Times, the story will also readers who may know or care little about Biblical prophecy. Verhoff supplies plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and even touches of horror, as well as a satisfying conclusion after a truly apocalyptic climax.
I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning to find out what would happen next. Gina Applegate is a pretty ordinary college student who finds herself living in extraordinary times -- the kind of times that put one's character to the ultimate test. And for much of the story it looks like Gina is going to fail the test. Although she indulges in the vices that many college students fall into -- sex, drugs, booze, yadda-yadda-yadda -- Gina believes that she is "basically a good person" (don't we all?). After a startling experience shows her that the Big Decider in the Sky does not share that opinion, she tries to prove Him wrong ... and fails miserably. Luckily for her, she has friends in high places who are pulling for her. (She also has some powerful friends in low places ...)
Although many readers will be attracted to this book because of its fictional account of the prophesied End Times, the story will also readers who may know or care little about Biblical prophecy. Verhoff supplies plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and even touches of horror, as well as a satisfying conclusion after a truly apocalyptic climax.
January 1, 2018
A "Left Behind" for Catholics (meaning everyone)
I took a chance on this story, not knowing anything about it or the author. I'm so thankful that I did. It's a real page-turner that stays with you after you put it down. I've searched for a Catholic-based, "apocalyptic" story for a long time, and this one fits the bill. It's exciting, believable, and thought- provoking while also feeding the soul with encouragement to become holier each day. I thank CD for her wonderful characters and vision. She does "keep it real," so I would caution parents to read it first to judge if it would be acceptable for their teen reader (eg, some profanities, vivid descriptions of demons, and a pagan sacrificial ceremony). I loved the hopeful ending too, which shows (spoiler ahead) the beginnings of unified Church--One Body of Christ. Reading this has made me a better Catholic.
I took a chance on this story, not knowing anything about it or the author. I'm so thankful that I did. It's a real page-turner that stays with you after you put it down. I've searched for a Catholic-based, "apocalyptic" story for a long time, and this one fits the bill. It's exciting, believable, and thought- provoking while also feeding the soul with encouragement to become holier each day. I thank CD for her wonderful characters and vision. She does "keep it real," so I would caution parents to read it first to judge if it would be acceptable for their teen reader (eg, some profanities, vivid descriptions of demons, and a pagan sacrificial ceremony). I loved the hopeful ending too, which shows (spoiler ahead) the beginnings of unified Church--One Body of Christ. Reading this has made me a better Catholic.
January 1, 2017
Thought provoking:
This book would be enjoyed by anyone who is into apocalypse and\or end time reading. It is very well written with a fast pace, leaving readers wanting to read just one more page before putting it away for doing other tasks.
Many modern day Christians find themselves "sitting on the fence," either attending church sporadically , or having given up worship completely. Pastors also have become guilty of preaching what people want to hear and not necessarily the whole truth. This book brings to light some of these truths and the trials faced by these young people.
Kudos to the author for a well done job!
This book would be enjoyed by anyone who is into apocalypse and\or end time reading. It is very well written with a fast pace, leaving readers wanting to read just one more page before putting it away for doing other tasks.
Many modern day Christians find themselves "sitting on the fence," either attending church sporadically , or having given up worship completely. Pastors also have become guilty of preaching what people want to hear and not necessarily the whole truth. This book brings to light some of these truths and the trials faced by these young people.
Kudos to the author for a well done job!
August 13, 2018
Intense and Inspiring
I'm not much of a "religious tale" reader. This story is about conscience, your ability to make amends with God and his unwavering love. I've never read a book that had me so often say, "Faith! Then to your faith!! Just believe!"
It's a great science fiction turn on the prophecies and full of enlightening interpretations on how and why the world works all in within a break down of biblical prophecy as laid out in Revelations.
Enjoyed completely!!
I'm not much of a "religious tale" reader. This story is about conscience, your ability to make amends with God and his unwavering love. I've never read a book that had me so often say, "Faith! Then to your faith!! Just believe!"
It's a great science fiction turn on the prophecies and full of enlightening interpretations on how and why the world works all in within a break down of biblical prophecy as laid out in Revelations.
Enjoyed completely!!
December 27, 2017
I enjoyed the development of the main character throughout
the story and the author's use of Biblical prophecy to create
an entertaining, and possibly realistic, story. I think this
can be enjoyed by believers and non-believers in Jesus.
the story and the author's use of Biblical prophecy to create
an entertaining, and possibly realistic, story. I think this
can be enjoyed by believers and non-believers in Jesus.
July 7, 2018
A Real Page Turner
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Ms. Verify is a wonderful story teller, and this book was very well written. I look forward to reading one of her other books.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. Ms. Verify is a wonderful story teller, and this book was very well written. I look forward to reading one of her other books.
August 23, 2019
An unexpected surprise
I was not expecting to like this book. Then it caught on fire and I couldn't put it down! I felt it was inspirational for my continued faith in God. I recommend reading this to all Christians. Non- believers will not be swayed.
I was not expecting to like this book. Then it caught on fire and I couldn't put it down! I felt it was inspirational for my continued faith in God. I recommend reading this to all Christians. Non- believers will not be swayed.
July 25, 2022
Outstanding
I am at the end of my life, at age 76 caused by a very damaged & weak heart. As is natural, l suspect, one's thoughts lean towards the end of life.
This book was absolutely amazing. & shed spiritual enlightenment on a Christian soul.
I am at the end of my life, at age 76 caused by a very damaged & weak heart. As is natural, l suspect, one's thoughts lean towards the end of life.
This book was absolutely amazing. & shed spiritual enlightenment on a Christian soul.
December 29, 2017
Interesting reading
Any one intrigued by the book of Revelation will love this book. It'll draw you in and grab a hold of you until the end.
Any one intrigued by the book of Revelation will love this book. It'll draw you in and grab a hold of you until the end.
October 27, 2019
A+
Excellent story, I really appreciate a story based around the Faith. What a genuinely nice surprise from beginning to end
Excellent story, I really appreciate a story based around the Faith. What a genuinely nice surprise from beginning to end
January 23, 2020
Wonderful
A very interesting and entertaining book.I would definitely recommend this book to people that like Christian fantasy and post apocalyptic stories.
A very interesting and entertaining book.I would definitely recommend this book to people that like Christian fantasy and post apocalyptic stories.
February 11, 2020
Close to revelation in story form
If you want suspense its there..it would of suited well for me to omit some things in it.it was fore warned in the beginning..language..
If you want suspense its there..it would of suited well for me to omit some things in it.it was fore warned in the beginning..language..
October 12, 2023
I picked this up on Amazon quite cheap and opened it, not really expecting much. I was so surprised! Normally, apocalyptic fiction is not my cup of tea although I did like R.H. Benson's Lord of the World. Comet Dust is based on private revelations to some saints and holy men and women and it involves a Warning where every man and woman will understand the state of his or her soul, a Three Days of Darkness when demonic forces can run wild in the world and finally a period of peace when Christ will reign on the earth.
All this is seen through the eyes of Gina Applegate, a lapsed Catholic who with her friends is living in a time of climate cooling caused when a comet grazed the Earth. Gina sees herself in hell while her atheist roommate Kylie comes to know and love God. Gina is shaken by this but at first doesn't know what to think but times become very hard and eventually the forces of evil are unleashed on the earth.
I very much liked this book. I am a life long Catholic and do believe in the power of evil but that God will eventually triumph. I've read this book several times and will probably read it more. It does makes me think, especially since it seems evil has had the upper hand lately.
All this is seen through the eyes of Gina Applegate, a lapsed Catholic who with her friends is living in a time of climate cooling caused when a comet grazed the Earth. Gina sees herself in hell while her atheist roommate Kylie comes to know and love God. Gina is shaken by this but at first doesn't know what to think but times become very hard and eventually the forces of evil are unleashed on the earth.
I very much liked this book. I am a life long Catholic and do believe in the power of evil but that God will eventually triumph. I've read this book several times and will probably read it more. It does makes me think, especially since it seems evil has had the upper hand lately.
October 1, 2016
This was a very interesting book.
I enjoyed the story line in this book. It was written in a way that keeps your interest going. Thanks.
I enjoyed the story line in this book. It was written in a way that keeps your interest going. Thanks.
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