Sometimes, I am just at a loss when it comes to a book that I have reviewed. This week's book definitely epitomizes that statement. Having reviewed book 3 in the series, I was offered the chance to review book 4...the final installment of the Aurelia thread by Jeffrey Overstreet.

The Ale Boy's Feast: A Novel was difficult to read. Whereas book 3, Raven's Ladder contained a decent plot with imagery that one could follow, book 4, The Ale Boy's Feast was confusing and, at times, quite boring. This book definitely fell into the category of books that are painful to read. I am not sure if there was just too much going on, but the book was chaotic, the plot never fully developed enough for the reader to follow the various threads, and the message disappointing. Thinking it might be because I have not read all of the books in the series, I decided to see what other reviewers had to say. Almost all agreed that this was not a stand alone book. Whereas some liked it, several thought it was not Overstreet's best work.

Supposed to be the culmination of the series, I was expecting a great Christian message. It also failed to deliver that. At the end of life, reaching heaven in Christianity is supposed to be awe-inspiring, reverent....a happy, wondrous time when we come face to face with our savior. Overstreet's interpretation was devoid of any of those feelings. Rather, the final moments of life were represented as scary, empty, sad moments. The hope and happiness of life in Christ were nowhere to be found.

Though not recommended, this book is available from online retailers such as www.amazon.com



Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an impartial review. Compensation for a good review was not offered.