The Last Christian

Title: The Last Christian
Author: David Gregory
Genre: Christian Science Fiction
Page Count: 416
Why I read it: received review copy from the publisher
Grade: B

Synopsis:
Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

My review:
I got behind on my review reading, and to be honest, I put off reading this book because I wasn't sure I'd like it or be in the mood for it. The story was so different from what I was expecting, and moved at a fast pace that made it very hard for me to put down. I don't find that too often with Christian fiction. I found the plot to be very believable, and can actually see a future like the one in this book, especially where Christianity is virtually gone in America.

Abby was an interesting character, especially being from a remote tribe and never having lived in the modern world. I would have actually liked to read more about her and her experience living with an indigenous people, but I guess that would be a different story than what the author wanted to tell. Although I liked Abby well enough, sometimes it was hard to figure out exactly why other characters were so drawn to her, because it wasn't coming across in the story very well, to me.

This is truly one of those books that will bring up questions and would be great for book group discussion. What is the nature of a soul? Would it be a good thing to live forever? What would be the consequences? Could Christianity die out, and why? I enjoy books like this that cause me to think beyond when I close the last page.

To read an excerpt and for other information and extras, click here.