What is your opinion?
Amazing read
"If you want a strong plot with a religious base, this story is for you. I don't really want to speak about the plot since I think I could screw it up for new readers but it is just masterfully handled by the author. Some characters will become like your best friends while reading this story which is an awesome thing Greg manage to create. Jiao, Cael, Gina, Greyson will end up to feel like people you knew your entire life so All Hail Greg on this, you've done something uncanny. It's hard to explain how good this drama/thriller with a complex but very realistic plot. It's deep, sometimes bright sometimes dark and will make yourself ask questions about the world we live in. Religion is omnipresent in the background but in a way that isn't intrusive or disturbing to the story. The only thing I feel so-so about is that some character developments are awesome and some feel like completely left apart, I would have appreciated those character to have a deeper personality and representation but altogether it doesn't hurt the story. This is close to a masterpiece and anybody into thrillers with a religious flavour will enjoy reading this! I'm looking forward to reading more of Greg's work!"
Epic, Amazing Story
"All I can say is WOW! I've never read anything quite like it. This writer's ambition is stunning. To take such a controversial and sensitive topic such as the potential second coming of God - whichever God the audience may worship - and then create such a universal, culturally balanced and fair imagination of this fictitious event, is a feat that very few writers could have pulled off as elegantly, intelligently and authentically as he does. Regardless of your religious beliefs, McLaughlin gets the reader to believe in this story and these characters. He makes you think about human social values and what it is to be a member of the human race. And, above it all, he entertains with a fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing and dreading the danger that looms at every turn of the page. This is an enjoyable masterpiece for any audience regardless of culture, religious background or political persuasion."
A True Masterpiece
"The Second Coming is a true magnum opus for Greg McLaughlin. In it, he tackles the questions and concepts that men of all religions – Christians, Muslims, Jews – are plagued by… what if there was a second coming, would you believe or be a skeptic? His characters are well drawn and relatable, their backstories woven in nicely and easy to believe in, and the message from Jaio on multiple occasions was stated beautifully. Suspense and drama highlighted the book; it was enjoyable from page 1 on. The ending was perfect and the whole book gave the reader pause to ponder, as all good books will. My only regret in reading this is that I have no more books by McLaughlin left to read. Definitely read it – you won’t regret it."
Interesting book
"Very well-written book with a great plot and great characters."
Unlike Anything I’ve Read
"The Second Coming is unlike anything I’ve ever read, which is a great thing. The author has an unique writing style, and tells the story in a wonderful way. Though I don’t usually read religion-based stories, the Second Coming has me wanting to read more."
a complex mosaic
"An ensemble cast of highly individualized characters propel this ambitious narrative forward. It's hard to put this work into any singular box. It's religious, philosophical, and political. It's a thriller and a drama. But none of those descriptors on their own begin to paint an accurate portrait of what The Second Coming undertakes. Get ready to do a bit of soul searching. Get ready to ask the hard questions. McLaughlin holds up a mirror to this world of ours with a simple but profound premise. There is nothing simple about the storytelling however. The reader is whisked between myriad settings. Plot-lines are woven expertly, converging here, diverging there, but all of them serve to engorge the same tidal wave of momentum. When that wave finally crashes, it thoroughly surpasses all expectations. Second Coming explores, in a timely but universal fashion, the tumultuous cultural rifts ailing so much of society. With equal parts pathos, ethos, and logos it examines the question: what do we all have in common, and how do we build from there? (Sidebar critical note: I only give the Writing Style four stars because sometimes the dialogue seems a little bulky or stilted. Never Jaio's, but sometimes the devotees trying to sound like Jaio. Also, a few of the "villain" characters tend to sound a little mustache-twirly at times.)"
Masterful handling of a difficult topic
"The reason I started reading this book after reading the blurb is because I wanted to see how the author dealt with such a loaded topic. I was not disappointed. It asks a very simple question: what would happen if the second-coming were to come to pass during your life? Would you be a believer or a skeptic? It would have been very easy to push too far when writing about such a delicate topic, but that is not the case here. What I loved best about this book is that the author does not give in to preaching or proselytizing, or the opposite. Jaio, the 'prophet', is more interested in talking to and empathizing with and guiding the world. Instead of making miracles happen. There is nothing grandiloquence in the pages of this book. What we have instead are surprisingly diverse, yet familiar cast of characters and most of their character-arcs are beautifully written. I enjoyed reading this. And once my to-read list gets smaller, I will come back and read more from the author."
The Second Coming
"This book is chalked full of believable characters and action-packed twists. Read it and you will not be disappointed. McGlaughlin has mastered the element of surprise and does an excellent job of portraying human nature. Well done."
A realistic portrayal of a present day messiah!
"The thriller parts of the book are fantastic. The backstories are wonderfully woven. The descriptive writing is impressive but may pull the reader from the story. The work does a great job of bringing to light the tensions of present spiritual dilemmas and how a Messiah would create a fissure in our world. And how a Messiah would inspire the helping hand. People do not want to feel duped or wrong. They will emotionally defend their ideas to the death. People have to understand that no one is right and that no one knows everything. Yet they hold onto these old ideas because they know who they are based on those ideas. People also congregate to groups to feel connected to something. Most dont necessarily believe in their doctrines, they accept those doctrines more so because they feel a piece of a puzzle. And when that link to the puzzle is severed, people dont always take it well. Their world no longer makes sense or they feel alone - and maybe threatened. Most will lash out with anger or violence. It would be difficult to accept Jaio in their lives. I think this needs to be expressed a little bit more. How would a Christian accept Jaio when they already have a Messiah? How would a Muslim come to accept Jaio when Muhammad is considered the last prophet? Neither of those two religions would believe there is another prophet. They would only accept a return of Jesus. The only problem is that they would never accept anyone being the return of Jesus. Jews will never accept any Messiah. They will only accept God revealing himself or herself. They rejected Jesus because they believed that Jesus was not God. He taught a language of love that they were no accustomed to. They were taught to fear God and Jesus tried to change that view. Ultimately his views were rejected. For if God loved us why is there so much pain and suffering? It is a lot easier to say it is because God is angry rather than blame ourselves for the misery of the world. We dont need another religion. And the religions all need to acknowledge that none of them have all the answers. Which brings us to Jaio. How would Jaio heal the world of such warring over words and ideas? The same way that Jesus realized but far too late - people have to change to be more loving of each other and accepting that others are different. And this is what Jaio does. He gets people to love each other more and to think of others. We are all equal but people dont want to be equal. Until people can accept that we are all equal, someone like Jaio, Buddha, Muhammad, or Jesus will never be accepted by the majority of society. This story does bring forth hope. Thank You, it was a pleasure to read."
Highly recommended read
"This is a complex and suspenseful novel. It envisages a second coming and it's impact on the current world. The premise is bold, but the story appeals even to those who are not religious. The writer draws a strong cast of characters , giving us insight through backstory and intimate glimpses into their journey. The story builds and pulls the reader into the lives of the key characters, and then unleashes an action packed finale. It is a deep and satisfying story, the plot is complex and realistic, providing a reflection of the social fabric of our times. The writing style is crisp and uses evocative images and analogies to bring the story to life. Overall, this is a well-written and enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it."
Worth the Read
"You write an engaging story, and your use of religious imagery is creative and fresh. I enjoyed your speculation on the outcome of various religions. As a Bible Student, I’m still as confident as ever that the second coming will bring about the salvation of all mankind, and every person who ever lived will enjoy immortality in Paradise. However, your bleak vision of the future is fun to read all the same. Good work, Greg."
Inspiring, intricate, and engaging
"This writer has a talent for description that becomes apparent from the first few pages. He weaves in backstory effortlessly, although at times it is a lot to take in. That being said, that’s the only critique I have for this phenomenal novel. The message/theme is like a strong fire during a crisp wintery night. It draws you in eyes wide and skin tingling for it to never end. The characters are strongly written. I appreciate the attention to detail in each character’s backstory, inner conflicts, and relationships. The story unfolds and nothIng feels forced or too cookIe-cutter, whIch I’ve seen on thIs sitw before This is not the genre I typically read. Although if I see this author’s name on anything I would grab it in an instant. This author should be published. So many readers want and deserve this caliber of a story. Great writing. Very impressed! "
A Masterpiece!
"This is a wonderfully crafted story with great characterization throughout. It engages the reader from start to finish. I loved the plot line, and how it was paced. There are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way until the adept ending, which I was extremely satisfied with. The vivid description in this author's writing really brings the scenes to life in my mind. This is a book I will remember for a while! I definitely recommend :)"
A Masterful Handling of a Complex Tale
"A tour de force - the author's handling of this complex tale is assured and masterful. He manages to deal with a complex theme at an individual and a universal level very effectively. The reader identifies with the characters who are finely drawn and through them engages with the wider issues. This is a novel which will make the reader think more closely about the nature of the modern world. I congratulate him on his achievement."
The second coming
"It has kept me interested. Curious mostly. Interested to find out how it all comes together, and what inferences can be drawn from it. Overall, it's good. "
