very impressive story whilst seeing things from a different angle ...
579995
very impressive story whilst seeing things from a different angle. impressive writer, and bought the next book in the sequel, Loyal to a Degree!
786880
For probably the first 75 pages I could not figure out what the attraction of this book was.  Well, soon enough I was drawn in and could not put it down.  A truly amazing story!  I also found it very interesting to read how different that part of the world was not that long ago.  I never realized how Westernized things were in the 70's.  If you like a book with a great story and a background that opens your ind and knowledge then give this a try.
3241868
Different perspective, Interesting but a little slow at times..
4578253
This book jumps back and forth between two perspectives but once you're hooked, you cannot put it down. I finished the book in 3 days because I was so intrigued by the story. It's from the viepoint of a small girl who lived through it as well as the empathetic reporter who is researching it today.
4610848
This story was fascinating to me in several ways. First, the technological aspect, questioning the functionality of the penial gland with regard to higher consciousness and human potential. It didn't seem so fictional to my taste - and I think it poses some salient ideas. Secondly, the transition between past and present, the allusion to past lives, was nicely done. Third - the detailed description of the portion which takes place in Egypt, during the time of Cleopatra and Ceasar, and the author's presentation of the beauty and culture of Alexandria, along with the spiritual touch - nice. Overall, I was taken by the story, and I am interested to know the outcome of the two parallels. The only minor downside is at the beginning of the book, which takes place in Prague, it was a little confusing what was happening - but eventually the author tied it together nicely. One last point - the colorful verse when describing the Egyptian period was beautifully contrasted to the rather stark, terse and digitalized prose used for the modern times - ironically showing that "modern" times with all its technological advances was woefully missing any depth of culture - as if technology had rendered mankind as quite minimalistic. Overall, I think this series will be a hit. Definitely worth the read!
4950783
Absolutely loved seeing the story through Christians perspective.
3896272
The Bronze Serpent is a very unique tale that should be shared openly with those who relish the idea of explorining their inner self. With some if the most amazing imagery and concepts, I was truly amazed at the depth of this story.

At first I was a little lost. You were thrust into K. Raymond McGinley's world of science-tinged-fantasy-on-steroids. It was a little overwhelming and I took probably the first couple of chapters to get into it.

After the initial confusion, I jumped right into the amazing world of The Bronze Serpent. This story really did take on so many different faces. It wrapped them all up in a truly amazing read.

The characters were well constructed and quite believable. They had realistic reactions to some if the odd-world scenarios in this tale, which made my connection to them stronger.

The concept of being able to experience someone's mind/soul in a 3D virtual reality simulator is something to be marveled at. Thoroughly thought provoking and filled with little nuggets of insightful scriptures, The Bronze Serpent walks that fine line between being fun to read and being educational, and does it in style.

Thank you for such an enjoyable fantasy read!
1141499
A fascinating view into the world of the 70's from an individual with the guts to follow his heart and move out into the larger world on what I would call a quest for understanding life on earth.  He seems to move from place to place following the direction of an inner guide that he may or may not recognize, but still he shows up for just the right experience for him, at the right time.
Telling his story with a grace and ease that comes with the ability to look back at himself without judgment, is very refreshing and compelling.  I couldn't wait to get to the next part of the story that flows easily from episode to episode.
It definitely brought to my mind what I was doing during those years, which was similar in some respects, but all here in North America, as I searched for meaning from the spiritual smorgasbord present at that time.
I highly recommend this book for everyone.  It gives a glimpse into the larger world that we live in, and the possibilities that unfold when we follow our heart into the unknown.
1524610
What a great story - Once you begin reading it, you won't put it down until it's finished!  Well written and very interesting all the way through, the book shares stories that you will find most surprising and almost unbelievable.  I can't compare the substance of the story to anything else I have read - it is a mix of eye-opening surprise, awe, adventure, humour and sadness.  When we travel, it's always facinating to see how other people live, and this book provides the reader with an amazing glimpse of life in a unique situation.  Highly recommended.
2604226
I highly enjoyed this story. The most interesting thing to me was the limited perspective of a child in a situation where much information is hidden from him throughout the story. There are some dark things going on, but the story is unfolded in a very organic way, with good timing of using flashback story-telling. The decisions the characters have to make, and the consequences of those decisions are just as complex as they are in real life, so in that sense it was a very believable story and set of characters. I would definitely recommend it.
2227194
Finally a story that really looks at what the world could be after the apocalypse. What was most refreshing is that there were no cliches as I've read in so many other books of the same theme.  Brevis takes her time to weave the stories using language and multiple points of view to let the reader become a participant rather than just the audience.

It felt as if I were part of the story, learning bits and pieces of what happened prior to the catastrophic events and what was happening after. The disorientation is purposeful helping me as a reader understand and empathize with the characters. With the breakdown of civilization, Brevis touches on an interesting premise which was that without a public educational system in place, children born in the post-apocalyptic era develop their own dialect and culture. I enjoyed that the author wrote the thoughts and dialogue in the newly developed dialects.

Chapter by chapter was like removing layer after layer of the story as if I were watching an artist painting and magically unfolding each detail in front of me.

I look forward to reading more from this author.
49988
The point of view is fascinating. It allows readers to see things from a perspective that's probably completely new to them. A very worthwhile read!
130968
I waited a while to write this review as I wasn't really sure where to go with it. The book is definitely different than genres and subjects I usually read which is partly why I wanted to read it. It was not only a great story, it was a great learning experience. The clash of cultures and religions presented mixed with the portrayal of basic human instincts and needs was thought provoking. The multi-cultural facets of the story were captivating and often led me to follow-on research to learn more. All of this matched with great story telling and characters ultimately led me to a 5-star review.
1549906
A story that opened my eyes and gave me perception that will continue to grow in this our very small world.
399802
The story itself, an autobiography in a very artistic form, is very fascinating and deep. The story follows this girl's journey in discovering herself and life, the ways of the world. The perspective of the journey is only intensified by the fact she was being raised in middle of revolutions and wars. The terrifying aspect of this was watching as she was convinced, re-convinced then corrected by adults on how to think, and believe.

The artwork itself was an amazing representation of her progression and self discovery in such dark times and horrible experiences. The artwork in time, especially nearing the end started to lighten up, however the constant overall tone is darkness, a twisted perception I believe is likely the result of living and growing up with war, oppression and death a constant companion.
The art style is completely unique to me, someone who reads lots of comics, manga and watches many forms of cinema. This dark style really drives the emotional, political, religious and human aspects of this person life experiences deep into my mind.
4371060
This was a very enjoyable and unique read. Though I got a little bogged down with all the tree and eco-system details, it was very educational. That said, my favorite part of the story is simply that it was told from the perspective of a young man on the autism spectrum. His accounts of his love of his trees and his struggles to communicate and interact with others and be understood was extremely engaging.
1286201
This was a really interesting story and told from cool perspectives. It was uniquely written and held my attention the entire time. There are so many interconnected stories going on. I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold.