“Joshua and Aaron”
Author: David Gelber
I’ve spent the last couple days inLas Vegas which also happens to be where I read “Joshua and Aaron.” Being curious about this book I did my research and noticed it’s listed as religious fiction. I was chatting with a friend of mine shortly thereafter and I jokingly asked if reading a book with religious overtones while in Vegas could be construed as sacrilegious. It’s probably not since I’m sure every hotel in Vegas has the obligatory bible in the nightstand.
“Joshua and Aaron” is the second book in the ITP series by David Gelber. The book’s main character, Joshua Smith, shoulders the burden of having to save mankind from its own excesses. Joshua definitely didn’t ask for this responsibility rather it was unceremoniously dropped in his lap. How’s that for a “hot potato?” Luckily for the world’s population our hero is blessed with amazing luck, intelligence and above all a MacGyver-like ingenuity.
As for the author and his writing skills, David Gelber does a great job of holding the reader’s interest. I don’t normally read religious fiction but Gelber’s descriptions of places and events were very well written and held my attention completely. The interactions between the characters flowed well and his overall writing style made for an enjoyable read.
I would have to say my only complaint was that, at times, certain scenes were too unbelievable; namely the one toward the end of the book which starred Little Bit. I use the name versus the scene so as to not give away the story. Hopefully this allows the author to understand to what I’m referring. I realize “Joshua and Aaron” is a work of fiction. However, I also feel that even fiction needs to be believable. Once upon a time writer’s like Asimov challenged the world’s perception of technology and robotics. I’m sure some considered his works unbelievable. Our advancements today are proof that far-fetched fiction can become reality. The scene to which I refer is, to me, completely unbelievable. I can’t picture a scene like the one featuring Little Bit ever happening; consequently when I read it I was immediately wrenched out of the story.
Keep in mind my last paragraph is directed to the author only and not to his readers. Overall I found “Joshua and Aaron” to be a well written book and a fun read. While it definitely falls into the category of religious fiction the message contained therein was not too over the top. I give this book a solid four stars and feel that anyone who enjoys reading will enjoy this book.