Official Review: The 36 Watchers, Book I: Fall.

[Jsovermyer]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The 36 Watchers, Book I: Fall." by Dan Bar Hava.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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According to the Talmud, the main religious book of Rabbinic Judaism, thirty-six chosen people prevent the world from ending. The 36 Watchers Book I: Fall, by Dan Bar Hava, is the fictional account of one of these special people. This story is a combination of mystical fantasy and science fiction with a few religious elements thrown in the mix. When Jenna’s strange Uncle Josh asks her to stay home from her work in New York City the next day, she has no idea why. That next morning, September 11, 2001, her life will be forever changed. Why was she spared when all of her co-workers perished in the Twin Towers? How did Uncle Josh know what would happen?

Jenna Berg is a wonderfully written character. She is constantly questioning and always seeking knowledge. She stands up for herself and is not intimidated by anyone or anything, even when she meets the powers behind the Watchers. I admired her spunky attitude and her dry wit. She genuinely cared about her friends and felt guilty she had not saved them too. She takes the job for which she is chosen very seriously and realizes the importance of the task. Her Uncle Josh is another important person in this story. He is mysterious and a little spooky. He acts as a guide to Jenna but allows her to make up her mind without interference.

The part I liked best about this story was the idea that somewhere in the world there were people selected to save the planet. This was a new idea for me, and I was surprised the Jewish holy book tells of these thirty-six watchers. This is creepy, but strangely comforting to think these people are working for the good of the world. It makes me wonder how much truth there is to this myth.

What I enjoyed least were the chapters devoted to past watchers from history. I can’t tell you who they are because I feel that would be a spoiler. However, I was confused when they were first introduced and wondered briefly why there was such a shift in the story. I think the author could have introduced them better so that their purpose would have been clearer.

This story is filled with excitement and suspense. There is a lot of action, but I was left wanting more. It is thought-provoking and made me wonder if the bad things that happen could have a deeper purpose. Are there beings that watch over us and work for our good? Is there true evil in the world? This story deals with all of these questions. Some people might be skeptical of the ideas presented in the book, but it gave me a lot to think about. The book does not end in a cliff-hanger, but enough was left unresolved that a second book is sure to follow.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend it to people who like fantasy, mysticism, and science fiction. There are religious ideas discussed here that some people may find objectionable. The book also has some profanity and extreme violence. Because of this, I would recommend this book to adults only. There was a slight problem with the book printing where some words were written together with no space between, but this did not keep me from understanding and enjoying the story. But because of these errors, I feel I cannot give the book a perfect score. I am awarding The 36 Watchers Book I: Fall, by Dan Bar Hava, a score of 3 out of 4 stars. If you want a book that will make you think but still has an exciting storyline, then this is the one for you. I think you will find it as fascinating as I did.

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The 36 Watchers, Book I: Fall.
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[NetMassimo]

Stories that include some mystical defenders of humanity are not new, but this one seems well developed with an interesting protagonist. I'm not sure about what kind of answers to profound questions it can offer, but it seems an intriguing read. Thank you for your great review!

[Mrunalpatki]

I enjoy the thought-provoking genre. At first sight the book's title and concept makes this out to be a religious book. But your review makes it clear that this book is more of sci-fi fantasy thing. Thanks for the details. Great review.

[HusainNecklace52]

I enjoy the thought-provoking genre. At first sight the book's title and concept makes this out to be a religious book. But your review makes it clear that this book is more of sci-fi fantasy thing. Thanks for the details. Great review.

I second this. Your review makes the book stick out from other similar religious fiction.
I specifically like your comments regarding the character, it makes me want to read the book more.
Thanks for your review!

[Samgum50]

Nice review, I think this book seems very interesting and unique based on your review. I mean I'd certainly never heard of the 36 before. I'm very interested in reading this book.

[Frannie Annie]

It's interesting that this book is fantasy but also based in religious text. Good review.

[Tonika632]

I like sci-fi and this book sounds interesting. I just don't know if that religious part of the book will impress me. Great review!

[Harty Muli]

It will be great reading about the Rabbinic book The Talmud and its predictions. Thanks for the thorough review.

[Chiagbanwe]

I enjoy mysteries and I think this might be a good fit for mystery lovers. The fact that it was written from the angle of a particular religion might not rest well with some readers, but I think the book is very promising.
Interesting review.