Heaven and Hell: A Journey of Chris and Serena Davis

A sobering story of a couple separated at death, as one is ushered into the presence of his Savior, and the other is delivered over to Satan. The author's presentation of Hell is terrifying and reiterates to me the importance of letting those around me know that it's not someplace the way to go, and I know a Savior who wants a relationship with them (a relationship that also ensures they don't spend eternity there). The portrayal of Heaven is not what I have imagined from what I have read and heard over the years, but is an interesting perspective.Serena's behavior in Hell when encountering Satan and his demons is a surprise as she is not prepared to yield her allegiance to him, but realizes she has been turned over to him. An interesting twist.Chris' deportment in Heaven is a bit surprising. It never occurred to me that someone might quickly become upset with God, thinking Him unfair. But seeing how loving God is to Chris, even in face of his grief, speaks to the character of God.As Chris obsesses over how to achieve a reunion with his lost Serena, the story gets a bit far-fetched, but interesting and entertaining. And I see there are other books in the series, for which some of the encounters in this book seem to prepare.Honestly, the story started out feeling a bit preachy and I was wondering whether I was going to enjoy the story. I suppose that for someone who was not raised in the church and/or is unfamiliar with Scripture and the description of Heaven and Hell, or the path to get there, the "preachy" background could have been useful. I was glad it picked up after that.A great reminder of the horrors of Hell, the glory of Heaven, and why our life on earth matters (after death is too late to prepare/decide!).

I've been a Christian for many years and so I've had some degree of anticipation for my eternal home with my Father but when I started reading this book my desire to enter Heaven's gates has grown tremendously. I was immediately caught up in the story of Chris and Serena after reading the first chapter. I realize this book is fiction and the author took some liberties in creating a backdrop for this suspenseful novel but I must say that he did his research and there are more than a few aspects of the book that are factual. I gained a greater thirst to know more of my Father while reading this book and it has jumped started my prayer life and my longing to learn more of my bible and more of what's to come as laid out in the book of Revelation.I found myself crying during Serena's trek thru hell and quietly uttered prayers with every page turn for those in my life whom are not saved. If I had the money I would buy 10 of these books and give them to unsaved family and friends with instructions for them to pass the books onto their unsaved family and friends. I know some people may balk at the intricate descriptions that Mr. Ziegler used for the horrors of hell but no human on this side of heaven and hell can say for sure what awaits those who will be at the mercy of Satan himself. I can only speak for myself as to how this book affected me and it gave me a hunger to witness to anyone who will listen so that I can hopefully be the hands and feet of Jesus to them and bring them to a saving knowledge of our Lord. I believe that no matter what your religious views are this book is well written and keeps the reader wanting more as each page is devoured. I read this book in 3 days and at the end I wanted more so I cannot wait to read book 2, The War in Heaven.

I had a friend suggest this series and I was not disappointed. While I do enjoy a great fiction novel, I had my reservations about some of the theology of the author and had to keep reminding myself that this was just fiction. It was an interesting look at what might be when it comes to heaven, hell, Satan, God, angels, etc. The plot was good, the walk through hell was my favorite part...but in the way that makes me so glad that I am not headed there! I couldn't even begin to think of the endless pain and torment these characters endure forever. The fore-shadowing of the insects that will appear in Revelation time were pretty neat too. It was enjoyable to see what eternal life with time and physical restraints could be like in heaven. The only thing I didn't like was the way Chris just had to push the idea of saving his wife, to the point where he was hiding from God, not to mention she rejected Jesus in her life, was condemned to hell which isn't something that you can then change your mind about (see?? my theological dilemma) ....in the end it made sense and all worked out, but while reading, I was not a fan of it. I have not read any more into the series as of yet so it was a great book as a stand alone.

I really could not put the book down but I kept falling asleep while the audio was playing so I ended up listening to many chapters more than once. I am a Christian and did not read this book expecting it to be anything other than what it was. A Christian fiction novel. Much like the Frank Peretti books which I have read. I think the people who gave it low ratings are either unsure where they stand in their eternal salvation with the Lord or are so stiff in their "own religious belief system" that they are not able to accept even a fiction concept which is different from what they have been taught. I enjoyed the first book so well that i have already purchased the next two and will be buying the rest. I am hoping they come out with the audible versions also on the rest of the books. (These can also be listened to on Youtube for free). There are also bad reviews there as well from people who think these books are misleading in a biblical sense. It is just entertainment for me and there are some real truths in the book as well. But I will not go into my own beliefs and Christian point of view on here.

A story I could read over and over again. It was thought-provoking and encouraging.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and it would really make you think about the consequences of hell - I especially loved the twist at the end. Fantastic book!

Yes it's fiction but it really makes you think about life after. Page turner all the way to the end.

I like reading a book that takes me on a journey, and this book does just that. It's easy to read and immediately demands your attention from chapter 1.As a christian it was easy to become curious about the author's descriptions of Heaven & Hell and this certainly doesn't disapoint.I can definitely recommend buying this and for me the second and third book in this series is already in the post.

I had to leave my theology behind and let it be the novel it is, as there were parts that were too far-fetched, but this book makes me want to spread the gospel urgently. I'm pleased to have read it though.