** spoiler alert ** I told my wife never to read this one: she likes happy endings, and the ending of this is anything but. In, fact, it's quite possibly the most depressing ending I've ever read.Lahaye/Dinallo almost seemed intent on making things as bad for the characters as possible, but there really wasn't a terribly clear reason as to *why* things were so rotten for them. Sure, that sometimes happens in real life, but I think we have a different expectation from books. Often, we read to escape, and this just wasn't much of an escape. Aside from that, LaHaye/Dinallo left numerous loose ends...only to not continue the series (at least, I've been given to understand this was the end of the series). There's an unwritten rule that you just *don't* do that. But... eh. It's not illegal.It may be that the loose ends and rough ride were added intentionally as signs of just how bad the world was becoming before "The End of the World" (which was addressed in LaHaye's earlier series, "Left Behind"). Either way, it was wholly dissatisfying to read.Characterisation was the at the same level as always. Yes, I'd warmed to the characters throughout the series, and they really weren't all that bad. Some were even likeable. But I never was able to deeply relate to any of them, despite being Christian myself.The main plot waffled. Like the previous three books, there was the biblical artifact of note that was to be found. But even more than in previous books, the hunt for this artifact almost seemed like a "side quest," inserted almost "just because." The book just carried on through several subplots without much real focus on what had been the central plot point in previous episodes. In fact, the artifacts of note never *were* recovered (the characters arrived just too late), and no attempt to recover them were ever made, despite that it was supposedly vital that those artifacts not fall into "the wrong hands" (in fact, in the end, Murphy ends up with none of the artifacts he had so diligently hunted).Thankfully, this book does resolve several of the ongoing subplots, though that all-too-often occurs through people "getting theirs." The ruthless businessman: killed by the "super assassin". The "super assassin": killed in a very anti-climactic fashion that was disappointing. The love interest that had been simmering since book two finally comes to a head, only to be abruptly cut off (with a later chance of revival completely stiffled by circumstances that could have easily been overcome, but which no one ever attempted to overcome).A second love interest is introduced almost "at will," and did nothing more than create a love triangle that goes nowhere. Aside from that Murphy dismisses the first woman, the whole side plot with the second woman just...goes away. Suddenly. No mention is ever made of her again after a certain point. She offers to help Murphy's trusted assistant, and then... that's it.The whole "everyone hates evangelicals" thing continues, and there's more preachiness in this book than previous ones (or maybe it just seemed that way to me?). I don't mind people sharing their beliefs, but anyone opposed to Christianity is invariably set up either as a straw man, a person of great evil, or both.Incidentally, there's an exorcism in one of the subplots. That was probably the most hair-raising moments in the book.All in all, the book itself was a serious let down. In my opinion, it was a poor way to cap off a somewhat-better-than-mediocre series. The books were informative and reasonably well written, but the overall experience just didn't do it for me.
As much as I like fictional series of any kind--sitcoms, book series, movie trilogies, etc.--at least 97% of the time, there seems to come a point where each one "jumps the shark"; that is, it takes a wrong turn from which it never recovers. It's happened in countless ways over the years, but it almost never fails to take place. The Edge of Darkness is the shark jumping moment, as well as the supposed final installment, of Tim LaHaye's Biblically-inspired action/adventure drama Babylon Rising. Of course, there's more of what books one through three delivered: dramatized Bible scenes, action sequences involving our hero Dr. Murphy and/or the ever-detestable Talon, and even a little romance and humor thrown in just for fun. However, it doesn't seem to work quite as well, because the action scenes are few and far between, and the ending leaves room for another volume in the series, though I have never been able to find out if there will ever be one. If you've read and enjoyed the first three Babylon Rising books, you might find The Edge of Darkness mildly enjoyable just because of the familiar characters and the long-awaited secrets that are finally revealed; however, if you didn't care for the previous novels, nothing in this will change your mind.
What do You think about The Edge Of Darkness (2006)?
tI will be the first to admit that this is an unfair book review. The reason? I did not finish the book. In fact, I have debated about whether or not to even write this review. However, the reason the novel remains unfinished has everything to do with its content, and so I am providing my feedback.tLet me first establish my credentials: I love to read. I devour books. Before I had kids, I could finish a book in a day; even now, with kids, I finished the last three Harry Potter books in less than twenty-four hours. Furthermore, I have a history with Tim LaHaye. I loved the Left Behind books, and looked forward to the Babylon Rising series with great anticipation. However, after taking a week to wade through the fourth novel, I finally stalled out on page 115. I tried to finish just so I could write a review, but I just couldn’t push myself through it.tMost of the problems stem from the first three books in the series. I have already expressed my unhappiness with them in individual reviews. I will not rehash them. Part of the problem also came from the third book, which other reviewers have called the worst of at least the first three. After forcing myself to complete it, I just couldn’t make myself get through another one. I wouldn’t have even tried if I hadn’t already checked this book out of the library.tWhat, then, can I say? Not much. I think this book did run a little smoother than the last one, which, as noted, isn’t saying much. The characters stayed fairly true to what was already set. I was curious to see if Issis converted (though of course I know she will). But otherwise, I didn’t have much curiosity left.tI am very disappointed in this series. Having read the Soon series by Jerry Jenkins (the co-author to Left Behind), I have concluded that he must have done the primary authorship of that series. He is a very powerful writer. I also conclude that Bob Phillips must be the primary author of this series, and alas, he just isn’t as talented. I’ve been a little upset by the idea of using Tim LaHaye’s name to draw readers in. I think in this case it is a double-edged sword; anyone who reads the Babylon Rising books will most likely not bother with any of LaHaye’s other works. tI am sure there were some people who enjoyed – and even finished! – the novel. I am not one of them. Reading it was painful to me. I will continue to look for other Jerry Jenkins books, but I will be hesitant to pick up something new with LaHaye’s name on it – unless I need help falling asleep.
—Nola Redd
The Edge of Darkness is the fourth book in the Babylon Rising series. I would recommend this book to people who has read the other Babylon Rising books.I think this is my favorite of the four Babylon Rising books. It's my favorite because it takes a break from the standard plot of Murphy getting a clue from Methuselah and going on an expedition to find a Biblical artifact. In this book, although it does start off the same way, is way different than the other three.In this book, some questions are finally answered. But like the saying goes, when one door closes, another door opens. Whenever a question was finally answered, usually there was another question to fill its place. This book has, in my opinion, the best plot. I think that because there is so much happening at the same time, and it all comes together in the end.If someone wanted more answers about the Babylon Rising series, I would suggest this book to them.
—Nathan
