Booklist Review
New Age spiritual popularizer Redfield ruled the best-seller lists in the 1990s with his Celestine series of adventure parables, then left readers hanging after The Secret of Shambhala: In Search of the Eleventh Insight (1999). He now resurrects searcher Wilson James, known as Wil, and his fellow traveler, the unnamed narrator, just in time to offer a positive spin on the Mayan prophecy for the year 2012. A mysterious Document is being released around the world with instructions on how to use powers of the mind and spirit to elevate world consciousness and usher in not doomsday but, rather, a time of unity and peace. Redfield suggests that current economic crises, religious extremism, and political polarization are signs that we must change our ways. But Wil, the narrator, and a band of neatly diverse seekers (a Jew, a Muslim, a scientist, a few Christians, and a few Native Americans) must attain enlightenment immediately (instant karma, anyone?) in order to stop a band of terrorists from detonating a suitcase nuke. Celestine-heads and others looking for miraculous fables will embrace this hokey yet hopeful spiritual action fantasy. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Redfield's previous books dominated best-seller lists for years, and his return will stoke avid interest.--Seaman, Donna Copyright 2010 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Humanity is on the brink of change, teetering between enlightenment and disaster. The outcome of this precarious situation is dependent upon a new way of spiritual thought fostered and disseminated through open- minded individuals. An old document has been released piecemeal throughout the world, and as our narrator searches for the various sections, he encounters other like-minded people on the same quest. Together they assist one another to grow spiritually as new parts of the work are found, but they must learn quickly. A nefarious group whose goal is to destroy the world is hunting our narrator and his friends to prevent illuminated peace from prevailing. Verdict Redfield's fourth and final journey along the road that started with The Celestine Prophecy reintroduces insights from previous adventures. Applying them to current-day situations from the grim global financial situation to political and religious extremism, Redfield's positive spiritual affirmations provide readers with optimistic guideposts. Regrettably, a sense of adventure and character empathy have become lost in a story that reads more like a self-help manual, but this will not deter Redfield fans from completing the journey.-Joy Gunn, Henderson Dist. P.Ls., NV (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.