The Messenger by Andrew E. Shipley

Synopsis (from Amazon):
Is U.S. Senator Peters a prophet, a fraud, neither, or both? Senator Peters vaults to worldwide fame and politial prominence after his first speech from the Senate floor. According to SenatorPeters, he delivered his speech in English, but according to amazed listeners from around the world, he could be understood by all who heard it, no matter what their language.When the “tongues” phenomenon recurs, several parties, ranging from a political power broker to a Catholic Archbishop, seek to appropriate the apparent miracle for their own purposes. As Peters exploits his newfound fame to propel his career to heights beyond those he had ever dreamed possible, two men following different trains of thought reach an identical conclusion: the Senator must die. Meanwhile, a centuries old society known as The Order of Mani keeps watch. The Order believes that it alone holds the secret to The Messenger’s true purpose, and it is determined to stop it.

Review:
It’s not often that I come across a novel that grabs me from the very first page, especially when it’s a new author, but that’s exactly what happened when I picked up The Messenger by Andrew E. Shipley.

From the very beginning, Shipley’s style has the confidence of a seasoned author and just the right blend of characterisation and gripping plot to keep one turning the pages like lightning, desperate to find out what will happen next!

The story itself is highly original and shows a flair for taking ordinary events and turning them on their heads in a way that is utterly believable. What was additionally wonderful was that this wasn’t an excuse for ppushing a religious or political agenda – only an opportunity to immerse the reader in a roller-coaster ride that is simultaneously inviting, terrifying and inspirational.

I will certainly be eagerly awaiting further works by this very talented writer, who deserves every success if this novel is typical of his style, tone and talent.

Reviewed by Kell Smurthwaite