A fascinating story of how the world would react if a mysterious voice was heard by everyone at the same time around the world from no immediately identifiable source.

Whilst a very slow book and by no means a thriller in style - something that will cause this not to appeal to everyone, the different viewpoints of people from various societies, backgrounds and beliefs are what make this such a fascinating read. Expertly handled by Smythe, I was engrossed in how he portrayed the different reactions and how hard hitting the impact was in the few words that the "voice" spoke.

Is it God saying goodbye? Is it aliens? Is it a mass hallucination? Government conspiracy perhaps? Well, that would be telling, but if you like thought provoking sci fi which focuses on how the unknown affect people and society, then this is one of the best conceptually. It may not be for everyone, but 10 years after reading it, the impact has stayed with me and that is mark of something pretty special. ( )

A fascinating story of how the world would react if a mysterious voice was heard by everyone at the same time around the world from no immediately identifiable source.

Whilst a very slow book and by no means a thriller in style - something that will cause this not to appeal to everyone, the different viewpoints of people from various societies, backgrounds and beliefs are what make this such a fascinating read. Expertly handled by Smythe, I was engrossed in how he portrayed the different reactions and how hard hitting the impact was in the few words that the "voice" spoke.

Is it God saying goodbye? Is it aliens? Is it a mass hallucination? Government conspiracy perhaps? Well, that would be telling, but if you like thought provoking sci fi which focuses on how the unknown affect people and society, then this is one of the best conceptually. It may not be for everyone, but 10 years after reading it, the impact has stayed with me and that is mark of something pretty special. ( )

Simple concept, great execution. Was a while ago that I read this but has stuck in my head ever since. ( )

First there was static and the whole world freaked out. Then came a voice that said “My Children, Do not be afraid”. People said it was God, others said it was the government and still others believed it was aliens. The whole world was brought to a halt but no one had the answers. The Testimony details the apocalypse from the perspective of twenty six people around the world. James Smythe is a master at writing science fiction that will really make you ponder life and The Testimony is no different.

I was curious to check out James Smythe’s debut novel ever since I discovered his novels. The Machine was my first Smythe and still remains my favourite although many do prefer The Explorer. For me, while The Testimony was a thrilling read, it just was not on the same level as the other books I have read. Dealing with so many different perspectives was a great way to capture the different opinions and question the events. However this novel was not overly impressive, still a great book but if I compare if to James Smythe’s other novels, it falls short. This is proof on just how far Smythe has improved and makes me excited to read something new by this great author.

This review originally appeared on my blog; http://www.knowledgelost.org/literature/book-reviews/genre/historical-fiction/au... ( )

Global thriller presenting an apocalyptic vision of a world on the brink of despair and destruction.

What would you do if the world was brought to a standstill? If you heard deafening static followed by the words ‘MY CHILDREN, DO NOT BE AFRAID’?

Would you turn to God? Declare it an act of terrorism? Subscribe to the conspiracy theories? Or put your faith in science and a rational explanation?

The lives of all twenty-six people in this account are affected by the message. Most because they heard it. Some because they didn't.

The Testimony – a gripping story of the world brought to its knees and of its people, confused and afraid.

"How to make the world divide into three camps over a single hour: make them pick between science, fantasy and religion. Give them a situation, a hypothetical situation, then give them three possible reasons for it happening – could be aliens, could be God, could be something we made ourselves and just haven't worked out yet – and ask them to choose."

Frightening premise told World War Z style that pans the globe with eye witness accounts from those in power, such as the White House Chief of Staff, right down to the little people.

Continuously makes you ask yourself the question...What would I believe? Aliens? God? or science we don't understand yet and more to the point what would I do!

I actually had to put the book down at one point and consider what would I think?

Then I had to ring a friend with the scenario and ask them what they would think it was and was shocked to find out their conclusion was completely different to my idea (…you think you know someone)

It is that kind of book…

The professional gamer living in Shanghai made me smile - the world maybe ending but we WILL finish this instance!

Bold speculative fiction - looking forward to reading more of this author ( )