Kirkus Review
In DiVerniero’s debut, sensitive, introspective Paolo DeLaurentis has had clairvoyant dreams and visions since he was a small child. His strange talents seem to come and go, and the rest of his working-class Italian family doesn’t need such powers to predict a gloomy future for humanity: “[T]he people of our country are headed on a path of destruction,” his father warns. “Drugs, money, no morals—evil is lurking.” When that future arrives, it finds wealthy, charismatic 39-year-old Paolo a phenomenally successful businessman, president and founder of Ottati Consulting Ltd. It also finds him being carefully watched by Dr. Payne, who was among the first to examine Paolo’s extrasensory powers when he was a child, and who has monitored his development ever since. Paolo is a beneficent businessman, and he’s a source of support and comfort to his friends and family, but when he loses his best friend as well as the love of his life, he gradually comes to understand that he has a higher calling; he sees a dark future approaching humanity, and he wants to help the world avoid it. “I love you,” he tells one of the many large audiences for speeches he regularly gives, “and ask that the love you have inside of you be released from the prison of evil and given to your fellow man.” Payne, on the other hand, wants to use Paolo’s powers for personal gain and world domination (although, in one of the book’s more amusing threads, Paolo is never fooled by Payne, offhandedly calling him a “scumbag” to anybody who’ll listen).
DiVerniero skillfully handles the plot, increasing the pace of events toward a fairly predictable climax. Paolo, though unfailingly perfect, is never boring, and the numerous characters are portrayed with individuality and humor. In particular, the reverence and affection Paolo’s family and friends feel for him is effectively evoked. The climax is smartly bittersweet, and the book’s explicitly Christian overtones aren’t so heavy-handed that they overwhelm the action.
A tightly written Christian novel about a modern-day Messiah.
Paolo’s random acts of kindness throughout the book should be an example to the wealthy of today. What a great book. –Christine H
Amazon Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Messenger
By Linda K. on January 30, 2014
I selected tax-free book for an easy read, not so. This was a wonderful read with pages of happiness, sadness,adventure, and love. It aS so much more than I expected. The love story that weaves throughout this story is beautiful as it captures Paulo’s heart. But, the thing that impressed me the most was the message that is given about our fallen world, being sickened and dying from pride, greed, and the absence of love and forgiveness. God sends messengers to pass on warnings to the people….few truely HEAR the warnings, but those who do need to carry on the alarm…time IS running out. Thanks foru the twists to the plot, they made an enjoyable read. Recommend to all, we all.need this message of love.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Protagonist Worth Emulating
By Laurajean T. Vaughn on August 11, 2017
Anthony Diverniero takes his readers on a journey that is both fascinating and timely. Interwoven storylines involving visions of the future, political intrigue, a heart-stopping love affair, connections to family and friends, and a deep concern for the future of mankind make for a uniquely wonderful read. I can’t wait for the sequel!
5.0 out of 5 stars
By SLS on November 13, 2016
Very timely message to humanity. A must read!
5.0 out of 5 stars
A 2016 must read!!
By Edward W. Dean on July 1, 2016
Messenger from God should be at the top of “must reads” for 2016. Mr. DiVerniero’s tale of mystery, intrigue and suspense, sprinkled in love story, immersed in an apocalyptic setting, is what makes this a must read. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. What used to be described as a page turner, using my Kindle, now is a finger tapper. My congratulations to Mr. DiVerniero for his outstanding work! I look forward to his next book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
By marg on June 17, 2016
A very enjoyable read – can’t wait for the next book to be published.
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an amazing read
By Ms. Pocketbook on April 13, 2016
From Page One this novel was engrossing. I’d lift my head and be amazed that hours had passed. Not at all preachy, it is a world where one person can make a difference. Excellent story.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Messenger From God
By Golden Girl on January 25, 2014
I think that many people have, or can have the gift of guidance to some extent. Some heed it, while others seem to ignore it, thus making the plot of this book somewhat realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and look forward to more books written by this author.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing read!
By David Pickering, on January 24, 2014
Really liked the book from beginning to end. The writer pulls you in and story plays out like a movie in your head as you read. Glad I took the time for this one.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent read
B yF. Arciuolo on August 26, 2013
Great story and an interesting plot that weaves in current events and results in a book that is hard to put down. The main character’s “gift” is chronicled over a lifetime and at times seems more like a curse. Rather than leading a charmed life, the main character leads a normal life with ups and downs, and lends realism to the plot. It’s not a fairy tale, it’s a story that is plausible and believable and perhaps hopeful as well.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Messenger From GOD
B yBernadette Lynch on June 10, 2013
Don’t be fooled by the title!!! Just finished Messenger From GOD, by my friend and classmate Tony DiVerniero. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it! It had everything from romance to intrigue! But most of all the message it brought about unconditional love, the love from GOD for our fellow man. This book lifts your spirit, I truly couldn’t put it down! A must summer read for everyone. Can’t wait for the next one!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
By Kac on May 31, 2013
Wow! What a fantastic, page-turner . Thank you Tony D. Can’t wait for the next one.
I felt as though I have actually visited Italy.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Messanger from God
By .John Sarno on April 29, 2013
Great read could not put it down. I made a connection with the places the book speaks about.This book explains to us how we should be towards one another,it causes us to think, and how we are wraped up in the world we do not take the time to see what is happening around us.After reading this you will come away with a whole new out look.Looking foward to his next book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Messenger from God – a very nice surprise
By Mark Souza on April 12, 2013
I feel connected to the story. The detail use of real life places such as New Haven , Connecticut and all the way to Ottati, Italy made it real. At the same time it is easy to have an emotional bond with the main character Paolo, who has the power to visualize future events. I am not much for love stories but if you like that, this book has it too. I see the strong potential for follow-on books.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Addictive
By Donna Donle on March 30, 2013
This is a fast moving, engaging novel. So many wonderfully written events, family histories and descriptive scenes.
Hard to put down. Looking forward to having more of these adventures from this talented author.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Captivated this audience.
By Tee M on March 25, 2016
Not done reading this. But so far author has me engaged. Really makes you imagine his surroundings. Very descriptive. Story isn’t lagging.
5.0 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC!!!
By workerbev on July 17, 2015
I could not put this book down. The characters, of which there were many, were so well described that you never got them confused. They were real, they sat beside you as you read the story. They storyline of love is one that could have only come from God. This book will affect me for the rest of my life. A MUST read for everyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Writer just draws you in. Terrific!
By bonnie s. milford on May 24, 2014
At such a busy time in my life I still make time to read a little more if this TERRIFIC book each day. It is very hard to put down. GREAT writer!
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