Alpha and Omega, by Harry Turtledove

Prolific author of fiction Harry Turtledove, once dubbed the "Master of Alternate History," takes a peek into biblical prophecy to write Alpha and Omega.  Set in a very near future, the story centers around the discovery of the long lost Ark of the Covenant, the fulfillment of the prophecy of the red cow, and a messiah figure to bring on the end times.

For most of the book, it reads like much biblical apocalyptic fiction (e.g., the Left Behind series).  Turtledove is Jewish; I don't know how devout.  In Alpha and Omega, he lands on a sort of universalism that leaves the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian characters a bit befuddled.  

I enjoyed the fact that Hogan treats scripture and religion respectfully, even if a bit distantly.  As a Christian believer, I found myself cheering on the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.  The first half is a fun read, seeing the responses especially of the Jewish characters as they saw prophecy being fulfilled.  But by the end the fantasy yarn-spinning got a little out of hand in my opinion and I ended up disappointed.  

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!