Lorilyn Roberts

What a great mix of ingredients inherent in this Christian allegorical novel for young adults! There's plenty of drama and conflict inherent in the ongoing battle between good and evil with a sprinkling of romance and even a dash of political commentary. The animal characters are charming and the human characters are equally interesting. We immediately identify with the young protagonist Shale as she deals with her feelings of rejection, abandonment, and social isolation, and we can also show more empathize with Daniel and his conflicted feelings about just who the teacher really is--whether He is actually who Shale believes Him to be. I love the concept of "multiple realities" depending on the choices one makes, and I think this is really a novel for all ages. It's a journey of self-discovery but so much more! show less

As an avid reader of middle school fantasy and historical fiction, Lorilyn's world was familiar and yet unique. Talking animals are reminiscent of Narnia and Eden. Characters seemed both ancient and modern. And the idea of travelling between times and having both impact the perspective of a young teenager worked for this story.

I loved Shale. I loved her encounter with the king at just the right time. And I loved how she learned to hear him, even when he was absent, because of how well she show more knew him.

Some of the details in the story were less developed, such as the relationship between her and Daniel, the different personalities of her stepmother, the transformation (or not) of Judd, and truth about Shale'sparents. In part, this leaves room for the next book, but I think it makes the story more inviting for younger readers who might get too bogged down by extensive details. I recommend The Door to anyone who loves to imagine what it might be like to live in the world of Jesus. show less

Still wrestling with the knowledge that Jesus is no ordinary man, while simultaneously remembering that Jewish teachers have for years denied any possibility that Jesus might be their long awaited Messiah, Daniel lives through the final week of Jesus life...and sees him resurrected. If seeing is believing, why are so many still unable to believe? And yet, how can you continue to deny what you see? As Daniel struggles to believe, particularly when Shale found it so much easier, I found myself show more wrestling with why those I love can't see what I see. I also found hope in Lorilyn's portrayal of a God who doesn't give up and fights on behalf of his people.

This series just keeps getting better the further I read! show less

Despite my son's claims to be an atheist, we BOTH enjoyed this parable. There is enough paranormal phenomena that we loved it. Way better than reading the bible stories of my youth. There are elements of romance, angst, suspense, and sweet animals. A thoroughly enjoyable listen. Some Christian rhetoric, but the story makes complete sense, and it has excellent flow. The narrator was a surprise favorite, as I got this book based on its whispersync price. Awesome listen!