Kenneth Johnson (1) (1942–)

V: The Second Generation is an independent novel authored by Kenneth Johnson the producer of the original 1983 V Miniseries, the only part of the V "universe" that Johnson owned the IP rights to. Its written in a way that it should be able to stand on its own so if you've never read or watched anything in the V francise you should be fine to pick this up. However, if you have, I recommend re-watching the the original miniseries first. If you've watched "The Final Battle" or the '85 or '08 show more T.V. series, or read the earlier spin off books, it can be confusing following this. The Visitors never left Earth, the've been here for over 20 years and the lizard people have continued to control world affairs and are still stealing our liquid water and our second generation has grown up under their brainwashing "knowing" that the Visitors arent' only our friends but the only reason the human race still exists. Much of the original heros are still here, save Mike Donavan who has assumed killed in '91 during a raid in france, and much of the world wide resitance was destroyed in '99. For the most part I like this book, but it was written oddly. It started very interesting with new aliens shoing up in their rural hunting cabin and our fisherman super excited by their naked bodies. But I don't know why they had to kill them. Sometimes it is hard to keep straight because Johnons switches scenes/perspectives so quickly. Sometimes he adds the double line break to indicate and sometimes he doesn't. Its clear that he is more use to writing for T.V. than writing a novel. I appreciated the tension between Diana and the new Visitor commandant Jeremey and "The Leader" finally coming to earth. I was surprised how the "half-breeds" where treated as slaves and despised by most everyone but their own families. The descriptions of the new alien Zenthi and their are they with us or are they not was treated very well. The closer I got to the end the more I wondered if it was going to get all tied up or if this was intended to be the first in a series that didn't occur. It has a happy ending, if inconclusive. show less

I was ecstatic when I found out that Kenneth Johnson had produced another V book, having been quite a fan of the series in my younger years. During the first few chapters of The Second Generation I was slightly disoriented because I did not realize that it is a direct sequel to the original V and completely disregards V: The Final Battle (and all subsequent V books). Events that happened in that installment have not occurred and there are some major changes to assimilate. Once I got my show more bearings I really started to enjoy it.
The parallels between V and WWII were always obvious but as a kid I really only appreciated V for the alien-invasion aspect of it. Now that I'm older and I've read several books concerning the occupation of Paris and the French Resistance, the whole occupier/occupied dynamic really came to the foreground of the story.
This book feels exactly like a class reunion: meeting up with old friends 20 years later to see who's fat and bald and who has kids. I enjoyed what Johnson did with the material and I will always welcome another frolic in the V saga. show less

This book was unique and totally absorbing. The story goes back and forth showing Will, as an average, thirty-year-old man with brown hair and eyes, interacting with people of all ages, nationalities, and lifestyles. He speaks many different languages and seems to somehow know exactly what each person needs to make their lives better, even before they do. After a few chapters, you realize he's been around for a long, long time and appears to be some kind of angel that helps people, however show more he turns out to be much, much more. I found it heart-warming and inspirational and highly recommend it to anyone who likes supernatural fiction with religious overtones. A real page-turner. show less

Man of Legends

By

Kenneth Johnson

A man doomed to immortality, destined to wander aimlessly throughout until Jesus returns? Such is the legend of “The Wandering Jew.” Said to have been a member of the household of Pontius Pilot, he is alleged to have mocked Jesus as he was paraded by Roman soldiers through the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha for crucifixion.

Will is a man with no name, other than “Will”, as he is known to many he encounters…or with many names. Throughout much of The show more Man of Legends which is true is unclear. What is known from eye-witness accounts is that he is a compassionate man with a burning desire to be helpful to those who need help, support or a boost of encouragement. However, Will is tired; his spirit is weary and heavy with the burden of his existence. The magnitude of that burden is slowly reveled as the story progresses.

Father St. Jacques is a French priest assigned to the Vatican and to the Pontiff’s personal service. A man driven by pride and determination to advance in influence in the church hierarchy, St. Jacques will stop at nothing to locate and restrain Will deep in the Vatican where he can influence no one without the church’s censorship and ‘spin’. His official mission is all about preservation of church doctrine; his personal mission al about pride and personal advancement. His excuse…capturing living proof that Christ’s miracles exist.

The handsome, well-dressed, young man seems to mock Will at every turn. He does not mock him openly in a confrontational manner, but more by insinuating himself into Will’s attention. Eventually, there will be a showdown between them; one that many in New York will never forget.

Among the many people Will has encountered and helped, are Tito, Maria, Suki Tamura, Nicole and others…people who fill in bits and pieces of Will’s recent story through first person accounts. Jillian, Hanna and Father St. Jacques tell the major part of Will’s story through their personal narratives. A large number of New Yorkers, including these, gather in an old warehouse for a spectacular showdown; a showdown that for all its magnificent horror resolves nothing, but sheds light on the character of the participants.

Man of Legends is a well written and well edited tale based on the legend of “The Wondering Jew”. It is emotional, gut-wrenching at times and the reader cannot help empathizing with Will’s plight, cheering his willingness to help others despite his own problems, and marveling that after two millennia he can still stand firm against overwhelming powers.

Sure to be enjoyed by any action or adventure lover, or any lover of fantasy, Christian fiction or church related fiction or mysteries, The Man of Legends offers something for almost reader. show less