Outer Banks Publishing Group author Koos Verkaik’s fascinating novel, Heavenly Vision, earns more 5-star reviews on Amazon
The bestseller was recently chosen as the Editor’s Choice on QwertyThoughts.com
Knightmst
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Intriguing and complex “jigsaw” puzzle of a read.
December 24, 2018
Religious cults have been part of our world for ages if not just thru stories, but actual cults that can be found throughout this world. They have filled the void for those who felt lost and needed a sense of belonging. They have filled the void for their leaders who wish to corrupt a religion to get people to their bidding. There are of course numerous reasons why people both join, and start a cult and would be a story upon itself.
I bring up religious cults as they will become part of the story of Author Koos Verkaik’s aptly titled book Heavenly Visionxs. A book that will find a reader facing different time periods as a story unwinds thru the words with in the pages of this book. The book will introduce the reader to a wide range of characters, and even a range of time periods.
The book starts interesting enough in the year 1745 and will introduce the readers to ship captain Adriaen Kalf. The Captain will have the most unfortunate events that will cause the man to see formal charges filed against him. The events that lead to his charges will be found spelled out in an old Atlas that falls into the hands of one Jan Glas.
As we continue to read the book, we find out that Captain Kalf had taken on a very unique device that time has nearly forgotten about. I write nearly, as Glas will be involved in helping an article get written about Kalf and it leads to an invitation to a symposium held by a publishing company. The company, Arnold McKay Publishing, is being the magazine ParaPsycho. It is during the symposium that many of the other key characters in the book will come into the picture. There is Pamela Mitchell from the magazine, a Hellen Derringer from a group called the Third Eye Association, and the beautiful Mary Landock.
The events in, Heavenly Vision, will start growing more and more intriguing during this event. Mary has her purse stolen that leads to a chase, police involvement and so much more. These events will eventually lead to Jan Glas, in England waking up in a Hospital. There is much that is being left out on purpose as one must really get to read how this all happens as it is exciting and very intriguing.
The book will lead you back in time a few more times as you read the pages. One of the more interesting, trips to the past, will involve the introduction to Manuel Raso back in the late 1880’s in several southern US States. Our introduction to him will tell the tale of his unique gift that potentially came from a kick to the head by a horse. A gift that will leave many in tears, but grateful for meeting the man. A gift that will find him gaining a “cult” like following and eventually a formation of a town in Florida.
All of these past events will somehow find themselves tying back to Jan Glas, ParaPsycho and Arnold McKay. They will also go back to that secret cargo that Captain Kalf had upon his ship. All of these pieces are tied together much like a jigsaw puzzle being completed. The rush of finding a place for each piece, and that feeling of nearing completion will be felt as you read what Author Koos Verkaik has laid out within the pages.
I do realize some people do not like stories that seem to jump around from one period to another. I however found this to be a great tool within the story and added so much to this book. There was just the right amount of changes that it did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. In truth, it only added to the complete puzzle as things are unveiled as you reach the finale of the book. Those who enjoy mysteries, suspense and intrigue will surely enjoy this book by Koos Verkaik.
Sheri A. Wilkinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fanastic!
September 19, 2018
In 1745 an old manuscript is found in an old atlas of Cape of Good hope. Captain Adriaen Kalf tries to figure out its meaning. In current time, a man from Amsterdam Jan Glas learns of a machine that could end the world. He embarks on a journey to England and the USA to learn more about this. He meets a man in the United States from The Center of The Heavenly Vision, who claims that this machine is real and will indeed will kill people.
Jan encounters some strange people and events, could this manuscript from the past be connected to this killing machine? Does this machine exist? And is this “prophecy” going to come true? A cast of likable, unlikable and quirky characters, along with a very original and interesting story makes for a fantastic read.
I liked the writing style, going back to the past and present, and the characters, all unique in their own way. I recommend Heavenly Vision to those who like adventure , drama and excitement. I also recommend The Nibelung Gold also by Koos Verkaik.
Sandra K. Stiles
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Interesting
September 19, 2018
If you like books that bounce back and forth between the past 1700s, and the present then this is the book for you. It makes it a little confusing, but if you are willing to hang in there it all becomes clear in the end. In the past we have an old manuscript, in the present we have a machine that is said to be able to end the world. What are the connections if any between these two? The author has taken these two events and woven them into a story that will have you reading cover to cover just to find that connections. Once again this author has created a book that grabs you and forces you to read to find the answer to all of those questions you had at the beginning. I applaud him for this ability.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
R M
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing
January 12, 2019
Heavenly Vision by Koos Verkaik was a very intriguing read right from the start. The way the many characters and situations flow in and out like a giant puzzle throughout keep the reader interested. The end of course was satisfyingly brilliant as all the ties connect. I don’t like to give away spoilers but I will say between the haunting document of 1745, a paranormal preacher of a strange cult and good old fashioned modern revenge make for a book I could not put down…. LDM
Thomas H Redlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hats off to Koos Verkaik!
January 6, 2019
Five stars for this book and a big hurray for the author! Yes, indeed, nothing is what it seems, in this new, exciting Koos Verkaik novel… It starts with the finding of an old manuscript hidden in an old atlas of the Cape of Good Hope, around the year 1745.
“Allart Vroom climbed down from the ship, and we stood ready to catch him,” wrote Captain Adriaen Kalf. “His clothes, his flesh, his bones pulverized in our hands. He formed a small heap of powder at our feet. Please, believe me—it is not, like someone suggested, the contents of broken hourglasses.”
Jan Glas, an Amsterdam publicist, reads about a machine that could cause the end of the entire world! Of course, he wants to find out the truth about the remarkable manuscript! A long journey takes him to England and the USA.
A peculiar man crosses his path – Wesley Dunn, Raso Preacher, Center of the Heavenly Vision, Franks Knight, Florida, USA. This man says that the world will be destroyed by ‘the Machine of Colton’, which is also mentioned in the manuscript that Jan found! Only a few people will survive – the true followers of the odd Mr. Wesley Dunn, and the Raso way of life!
Murder, mystery and intrigue will keep the reader guessing as to what is going on. Is the world coming to an end, and if so, who will survive?
This is a thriller that keeps you wondering how the author managed to come up with so many ideas, this is almost insane. Hats off to Koos Verkaik!
Available at our bookstore and on Amazon.com as well as fine bookstores everywhere.