A FORM OF GODLINESS

Appearing in a charged election year, this apocalyptic thriller—dedicated to President Bush and those killed in the 9/11 attacks—delivers a strong Republican, Zionist message. Life Quality, an organization that offers parents of handicapped babies a chance to turn them (and their organs) in for cash, will seemingly stop at nothing to acquire body parts. In another story line, Randall Sullivan finds he is able to talk with the spirits of the dead, including his deceased teenage daughter, which earns him celebrity status but becomes more than he bargained for. The novel ends as nuclear warfare chars the world, Israel fulfills biblical prophecy and Christians disappear from the earth. Johnson (Ice ) is a talented writer who juggles many characters with aplomb, but his talents falter under his didacticism. Environmentalists of faith will be offended by his disparaging comments about those who oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and other readers may be troubled by the idea that the U.S. must offer allegiance to Israel no matter what. The token insertion of a likable Muslim couple isn't enough to counter the stereotypical Middle Eastern characters. Storytelling takes second place here to dogma. (Sept.)