D.D. Marx’s contemporary religious fiction novel, The Dan Diaries: The Beyond Series, Book 4, is a provocative and thoughtful novel about the afterlife and what comes next, and it builds on the traditional views of heaven in unexpected ways. This well-written story poses intriguing reflections about the possibility of messages from beyond, including songs and number sequences. It also introduces a God like none you’ve ever considered before, and the change is probably a welcome one for most. Marx’s God is approachable and not entirely devoid of humor. The plot is breezy, especially considering the topic, and Marx’s characters are credible and well-defined. The Dan Diaries: The Beyond Series, Book 4 is highly recommended.

It is not often that I read a book which completely takes me out of my comfort zone. D.D. Marx’s tale of two soul mates, who are torn apart through death and yet stay connected, tore open some old wounds, yet took me to a place in which I experienced grief in a new light. Watching Dan oversee Olivia’s life without him drew many tears to my eyes, but the realistic feel of the story and the tiny doses of humor injected in just the right amounts throughout lightened the load substantially. I was able to view my own grief through Olivia’s eyes as she lost her best friend and had to try to find a way to live again, without hiding her most vulnerable aspects from every new person she meets.

The Dan Diaries is written in such a way that I was able to see it play out in my head, the same way a Deaf person views a subtitled film inside the cinema. I am not only grateful to have read through such a fine piece of literature, but I also recommend The Dan Diaries to readers over the age of 15 years who wish to tackle their grief, loss, and pain in a different light. I cannot wait to read the remaining books in The Beyond series.

The Dan Diaries (The Beyond Series) by D.D. Marx is a poignant story of life after death. Dan’s assignment is simple; help guide Hank (Olivia) through her pain to start on her life’s purpose. His mission has one stipulation; he must complete his tasks by using only signs, symbols, songs, etc. I loved how the reader is shown both Hank’s and Dan’s sides of the story interchangeably. Viewing life through a different perspective, the reader is challenged to alter how they react to the little dramas of life and the loving messages they receive as guidance. I loved the story and the message. It was touching and eye-opening. This novel is sure to ease the pain of loss and reveal messages sent by loved ones from the Otherside.

The Dan Diaries is a religious fiction story by D.D. Marx. It is a sweet read, suitable for a young adult audience. The easy, flowing first-person narrative allows the reader insight into Daniel’s innermost thoughts. It addresses the challenges of belief without faith or proof, and the efforts to which a guardian angel could go, only for their signs to be overlooked or forgotten. The book has a very youthful, friendly style, a simple and uncompleted view of the afterlife, written from a very informal and casual point of view. Bars, shops, and everlasting happiness with no negative emotions possible. It is a journey of patience and perseverance over a period of several earth years. You’ll see commitment, self-sabotage, doubt, grief, hard times and good times, new friendships, new relationships, and life slowly moving on after loss. It is an enjoyable read about enduring and everlasting friendship.