In "The Errors of Mankind," Will Barnes was purged of the beast that drove him to survive and excel, regardless of how it impacted others, and found a peace that enable him to reconcile with his wife over past transgressions. In this sequel, "Better is the End," he finds this peace is being undercut by a darkness left behind by the beast, an uncontrollable anger that causes him to lash out at others. Feeling like an alcoholic, he follows the AA program. He retraces his steps through life to find others he has harmed and then struggles with the process of making amends. He finally completes the process and unexpectedly finds lasting peace in a surprising way.
Onlinebookclub review: "...5 out of 5 stars. I like the writing style of the novel because it is so well-written that one is almost convinced it is a true story. The author should be commended for the good plot and for conveying an important message to everyone in the world about greed, power, arrogance, intolerance, and selfish interest. "Better Is the End" is particularly suitable for readers who are interested in historical fiction with a strong moral and political dimension. Those who appreciate a nuanced examination of historical events and their implications for contemporary society will find this book engaging. Additionally, readers who enjoy stories of personal redemption and complex characters grappling with their pasts will connect deeply with Will's journey."
A Beta-reader: "Great job! I loved the journey both books took me on. You're a great storyteller who, through these books, tells a deeply compelling and painfully personal story that is quite entertaining. While most people have not been through what Will's been through, most folks have had their own journey and should be able to put themselves in Will's shoes because the concepts of 'Why am I here?', 'What does it mean to be happy?', 'Am I good?', and 'Can I be redeemed' are universal concepts with which we all grapple."