Tyra writes as a master-teacher, condensing Western Christian teachings on the afterlife into a riveting narrative. What emerges is no mere historical retelling, however, but a moving argument for an embodied vision of the Christian's consummate state. The book's key insight that anthropology mirrors eschatology is something of a theological dictum that should be in the forefront of the theologian's mind when writing on this topic henceforth.

N. Gray Sutanto, Reformed Theological Seminary, USA

From the Bible to C. S Lewis – that's quite a journey. Tyra proves an excellent guide. So many questions and even more answers about what human beings face between their death and the final judgment. Some thinkers expected a fierce purgatory; others found comfort in the idea of a lasting slumber for souls. Tyra invites the reader into the fascinating world of the afterlife, where human fear and hope sought to come to terms with the destiny awaiting us all.

Volker Leppin, Yale Divinity School, USA

This is a tour de force! Tyra has given us a magisterial account of approaches to the intermediate state from the early church to the Reformation and then subsequent Protestant trajectories. It is both a rigorous and insightful contribution to the academic conversation and a highly accessible and enjoyable exploration for anyone who has asked the question, 'What happens when we die?' (and that is surely most of us). As a bonus, Tyra also sets out a provocative agenda for further constructive theological work.

Suzanne McDonald, Western Theological Seminary, USA