Da Vinci Code + World War Z + Jurassic Park divided by the Bible = Maze Master.
The LucentB virus is 100% deadly and is moving outward from France. Anna enlists the help of Christian professor, Martin, to find “Marham-i-Isa, the legendary healing ointment created by Jesus to heal the sick and raise the dead”—perhaps the only hope for humanity. While searching the Middle East for the ointment, Anna is also looking for her former mentor, the famed geneticist Hakari. In a parallel plot, Hakari is being driven mad by visions of shapes and his belief that he is the second coming of Christ. Wars break out as the virus spreads and nations look desperately for a cure. On battlefields, huge “angels of light” are spotted. Have the end times prophesied by the Bible arrived? Or is it something inherited in our Denisovan pre-historic genes that started the virus and the rest is pure human folly?
I loved the Da Vinci Code back in the day but I adore this book even more! It has the genre mashup that I like so much. It’s apocalyptic and scientific. With its factual underpinnings, it could actually happen. The setting and characterization are well done. It moves at a lightning pace. Overall, it is highly recommended for thriller readers. Open-minded fans of horror, science fiction and Christian fiction might also enjoy it. 5 stars!
Thanks to the publisher, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for granting my wish for an advanced copy.
Posted in Christian, Diane's Favorites, Fantasy, Mystery & Thrillers, Science Fiction Tagged with: apocalypse, Jul 17 2018
Good Religious Thrillers.
I previously read the first book in this collection separately. I am rating only the second book, Journey, here. I’m taking a break from reading the remaining novels as the plot lines are somewhat repetitive. I am curious what will happen to the main characters so I will read the rest of the series later.
The market for this book series is those who can have a little fun with religion but are religious enough to understand the Bible references. It was fine for me but I can understand some of the negative reviews from those who interpret the Bible literally. However, I thought the novels’ ideas were innovative and I always love reading a genre that hasn’t already been played out. This series’ genre is religious thriller but it also has some romances at different phases within it and a murder or two (though it is not a mystery who the murderer is). Since the novels have plots that build onto one another, I would highly recommend you read them in order.
Great Unique Christian Fantasy.
I only picked up this book because I enjoy the author’s Jason Strong detective stories. This book is a Christian fantasy. I have read many more mysteries than fantasies and only read about ten Christian books in my entire life (all Christian love stories) so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. If like me you are looking for something different than vampires and werewolves in a fantasy, then you will enjoy the intriguing premise of this book. I would, however, caution those who believe in the literal Word of the Bible that this book may not be a good choice. As other reviewers have noted, this book’s plot isn’t mentioned in the Bible and is perhaps actually denied within it. Since I’ve read all of the Sookie (True Blood) and Twilight books, I know that fantasy fiction is just for fun.
Once you accept the premise of runners and chasers, this book is a real page-turner. I actually read the entire book in one sitting. I love all the characters and liked the relationships between them. Each runner also has distinct and facinating back stories. I enjoyed the two romances within the book: one just beginning and one long-standing relationship.
I only have one complaint: the story is not complete by itself. The main plot continues in the second book in the series. Luckily I was reading a Kindle edition so it was easy to get the next book.