Kickstarter Campaign for Haighs Flat by Colin Williams.

 I recently reviewed Haighs Flat by Colin Williams. 

My review can be found here. Colin told me that he needed to promote the novel better than he had since its first printing in July 2022. Like most authors, this can be difficult as funding this is extra to their income and can be in short supply or not at all.

I believe that Haighs Flat needs to be more accessible and promoted as such. Why do I believe this? Because it contains God Honouring content concerning Christian Apologetics and having Salvational and Biblical redemptive themes. All on a foundation of Biblical truth and entertainment. Suspenseful, thrilling, compelling and mysterious.

This novel was awarded the Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award for the above mentioned Biblical themes and Apologetics.

I believe this novel will be used by God to witness to those readers who need to hear the Biblical Salvation message and/or have questions concerning evolution versus creationism and specifically could have dinosaurs have lived together with the human race.

So what is Haighs Flat about:

Something is lurking in the Australian bush – something terrifying. From the myths and legends of the indigenous people of Australia, from the stories they told around the fire at night comes a creature so horrifying they called it “Banib”- in our language it means “Devil.”

When Bryan Morgan started investigating his brother’s disappearance little did he know the can of worms he would be opening. Town secrets that date back to the 1800s, still haunt people today.

Sara Whitney has only lived in Haighs Flat for three months having moved there to investigate the disappearance of her uncle. Why is it that no one even remembers her uncle living or working there?

Could these disappearances be connected? Murder, conspiracies, and secrets all are being covered up by the powers-that-wanna-be and those with the power will stop at nothing to keep their secret safe.

As each of the theories gets refuted, could it be that the ramblings of an old farmer be the only ones that make any sense? Could it even be scientifically plausible?

With the evidence given them, will Bryan and Sara run with the truth or run from it?

I suggested to Colin to consider the Kickstarter program to fund the second printing of Haighs Flat and to help get Haighs Flat out there for God to use.

Now let's see what Colin has to say about his novel and this Kickstarter campaign:

Why Haighs Flat? 

The idea of Haighs Flat came to me back in 2018 when I was seriously contemplating writing my first novel. Where did the name Haighs Flat come from? That I cannot answer you, it just came to me as a name for a typical country town, and thankfully there is no town of the same name that I am aware of.

The next thing I had to do was paint a picture of the town in my head. In order to have the story make sense, I had to be aware of directions, travelling and have a general layout in my head something of what the town would look like - and yes, it is loosely based on an existing town in the North-West of New South Wales.

What I wanted for the book was something uniquely Australian. Something that not only Australians will relate to, but something that will attract the attention of international readers as well, hence the culprit in the story is pulled out of an Aboriginal legend that may or may not have had an element of truth about it.  Being a Christian, and a creationist at that, I believe that the earth is much younger than the majority of the world believes. I also believe in the creation account as described in Genesis, thus I believe that dinosaurs existed alongside of people.

In chapter ten of my novel, the question is asked: "We read in the Bible of animals which we can interpret as being dinosaurs, existing alongside of people, but why do we not see this in other texts from the past?”

Hopefully I have answered this question in this book by explaining that there are many evidences of dinosaurs having lived along side of people. While this book is fictional, I have tried to keep things historically accurate - especially where it relates to Biblical issues.

As far as the book goes, chapter ten, which is in a Bible Study setting, would be my favourite chapter. I picked up my pen at around 9 o'clock in the morning and didn't put it down again until the early hours of the next morning, stopping only for meal breaks, and doing a bit of research. The whole chapter just flowed out of my pen and I couldn't stop until it was over.

The budget for this book is quite low as I have already covered a lot of the costs, however, being unemployed, it has hit my back pocket where it hurts and as a result I have been unable to publish this novel and I am eager to get it out into the public. Asking only $1,000, whether you can help me with one dollar or a hundred dollars, you can be assured every cent will be greatly appreciated. 

This book was written from the heart to help people understand who God is and to show that the Bible can be trusted in its entirety. It is not preachy, being a fictional novel, the events, people and even Haighs Flat are all fictional, however, the histoprical side in the book, especially in relation to creation all point out to how the Bible can be trusted in these matters.  

When writing the book I was having a conversation with another person and he asked what it was that I was doing. This brought about him asking questions regarding the Bible and in particular creation and he questioned me about dinosaurs. Having not long beforehand written chapter ten, I suggested he read it and to cut a long story short, it was instrumental in him giving his life over to God. This is why I write and this is why I am eager to get this book published.

About the author: Colin Williams has been a Christian since September 1994. Having been brought up in a Christian environment, he threw it all out of the window when he was fifteen years old and it wasn't until he was nearly thirty that he stopped running from the Lord. The one thing which he is most grateful for is that God has never let him down. He is living proof that God will never leave us nor forsake us and Colin has experienced God's hand upon his life even in life’s darkest moments. Just prior to giving his life to Jesus his first prayer was, "God, if I do this I want You to make Yourself real to me." This prayer God has honoured over and over again.

To find out more and to read reviews of this book please go to my web site here or you can go to the Haighs Flat page on GoodReads.

 I have copied the one other review, apart from mine, below:

The following is a review by bookclubonline.com

"Haighs Flat" by Colin Williams.

4 out of 4 stars

Imagine having a beast-like creature with the similitude of a dinosaur as a pet. Isn't that suicidal, if not genocidal? Lennard Smythe has a beast locked up in one of the chambers of the mine he manages at the Inland Valley. One of his workers mistakenly releases it. Four months later, bushwalkers and sight-seers like Joshua Morgan and Raelene Clarke are nowhere to be found. It turns out that this is the least of the many disappearances recorded in the small suburb of Haighs Flat. The villagers know something but are scared to spew it out. Could it be that Lennard is the right-hand man to some wicked fellow disguised as an investor? Why do they fight tooth and nail to erase traces of anyone knowing their secrets? How true is the rumor of the existence of a bunyip? Colin Williams exposes the corrupt lifestyles of cops while educating his readers on the "prehistoric mythological animal" of Australia in his book, Haighs Flat.

As I read through, my eye opened to the discovery that wherever there's hypocrisy, corruption is surely lurking around the corner. Sergeant Jim Sloane, Sergeant Paul Hodges, and Lennard Smythe are top of the suburb's list of corrupt cops. The author creates an aura of authenticity that allows the reader to relate to the actions of these characters as they carry out the evil desires of some heartless 'influential figures' at the top. I realized that corruption runs from the top tier of government down to the grassroots, as seen in the list of active and passive contributors to the bunyip saga that Sloane discloses. A councilor, a mayor, and even a member of the state parliament, amongst others, had their hands soiled. There's hardly any nation today that doesn't have a tale of corruption. Corruption is like a wildfire that burns its victims without mercy.

I particularly love how the author clarifies the difference between being merely religious and spiritual. He hits the nail on the tangent when he explains some truths about Christianity. It is a religion that is not about putting up pious countenances and carrying out ritual activities; rather, it has a lot to do with having a close walk with God. George is my favorite character. I admire his versatility and learned mind. He is not a "religious nut," as Jack and Sloane opine.

I disliked nothing about the book, but I would have loved to know about the main brains behind the rearing of those monstrous beasts since 1984 and their reasons for such. I also would have loved to know what eventually happened in Sara's relationship with Bryan.

Although there were minimal errors, I couldn't agree more that the book was professionally edited. The book is rich with figurative expressions and superb plot structure. Hence, I'd rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Everyone should read this book, but I'll recommend it to those with a warped idea of who God is. The book would also appeal to those who love crime fiction involving corps.

I pray that this has piqued your interest in this novel and the kickstarter program for it. I encourage you, if you can, to back it. I have backed it at the $25 e-book and printed version tier.

There are 3 tiers:

The Pledge above would suit those who would like to predge without a reward (the novel) but would like to support the campaign.

The Pledge above suits international pledgers as the e-book can be sent internationally.

The last tier is for the paperback version:

 

So, if you would consider backing the campaign to have Haighs Flat republished and better promoted, go to the Campaign page to do so:

Kickstarter Campaign for Haighs Flat by Colin Williams

Novel Review and Christian Redemptive Fiction Award: Haighs Flat by Colin Williams.

Haighs Flat.

Something is lurking in the Australian bush – something terrifying. From the myths and legends of the indigenous people of Australia, from the stories they told around the fire at night comes a creature so horrifying they called it “Banib”- in our language it means “Devil.”

When Bryan Morgan started investigating his brother’s disappearance little did he know the can of worms he would be opening. Town secrets that date back to the 1800s, still haunt people today.

Sara Whitney has only lived in Haighs Flat for three months having moved there to investigate the disappearance of her uncle. Why is it that no one even remembers her uncle living or working there?

Could these disappearances be connected? Murder, conspiracies, and secrets all are being covered up by the powers-that-wanna-be and those with the power will stop at nothing to keep their secret safe.

As each of the theories gets refuted, could it be that the ramblings of an old farmer be the only ones that make any sense? Could it even be scientifically plausible?

With the evidence given them, will Bryan and Sara run with the truth or run from it?

Perspective by Peter:

I really loved this story. It turned out better than any preconceived ideas I had about it. For a debut novelist, Williams has a well-constructed and engaging novel. It has a steady pace, one event builds on the next and all the story arcs are well-placed and further the plot, leading to a very satisfying ending.

There is a lot to like in this novel. A minor story arc of romance between the two main characters, Bryan and Sara. A mysterious ancient creature from Aboriginal lore, the town's secret relating to this creature, missing tourists and town's folk, corrupt police, business, politicians, and local council. How are all these tied together? And where did this creature come from? What is the connection between this creature, dinosaurs, and the Bible?

While reading this novel, I wondered if Williams was going to confirm what I was suspecting, that this creature was the banib (or bunyip in English) of Aboriginal lore that I grew up with in school. Turned out, I was correct. But Williams has tied this in with the Bible and dinosaurs. May not sound feasible or plausible to some, but once you study the Bible and its related topics, it does make sense. Williams does a great job of this as well. He seems to have quite the talent in this regard.

Williams shines in explaining Biblical theology of the story arcs and themes. He has depicted the spiritual aspects of this novel very well and it brings the Bible to life and confirms that it supports science and not what secular society wants to hear, that science disproves the Bible. I applaud him for this. I continue this applause with his presenting the Gospel just as it is in the Bible, with no holes barred and even the inclusion of prayer. Now prayer was not just mentioned as being offered by the Christian characters but said in its entirety. So many times, Christian authors get criticised by Christian readers for including the actual prayer as they find it detracting from the story and pace, but I find this a sad indictment of them as all the author is doing is depicting realistically what the Christian life is. For a Christian fiction story such as this, so it should be. Williams shows how Christianity and a relationship with God should be and can be in the life of the Christian. 

Williams also discusses why some topics are not discussed in Church and how this then leads to confusion, disillusionment, and a stronghold of disbelief in the Christian or the secular person and how they can develop a distorted view of Christianity and the Bible. No wonder there are so many divisions among Believers alike! I remember being cautioned by an elder of the church I was attending if I continued to discuss a topic relating to Genesis 6: 4 concerning the subject of the Nephilim! If it is in the Bible, why cannot it be discussed? Hasn't stopped me though! 

Some of what I have outlined here can be found in Williams' blog on his website. I add it here to support my impressions of the novel: 

The idea of Haighs Flat came to me back in 2018 when I was seriously contemplating writing my first novel. Where did the name Haighs Flat come from? That I cannot answer you, it just came to me as a name for a typical country town, and thankfully there is no town of the same name that I am aware of.

The next thing I had to do was paint a picture of the town in my head. In order to have the story make sense, I had to be aware of directions, travelling and have a general layout in my head something of what the town would look like - and yes, it is loosely based on an existing town in the North-West of New South Wales.

What I wanted for the book was something uniquely Australian. Something that not only Australians will relate to, but something that will attract the attention of international readers as well, hence the culprit in the story is pulled out of an Aboriginal legend that may or may not have had an element of truth about it.

 

Being a Christian, and a creationist at that, I believe that the earth is much younger than the majority of the world believes. I also believe in the creation account as described in Genesis, thus I believe that dinosaurs existed alongside of people.

In chapter ten of my novel, the question is asked: "We read in the Bible of animals which we can interpret as being dinosaurs, existing alongside of people, but why do we not see this in other texts from the past?”

Hopefully I have answered this question in this book by explaining that there are many evidences of dinosaurs having lived along side of people. While this book is fictional, I have tried to keep things historically accurate - especially where it relates to Biblical issues.

As far as the book goes, chapter ten, which is in a Bible Study setting, would be my favourite chapter. I picked up my pen at around 9 o'clock in the morning and didn't put it down again until the early hours of the next morning, stopping only for meal breaks, and doing a bit of research. The whole chapter just flowed out of my pen and I couldn't stop until it was over.

I totally agree with him about Chapter 10. This is where I mentioned that Williams shines in  Biblical theology and that he links it all back to the book of Genesis. The whole basis of Christianity is found in Genesis, which is the foundation of what we believe and why. In doing so, Williams does touch on Apologetics as well. 

This novel would be a great instrument for a reader who is not a Christian but has questions about Christianity and those mentioned in this novel. Williams gives a comprehensive account of the answers to these questions. I did not find it preachy (another criticism of Christian fiction) but very relevant to the entire story arc of the novel. Williams does not water down the Gospel or any other Biblical account relating to the themes in this novel. 

This novel is an example of what Christian fiction should be for the reader and what I state in the Why Christian Fiction tab in this blog: 

• it has entertained me immensely,

• it has encouraged my walk with God,

• it has not deviated from known biblical doctrine, and it will not, I believe, lead a non-believer astray or promote false doctrine,

• it honours God,

• it does not encourage worship of the created (eg angels) instead of the Creator (God).

Williams succeeds well in this novel. I understand that his next novel is a sequel to Haighs Flat in that it deals with the continuation of the relationship between Bryan and Sara. We can expect this in 2024. I look forward to this immensely. Williams has found his niche in life as a Christian novelist and one that I encourage readers to follow and support. 

I highly recommend this novel. 

The three ratings below are based on my discernment:

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

The classification below is based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 4: Redemptive Fiction

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spiritually, based on my review and on the following reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland,  Haighs Flat contains the criteria of what constitutes Christian Redemptive Fiction outlined in this booklet: 

In the more realistic scenarios, the new believers give their live to serve the Lord. (Romana 12: 1-3). They can offer a realistic look at the daily walk of faith for a new believer. There is a clear Messiah who died for our sins. Through repentance and baptism, a person is forgiven and cleansed, beginning a new life in the Kingdom of God. 

The truly excellent books on this level share these truths easily, without pretension, in common human relationships. They recognise that most people do not carry on conversation by quoting scripture at each other. They cover the arguments pro and con in natural dialog-exchanged in the way we actually talk to one another. 

The leave it to the person to decide about Jesus, recognizing that you cannot talk anyone into salvation. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. The only source of guidance is scripture, with occasional visits from angles and the like. God speaks though the Bible primarily - at this redemptive level. 

Though the presence of the Lord is visible in these books, He may  not be the center of the story. Characters are benefitted and blessed by His presence in their lives. But salvation is the goal and result. Discipleship and spiritual growth are secondary as salvation provides everything needed by the characters. Growth is found in reading the secrdipture and memorizing key verses. 

The better LEVEL FOUR books have mature elders. There may be pastors, evangelists, and so on. these men and women disciple the new believers. 

It is therefore bestowed upon Colin Williams the, 

Reality Calling Christian Redemptive Fiction Award

Congratulations, Colin!

If you would like to investigate this novel further, it can be found on the following platforms for the Ebook format:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading Haighs Flat and submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media you subscribe to).

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, whether Christian or not, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.

Novel Review and Spirit-filled Fiction Award: Daughter of Zebulon by Jane Woodlee Hedrick.

Daughter of Zebulon 

The Omega Watchers series continues with its third installment, by acclaimed author Jane E. Woodlee Hedrick.

Don't miss out on the exciting return of Gabriella in 'The Daughter of Zebulon'!

Rev. 7:4 - Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

The end of days has begun. Gabriella is sealed and anointed as a Chosen One from the Tribe of Zebulon. She now exists in the supernatural realm no longer bound by the dimensions of time and space.

In the midst of Gabriella’s interdimensional travels, the boundaries of reality are blurred. As she moves between time and untime, she does not know where she will find herself. Her human desire is to awaken before the rapture…to return to the man she loves. Her spiritual desire is to fulfill her chosen mission, wherever that takes her.

When Gabriella moves into the supernatural dimension of untime, the evil Arcturus continues to shadow every step of her mission - his ultimate goal is the destruction of her soul. In the dimension of the natural realm, the satanic cabal has a bounty on her life – she knows too much about the coming New World Order. The battle rages no matter where she is transported.

Through Gabriella’s supernatural travels, The Spirit of God guides her with divine protection performing miracles as a sign to unbelievers. The Chosen One will expose Satan’s great deception bringing salvation to her people Zebulon, a Lost Tribe of Israel.

Perspective by Peter:

This series just gets better and better! I have had a long association with these novels and the author since the publication of the first novel, The Omega Watchers. I approached the author about reviewing this novel in 2014 and I am so glad I did. These novels are Spirit-filled and have been used by God to educate and instruct in Biblical eschatology. 

The novels in this series are:

The Omega Watchers

A mysterious Dead Sea Scroll revealed prophecies of the return of the fallen angels and the timing of their release from the abyss where they have been imprisoned awaiting their final judgment. But, there is a missing piece to the prophetic puzzle!

Gabriella’s cave exploration leads her team on an ominous journey to discover a lost prophecy from the days of Noah and find her own spiritual truth. In her search, she opens her mind to a “Watcher” that captures her with his mystical powers of universal knowledge as they travel between time and untime.

This deceiving spirit proclaims the coming of the Ascended Master who will usher in a new age of peace for all mankind. Gabriella feels totally alone as her friends believe Yahweh as the one true God and they struggle to convince her she is falling deeper and deeper into a pit of destruction and is about to cross the point of no return.

My review can be found here.

The Third Strand

The Third Strand, a sequel to ‘The Omega Watchers’, is a high-suspense Christian novel based on Biblical prophetic events of the end days.

The Psalms 83 war has just occurred and Israel’s stunning victory has triggered the beginning of the end days, ushering in the worst years that will ever be upon the face of the earth.

After days of being in what appeared to be a coma, Gabriella awakens to her new reality: strange surroundings, everyone she loves has vanished, and she is entombed in a hidden bunker with a man she barely knows - Chris, the officer assigned to protect her research team.

Quickly, a spiritual bond forms between Gabriella and Chris. Together they secretly witness the False Prophet’s preparations to introduce the Satanic One World Leader and the demonic plan to initiate the mark of the beast. Gabriella knows she is ‘chosen’ to expose the powers of darkness, but how does she begin?

During the day, Gabriella lives end-time prophecies coming to fruition. At night in vivid dreams, she continues to struggle with reality returning to the days before the rapture. Time and untime will continue to haunt her until...

My review can be found here.

This series is especially relevant and important in today's timeline as the events outlined in these novels show that we are in the End Times before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, His Glorious Appearing. I am in my 60s and I believe I will see His return. As I have said in the previous 2 reviews/posts, it is important that all Christians know about Biblical Eschatology as the events outlined in many books of the Bible, specifically Daniel and Revelation, but in other Biblical and extra-biblical books are happening as we speak or leading up to them. 

So what are the themes in this Eschatological thriller series? Demons, astral travel, angels, spiritual warfare, demonic deception, and end-times deception, One World Government, the Antichrist, One World Religion, population control and manipulation, spiritual enslavement, the Second Coming of Christ. 

Jane is developing the fourth novel in this series and I am on her Beta Reader Team. I have read the first four chapters that she has given the Team and it does progress the storyline, together with yet another plot twist! But readers of this series are used to these plot twists, Jane's trademark! 

This series is a must-read and is a very comprehensive instruction and teaching on Biblical Eschatology. If a Christian or even non-Christian wanted to learn more about this type of eschatology, this series would be an excellent place to start. I have read each book again with the publication of the next novel and I have done this with Daughter of Zebulon. I had to do this to see how this next novel follows from DoZ. And it does very well. I have even thought that Jane should combine Daughter of Zebulon with this next novel, and keep the same title, even if it means it becomes a longish novel! Jane has extensively researched all in and outs of eschatology and even conducts Bible study groups around them. I have no doubt regarding any of her research and what she presents. 

Adults learn best in a fun or entertaining environment and this fiction platform more than adequately provides for this and in understanding the themes of eschatology that Jane passionately presents in this series. 

New readers to this series will benefit from having all 4 novels (or 3 if Jane makes my suggestion a reality!) all together to read one after the other. There is so much to absorb and understand that it would require reading one after the other. I plan to do this once this last offering is published. It will be well worth it!

Now in relation to Daughter of Zebulon, the title is well-explained and forms the basis of the next novel. It is slower-paced compared to the previous two novels but does progress the plot arcs from them into this novel and one can see this coming to a satisfying end in the fourth novel. More demonic/end-times deception develops and the pursuit of Gabriella and Chris increases. Just when you predict where Jane is going with the story arc, there is a plot twist at the end of the novel, that threw me and was totally unexpected. I was momentarily confused but then realised I had to investigate an event in one of the previous novels that relate to this and then it becomes clearer why Jane did this. And in these first 4 chapters of this new developing novel that Jane send me, it becomes even clearer. This plot twist is very clever on Jane's part. She is one master storyteller on one level and an exceptional Bible teacher on another. Or should I say, eschatological teacher? :)

Gabriella's relationship with God is taken to a deeper spiritual level. In the novel's description, this is described well and is what you do see in the novel. It is why this novel is Awarded the Spirit-filled fiction Award by Radiqx Press (see below). Such an encouragement for us to have this type of relationship with God and Jesus. This is not just found in novels like this, it can be our reality if we just become fully surrendered to God and let His Spirit work in our lives. As Gabriella says,

"I will follow the Lamb wherever He leads me!"

I have been quoted by Jane in saying the following in relation to The Omega Watchers and it is still applicable to this series, 

“In Hedrick’s well-crafted novel, both the plot and all the details relating to the Nephilim, alien visitation, end times deception/eschatology are carefully intertwined and form a solid basis for this fast-paced, suspenseful, edgy, speculative based novel. I cannot wait to see what happens next and be further entertained, edified, and educated in eschatology, spiritual warfare, and demonology.”

I encourage any reader with an interest in Eschatology to read this series. You will benefit greatly from Jane's research and application of the same to this thrilling series. 

I have conducted two interviews with Jane. They can be found here:

Jane Woodlee Hedrick, Author of The Omega Watchers, 18/06/15

Jane Woodlee Hedrick, Eschatology and The Third Strand, 18/08/17

Highly Recommended.

The three ratings below are based on my discernment:

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 5: Spirit-filled Fiction

Enemy Spiritual Level  4: Demons and Level 5: the battle for the spirit and mind.

Overall Rating: 5/5

————————————————————————————

Spiritually, based on my review and on the following reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland, and that Daughter of Zebulon contains the main elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Spirit-filled Fiction outlined in this booklet, specifically that,

These books share the true power of a spirit-filled life totally given over to Jesus. They show an intimate personal relationship where a character has two way communication with his Lord and Messiah. Such a character not only speaks to God, he or she hears from the Lord on a regular basis—often hourly, normally daily. This reveals the wonder of the transformed child of God as they are trained, discipled, disciplined, and blessed.

I bestow unto Jane E. Woodlee Hedrick, the

Reality Calling Christian Spirit-filled Fiction Award

Congratulations, Jane!

If you would like to investigate this series further, click on the link below:

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading all three novels in this Omega Watcher series and submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media you subscribe to).

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, whether Christian or not, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.

Series Review and Spirit-filled Fiction Award: The Saga of Christopher Barrett series by Jocolby Phillips.

Rapture Advent of the Last Days (Rapture: The Saga of Christopher Barrett, Book 1)

Christopher, the leader of an elite U.S. special operations unit undertakes one of the most important missions of his military career, attempting to rescue a French journalist kidnapped by ISIS, while distracted with trusting God over himself. He is confused and angry with God and ineffective in his leadership, however, Jackson, the team-deputy and long-time mentor and friend provides much-needed stability for Christopher and the team.

The operation reinforces in Christopher that God was not to be trusted when needed most and Jackson leaves the mission searching for God and meaning to his life, as the men prepare to return to Washington D.C for debriefing. As Christopher and his team redeploy from the rescue mission back to Washington D.C., they find themselves out of work as the National Security Advisor deactivates the Christopher-led unit pending an investigation into the failed journalist rescue.

Things go from bad to worse for Christopher and Jackson as the two disgraced soldiers are thrust, unbeknownst to them, into the midst of the Rapture. They attempt to keep the chaos of a post-rapture world at bay, in a series of globetrotting missions, from rural Virginia to Brazil, ancient Babylon to remote Alaska. The actions of the president and others leave the world on the brink of World War. Christopher continues throughout each mission to trust himself above God. He refuses to listen to the Holy Spirit-inspired advice that those around him provide and the question lingers will he reconcile and surrender his pain to God.

Rise Of The Beast: The Tribulation Begins (Rapture: The Saga of Christopher Barrett, Book 2)

In Rise of The Beast, the action-packed sequel to Rapture Advent of The Last Days, the seven-year tribulation has begun with Christopher Barrett and Jackson Williams fighting for survival.

In the wake of World War III, Gabriella Costa finds herself working as the intelligence director for arguably the most powerful world leader in history, Draven Cross. She will face tests of loyalty to Omega while trying to survive the wrath of her new employer. Meanwhile, the world suffers at Draven’s whims when he unleashes a merciless biological weapon that leaves millions dead...Two mysterious men, labeled the Witnesses, draw lines between those believing in God and the One-World government, with casualties on all sides.

Who will pay the ultimate price for their beliefs? Who will survive the second year after the Rapture? Can Omega slow Draven down? Whether you’re a fan from the first book or new to the series, the Rise of The Beast is a globe-trotting thrill ride full of surprising revelations and provoking questions on the future of humanity.

Wrath Of The Lamb: The World Takes Sides (Rapture: The Saga of Christopher Barrett Book 3).

THE WORLD LIES IN RUIN
THE OMEGA TEAM HAS BECOME THE HUNTED
THE EXISTENCE OF GOD IS NO LONGER A QUESTION, AND THE TRIBULATION NOW HAS TWO GROUPS:

THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN GOD AND THOSE FACING THE WRATH OF THE LAMB.

Wrath of the Lamb is the third book in the Rapture series. It captures the drama and suffering of a former U.S. Special Operations Team and their pursuit to survive the judgments of God and the evil of a global leader. Start this action-packed faith-based thrill ride today.

Shadows of Eternity: The Great Tribulation (Rapture: The Saga of Christopher Barrett Book 4).

Shadows of Eternity is the fourth book in the Rapture series. It captures the drama and suffering of a former U.S. Special Operations Team and their pursuit to survive the judgments of God and the evil of a Satan-indwelt global leader, Draven Cross.

Christopher Barrett faces the pressure of leading an Omega team struggling for an identity in the wake of losing several members and being hunted across the globe. Jackson Williams, a core member of Omega and the spiritual leader, seeks to protect Christians caught in the wake of the U.E. global government’s path, no matter the cost.

The former Omega intelligence chief, Gabriella Costa, remains scarred from her imprisonment by Draven Cross, the evil one-world government leader. Gabriella’s anger and pursuit of finding God’s promised destiny will challenge the Omega team. Gemma Sutherland, an aide to Draven Cross and spy for the Omega team, is caught in a dangerous game where the stakes are the lives of millions. What will Gemma’s allegiance to Omega and the God of the Bible cost her and the Omega team?

As the Great Tribulation begins, the Omega team will forge new alliances to survive against the forces of darkness. Terrifying judgments will spur choices that further divide believers from non-believers, costing countless people their lives. In Shadows of Eternity, living until tomorrow is uncertain, and hope remains the only ally of the Omega team.

To be released on March 31st, 2023. Can be pre-ordered from the link in the novel title or in the link at the end of this post.

Perspective by Peter:

I contacted this author a few years ago to feature him on my previous blog. I was interested in this novel but was unable to review it at that time. Since then the entire series has developed and is about to conclude with Shadows of Eternity, Book 4 to be released on March 31st this year.

This is another novel series in the end-times genre or eschatology. I have repeated some of the same notes from my previous blog post of the review of that series, The Time of Jacob's Trouble series by James R. Dale. 

I highly recommend this series to anyone Christian or non-Christian who has an interest in eschatology (end times). However, every Christian should be interested in what the Bible says about eschatology as we are about to enter the end times where the events leading up to Jesus' Second Coming are very close. I am in my 60s and I believe I will witness His Coming. 

Now there are a few different views on the Tribulation. Some have the Rapture occurring before the Tribulation, others mid-Tribulation, and others Post-Tribulation, yet one where the Rapture does not happen at all. It depends on how the authors of these views interpret and understand what the Bible says about it. This is such a controversial topic amongst Christians no matter whether they are Bible Scholars or just Christians with an eschatological interest. 

I have added the diagram below to show these views. Phillips takes the view of the Pre-Tribulation in this series, that the Rapture of Christians and the Church occurs before the Tribulation. The first three novels deals with all the Biblical events of the first 3.5 years of the 7 year Tribulation period, while Book 4 deals with the remaining 3.5 years until the Glorious Appearing or Second Coming of Jesus and the 1000 year Millennium.

I speak more about this in the video review below: 

Highly Recommended.

The three ratings below are based on my discernment:

World Building 5/5

Characters 5/5

Story 5/5

The two classifications below are based on the booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland:

Spiritual Level 5: Spirit-filled Fiction

Enemy Spiritual Level  4: Demons and Level 5: the battle for the spirit and mind.

Overall Rating: 5/5

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Spiritually, based on my review and on the following reference booklet, A Spiritual System for Rating Books by David Bergsland, and the The Saga of Christopher Barrett series contains elements of the criteria of what constitutes Christian Spirit-filled Fiction outlined in this booklet, (click on the title below to see what this is based on), I bestow unto Jocolby Phillips, the

Reality Calling Christian Spirit-filled Fiction Award

Congratulations, Jocolby!

If you would like to investigate this series further, click on the link below:

Rapture: The Saga of Christopher Barrett series. 

Readers and reviews are an author’s best asset, so I encourage any reader, to consider reading The Saga of Christopher Barrett series and submit a review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media you subscribe to).

Reviews help promote an author’s novel to potential readers and encourage the author to keep writing. Reviews also help get the author’s message (and God’s message) to the reader, whether Christian or not, who may need encouragement and support in their lives while being entertained by the story.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I am required to disclose that book cover images or titles of novels in this post are paid links if they are linked to Amazon and result in a sale.