Soon: The Beginning of the End

I thought this was a terrific book, and while I borrowed this from the library, I went out and bought the second one as SOON as I finished the first one! I loved the development of faith in the main character... that he is not "preached to" by anyone, but wooed to the truth by the Word Himself. I also like that the two minor miracles were purely by the grace of God, and not an "obligatory" answer to prayer. The major miracle was a bit inconsistent, as all the water was sucked out of the food and the plants, but apparently people were not harmed--except, of course, by the subsequent dehydration after the fact. Overall, though, I enjoyed it so much that I've already read the 2nd, and can't wait for the 3rd!

If you can disengage yourself from the Left Behind series and allow Jenkins to begin a different storyline, you'll probably like the book. I just finished "Silenced" (second of the series) and I'm hooked. It took me a bit to break my mind away from the LB series, but once I did, Jenkins sucked me into the lives of his characters. Jenkins and LaHaye's ability to introduce so many characters without losing the reader impresses me to no end. I think Jenkins (in this series) does a fantastic job of capturing the world thought that is already beginning to take shape. I would buy this book again without a single regret.

The backdrop of the story here is banning religions to prevent war. A great concept on paper, but there seems to be a lacking of what religion means to many. Religion is the inspiration to believe in something more than what we have in front of our eyes. Keeping that in mind, let's focus on what is the life of Paul Stepola. Here we have a man assigned the task of running the NPO (National Peacekeeping Organization). In his attempt to enforce the law, he is exposed to supernatural phenomenon that the underworld call miracles and the disbelievers call conspiracy. The story leads up to a pending event that is on course. It is an event that the believers warn of and the law is determined to disprove the revelation. A wonderful story that I recommend as it gives a daring view on how man, out of desperation, will attempt to do just about anything for peace. Even attempt to stifle what he doesn't completely understand.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was afraid it was just going to be part of the "Left Behind Franchise", but it definitely is not. While still action-oriented, it does not have the cartoonish quality that Left Behind slid into. It presents a very dark future for the Church. I think it's premise is entirely believable, as we see the Church slip into moral relativism and complacency. Today, no public displays of faith, tomorrow no faith. Please be aware, the cruelty, tortures, etc. that are depicted in this book do go on RIGHT NOW around the world - talk to Christians in Africa, China, and other countries - they are living this today. We are simplistic to think that life is all just a big shiny Jesus-bubble for us, and that we will be raptured out before persecution begins here. This book should serve as a wake-up call.

World War III, brought about by opposing-religious factions, left the global population vastly depleted. Mankind pulled back from the brink of the abyss when a tsunami caused by the detonation of two nuclear warheads destroyed much of Asia, Hawaii, and Southern California. Religion was internationally banned and people were forbidden to practice or preach their faith upon the penalty of death.The United Seven States of America creates the National Peace Organization to weed out religious terrorists leading to three decades of Pax. NPO Agent Paul Stepola wants all people who practice religion killed and volunteers for the Zealot Underground task force when it becomes apparent that there is a large outbreak of Christian activity surfacing. Paul sees things that he believes are the work of terrorists but which the Christians believe are God's miracles. An incident occurs that makes a believer out of him. Now he is the highest placed mole in NPO diligently working to help his fellow believers while appearing to obey the orders of NPO, but one mistake will get him killed.Jerry Jenkins delivers a stirring and exciting novel about a world afraid of war yet surprisingly the consequences are not what one would expect. Instead the secular survivors in power ban religion of any kind while the true believers, expecting the Rapture to be coming soon, fight to be heard despite the threat of death. The hero goes from one extreme to another but it is believable and readers will take him into their hearts because he honestly believes and is willing to act on that belief. SOON is a must read for anyone who follows the Left Behind series or for those readers who love futuristic thrillers.Harriet Klausner