Everyone dies once. But what if a chosen few were raised from the dead? Two thousand years ago Jesus resurrected his friend, Lazarus, who founded a secret organization: SOAR. Since then Jesus has added to the resurrected—The Awakened—to aid Lazarus in SOAR’s battle against Satan’s slaves, the UnVeilers. The threat is escalating. The UnVeilers have stepped up their attacks on mankind through a … through a charming leader and a devastating series of bombings in Dubai and Tel Aviv.
But the invasion doesn’t stop with international terrorism. The UnVeilers are searching for a secret that Jesus embedded in Lazarus’ journal that not even Lazarus knows—and it will determine the fate of mankind. After a failed cyber-attack against SOAR’s computers, Lazarus and his team of experts must find the secret before the UnVeilers do. What clue is he overlooking that could turn the tide of this ageless conflict?
The souls fighting with Lazarus are weary, but the war against evil is far from won. Can Lazarus and his team set aside their longing for heaven and put a stop to these satanic attacks before it’s too late?
more
This first book in the series had me up for two nights. Amazing twists and turns in Spillman’s award winning novel of spiritual warfare. Spillman is a master at blending the past into today’s world. I also grabbed the second novel in the series, The Ascension and was equally enthralled. These are must read books for sci-fi fanatics. My hubby is one and he also spent a couple of nights reading into the wee hours. Can’t wait for the third book in the series. We’ve purchased a few for friends knowing this would fascinate them.
This is a book unlike anything I’ve ever read.
A fast-paced, Christian thriller
My rating is 4.5 stars
Every so often, I pick up a book that sounds a little outside my comfort zone on the recommendation of others or because I have read other books by the author. The Awakened is one of those books. I mean, really, I’m not the paranormal thriller or heavy suspense type. At all. . . Emphasis on the “”I don’t read thrillers or heavy suspense!””
I am so thankful for the recommendation I received to read this book.
I was intrigued by the book’s description and the recommendation came from a reader I trust. Look at the description again. What’s not to lure me in? After all, a fight against good and evil is something we are involved in every single day. And I do enjoy a good PG suspense story.
The Awakened was a little bit of everything. It was a fast-paced action story taking place mostly in Washington (the state) and the Middle East. There were computer geniuses trying to break codes, spies trying to infiltrate, and everyday people (Normals) caught in the middle. And there were the UnDead who were evil but not zombies. (I was relieved at that! I know – only in my mind is it better to have a body animated by a demon than a zombie.)
And throughout the story, snippets of Lazarus’ journal were shared, starting with when he first heard Jesus calling to him from outside the tomb.
This story is so POWERFUL!
It is a story of hope, faith, and love. And while you are catching your breath from the excitement, you will have your heart tugged by the pain Rikki carries from her childhood. And experience the loneliness of the Awakened as they watch those they love move on to eternity leaving them behind.
One of the most touching moments was when Lazarus, speaking of Jesus, told how much he misses His physical presence. Oh, to have such a relationship with the Lord that we cannot stand to not be out of an intimate relationship with Him!
Thank you, Richard Spillman, for this very moving story that has me longing even more for the time I will be face to face with my Savior evermore!
The Awakened will appeal to wimpier readers like me who still like action and some drama. It will also appeal to those who like a fast-paced, inspirational thriller with a hint of the paranormal added in.
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
The characters are easy to empathize with, the premise is innovative, and the exciting plotline kept me glued to the page. I especially enjoyed watching the way new recruits blossomed as they discovered their purpose in God’s organization, SOAR.
I was given an advance copy of this book, but with no obligation to post a review. This review represents my own opinion.
This book is fantastic!!!! It presents the what if Lazarus and others raised from the dead did not died a second time. The story was action filled and quite entertaining. Cannot wait for book 2. Published by Mountain Brook Ink.