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Title: The Coming
Author: A. Ben Bacon
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 978-1-998394-84-5
Pages: 142
Genre: Christian / Thriller
Reviewed by: Jason Lulos
Author: A. Ben Bacon
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 978-1-998394-84-5
Pages: 142
Genre: Christian / Thriller
Reviewed by: Jason Lulos
The Coming is a paradoxically charming yet thrilling tale that will be particularly engaging to Christian readers but will also appeal to those who like a familiar story with a nice modern twist.
Meet Joseph Everlasting, a humble carpenter, yet a preternaturally gifted individual, who lives alone, albeit with his faithful dogs on a small ranch in Colorado. One night,driving home in a blizzard, his good nature implores him to pick up an older, Navajo woman walking to Cortez. Given the extreme weather, he invites her (Red) to stay at his ranch to wait out the storm and thus begins one of many everlasting friendships that seem fated from the beginning.
Red and Joseph form an immediate platonic bond. Fate strikes again when Joseph happens upon an automobile accident. Meet Mareilene Johnson, sole survivor of the crash. Her pregnant sister, Dareilene, has died in the accident. Despite the urge to stay with her recently departed sister, Mareilene must flee, telling Joseph to “Drive like the Devil is on your heels because he is.” The supernaturally intuitive Joseph has faith in her immediately, believing this to be a spiritual mission of utmost importance. Mareilene, henceforth known as Mary, tells Joseph that her own unborn twins are to be the saviors of humanity: Christian and Hope. What transpires from here is a twofold mission: Mary and Joseph with the help of Red and others must protect the soon-to-be saviors so that they may someday protect and save the world.
Thematically, this is an interesting retelling or foretelling of a pre-Revelation scenario. This familiar Biblical prophecy becomes an engaging thriller, heightened at times by drama, terror, but always, in the end, hope. The Coming is replete with Christian allusions and nomenclature, somewhat like a Hawthorne short story. But it reads like a thriller which adds some real suspense to the Biblical themes. Author A. Ben Bacon gives us a classic story of good versus evil but not without some humor and the occasional shot of whiskey to alleviate the tension our heroes face in this tense tale.
Taking place on a remote ranch in Colorado gives it a sense of olden times thus beckoning to the original birth of the savior in a manger. But it is set in the present day, thus giving it a modern twist, another interesting paradox, making it seem like a realistic version of the end of times and/or the coming of a savior. A cliffhanger continues the suspense, inspiring readers to look forward to the sequel to this novel.
The author has had a fascinating life. He served in the Navy, went to Vietnam, studied meteorology, and served in the Air Force as a typhoon chaser. Like the hero of the story, he is a consummate outdoorsman. Prior to writing this book, Bacon miraculously recovered from a traumatic brain injury, baffling his doctors. The resilience he’s shown in his own life must surely have informed this story, with hope showing up even in the darkest times. Bacon delivers a novel that is as chilling as it is intellectually engaging.
The Coming will appeal to readers interested in thought-provoking thrillers with spiritual and
philosophical undertones.
Meet Joseph Everlasting, a humble carpenter, yet a preternaturally gifted individual, who lives alone, albeit with his faithful dogs on a small ranch in Colorado. One night,driving home in a blizzard, his good nature implores him to pick up an older, Navajo woman walking to Cortez. Given the extreme weather, he invites her (Red) to stay at his ranch to wait out the storm and thus begins one of many everlasting friendships that seem fated from the beginning.
Red and Joseph form an immediate platonic bond. Fate strikes again when Joseph happens upon an automobile accident. Meet Mareilene Johnson, sole survivor of the crash. Her pregnant sister, Dareilene, has died in the accident. Despite the urge to stay with her recently departed sister, Mareilene must flee, telling Joseph to “Drive like the Devil is on your heels because he is.” The supernaturally intuitive Joseph has faith in her immediately, believing this to be a spiritual mission of utmost importance. Mareilene, henceforth known as Mary, tells Joseph that her own unborn twins are to be the saviors of humanity: Christian and Hope. What transpires from here is a twofold mission: Mary and Joseph with the help of Red and others must protect the soon-to-be saviors so that they may someday protect and save the world.
Thematically, this is an interesting retelling or foretelling of a pre-Revelation scenario. This familiar Biblical prophecy becomes an engaging thriller, heightened at times by drama, terror, but always, in the end, hope. The Coming is replete with Christian allusions and nomenclature, somewhat like a Hawthorne short story. But it reads like a thriller which adds some real suspense to the Biblical themes. Author A. Ben Bacon gives us a classic story of good versus evil but not without some humor and the occasional shot of whiskey to alleviate the tension our heroes face in this tense tale.
Taking place on a remote ranch in Colorado gives it a sense of olden times thus beckoning to the original birth of the savior in a manger. But it is set in the present day, thus giving it a modern twist, another interesting paradox, making it seem like a realistic version of the end of times and/or the coming of a savior. A cliffhanger continues the suspense, inspiring readers to look forward to the sequel to this novel.
The author has had a fascinating life. He served in the Navy, went to Vietnam, studied meteorology, and served in the Air Force as a typhoon chaser. Like the hero of the story, he is a consummate outdoorsman. Prior to writing this book, Bacon miraculously recovered from a traumatic brain injury, baffling his doctors. The resilience he’s shown in his own life must surely have informed this story, with hope showing up even in the darkest times. Bacon delivers a novel that is as chilling as it is intellectually engaging.
The Coming will appeal to readers interested in thought-provoking thrillers with spiritual and
philosophical undertones.
Title: The Coming
Author: A. Ben Bacon
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 979-8-89389-111-9
Pages: 202
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Michael Radon
Author: A. Ben Bacon
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 979-8-89389-111-9
Pages: 202
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Michael Radon
"Mareilene threw her sister’s suitcase in the truck and said, 'Drive like the Devil is on your heels because he is!'"
Joe Everlasting is a veteran living out a quiet, if not lonely, life on his secluded homestead in
rural Colorado. Picking up a hitchhiker one wintry night leads to an unlikely friendship with
Red, who stays with him and helps him survive the snow another year. If that weren’t enough of a sudden surprise, a woman from his youth comes back into his life, her car burning and
dangling from a cliff, bloody and pregnant with her dead twin sister inside. Joe rescues this
girl—Mareilene, or Mary for short—and takes her back to his house as she’s going into shock.
What she reveals is that she is carrying twins from an immaculate conception, and Joe must
protect her and marry her to bring about the new saviors, Christian and Hope Everlasting.
In an instant, Joe’s normal life is taken away, and he’s thrust onto the frontlines of the eternal war between good and evil, tasked with asserting his faith and prioritizing the protection of his new family. The looming threat of danger from the Prince of Darkness and his “men in black” give this small-town story a tension where any wrong move could give up Joe and Mary’s secret. Elements of the spiritual blend with modern sensibilities, creating a story with clear parallels to the birth of Christ, while also incorporating the danger, suspense, and action of a blockbuster movie. Joe has an everyman appeal combined with a softer, caring side that makes him an appealing protagonist to all readers and the kind of hero you want to root for, even when things look hopeless. With surprises in every chapter and the fate of existence in the balance, readers will want to see this story to its thrilling conclusion.
rural Colorado. Picking up a hitchhiker one wintry night leads to an unlikely friendship with
Red, who stays with him and helps him survive the snow another year. If that weren’t enough of a sudden surprise, a woman from his youth comes back into his life, her car burning and
dangling from a cliff, bloody and pregnant with her dead twin sister inside. Joe rescues this
girl—Mareilene, or Mary for short—and takes her back to his house as she’s going into shock.
What she reveals is that she is carrying twins from an immaculate conception, and Joe must
protect her and marry her to bring about the new saviors, Christian and Hope Everlasting.
In an instant, Joe’s normal life is taken away, and he’s thrust onto the frontlines of the eternal war between good and evil, tasked with asserting his faith and prioritizing the protection of his new family. The looming threat of danger from the Prince of Darkness and his “men in black” give this small-town story a tension where any wrong move could give up Joe and Mary’s secret. Elements of the spiritual blend with modern sensibilities, creating a story with clear parallels to the birth of Christ, while also incorporating the danger, suspense, and action of a blockbuster movie. Joe has an everyman appeal combined with a softer, caring side that makes him an appealing protagonist to all readers and the kind of hero you want to root for, even when things look hopeless. With surprises in every chapter and the fate of existence in the balance, readers will want to see this story to its thrilling conclusion.
Title: The Coming
Author: A. Ben Bacon
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 9781998394845
Pages: 142
Genre: Spiritual
Reviewed by: Rae Capri
Author: A. Ben Bacon
Publisher: Explora Books
ISBN: 9781998394845
Pages: 142
Genre: Spiritual
Reviewed by: Rae Capri
Everyone has a life purpose, as many are in tune and understand the objectives of their mission, while others are still soul-searching to find answers. Not one soul is actively living a life without meaning, yet somehow, plenty prefer to do whatever their heart desires instead. People make sacrifices daily, but the ultimate sacrifice has already been made. The greater task is spreading the good word and sharing the faith that our Savior will make a return for His children. We know there is a constant tug and pull between good and evil, and it is within each of us to choose which side we are on.
Everyone has a life purpose, as many are in tune and understand the objectives of their mission, while others are still soul-searching to find answers. Not one soul is actively living a life without meaning, yet somehow, plenty prefer to do whatever their heart desires instead. People make sacrifices daily, but the ultimate sacrifice has already been made. The greater task is spreading the good word and sharing the faith that our Savior will make a return for His children. We know there is a constant tug and pull between good and evil, and it is within each of us to choose which side we are on.
Everything from character development to reading descriptive words that paint imagery in your mind and give you a consistent feeling of watching a movie. The writing style of this author is phenomenal in using a talented method of grasping and maintaining a reader's attention. The reading experience makes you eager to read what happens next. Bringing back the original Christmas story with a modern twist was a bold move to reel in readership. What can be appreciated by most is not unfolding everything that happened so quickly. By prolonging the storyline, it has created depth, and it made sense to allow readers to intake digestible bites of information without feeling overwhelmed. One of many things you can enjoy is these two love birds, Joe and Mary, embracing their present life. Although they were told by God about their future tribulations, they made the best of it each day. To have a "protective circle" of friends they can trust means everything to maintain their safety around the clock. This bunch of truly blessed people who are huge on expressing love and care towards their fellow men and women is inspiring to witness. The action occurs throughout because the story is full of instances where the protection of Mary and the babies is of the highest regard, and all those involved are serving a greater purpose. The war between good and evil will always be until the final days, as Joe had special abilities gifted to him by God, which made him the perfect person to protect Mary and those babies. To learn that Joe is more than just a humble carpenter, though amazing with his hands, he was ready and honored to sacrifice for whatever was next to come.
I had a wonderful reading experience, from the first page until the last. The only disappointing
thing was being left on a cliffhanger. The next book is a must for me to read because I have
grown fond of Joe, Mary, and Red. This fearless trio, along with their friends, demonstrated that there is strength in numbers. I appreciate the author ensuring a thorough read by being
descriptive with the scenes and filling in all potential gaps. The many talents bestowed upon Joe proved necessary for the sake of those children. It was a combination of a spiritual journey and a cinematic experience, which made this a well-written book. My imagination didn't have to run wild because the scenes were vivid, as if I were there during everything, a true page-turner. The Devil is no match for God, as to why he carried himself as if he had no care in the world, just attempting to keep the good from wiping him out. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author because he captivated my interest, and now I want to read the next one. The emotional bond you develop with the characters makes this book worth reading. I highly recommend it.
Everyone has a life purpose, as many are in tune and understand the objectives of their mission, while others are still soul-searching to find answers. Not one soul is actively living a life without meaning, yet somehow, plenty prefer to do whatever their heart desires instead. People make sacrifices daily, but the ultimate sacrifice has already been made. The greater task is spreading the good word and sharing the faith that our Savior will make a return for His children. We know there is a constant tug and pull between good and evil, and it is within each of us to choose which side we are on.
Everything from character development to reading descriptive words that paint imagery in your mind and give you a consistent feeling of watching a movie. The writing style of this author is phenomenal in using a talented method of grasping and maintaining a reader's attention. The reading experience makes you eager to read what happens next. Bringing back the original Christmas story with a modern twist was a bold move to reel in readership. What can be appreciated by most is not unfolding everything that happened so quickly. By prolonging the storyline, it has created depth, and it made sense to allow readers to intake digestible bites of information without feeling overwhelmed. One of many things you can enjoy is these two love birds, Joe and Mary, embracing their present life. Although they were told by God about their future tribulations, they made the best of it each day. To have a "protective circle" of friends they can trust means everything to maintain their safety around the clock. This bunch of truly blessed people who are huge on expressing love and care towards their fellow men and women is inspiring to witness. The action occurs throughout because the story is full of instances where the protection of Mary and the babies is of the highest regard, and all those involved are serving a greater purpose. The war between good and evil will always be until the final days, as Joe had special abilities gifted to him by God, which made him the perfect person to protect Mary and those babies. To learn that Joe is more than just a humble carpenter, though amazing with his hands, he was ready and honored to sacrifice for whatever was next to come.
I had a wonderful reading experience, from the first page until the last. The only disappointing
thing was being left on a cliffhanger. The next book is a must for me to read because I have
grown fond of Joe, Mary, and Red. This fearless trio, along with their friends, demonstrated that there is strength in numbers. I appreciate the author ensuring a thorough read by being
descriptive with the scenes and filling in all potential gaps. The many talents bestowed upon Joe proved necessary for the sake of those children. It was a combination of a spiritual journey and a cinematic experience, which made this a well-written book. My imagination didn't have to run wild because the scenes were vivid, as if I were there during everything, a true page-turner. The Devil is no match for God, as to why he carried himself as if he had no care in the world, just attempting to keep the good from wiping him out. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author because he captivated my interest, and now I want to read the next one. The emotional bond you develop with the characters makes this book worth reading. I highly recommend it.
