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Progeny #1
Progeny
A MISSING BROTHER
A MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
AND AN ANCIENT EVIL PULLING THE STRINGS...
It has been months since John Carter's estranged brother, Henry, has gone missing. When last heard from, he was sailing off to Bermuda in search of an author whose books deal with the esoteric traditions of past ages.
Reluctantly, John joins Henry's old Special Forces Teammates on a trip to Bermuda, hoping to discover the truth behind Henry's disappearance. But not all is as it seems in Bermuda, and the puzzle that awaits John on the small island paradise will prove to be more sinister than anything the world has seen in a very long time.
As the fingers of an ancient evil seek to draw him into another world - a world where all of Hell is trying to break loose - John must confront the truth of his own past...and pray that he might survive its revelation...
...that the world might survive its revelation.
Described as "Dan Brown meets Lost meets Left Behind," Progeny takes the reader through the heart of the Bermuda Triangle and drops them in a world where biblical legends and ancient mythologies - the similarities of which Hopkins "describes with academic dexterity" - reign terrifyingly supreme. Buckle up! Progeny is "equal parts religious thriller and action-packed roller coaster ride!"
"A well-researched and fast-paced thriller!" - Larry Enright, best-selling author of 12/21/12 and Four Years From Home
"Will make you question what you believe!" - Doug Dorow, best-selling author of The Ninth District
"This is a meaty meal of thrills!" - Ryne Douglas Pearson, best-selling author of Simple Simon and screenwriter of the box-office hit, Knowing.
"Cussler, Brown, Hopkins!" - Heidi Ruby Miller, Ambasadora
"DaVinci Code meets Stargate...a gritty, bloody tale that will make you think, question, and cringe from one page to the next!" - Christopher Starr, The Road To Hell
A MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
AND AN ANCIENT EVIL PULLING THE STRINGS...
It has been months since John Carter's estranged brother, Henry, has gone missing. When last heard from, he was sailing off to Bermuda in search of an author whose books deal with the esoteric traditions of past ages.
Reluctantly, John joins Henry's old Special Forces Teammates on a trip to Bermuda, hoping to discover the truth behind Henry's disappearance. But not all is as it seems in Bermuda, and the puzzle that awaits John on the small island paradise will prove to be more sinister than anything the world has seen in a very long time.
As the fingers of an ancient evil seek to draw him into another world - a world where all of Hell is trying to break loose - John must confront the truth of his own past...and pray that he might survive its revelation...
...that the world might survive its revelation.
Described as "Dan Brown meets Lost meets Left Behind," Progeny takes the reader through the heart of the Bermuda Triangle and drops them in a world where biblical legends and ancient mythologies - the similarities of which Hopkins "describes with academic dexterity" - reign terrifyingly supreme. Buckle up! Progeny is "equal parts religious thriller and action-packed roller coaster ride!"
"A well-researched and fast-paced thriller!" - Larry Enright, best-selling author of 12/21/12 and Four Years From Home
"Will make you question what you believe!" - Doug Dorow, best-selling author of The Ninth District
"This is a meaty meal of thrills!" - Ryne Douglas Pearson, best-selling author of Simple Simon and screenwriter of the box-office hit, Knowing.
"Cussler, Brown, Hopkins!" - Heidi Ruby Miller, Ambasadora
"DaVinci Code meets Stargate...a gritty, bloody tale that will make you think, question, and cringe from one page to the next!" - Christopher Starr, The Road To Hell
394 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2011
159 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Hopkins
14 books136 followersShawn Hopkins lives with his wife and daughters in Pennsylvania. He holds degrees in theology and likes exploring the speculative side of such topics through the telling of unique stories and their characters. He enjoys a good thunderstorm, football, movies, and of course reading. He is busy on the next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 6, 2011
The first 4 verses of Genesis 6 introduce the rationale for God’s flooding of the earth: angels—the sons of God—were making wives out of the daughters of men. And having children with them. “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4). The contention is that God caused the flood to wash away the remnants of this corruption to return humanity to its pure roots. In Shawn Hopkins’ Progeny, the practice never stopped.
In a story I can best describe as The DaVinci Code meets Stargate, Hopkins weaves fallen angels, the gods of ancient mythology and the Bermuda Triangle into an intricate tale whose true focus is in the power of redemption. In a quest to find his missing brother, ex-Ranger John Carter is transported (literally) into a world of secrets and bloodlines, angels and demons. And giants. Big, nasty, bloodthirsty giants.
Carter’s quest is a much about his brother as it is about his own identity and the ties that bind. Hopkins knows his stuff and it is evident, though a little heavy-handed at times. His proficiency in scripture, the Book of Enoch, and ancient civilizations makes this novel credible and a little frightening. Hopkins describes the similarities between ancient mythologies and Old Testament tales with academic dexterity and makes them central to the plot of the story. Where his skill lies is in pulling you, through John’s experience, into the disconcerting realities his research suggests and the sinister conclusions they hold.
Progeny is equal parts religious thriller and action-packed roller coaster ride. Hopkins may write Christian-themed fiction but he doesn’t play it safe: it’s a gritty, bloody tale that will make you think, question and cringe from one page to the next. Did I mention the giants?
In a story I can best describe as The DaVinci Code meets Stargate, Hopkins weaves fallen angels, the gods of ancient mythology and the Bermuda Triangle into an intricate tale whose true focus is in the power of redemption. In a quest to find his missing brother, ex-Ranger John Carter is transported (literally) into a world of secrets and bloodlines, angels and demons. And giants. Big, nasty, bloodthirsty giants.
Carter’s quest is a much about his brother as it is about his own identity and the ties that bind. Hopkins knows his stuff and it is evident, though a little heavy-handed at times. His proficiency in scripture, the Book of Enoch, and ancient civilizations makes this novel credible and a little frightening. Hopkins describes the similarities between ancient mythologies and Old Testament tales with academic dexterity and makes them central to the plot of the story. Where his skill lies is in pulling you, through John’s experience, into the disconcerting realities his research suggests and the sinister conclusions they hold.
Progeny is equal parts religious thriller and action-packed roller coaster ride. Hopkins may write Christian-themed fiction but he doesn’t play it safe: it’s a gritty, bloody tale that will make you think, question and cringe from one page to the next. Did I mention the giants?
June 13, 2013
I like weird and unusual stories, and this book fits right in that category. Author Shawn Hopkins has rolled some of my favorites together (ancient Egyptian mythology, the biblical nephilim, and the mysterious Bermuda Triangle) and created at first glance a rather interesting tale. It also looks as if he took the time to do some research into these rather enigmatic subjects.
The first half of the book was not too bad. The writing was ok, nothing special, the characters seemed a bit flat and not real memorable. I also thought the dialogue between the characters seemed forced and unnatural. But I liked the subject matter and plodded on.
Toward the ending, is when I started losing patience. I just wanted to get to the conclusion instead of wrapping up, it just got more tedious and drawn out. There was an over kill of too many biblical and mythological story references. It started to read more like a text book on ancient lore and less like a novel. I felt like the author couldn't make up his mind, did he want a novel or was he writing nonfiction?
The first half of the book was not too bad. The writing was ok, nothing special, the characters seemed a bit flat and not real memorable. I also thought the dialogue between the characters seemed forced and unnatural. But I liked the subject matter and plodded on.
Toward the ending, is when I started losing patience. I just wanted to get to the conclusion instead of wrapping up, it just got more tedious and drawn out. There was an over kill of too many biblical and mythological story references. It started to read more like a text book on ancient lore and less like a novel. I felt like the author couldn't make up his mind, did he want a novel or was he writing nonfiction?
June 17, 2013
I liked how the book began but I got maybe 1/4 of the way into it and it lost me. Way too much blending of Christian beliefs with other cultures to come up with some weird plot about Titans and whatever.
To let everyone know, I have no problem with religions per se, but this book shoves it down one's throat a bit too much and when you start mixing it with things like the Bermuda Triangle, Titans, etc, it gets to be too much. A bit past 1/4 of the book and I can honestly say I couldn't care less about any of the characters.
To let everyone know, I have no problem with religions per se, but this book shoves it down one's throat a bit too much and when you start mixing it with things like the Bermuda Triangle, Titans, etc, it gets to be too much. A bit past 1/4 of the book and I can honestly say I couldn't care less about any of the characters.
August 3, 2011
I just received this in the mail and can't wait to jump in!
LOVED THIS BOOK! Trying to describe it to a friend, "Dan Brown meets Lost meets Left Behind". Nothing like I've ever read before and I am now officially a huge fan of Hopkins.
LOVED THIS BOOK! Trying to describe it to a friend, "Dan Brown meets Lost meets Left Behind". Nothing like I've ever read before and I am now officially a huge fan of Hopkins.
January 17, 2013
I want to start by saying I am a long time non-believer, however I do enjoy a good mystery or thriller related to Christian mythology. I thought this story was well written, well researched, and overall a pretty enjoyable read. I like when an author creates a story around what can be considered unanswered questions from the Bible. For me it's the same as any other historical fiction that takes a few known details about an event or person and fills in the story with an interesting "what-if" scenario.
Now the nuts and bolts of it and why I'm giving it 3 stars.
-It was incredibly gory. I mean just pages and pages or people being torn apart and descriptions of the violence and gore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not prudish or overly opposed to violence and gore in fiction, I just found that it detracted a bit from my interest in the story in parts. It would jump from an archaeologist basically giving an interesting "history" lesson to people being ripped apart in about 2 sentences. There was one particular part of the story that got particularly violent and it seemed like one of the characters was going to explain why but no one ever did. *The part with the boys playing the game and the woman comes in, I would really like to know how Henry or Jackson knew that it wasn't what it seemed and tried to warn John to stop.*
-I'm not a fan of books full of weak women. None of the main characters were women, which is fine, but all the peripheral female characters were weak and useless. That's not how women are in real life. If my husband went missing you can be sure I would be doing more than calling my pastor and letting him take care of everything. John's wife (the most prominent female character) was kind and faithful but also always right on the edge of hysterics. She couldn't or wouldn't do anything for herself and needed a man to step up and intercede on her behalf. She didn't turn to her family or friends when things were tough, she didn't get support anywhere except from her pastor and his wife (who was just sort of in the story to make sure Pastor Brian and Kristen were never alone together, because that wouldn't be Christian).
We never have any sort of experience with the women on the island as they are hiding in caves, weak and waiting for the men folk to save them. The few women we do encounter are essentially evil and manipulative and overly forceful. To me, the perspective the author shows of women is that they are either fragile and need to be taken care of and if not they are evil women trying to use or trap a man. I don't like that dichotomy because I don't really know any women that fit either ends of that spectrum.
-Even with these things I still thought it was a reasonably fun read and then the epilogue killed it. It was like the frantic journal writing of a hardcore conspiracy theorist and was very off putting.
Now the nuts and bolts of it and why I'm giving it 3 stars.
-It was incredibly gory. I mean just pages and pages or people being torn apart and descriptions of the violence and gore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not prudish or overly opposed to violence and gore in fiction, I just found that it detracted a bit from my interest in the story in parts. It would jump from an archaeologist basically giving an interesting "history" lesson to people being ripped apart in about 2 sentences. There was one particular part of the story that got particularly violent and it seemed like one of the characters was going to explain why but no one ever did. *The part with the boys playing the game and the woman comes in, I would really like to know how Henry or Jackson knew that it wasn't what it seemed and tried to warn John to stop.*
-I'm not a fan of books full of weak women. None of the main characters were women, which is fine, but all the peripheral female characters were weak and useless. That's not how women are in real life. If my husband went missing you can be sure I would be doing more than calling my pastor and letting him take care of everything. John's wife (the most prominent female character) was kind and faithful but also always right on the edge of hysterics. She couldn't or wouldn't do anything for herself and needed a man to step up and intercede on her behalf. She didn't turn to her family or friends when things were tough, she didn't get support anywhere except from her pastor and his wife (who was just sort of in the story to make sure Pastor Brian and Kristen were never alone together, because that wouldn't be Christian).
We never have any sort of experience with the women on the island as they are hiding in caves, weak and waiting for the men folk to save them. The few women we do encounter are essentially evil and manipulative and overly forceful. To me, the perspective the author shows of women is that they are either fragile and need to be taken care of and if not they are evil women trying to use or trap a man. I don't like that dichotomy because I don't really know any women that fit either ends of that spectrum.
-Even with these things I still thought it was a reasonably fun read and then the epilogue killed it. It was like the frantic journal writing of a hardcore conspiracy theorist and was very off putting.
March 21, 2013
I just loved this book! It connects the strange mysteries of history with the ancient scriptures of the Bible, Apocrypha and other ancient writings into a plausible thriller of a story. The action never stops and although sometimes very bloody, it never the less succeeds at keeping you on the edge of your seat while at the same time spinning a vivid picture of the areas described there. This book makes you think and ponder the mysteries that are here on this earth and the spiritual mysteries embedded into the souls of mankind. It ties them together and presents an undeniably fascinating world where anything can and does happen.
While in the midst of reading this book, I read the book of Enoch and the first and second books of Adam and Eve as well as the beginning of the book of Genesis. The point being that this book makes you want to track down information cited to get a bigger picture of the references contained in the book. It all adds to the possible reality that the story line presents to the reader. Well done Mr. Hopkins! I will definitely be reading more of this author's work!
While in the midst of reading this book, I read the book of Enoch and the first and second books of Adam and Eve as well as the beginning of the book of Genesis. The point being that this book makes you want to track down information cited to get a bigger picture of the references contained in the book. It all adds to the possible reality that the story line presents to the reader. Well done Mr. Hopkins! I will definitely be reading more of this author's work!
December 8, 2011
Talk about a page turner. Although I had to read it a little at a time due to medical situations, I always regretted having to put it down. From the beginning it held me spell bound and anxious for the characters situation. The ties to the Bible, the Book of Enoch and Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology make this all the more exciting. It is the tale of the fallen spirits with Lucifer at the head who are planning a return to power, their off spring, the giants of myth and legend (and some archeological evidence) and those trapped in the Bermuda Triangle who are caught in the midst of all the preporations. Mr. Hopkins has really done a lot of research into his subject and that in itself makes it even more realistic. I absolutely loved the book and will definatly read it over, because I'm sure there are important things I missed. Thank you sir for the book and the opportunity to read it during my hospitalization. It definatly made it easier. Keep writing, and I'll keep reading.
November 19, 2012
Lately I have read several books dealing with the Nephilim and the fallen angels in the time before the flood. Shawn Hopkins, in Progeny, has done an excellent job of bring all these stories together into a high adventure and action story of the modern day struggle with good and evil.
The story he weaves is well develop and easy to follow. At the same time it keeps you on the edge of your seat wonder what the next twist in the story will bring. It was hard to put down once I got start reading it. I easily became absorbed into the story, cheering and encouraging the characters.
The main characters were very believable and easy to identify with. Shawn did an excellent job of developing each character at just the right time in the story.
I highly recommend Progeny by Shawn Hopkins as an excellent read.
The story he weaves is well develop and easy to follow. At the same time it keeps you on the edge of your seat wonder what the next twist in the story will bring. It was hard to put down once I got start reading it. I easily became absorbed into the story, cheering and encouraging the characters.
The main characters were very believable and easy to identify with. Shawn did an excellent job of developing each character at just the right time in the story.
I highly recommend Progeny by Shawn Hopkins as an excellent read.
January 13, 2013
I want to extend my thanks to the author, Shawn Hopkins, for reaching out to me with his book.
There are so many reasons I found myself fascinated with this story from the opening line. The biblical references, the legends, mythology, and the research. The story is well thought out and presented with great writing skill.
I became so involved with this story that at one point my husband had to nudge me to get my attention. His comment "that must be a heck of a story you have your nose in, I have been trying to get your attention for the last 30 minutes", says it all.
Shawn you have an amazing writing talent and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
There are so many reasons I found myself fascinated with this story from the opening line. The biblical references, the legends, mythology, and the research. The story is well thought out and presented with great writing skill.
I became so involved with this story that at one point my husband had to nudge me to get my attention. His comment "that must be a heck of a story you have your nose in, I have been trying to get your attention for the last 30 minutes", says it all.
Shawn you have an amazing writing talent and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
July 1, 2012
This book is so brilliant, profound on the one hand and creepy on the other hand. I was kept glued to my seat, and made to sacrifice a whole night just to finish the book, just to know what happens next. If you are a Christian, or if you happen to just finish "The Enchantress (Nicolas Flamel #6)" by Michael Scott, or if you are a fan of Dan Brown books, this book will definitely spark your interests. I am so glad that I got the book for free on Amazon.
October 8, 2011
This was a first reads good reads giveaway and it was a real page turner for me. It was filled with mythology, biblical references, suspense and historical references. I loved it and found it was well written with an annotated bibliography. I couldn't put it down.
September 29, 2012
This book was a bit beyond my limits of imagination I guess. Or maybe the concepts in the book crashed with my beliefs and so it made it a bit of a struggle to read. It was certainly imaginative and unique (or at least not any ideas I had experienced before) so in that way it was interesting.
September 19, 2011
Step-mom won this book from GoodReads and I have to say that I am blown away. This book is a page turner, excellent read.
February 18, 2014
This book would make a great movie.
June 15, 2015
Blech. Utter rubbish. Far too often this seemed like preaching proselytization for New Age crap. Just too much for me.
November 19, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I really like the sound of this book. I love anything weird, Like the Bermuda Triangle, Aliens and even the Nephilim. BUT to try and shove all that religious stuff into it and try to make it all connect, was a waste of time. The story suffered from it. I wanted to read a good story. Instead I read a book that tries to shove all this different religious stuff down my throat. I gave it 3 stars because it has promise, If the author would stop trying to make everything about the devil.
I really like the sound of this book. I love anything weird, Like the Bermuda Triangle, Aliens and even the Nephilim. BUT to try and shove all that religious stuff into it and try to make it all connect, was a waste of time. The story suffered from it. I wanted to read a good story. Instead I read a book that tries to shove all this different religious stuff down my throat. I gave it 3 stars because it has promise, If the author would stop trying to make everything about the devil.
April 4, 2020
The Devil benign us.
I’ll never look at the Bible in the same way again.. read between the lines. I was spellbound while in isolation. But how much is True and how much is faults. Read On..
I’ll never look at the Bible in the same way again.. read between the lines. I was spellbound while in isolation. But how much is True and how much is faults. Read On..
July 27, 2022
Great mix of mystery and religious study
The author goes to great lengths to tie together many great mysteries while writing one. It is well written and captivating with a great bibliography.
The author goes to great lengths to tie together many great mysteries while writing one. It is well written and captivating with a great bibliography.
September 22, 2023
This was a good book, but it took forever before I was pulled into it. Even past the half way mark I was considering closing it and not bothering to pick it up again. It's also full of blood and gore which doesn't appeal to me at all. So I won't be keeping it.
February 5, 2018
Progeny
Was a good story but could be long winded in parts I enjoyed it very much - parts I must admit I skipped
Was a good story but could be long winded in parts I enjoyed it very much - parts I must admit I skipped
February 11, 2018
Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to starting the next one!
May 27, 2018
Meh...
I don't much care for the Christian mythology that dominates the story. It made the book very hard to get into. I guess I should have known from the description?
I don't much care for the Christian mythology that dominates the story. It made the book very hard to get into. I guess I should have known from the description?
October 17, 2011
I really like the cover, I actually found it quiet intriguing, which was why I picked the book up in the first place. This book had a lot of work in it, there was a ton of research done and it is quiet evident in this book. I think it may make people think, and that is always a good thing. Angels are a very popular theme in literature, there is just so much about them that can be speculated on especially fallen angels. This book takes an interesting view on the Nephelium and there were some very intense moments. I didn't want to put the book down, but there was just SO much information in this, to back up what was going on and to explain it. For the average person all that information is just going to go over there heads or their eyes will glaze over. It is all very interesting information, but it can be repetitive and just a lot to take in, the epilogue seemed to be thrown together a bit. The main character, John, is who we primarily follow, though depending on the paragraph we're in someone elses head. I honestly didn't feel much for the other characters, there was less character development for our non-primaries, so I didn't really care if they lived or died, though some deaths were still done in a shocking or horrific way (I say that in a good way). Also I would like to have seen more about Ronald, we have an idea about him, but not really. There was so much about megalithic history and the book of Enoch and other preflood history/speculation, because even historians are speculating, that character development seemed to get side tracked.
Is this a good book? Yes, it is and it's worth the time and money. Especially since the author put so much into it. Even with a few lacking characters this book is still worth the read.
Is this a good book? Yes, it is and it's worth the time and money. Especially since the author put so much into it. Even with a few lacking characters this book is still worth the read.
July 18, 2013
I like conspiracies and different integrations of history, religion, etc. however this book combined scriptures.from the Bible, the Book of Enoch, Freemasons, varying accounts of history, Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, and various historical artifacts all at once.
I was interested in the initial premise, and the protagonist John. Unfortunately the plot became so convoluted by trying to cram all of these elements in at once that I found myself skimming over several pages trying to get back into the "main plot line." I think the book could have been very interesting if the author spent more time developing the characters and focusing on just 1-2 pieces of conspiracy/conjecture. This would have opened the door for a possible series as more and more developments are uncovered and linked together.
Several times various characters referenced that they felt like the were in a Dan Brown story. The difference is that D.B. focuses on 1-2 major conspiracies in his books and fleshes them out, while Hopkins seemed more inclined to put everything into a crock pot and let it simmer. In my opinion, this resulted in a hodgepodge of ideas that detracted from what was supposed to be the main plot line. I'm thankful I didn't pay for this book.
However, everyone has their own opinions and others may find this book compelling and enjoyable. I do think that Hopkins has a great imagination and does his research thoroughly; so I would be interested in perhaps reading another of his books once he has streamlined his plots and taken time to develop his characters. .
I was interested in the initial premise, and the protagonist John. Unfortunately the plot became so convoluted by trying to cram all of these elements in at once that I found myself skimming over several pages trying to get back into the "main plot line." I think the book could have been very interesting if the author spent more time developing the characters and focusing on just 1-2 pieces of conspiracy/conjecture. This would have opened the door for a possible series as more and more developments are uncovered and linked together.
Several times various characters referenced that they felt like the were in a Dan Brown story. The difference is that D.B. focuses on 1-2 major conspiracies in his books and fleshes them out, while Hopkins seemed more inclined to put everything into a crock pot and let it simmer. In my opinion, this resulted in a hodgepodge of ideas that detracted from what was supposed to be the main plot line. I'm thankful I didn't pay for this book.
However, everyone has their own opinions and others may find this book compelling and enjoyable. I do think that Hopkins has a great imagination and does his research thoroughly; so I would be interested in perhaps reading another of his books once he has streamlined his plots and taken time to develop his characters. .
July 13, 2012
This is a fun story, with perhaps a bit to much food for thought for my tastes.
I would have preferred more attention to the action, but for me, the story was weighed down with a lot of explanation.
Throughout the story, the author offers chunks of dialog in support of the world he created, but the frustrating part for me was that I was ready to suspend my disbelief and didn't really need any convincing. I was completely ready to see a team of navy seals battle mythical monsters. There is some of that and while I was hoping to read something closer to the more-action oriented adventure I typically read, this isn't a story about military tactics overcoming giants and demons. There were some riveting action and battle scenes, but they got lost amidst all the bible quotes and attempts at explanation. The story delved into too much theorizing when I wanted monsters and gun-play. The exposition became a bit too much for me, so I eventually started skimming over some of the explanation-laden dialogue near the end.
The major sticking point for me was the ending which I felt was a too anticlimactic.
Nonetheless, I shouldn't complain because I picked it up for free on my kindle and now have a few amazon recommendations for stories that may be more to my liking.
I would have preferred more attention to the action, but for me, the story was weighed down with a lot of explanation.
Throughout the story, the author offers chunks of dialog in support of the world he created, but the frustrating part for me was that I was ready to suspend my disbelief and didn't really need any convincing. I was completely ready to see a team of navy seals battle mythical monsters. There is some of that and while I was hoping to read something closer to the more-action oriented adventure I typically read, this isn't a story about military tactics overcoming giants and demons. There were some riveting action and battle scenes, but they got lost amidst all the bible quotes and attempts at explanation. The story delved into too much theorizing when I wanted monsters and gun-play. The exposition became a bit too much for me, so I eventually started skimming over some of the explanation-laden dialogue near the end.
The major sticking point for me was the ending which I felt was a too anticlimactic.
Nonetheless, I shouldn't complain because I picked it up for free on my kindle and now have a few amazon recommendations for stories that may be more to my liking.
September 30, 2011
For the life of me, I cannot coherently explain why I couldn't put this book down - but I couldn't. I can't even say it was a slow start but then it picked up. It WAS a slow start - I'm just not sure if it picked up or just became more interesting.
I don't know quite how to describe it except to say picture Ghostbusters in the Bermuda Triangle without the comedy and throw in a dash of Dogma and 2012.
Don't read this thinking it's a story about a guy trying to find his brother, who disappeared while on a trip to Bermuda. That's the short, simple description. And don't read it if you have an aversion to Biblical references and a character who has found a modicum of peace in God and prayer. What this book is really about is God and Satan and demons and angels and giants and - are you confused yet? Yeah, so was I, but it was a pleasant and interesting confusion.
For $0.99 digital, you can find out for yourself and in my opinion that's a good deal. At worst, you'll be hopelessly confused and befuddled. At best, your mind will stretch and, like me, you won't be able to put it down.
I don't know quite how to describe it except to say picture Ghostbusters in the Bermuda Triangle without the comedy and throw in a dash of Dogma and 2012.
Don't read this thinking it's a story about a guy trying to find his brother, who disappeared while on a trip to Bermuda. That's the short, simple description. And don't read it if you have an aversion to Biblical references and a character who has found a modicum of peace in God and prayer. What this book is really about is God and Satan and demons and angels and giants and - are you confused yet? Yeah, so was I, but it was a pleasant and interesting confusion.
For $0.99 digital, you can find out for yourself and in my opinion that's a good deal. At worst, you'll be hopelessly confused and befuddled. At best, your mind will stretch and, like me, you won't be able to put it down.
June 29, 2012
Overall a good story. I think the attention to detail is probably the finest point of the novel. The action scenes were also very well written. Being a history buff, I enjoyed a lot of the tie ins to ancient Egypt. At times the amount of information slows down the pace of the story, but its always balanced by the fact that its so thought provoking. On the negative side I would have to say the supporting characters are a bit lacking. With so much focus on the world around them and the history if it, the people often get overshadowed. I would have loved to hear from one of the women on the island, and hear what she had to say about their unique situation. The other thing that bugged me was the occasional effort to force thrills and chills instead of letting the naturally creepy setting work to its full potential. This is most prevalent in the wife's subplot. In addition to not being necessary, it breaks the feeling of being trapped with the main character.
My two gripes aside, I really liked the book and would recommend it. I would read a sequel and intend to give the author's other novels a look.
My two gripes aside, I really liked the book and would recommend it. I would read a sequel and intend to give the author's other novels a look.
December 23, 2011
Although I found Shawn Hopkins' "Progeny" a difficult read at times with so much information to be taken in, I liked the story. John seems to be a troubled man. When his brother"s teem of elite soldiers request he help them find Henry, he knows he must go to Bermuda and help in the search dispite any misgiving feelings he may have.
Hopkins uses Bible references and mythology to explain the Nephilium and other strange creatures found on the mysterious island John becomes standed on when lost in the Bermuda Triangle.
I found myself looking up Hopkins references in the Bible and reading the book of Enoch to understand better some of what he writes about.
A lot of research went into writing this book. and it definitly rises many questions about the Nephilium. I have passed this story on to family and friends for them to read and then have further discussion about what we have all read.
Hopkins uses Bible references and mythology to explain the Nephilium and other strange creatures found on the mysterious island John becomes standed on when lost in the Bermuda Triangle.
I found myself looking up Hopkins references in the Bible and reading the book of Enoch to understand better some of what he writes about.
A lot of research went into writing this book. and it definitly rises many questions about the Nephilium. I have passed this story on to family and friends for them to read and then have further discussion about what we have all read.
September 10, 2012
GRIPPING READ 4 1/2 STARS
PROGENY was a gripping read, & once I got started, I didn't put it down. I read it in about 5 hours; started it right after finishing the supper dishes.
It's incredibly well researched both Biblically & historically, but as opposed to say other authors, never tries to discredit the Church or Christians.
PROGENY has fallen angels, giants, the Bermuda triangle, Navy SEALs, an Army Ranger, and the descendants of a fallen angel all battling it out against each other in order to prevent the End Times Apocalypse from happening prematurely. How can this NOT be a crazy good read! Shawn Hopkins has outdone himself again.
PROGENY was a gripping read, & once I got started, I didn't put it down. I read it in about 5 hours; started it right after finishing the supper dishes.
It's incredibly well researched both Biblically & historically, but as opposed to say other authors, never tries to discredit the Church or Christians.
PROGENY has fallen angels, giants, the Bermuda triangle, Navy SEALs, an Army Ranger, and the descendants of a fallen angel all battling it out against each other in order to prevent the End Times Apocalypse from happening prematurely. How can this NOT be a crazy good read! Shawn Hopkins has outdone himself again.
July 7, 2013
Shawn Hopkins did a tremendous amount of research on this book. I think he may have actually overdone it because while it was interesting with non-stop action, the massive bulk of information tends to get overwhelming. He has so many nutball theories going on that it takes the reader to places they don't even need to go and detracts from the meat of the story. Personally, I'd have liked more character development. It would make this a better book.
I would still recommend this to those into Christian thrillers with a heavy dose of fantasy. I found it an entertaining read in spite of the problems I mentioned. Hopkins is a talented writer. There's no two ways about that!
I would still recommend this to those into Christian thrillers with a heavy dose of fantasy. I found it an entertaining read in spite of the problems I mentioned. Hopkins is a talented writer. There's no two ways about that!
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