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Zinovy's Journey
When the world ends, Zinovy's Journey begins.
Zinovy Kozlov has spent twenty-three years climbing the ladder of Russian military success one rung at a time. An Air Force pilot, FSB veteran, and now a cosmonaut on the Global Regime's International Space Station, he should be at the peak of his career. But Zinovy has enemies whose political power extends into space, and they are determined to kill him.
Then the earth is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust, and everything changes.
Zinovy Kozlov has spent twenty-three years climbing the ladder of Russian military success one rung at a time. An Air Force pilot, FSB veteran, and now a cosmonaut on the Global Regime's International Space Station, he should be at the peak of his career. But Zinovy has enemies whose political power extends into space, and they are determined to kill him.
Then the earth is destroyed in a nuclear holocaust, and everything changes.
- GenresChristian Fiction
630 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2011
24 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 12, 2014
Much better than the usual Christian SF, with a tight beginning and a legitimately fascinating mystery. Once you get the mystery though, the book weakens a bit.
Zinovy is an ex-FSB officer who has to flee to a stint on the international space station in order to avoid the wrath of his superior. He survives one attempt on his life, but shortly after that the earth is devastated by a tremendous nuclear event. Now the crew of the station has to land to avoid slow death by running out of oxygen. The world they arrive at is nothing at all like what they expect, and then they start seeing people...
It's amazingly well done at the start. Zinovy is an excellent, realistic character, and his survival and puzzlement at the end of the world not being so much an end is realistic. You wonder with him what on earth happened. Why isn't the earth a shattered ruin of itself? Why can they breathe? Why is it that some things distintegrate in a matter of days, yet others are unaffected? You share in the puzzlement of the small group of survivors. It keeps you guessing without being heavy-handed or too oblique.
Unfortunately you eventually get why these things are happening, and the "journey" part begins. It's just as well written as the rest of the book, and Zinovy's struggle is first rate. But it changes from a compelling mystery to a theological and philosophical dialogue with others, and Zinovy's attempt to come to term with his past. It becomes a conversion story, although a rare, well-written one set in a world that is very true and very eerie at the same time.
Only real issue I had was with Zinovy's dialogue partner. It felt odd the way she became brilliant and philosophical after the events she must have suffered through in her life and her initial introduction.
Despite this, I recommend this book. It's one of the better idea books out there for Christian Science fiction, and it's wonderfully written and intelligent. A hidden gem of a book.
Zinovy is an ex-FSB officer who has to flee to a stint on the international space station in order to avoid the wrath of his superior. He survives one attempt on his life, but shortly after that the earth is devastated by a tremendous nuclear event. Now the crew of the station has to land to avoid slow death by running out of oxygen. The world they arrive at is nothing at all like what they expect, and then they start seeing people...
It's amazingly well done at the start. Zinovy is an excellent, realistic character, and his survival and puzzlement at the end of the world not being so much an end is realistic. You wonder with him what on earth happened. Why isn't the earth a shattered ruin of itself? Why can they breathe? Why is it that some things distintegrate in a matter of days, yet others are unaffected? You share in the puzzlement of the small group of survivors. It keeps you guessing without being heavy-handed or too oblique.
Unfortunately you eventually get why these things are happening, and the "journey" part begins. It's just as well written as the rest of the book, and Zinovy's struggle is first rate. But it changes from a compelling mystery to a theological and philosophical dialogue with others, and Zinovy's attempt to come to term with his past. It becomes a conversion story, although a rare, well-written one set in a world that is very true and very eerie at the same time.
Only real issue I had was with Zinovy's dialogue partner. It felt odd the way she became brilliant and philosophical after the events she must have suffered through in her life and her initial introduction.
Despite this, I recommend this book. It's one of the better idea books out there for Christian Science fiction, and it's wonderfully written and intelligent. A hidden gem of a book.
November 16, 2011
Imagine a world where religion has been eliminated and the disparate cultures of the world have been assimilated into a single, secular state. Now insert a Russian soldier-hitman who's fled to the International Space Station after refusing to assassinate the mother of his yet-unborn child. Then destroy Earth. You now have the setting for Zinovy's Journey, by Ginny Jaques. It's the spiritual and physical journey of a man who has learned to trust only himself, and to love no one.
The story begins briskly, with some intriguing espionage, an assassination attempt on the space station, and a nuclear holocaust on Earth. The astronauts are faced with a daunting decision: to die quietly on the space station or to travel to Earth in the hopes that it's possible to survive in a radiated wasteland. But once they arrive on Earth, the story slows down considerably. In fact, once the astonauts arrive on Earth, the story ceases to be a work of speculative fiction as the book jacket contends, and instead becomes a defense of religion, specifically Christianity and Judaism.
It has its moments of excitement: a kidnapping, an attempted rape, and some murders--note that the only excitement comes in the form of violence. Zinovy's internal struggles, unfortunately, are rendered pointless as readers know immediately what his ultimate choice will be.
Atheist or agnostic readers may struggle with this book. Jaques's rhetoric is often condescending to non-religious people; the contention that the lives of non-religious people are empty and joyless is repeated often throughout the book. Unfortunately, this sapped a great deal of my enjoyment, and I expect others like myself will have a similar experience.
However, it must be said that the book is well-written and well-edited. Although, I can't help but think that it would have worked better as a series of essays rather than a work of fiction. I recommend this book to religious readers who want a book that reaffirms their faith.
To view more of my reviews, visit my blog StarLit.
The story begins briskly, with some intriguing espionage, an assassination attempt on the space station, and a nuclear holocaust on Earth. The astronauts are faced with a daunting decision: to die quietly on the space station or to travel to Earth in the hopes that it's possible to survive in a radiated wasteland. But once they arrive on Earth, the story slows down considerably. In fact, once the astonauts arrive on Earth, the story ceases to be a work of speculative fiction as the book jacket contends, and instead becomes a defense of religion, specifically Christianity and Judaism.
It has its moments of excitement: a kidnapping, an attempted rape, and some murders--note that the only excitement comes in the form of violence. Zinovy's internal struggles, unfortunately, are rendered pointless as readers know immediately what his ultimate choice will be.
Atheist or agnostic readers may struggle with this book. Jaques's rhetoric is often condescending to non-religious people; the contention that the lives of non-religious people are empty and joyless is repeated often throughout the book. Unfortunately, this sapped a great deal of my enjoyment, and I expect others like myself will have a similar experience.
However, it must be said that the book is well-written and well-edited. Although, I can't help but think that it would have worked better as a series of essays rather than a work of fiction. I recommend this book to religious readers who want a book that reaffirms their faith.
To view more of my reviews, visit my blog StarLit.
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April 29, 2017Okay. I'm not going to rate it, because I'm too close to the author to make a valid judgment, but I have to put in a plug for it because of the message. Super important one. Zinovy is an ex FSB agent who has spent his life killing for the Motherland. Now his life is on the line, but before his assassins succeed in eliminating him, they are eliminated, along with the rest of the world as we know it. Zinovy finds himself returning from space to a world that's been re-made into something that challenges every rational assessment of reality he's ever made. His journey through the new world gradually leads him to the discovery of the meaning of his name. Zinovy means "walking with God." A unique plot, interesting characters, comforting insight into what happens to Christians when they die, and a heart-warming message of love. Check it out. Reviews by responsible people are on Amazon.
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October 12, 2022Zinovy’s Journey is a brilliant, yet deeply flawed science/speculative fiction novel. A paradox. So much potential unrealized—far too much attempted. I’m not quite sure how to write a review of this book, except to say that I loved it, and at the same time, I almost didn’t finish it.
First, the good—Zinovy—the son of Orthodox parents imprisoned for their faith, he endures an abusive childhood in the home of relatives and grows up to be an FSB agent. The foundations of everything he thought he knew are swept away when he accepts a post on the International Space Station. The author did such an excellent job of creating a compelling character who felt so real I believe I’ve met him somewhere. (Bonus points for the non-European Russian ethnic representation.) The story is called Zinovy’s Journey for good reason—it’s when the author chooses to leave his viewpoint for various other characters that the tightness of the plot and power of the themes begin to disintegrate.
In addition to creating a great character in Zinovy, the author’s descriptions of the mysterious new world he finds himself in are vivid and so creative…I could practically feel the radiation even before they left the spaceship. That sense of wonder and newness is exactly what makes Sci Fi one of my favorite genres.
Approximately the first third of the book is marvelous. I’d read it again just for that first 30%. After that, there are still good parts, even brilliant parts, like Zinovy’s vision of the bleeding Savior. But unfortunately at about that point the author decides to start adding too many disparate elements, some of which really had me scratching my head—romance involving a teenage girl, a completely unexpected and offensive portrayal of Bedouin Arabs attempting human sacrifice (think H. Rider Haggard at his worst) fragmentation into multiple viewpoints, most of which added nothing to the story, and a loss of the driving theme of Zinovy’s journey from revenge to redemption.
All in all, this is the kind of book I wish I had the ability to write, both because it was so good, and because it could have been so much better.
First, the good—Zinovy—the son of Orthodox parents imprisoned for their faith, he endures an abusive childhood in the home of relatives and grows up to be an FSB agent. The foundations of everything he thought he knew are swept away when he accepts a post on the International Space Station. The author did such an excellent job of creating a compelling character who felt so real I believe I’ve met him somewhere. (Bonus points for the non-European Russian ethnic representation.) The story is called Zinovy’s Journey for good reason—it’s when the author chooses to leave his viewpoint for various other characters that the tightness of the plot and power of the themes begin to disintegrate.
In addition to creating a great character in Zinovy, the author’s descriptions of the mysterious new world he finds himself in are vivid and so creative…I could practically feel the radiation even before they left the spaceship. That sense of wonder and newness is exactly what makes Sci Fi one of my favorite genres.
Approximately the first third of the book is marvelous. I’d read it again just for that first 30%. After that, there are still good parts, even brilliant parts, like Zinovy’s vision of the bleeding Savior. But unfortunately at about that point the author decides to start adding too many disparate elements, some of which really had me scratching my head—romance involving a teenage girl, a completely unexpected and offensive portrayal of Bedouin Arabs attempting human sacrifice (think H. Rider Haggard at his worst) fragmentation into multiple viewpoints, most of which added nothing to the story, and a loss of the driving theme of Zinovy’s journey from revenge to redemption.
All in all, this is the kind of book I wish I had the ability to write, both because it was so good, and because it could have been so much better.
December 6, 2017
A different kind of story that kept my interest the whole way through. An intriguing look at a new world and the complete and gradual change of some of the characters who survived the transition to the new world. The choice of a Russian as the main character (rather than an American or someone more familiar) made the story that much more absorbing. I felt the different reactions and outcomes from the events were natural for the most part, and it was interesting to follow the different paths taken by different characters. I did not personally agree with all the conclusions made by the main characters, but this is a fiction book after all. :)
I would have liked some more explanation of the current world at the beginning of the story, I had a couple impressions that later on ended up confusing me. I got a little lost with some of the characters, I felt several of them blended together - even though there were some different nationalities and backgrounds, perhaps more distinction with accents/words would have helped. Some of the many moral and spiritual issues brought up were left unresolved.
But overall a well-written story that will keep the interest and challenge the mind.
I would have liked some more explanation of the current world at the beginning of the story, I had a couple impressions that later on ended up confusing me. I got a little lost with some of the characters, I felt several of them blended together - even though there were some different nationalities and backgrounds, perhaps more distinction with accents/words would have helped. Some of the many moral and spiritual issues brought up were left unresolved.
But overall a well-written story that will keep the interest and challenge the mind.
December 22, 2019
Beautiful story.
At first I thought this was fantasy. In time I realized this is an interpretation of life after the new heavens and earth are created and the millennium begins.
It is obvious that the bible was the authors text. Many answers are in this book. Why should we trust God when evil is present? Is God good? What is it like for people when they die? We do not know if those with the Lord have assignments in the new earth for scripture does not speak of this? But we do know life for them is joy and peace.
The character are well developed and believable. Thank you Ginny for this book.
At first I thought this was fantasy. In time I realized this is an interpretation of life after the new heavens and earth are created and the millennium begins.
It is obvious that the bible was the authors text. Many answers are in this book. Why should we trust God when evil is present? Is God good? What is it like for people when they die? We do not know if those with the Lord have assignments in the new earth for scripture does not speak of this? But we do know life for them is joy and peace.
The character are well developed and believable. Thank you Ginny for this book.
August 7, 2020
An unexpected delight
This book, I think, is a first—at least for me. I have read more than a few novels that talk about the tribulation and other end times scenarios. But this is the first I have read that imagines what life might be like during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. What the author poses as a possibility is unlike any I’ve ever heard or seen. It is not the way I would imagine, and yet I cannot find any glaring fault in it.
The title character, Zinovy, is a Russian agent who heads for space to escape a power-mad superior. While Zinovy and his fellow astronauts are in orbit, they witness a horrifying end to the earth as they know it. Certain they are returning to die, they not only find the planet remarkably transformed, but discover other survivors.
A stranger tells them about a city far away and advises them to go there. Along the way they discover new foods and animals, inexplicable phenomena, other survivors and many unexpected dangers. Zinovy, who has guarded his heart for many years, finds it gradually warmed by his companions, a controversial book and a mysterious voice.
If you enjoy Christian literature that presents the gospel and God’s grace in a different way, then you will enjoy this book. Come at it with an open mind, remembering it is fiction, and your heart may be touched, as you journey with Zinovy and his friends.
This book, I think, is a first—at least for me. I have read more than a few novels that talk about the tribulation and other end times scenarios. But this is the first I have read that imagines what life might be like during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. What the author poses as a possibility is unlike any I’ve ever heard or seen. It is not the way I would imagine, and yet I cannot find any glaring fault in it.
The title character, Zinovy, is a Russian agent who heads for space to escape a power-mad superior. While Zinovy and his fellow astronauts are in orbit, they witness a horrifying end to the earth as they know it. Certain they are returning to die, they not only find the planet remarkably transformed, but discover other survivors.
A stranger tells them about a city far away and advises them to go there. Along the way they discover new foods and animals, inexplicable phenomena, other survivors and many unexpected dangers. Zinovy, who has guarded his heart for many years, finds it gradually warmed by his companions, a controversial book and a mysterious voice.
If you enjoy Christian literature that presents the gospel and God’s grace in a different way, then you will enjoy this book. Come at it with an open mind, remembering it is fiction, and your heart may be touched, as you journey with Zinovy and his friends.
September 8, 2014
"When the world ends… Zinovy’s journey begins."
Zinovy Kozlov was a successful assassin. Then he was running for his life. Now the earth itself has changed and his enemies are dead or out of reach. As he tackles the physical pilgrimage to the one remaining city on the planet, he doesn’t see that he and his companions are on a spiritual journey as well.
Zinovy’s Journey is "a speculative novel in three parts: The End, The Journey, and The Beginning." It offers a little bit of just about everything: action, intrigue, suspense, a spacewalk, relationships, revenge, philosophy, end times, a whole new world, and surprises at every turn.
Author Ginny Jaques has envisioned a richly wondrous world set during Revelation's thousand-year reign of Christ, and I'm sure the real thing will be all that and more than we can imagine. Reading about it made me wistful.
The author has chosen to interpret biblical references "as literally as possible in creating the setting, because that approach made an interesting physical backdrop for Zinovy's journey."
People have many different expectations about the end times, and if you read this novel checking it against your own understanding you’ll probably find differences. But you'll also miss the story. Readers who take it as fiction and not doctrine will engage the universal story of human choices on the journey to a relationship with God.
One of the many things I appreciate about the novel is it doesn't end with Zinovy accepting Christ. That happens in the middle section, and then we get to see his struggles as he learns what his choice means – and what it costs. For a rational man like Zinovy who has always dismissed Bible stories as fables taught by his mother, the path to faith is indeed quite a journey.
I found the pace slower in The Journey section, because there's a lot of philosophical discussion among the travellers. Readers who enjoy deep thinking will be satisfied, and the characters touch on all the heavy-duty spiritual questions. To the characters, it's not slow; it's a necessary part of working through their concerns. And the action never stops, it just happens between conversations. There’s still danger lurking.
The characters came alive to me, especially Zinovy, Sara, and the boy Caleb. The day after finishing the story, I caught myself wondering what was happening in their world now. It was a bit disappointing to remember I couldn't pick up the book and read more!
Zinovy’s Journey is Ginny Jaques' first novel, and I really like her writing style. The novel is available through the Zinovy’s Journey website, where you can also view the trailer and read a sample chapter. Those who’ve already finished the book are invited to visit the About the Novel page for background information and deleted scenes.
Catch my interview with author Ginny Jaques at God With Us: Finding Joy.
Author’s Warning: Some scenes in this book contain violence, strong language, and religious ideas.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Zinovy Kozlov was a successful assassin. Then he was running for his life. Now the earth itself has changed and his enemies are dead or out of reach. As he tackles the physical pilgrimage to the one remaining city on the planet, he doesn’t see that he and his companions are on a spiritual journey as well.
Zinovy’s Journey is "a speculative novel in three parts: The End, The Journey, and The Beginning." It offers a little bit of just about everything: action, intrigue, suspense, a spacewalk, relationships, revenge, philosophy, end times, a whole new world, and surprises at every turn.
Author Ginny Jaques has envisioned a richly wondrous world set during Revelation's thousand-year reign of Christ, and I'm sure the real thing will be all that and more than we can imagine. Reading about it made me wistful.
The author has chosen to interpret biblical references "as literally as possible in creating the setting, because that approach made an interesting physical backdrop for Zinovy's journey."
People have many different expectations about the end times, and if you read this novel checking it against your own understanding you’ll probably find differences. But you'll also miss the story. Readers who take it as fiction and not doctrine will engage the universal story of human choices on the journey to a relationship with God.
One of the many things I appreciate about the novel is it doesn't end with Zinovy accepting Christ. That happens in the middle section, and then we get to see his struggles as he learns what his choice means – and what it costs. For a rational man like Zinovy who has always dismissed Bible stories as fables taught by his mother, the path to faith is indeed quite a journey.
I found the pace slower in The Journey section, because there's a lot of philosophical discussion among the travellers. Readers who enjoy deep thinking will be satisfied, and the characters touch on all the heavy-duty spiritual questions. To the characters, it's not slow; it's a necessary part of working through their concerns. And the action never stops, it just happens between conversations. There’s still danger lurking.
The characters came alive to me, especially Zinovy, Sara, and the boy Caleb. The day after finishing the story, I caught myself wondering what was happening in their world now. It was a bit disappointing to remember I couldn't pick up the book and read more!
Zinovy’s Journey is Ginny Jaques' first novel, and I really like her writing style. The novel is available through the Zinovy’s Journey website, where you can also view the trailer and read a sample chapter. Those who’ve already finished the book are invited to visit the About the Novel page for background information and deleted scenes.
Catch my interview with author Ginny Jaques at God With Us: Finding Joy.
Author’s Warning: Some scenes in this book contain violence, strong language, and religious ideas.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
January 7, 2019
This was a VERY powerful book! That actually surprised me as I wasn't expecting it to be anything but entertaining at first. In fact, at the very start I was surprised to find that the main character was a Russian assassin! At that point I wasn't even sure I'd like the book, or that I'd be able to relate to him at all. Then, a short time later, we get into the real fantasy part of the book - and let me tell you, it's definitely pure fantasy! Before I knew it, I was hooked and really enjoying it. Then it surprised me again as God was introduced into the mix, in a different then usual way. It wasn't long before I knew how powerful this book is. By then, I didn't want it to end! All I can suggest is that you make sure you have tissues near by for the last quarter of this book. The only thing I think that could have made this book even better and more powerful, would have been if they had used a real Bible translation instead of a mans paraphrase, the Message. I mainly feel this way because it's God's Word that saves and His Word that changes us, so I think more people could have been impacted had they used something like the ESV, NASB, NIRV or even the 1984 NIV Bible. The story/fantasy is not based on scripture, nor does it try to be; it's strictly fantasy, which is fine. It's really an amazing book, that you'll be glad you read.
PS. I changed a little bit of my review, mostly just cleaned it up so that it said what I wanted it to say. I originally wrote it after staying up late to finish the book, and was appalled when I re-read it. Guess I won't do that again, lol.
PS. I changed a little bit of my review, mostly just cleaned it up so that it said what I wanted it to say. I originally wrote it after staying up late to finish the book, and was appalled when I re-read it. Guess I won't do that again, lol.
November 15, 2011
I actually want to rate this book a 10, not a five! That's how awesome it is!
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. For a first novel, Ginny Jaques sure knows how to grab the reader right from the instant the book begins and not let go. The description is magnificent, the characters varied and believable, and the action is well paced. Despite the fact that this is a really long book, I didn’t want to stop reading until I reached the final page.
The book is set in the not too distant future when a worldwide government has been established. The main character, Zinovy, is a Russian hit-man who is well known for his ability to get the job done – quickly and cleanly. After some unsettling events, he must flee for his own life aboard the International space station. What happens next sets the entire world into a literal tailspin.
On their journey back to earth, the crew of the space station witness what appears to be a catastrophic nuclear blast that destroys the earth. However, as they approach the surface, they realize that earth has been mysteriously altered. The story really takes off from this point onward, with so many twists and turns that I can’t begin to describe them all. Suffice to say that this is one awesome read. It is epic in its scope and proportions and I can’t recommend it enough. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, I was in for a pleasant surprise at the end.
Bravo for ZINOVY’S JOURNEY and bravo for Ginny Jaques. If this book is any indication of things to come, Jacques is about to explode into the literary world with cosmic effects.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. For a first novel, Ginny Jaques sure knows how to grab the reader right from the instant the book begins and not let go. The description is magnificent, the characters varied and believable, and the action is well paced. Despite the fact that this is a really long book, I didn’t want to stop reading until I reached the final page.
The book is set in the not too distant future when a worldwide government has been established. The main character, Zinovy, is a Russian hit-man who is well known for his ability to get the job done – quickly and cleanly. After some unsettling events, he must flee for his own life aboard the International space station. What happens next sets the entire world into a literal tailspin.
On their journey back to earth, the crew of the space station witness what appears to be a catastrophic nuclear blast that destroys the earth. However, as they approach the surface, they realize that earth has been mysteriously altered. The story really takes off from this point onward, with so many twists and turns that I can’t begin to describe them all. Suffice to say that this is one awesome read. It is epic in its scope and proportions and I can’t recommend it enough. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, I was in for a pleasant surprise at the end.
Bravo for ZINOVY’S JOURNEY and bravo for Ginny Jaques. If this book is any indication of things to come, Jacques is about to explode into the literary world with cosmic effects.
June 15, 2014
Zinovoy's journey is when the world as we know it ends. This was a good book. There was some confusing parts however if you would push thorough them they would become clear. During the book some Christian beliefs are explained in an easy and understanding way.
Overall impression of the book is that it was good, maybe a bit long, and also had good solid facts based on Biblical and Christian fact.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Overall impression of the book is that it was good, maybe a bit long, and also had good solid facts based on Biblical and Christian fact.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
November 4, 2011
This story, a first novel from author with a knack for sharp dialogue and emotional characters, is not only a thrilling science fiction story, easy to read and enjoy, but also an impressive attempt to answer a lot of the deeper questions that we, as a human race, so often wonder about. I look forward to more from this author.
June 24, 2013
I was certain I reviewed this, but it is one of the best prophetic novels I've ever read. It covers the millennium in a way that will surprise you, but is soundly Biblical. In other words it is certainly a possibility of how things will happen.
It is a wonderful book! One of the best I've ever read and I've read a couple hundred books a years since the mid-1950s.
It is a wonderful book! One of the best I've ever read and I've read a couple hundred books a years since the mid-1950s.
April 13, 2014
A Must Read Ethereal Story—Layered With Intensity, Boldness With Emotional Softness!
July 6, 2013
Pretty interesting perspective on the new heaven and new earth. Good read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews