The Fallen: A Novel

The Fallen #1

by Robert Don Hughes

Although it didn't fit with his theology, Dr. Jack Brenner was convinced he'd been abducted by aliens--at first. But doubts set in. Who then--or what--were they? And what was the secret they would manipulate all time and space to find?.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Christian

366 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

About the author

Dr. Robert Don Hughes (born 1949), is an American educator and writer, author of both mainstream fantasy and science fiction and evangelical non-fiction. Born within a mile of the beach in California, he now teaches missions, evangelism, world religions and apologetics at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky. He spent two terms as a missionary in Africa, first in Zambia and then Nigeria. He regularly assists churches as interim pastor or revival leader. He’s better known on the Internet as the author of such fantasy and science fiction novels as The Prophet of Lamath and The Eternity Gene.

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read!

Here's the premise: suppose all--I mean "all"--the alien legends you've ever heard were true, but the reality behind them was that the "aliens" were really demons. Yes, the Biblical kind of demon. Write it up from a Southern Baptist theological viewpoint, and you're got The Fallen. Kind of like the premise behind the Left Behind series or (stood on it's head) The DaVinci Code.

Not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but an enjoyable read, given that premise. At least as much fun and, unfortunately, at least as didactic, as many SF/fantasy books which assume the opposite premise: that Christianity is a hoax perpetrated on the world by the evil, nasty Catholic church. (I'm neither Catholic nor Baptist.) Speaking of preaching, Hughes, a seminary professor couldn't resist the urge to pontificate. (There's a paradox.)

From a storytelling point of view, Hughes introduces the angels too soon. Should have let the tension and danger build a bit more. Also, given his premise, he couldn't let Don Brennan have sufficient doubt or risk to make it really interesting. Brennan was too comfortable with his wild excursions through history and mythology.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in high school & it really stuck with me, but I couldn't remember the title of it for years. Over the past year my friends & I have been having discussions about aliens, etc, & I kept talking about this book I had once read but couldn't remember the title. I searched for this book all over the internet, but couldn't find it. I kept googling "Christian fiction book about pastor who gets abducted by aliens", but no luck. Finally tonight I was just thinking about it & the word "fallen" popped into my head & I googled it & sure enough I finally found it! I'm going to reread it & post a proper review, but if you're considering reading it, it's obviously good if I've searched for it for this long! ;)

[Venture Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is published by Venture Press.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on who the aliens really are. A little heavy on the religion part of the story but it was in keeping with the story line. It was compelling enough to keep reading to the end to see where the story was going...on to book two.

[Jef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over My Head, Maybe?

Perhaps I missed the point, but it seemed to ramble and not get anywhere. Oh I read it, and had some fun, but it seemed like work at times to get back in the story. Sorry Don.

[Fire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen is a fun read full of twists and turns, it will keep you guessing the whole way. When Jack Brenner, a pastor of a small church has a run in with a young boy that can read his thoughts and the thoughts of everyone else in his church he is amazed and intrigued at the young man's gift, but after giving him a ride home to the house of a known Satanic cult leader the pastor puts up a wall.

Thirty years pass and he has an encounter with extra-terrestrials that challenges everything he ever knew including his faith. Jack doesn't know what to believe when everything has been turned on its head. When the creatures take him on adventures through time he is faced with man-kind's worst. How could a loving God allow this? How could He let his people do this to each other? Could of of this prove the God doesn't exist?

Questions flood his mind as his journey progresses, plagued with conflicting thoughts he struggles between the faith he knows, and the perceived reality the other worldly beings are showing him. Which is the truth? Has everything he has ever believed been built on lies?

This is well written and has some great characters and an intriguing story. I enjoyed this story a lot overall and would recommend it. 4 Stars!

[Stitch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly a DNF. The premise sounded amazing and it seemed like it was going to be a solid sci-fi book. I was looking forward to the ride but...

I made it a way through and there was just a vast amount of religious content and scripture.

I can understand if religion is important to a character but at times, it was more like this book was preaching at me and the character didn't really have a voice.