Out of the end of the world as we know it, comes the beginning of the world we dreamed of and prayed for.
In a small Iowa town, survivors of unprecedented global war and natural disasters set out to rebuild their lives. So much of what has happened in recent weeks defies explanation for the remnant of the resistance to the last Dictator, survivors of the last human war.
Out of tribulation and loss, they stumble into a fresh breeze of hope that seems too good to be true. Yet, peace has fallen all around the world, and the new ruler in Jerusalem enforces that peace through an odd assortment of people spread over the Earth. Even the weather and wildlife have been transformed for the comfort of the remaining people.
Could this be what the Christians looked forward to for millennia, the Kingdom of God come to Earth, the Reign of Jesus Christ?
Even in the face of gracious prosperity, for the world and its inhabitants, the seeds have been planted for one last human revolt against God.
As a small boy in Lincoln, Nebraska, I listened enrapt to my grandmother reading me children’s stories, such as The Little Engine That Could. I also recall the elementary school librarian who read us Winnie the Pooh, imitating all the voices. And I remember the first summer I was allowed to ride my bike to the library on my own.
Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.
In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.
At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?
When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.
During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.
I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.
A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.
In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.
Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.
Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.
Wow. What just happened? Did I really just read a book about the beginning of the 1,000 year reign of Yeshua? And survivors of the seven year tribulation? Yep. Featuring various fictional leads and supporting characters this was welcome after all of the tensions and turbulence of recent days. A refreshing book that has some missing sections --like isn't King David supposed to be co-ruler?--but enough good parts that I enjoyed it all and forgave what was missing.
I completely enjoyed this Christian speculative fiction book for 90% of it! It tells the story of a group of people in a small town in Iowa as they rebuild after the End Times and after the Tribulation period of the Last Days when the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus begins. It was very imaginative, had good characters, and was very Biblically sound ... until the last part. The author got so inaccurate Biblically that I did a DNF because I couldn't endure his HUGE Biblical errors and sudden lack of just plain common sense. I started making tons of Kindle notes to correct the errors but it became so much work and so time-consuming I bailed out on it. Too bad. I was so deeply waiting to share it around and recommend it. 😞 I have NO idea what happened that made the author suddenly change. Full moon? But it still gets a good rating from me for so accurately portraying the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom (although he rarely actually overtly names JESUS as the King who "rules and reigns" from Jerusalem.) Watch my Kindle notes here so you know when to bail out too. I hope this helps and doesn't hinder. Thanks for giving me your valuable time to read this review. Laura-Lee 🙋🏻♀️✝🇨🇦❤
Wow! This book was mind blowing. I’ve never had a grasp of what this era would be like. As I read I kept thinking “yes that’s it”. I will continue to ponder this for some time and makes me long for the Lords return. Loved the characters! Helps me understand how some will still not bow down to worship the king. Sad.
The world as we know it ends. The world we dream of begins. A new ruler in Jerusalem enforces peach through the entire earth.
This book is like a fresh breath of air. It seems like the world is rushing towards the man of lawlessness disguised as Marxism. Humans and the redeemed living together - Jones tackles the subject. Well, I believe. I didn't see anything that goes against the Bible.
I've read all the "seeing Jesus" books and this follows the same theme. I was surprised at the story, for it is quite different from the aforementioned. Nonetheless, there was no question about the 5- rating. I have not read many "end-times" novels, but this is the best I've read. The end times are subject to a wide variety of honest visualizations from the Bible. I found no material inconsistencies with Biblical data applied to the story, and I found the author allowed no material external influences. Now, the story itself is a fine read, as has been everything I have read from this author. For me, this was a thriller in which I wasted no time reading through it. I started 5/10 and finished 5/15. That's comparable to my pace reading a thriller, only the stakes in this book are the highest of all.
A beautiful supposition of what maybe. I loved all the characters. Each was well developed and a great example of what man could be without the constant influences of spiritual warfare. I felt the author touched on many spiritual issues such as being ones own god and the importance of complete surrender. I also liked the landscape of this world. It made me long for that time described in Isaiah 2:4. I'm glad there is a second book.
I Love this genre. Wonderfully written. I look forward to one day living in complete Peace and Joy with the Lord. This book is uplifting and an easy read..
Well now this was really interesting. I guess I always thought the 1000 year reign only had believers in it; the idea that non-believing survivors of the tribulation would still be around never occurred to me. Jones sets these characters up the way you'd expect for non-believers to behave. They're rebels who fought against the old dictator and won.l. They assume that since the dictator has been defeated, a new one has risen up to take his place and might be worse than the one deposed. The people who can do seemingly magical things are aliens. Makes sense, right?
Well it does unless you actually are a Believer in real life. I had to laugh at the way these survivors looked at Jesus as a benevolent human ruler. Believers know full well that you're talking here about the Creator of the universe. There were several times when they're plotting to take Him out and I'm telling the book "are you kidding? You think you're going to assassinate Jesus?
And why would you when He's healing everybody and stopping all the violence?
I think Jones was a genius to set things up this way. It makes total sense that it might turn out like that. People who just opposed a dictator trying to take over the world, refusing to be "chipped," launching a rebel army to take him out. And when Jesus does take him out, they assume He's a human, as bad or worse. Or an alien invader (kind of is). Very smart plot. Richard Tensley was good with the narration. Not spectacular, but certainly not terrible. The characters were well defined and the voice suited the personality.
The writing is a little slow. I did like the characters but the actual story does tend to lag. That said, as soon as I finished the book I wanted the next one, which isn't out on audio yet even though the series is 10 years old. It's ok, I will wait. The premise alone was good enough for me to want to know what happens - even if I do know how it ends.
Wonderful, a unique interpretation on life in and under the reign of the King of Kings
What would life be like for those humans who survived the seven year period of The Great Tribulation - how would they view the King and all of His worshipers - those who had died before the Rapture and those who had been called into Glory on the day of rapture.
What kind of world would remain when the enemy and all his armies as well as those who had taken his mark and chip had been put to the sword and what remained was King Jesus on the throne in Jerusalem, as He takes charge of the 1000 year reign on earth.
This book like so many of Jeffrey McClain Jones books, has wonderfully rich characters and really explores the humanity of his characters and the wonderful joy of knowing Jesus Christ as your saviour! This book isn’t an evangelist tool, it’s a fantastic story on its own but so enjoyable as a Christian who understands the details from scripture intertwined with this plot and story.
This was an enjoyable book to read even though the theology is "off" about a few things. It certainly gives you a lot to think about. Since this is a work of fiction, we can choose to look away when I doesn't agree with what we believe the Bible teaches. For those who haven't studied the Bible for themselves with the help of the Holy Spirit, please keep in mind that we should never get our theology from a book. (Even if it agrees with what we think is right). What we believe should only come from the Lord and His Word. That being said, this is a great story that grabs your interest right away. It includes mystery, suspense, and romance. There are a number of unexpected twists and turns too. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this read, as it perks up ones imagination of just how wonderful life will be when our LORD YESHUA lives and reigns with us. The Bible tells us at the end of his 1,000 years there will be a rebellion and this book shows just how sinful mankind can be, even with the creator living among us. I enjoyed the characters, and how it seems that first 25 or so years just flew by so that the next generation was coming of age to add to the believers. The main characters seem just as vigorous as they age as when the 1,000 year reign first began.............Eden revisited? I am looking forward to the next 3 books in the series, lead us on LORD, your way is perfection.
This to me was more informative than something that kept me turning each page to get to the end. I kept reading because I look so forward to Heaven, to Jesus coming! The pain and evil of this world get worse every day, and it is too much for me to handle most of the time. My eyes are always on the sky..always waiting! It was so enjoyable and eye-opening to see His love. I LOVED the portrayal of the animals when Christ will reign, I think about it now when I go outside and have to remind myself He isn’t here yet lol. Thank you for such an insightful glimpse into the future! I absolutely can’t wait 🙏
I had read the Left Behind Series and enjoyed them. But I enjoyed this book so much more. It gave a person a much better sense of really good news. And even the sinners could still have a chance. And wouldn't it be something to live on earth with our Savior here as well. What a sense of peace and joy all at the same time. I would highly recommend this book for any Christian or non Christian to read it.
Just realized I read an early edition/ARC of this book that I'd had on my Kindle. It was about 500 pages, and this edition isn't, so reviewing it would be like reviewing a different book!
This was my favorite quote: "You don't deserve a second chance any more than any of my followers deserved their first, second, and subsequent chances. Set that aside. No one has ever deserved what my Father and I give freely."
I was so in to this book. I couldn’t wait to finish it. At the same time I dreaded the end of it. I felt so good hearing the words in my mind. It has helped me know even though I don’t get to go to church and fellowship like I used to that I can fellowship with our Lord on my own.
The Reign: Out of Tribulation by Jeffrey McLain Jones
I have read this book with a great deal of curiosity, as the author gives us an insight into what life will be like when Jesus returns and rules the earth. I found it fascinating and thoroughly absorbing. Amen, come Lord Jesus.
The writer clearly has researched biblical truths and cleverly hidden them in this story of what life on earth could be like in his imagination. Fun to read and several passages worth noting for further thought. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Beautiful view from the aftermath of the final days of the world ruled by evil to reigning with our Lord. Wonderful visuals and even better, words of wisdom with great insight. I highly recommend reading this novel, and am looking forward to beginning the next book!!!
If you ever wondered what the 1000 yr reign of Christ on earth might be like, then read this! Of course its fiction....but it has an impact you can't deny!!! For sure in reality His Reign will be exciting and I can hardly wait!! But since its not quite here yet, I'm really enjoying The Reign Series and I can just about guarantee you are going to Love it!
I loved this book. Very thought provoking. Caused deeper thinking about how I live now, the choices I’m making, how I love, where I want to be. The author created detailed pictures of color and dramatic scenes. Although I could only read intermittently, I could not wait to get back to the book. A real page turner!
As a work of fiction, I greatly enjoyed this new prospective of our Heavenly Savoir. He is an omnipresent. He is everywhere. I believe there are notebooks by this author that I will purchase.
This story is strikingly similar to the Scriptures. Imagine Jesus on earth doing the same things and greater as when He walked here. Healing, loving, abundance, and forgiveness. Only this time as King of kings ruling earth in His image.
This is a book about entering the 1000 year reign of Christ after the war of Armageddon. It made everything so very real I can actually see all this happening! The writing is skillful and superb. it made me very happy to be a Christian!
Wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I found myself hoping that this book reflects what the return of Jesus would be like. I am intrigued to see what the rest of the books have in store.
This book gives you a glimpse of what could be when Jesus reigns and Satan is locked up.This book is for those who are open minded about things to come.Will give you hope.
Fantastic book! It was a fiction story of life after the Great War. The Dictator is dead and his group is no longer in power. You follow Rodney, Emma and Daniel on rebuilding and realizing that life has changed.
Always enjoyed faith based fiction. I read 2-4 books a week. Fiction and non fiction. I gravitate to books that bless my journey with God. This book meets that idea greatly.
I highly recommend this book. There are a few swear words but I chose to ignore them . I also don't think they added anything to the story. I truly believe I learned something new .
I enjoy reading and this is on top as one of my most favorite reads. I found myself smiling often as I shared the imagination of this author and how it could be.