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The End Times Saga #1
Times of Turmoil
In this prequel to Times of Trouble and Times of Trial, we follow how the Evans family gained their riches and eventually their power to influence events in the United States. We see important events that the Evans family gets themselves involved in: such as the return of the Israelites to Israel, the assassination of President Kennedy, the terrorism of 9/11, and eventually events that lead to gun control and other types of government tyranny in the United States.
The novel also follows the Atwood family, starting with the Great-Grandfather of Brian, Charles, as he fights in World War Two and ends up helping liberate Buchenwald shortly near the end of the war. Charles returns to the States and gets married to the love of his life, Betty. Eventually, the family ends up in Delaney, Nebraska, where we watch Aaron, the father of Brian, join the Army to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan after 9/11. Later on, we get to see how Brian and Lynda finally get together and get married.
The novel also follows the Atwood family, starting with the Great-Grandfather of Brian, Charles, as he fights in World War Two and ends up helping liberate Buchenwald shortly near the end of the war. Charles returns to the States and gets married to the love of his life, Betty. Eventually, the family ends up in Delaney, Nebraska, where we watch Aaron, the father of Brian, join the Army to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan after 9/11. Later on, we get to see how Brian and Lynda finally get together and get married.
206 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2013
About the author
Cliff Ball
48 books101 followersI'm a Christian first and foremost. I'm from Arizona and currently live in Phoenix. I have a BA and Technical Writing Certificate from University of North Texas. I won 3rd in a short story contest for a magazine through my high school Creative Writing class, which was the first story I ever had published in the early 90s. I've been independently published since 2008.
I'm a fan of a bunch of different genres, which is why a lot of my novels are different genres. From historical fiction to time travel to alternate history to lite sci-fi to Christian end times/political thrillers, and sometimes just mixed together.
Standalone novels/short stories:
Out of Time - time travel novel
Don't Mess With Earth - alt history
Dust Storm - western short story
Voyager and the Aliens - scifi short story
The Long Journey - Christian fiction
Second Chances - Christian fiction
The Legend in the Stone - Historical Fiction
New Frontier Series - alt history
New Frontier
Final Frontier
The End Times Saga - Christian Fiction
Times of Turmoil
Times of Trouble
Times of Trial
Times of Rebellion
Times of Destruction
Times of Judgment
Times of Tribulation
Times of Harvest
The Perilous Times Series - Christian Fiction
The Falling Away
The Great Deception
The Great Tribulation
The Library Saga Series - fantasy/ parody / satire / scifi
Guardians of Genre
The Plot Thickens
The Algorithmic Draft
The Unwritten Fallout
Cat-alyst Chronicles
Archivist's Paradox
The Cosmic Archive
The Annotated Identity
Books 9 & 10 - TBA
http://cliffball.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cliff_ball_1
http://www.facebook.com/cliff.ball.au...
I'm a fan of a bunch of different genres, which is why a lot of my novels are different genres. From historical fiction to time travel to alternate history to lite sci-fi to Christian end times/political thrillers, and sometimes just mixed together.
Standalone novels/short stories:
Out of Time - time travel novel
Don't Mess With Earth - alt history
Dust Storm - western short story
Voyager and the Aliens - scifi short story
The Long Journey - Christian fiction
Second Chances - Christian fiction
The Legend in the Stone - Historical Fiction
New Frontier Series - alt history
New Frontier
Final Frontier
The End Times Saga - Christian Fiction
Times of Turmoil
Times of Trouble
Times of Trial
Times of Rebellion
Times of Destruction
Times of Judgment
Times of Tribulation
Times of Harvest
The Perilous Times Series - Christian Fiction
The Falling Away
The Great Deception
The Great Tribulation
The Library Saga Series - fantasy/ parody / satire / scifi
Guardians of Genre
The Plot Thickens
The Algorithmic Draft
The Unwritten Fallout
Cat-alyst Chronicles
Archivist's Paradox
The Cosmic Archive
The Annotated Identity
Books 9 & 10 - TBA
http://cliffball.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cliff_ball_1
http://www.facebook.com/cliff.ball.au...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 13, 2013
Times of Turmoil: A Christian Thriller by Cliff Ball
This story begins during World War II. It’s a story about two families, the Evans family and the Atwood family. The Evans family is evil while the Atwood family is Christian, so therefore good. While the Evans are intent on world domination, the Atwoods are intent on promoting Christ.
As the story progresses, the Evans become more and more powerful, killing anyone who gets in their way, while the Atwoods are peace-loving and just trying to live their lives.
But early on in the story one of the Evans falls in love with one of the Atwoods and becomes a Christian. From that point on, the Evans head decides he will find a way to corrupt one of the Atwoods.
The Evans world domination scheme goes as planned. It follows what we are currently seeing in world events, but glosses over the current battle over our Bill of Rights, and simply pushes gun control through as if they could. Because of the Bill of Rights, the fight for the destruction of the freedoms the United States enjoys is still going on, while in the book, it’s all settled and done.
This is a very Christian book. All of the Christian men act the same. They say practically the same things and they have no struggles with their faith. All of the women shed tears at appropriate moments while the men remain stoic. They are cookie-cutter Christians. They all spout the Roman road at appropriate times, and they all believe in the rapture.
By the same token, the evil Evans family men are all emotionless people who want to “corrupt.” No one is a “good Nazi,” meaning, not one of them acts like what they are doing is moral and just. They are all cookie-cutter evil people.
As a Christian, as a person who has led people to the Lord, who has been married nearly fifty years and has had no affairs, who can preach a salvation message, who holds the Word of God dear to her heart, I am offended by this book. It was not a thriller. It was too predictable all the way through. And it tells nothing about the struggle we all face with the evil around us.
As a Christian, I still struggle daily in my walk with the Lord. None of the Atwoods do. I’m as unpredictable as a summer storm. But you can record what one of them says, and play it back for the rest. The same with the Evans.
I would not recommend this book for any non-Christian for fear they would think that’s what all of us are like. The salvation message and the marriage ceremonies are real. They’re the only things in this book that are.
As a result, I can only give this book two stars, two because the author knows how to use the English language very well. But I also give him only two because he knows too little about crafting a story.
This story begins during World War II. It’s a story about two families, the Evans family and the Atwood family. The Evans family is evil while the Atwood family is Christian, so therefore good. While the Evans are intent on world domination, the Atwoods are intent on promoting Christ.
As the story progresses, the Evans become more and more powerful, killing anyone who gets in their way, while the Atwoods are peace-loving and just trying to live their lives.
But early on in the story one of the Evans falls in love with one of the Atwoods and becomes a Christian. From that point on, the Evans head decides he will find a way to corrupt one of the Atwoods.
The Evans world domination scheme goes as planned. It follows what we are currently seeing in world events, but glosses over the current battle over our Bill of Rights, and simply pushes gun control through as if they could. Because of the Bill of Rights, the fight for the destruction of the freedoms the United States enjoys is still going on, while in the book, it’s all settled and done.
This is a very Christian book. All of the Christian men act the same. They say practically the same things and they have no struggles with their faith. All of the women shed tears at appropriate moments while the men remain stoic. They are cookie-cutter Christians. They all spout the Roman road at appropriate times, and they all believe in the rapture.
By the same token, the evil Evans family men are all emotionless people who want to “corrupt.” No one is a “good Nazi,” meaning, not one of them acts like what they are doing is moral and just. They are all cookie-cutter evil people.
As a Christian, as a person who has led people to the Lord, who has been married nearly fifty years and has had no affairs, who can preach a salvation message, who holds the Word of God dear to her heart, I am offended by this book. It was not a thriller. It was too predictable all the way through. And it tells nothing about the struggle we all face with the evil around us.
As a Christian, I still struggle daily in my walk with the Lord. None of the Atwoods do. I’m as unpredictable as a summer storm. But you can record what one of them says, and play it back for the rest. The same with the Evans.
I would not recommend this book for any non-Christian for fear they would think that’s what all of us are like. The salvation message and the marriage ceremonies are real. They’re the only things in this book that are.
As a result, I can only give this book two stars, two because the author knows how to use the English language very well. But I also give him only two because he knows too little about crafting a story.
November 18, 2016
I had a hard time getting through this book. I had to put it down for awhile and start over. The writing style was a bit elementary and the christianese seemed forced. I didn't care for the fictional backstory added to historical events. Main characters are killed off too frequently as though we need to hurry up the timeline. I will not be finishing this series.
December 29, 2019
I've not given a bad review before, but this is worth it. As a quick reader I persevered in the hope it would get better. As I'm a Christian and I enjoy End of Time books I thought this would be enjoyable, but I was wrong. I honestly cannot tell if this was propaganda from an extreme right -wing American Christian, or it's written propaganda from an Atheist in order to make Christians look stupid. Either way, avoid. It incorporates recent history, but does so skewed and biased, and doesn't understand science. And calling the NHS in England awful and hated is so very very wrong (yes, I'm British too and there ate currently protests to SAVE the NHS because we do not want an American style system).
So even if it's offered for free, don't bother. I'm for one not going to waste my time on the rest of the series.
So even if it's offered for free, don't bother. I'm for one not going to waste my time on the rest of the series.
August 1, 2015
"Times of Turmoil" is the first book in "The End Times Saga" by Cliff Ball. There are 7 books in the series and a couple of short stories. Let's just say I won't be reading any more in the series. I'm sorry to pan a Christian book, but I can't help it! The combination of heavy-handed "hit you over the head" Christianity portrayed in the book and the many "speed bumps" was just too much. (BTW, this first book never actually gets to an end-times scenario; I assume that happens later in the series.)
Speed bumps: when I'm reading and come across a misspelled word or one that is badly misused, or missing or misused punctuation, or other grammar errors, that's what it feels like to me -- a speed bump that brings the narrative to a jarring halt. Examples: "but was anticipations were short-lived"; "there prepared to immediately declaring war"; "the best teacher's money could buy"; "put those Christian wierdo's in prison"; "one of the graduate teacher's assistant"; "no lawyer-ease"; "As Michael came to closer to graduation"; "not of that can be fixed"; and many more.
As for the heavy-handedness, somehow, all Christians in the book are just about perfect, and everyone else, especially the Evans family, is somewhere between bad and extremely evil. LBJ and FDR, for example, are evil puppets, while JFK is a misguided almost-Christian who has to be eliminated. This book purports to show how various events in recent history were manipulated by the Evans family to bring the world and particularly the US into their idea of perfection: everyone being taken care of by the government, acting like sheep, but definitely not including Christian sheep.
Having said all that (and thinking a lot more!), I'm sure the book might appeal to a lot of Christians, so I'm stretching my 1 star rating to 2 stars for them.
Speed bumps: when I'm reading and come across a misspelled word or one that is badly misused, or missing or misused punctuation, or other grammar errors, that's what it feels like to me -- a speed bump that brings the narrative to a jarring halt. Examples: "but was anticipations were short-lived"; "there prepared to immediately declaring war"; "the best teacher's money could buy"; "put those Christian wierdo's in prison"; "one of the graduate teacher's assistant"; "no lawyer-ease"; "As Michael came to closer to graduation"; "not of that can be fixed"; and many more.
As for the heavy-handedness, somehow, all Christians in the book are just about perfect, and everyone else, especially the Evans family, is somewhere between bad and extremely evil. LBJ and FDR, for example, are evil puppets, while JFK is a misguided almost-Christian who has to be eliminated. This book purports to show how various events in recent history were manipulated by the Evans family to bring the world and particularly the US into their idea of perfection: everyone being taken care of by the government, acting like sheep, but definitely not including Christian sheep.
Having said all that (and thinking a lot more!), I'm sure the book might appeal to a lot of Christians, so I'm stretching my 1 star rating to 2 stars for them.
April 27, 2013
From the beginning, I was hooked. Interesting read, following two families, the first, Evans, whom are pure evil and involved in so many of the awful events that have occurred in the USA. It's so hard to imagine any human being this evil. No love lost, even between family members as they are not capable of it.
As bad as the Evans family is, the Atwood family is good, looking to God for their help and trusting that He will see them through. Great reminder that with God in our life there is always hope!
Although fiction, very much what is happening all around.
Pick up this book today, you will not be disappointed.
As bad as the Evans family is, the Atwood family is good, looking to God for their help and trusting that He will see them through. Great reminder that with God in our life there is always hope!
Although fiction, very much what is happening all around.
Pick up this book today, you will not be disappointed.
July 4, 2013
Ok so lets start on the strong points.
This book is a logical chronologically accurate historical account of life in the US in the past 100 years.
It keeps the reader engrossed even if all the info gets a bit too much.
Ideally for me this would have been a 5 star read if the author broke down the story generationally.
That would have ensured more character development and would have made me able to really connect with the nicer characters and not feel so overwhelmed with information.
I would have loved if the author brought in more small battles won by Christians but I understand the lack of this is this novel.
WaAr
This book is a logical chronologically accurate historical account of life in the US in the past 100 years.
It keeps the reader engrossed even if all the info gets a bit too much.
Ideally for me this would have been a 5 star read if the author broke down the story generationally.
That would have ensured more character development and would have made me able to really connect with the nicer characters and not feel so overwhelmed with information.
I would have loved if the author brought in more small battles won by Christians but I understand the lack of this is this novel.
WaAr
May 7, 2018
Tangled web....
The history of the downfall of the USA is summarized in the first 2/3 of the book, with the last third becoming more fictional. The evil Gregory Evans plots from an early age to control the world, and I could not help but see the face of one George Soros as I read since the time line paralleled his life to a certain degree. All very plausible and believable even though the writing was somewhat simplistic. However, it was easy to follow and was a "fast read". Quite a few editing errors marred the continuity somewhat. I will read another in this, The End Times Saga.
The history of the downfall of the USA is summarized in the first 2/3 of the book, with the last third becoming more fictional. The evil Gregory Evans plots from an early age to control the world, and I could not help but see the face of one George Soros as I read since the time line paralleled his life to a certain degree. All very plausible and believable even though the writing was somewhat simplistic. However, it was easy to follow and was a "fast read". Quite a few editing errors marred the continuity somewhat. I will read another in this, The End Times Saga.
June 12, 2019
This is one of the worst books I've ever read. The characters are like paper dolls, there's no depth to them at all. They say things at times that no one would ever say. Scenes change abruptly, leaving you cold. Both positive Christian scenes are handled dryly, as are negative cold blooded murders. News reports have more emotion in them. It's full of conspiracy theory stuff, so maybe someone who's into that might like it. I was honestly glad it was over as I didn't enjoy reading it at all. I won't be reading anything else by this author.
March 29, 2018
A TRUE page-turner! A full-time teacher; wife and mom, I managed to complete the book in only TWO DAYS. Truthfully, I was anticipating a more intriguing ending; however, I gave it 5-stars for executing solid Biblical messages and realization (frequently) underestimated AND overlooked confirmations of “End Time” themes. Containing realistic/fictional accounts, I was readers are guaranteed to be spiritually fed, and civically informed... WAY TO GO, Chiff Ball
May 30, 2017
I could not get into the book at all. After reading several chapters, I was about to lose my religion and wanted to kill off the main character. I skipped to the middle and read some and ultimately decided not to finish the book. Too much background detail and too little character detail to me made it uninteresting as well.
November 9, 2017
Opens Your Eye's
This is my first time reading a book by this author, which I found to be a open your eye's storyline to see and understand what is going on in yesterday's, today's and tomorrow world. I can see some of the things that has been going on for a long time. This book was a very good read.
Cassandra H.
This is my first time reading a book by this author, which I found to be a open your eye's storyline to see and understand what is going on in yesterday's, today's and tomorrow world. I can see some of the things that has been going on for a long time. This book was a very good read.
Cassandra H.
September 8, 2023
Good first act
Pretty solid account for an End Time novel. No big surprises , follows chronologically with real world accounts with slightly different spin. No big cliffhanger at the end
Pretty solid account for an End Time novel. No big surprises , follows chronologically with real world accounts with slightly different spin. No big cliffhanger at the end
June 9, 2025
there is a story in here somewhere. it lacks a true protagonist vs antagonist conflict. I still enjoyed the thoughts and will read the next book.
August 10, 2013
We have all heard those conspiracy theories – or are the well educated guesses? – about the ultra-rich of the world who have been running things behind the scenes in the world for centuries. In Times Of Turmoil by Cliff Ball we have an example of what one of these families could have been plotting since the second world war.
Cliff does a good job of giving us a compare/contrast report of two families.
One is his idea of a worst case scenario: a portrait of one family whose only desire is more and more power. Money is important only as a means to further power. War and terror are another means to dominance. Everything they do is centered on aggregate power in the world for that one household.
On the other end of the spectrum is a God-fearing Baptist family whose only desire is to live and love in the Light of the God of Peace.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes history, anyone who is interested in a thrilling – and frightening – end time books; and all other Christians.
Cliff does a good job of giving us a compare/contrast report of two families.
One is his idea of a worst case scenario: a portrait of one family whose only desire is more and more power. Money is important only as a means to further power. War and terror are another means to dominance. Everything they do is centered on aggregate power in the world for that one household.
On the other end of the spectrum is a God-fearing Baptist family whose only desire is to live and love in the Light of the God of Peace.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes history, anyone who is interested in a thrilling – and frightening – end time books; and all other Christians.
May 4, 2013
From the first chapter I couldn't stop reading! Meet the Evans family, starting with Gregory. They are the evil behind so many world happenings, manipulating events to pursue their goals. The Atwoods were strong in their beliefs,at times unknowingly becoming victims to the Evans family. So many true events were in this book that it almost felt like reading an account of world news. Even though I kept telling myself it is only a work of fiction, I kept wondering if the author had some "inside information" and Gregory Evans was a pseudonym for someone real. I am grateful the author allowed me to read and review this book! I am now a fan of this series and will definitely be buying the rest!
January 8, 2014
I give this book five stars for a well-written Christian end times thriller! I felt it was a great mystery and end times thriller story for especially Christians young and old but not too young though as it could probably really scare the very young or those who
can be frightened easily or worry,worry too much and not depend on God our Father, Jesus, and our angles and the Holy Spirit to help us as and when we need it. I liked this book for the thrill and inspiring novel it is as a Christian -End Times Saga.
I received this book free in exchange I am doing reviews for this author. Great job Cliff! Keep it up! By Angela
can be frightened easily or worry,worry too much and not depend on God our Father, Jesus, and our angles and the Holy Spirit to help us as and when we need it. I liked this book for the thrill and inspiring novel it is as a Christian -End Times Saga.
I received this book free in exchange I am doing reviews for this author. Great job Cliff! Keep it up! By Angela
May 11, 2013
This was a very good story filled with historical events that were manipulated by one man. It was so believable that it made me wonder if it could really have happened that way. Is it truth or fiction? How could anyone be that cold hearted? At first it was like reading a history book but it kept drawing me in and wondering what was going to happen next. It kept getting better and better. I couldn't stop reading it. This was a really great read and I hated to see it end.
January 15, 2014
Honestly I am not too sure how I feel about this book. It is a little too conspiricy theorist for me. It seemed to be a whole lot of build up of the back story. Towards the end it did seem to come more into the characters. I will probably try the next book. I am hopefull that with all the backstory out of the way it will get a bit easier to get into.
December 31, 2013
Accurate and on targeet...
March 8, 2015
End times tale
Good premise, but needs better character development I am hoping to see an improvement in the sequel as there is plenty of room for details.
Good premise, but needs better character development I am hoping to see an improvement in the sequel as there is plenty of room for details.
January 10, 2014
Just plain bad. Almost comical.
March 26, 2017
Intriguing Read
This book was kind of like reading the daily newspaper, and it sure gives you a lot to think about concerning daily events and the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I would recommend this book to all Christians; plus, I believe it would be beneficial for everyone to read.
This book was kind of like reading the daily newspaper, and it sure gives you a lot to think about concerning daily events and the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I would recommend this book to all Christians; plus, I believe it would be beneficial for everyone to read.
April 23, 2017
Disappointing at best.
This book had so much potential. The political historical matter was apparently well researched, but the writing is dry. Characters and conversations are simply not believable. The book is far underdeveloped. I only finished it so that I could leave an honest review, unfortunately.
This book had so much potential. The political historical matter was apparently well researched, but the writing is dry. Characters and conversations are simply not believable. The book is far underdeveloped. I only finished it so that I could leave an honest review, unfortunately.
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June 27, 2018Hated this book. Full of pseudo-history, right wing paranoia, and completely unrealistic scenarios about "secret forces" running the world. I have been a Christian for 20 years, but this book didn't seem realistic at all, and it identified public figures with some pretty transparent pseudonyms. All due respect to the author, whom I have no doubt believes everything he wrote, but I will not be finishing the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews