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Chronicles of Brothers #2
The First Judgement
Messiah (Chronicles of Brothers 2)
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2007
146 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Alec
39 books187 followersWriter, TV producer, and film maker, the head of GOD TV and a director of WarBoys Entertainment. She has written several books, including the epic fantasy series, Chronicles of Brothers. She co-founded GOD TV in 1995 [1] and is the network's President and CEO.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 29, 2010
A really great book, both deep in its insights and a page-turner as well. I can see where some people may have difficulty with some of the theology since Ms. Alec appears to be more Charismatic than Dispensationalist. I decided to just let it go and enjoy the overall novel as an excellent work of fiction, since none of us have all the answers or there wouldn't be so many denominations. (Okay, I do not believe God personally related to John Nelson Darby all the details on how the prophecy of Revelation is going to play out.) I don't know if even as a work of fiction it would hold any appeal to atheists--probably not. I can also see where some people may not enjoy all the description and detail, however, I am OCD enough to prefer excess detail to holes. There are parts that bog down, but when the action picks up--it flies. I am ready to move onto Son of Perdition, which was supposed to be published six months ago, but still isn't available. At this rate I will die before I get to finish this seven-book series.
October 22, 2020
Wendy Alec’s ‘The First Judgement’ brings the fiction writer’s art to the true story of Jesus’ defeat of Satan at Calvary. The style, however, with an excess of adjectives and prose that needed tightening up, often interrupted the enjoyment. The scenes set in Biblical times were more compelling than the contemporary ones, which seemed to struggle to merit their passage on board the novel. That said, there was treasure in the pages, and I was frequently blessed by Alec’s imagination in evoking scenes that were, undoubtedly, spiritually uplifting. Notably, it induced awe for the Lord’s majesty and holiness, and I can say that I took valuable moments away from reading it.
By this reviewer:
By this reviewer:
July 21, 2023
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Honestly, part of the reason I’m rating this book as highly as I am is sheer nostalgia. I absolutely love the concept of this story. I love the idea of taking The Greatest Story Ever Told™ and housing it within a very classic feeling fantasy style. But the style got in the way of the story being presented. Actually, I would say that the writing choices overwhelmed everything, from the characters to the plot to the very voice in which the story was being told. This is one of the most drastic examples of purple prose of over-writing I’ve ever encountered, and somehow I had blocked that out. There were about 5 times as many adjectives as were necessary or even prudent. There were in fact so many descriptors that whatever was being described had a tendency to get lost in the muddle.
I also felt that Alec leaned too heavily on the melodrama. This is already an incredibly dramatic story, simply as it’s told in the Bible. But Alec made it feel so over the top that none of the emotions rang true. That would be a shame in any case, but is doubly so when applied to a tale with such power. As a Christian, it’s a story that I view as wholly true, so having a scent of falsehood wafting through it because the author is trying so hard to make it more is honestly a bit offensive.
What’s sad is that I remember loving this book. There are scenes that have lived rent-free in my head for a decade, and which only deepened my love for the true story that inspired the narrative. I don’t know if I’m a tougher literary critic than I once was, or if I’ve become more spiritually discerning with age and experience, but this book just rubbed me the wrong way on a reread. If felt just slightly off theologically, but not enough to be anything close to sacrilegious. I still really respect this series, and treasure it for the impact it made on me when I was younger, but it’s far from perfect. I can cut the first book some slack because there’s not a ton of source material for the fall of Lucifer. But this book is all about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. There’s plenty of source material there, so I find myself less forgiving, especially since it’s the most important story in existence. If you’d like to read fiction based around the life of Jesus, there are better books out there. But again, I appreciate the classic fantasy styling of this series, especially these first two installments.
Honestly, part of the reason I’m rating this book as highly as I am is sheer nostalgia. I absolutely love the concept of this story. I love the idea of taking The Greatest Story Ever Told™ and housing it within a very classic feeling fantasy style. But the style got in the way of the story being presented. Actually, I would say that the writing choices overwhelmed everything, from the characters to the plot to the very voice in which the story was being told. This is one of the most drastic examples of purple prose of over-writing I’ve ever encountered, and somehow I had blocked that out. There were about 5 times as many adjectives as were necessary or even prudent. There were in fact so many descriptors that whatever was being described had a tendency to get lost in the muddle.
I also felt that Alec leaned too heavily on the melodrama. This is already an incredibly dramatic story, simply as it’s told in the Bible. But Alec made it feel so over the top that none of the emotions rang true. That would be a shame in any case, but is doubly so when applied to a tale with such power. As a Christian, it’s a story that I view as wholly true, so having a scent of falsehood wafting through it because the author is trying so hard to make it more is honestly a bit offensive.
What’s sad is that I remember loving this book. There are scenes that have lived rent-free in my head for a decade, and which only deepened my love for the true story that inspired the narrative. I don’t know if I’m a tougher literary critic than I once was, or if I’ve become more spiritually discerning with age and experience, but this book just rubbed me the wrong way on a reread. If felt just slightly off theologically, but not enough to be anything close to sacrilegious. I still really respect this series, and treasure it for the impact it made on me when I was younger, but it’s far from perfect. I can cut the first book some slack because there’s not a ton of source material for the fall of Lucifer. But this book is all about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. There’s plenty of source material there, so I find myself less forgiving, especially since it’s the most important story in existence. If you’d like to read fiction based around the life of Jesus, there are better books out there. But again, I appreciate the classic fantasy styling of this series, especially these first two installments.
November 7, 2011
I gave this book 5 stars as opposed to the other books in this series, not because it is better written, but because its tale is well spoken. It is the story of Christ and His love for us from beginning to end. If you have always had a problem understanding how much God loves us and what his life, death, and resurrection truly meant for everyone on Earth, then read this book.
The writing is awkward in a few places where Alec could truly use a proofreader to go through and correct some grammar (possibly late nights trying to finish this book within her hectic schedule), but the story is wonderful in relating how much God loves us and how much He sacrificied in order to allow for our salvation.
The writing is awkward in a few places where Alec could truly use a proofreader to go through and correct some grammar (possibly late nights trying to finish this book within her hectic schedule), but the story is wonderful in relating how much God loves us and how much He sacrificied in order to allow for our salvation.
July 3, 2012
I am LOVING this series, but I have a hard time with heavy description. It was monotonous, not because of Wendy Alec's writings, but because I already knew the stories. However, the next book, Son Of Perdition, would be somewhat disconnected if this one is not read, and the next book is a doozy! Get through it. It is very good. I will say that the crucifiction scene... mmm (I am nodding my head right now in sweet approval)... very intense and touching. And Jesus KICKED it when he overcame death, hell, and the grave!
May 27, 2011
My review of the second book in this series is largely the same as the first. Let me begin by saying that if you liked the first book you will probably like the second. Alec's descriptions of the first and second heavens are a little over the top for me,...but I understand that she's trying to describe an unearthly place in earthly terms. I also thought her introduction and development of the De Vere family as a storyline was a little clunky. I really had to concentrate to follow the story. That being said,...the story is compelling. I come back to point one,..in for a penny...in for a pound. If you read #1,...you'll probably read #2, etc,..etc.
April 9, 2013
Wow, this one was even better than the first in the trilogy. While being so intriguing in a fictional way, and continuing to develop characters that I was getting attached to, it also gave me such a different perspective of what Christ dying and rising really meant... What it might have been like for him. I've only ever heard vague references preached about how awful it must have been, but this made it somehow tangible to feel a tiny bit, to understand, to be overcome with a new realization of His love. Fascinating that a purely fictional novel -- no "preaching" in it -- could do this.
May 11, 2013
I enjoy this book series. I honestly do. But this book was a drag to read. Little attention to the plot and more to the gaudy landscapes of heaven and hell. It took me about three weeks to get 3/4 of the way through it, and then I had to put it on the shelf for a few months before finishing again. If you already read The Fall of Lucifer, and want to continue with the series then great! But TFoL can stand on its own if you choose.
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June 16, 2015Book Two - Riveting
Wendy Alec does not disappoint. Lucifer strikes with his increasingly evil kingdom and it's ravenous bloodthirsty hordes, but Jesus, King of the universe, never misses a step to outwit every battle plan of Satan.
Wendy Alec does not disappoint. Lucifer strikes with his increasingly evil kingdom and it's ravenous bloodthirsty hordes, but Jesus, King of the universe, never misses a step to outwit every battle plan of Satan.
February 6, 2014
Even better than the first, this book totally revolutionised the way I see the story of Jesus. It became totally real and incredibly powerful! Absolutley brilliant book!
May 20, 2014
AWESOME!!
February 5, 2014
Great sequel to the series. Must continue reading the others!!
December 18, 2020
Lucifer (The Devil) was banished from the first heaven and enforces his claim to destroy the race of men past, present, and future generations. The only one who can stop Lucifer is the Nazarene (Jesus). The armies of the First Heaven wage war on Hell, Lucifer is defeated, only for a season. He is then summoned before Yehovah (God) in chains for the first judgment, where he leaves enraged. He gathers all his troops to converge on the race of men.
In the book there were a few underdeveloped parts like, the first heaven it is set there many times and the author gives many details on how it looks. But the author does not really explain the layout so you must imagine where every is in relation to one another. Constantly trying to find out where they are can be annoying because later in the book you can find out kind of where things are, and it is different from what you were thinking so it messes up your whole perspective on a certain part of the book. In chapter 9 there is a race between hell's armies and the armies of the First Heaven to save baby Jesus and Jether had to go into a labyrinth to get a magical stone. The author does not clearly state where it is that he is going also there is not much detail on the layout of the labyrinth just that there are guards protecting it. Also, there are a lot of different names, places, and times that the author is constantly switching between during the book which can be hard to keep up with especially if you like to read a few chapters and come back to it later you can forget where you are at and it can take you awhile to find out where you are again. For example,at least every ten pages there was some sort of change in the place or time of the book. Overall, it is still a great book. I like the writing style of Wendy Alec and how she creates action and drama in some scenes and mystery in others.
I completely recommend this book to anyone, but it is a little long so if you don’t like reading too much you could always listen to an audio book of it. This would appeal to most people who like books that have some action but not too much and books that are mostly nonfictional but have parts that are fiction.
In the book there were a few underdeveloped parts like, the first heaven it is set there many times and the author gives many details on how it looks. But the author does not really explain the layout so you must imagine where every is in relation to one another. Constantly trying to find out where they are can be annoying because later in the book you can find out kind of where things are, and it is different from what you were thinking so it messes up your whole perspective on a certain part of the book. In chapter 9 there is a race between hell's armies and the armies of the First Heaven to save baby Jesus and Jether had to go into a labyrinth to get a magical stone. The author does not clearly state where it is that he is going also there is not much detail on the layout of the labyrinth just that there are guards protecting it. Also, there are a lot of different names, places, and times that the author is constantly switching between during the book which can be hard to keep up with especially if you like to read a few chapters and come back to it later you can forget where you are at and it can take you awhile to find out where you are again. For example,at least every ten pages there was some sort of change in the place or time of the book. Overall, it is still a great book. I like the writing style of Wendy Alec and how she creates action and drama in some scenes and mystery in others.
I completely recommend this book to anyone, but it is a little long so if you don’t like reading too much you could always listen to an audio book of it. This would appeal to most people who like books that have some action but not too much and books that are mostly nonfictional but have parts that are fiction.
June 8, 2019
This is the best work of fiction I have read since
wendy said: The Fall of Lucifer” says everything you need to know about this novel. Under the title the words “an epic novel” appear, an accurate description of this gripping tale. “The Fall of Lucifer” is indeed nothing short of epic. Opening with the wonders of heaven, Alec creates vivid landscapes and enthralling, emotional plots. The author is obviously a master of the fantasy genre.
“The Fall of Lucifer” is book one of the Chronicles of Brothers. The plot revolves around three archangelic brothers. Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer serve Yehovah, each commanding a third of his angelic host. They live a life both of service and joy, until Yehovah makes a decision Lucifer cannot abide. The decision to make a new creation. A creation built upon Yehovah’s own genetic code.
wendy said: The Fall of Lucifer” says everything you need to know about this novel. Under the title the words “an epic novel” appear, an accurate description of this gripping tale. “The Fall of Lucifer” is indeed nothing short of epic. Opening with the wonders of heaven, Alec creates vivid landscapes and enthralling, emotional plots. The author is obviously a master of the fantasy genre.
“The Fall of Lucifer” is book one of the Chronicles of Brothers. The plot revolves around three archangelic brothers. Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer serve Yehovah, each commanding a third of his angelic host. They live a life both of service and joy, until Yehovah makes a decision Lucifer cannot abide. The decision to make a new creation. A creation built upon Yehovah’s own genetic code.
April 26, 2021
I am currently reading this series by Alec and utterly in LOVE with it! I would have given it five stars, but, the character Jotopa annoyed me a tad. I really enjoyed how Yeshua, or in Alec's books "Christos"
conquered the realm of Perdition and took the keys of death from Satan! I was in tears when he made the angel of death bow down! Our God is an awsome God! I also love the banter between Michael and Lucifer. Michael is my favorite angel, although in my books; I have him with long, dark, wavy, chocolate hair and opal blue eyes...SIGH...He is so BEAUTIFUL! can you tell I like Michael just a bit? LOL! Way to go Wendy!
conquered the realm of Perdition and took the keys of death from Satan! I was in tears when he made the angel of death bow down! Our God is an awsome God! I also love the banter between Michael and Lucifer. Michael is my favorite angel, although in my books; I have him with long, dark, wavy, chocolate hair and opal blue eyes...SIGH...He is so BEAUTIFUL! can you tell I like Michael just a bit? LOL! Way to go Wendy!
March 6, 2018
The writing style is significantly better than in the first novel. Still has some of the same oddities. Nota bene:
1. This novel introduces a modern day story arc. This is good as it adds a degree of urgency.
2. There is also an AD 30 story arc. It's interesting, but combine with (1) and with the story arc also taking place in the background in heaven, it gets unwieldy.
3. Excellent theology on territorial spirits.
1. This novel introduces a modern day story arc. This is good as it adds a degree of urgency.
2. There is also an AD 30 story arc. It's interesting, but combine with (1) and with the story arc also taking place in the background in heaven, it gets unwieldy.
3. Excellent theology on territorial spirits.
October 1, 2023
'Mama! Mama!' He had cried, hardly able to speak for the intense sobbing. 'I want the Ruby Door ... I want My Abba!
The anguish of an infant separated from His beloved father had imprinted itself on her very soul.
And then He smiled. A brilliant tender smile. The understanding of the ages in His smile.
'For the Race of Men is exceedingly beloved by Me.'
Yehovah disappeared back into the mists.
Heaven was silent.
The anguish of an infant separated from His beloved father had imprinted itself on her very soul.
And then He smiled. A brilliant tender smile. The understanding of the ages in His smile.
'For the Race of Men is exceedingly beloved by Me.'
Yehovah disappeared back into the mists.
Heaven was silent.
January 16, 2024
Really liked this book. The descriptions and stuff are still drawn out like book one, but you learn to overlook that aspect of her writing. I did love the end, i gotta say. I was getting mad, throwing things, pacing. I found those last few chapter pretty epic.
No spoilers for yall, but you might want to buckle up for some POV changes. Sometimes it takes a minute to circle back to some main ones. But if you like many connected storylines, be my guest.
Happy reading!
No spoilers for yall, but you might want to buckle up for some POV changes. Sometimes it takes a minute to circle back to some main ones. But if you like many connected storylines, be my guest.
Happy reading!
July 20, 2017
What a difference, I actually liked this book. It is way better than the first book in the series. I actually wanted to keep reading when I needed to sleep.
I wonder if the third book will surpass this one or maybe fall back to the level of the first one.
I don't think I would recommend the first book but I might recommend this one, depending on the interests of the person.
I wonder if the third book will surpass this one or maybe fall back to the level of the first one.
I don't think I would recommend the first book but I might recommend this one, depending on the interests of the person.
February 15, 2018
Great read
Beautifully written series of books which easily rival and surpass the best of the fantasy sagas of our modern erra. Even though this is work of fiction and seems to be a fantasy fairytale it is in actual fact based upon the real truth underlying our existence upon this earth.
Beautifully written series of books which easily rival and surpass the best of the fantasy sagas of our modern erra. Even though this is work of fiction and seems to be a fantasy fairytale it is in actual fact based upon the real truth underlying our existence upon this earth.
June 24, 2019
Yet Another Great Read
I’m a fan of fiction, especially those that feed on my own wonder of what might have happened with true individuals. Wendy Alec’s imagination is a playground for me. The storylines, the going back and forth through time and space. I loved this and am purchasing the next book right now!
I’m a fan of fiction, especially those that feed on my own wonder of what might have happened with true individuals. Wendy Alec’s imagination is a playground for me. The storylines, the going back and forth through time and space. I loved this and am purchasing the next book right now!
November 6, 2020
Awesome sequel!
The beauty and majestic description of Heaven is awesome! The tale of how it may have felt for Yeshua is incredible makes what He did for us even more amazing than I could ever imagined. This book takes you to where the most High dwells and to know we as believers have access to it by his sacrifice and are able to use His Christos Authority is incredible.
The beauty and majestic description of Heaven is awesome! The tale of how it may have felt for Yeshua is incredible makes what He did for us even more amazing than I could ever imagined. This book takes you to where the most High dwells and to know we as believers have access to it by his sacrifice and are able to use His Christos Authority is incredible.
September 30, 2021
The First Judgment!!!
This book gives us the reality of the First Judgment which is Jesus's crucifixion, His conquering the Keys of Death and the grave, and His salvation. Lucifer has been truly conquered by Jesus Christ. By reading this fictional book, you will see the reality of why Jesus died to save mankind.
This book gives us the reality of the First Judgment which is Jesus's crucifixion, His conquering the Keys of Death and the grave, and His salvation. Lucifer has been truly conquered by Jesus Christ. By reading this fictional book, you will see the reality of why Jesus died to save mankind.
December 3, 2021
In this second book of The Chronicles of Brothers book series, Wendy Alec (the author) focuses on the angelic struggle and battles connected with the life of Jesus, specifically, his adult years. The brothers (Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel take center stage, again. Lucifer is plotting to bring down and toruture Christos (Jesus) and is thwarted numerous times but he waits for his alotted time. Michael is the stoic and loyal defender while Gabriel's visions of the future increase.
The chapters that deal with Jesus' trial, cruxifiction, resurrection, and journey to hell to retrieve the keys to hell, thus opening the way to slavation for mankind. These scenes are well-written and full-blooded.
There is also a modern tale of people who will witness the end days and fulfill prophetic roles. These men and women are descendants of people of faith and other bloodlines of people who inter-acted and followed Jesus.
With each book, this series does not disappoint. I highly recommend this series to fans of Chrisitan fiction.
The chapters that deal with Jesus' trial, cruxifiction, resurrection, and journey to hell to retrieve the keys to hell, thus opening the way to slavation for mankind. These scenes are well-written and full-blooded.
There is also a modern tale of people who will witness the end days and fulfill prophetic roles. These men and women are descendants of people of faith and other bloodlines of people who inter-acted and followed Jesus.
With each book, this series does not disappoint. I highly recommend this series to fans of Chrisitan fiction.
January 7, 2024
Absolutely wonderful and a great continuation of the first book in the series. This one goes through the New Testament with Jesus as one of the main characters. The struggle between the protagonist angels and the fallen demons and Satan makes the ending so satisfying, and that ending with its subtle hook at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2018
These books are very good but long and sometimes get bogged down with too much description of things. The action sequences are superb and kept me on the edge of my seat. However, after reading two of them back to back, I'm going to take a break before going on to the third book.
October 15, 2018
Another amazing edition to this epic series. The depth and skill with which Wendy weaves the storylines of this book, leaves the reader laughing, angry, sad, crying and rejoicing. Christos and the Eternal Law. A definite must read!
July 20, 2019
AWESOMENESS
I could not put this book dow. How Christ and Heaven became like in front of me!!! Also put scriptures to life and a visual of what is!!!
Getting started on the next book 😻👍👍📚
I could not put this book dow. How Christ and Heaven became like in front of me!!! Also put scriptures to life and a visual of what is!!!
Getting started on the next book 😻👍👍📚
September 11, 2019
I am definitely not a great review writer, but I loved this book and will go on to read the rest in her series. Interesting how she helped the reader picture Satan’s transformation when he was kicked out of Heaven. Powerful part when Jesus was on the cross and after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews