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Righteous #6
The Gates of Babylon
With the murderous Kimball clan’s evil power plays finally put down, Dr. Jacob Christianson begins to embrace his role as leader of the Mormon polygamist community of Blister Creek, hoping to slowly bring his people into the modern age. But then the world around Blister Creek begins to fall An international crop failure and global starvation. Freezing temperatures and active volcanoes. Fuel and medicine shortages. Widespread lawlessness and looming war. The residents of Blister Creek suddenly find themselves facing the very end-of-the-world scenario they’ve been preparing for. Years of stockpiling guns, ammunition, food, and fuel are paying They are ready to wait out whatever God has in store for them. Unfortunately, their preparations have not gone unnoticed. A newly empowered government agency and a vengeful governor have their sights set on Blister Creek and are plotting to take control of their supplies. Can Jacob defend his community, calm his terrified people, quell an armed rebellion, and keep government forces out of his people’s business? Only God knows. Set in a dangerously beautiful landscape against a backdrop of apocalyptic worldwide collapse, The Gates of Babylon is the sixth book in Michael Wallace’s acclaimed Righteous series.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2014
44 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
73 books316 followersWould you like an alert when the next Michael Wallace book is published? Sign up for Michael's email list and receive a free Kindle copy of The Righteous novella "Trial by Fury." This list is used to announce new releases and occasional offers of free advance copies, not for any other purpose.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 17, 2014
I used to love this series ... but lately it seems as though author Michael Wallace is getting tired of his characters.
Why do I say that? Because Wallace has decided that, as though the chauvinistic, polygamous community of Blister Creek is not bad enough already, that the community must now be part of a post-apocalyptic world. After a huge volcanic eruption, the entire world is suffering from crop failures, etc. When reluctant "prophet, seer and revelator" Jacob Christianson decides to go to Las Vegas in a desperate bid to obtain needed medications for his community, there are attempted coups in the community, problems on the road -- you name it.
I will be the first to admit that part of my previous enjoyment was a certain sense of schadenfreude as the author so ably demonstrated the dark side of conservative, patriarchal religion and its impact on *everyone* affected by it. Now, it seems like he just wants to kill off the entire population of Blister Creek and be done with them. That's not to say that the book is poorly written -- it's a well-told tale, and the characters are still interesting. It's just that the plot is becoming less believable.
Why do I say that? Because Wallace has decided that, as though the chauvinistic, polygamous community of Blister Creek is not bad enough already, that the community must now be part of a post-apocalyptic world. After a huge volcanic eruption, the entire world is suffering from crop failures, etc. When reluctant "prophet, seer and revelator" Jacob Christianson decides to go to Las Vegas in a desperate bid to obtain needed medications for his community, there are attempted coups in the community, problems on the road -- you name it.
I will be the first to admit that part of my previous enjoyment was a certain sense of schadenfreude as the author so ably demonstrated the dark side of conservative, patriarchal religion and its impact on *everyone* affected by it. Now, it seems like he just wants to kill off the entire population of Blister Creek and be done with them. That's not to say that the book is poorly written -- it's a well-told tale, and the characters are still interesting. It's just that the plot is becoming less believable.
April 19, 2014
RECEIVED BOOK FREE THROUGH GOODREADS FIRST READS.
I'm giving this book 5 stars. Not because of the poligamy, but the end of times subject. I found it amazing just how quickly world can change because of natural disasters.
The failing of crops, big volcanic eruptions, political panic and the shortages that ensue.
Mr. Wallace is a very talented writer and he kept my interest from beginning to end.
I'm giving this book 5 stars. Not because of the poligamy, but the end of times subject. I found it amazing just how quickly world can change because of natural disasters.
The failing of crops, big volcanic eruptions, political panic and the shortages that ensue.
Mr. Wallace is a very talented writer and he kept my interest from beginning to end.
August 20, 2017
Keep getting better with each book!
I don't know how Michael Wallace does it, but his books are so intriguing and compelling. He is such a good story teller and great researcher. The world is in turmoil, and it is difficult to get much information on what is really going on. Blister Creek is quarantined. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I don't know how Michael Wallace does it, but his books are so intriguing and compelling. He is such a good story teller and great researcher. The world is in turmoil, and it is difficult to get much information on what is really going on. Blister Creek is quarantined. I look forward to the next book in this series.
February 22, 2014
Wallace manages, not only to keep up the pace and the tension we expect from this enthralling series, but also to point the storyline down a completely unexpected but perfectly logical path and it’s brilliant.
Throughout this six book series, we’ve watched Jacob Christianson, a physician and the eldest son of the spiritual profit of an insular LDS polygamist community, come to terms with his position in the conclave. In each of the five previous books, the deadly power struggle between the Christiansons and the rival Kimballs is the central plot line that takes us deep into a world most of us know little about. It’s a place where loyalties drive people to do unspeakable things, where scripture is welded like a weapon to dole out punishment and retribution and where the ties of family sometimes mean everything and other times, mean nothing at all. Wallace consistently makes us witness to the diabolically brutal and evil lengths some will go to reach their own ends.
But how long can a family feud go on? How long can the same good guys and bad guys battle it out? Turns out smiting your enemy only means you’re left with the burden of cleaning up the mess, but what an interesting mess it is.
What makes this series most successful is Wallace’s ability to show us this radical cult-like lifestyle of polygamy, religious fervor and blind obedience to a spiritual leader in a light which seems not only plausible, but reasonable. Jacob Christianson is a normal guy with his own religious doubts. He seems reluctant and unaware of his charismatic appeal which draws unlikely followers like a couple of ex-FBI agents, local law enforcement and elders in his community who fight against many things but are most threatened by change.
Christianson’s leadership is tested when, as foretold in the Book of Mormon, the end cometh. What will that look like? How does he protect his community? Is a man whose life has been filled with religious doubt the best person to lead his people through the end of days? Wallace takes us along on the ride and I'm happy to allow him to be in the driver's seat.
Throughout this six book series, we’ve watched Jacob Christianson, a physician and the eldest son of the spiritual profit of an insular LDS polygamist community, come to terms with his position in the conclave. In each of the five previous books, the deadly power struggle between the Christiansons and the rival Kimballs is the central plot line that takes us deep into a world most of us know little about. It’s a place where loyalties drive people to do unspeakable things, where scripture is welded like a weapon to dole out punishment and retribution and where the ties of family sometimes mean everything and other times, mean nothing at all. Wallace consistently makes us witness to the diabolically brutal and evil lengths some will go to reach their own ends.
But how long can a family feud go on? How long can the same good guys and bad guys battle it out? Turns out smiting your enemy only means you’re left with the burden of cleaning up the mess, but what an interesting mess it is.
What makes this series most successful is Wallace’s ability to show us this radical cult-like lifestyle of polygamy, religious fervor and blind obedience to a spiritual leader in a light which seems not only plausible, but reasonable. Jacob Christianson is a normal guy with his own religious doubts. He seems reluctant and unaware of his charismatic appeal which draws unlikely followers like a couple of ex-FBI agents, local law enforcement and elders in his community who fight against many things but are most threatened by change.
Christianson’s leadership is tested when, as foretold in the Book of Mormon, the end cometh. What will that look like? How does he protect his community? Is a man whose life has been filled with religious doubt the best person to lead his people through the end of days? Wallace takes us along on the ride and I'm happy to allow him to be in the driver's seat.
March 16, 2014
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program. The Gates of Babylon is the 6th book in Michael Wallace's RIGHTEOUS series. Our protagonist, Dr. Jacob Christianson, is the leader/ prophet of a polygamist community in Utah. One of his responsibilities as leader is to ensure the survival of his community through tough times by stockpiling grain, fuel, and other necessities. But when worldwide crop and medicine shortages hit, his supplies draw the attention of his enemies who will stop at nothing to take them. Although the novel starts off a bit slow, it soon picks up the pace and culminates in a standoff with the state governor and military that definitely delivers several intense and poignant moments. Along the way, Dr. Christianson is faced with many tough choices that although are painful, instill in him a new appreciation for the position that he initially reluctantly accepted. Overall, THE GATES BABYLON is a great addition in the series. I could not put it down and can't wait for the next book!
March 28, 2014
The Gates of Babylon is the last book in Michael Wallace's Rightous series.
These books are the story of an FLDS End of Times group in Utah fighting to try to prevent the prophesies of their faith. Jacob, a young doctor, has inherited the position of Prophet from his father after he was killed by a possessed member of an off shoot cult. The story gets interesting as Jacob and his sister learn that insanity runs through a line of members who have broken off from his father's group, relatives from the early Mormons. This the last book in the series is called The Gates Of Babylon and ends on a note that could suggest another book in the future, or the real beginning of the End Times.
These books are the story of an FLDS End of Times group in Utah fighting to try to prevent the prophesies of their faith. Jacob, a young doctor, has inherited the position of Prophet from his father after he was killed by a possessed member of an off shoot cult. The story gets interesting as Jacob and his sister learn that insanity runs through a line of members who have broken off from his father's group, relatives from the early Mormons. This the last book in the series is called The Gates Of Babylon and ends on a note that could suggest another book in the future, or the real beginning of the End Times.
December 15, 2014
Righteous Series #6
Well I just finished the sixth book in the series, and again I'm not disappointed. This is a wonderful series! Michael writes so that you become part of the story. You feel like part of the Christianson family, you'll want to cry with them; laugh with them; pray with them and fight with them! I Love this series! Everyone should read this book and all of the rest of them before and after I sure am.
Well I just finished the sixth book in the series, and again I'm not disappointed. This is a wonderful series! Michael writes so that you become part of the story. You feel like part of the Christianson family, you'll want to cry with them; laugh with them; pray with them and fight with them! I Love this series! Everyone should read this book and all of the rest of them before and after I sure am.
March 30, 2014
This series is definitely not what it used to be. I think if you're just joining in, then you'll enjoy this book. However if you got started on this book based off of the original ideas about the polygamist community then this book is a bit of a disappointment.
I received this free through a giveaway though which was nice :).
I received this free through a giveaway though which was nice :).
March 28, 2014
An interesting post-apocalyptic story featuring the FLDS religion. Which other than an episode or two of Sister Wives I do not know much about. This book is an enjoyable read mostly because of how well it is written. The author has the ability to transport you to a different world with just ink and paper.
I won this book trough goodreads.
I won this book trough goodreads.
May 4, 2014
This was my absolute least favorite book in the series. It was still well written, but the story line held very little interest for me. I'm not sure if there is another book in the series or not ...but if there is, I'm not certain I will move forward with it. Truly disappointed to end such a great series with this one.
March 6, 2014
Maybe a little more. This is the 6th book in a series. I started the series as I wanted to know more about tLater Day Saints in general, and the breakaway polygamists specifically. do not know why I continue to care about this little coven of polygamists and their faith-weary leader, but I do.
February 13, 2014
Another great book in the Righteous series.
Want to read
February 3, 2014I won a free copy of this book through the Goodreads first - reads program. I can't wait to read this book. Thank you.
April 27, 2014
Can't wait for the next one
fascinating material. I read through Wallace's books in just two days. the characters draw me in and I've enjoyed seeing the Christiansen clan grow up.
fascinating material. I read through Wallace's books in just two days. the characters draw me in and I've enjoyed seeing the Christiansen clan grow up.
May 25, 2015
I listened to this one, a good story, this series. Deeper in we get.
June 23, 2014
Better than the 5th book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews