What do you think?
Rate this book
Son of the Doomsday Prophet: A Fantasy Adventure in the Days of Noah
Nobody said the end of the world would be easy.
In the days before the Great Flood, Noah’s prophecy of impending doom incites opposition wherever he goes.
Although Jayfeth is an unlikely hero, being the son of the doomsday prophet thrusts him into extraordinary adventures and danger. Shunned by their tribe for building the ark, the family is soon ensnared in the palace intrigues of the giant Nephilim. All the while, a growing menace from otherworldly forces in the east devastates the land and its people.
As Jayfeth struggles with his own inner doubts, insidious foes resort to ever more threatening measures to coerce him into abandoning the quest. While he seeks what happiness may be found along this perilous way, even his attempts at finding love seem ill-fated as the disaster foretold draws ever nearer.
Journey with Jayfeth through the final days leading up to the worst catastrophe in the history of the world—a time when taking a stand means risking everything and failure could spell the doom of humankind.
In the days before the Great Flood, Noah’s prophecy of impending doom incites opposition wherever he goes.
Although Jayfeth is an unlikely hero, being the son of the doomsday prophet thrusts him into extraordinary adventures and danger. Shunned by their tribe for building the ark, the family is soon ensnared in the palace intrigues of the giant Nephilim. All the while, a growing menace from otherworldly forces in the east devastates the land and its people.
As Jayfeth struggles with his own inner doubts, insidious foes resort to ever more threatening measures to coerce him into abandoning the quest. While he seeks what happiness may be found along this perilous way, even his attempts at finding love seem ill-fated as the disaster foretold draws ever nearer.
Journey with Jayfeth through the final days leading up to the worst catastrophe in the history of the world—a time when taking a stand means risking everything and failure could spell the doom of humankind.
- GenresAudiobook
406 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2023
29 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Steven J. Byers
3 booksSteven Byers is a consultant and writer contemplating the mysteries of life from his off-the-beaten-path home in rural western Missouri.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 23, 2023
A fascinating perspective on the antediluvian world. The characters are relatable and realistic. I really liked a lot of the details, like dinosaurs and mythological creatures, as well as the Nephilim. I’ve often wondered if some of the mythological creatures really did exist as science experiments before the Flood. Noah and his family suffer a lot of push-back from his community, which makes a lot of sense. I appreciated having the story told from Japheth’s perspective, growing up with a father who was building an ark on dry land for a coming cataclysm the likes of which had never been seen, surrounded by people who thought his family was completely nuts. We are hard-wired to want to fit in and belong to a group, and kids feel that most keenly. To stand up for what is right against the entire world – literally – must have been intense, and this author helps us feel that.
I think the world was probably deeply corrupt for way longer than is portrayed here, but it’s hard to go down that rabbit trail of just how corrupt it was, and for how long, without completely revolting the reader. I also suspect that Noah probably had many children (and grandchildren, etc.) before Ham, Shem, and Japheth came along. Absence of evidence in Scripture is not evidence of absence. I think that would have made a much more compelling story – for Noah to watch his children (and grandchildren, etc.) turn to evil and refuse to be saved. Those of us with prodigals today could relate.
There are some storyline choices that I believe are not supported by Scripture and the fossil record, but they do make for exciting reading. Just remember that this is historical fiction, which helps us to get a feel for what life must have been like in those days before the Flood. As I believe we are in the times described in Luke 17:26 (“as in the days of Noah”), it’s a good idea to ponder what those days were like and prepare for what is to come. Nobody wants to face the wrath to come.
Overall, a great book written at just the right time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think the world was probably deeply corrupt for way longer than is portrayed here, but it’s hard to go down that rabbit trail of just how corrupt it was, and for how long, without completely revolting the reader. I also suspect that Noah probably had many children (and grandchildren, etc.) before Ham, Shem, and Japheth came along. Absence of evidence in Scripture is not evidence of absence. I think that would have made a much more compelling story – for Noah to watch his children (and grandchildren, etc.) turn to evil and refuse to be saved. Those of us with prodigals today could relate.
There are some storyline choices that I believe are not supported by Scripture and the fossil record, but they do make for exciting reading. Just remember that this is historical fiction, which helps us to get a feel for what life must have been like in those days before the Flood. As I believe we are in the times described in Luke 17:26 (“as in the days of Noah”), it’s a good idea to ponder what those days were like and prepare for what is to come. Nobody wants to face the wrath to come.
Overall, a great book written at just the right time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2024
With a catchy title, an amazing cover, and a unique premise, author Steven J. Byers presents readers with an unexpected thrill ride in “Son of the Doomsday Prophet.” So, what can readers expect from a book that bills itself as “A Fantasy Adventure in the Days of Noah?”
First, if you’re expecting a fleshed-out version of the Biblical account of Noah, sailing aboard the ark with his family, you may find yourself disappointed. Although I certainly did not. This is historical fiction, meaning it is a fictional story using some historical events, places, and people. It revolves around the family of Noah in the years preceding the Great Flood. The narrator is not Noah as one might expect, but rather Jayfeth, the eldest of Noah’s three sons. Jayfeth shares his memories with readers long after the historic flood, indicating that he is the last living remnant of the flood survivors and therefore the literal last person on Earth who witnessed the ancient pre-flood world. That’s right- the one God determined should be wiped out of existence. It therefore not only has a historical feel to it, but also the sense of being a cautionary tale as well. As such, it is a fearful and mighty story.
What Byers has done here is extraordinary. Readers see the doomed world through the eyes of a son of the man who knew what was coming. The only man to be prepared and take heed of God’s warning. Jayfeth begins his memoir at the time he is a child, in fact an only child at the time, though his brothers Shem and Ham follow soon after. We discover that life for Noah’s family, and most especially for Noah’s eldest son, was not an easy one. They were scorned, ridiculed, shunned, and expelled. Most people thought Noah was mad and had no pity for the nuclear family that stuck by him, helping to build his monstrosity of a boat. In the desert.
Jayfeth’s entire life was devoted to his father’s vision. He had no choice. They toiled for decades against incredible odds to build something that made no sense and that no one appreciated. Jayfeth and his brothers were outcasts; unwanted within their family and community. No father would give his daughter in marriage to the sons of the misfit Noah. It was a lonely life. A tough one for the young man who struggled with his own faith, wondering if his father really heard that word from the Lord.
I’ll admit to total fascination as I read about and considered the strain this vision put on Noah’s family. Noah was basically a rock. He knew what he heard and what God wanted him to do. His faith was strong. But the rest of the family suffered with him, dedicating their entire existence to building a cargo ship in the sand. I wondered how this would be enough to sustain an entire novel. But I didn’t wonder for long as the author took readers on several strange and wonderful journeys as we began to see the total step-by-step devastation of the civilization God intended.
This is a story of treachery, betrayal, lies, politics, subversion, and the decay of morality. But within this seething cauldron of hate is a tale of strength, faith, endurance, patience, and lasting unfathomable love. The power in this story is intense and forceful, at times striking blows of terror into the minds of readers as we experience the full depravity of a society destroying itself. While there were terrifyingly horrible events unfolding; events of pure evil and inhumanity, the absolute most horrific moments for me were the scenes when Jayfeth fought off a rat. Yep. Not a leviathan or behemoth, not the executioner of Satan or the fiery lake. It was one. Rat. But its sneaky persistence spoke of the true foe who manifests throughout the story.
I want to tell you a thousand more things about this mesmerizing piece. But I won’t ruin it for you. This is a tale you must experience on your own to truly appreciate. I am impressed beyond measure with the nature of this work. Byers did not sit down with a list of historical names and pen his own tale. This is well-researched and maintains a dignified sense of the Biblical story and legends from that time. It is a strikingly profound story with depths as deep as the sea and yet as transparent as crystal. There is so much to be gleaned from this one novel I have no doubt I will be reading again to catch more of its wisdom, power, and majesty.
Because of its superior wordsmithing, this inspiring and fearsome story can easily be enjoyed by those who know their Bible stories as well as those who have never held a Bible in their hands. It’s not scripture and isn’t intended to be. It’s also not preachy. It’s profound. The fiction within is haunting, sincere, and insightful. I heartily recommend “Son of the Doomsday Prophet” by Steven J. Byers to those who enjoy historical fiction as well as thrillers, epic fantasies, adventures, and even horror stories. Young adults and teens will enjoy this work as well. This is a genre-busting work with great characters, intense emotions, quests, romance, politics, spies, dysfunctional families, and one lone man who will face a world against him. Because he believes.
First, if you’re expecting a fleshed-out version of the Biblical account of Noah, sailing aboard the ark with his family, you may find yourself disappointed. Although I certainly did not. This is historical fiction, meaning it is a fictional story using some historical events, places, and people. It revolves around the family of Noah in the years preceding the Great Flood. The narrator is not Noah as one might expect, but rather Jayfeth, the eldest of Noah’s three sons. Jayfeth shares his memories with readers long after the historic flood, indicating that he is the last living remnant of the flood survivors and therefore the literal last person on Earth who witnessed the ancient pre-flood world. That’s right- the one God determined should be wiped out of existence. It therefore not only has a historical feel to it, but also the sense of being a cautionary tale as well. As such, it is a fearful and mighty story.
What Byers has done here is extraordinary. Readers see the doomed world through the eyes of a son of the man who knew what was coming. The only man to be prepared and take heed of God’s warning. Jayfeth begins his memoir at the time he is a child, in fact an only child at the time, though his brothers Shem and Ham follow soon after. We discover that life for Noah’s family, and most especially for Noah’s eldest son, was not an easy one. They were scorned, ridiculed, shunned, and expelled. Most people thought Noah was mad and had no pity for the nuclear family that stuck by him, helping to build his monstrosity of a boat. In the desert.
Jayfeth’s entire life was devoted to his father’s vision. He had no choice. They toiled for decades against incredible odds to build something that made no sense and that no one appreciated. Jayfeth and his brothers were outcasts; unwanted within their family and community. No father would give his daughter in marriage to the sons of the misfit Noah. It was a lonely life. A tough one for the young man who struggled with his own faith, wondering if his father really heard that word from the Lord.
I’ll admit to total fascination as I read about and considered the strain this vision put on Noah’s family. Noah was basically a rock. He knew what he heard and what God wanted him to do. His faith was strong. But the rest of the family suffered with him, dedicating their entire existence to building a cargo ship in the sand. I wondered how this would be enough to sustain an entire novel. But I didn’t wonder for long as the author took readers on several strange and wonderful journeys as we began to see the total step-by-step devastation of the civilization God intended.
This is a story of treachery, betrayal, lies, politics, subversion, and the decay of morality. But within this seething cauldron of hate is a tale of strength, faith, endurance, patience, and lasting unfathomable love. The power in this story is intense and forceful, at times striking blows of terror into the minds of readers as we experience the full depravity of a society destroying itself. While there were terrifyingly horrible events unfolding; events of pure evil and inhumanity, the absolute most horrific moments for me were the scenes when Jayfeth fought off a rat. Yep. Not a leviathan or behemoth, not the executioner of Satan or the fiery lake. It was one. Rat. But its sneaky persistence spoke of the true foe who manifests throughout the story.
I want to tell you a thousand more things about this mesmerizing piece. But I won’t ruin it for you. This is a tale you must experience on your own to truly appreciate. I am impressed beyond measure with the nature of this work. Byers did not sit down with a list of historical names and pen his own tale. This is well-researched and maintains a dignified sense of the Biblical story and legends from that time. It is a strikingly profound story with depths as deep as the sea and yet as transparent as crystal. There is so much to be gleaned from this one novel I have no doubt I will be reading again to catch more of its wisdom, power, and majesty.
Because of its superior wordsmithing, this inspiring and fearsome story can easily be enjoyed by those who know their Bible stories as well as those who have never held a Bible in their hands. It’s not scripture and isn’t intended to be. It’s also not preachy. It’s profound. The fiction within is haunting, sincere, and insightful. I heartily recommend “Son of the Doomsday Prophet” by Steven J. Byers to those who enjoy historical fiction as well as thrillers, epic fantasies, adventures, and even horror stories. Young adults and teens will enjoy this work as well. This is a genre-busting work with great characters, intense emotions, quests, romance, politics, spies, dysfunctional families, and one lone man who will face a world against him. Because he believes.
August 5, 2025
Not my typical read, but this is one of my husband’s favorites. It is a fictional and obviously expanded telling of the story of Noah and the Ark. It is an interesting story that kept me intrigued, and I especially liked the lesson at the end.
February 17, 2024
All Jayfeth's life, his father's focus - and hence, the family's focus - has been on preparing for coming disaster by building a huge boat and warning all those around them. It's a long-term project, lasting over 100 years, and the world deteriorates visibly as the time approaches - bringing with it many dangers. If they make it onto a completed boat before destruction comes, it will only be through many dangers, both open and insidious...
There is so little Biblical basis for most of the book that it's almost more historical fantasy than Biblical fiction, but I still enjoyed it and found it thought-provoking in terms of considering what Noah and his family must have gone through while preparing the ark. I also found it interesting the way the author wove in parts of Revelation into the Genesis record - though I didn't always agree with the author's interpretation of things. All in all, a good read, with an interesting storyline, some good suspense, realistic characters, an intriguing Biblical basis and some great character development. I'm eager to see what the author writes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is so little Biblical basis for most of the book that it's almost more historical fantasy than Biblical fiction, but I still enjoyed it and found it thought-provoking in terms of considering what Noah and his family must have gone through while preparing the ark. I also found it interesting the way the author wove in parts of Revelation into the Genesis record - though I didn't always agree with the author's interpretation of things. All in all, a good read, with an interesting storyline, some good suspense, realistic characters, an intriguing Biblical basis and some great character development. I'm eager to see what the author writes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2024
An Epic Adventure. A Family Saved.
Son of the Doomsday Prophet is an epic fantasy retelling of the biblical story Noah and the Ark. The narrative is told in first person through the eyes of, Jayfeth, Noah's eldest son. The world building is fascinating and the author wove in many fantastical but also possible elements. It's interesting to think of what the world could have been that far back in history. How advanced was human culture?
It wasn't a fast read but it was worth making it through the few slower-paced spots. At several points, I was deeply moved by the story and all the grief and struggle the characters face, as well as the moral truths touched on by the writer. I recommend it to anyone interested in biblical history looking for a clean read. Or anyone who enjoys epic fantasy and Christian values.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Son of the Doomsday Prophet is an epic fantasy retelling of the biblical story Noah and the Ark. The narrative is told in first person through the eyes of, Jayfeth, Noah's eldest son. The world building is fascinating and the author wove in many fantastical but also possible elements. It's interesting to think of what the world could have been that far back in history. How advanced was human culture?
It wasn't a fast read but it was worth making it through the few slower-paced spots. At several points, I was deeply moved by the story and all the grief and struggle the characters face, as well as the moral truths touched on by the writer. I recommend it to anyone interested in biblical history looking for a clean read. Or anyone who enjoys epic fantasy and Christian values.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2024
Excellent!!
Wonderfully written. Made you feel as though you were right there with Noah’s family and all the evil bearing down on them.
Wonderfully written. Made you feel as though you were right there with Noah’s family and all the evil bearing down on them.
December 13, 2023
There is nothing I like better than a novel that incorporates history with enough fiction to make it an excellent tale. Son of the Doomsday Prophet is just that kind of a book and I loved every minute of it. By taking the time in history that encompasses Noah and the Great Flood and combining it with just the right amount of fantasy, and then telling the story through the eyes of not Noah but his son, author Steven J. Byers has written a story that will be loved by many.
In Son of the Doomsday Prophet, we follow the life of Jayfeth, who is a son of Noah and, due to his father’s connection with God and knowledge of the end of the world. We first meet Jayfeth as a boy, and then watch as he grows into an adult who is forced into the life of a hero. It is a life that is filled with adventure and danger and definitely a life that Jayfeth did not ask for. As he helps his father with the building of the ark which the family has been ordered by God to create, Jayfeth and the rest of his family find themselves rejected by their relatives and friends and trapped by Ben-Tubal, the leader of Nephilim where they go to plead for help.
While his brothers each find their own paths and loves while helping to build the ark, Jayfeth finds himself faced with only doubts and confusion as he tries to become the hero everyone thinks he should be. The only thing that Jayfeth knows he is good at is talking to, and helping, animals but he does not see that as a way to be a hero. As he continues his work and attempts to understand what his future might hold, he has to deal with many things...the deep hatred of others due to his father’s constant preaching about the end of the world approaching...real and mythical creatures he meets along the way such as a wolf he saves from death who becomes his friend and the fabled group of Behemoths whom he is able to help and in turn receives their help when he needs it the most... as well as his own fight against a dangerous foe in order to have the woman he has come to love. While those who are against Jayfeth and his family become even more dangerous, Jayfeth fights to find his way before that final catastrophic moment when the world ends.
Son of the Doomsday Prophet is a fascinating story about the end of the world from the perspective of one who does not feel worthy of participating and being saved. As a child Jayfeth just wants to fit in with everyone else and be liked. To stand up for his own family and for what is right is something that is not easy for him but something that must be done. I think the author did a fabulous job of telling the story and showing readers how this character grows and changes throughout as he fights for his future and his family.
The plot of the story is very creative and the book is so well-written. The descriptive writing makes the reader feel that they are right there and a part of the history that is happening. Each of the characters in the story, from the main ones to the secondary ones, is perfectly developed and we come to know each and every one of them. They were all very realistic and we were given the chance to see not only their triumphs but the difficulties that they faced throughout their lives leading up to the last moments of the book. In addition, changing the story and showing it through the eyes of Jayfeth rather than his father was an excellent idea and really made the story so much more interesting.
Quill says: Son of the Doomsday Prophet is an excellent combination of history and fantasy brought together in a story that is meant to be enjoyed. It should be read and looked at as the adventure it is meant to be as we watch a hero develop from a confused young boy who does not know what the future holds for him into a man ready to embrace his destiny.
In Son of the Doomsday Prophet, we follow the life of Jayfeth, who is a son of Noah and, due to his father’s connection with God and knowledge of the end of the world. We first meet Jayfeth as a boy, and then watch as he grows into an adult who is forced into the life of a hero. It is a life that is filled with adventure and danger and definitely a life that Jayfeth did not ask for. As he helps his father with the building of the ark which the family has been ordered by God to create, Jayfeth and the rest of his family find themselves rejected by their relatives and friends and trapped by Ben-Tubal, the leader of Nephilim where they go to plead for help.
While his brothers each find their own paths and loves while helping to build the ark, Jayfeth finds himself faced with only doubts and confusion as he tries to become the hero everyone thinks he should be. The only thing that Jayfeth knows he is good at is talking to, and helping, animals but he does not see that as a way to be a hero. As he continues his work and attempts to understand what his future might hold, he has to deal with many things...the deep hatred of others due to his father’s constant preaching about the end of the world approaching...real and mythical creatures he meets along the way such as a wolf he saves from death who becomes his friend and the fabled group of Behemoths whom he is able to help and in turn receives their help when he needs it the most... as well as his own fight against a dangerous foe in order to have the woman he has come to love. While those who are against Jayfeth and his family become even more dangerous, Jayfeth fights to find his way before that final catastrophic moment when the world ends.
Son of the Doomsday Prophet is a fascinating story about the end of the world from the perspective of one who does not feel worthy of participating and being saved. As a child Jayfeth just wants to fit in with everyone else and be liked. To stand up for his own family and for what is right is something that is not easy for him but something that must be done. I think the author did a fabulous job of telling the story and showing readers how this character grows and changes throughout as he fights for his future and his family.
The plot of the story is very creative and the book is so well-written. The descriptive writing makes the reader feel that they are right there and a part of the history that is happening. Each of the characters in the story, from the main ones to the secondary ones, is perfectly developed and we come to know each and every one of them. They were all very realistic and we were given the chance to see not only their triumphs but the difficulties that they faced throughout their lives leading up to the last moments of the book. In addition, changing the story and showing it through the eyes of Jayfeth rather than his father was an excellent idea and really made the story so much more interesting.
Quill says: Son of the Doomsday Prophet is an excellent combination of history and fantasy brought together in a story that is meant to be enjoyed. It should be read and looked at as the adventure it is meant to be as we watch a hero develop from a confused young boy who does not know what the future holds for him into a man ready to embrace his destiny.
October 13, 2024
• Title: Son of the Doomsday Prophet: A Fantasy Adventure in the Days of Noah
• Author: Steven J. Byers
• Publisher: Steven J. Byers
• Publisher's website: https://stevenjbyers.com/
• Page numbers source ISBN : B0CLC6Q4C8
• List Price : $17.99
• Reviewer: Debra Gaynor
• Email: debg121254@gmail.com
• Website: Book Reviews By Debra www.facebook.com/bookreviewsbydebra BookMark column in HancockClarion.com
Son of the Doomsday Prophet: A Fantasy Adventure in the Days of Noah
Steven J. Byers
The plot of this book is wonderfully unique. The main character is Jayfeth, the oldest son of Noah. That’s right, Noah, the one that built the Ark.
Noah was a prophet from God. He attempted to share God’s message of turning away from their wickedness, a few were touched but they didn’t completely understand. Many were wicked and refused to listen. The more he preached, begged and cajoled the angrier the people were. Noah and his family were unwelcome even in their own tribe. God has laid a heavy mission on Noah’s shoulders. His mission was to build an ark that will save the ones that turn from their wicked way.
Noah takes his sons with him to purchase tools for building the Ark. There were Nephilim in the community. The ruler asks Noah to speak to the people. They cheered when they heard Noah’s message. He gave them a gift, a beautiful wood carved eagle. It was so realistic it looked as if it would burst into flight, at any moment. But the people misunderstood the gift, and they turned to it in worship. Nephilim was evil. After Noah angered them, they threatened both Noah and his family.
Jayfeth is still young and immature in many ways, but his father is patient with him, encourages him and teaches him. As the oldest son he travels with his father and witnesses his prophesizing and people’s reactions. But he also has his own doubts, he has questions but no answers. Noah takes the young man on a quest. They travel to an area that is beautiful with green everywhere. Noah realizes Jayfeth must face the bemouth. It is a learning experience for the young man. He has much to face in his future, things that will test his courage, strength and faith.
Author Steven J. Byers has forced me to look deeper into the Biblical story of Noah. Byers is very talented he brought the scripture to life. I felt as if I were walking beside Jayfeth. I never thought much about Noah’s family. They faced hardships and abuse at the hands of others. They each must have doubted God’s calling at one time or another.
Byers handles the pagan religion and wickedness in a superb manner. He didn’t dwell on it he gave just the right amount oof description to imprint the degeneracy on readers. The characters were well done; they came to life on the pages of this tale.
I have always enjoyed Old Testament stories, such as Noah’s Ark. Son of the Doomsday Prophet is an absorbing read. Kudos to author Steven J. Byers.
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy of this book. My reviews are always my personal opinion.
October 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of Son of the Doomsday Prophet. I was really interested in picking this up since I’ve never read anything from this period of time before. I loved that the story used aspects from the story of Noah’s Ark but fleshed it out into a fully developed and vivid world in the days of Noah whilst maintaining key aspects of the biblical story and beliefs of the time. I also loved that we didn’t get the obvious perspective of Noah at all throughout the book but instead the only son of Noah who is not a prophet and doesn’t have visions which showed the trust and inner battle with faith that Jayfeth has at different points of his life, especially compared to his brothers who are prophets and in difficult times when it would have been easy for him to put aside his father’s visions, especially considering the weight and strain of carrying out his father’s plan.
However, I would say that it was slower in some places than others and it did take me a while to read through it. I would have also liked to have seen more development of Jayfeth’s inner battle and times he was tempted to walk away as I think this would have been more realistic and I would have liked to have seen another POV or discussion with another character of the moral decline of humanity as Jayfeth did not witness some of the worst of Humanity (although he definitely witnesses some) and think this would have added to the story a little more.
Overall this was still a really interesting and well written book which I would recommend, especially for those looking for something different but still in the fantasy/historical fiction genre.
October 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
A really good fictionalized story of Noah and the ark taking what little we know and making it a very interesting and detailed tale. From what I’ve read from the Bible there’s obviously a lot of things that’ll be different, so don’t expect that but the idea of Noah building the ark to be safe from a flood that kills the evil people based off a message from god is the base plot and they take that and make it absolutely entertaining. I couldn’t think of a better way this story could be fictionalized. It was incredible and to be following the fun non prophet son made it all the better. I definitely recommend this to anyone Christian or not.
A really good fictionalized story of Noah and the ark taking what little we know and making it a very interesting and detailed tale. From what I’ve read from the Bible there’s obviously a lot of things that’ll be different, so don’t expect that but the idea of Noah building the ark to be safe from a flood that kills the evil people based off a message from god is the base plot and they take that and make it absolutely entertaining. I couldn’t think of a better way this story could be fictionalized. It was incredible and to be following the fun non prophet son made it all the better. I definitely recommend this to anyone Christian or not.
November 6, 2024
Noah was a prophet and years were spent preparing for impending doom. He was not alone in his endeavours, he had his family. Jayfeth was one of his sons but he was not a prophet himself. This novel is based on his story. His trials and tribulations of being a dutiful son whilst having his own doubts.
Very well written and well narrated(I listened to the audiobook). Great characters in this well paced novel. There is hard physical work, travels to strange lands and plenty of dangerous situations. A life of faith in a time of turmoil. Enjoy.
Very well written and well narrated(I listened to the audiobook). Great characters in this well paced novel. There is hard physical work, travels to strange lands and plenty of dangerous situations. A life of faith in a time of turmoil. Enjoy.
September 1, 2024
A fantastical imagining of what life might have been in the days of constructing the ark. Noah is a missionary. Jay, Noah’s son, has to go on his own journey of faith. With tropes of temptation, power, identity, and love, this coming of age story aligns with the Bible’s message of the long suffering and redemptive character of Holy God. A story of hope, a touch of humor, an enchanting thrill.
One typo caught my gaze on p. 295, hopefully that will be fixed before a second printing.
One typo caught my gaze on p. 295, hopefully that will be fixed before a second printing.
November 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook for my honest review!
I have to admit that I was hesitant at first to dive into this one being that the Bible stands for one hundred percent truth on its own. But taking the stance of historical fiction I found that I really enjoyed seeing the building of the ark from a son’s perspective and diving into the culture that surrounded the time frame.
I took my time getting through this one and would often re-listen to parts.
Definitely recommend!
I have to admit that I was hesitant at first to dive into this one being that the Bible stands for one hundred percent truth on its own. But taking the stance of historical fiction I found that I really enjoyed seeing the building of the ark from a son’s perspective and diving into the culture that surrounded the time frame.
I took my time getting through this one and would often re-listen to parts.
Definitely recommend!
December 11, 2024
I want to be upfront with my review in that I was not able to complete this audiobook because we were flooded with Helene and Milton. I hadn't downloaded the file yet and it was archived. I only got about 20% through the audiobook before it was archived, but I had enjoyed what I had heard. I will also be trying to get ahold of a copy from the library to finish it as it was a good listen. It was also a long listen which I really like.
June 1, 2024
This title was a bit of a slow burn for me. I ended up setting it aside and coming back in short bursts.
I enjoyed how the author took a small section of the Bible and painted a picture of how the world before the flood could have been. What had me read in spurts is that the story sometimes seemed too drawn out at times.
I enjoyed how the author took a small section of the Bible and painted a picture of how the world before the flood could have been. What had me read in spurts is that the story sometimes seemed too drawn out at times.
November 15, 2024
I found this book to be quite good!
It was my first foray into biblical fiction, and I have to say, it did not disappoint.
Normally, I'm a memoir, non-fiction, and horror kind of girl, so I'm not sure what made me pick this one up, but I did, and I'm not mad about it. It tied in nicely with the biblical story of Noah and the flood but made the whole thing so much more human and heart-tugging. It is, of course, fiction, though much of the main plot is biblically based. But as a human myself, I can see how much of what happened -- particularly the people-to-people interactions and the way the "crazy Noah family" was treated -- was probably pretty close to what really happened.
After all, we've all known someone the world thought was crazy, and we've all seen how society treated that person and that person's family (if they happened to believe that person's crazy).
It really was quite a beautiful story, and if all biblical fiction is as relevant and emotionally investing as this one, I may have to read more of it.
It was my first foray into biblical fiction, and I have to say, it did not disappoint.
Normally, I'm a memoir, non-fiction, and horror kind of girl, so I'm not sure what made me pick this one up, but I did, and I'm not mad about it. It tied in nicely with the biblical story of Noah and the flood but made the whole thing so much more human and heart-tugging. It is, of course, fiction, though much of the main plot is biblically based. But as a human myself, I can see how much of what happened -- particularly the people-to-people interactions and the way the "crazy Noah family" was treated -- was probably pretty close to what really happened.
After all, we've all known someone the world thought was crazy, and we've all seen how society treated that person and that person's family (if they happened to believe that person's crazy).
It really was quite a beautiful story, and if all biblical fiction is as relevant and emotionally investing as this one, I may have to read more of it.
January 12, 2026
This was an interesting take on how the days of Noah leading up to the flood may have looked. Some parts of it read a little slow for me, so I ended doing some skimming on some chapters, but overall, a great read. I would read more by the author.
March 14, 2024
Whoa. A Thought-Provoking, Eye-Opening Adventure!
Originally reviewed for Reader Views, the complete review can be found here: https://readerviewsarchives.wordpress...
With a catchy title, an amazing cover, and a unique premise, author Steven J. Byers presents readers with an unexpected thrill ride in “Son of the Doomsday Prophet.” So, what can readers expect from a book that bills itself as “A Fantasy Adventure in the Days of Noah?”
First, if you’re expecting a fleshed-out version of the Biblical account of Noah sailing aboard the ark with his family, you may find yourself disappointed. Although I certainly did not. This is historical fiction, meaning it is a fictional story using some historical events, places, and people. It revolves around the family of Noah in the years preceding the Great Flood. The narrator is not Noah as one might expect, but rather Jayfeth, the eldest of Noah’s three sons. Jayfeth shares his memories with readers long after the historic flood, indicating that he is the last living remnant of the flood survivors and therefore the literal last person on Earth who witnessed the ancient pre-flood world. That’s right- the one God determined should be wiped out of existence. It therefore not only has a historical feel to it, but also the sense of being a cautionary tale as well. As such, it is a fearful and mighty story.
What Byers has done here is extraordinary. Readers see the doomed world through the eyes of a son of the man who knew what was coming. The only man to be prepared and take heed of God’s warning. Jayfeth begins his memoir at the time he is a child, in fact, an only child at the time, though his brothers Shem and Ham follow soon after. We discover that life for Noah’s family, and most especially for Noah’s eldest son, was not an easy one. They were scorned, ridiculed, shunned, and expelled. Most people thought Noah was mad and had no pity for the nuclear family that stuck by him, helping to build his monstrosity of a boat. In the desert.
Jayfeth’s entire life was devoted to his father’s vision. He had no choice. It was a lonely life. A tough one for the young man who struggled with his own faith, wondering if his father really heard that word from the Lord.
This is a story of treachery, betrayal, lies, politics, subversion, and the decay of morality. But within this seething cauldron of hate is a tale of strength, faith, endurance, patience, and enduring unfathomable love. The power in this story is intense and forceful, at times striking blows of terror into the minds of readers as we experience the full depravity of a society destroying itself. While there were horrible events unfolding of pure evil and inhumanity, the absolute most terrifying moments for me were the scenes when Jayfeth fought off a rat. Yep. Not a leviathan or behemoth, not the executioner of Satan or the fiery lake. It was one. Rat. But its sneaky persistence spoke of the true foe who manifests throughout the story.
I want to tell you a thousand more things about this mesmerizing piece. But I won’t ruin it for you. This is a tale you must experience on your own to truly appreciate. I am impressed beyond measure with the nature of this work. Byers did not sit down with a list of historical names and pen his own tale. This is well-researched and maintains a dignified sense of the Biblical story and legends from that time. It is a strikingly profound story with depths as bold as the sea and yet as transparent as crystal. There is so much to be gleaned from this one novel I have no doubt I will be reading it again to catch more of its wisdom, power, and majesty.
Because of its superior wordsmithing, this inspiring and fearsome story can easily be enjoyed by those who know their Bible stories as well as those who have never held a Bible in their hands. It’s not scripture and isn’t intended to be. It’s also not preachy. It’s profound. But the fiction within is haunting, sincere, and insightful. I heartily recommend “Son of the Doomsday Prophet” by Steven J. Byers to those who enjoy historical fiction as well as thrillers, epic fantasies, adventures, and even horror stories. This is a genre-busting work with great characters, intense emotions, quests, romance, politics, spies, dysfunctional families, and one lone man who will face a world against him. Because he believes.
Originally reviewed for Reader Views, the complete review can be found here: https://readerviewsarchives.wordpress...
With a catchy title, an amazing cover, and a unique premise, author Steven J. Byers presents readers with an unexpected thrill ride in “Son of the Doomsday Prophet.” So, what can readers expect from a book that bills itself as “A Fantasy Adventure in the Days of Noah?”
First, if you’re expecting a fleshed-out version of the Biblical account of Noah sailing aboard the ark with his family, you may find yourself disappointed. Although I certainly did not. This is historical fiction, meaning it is a fictional story using some historical events, places, and people. It revolves around the family of Noah in the years preceding the Great Flood. The narrator is not Noah as one might expect, but rather Jayfeth, the eldest of Noah’s three sons. Jayfeth shares his memories with readers long after the historic flood, indicating that he is the last living remnant of the flood survivors and therefore the literal last person on Earth who witnessed the ancient pre-flood world. That’s right- the one God determined should be wiped out of existence. It therefore not only has a historical feel to it, but also the sense of being a cautionary tale as well. As such, it is a fearful and mighty story.
What Byers has done here is extraordinary. Readers see the doomed world through the eyes of a son of the man who knew what was coming. The only man to be prepared and take heed of God’s warning. Jayfeth begins his memoir at the time he is a child, in fact, an only child at the time, though his brothers Shem and Ham follow soon after. We discover that life for Noah’s family, and most especially for Noah’s eldest son, was not an easy one. They were scorned, ridiculed, shunned, and expelled. Most people thought Noah was mad and had no pity for the nuclear family that stuck by him, helping to build his monstrosity of a boat. In the desert.
Jayfeth’s entire life was devoted to his father’s vision. He had no choice. It was a lonely life. A tough one for the young man who struggled with his own faith, wondering if his father really heard that word from the Lord.
This is a story of treachery, betrayal, lies, politics, subversion, and the decay of morality. But within this seething cauldron of hate is a tale of strength, faith, endurance, patience, and enduring unfathomable love. The power in this story is intense and forceful, at times striking blows of terror into the minds of readers as we experience the full depravity of a society destroying itself. While there were horrible events unfolding of pure evil and inhumanity, the absolute most terrifying moments for me were the scenes when Jayfeth fought off a rat. Yep. Not a leviathan or behemoth, not the executioner of Satan or the fiery lake. It was one. Rat. But its sneaky persistence spoke of the true foe who manifests throughout the story.
I want to tell you a thousand more things about this mesmerizing piece. But I won’t ruin it for you. This is a tale you must experience on your own to truly appreciate. I am impressed beyond measure with the nature of this work. Byers did not sit down with a list of historical names and pen his own tale. This is well-researched and maintains a dignified sense of the Biblical story and legends from that time. It is a strikingly profound story with depths as bold as the sea and yet as transparent as crystal. There is so much to be gleaned from this one novel I have no doubt I will be reading it again to catch more of its wisdom, power, and majesty.
Because of its superior wordsmithing, this inspiring and fearsome story can easily be enjoyed by those who know their Bible stories as well as those who have never held a Bible in their hands. It’s not scripture and isn’t intended to be. It’s also not preachy. It’s profound. But the fiction within is haunting, sincere, and insightful. I heartily recommend “Son of the Doomsday Prophet” by Steven J. Byers to those who enjoy historical fiction as well as thrillers, epic fantasies, adventures, and even horror stories. This is a genre-busting work with great characters, intense emotions, quests, romance, politics, spies, dysfunctional families, and one lone man who will face a world against him. Because he believes.
March 20, 2024
Well written biblical fiction
This isn’t necessarily a faithful retelling of the Bible’s account of the great flood, and it certainly draws from apocryphal sources and dramatized backstory for the characters. That being said, there were many moments reading this book where I found a connection or inference to the Bible that made me think and relate to the biblical narrative in a different way. The themes of the book, faith, submission to the Lord’s commands, compassion toward our fellow man, and humility, are all important biblical concepts.
The book is also very well written. The characters can be somewhat wooden, and are sometimes more vehicles for the author’s message than living, breathing people. But overall, the struggles of the characters, their personalities, motivations, and especially their relationships are genuine and well developed. The narrative is well drawn out, and I was particularly impressed with the antediluvian world-building. This is an excellent, well written, well intentioned, and theologically sound piece of biblical fiction that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This isn’t necessarily a faithful retelling of the Bible’s account of the great flood, and it certainly draws from apocryphal sources and dramatized backstory for the characters. That being said, there were many moments reading this book where I found a connection or inference to the Bible that made me think and relate to the biblical narrative in a different way. The themes of the book, faith, submission to the Lord’s commands, compassion toward our fellow man, and humility, are all important biblical concepts.
The book is also very well written. The characters can be somewhat wooden, and are sometimes more vehicles for the author’s message than living, breathing people. But overall, the struggles of the characters, their personalities, motivations, and especially their relationships are genuine and well developed. The narrative is well drawn out, and I was particularly impressed with the antediluvian world-building. This is an excellent, well written, well intentioned, and theologically sound piece of biblical fiction that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews