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Chronicles of the Nephilim #1
Noah Primeval
This is not your Sunday School Noah's Ark.
Noah Primeval is a speculative retelling of the beloved story of Noah for a new generation. In an ancient world submerged in darkness, fallen angels rule as gods, and breed giants and monsters. Mankind is enslaved to evil. Noah, a tribal leader, has been prophesied to bring an end to the rule of these "gods" and save humanity from coming destruction. But Noah's wife and son are captives of these dark forces. To rise against this supernatural evil and rescue his family Noah will need an equally supernatural army. But why has God told him to build a huge box out of gopher wood?
Noah Primeval is a speculative retelling of the beloved story of Noah for a new generation. In an ancient world submerged in darkness, fallen angels rule as gods, and breed giants and monsters. Mankind is enslaved to evil. Noah, a tribal leader, has been prophesied to bring an end to the rule of these "gods" and save humanity from coming destruction. But Noah's wife and son are captives of these dark forces. To rise against this supernatural evil and rescue his family Noah will need an equally supernatural army. But why has God told him to build a huge box out of gopher wood?
498 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2011
4416 people are currently reading
2219 people want to read
About the author
Brian Godawa
110 books388 followersBrian Godawa has been a professional filmmaker, writer, and designer for over 20 years. His creative versatility was born of a passion for both intellect and imagination, both left-brain and right-brain. The result: Brian is an artisan of word, image, and story that engages heart, mind, and soul. Just think, "Renaissance Man."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
February 28, 2020
I really had a tough time ranking this one. As I read the book, I kept thinking about how I would rank it. At times, I wanted to give it four stars as the action, adventure, and creativity were good. But the quality of writing, as well as character development were lacking at times so there were times I wanted to give it two stars.
My biggest problem with the book were theological in nature. I'm not opposed to writing fiction about biblical characters, although I'd prefer to take less artistic license than Mr. Godawa did. Nor am I necessarily opposed to the overall idea behind the story (Noah being more like a warrior in a world filled with Nephilim--the offspring of certain angels and women). It makes for a good story. But if you're going to take a biblical character and make a novel about him, then don't write things or have the character do things that contradict Scripture. For example, on at least two occasions, Noah and his companions eat meat. What's the big deal? The Bible tells us that God originally created man to be vegetarian (Gen. 1:29), and it wasn't until after the Flood that God permitted man to eat meat (Genesis 9:3). Also, the Bible describes Noah as a blameless or righteous man in his generations or in his time, but the book portrays him as rebellious and overly sarcastic. The angel Uriel, Noah's companion throughout the book is just as sarcastic. Also, Noah had very little to do with building the Ark. Instead, his family members built most of it while Noah was elsewhere.
At the end of the book, the author added a lengthy rationale for describing the setting of the story the way he did. There are some strengths and weaknesses to this part of the book. The sections on the bene elohim and divine council were done well for taking a complex subject and making it understandable for a lay-level audience (I wrote my ThM thesis on the bene elohim and Nephilim so I'm quite familiar with this subject matter). His sections on the cosmos of the Bible were very flawed, although in line with some scholars today. While claiming to not deny inerrancy, his description of the Israelites' view of the world actually does attack inerrancy. Nearly every passage used in this section comes from poetic passages of the Old Testament rather than historical narrative, whereas the sections on the bene elohim and Nephilim are almost all from historical narrative. Why does that matter? Historical narratives are to be taken in a straightforward manner (like reading a history book today), while poetic passages use a great deal metaphor and other figurative language. So one can't use these sections to say that this is how the ancient Jews really viewed the physical world. This isn't to say that he got everything wrong, but he vastly overstated his case.
Overall, the book was an interesting read, but there were just too many problems in its writing style and theology for me to give it more stars, although I'm still interested in reading the other upcoming books in the series.
My biggest problem with the book were theological in nature. I'm not opposed to writing fiction about biblical characters, although I'd prefer to take less artistic license than Mr. Godawa did. Nor am I necessarily opposed to the overall idea behind the story (Noah being more like a warrior in a world filled with Nephilim--the offspring of certain angels and women). It makes for a good story. But if you're going to take a biblical character and make a novel about him, then don't write things or have the character do things that contradict Scripture. For example, on at least two occasions, Noah and his companions eat meat. What's the big deal? The Bible tells us that God originally created man to be vegetarian (Gen. 1:29), and it wasn't until after the Flood that God permitted man to eat meat (Genesis 9:3). Also, the Bible describes Noah as a blameless or righteous man in his generations or in his time, but the book portrays him as rebellious and overly sarcastic. The angel Uriel, Noah's companion throughout the book is just as sarcastic. Also, Noah had very little to do with building the Ark. Instead, his family members built most of it while Noah was elsewhere.
At the end of the book, the author added a lengthy rationale for describing the setting of the story the way he did. There are some strengths and weaknesses to this part of the book. The sections on the bene elohim and divine council were done well for taking a complex subject and making it understandable for a lay-level audience (I wrote my ThM thesis on the bene elohim and Nephilim so I'm quite familiar with this subject matter). His sections on the cosmos of the Bible were very flawed, although in line with some scholars today. While claiming to not deny inerrancy, his description of the Israelites' view of the world actually does attack inerrancy. Nearly every passage used in this section comes from poetic passages of the Old Testament rather than historical narrative, whereas the sections on the bene elohim and Nephilim are almost all from historical narrative. Why does that matter? Historical narratives are to be taken in a straightforward manner (like reading a history book today), while poetic passages use a great deal metaphor and other figurative language. So one can't use these sections to say that this is how the ancient Jews really viewed the physical world. This isn't to say that he got everything wrong, but he vastly overstated his case.
Overall, the book was an interesting read, but there were just too many problems in its writing style and theology for me to give it more stars, although I'm still interested in reading the other upcoming books in the series.
August 8, 2014
To say I had any expectations for this book would be wrong. As a Christian I did not have any conflicting emotions with the story I grew up with all my life. If anything Brian Godawa only made it more real to me. I will not say that it is gospel however, I agree with all his research and where he added the fiction only cemented this story.
Be you religious or not I believe any can read this book and feel that it was not fanciful and one you can really sink your teeth into.
I walk away from this book feeling I had a good steak dinner instead of fluff. I found it to be insightful, characters flushed out well and for once was the true meal and not just a plate of baby food.
(I know I am using a lot of imagery with food but it is the only analogy I can honestly give)
There is one other thing that I am seeing with some of the other reviews left. I will never understand why others feel they need to break down a book and comment on all of it. Personally I am not a critic nor will I ever pretend to be one. I am not a historian, theological whatever, I am just me. Just be honest with people if you enjoyed the book or not. Enjoy the talent it took to write the book and simply state what you enjoyed...not that hard...Ok off my soap bot and onto more reading.
I hope any reader will enjoy it as much as I have...now on to the next book!!!!!
Be you religious or not I believe any can read this book and feel that it was not fanciful and one you can really sink your teeth into.
I walk away from this book feeling I had a good steak dinner instead of fluff. I found it to be insightful, characters flushed out well and for once was the true meal and not just a plate of baby food.
(I know I am using a lot of imagery with food but it is the only analogy I can honestly give)
There is one other thing that I am seeing with some of the other reviews left. I will never understand why others feel they need to break down a book and comment on all of it. Personally I am not a critic nor will I ever pretend to be one. I am not a historian, theological whatever, I am just me. Just be honest with people if you enjoyed the book or not. Enjoy the talent it took to write the book and simply state what you enjoyed...not that hard...Ok off my soap bot and onto more reading.
I hope any reader will enjoy it as much as I have...now on to the next book!!!!!
May 23, 2023
With excellent world-building and pacing, Noah Primeval is speculative fiction of the life of Noah, famous for building the Ark that saved his family when God sent the flood.
Like I said, the world-building was amazing. I’m Protestant so I’ve never learned of other Christian factions’ beliefs but reading his author’s note on his sources of information and learning about the Watchers was fascinating. The fact that the Watchers would explain the pantheon of gods several people across the planet worshipped has me aching to do more research. In fact, I’ll probably start looking into it very soon.
But despite the amazing research put into it, I couldn’t find myself caring about the characters. They were pretty two dimensional and I understand why since we can’t exactly give nuance to spiritual beings (Uriah being all sarcastic was so weird to me since the 10th plague is right around the corner😭) but I still wanted more from them.
I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series though!
Like I said, the world-building was amazing. I’m Protestant so I’ve never learned of other Christian factions’ beliefs but reading his author’s note on his sources of information and learning about the Watchers was fascinating. The fact that the Watchers would explain the pantheon of gods several people across the planet worshipped has me aching to do more research. In fact, I’ll probably start looking into it very soon.
But despite the amazing research put into it, I couldn’t find myself caring about the characters. They were pretty two dimensional and I understand why since we can’t exactly give nuance to spiritual beings (Uriah being all sarcastic was so weird to me since the 10th plague is right around the corner😭) but I still wanted more from them.
I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series though!
December 3, 2019
It had moments of being very interesting, but the author flew through content without developing characters. Also, nitpicky item but I just couldn't not think about it, Elohim (which is what he refers to Yahweh as throughout the book) is the word for plural gods, not the name of Yahweh.
April 13, 2025
You may have a stronger appreciation for this novel if you are very familiar with the Old Testament and the ranking structure of heavenly immortals.
In terms of adventure this book delivers. The same can be said of the fantasy. Sea creatures, behemoths, animal human hybrids, giants, and even flying pazuzu’s.
Familiar elements exist: Of course the ark is present, as is a great flood, but there really is no story around the building of the ark or how the animals were gathered and housed. While I enjoyed the fantasy-adventure of the book, it was not offset by the time invested to get to the juicy parts. I won’t be continuing the series.
In terms of adventure this book delivers. The same can be said of the fantasy. Sea creatures, behemoths, animal human hybrids, giants, and even flying pazuzu’s.
Familiar elements exist: Of course the ark is present, as is a great flood, but there really is no story around the building of the ark or how the animals were gathered and housed. While I enjoyed the fantasy-adventure of the book, it was not offset by the time invested to get to the juicy parts. I won’t be continuing the series.
July 1, 2016
For the first time ever, I could not finish a work of fiction. Why? There are multiple reasons.
The first is excessive telling--entire pages of it--and not enough showing through the eyes of the characters. "Telling" what's going on, instead of "showing"—taking the reader inside the character and allowing her to view the story through the character's eyes—puts distance between the reader and the characters. A huge no-no.
Second, there is a writing technique called "planting the information" for an author to use. This technique allows the reader to see the information--gun, knife, ticking clock, what-have-you—before the need for that item. The information or item fashions part of the story world and is not noticed by the reader. This should occur, at the minimum, a chapter ahead of its use. More distance within the text would be better. In Noah Primeval, it occurs just one or two pages before the character really needs the info, resulting in the item becoming an obvious plant. This style of item planting is repeated multiple times. Even better, the information needs inserting two or more chapters ahead or it feels very unprofessional to the reader.
Language use is stilted. This means the dialogue is excessively mechanical. It does not free-flow as in actual talk between real people. Also, having the characters joke around while in the midst of terrific danger is unrealistic and naive. If the joking was an attempt by the writer at pacing—deliberately slowing down the speed of action in the story to provide the reader with some breathing space—it failed.
Having the angel Uriel act like an average man is not biblical. Also, having him known by several other characters comes across as false. Angels do not hang around with mortals, especially when those mortals know what they are. This is not how angels act within the Bible. Normally, angels appear, deliver their message or perform the duty they have to do, then disappear.
Overall, the story and writing style appears juvenile and untrained. Multiple mistakes like these show inadequate analysis of the material before publication. Taking the material through critique groups and hiring an editor to help polish any remaining mistakes would have improved this story immeasurably.
The one redeeming quality of this book was the appendices. Written in a decent and readable style, only the information within them proved enjoyable.
The first is excessive telling--entire pages of it--and not enough showing through the eyes of the characters. "Telling" what's going on, instead of "showing"—taking the reader inside the character and allowing her to view the story through the character's eyes—puts distance between the reader and the characters. A huge no-no.
Second, there is a writing technique called "planting the information" for an author to use. This technique allows the reader to see the information--gun, knife, ticking clock, what-have-you—before the need for that item. The information or item fashions part of the story world and is not noticed by the reader. This should occur, at the minimum, a chapter ahead of its use. More distance within the text would be better. In Noah Primeval, it occurs just one or two pages before the character really needs the info, resulting in the item becoming an obvious plant. This style of item planting is repeated multiple times. Even better, the information needs inserting two or more chapters ahead or it feels very unprofessional to the reader.
Language use is stilted. This means the dialogue is excessively mechanical. It does not free-flow as in actual talk between real people. Also, having the characters joke around while in the midst of terrific danger is unrealistic and naive. If the joking was an attempt by the writer at pacing—deliberately slowing down the speed of action in the story to provide the reader with some breathing space—it failed.
Having the angel Uriel act like an average man is not biblical. Also, having him known by several other characters comes across as false. Angels do not hang around with mortals, especially when those mortals know what they are. This is not how angels act within the Bible. Normally, angels appear, deliver their message or perform the duty they have to do, then disappear.
Overall, the story and writing style appears juvenile and untrained. Multiple mistakes like these show inadequate analysis of the material before publication. Taking the material through critique groups and hiring an editor to help polish any remaining mistakes would have improved this story immeasurably.
The one redeeming quality of this book was the appendices. Written in a decent and readable style, only the information within them proved enjoyable.
October 15, 2013
Good idea, but didn't interest me too much. Not sure what it was about the book that didn't click with me. Maybe it's being familiar with the Noah story in the Bible and having some pre-conceived ideas of what it was like. However, I liked Godawa's take in certain respects. Some of it felt like too childish a hero's tale and other parts felt too perverted.
Not sure why some Christian authors (e.g., Litfin, Godawa) think adding risque sexual perversity will add anything to their books. It feels like they are just trying to be pseudo-mature. And I don't think "But the Bible mentions rape, bestiality, and incest!" is any excuse. The Bible doesn't paint any images of these things for the reader, it simply mentions that someone was raped or the fact of bestiality. If an author wants to write a rape into their story that's fine. But write about it with tact, which means not exploring it deeply, not dwelling on it.
I'm sure the authors might think that laughable, but I doubt they could mount a good argument that would stand up to scrutiny (and honestly I'd like to see them try). Focusing on sexual immorality is dangerous in that it can give rise to illicit sexual desire in the reader (and the author who has to focus on it even more than the reader). The wrongness in such focus is also related to the nature of sexual immorality. Sex is a private affair that can only appropriately take place in privacy. Sexual immorality occurs (for the most part) when it is made public.
And of course the nature of writing is to make an event public, in a sense. Even if what's being written about is an "internal dialogue", the point is to give everyone a peek into that internal dialogue. But sex is something that outsiders can't peek into. In that respect, it's unlike depictions of violence--not only because violence can be just, but also because the "publicity" of a violent act is not what makes it wrong per se. One can know that a sexual encounter has occurred/is occuring without peeking behind the curtains. This is how the Bible handles sexual immorality. This would be akin to the Bible mentioning that Lot's daughters raped him. But we should not (and should not want to) take a peek behind the curtain to see anymore than that. Litfin and Godawa seem to want lift the curtain a little bit or, perhaps, light a lamp behind the curtain so we can at least get some shadowy images in our mind.
Because the sexuality (or rather, the *way* the sexuality is explored) felt unnecessary in both these novels (referring to Litfin's The Sword in addition to the one under review) it gives the impression that the stories of Godawa and Litfin are being carried along by their "mature" themes. Think of a movie like Saw or Hostel. These movies have no real story to tell. They just want to shock the audience with brutality and violence. But if Godawa and Litfin are letting these mature themes (that will surely shock some Christian lady who is used to reading Amish love novels) do some lifting for their stories then that only exposes the limits of the authors. If you have any real talent in telling a story, you could write for an audience of children (like Lewis) and capture the hearts of adults. If they want to have violence and sexual events that are too mature for children that's fine (again if handled tactfully), but maybe it would be wiser for them to add that stuff on as a finishing touch so that it doesn't feel like they are letting the novelty of "rough" Christian fiction be whats keeping the reader.
Not sure why some Christian authors (e.g., Litfin, Godawa) think adding risque sexual perversity will add anything to their books. It feels like they are just trying to be pseudo-mature. And I don't think "But the Bible mentions rape, bestiality, and incest!" is any excuse. The Bible doesn't paint any images of these things for the reader, it simply mentions that someone was raped or the fact of bestiality. If an author wants to write a rape into their story that's fine. But write about it with tact, which means not exploring it deeply, not dwelling on it.
I'm sure the authors might think that laughable, but I doubt they could mount a good argument that would stand up to scrutiny (and honestly I'd like to see them try). Focusing on sexual immorality is dangerous in that it can give rise to illicit sexual desire in the reader (and the author who has to focus on it even more than the reader). The wrongness in such focus is also related to the nature of sexual immorality. Sex is a private affair that can only appropriately take place in privacy. Sexual immorality occurs (for the most part) when it is made public.
And of course the nature of writing is to make an event public, in a sense. Even if what's being written about is an "internal dialogue", the point is to give everyone a peek into that internal dialogue. But sex is something that outsiders can't peek into. In that respect, it's unlike depictions of violence--not only because violence can be just, but also because the "publicity" of a violent act is not what makes it wrong per se. One can know that a sexual encounter has occurred/is occuring without peeking behind the curtains. This is how the Bible handles sexual immorality. This would be akin to the Bible mentioning that Lot's daughters raped him. But we should not (and should not want to) take a peek behind the curtain to see anymore than that. Litfin and Godawa seem to want lift the curtain a little bit or, perhaps, light a lamp behind the curtain so we can at least get some shadowy images in our mind.
Because the sexuality (or rather, the *way* the sexuality is explored) felt unnecessary in both these novels (referring to Litfin's The Sword in addition to the one under review) it gives the impression that the stories of Godawa and Litfin are being carried along by their "mature" themes. Think of a movie like Saw or Hostel. These movies have no real story to tell. They just want to shock the audience with brutality and violence. But if Godawa and Litfin are letting these mature themes (that will surely shock some Christian lady who is used to reading Amish love novels) do some lifting for their stories then that only exposes the limits of the authors. If you have any real talent in telling a story, you could write for an audience of children (like Lewis) and capture the hearts of adults. If they want to have violence and sexual events that are too mature for children that's fine (again if handled tactfully), but maybe it would be wiser for them to add that stuff on as a finishing touch so that it doesn't feel like they are letting the novelty of "rough" Christian fiction be whats keeping the reader.
February 5, 2013
I'd been hearing about a book called "Noah Primeval" for quite awhile and, based on a recommendation from a trusted podcast, I wanted to read it.
Noah Primeval is the story of the Biblical Noah's life leading up to the Flood. But this story isn't just a retelling of Sunday School story-time. Noah is a warrior and he's not really happy that God wants him to build a big boat. He'd much rather avenge the destruction of his tribe by the Nephilim and their rulers, the fallen angels masquerading as kings and queens.
There are three story-lines in Noah Primeval: Noah waging war with old friends and family at his side and running from the Nephilim, Noah's wife and son in captive servitude to the fallen angels and their lackeys, and a snarky archangel fighting alongside Noah but subtly leading him to his destiny with that boat.
The author, Brian Godawa, is a Hollywood screenwriter and director. His talent shows in this book as the action scenes are memorable, the emotions are moving, and the humor is fun and irreverent. This story takes us right up to the Flood, as Noah and his family board the Ark and the door closes. The writing style isn't perfect, and at times I had to struggle not to skip ahead. I'm glad I stuck with it though, as everything in the story matters.
It's written as epic fantasy, it just so happens to be based around people found in scripture. It doesn't try to proselytise you at all - it just weaves a fun story for you to enjoy. That being said, there is the underlying theme, similar to that of Jonah and his mission to Nineveh, of following God even when you're not sure why He has certain plans for you.
Noah Primeval is the first book in a six-book series called "Chronicles of the Nephilim." The follow up is a prequel, featuring some of the characters from this book as their younger selves in a war. The other books in the series are actual sequels, and take place post-Flood.
Noah Primeval was provided to me by the author for review.
Noah Primeval is the story of the Biblical Noah's life leading up to the Flood. But this story isn't just a retelling of Sunday School story-time. Noah is a warrior and he's not really happy that God wants him to build a big boat. He'd much rather avenge the destruction of his tribe by the Nephilim and their rulers, the fallen angels masquerading as kings and queens.
There are three story-lines in Noah Primeval: Noah waging war with old friends and family at his side and running from the Nephilim, Noah's wife and son in captive servitude to the fallen angels and their lackeys, and a snarky archangel fighting alongside Noah but subtly leading him to his destiny with that boat.
The author, Brian Godawa, is a Hollywood screenwriter and director. His talent shows in this book as the action scenes are memorable, the emotions are moving, and the humor is fun and irreverent. This story takes us right up to the Flood, as Noah and his family board the Ark and the door closes. The writing style isn't perfect, and at times I had to struggle not to skip ahead. I'm glad I stuck with it though, as everything in the story matters.
It's written as epic fantasy, it just so happens to be based around people found in scripture. It doesn't try to proselytise you at all - it just weaves a fun story for you to enjoy. That being said, there is the underlying theme, similar to that of Jonah and his mission to Nineveh, of following God even when you're not sure why He has certain plans for you.
Noah Primeval is the first book in a six-book series called "Chronicles of the Nephilim." The follow up is a prequel, featuring some of the characters from this book as their younger selves in a war. The other books in the series are actual sequels, and take place post-Flood.
Noah Primeval was provided to me by the author for review.
December 25, 2015
They were not kidding, this does read like a blockbuster, lots of cliff-hangers. Gonna be interesting to read the next in the series, which is a prequel, so that will be different. I like that this book expands on the Divine Council theory from scholars like Michael Heiser. Good fun and interesting/make-you-think theology. Recommended
May 19, 2017
Interesting
Being a person who study the "Watchers" and their offspring, the story was riveting, read it in two days. I like how the author uses Biblical facts to make the story line. Very nice work.
Being a person who study the "Watchers" and their offspring, the story was riveting, read it in two days. I like how the author uses Biblical facts to make the story line. Very nice work.
February 21, 2019
The prose is so wooden you could build an ark from it, but the theology is quite amusing. This would have worked better as a setting book or a guide since the story is by far the weakest part and 50% of the book is just explaining stuff and defending various interpretations of the Bible anyhow.
March 23, 2021
Biblically accurate, lyrical and a ride all the way to the end. Must read!
February 24, 2020
Awesome!
I really enjoyed this novel by Brian Godawa. I started with the Chronicles Of The Apocalypse novels, so you could say that I'm reading these as prequels to those. I have not read the rest of the books in the series yet, but I did enjoy this one. Godawa's aim in these novels is to retell Biblical history with a strong Focus on Divine Council theology, the Nephilim, and their war with the seed. The seed of Eve, that is.
Godawa understands the Nephilim to be the giant hybrid offspring of angelic beings whom first Enoch calls the Watchers with human women. These Angelic beings were members of yahweh's divine Council, but rebelled, descended to Earth, took on human form, and in remembering the curse upon the serpent in Genesis 3:16, that through Eve would come someone who would crush the Serpent's head as well as everyone who followed him, just decided that they were going to poison the human bloodline to prevent that chosen seed from coming into the world. Of course, from the New Testament we know that that chosen seed is Jesus the Messiah. Jesus conquered the serpent of Eden, also known as Satan, through his death on the cross and Resurrection. He conquered over the evil powers and he atone for all of our sins. We are no longer in the power of the evil gods thanks to Jesus's atoning death and Resurrection.
Some of the content of this novel may seem really weird and bizarre to some readers who are not familiar with Divine Council Theology and second temple Judaism literature, that is why I am very glad that Brian godawa included 3 appendices in the back of the book that explains the biblical, exegetical, and ancient near Eastern oh, and second temple Judea background that informed him in writing the novel. I myself was was very familiar with it having read Michael Heiser books "The Unseen Realm" and "Reversing Hermon", but I realized that a lot of Evangelical readers will probably be surprised to see the pagan gods of the ancient near Eastern religions treated as real in the novels, and things like Leviathan and Behemoth, and Chimera monsters showing up.
Like I said, this is the only book in the series that I have read so far, so I don't know what the other ones in the series are like but I will get to to those very very soon. This is a fantastic novel, it is engaging, it is entertaining, and if you take the time to read the appendices, it's educational. It will enrich your Theology of the Unseen realm and will change the way that you view idolatry and the way that God fought against it in the Old Testament narratives.
I really enjoyed this novel by Brian Godawa. I started with the Chronicles Of The Apocalypse novels, so you could say that I'm reading these as prequels to those. I have not read the rest of the books in the series yet, but I did enjoy this one. Godawa's aim in these novels is to retell Biblical history with a strong Focus on Divine Council theology, the Nephilim, and their war with the seed. The seed of Eve, that is.
Godawa understands the Nephilim to be the giant hybrid offspring of angelic beings whom first Enoch calls the Watchers with human women. These Angelic beings were members of yahweh's divine Council, but rebelled, descended to Earth, took on human form, and in remembering the curse upon the serpent in Genesis 3:16, that through Eve would come someone who would crush the Serpent's head as well as everyone who followed him, just decided that they were going to poison the human bloodline to prevent that chosen seed from coming into the world. Of course, from the New Testament we know that that chosen seed is Jesus the Messiah. Jesus conquered the serpent of Eden, also known as Satan, through his death on the cross and Resurrection. He conquered over the evil powers and he atone for all of our sins. We are no longer in the power of the evil gods thanks to Jesus's atoning death and Resurrection.
Some of the content of this novel may seem really weird and bizarre to some readers who are not familiar with Divine Council Theology and second temple Judaism literature, that is why I am very glad that Brian godawa included 3 appendices in the back of the book that explains the biblical, exegetical, and ancient near Eastern oh, and second temple Judea background that informed him in writing the novel. I myself was was very familiar with it having read Michael Heiser books "The Unseen Realm" and "Reversing Hermon", but I realized that a lot of Evangelical readers will probably be surprised to see the pagan gods of the ancient near Eastern religions treated as real in the novels, and things like Leviathan and Behemoth, and Chimera monsters showing up.
Like I said, this is the only book in the series that I have read so far, so I don't know what the other ones in the series are like but I will get to to those very very soon. This is a fantastic novel, it is engaging, it is entertaining, and if you take the time to read the appendices, it's educational. It will enrich your Theology of the Unseen realm and will change the way that you view idolatry and the way that God fought against it in the Old Testament narratives.
March 17, 2024
Noah’s ark with a twist!! Giving you Lord of the Ring vibes! Biblical facts smashed into Mesopotamian history- the watchers, sons of God, nephilim, Leviathan (all mentioned in the Bible) come to life in this action packed novel.
I would give this 5 stars but without truly knowing Gods word I can see how it could get confusing separating facts from the fiction added.
Yes, I have already ordered the entire series 🫣
I would give this 5 stars but without truly knowing Gods word I can see how it could get confusing separating facts from the fiction added.
Yes, I have already ordered the entire series 🫣
October 16, 2023
Novel based on RESEARCH
Took me almost 3 years to break down & get this book & another year to finally read it. Wasted a lot time unnecessarily.
REALLY makes me rethink a LOT of *assumptions* I thought I “knew” which has been happening a lot past few years. These books - with included appendices of research upon which scriptural/historical elements are based - will significantly speed that trajectory.
One thing that delayed my leap into these novels is the sheer volume of options & deciding where to start. I am glad I began with Noah.
Engaging stories, colorful plot lines, thoughtful dialogue. Looking forward to getting through the Nephilim series… & beyond!
Took me almost 3 years to break down & get this book & another year to finally read it. Wasted a lot time unnecessarily.
REALLY makes me rethink a LOT of *assumptions* I thought I “knew” which has been happening a lot past few years. These books - with included appendices of research upon which scriptural/historical elements are based - will significantly speed that trajectory.
One thing that delayed my leap into these novels is the sheer volume of options & deciding where to start. I am glad I began with Noah.
Engaging stories, colorful plot lines, thoughtful dialogue. Looking forward to getting through the Nephilim series… & beyond!
August 19, 2017
I liked the spin on this version of Noah. Very realistic. You must read it!
January 30, 2025
I learned a lot more about the Bible and history. Interesting take on Noah’s life.
October 3, 2020
Freaking epic.
February 5, 2017
This novel was ambitious and daring, I kinda wanted to give it three stars.
What I liked: 1) the action sequences were a lot of fun, it's clear that Godawa is a movie-maker at heart. 2) Godawa boldly explored Scripture and theology in a thoughtful way through this medium. 3) thematically, his orthodox theology kept him in pretty safe grounds, and what seemed somewhat dubious he offers a well-thought out defence for.
What I didn't like: 1) the dialogue read like an action movie, came off as pretty inauthentic to me. Although when one of the characters said: "What the Sheol was that?" I couldn't help but laugh out loud. So corny, but somehow so good. 2) He's not a great writer, but his movie background made it far from amateurish. 3) The plot was pretty straight forward, nothing too engaging, but not boring either. 4) Most of the characters lacked depth. Noah showed promise at the start as he wrestled with his relationship with God, but his conversion in the pit was massively under-developed. 5) I've decided that I don't like fictionalised interpretations of any part of biblical narrative.
What I liked: 1) the action sequences were a lot of fun, it's clear that Godawa is a movie-maker at heart. 2) Godawa boldly explored Scripture and theology in a thoughtful way through this medium. 3) thematically, his orthodox theology kept him in pretty safe grounds, and what seemed somewhat dubious he offers a well-thought out defence for.
What I didn't like: 1) the dialogue read like an action movie, came off as pretty inauthentic to me. Although when one of the characters said: "What the Sheol was that?" I couldn't help but laugh out loud. So corny, but somehow so good. 2) He's not a great writer, but his movie background made it far from amateurish. 3) The plot was pretty straight forward, nothing too engaging, but not boring either. 4) Most of the characters lacked depth. Noah showed promise at the start as he wrestled with his relationship with God, but his conversion in the pit was massively under-developed. 5) I've decided that I don't like fictionalised interpretations of any part of biblical narrative.
December 9, 2018
I was really excited for the premise of this book, however it did not meet expectations.
My disappointment has nothing to do with the content or playful engagement with biblical text or theological concepts - rather it’s simply the flavour of the storytelling. The descriptive language in areas is akin to a scene or set description for a screenplay. It’s more informative than immersive.
As for the characters, they feel confused as to whether they are primeval figures with ancient minds - or modern thinking figures who have been retrojected into the antiquated setting.
They are inconsistent to follow and are never fully realised.
This whole disconnect can happen in sci-fi also (such as some Star Wars novels) where it doesn’t feel like a time or place far removed, and instead ends up becoming all too close to home.
The characters think 21st century thoughts as if natives of the global West, and the reader is then left to labour through all-too-familiar scenarios and concepts - albeit assimilated with appropriate languages and loosely based cultural concepts.
This whole project would lend itself better to a graphic novel or an anime series.
It does not read well.
My disappointment has nothing to do with the content or playful engagement with biblical text or theological concepts - rather it’s simply the flavour of the storytelling. The descriptive language in areas is akin to a scene or set description for a screenplay. It’s more informative than immersive.
As for the characters, they feel confused as to whether they are primeval figures with ancient minds - or modern thinking figures who have been retrojected into the antiquated setting.
They are inconsistent to follow and are never fully realised.
This whole disconnect can happen in sci-fi also (such as some Star Wars novels) where it doesn’t feel like a time or place far removed, and instead ends up becoming all too close to home.
The characters think 21st century thoughts as if natives of the global West, and the reader is then left to labour through all-too-familiar scenarios and concepts - albeit assimilated with appropriate languages and loosely based cultural concepts.
This whole project would lend itself better to a graphic novel or an anime series.
It does not read well.
digital
February 6, 2023 Product Description
Nephilim Giants, Watchers, Archangels. This is Not Your Sunday School Noah’s Ark.
Learn About the Historical and Biblical Research Behind the Novel
On The Age Appropriateness Of The Novels
Review
From the Inside Flap
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Nephilim Giants, Watchers, Archangels. This is Not Your Sunday School Noah’s Ark.
A novel of the Genesis Bible story of Noah based on ancient historical research.
In an ancient world of darkness, fallen angels called Watchers rule as gods and breed giants called Nephilim.
Noah, a tribal leader and good family man, just wants to be left alone to make a living off the land with his wife and sons.
But he soon learns that evil never leaves you alone. It comes after you--and your family--with a vengeance.
Now Noah must rescue his family from the grip of supernatural evil before the Deluge comes and carries them all away.
A wild ride of spiritual redemption and action-adventure that takes the reader on a journey from the heights of heaven to the depths of the underworld.
Written by respected Christian and best-selling Biblical author, Brian Godawa.
Learn About the Historical and Biblical Research Behind the Novel
Noah Primeval has appendices that provide an explanation of Biblical concepts in the novel such as the Sons of God, Watchers, Nephilim, Giants, Leviathan, and fallen angels.
On The Age Appropriateness Of The Novels
This Biblical Fiction series is rated PG-13, appropriate for mature teens and above, similar to the Bible and The Lord of the Rings.
Review
"Wizard schools and teen vampires are child's play. This is the origin of sorcery and vampire tales. Noah Primeval will keep you on the edge of your seat with its primal struggle of good and evil. It reads like a Blockbuster movie!" - Ralph Winter, Producer, X-Men, Planet of the Apes "A great, spiritual fantasy full of thought and imagination. The cinema-like action and suspense will keep you turning pages until you are finished, while the themes and concepts will remain long after you're done." - Bill Myers - Bestselling Author, The God Hater "A stirring tale of gods and men that confronts us with biblical reality through mythical fantasy. Noah Primeval is what Tolkien called "sanctifying myth" that we need in our own place and time." - Michael S. Heiser, PhD, Hebrew and Semitic Languages Academic Editor, Logos Bible Software
From the Inside Flap
Godawa is known as an author who both entertains and educates. Inspired by Michael Crichton's novels, Godawa has adapted his Hollywood screenwriting background into his prose style to create a reading experience that is like watching a movie.
Also similar to Crichton, Godawa has sought to provide the scholarly research that undergirds the fictional adventure. Noah Primeval has an additional 100 pages of special appendixes that provide an explanation of Biblical concepts in the novel such as the Sons of God, the Nephilim, Leviathan, and the ancient Mesopotamian Cosmography in the Bible.
Noah Primeval is written in the spirit of the book of Enoch, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings, blending fantasy and mythopoeia with history to retell the Biblical narrative with a fresh perspective, while staying true to the original spirit of the story.
From the Back Cover
"I've read the entire Harry Potter series three times, a bunch of Star Wars novels, Lord of the Rings and Narnia. I read a ton. And I LOVE Chronicles of the Nephilim!"Sam Jenkins Jr. High Schooler, son of filmmaker Dallas Jenkins
"Wizard schools and teen vampires are child's play. This is the origin of sorcery and vampire tales. Noah Primeval will keep you on the edge of your seat with its primal struggle of good and evil. It reads like a blockbuster movie!" - Ralph Winter, Producer, X-Men, Planet of the Apes
"A great, spiritual fantasy full of thought and imagination. The cinema-like action and suspense will keep you turning pages until you are finished, while the themes and concepts will remain long after you're done."
- Bill Myers - Bestselling Author, The God Hater
"Godawa captures the spiritual and theological truth behind the biblical story of Noah with an action packed fantasy adventure that reminded me of C. S. Lewis' Narnia, or the graphic novel The Watchmen."
- Leonard Sweet, best-selling author, professor, Drew University, George Fox University
"A stirring tale of gods and men that confronts us with biblical reality through mythical fantasy. Noah Primeval is what Tolkien called "sanctifying myth" that we need in our own place and time."
- Michael S. Heiser, PhD, Hebrew and Semitic Languages
Academic Editor, Logos Bible Software
About the Author
Brian Godawa has been a professional filmmaker, writer, and visual artist for many years. His creative versatility was born of a passion for both intellect and imagination, both left-brain and right-brain. The result: Brian is an artisan of word, image, and story that engages heart, mind, and soul. Just think, "Renaissance Man."
Brian Godawa is the screenwriter for the award-winning feature film, To End All Wars, starring Kiefer Sutherland, and Alleged, starring Brian Dennehy as Clarence Darrow and Fred Thompson and William Jennings Bryan. He previously adapted to film the best-selling supernatural thriller novel The Visitation by author Frank Peretti for Ralph Winter (X-Men, Planet of the Apes), and wrote and directed several documentaries, including Wall of Separation for PBS.
Mr. Godawa's scripts have won multiple awards, and his articles on movies and philosophy have been published around the world. He has traveled around the United States teaching on movies, worldviews, and culture to colleges, churches, and community groups.
His popular book, Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment has been released in a revised edition from InterVarsity Press and is used as a textbook in schools around the country. His book Word Pictures: Knowing God Through Story and Imagination (IVP) addresses the power of image and story in the pages of the Bible to transform the Christian life.
December 31, 2023
Recensie van:
Kronieken van de Nefilim
Noach
Deel 1
Hij staat bekend als een rechtvaardige en als een man die wandelde met God. Dit is de geschiedenis van Noach, die op de zondagschool en in de kinderbijbels niet verteld wordt, maar wel zijn basis vindt in de oorspronkelijke Hebreeuwse tekst van Genesis 6 tot en met 9.
Auteur:
Brian Godawa
Noach is het eerste deel uit de reeks Kronieken van de Nefilim van Brian Godawa. Brian Godawa is een succesvol scenarioschrijver uit Hollywood (To End all Wars, 2001), film- en cultuurblogger (www.Godawa.com), leraar over geloofszaken, wereldvisies en storytelling (Hollywood Worldvisions) en een Amazon-bestsellerschrijver van Bijbelse fictie (Chronicles of the Nephilim) en prikkelende theologie (God against the gods). Zijn passie voor God, theologie en wereldvisies resulteert in een theologische fictie, die je misschien laat schudden op je grondvesten, maar je werkelijk aan het denken zet. Hij overdrijft niet!
Originele titel:
Noah Primeval: Chronicles of the Nephilim Book One
Vertaald uit het Engels door:
Ganpat Berrevoets:
De vertaler van Kronieken van de Nefilim – Noach. Hij is theoloog, filmkenner en voorganger in verschillende kerken. In 2007 behaalde hij zijn master Godsdienstwetenschappen aan de Theologische Universiteit in Apeldoorn. In Leiden studeerde hij af bij prof. dr. A. van der Kooij op Noach. “De bronnen van Genesis “ Zondvloed – een vergelijking van Genesis 6-9 met de Sumerisch-Babylonische overlevingen van de zondvloed.” Sinds zijn jeugd is Noach voor zijn geloof in Yahweh Elohim altijd al een groot voorbeeld geweest.
“We zijn allemaal afkomstig uit het huis van Noach ben Lamech en dat vraagt ons meteen naar onze banf met de God van Noach. Of we nu afstammen van Cham, Jafet of Sem, het belangrijkste is dat we gezegend worden door de God van Sem en geënt worden op de stamboom van een van zijn nakomelingen. Wordt vervolgd.”
Wijze van lezen:
Recensie-exemplaar ontvangen van uitgeverij Scholten in ruil voor mijn recensie.
Uitgeverij: Scholten
Genre: bijbelse fictie (gebaseerd op ware gebeurtenissen)
Cover en flaptekst:
Ik zie een woest kolkende zee. Op de voorgrond een zwaard met een rijk versierd heft. Daarachter een schild. Een zwarte slang kruipt over het schild en het zwaard. Een intrigerende en nieuwsgierig makende cover.
De flaptekst is informerend en krachtig.
Quote:
Hoofdstuk 34
Pagina 349
De kist is effectief gebouwd. Het drijft als een boot op het water. Zo ongeveer twee derde ervan bevindt zich onder water. Het is slechts een drijvend vaartuig en geen zeilschip Elohîm is de ware stuurman van de tebah. Binnen zit Noachs familie, die zich heeft opgemaakt voor een verblijf. Hoe lang zij hier precies zullen moeten overleven weten ze niet precies. Elohîm heeft hen alleen verteld dat het veertig dagen en nachten zou gaan regenen. Zij zijn zich van de vreselijke waarheid bewust dat Hij alle levende wezens op het land zal wegvagen. Ze weten dat ze de enigen zijn, die het zullen overleven. Ze weten ook dat zij opnieuw mogen starten met Elohîms plannen voor de mensheid. Noach is al bezig met het organiseren van het werk, tot in het kleinste detail. Het vaartuig is gevuld met alle diersoorten. Hoewel veel van hen door Elohîms hand in een diepe winterslaap zijn gevallen, zijn er nog genoeg over die zorg en voedsel nodig hebben. Het is een veeleisende klus voor het kleine aantal van acht mensen aan boord. De geluiden van het blaten, loeien, piepen, balken, grommen en hinniken vult de lucht in een kakofonie van één groot hongergeluid. Het zal werkelijk een lange tocht worden.
Het verhaal:
In de tijd voor de zondvloed ziet Elohim dat de aarde niet meer is zoals Hij die geschapen heeft. Anu en Inanna heersen als goden over de regio van Uruk, de oude stad van Kayins zoon. Zij zijn er bijna in geslaagd om de mensenstammen voor zich te winnen en de laatste fase van hun plan om Elohims belofte teniet te doen, gaan in. Dan krijgt Noach, de leider van de laatste vrije volken, een visioen. Hij moet een ark bouwen. Maar in die dagen zijn de Nefilim op aarde...beruchte en gewelddadige oorlogskrijgers onder leiding van priesterkoning Lagulanu, Noachs aartsvijand.
Mijn leesbeleving:
Net als velen van ons ken ik het verhaal van Noach en zijn ark. Maar deze versie van Brian Godawa kende ik nog niet.
Dit verhaal is beeldend en filmisch. Hartverscheurend, rauw en gruwelijk. Maar ook een verhaal van vasthouden aan hoop, van liefde, van onvoorwaardelijke vriendschap en opoffering in de breedste z’n van het woord.
Doordat het zo beeldend verteld is heb je het gevoel overal bij te zijn. En dat is een sensationele ervaring. Je hoeft niet diep gelovig te zijn om dit verhaal te lezen. Noach een man die hardwerkend, strijdvaardig en toegewijd is. Een liefdevolle man en vader.
De interactie tussen hem en zijn volk is continu boeiend en spannend. De visioenen die hij krijgt over de toekomst en de manier waarop hij hier mee omgaat zijn intrigerend. Maar zo nu en dan ook zenuwslopend. Dan had ik de neiging doe er nu eens wat mee.
Gelukkig was daar de hulp van aartsengel Urïel. Zo nuchter, onverschrokken, strijdvaardig, beschermend en met een heerlijk gevoel voor humor. Mede door hem maakt Noach een duidelijke ontwikkeling door en krijgt hij het zelfvertrouwen om zijn verantwoordelijkheid te nemen en door te zetten.
Niet zonder het nemen van de nodige hindernissen. Vechten tegen een meedogenloze mensonterende vijand om terug te krijgen wat hem toebehoord. Door de uitmuntende vertaling van Ganpat Berrevoets is dit verhaal nog meeslepender en intenser.
In de plot komt alles samen. Tevens word je nieuwsgierig naar het volgende deel Henoch.
De uitleg achterin na het verhaal is rijk en uitgebreid. Maar maakt ook veel duidelijk en is op een leuke manier leerzaam.
Mijn mening:
Ik geef 5 sterren.
Een mooie, boeiende, meeslepende, spannende en zeer beeldende belevenis van het verhaal van Noach.
Ik ben fan van de schrijfwijze van Brian Godawa. Hoe hij op alle fronten onderbouwd met zijn kennis een theologisch fictief verhaal boeiend en leerzaam weet te brengen.
Een aanrader dit boek.
Kronieken van de Nefilim
Noach
Deel 1
Hij staat bekend als een rechtvaardige en als een man die wandelde met God. Dit is de geschiedenis van Noach, die op de zondagschool en in de kinderbijbels niet verteld wordt, maar wel zijn basis vindt in de oorspronkelijke Hebreeuwse tekst van Genesis 6 tot en met 9.
Auteur:
Brian Godawa
Noach is het eerste deel uit de reeks Kronieken van de Nefilim van Brian Godawa. Brian Godawa is een succesvol scenarioschrijver uit Hollywood (To End all Wars, 2001), film- en cultuurblogger (www.Godawa.com), leraar over geloofszaken, wereldvisies en storytelling (Hollywood Worldvisions) en een Amazon-bestsellerschrijver van Bijbelse fictie (Chronicles of the Nephilim) en prikkelende theologie (God against the gods). Zijn passie voor God, theologie en wereldvisies resulteert in een theologische fictie, die je misschien laat schudden op je grondvesten, maar je werkelijk aan het denken zet. Hij overdrijft niet!
Originele titel:
Noah Primeval: Chronicles of the Nephilim Book One
Vertaald uit het Engels door:
Ganpat Berrevoets:
De vertaler van Kronieken van de Nefilim – Noach. Hij is theoloog, filmkenner en voorganger in verschillende kerken. In 2007 behaalde hij zijn master Godsdienstwetenschappen aan de Theologische Universiteit in Apeldoorn. In Leiden studeerde hij af bij prof. dr. A. van der Kooij op Noach. “De bronnen van Genesis “ Zondvloed – een vergelijking van Genesis 6-9 met de Sumerisch-Babylonische overlevingen van de zondvloed.” Sinds zijn jeugd is Noach voor zijn geloof in Yahweh Elohim altijd al een groot voorbeeld geweest.
“We zijn allemaal afkomstig uit het huis van Noach ben Lamech en dat vraagt ons meteen naar onze banf met de God van Noach. Of we nu afstammen van Cham, Jafet of Sem, het belangrijkste is dat we gezegend worden door de God van Sem en geënt worden op de stamboom van een van zijn nakomelingen. Wordt vervolgd.”
Wijze van lezen:
Recensie-exemplaar ontvangen van uitgeverij Scholten in ruil voor mijn recensie.
Uitgeverij: Scholten
Genre: bijbelse fictie (gebaseerd op ware gebeurtenissen)
Cover en flaptekst:
Ik zie een woest kolkende zee. Op de voorgrond een zwaard met een rijk versierd heft. Daarachter een schild. Een zwarte slang kruipt over het schild en het zwaard. Een intrigerende en nieuwsgierig makende cover.
De flaptekst is informerend en krachtig.
Quote:
Hoofdstuk 34
Pagina 349
De kist is effectief gebouwd. Het drijft als een boot op het water. Zo ongeveer twee derde ervan bevindt zich onder water. Het is slechts een drijvend vaartuig en geen zeilschip Elohîm is de ware stuurman van de tebah. Binnen zit Noachs familie, die zich heeft opgemaakt voor een verblijf. Hoe lang zij hier precies zullen moeten overleven weten ze niet precies. Elohîm heeft hen alleen verteld dat het veertig dagen en nachten zou gaan regenen. Zij zijn zich van de vreselijke waarheid bewust dat Hij alle levende wezens op het land zal wegvagen. Ze weten dat ze de enigen zijn, die het zullen overleven. Ze weten ook dat zij opnieuw mogen starten met Elohîms plannen voor de mensheid. Noach is al bezig met het organiseren van het werk, tot in het kleinste detail. Het vaartuig is gevuld met alle diersoorten. Hoewel veel van hen door Elohîms hand in een diepe winterslaap zijn gevallen, zijn er nog genoeg over die zorg en voedsel nodig hebben. Het is een veeleisende klus voor het kleine aantal van acht mensen aan boord. De geluiden van het blaten, loeien, piepen, balken, grommen en hinniken vult de lucht in een kakofonie van één groot hongergeluid. Het zal werkelijk een lange tocht worden.
Het verhaal:
In de tijd voor de zondvloed ziet Elohim dat de aarde niet meer is zoals Hij die geschapen heeft. Anu en Inanna heersen als goden over de regio van Uruk, de oude stad van Kayins zoon. Zij zijn er bijna in geslaagd om de mensenstammen voor zich te winnen en de laatste fase van hun plan om Elohims belofte teniet te doen, gaan in. Dan krijgt Noach, de leider van de laatste vrije volken, een visioen. Hij moet een ark bouwen. Maar in die dagen zijn de Nefilim op aarde...beruchte en gewelddadige oorlogskrijgers onder leiding van priesterkoning Lagulanu, Noachs aartsvijand.
Mijn leesbeleving:
Net als velen van ons ken ik het verhaal van Noach en zijn ark. Maar deze versie van Brian Godawa kende ik nog niet.
Dit verhaal is beeldend en filmisch. Hartverscheurend, rauw en gruwelijk. Maar ook een verhaal van vasthouden aan hoop, van liefde, van onvoorwaardelijke vriendschap en opoffering in de breedste z’n van het woord.
Doordat het zo beeldend verteld is heb je het gevoel overal bij te zijn. En dat is een sensationele ervaring. Je hoeft niet diep gelovig te zijn om dit verhaal te lezen. Noach een man die hardwerkend, strijdvaardig en toegewijd is. Een liefdevolle man en vader.
De interactie tussen hem en zijn volk is continu boeiend en spannend. De visioenen die hij krijgt over de toekomst en de manier waarop hij hier mee omgaat zijn intrigerend. Maar zo nu en dan ook zenuwslopend. Dan had ik de neiging doe er nu eens wat mee.
Gelukkig was daar de hulp van aartsengel Urïel. Zo nuchter, onverschrokken, strijdvaardig, beschermend en met een heerlijk gevoel voor humor. Mede door hem maakt Noach een duidelijke ontwikkeling door en krijgt hij het zelfvertrouwen om zijn verantwoordelijkheid te nemen en door te zetten.
Niet zonder het nemen van de nodige hindernissen. Vechten tegen een meedogenloze mensonterende vijand om terug te krijgen wat hem toebehoord. Door de uitmuntende vertaling van Ganpat Berrevoets is dit verhaal nog meeslepender en intenser.
In de plot komt alles samen. Tevens word je nieuwsgierig naar het volgende deel Henoch.
De uitleg achterin na het verhaal is rijk en uitgebreid. Maar maakt ook veel duidelijk en is op een leuke manier leerzaam.
Mijn mening:
Ik geef 5 sterren.
Een mooie, boeiende, meeslepende, spannende en zeer beeldende belevenis van het verhaal van Noach.
Ik ben fan van de schrijfwijze van Brian Godawa. Hoe hij op alle fronten onderbouwd met zijn kennis een theologisch fictief verhaal boeiend en leerzaam weet te brengen.
Een aanrader dit boek.
February 8, 2017
This is a fantastic telling of the story of Noah. I remember growing up in Sunday School and seeing the flannel graph pictures of a chubby Noah farmer building an ark by himself. Brian Godawa blows that image out of the water with his well researched version of the story using source material from the Bible, Second Jewish Temple period material, as well as historical Mesopotamian and Sumerian references. The best part of the book is the set of appendices at the back of the book that provides historical reference for the characters in the novel. Whether the demon sons of God posing as gods on Earth or the Nephilim that are the offspring of the sons of God mating with human women, his documentation is astounding. Well researched by a writer who is also a professional screen writer with solid Hollywood connections. I am sure this will be pitched as a major motion picture. The best part is that this is just the first in a series of several books called the "Chronicles of the Nephilim."
September 16, 2025
I actually hated this book and am sorry I chose to buy the entire series. I have read several fictional accounts of Noah and although each included details not in the Bible to make a fictional book interesting, at least the biblical account was included. . I did not have a problem with the gods, the nephilim nor the chimeras. I did have a problem with Noah. The Bible describes him as a righteous man, blameless among people and he walked with God. I would not consider the description of Noah from this book to be righteous. He didn’t want to listen to God. No where does it say he built the box (ark). He got the plans from God but apparently others built it. Noah was too busy fighting the gods.
September 3, 2025
5 star concept, 2 star writing quality.
An action-packed retelling of Noah and the flood but with expanded creative license based on the Genesis 6 account of the Nephilim, Psalm 82 & Ps 89:5-7 references to the divine council of the gods and the Deuteronomy 32 judgement of the gods.
Noah is the warrior leader of one of the last few fully human nomadic tribes in a world of cities established by fallen angels who aim to enslave humanity and replace Yahweh's image in them with their own.
While I thought the storytelling pace and character development wasn't great, this was a fascinating read.
It also has some interesting in depth appendices using Scripture and other ancient texts to explain some concepts the book relies on.
An action-packed retelling of Noah and the flood but with expanded creative license based on the Genesis 6 account of the Nephilim, Psalm 82 & Ps 89:5-7 references to the divine council of the gods and the Deuteronomy 32 judgement of the gods.
Noah is the warrior leader of one of the last few fully human nomadic tribes in a world of cities established by fallen angels who aim to enslave humanity and replace Yahweh's image in them with their own.
While I thought the storytelling pace and character development wasn't great, this was a fascinating read.
It also has some interesting in depth appendices using Scripture and other ancient texts to explain some concepts the book relies on.
October 18, 2012
I don't even know what to say about this book. The writer has quite the imagination. The characters are mind-blowing. Monsters, Gods, Giants, Humans, Angels and more. I really enjoy reading books of the Bible in this way, where people are in a real life, where they love, eat, fight, have children, etc. The only thing that I had a hard time with was it was very scary at parts. I had nightmares while reading certain parts of this book. I have read hundreds of books...always have a book in my hand and there was only one other book that ever gave me nightmares (Swan Song).
March 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much. I like the idea of imagining Noah as a warrior. I liked the fact that Godawa used the Nephlim as the antagonist throughout the book. I also liked how the rulers were minor gods. I thought it was interesting that Noah didn’t have a blind faith and even questioned Elohim at times. I felt it made Noah more like ourselves. It really had a similar feel to Lord of the Rings. I would love to see this made into a major motion picture, but it would need a real big budget! Over I think this is a great read wether you are a Christian or just a fan of Fantasy.
Cheers!
Cheers!
January 25, 2015
I actually watched a movie on Amazon about this series and wanted to read it. The concept is interesting and the author is clearly obsessed with his concepts. That can be contagious and I really looked forward to starting this series. I just didn't care for the execution much. I probably won't continue any of these books.
July 23, 2017
Basically it's the Bible meets Lord of the Rings. Although he uses a certain amount of creative license, the author explains his choices. There is a very large appendix section that explains how he came about with his conclusions. All in all, it's a good read and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
January 17, 2023
Exciting interpretation of the Noah’s Ark story
Story and characters weaved around the biblical text while expanding on minor mentions in the Bible. Great historical biblical fiction.
Story and characters weaved around the biblical text while expanding on minor mentions in the Bible. Great historical biblical fiction.
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