What do you think?
Rate this book
Subversion: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel
It’s the early 1930s, and a priest is murdered on Long Island. Meanwhile, in Germany, a Jewish businessman and his wife are targeted for violence by members of the Nazi Party. What do these two events possibly have in common? Members of the Alliance of Saint Michael find themselves at the center of each situation, as they work to aid those in danger while countering Nazi lies within the Church. This is the second book in the Alliance of Saint Michael historical fiction series by Ray Keating.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2024
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 5, 2024
Book 2 of "An Alliance of Saint Michael" by Keating. Both books in the series are 5 star and recommended reads. Subversion continues the work of a group that calls themselves the Alliance of Saint Michael. Keating again shows his strength in both character development and this historical setting. As Hitler grows in strength, the author explores the issues between church and state and how Hitler wanted to use the church to support his cause. Ray's story has it all, drama, action, & history!
November 20, 2024
New series, new twists
Having read all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, this new series offers an interesting historical fictional look at a transformative time in history. Mr. Keating always does a great job with character development and keeps the tension in the story so you want to keep reading. Looking forward to tackling the next Saint Michael novel.
Having read all of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, this new series offers an interesting historical fictional look at a transformative time in history. Mr. Keating always does a great job with character development and keeps the tension in the story so you want to keep reading. Looking forward to tackling the next Saint Michael novel.
June 19, 2024
Wow
I was surprised by the current-ness of this novel. I kept trying to find answers to today's questions. Give it a read and see what you find.
I was surprised by the current-ness of this novel. I kept trying to find answers to today's questions. Give it a read and see what you find.
March 3, 2025
In Subversion, Ray Keating draws the reader into a tumultuous era of rising fascism, capturing the struggles between Christian faith and encroaching evil. The narrative’s backdrop is interwoven with historical truths that heighten the urgency of its themes. By featuring characters like Father Pat O’Riley and Hannah Brinkmann, Keating illustrates the moral predicament faced by individuals struggling with their beliefs amid the chaos of the Nazi rise. The tension escalates as O'Riley delivers a homily echoing Father Bauer's courageous stance against fascism, a defining moment that polarizes his parish. Keating employs the Church’s division to mirror the fragmentation in society. The plot is loaded with powerful moments, from the murder of a priest to a covert investigation run by a shadowy group of well-meaning folk determined to uncover the truth and mount a resistance.
The crime elements, including the murder of Father Bauer and the threats against O’Riley, create a gripping narrative that highlights the book’s overarching theme: the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, even in the face of danger. The heart-wrenching portrayal of Jewish characters like Gershom and Hannah augments the entertaining potential of this narrative. As anxiety mounts and lines are drawn, Keating urges readers to reflect on their roles in confronting evil, suggesting that faith must be paired with action to effect meaningful change.
The crime elements, including the murder of Father Bauer and the threats against O’Riley, create a gripping narrative that highlights the book’s overarching theme: the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs, even in the face of danger. The heart-wrenching portrayal of Jewish characters like Gershom and Hannah augments the entertaining potential of this narrative. As anxiety mounts and lines are drawn, Keating urges readers to reflect on their roles in confronting evil, suggesting that faith must be paired with action to effect meaningful change.
March 3, 2025
Subversion by Ray Keating deftly tackles the issues of faith, morality, and the shadow of fascism during one of history's darkest periods. Set against the rise of Nazism in Germany, the narrative concentrates on a group of Christians who struggle to keep their faith intact while facing the insidious forces of bigotry and hatred that threaten their existence. Keating populates his novel with figures of moral courage, such as Father O’Riley and Pastor Eric Meyer, who represent the Christian principle of standing against tyranny but also navigate the perilous waters of complicity in a culture increasingly hostile to their beliefs.
The thematic exploration of complicity is evident throughout the narrative. Personal loyalties, social pressures, and the instinct for self-preservation test characters who initially appear to possess unwavering faith. The ensuing conflict lays bare the heart-wrenching decision those in faith communities must make: to stand boldly against the tide or to seek safety at the cost of their principles.
The challenges and tribulations faced by Jewish characters like Gershom and Hannah Brinkmann further emphasize the stakes of inaction and the painful intersectionality of faith and identity in a world marked by hatred. Keating is a great storyteller, and his prose, as well as the exceptionally sculpted characters, will entice readers.
The thematic exploration of complicity is evident throughout the narrative. Personal loyalties, social pressures, and the instinct for self-preservation test characters who initially appear to possess unwavering faith. The ensuing conflict lays bare the heart-wrenching decision those in faith communities must make: to stand boldly against the tide or to seek safety at the cost of their principles.
The challenges and tribulations faced by Jewish characters like Gershom and Hannah Brinkmann further emphasize the stakes of inaction and the painful intersectionality of faith and identity in a world marked by hatred. Keating is a great storyteller, and his prose, as well as the exceptionally sculpted characters, will entice readers.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews