Fragments

The Seekers #1

by J.A. Webb

It is the year 2158, and Hegemony has fallen.

But the Order, the one-world religion, remains . . . securely ensconced as the unseen power behind all human government.

Should any desire for truth be rekindled in the hearts of men, the Order stands ready to stamp it out. . . .


Father Curtis, priest of the Order of the Eternal, seeks solace in his secluded parish, sheltered from the oppressive regime.

But then, unjustly branded a heretic, he must flee for his life- all while confronting the stark realization the world he once trusted is a labyrinth of deception, orchestrated by the Order’s tyrannical forces, and that his understanding of the world is built upon a foundation of lies.

Now, his fate and the fate of humanity hang in the balance as he and his former parishioners battle to find the truth about themselves, the Order, and Creation . . . in a world where seeking truth is a capital offense.

Genres: Dystopia, Christian, Adult, Fantasy

252 pages, Hardcover

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

J. A. Webb is a former atheist and now a devoted follower of Christ, military veteran, husband, father, small business owner, and Genesis-award-winning author of thrilling Christian fiction, writing from his four acre homestead in the upper midwest.
Get the free prequel to The Seekers Series at jawebbauthor.com/free!

Reviews

[Creston Mapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“J.A. Webb bursts onto the Christian fiction scene with a knockout debut novel, Fragments, which got better and better with each turn of the page. I found this novel to be imaginative, original, suspenseful, faith-filled, and an overall good, clean, fun read.” — Bestselling Author Creston Mapes

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragments of time — real or false
A society that is totally corrupted - and hard to make a living. As one family strives to do what is right but are constantly being shut down it Is difficult. Especially when the guy in charge cheats, lies, steals and distorts the truth. THIS IS AN AMAZING BOOK THAT I TOTALLY ENJOYED AND COULD NOT PUT DOWN!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very glad I was able to read an advance copy of this book. It gets you thinking on many levels. The modern conveniences we take for granted. The access to Scripture. We live in a world where it isn't all that hard to imagine things being taken away, and shows the need to guard them. The search for the surviving Fragments of Scripture isn't finished and I look forward to the next steps in the journeys of the main characters.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story. I blends christian thriller and dystopian with communism ideas together to deliver a great story. I liked the main characters, drama, the goal that is revealed, and all the secondary characters too. The bleakness of it all flows from the story and makes you feel like you are there and makes the bit of light that is building show through. And the bad guys were awesome int eh story and made it so much better and added the best drama to it all. I enjoyed it all.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dystopian novel will capture your attention starting from the very first scene, in which Father Curtis finds himself in an unimaginable situation. Sometimes we feel like our world is upside down and doesn’t make sense. People call good evil and evil good. Imagine if evil forces were in control. Imagine a world where the truth is almost impossible to find. THIS is what you will find in Fragments. It’s a gripping read with outstanding character development. I can’t wait to continue the story with the rest of the series!

[E.G. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a page turner! I’ve read dystopian works but never one with a clear moral bent. I really enjoyed not only the multiple POV characters but also the immersive writing style. All of my senses were engrossed in this story. Even between reading pages, the thought-provoking questions of this Tory had me pondering it. Though the cliffhanger felt abrupt, book two is coming out soon and I’m hoping to get an ARC.

Priest Curtis is accused of going against the Order, the one world religion he has dedicated his life to. Soon, he realizes he is a target for the Order’s “non-existent” assassin team, members of the Eye. His flight for help and safety leads him to a respected professor who may have accidentally made him the Order’s target. He’s whisked into hiding, and begins to understand that the Order has used its power to over reach and corrupt the people all over the world. His revelations coincide with vivid dreams full of Christian symbolism that he doesn’t understand. He soon learns that everything he’s been told about his family’s death, their beliefs, and his own understanding of life are dashed, and he must grapple with what truth to believe.

Meanwhile, two members of Father Curtis’s parish, brothers Leif and Larz, are struggling under the corrupt local government being enabled by the Order. They have until the end of the year to convince their father to change his management style and make changes to their business so they can keep it; the order could easily give the business and resources to another willing participant. When they trick a competitor and corrupt official at their own game, they are entangled in the dark web, putting their families at an even more dangerous risk. They will have to find their way out in book 2.

We also get several antagonists’ POVs in this story, helping readers better understand the stakes.

[Mike Bogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for hackneyed characters, look elsewhere—Father Curtis and his fellow humans resonate as full-blooded non-cliches. Their hopes, struggles, failings, and victories reel you in, and they don’t let you go until the last page.

In addition, Webb’s dystopian world-building is impeccable.

Sure, we’ve all read of one-world governments wreaking havoc over collapsed societies, but Webb invests his oppressive regime with a disturbing credibility. And even though the reader figures the suppressed religion in question is going to be Christianity, the book’s journey to getting there proves compelling.

In addition, Webb’s facility with language excels. Father Curtis’s eerie nightmares brim with otherworldly menace. Meanwhile, scenes of friendship radiate with welcome comradery.

We also get a distinct sense of Father Curtis’s panic as everything he thought he knew dissolves beneath him like fool’s gold in acid.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Webb creates a realistic dystopian world set in a not-so-distant future. It has elements of the Left Behind series and Hunger Games blended into a unique, captivating story.

My two favorite quotes:

"If our Order values truth as we claim, how can it be treasonous to seek it? Truth is only an offense to those loyal to a lie.”

“Can’t you see, my boy, they are designed to give comfort without offense. In the end, there is no true substance in them.”

I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed storylines with one goal
This was a good book, with Christian backing and the usual fighters against Christianity.
This was very well written, I only had problems reading parts due to my own life issues.
This is a book with no thriller and gore attributes. As well it does not follow actual Christian wordage.
Thank you, J.A. Webb, for a good book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Kathy Brasby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragments is a blend of suspense, emotion, and intricate storytelling that explores a dystopian future when oppression crushes dreams and forces residents into compliance, including into a religion that is a facade for more control.

This world feels tangible yet charged with mystery. The characters’ struggles and vulnerabilities will resonate with the reader, evoking themes of resilience, loss, and hope.

[Kez Sharrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christian thriller reminded me a bit of Frank Peretti’s early works. A priest of “the Order” finds himself on the wrong side of his order’s authorities and has to run, chased by powerful and, I suspect, demonic pursuers. The story has the quality of a dream. Or a nightmare. Truth, as the priest knew it, is questioned. I definitely kept turning pages, and was moved by the fragments of an earlier truth that he uncovered.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You are torn between the comfortable lie and the fearful unknown.”

What if you discovered that your religion was built on false evidence, that your ministry was a sham, that your life was worth nothing to your community?

It’s not a premise I relish. I made it three-fourths of the way through the book. If you enjoy dark futures echoing the reign of Revelation’s Beast, this is the book for you.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a genre I typically read, but I met the author at a book fair and decided to read outside of my comfort zone. Not sorry I did.

Honestly, this is not that dystopian--too much of Webb's fiction is already or feels not-too-distant reality--the corruption, dishonesty, struggle to discern who or what is truth. The characters are relatable even though particulars of their circumstances may not be. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Birgit Lehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story, believeable characters, one of few books which truly drew me into the story and let me experience everything the characters went through. Clear message of faith, hope and the love of Jesus which is so rare today in christian books.
I just love it and I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect from this story but I really enjoyed it. Fast paced with tension and suspense, family dynamics and light conflict which is a nice change! Engaging story that made me think which I was not expecting but thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.


I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way different to what I was expecting, it’s an engaging novel with strong characters, lots of unexpected twists, and two opposing forces. One of supposed good, full of self-serving characters, and the other the persecuted, who seek the Truth. The secrets just keep rolling out as the novel progresses. Looking forward to reading the next in series.

[Katherine Blessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written and layered narrative focusing on Father Curtis' fleeing from being branded a heretic in the New World Order. He's a truth-seeker in a world where everyone is expected to believe the same thing.

This dystopian novel works really well as a book for adults; it is intriguing and gripping. At times the author uses the occasional archaic term, which jarred a bit in my mind.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dystopian tale with a dynamic world building and outstanding characters. This book will grab you from the very first page and keep you immersed til the very end. I really enjoyed reading this book and absolutely recommend reading it.

[Jen Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Christian dystopia of the dieselpunk variety, you'll love this one: suspenseful plot, engaging characters, interesting society! It left me hungry for the second book in the series...I'll be grabbing that one when it comes out!

[Kandi J Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

Despite saying it was a blend of Frank Perretti and dystopian, I wasn't prepared to be sucked into such a compelling story.
Webb weaves the supernatural through dreams and the dystopian world of the characters' waking hours with masterful suspense.

[Charlotte Lesemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.A. Webb’s novel, Fragments, tells the story of several characters living a futuristic society under the oppression and constant surveillance of a one world government. In a place where only a bland, one-world religion is allowed, several characters begin to question the social and religious systems they’ve always taken for granted. In doing so, they find themselves in the crosshairs of those in power.

This is really a character story. Webb excels at portraying the nuances and challenges between family members and friends: the ways in which we navigate conflict, attempt to help those we love and yet struggle to leave room for others to both express their opinions and find their own way.

The plot moves at a fairly good pace, with just enough tension to keep the reader turning pages. The suspense level is appropriate for readers who want a Christian story without much violence or intensity. I wouldn’t recommend this for those who read traditional/ mainstream thrillers as the danger and suspense is very light. However, for the reader who wants an engaging story of redemption and family dynamics in a dystopian setting with a splash of suspense, this is a solid read.

[Aiden Ladner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story that did not disappoint. A fascinating world, relatable and deep characters and amazing themes. One of the best books I have read.

[Michael Romano · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fragments is a gripping Christian dystopian tale of faith, survival, and uncovering hidden truths. Webb’s storytelling is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read.

[Genereams]

This One of the Best Books 📕. I have ever read please write some books please .