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Harpazo: Book One of the Trib Trilogy (The Trib Trilogy
The day starts like any other day. But then …
A tow truck operator vanishes while driving on a busy highway. An entire classroom of 2nd-grade students suddenly disappears. A coffee shop customer vanishes…while the barista is staring at her!
Simultaneously, thousands of people all over the city simply disappear. Millions of people all over the country. Billions of people all over the world. In an instant, all at once, without a trace…except for small, individual piles of discarded clothing and personal effects.
Within days, the number of disappearances is calculated. The number is staggering. Fully one-quarter of the human population has vanished, simultaneously, all at once, in the blink of an eye!
The world is thrown into chaos. Those left behind have no idea why so many people have vanished…or where they’ve gone. The truth of what’s happening slowly dawns.
The disappearance of one-quarter of the world's population signals the beginning of the last period in human history—the Tribulation, the end times.
Frightened, alone, and grieving the sudden loss of coworkers, friends, and family—not to mention all of Earth’s children—how will the rest of the world cope?
Through the eyes of fifteen ordinary people, Harpazo tells the story of the first year of the Tribulation—a year full of increased violence, global conflicts, famine, ecological disasters, and the most devastating pandemic the world has ever known.
The ever-increasing challenges of day-to-day life cause each person to cling to those around them for support. Friendships bloom, and alliances form.
But at the beginning of the most dangerous era in history, human connections can harbor the deadliest peril.
A tow truck operator vanishes while driving on a busy highway. An entire classroom of 2nd-grade students suddenly disappears. A coffee shop customer vanishes…while the barista is staring at her!
Simultaneously, thousands of people all over the city simply disappear. Millions of people all over the country. Billions of people all over the world. In an instant, all at once, without a trace…except for small, individual piles of discarded clothing and personal effects.
Within days, the number of disappearances is calculated. The number is staggering. Fully one-quarter of the human population has vanished, simultaneously, all at once, in the blink of an eye!
The world is thrown into chaos. Those left behind have no idea why so many people have vanished…or where they’ve gone. The truth of what’s happening slowly dawns.
The disappearance of one-quarter of the world's population signals the beginning of the last period in human history—the Tribulation, the end times.
Frightened, alone, and grieving the sudden loss of coworkers, friends, and family—not to mention all of Earth’s children—how will the rest of the world cope?
Through the eyes of fifteen ordinary people, Harpazo tells the story of the first year of the Tribulation—a year full of increased violence, global conflicts, famine, ecological disasters, and the most devastating pandemic the world has ever known.
The ever-increasing challenges of day-to-day life cause each person to cling to those around them for support. Friendships bloom, and alliances form.
But at the beginning of the most dangerous era in history, human connections can harbor the deadliest peril.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 17, 2025
Writing about the 7-year period Christians believe will be the Tribulation as foretold in the biblical book of Revelation is a bold task. It was done successfully decades ago by the team of Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye with their Left Behind series. Now author Nathalie Bujold Ryan takes on the challenge with “Harpazo,” the first book in her aptly named The Trib Trilogy series. But first, if you’re not up to speed on your foreign languages, let me give you a little insight into this novel’s title.
Harpazo is the Greek word for “to seize, snatch, or pull away for oneself.” It is used in the New Testament to vividly describe the Rapture; that moment in time when most Christians believe Jesus will return to take His Believers (both the dead and the living) up with him to Heaven. It signals the beginning of seven years of Tribulation for the unbelievers remaining on Earth.
So, this first book of the trilogy is, of course, about the Rapture of the church and the response by those left behind. First reaction of the general “survivors?” Pure confusion, as expected. This event may have been talked about and prophesied for years, but it will confuse the Earthbound when it occurs. Ms. Ryan introduces us to a host of ordinary people going about their lives when suddenly roughly 25% of the population disappears in a blink. As if that weren’t chaos enough, the remaining people realize that all the world’s children are among the missing. This would weird out anyone who didn’t know the scoop. It would also devastate any parents whose children are among the mysteriously missing.
As we get to know our band of survivors -roughly 15 of them, most previously unknown to each other- we realize that they don’t all respond in the same way. Some begin to come to terms with what has happened and seek spiritual guidance to make amends. Some just want to duck and run until things return to “normal,” and others react with open hostility or violence. Then for some, it’s a chance to do whatever they want because the first responders are too busy to deal with the “small stuff” – and right now, it all seems like small stuff when your family is just…gone.
There’s a lot to like about this novel. It does a good job of showing what is most probably a realistic depiction of the chaos following the Rapture. The fact that there will be many different responses from those who remain is well expressed, as is the concept that this will be not only a chaotic time but a dangerous one as well.
The author creates her characters slowly and with great care. We don’t get to know them at first introduction, but slowly as the story unfolds. By the end of this book, readers have a good understanding of who each survivor is and what their views are. This sets us up beautifully for the next book. But readers will need to be patient as we get to know each member of this fairly large cast a bit at a time. That chaotic sense of not knowing who these people are and why they act the way they do adds to the feeling of being in the midst of the panic.
The pacing for this story is also not in the usual style. Sure, there are times of pure chaos, confusion, and violence that slowly recover into moments of reflection and hope. But when you consider that this story starts with the Big Event, well, you’ve got to know this story won’t read as most do.
But whether you’re one who has believed since childhood in this event, are purely skeptical at best, or have never heard of such a thing as the Rapture it’s a compelling and fascinating story. Readers will be able to participate in all sides of the concept, without feeling as though they’re being judged or preached to in a “turn or burn” style story. Instead, readers will find relatable characters in all walks of life; the teacher, firefighter, nurse, garbageman, blogger, bartender, cashier, and unemployed. As we get to know them, we begin to recognize their fears, doubts, and beliefs. They feel genuine because they are.
So, who would want to pick up a book about the end of the world? To start with, fans of suspense novels and thrillers will find the idea fascinating, as will readers of post-apocalyptic stories. So will those who have an interest in what Christians refer to as the End Times. It’s a great read for young adults as well, as those who don’t really know much about these events.
A word or two of warning here, though: it’s the end of the world, folks. It’s not pretty or sweet. It’s gritty, violent, sometimes hate-filled, or fueled by rage. There’s pain and death, and lots of heartache. There’s also a fair amount of mature language, although it’s not gratuitous- it simply adds to the genuine feel of these characters. Who knows what word might pop out of your mouth when you face a mass extinction event, right? So if any of this is an issue, bear these things in mind. Then pick up “Harpazo” by Nathalie Bujold Ryan if you dare.
Harpazo is the Greek word for “to seize, snatch, or pull away for oneself.” It is used in the New Testament to vividly describe the Rapture; that moment in time when most Christians believe Jesus will return to take His Believers (both the dead and the living) up with him to Heaven. It signals the beginning of seven years of Tribulation for the unbelievers remaining on Earth.
So, this first book of the trilogy is, of course, about the Rapture of the church and the response by those left behind. First reaction of the general “survivors?” Pure confusion, as expected. This event may have been talked about and prophesied for years, but it will confuse the Earthbound when it occurs. Ms. Ryan introduces us to a host of ordinary people going about their lives when suddenly roughly 25% of the population disappears in a blink. As if that weren’t chaos enough, the remaining people realize that all the world’s children are among the missing. This would weird out anyone who didn’t know the scoop. It would also devastate any parents whose children are among the mysteriously missing.
As we get to know our band of survivors -roughly 15 of them, most previously unknown to each other- we realize that they don’t all respond in the same way. Some begin to come to terms with what has happened and seek spiritual guidance to make amends. Some just want to duck and run until things return to “normal,” and others react with open hostility or violence. Then for some, it’s a chance to do whatever they want because the first responders are too busy to deal with the “small stuff” – and right now, it all seems like small stuff when your family is just…gone.
There’s a lot to like about this novel. It does a good job of showing what is most probably a realistic depiction of the chaos following the Rapture. The fact that there will be many different responses from those who remain is well expressed, as is the concept that this will be not only a chaotic time but a dangerous one as well.
The author creates her characters slowly and with great care. We don’t get to know them at first introduction, but slowly as the story unfolds. By the end of this book, readers have a good understanding of who each survivor is and what their views are. This sets us up beautifully for the next book. But readers will need to be patient as we get to know each member of this fairly large cast a bit at a time. That chaotic sense of not knowing who these people are and why they act the way they do adds to the feeling of being in the midst of the panic.
The pacing for this story is also not in the usual style. Sure, there are times of pure chaos, confusion, and violence that slowly recover into moments of reflection and hope. But when you consider that this story starts with the Big Event, well, you’ve got to know this story won’t read as most do.
But whether you’re one who has believed since childhood in this event, are purely skeptical at best, or have never heard of such a thing as the Rapture it’s a compelling and fascinating story. Readers will be able to participate in all sides of the concept, without feeling as though they’re being judged or preached to in a “turn or burn” style story. Instead, readers will find relatable characters in all walks of life; the teacher, firefighter, nurse, garbageman, blogger, bartender, cashier, and unemployed. As we get to know them, we begin to recognize their fears, doubts, and beliefs. They feel genuine because they are.
So, who would want to pick up a book about the end of the world? To start with, fans of suspense novels and thrillers will find the idea fascinating, as will readers of post-apocalyptic stories. So will those who have an interest in what Christians refer to as the End Times. It’s a great read for young adults as well, as those who don’t really know much about these events.
A word or two of warning here, though: it’s the end of the world, folks. It’s not pretty or sweet. It’s gritty, violent, sometimes hate-filled, or fueled by rage. There’s pain and death, and lots of heartache. There’s also a fair amount of mature language, although it’s not gratuitous- it simply adds to the genuine feel of these characters. Who knows what word might pop out of your mouth when you face a mass extinction event, right? So if any of this is an issue, bear these things in mind. Then pick up “Harpazo” by Nathalie Bujold Ryan if you dare.
January 15, 2025
In Harpazo by Nathalie Bujold Ryan, we are introduced to a wide cast of characters that tell the story through each one of their eyes. One day life is normal for each of them, and the next day everyone’s world spins off its axis. The odd thing is that people instantly just start disappearing out of thin air, literally. All that remains of the individuals is their pile of clothes. It seems that only certain men and women, along with all children, are snatched out of their lives with no notice as to where they are going and why they were one of the chosen ones.
With a mix of different characters, men and women must try to find some rational explanation as to why their family members, coworkers and neighbors were taken and they weren’t allowed to go with them. The rumor has it that this could be the time of “The Rapture,” which is found in the Book of Revelations. The Rapture is the sudden instant vanishing of all true-believing Christians on the earth. These people were chosen because they all are true believers of God. If you weren’t one of the chosen, the remaining people are presumed to be in serious trouble with their lives. Is this the time of The Rapture?
The reviewer found this book very intriguing with the entire concept of The Rapture. Ms. Bujold Ryan did a remarkable job entertaining her readers with this concept from start to finish. There was a large ensemble of characters and each gave their own perspective of how they saw things and how they were trying to adapt to their new world of missing their friends and family members. It was a bit puzzling, however, that there never was a definitive answer to where all the “innocents” went.
Since there was such a diverse cast of characters, it was easy to find a few that you could fall in love with and feel as if they could be real people in your life. The author did a great job of making these characters vulnerable and some naive enough to have them continually question why they weren’t one of the chosen ones as their friends and family members were. Some on the other hand, were obnoxious, and certainly readers will grow to dislike their rudeness to others as the remaining people who weren’t chosen had to learn to navigate their new world.
This is book one in the Trib Trilogy and it’s uncertain if book one will flow into book two’s storyline or not. It did seem that the ending of book one was left too open ended for readers to feel satisfied enough with the ending being conclusive. There were many questions left unanswered, and one can only hope book two will pick up where this one left off in order to fill in more of the blanks.
Quill says: Harpazo by Nathalie Bujold Ryan is one story which will intrigue readers with the concept of the Rapture and entice them to seek their own answers while reading this unique storyline.
With a mix of different characters, men and women must try to find some rational explanation as to why their family members, coworkers and neighbors were taken and they weren’t allowed to go with them. The rumor has it that this could be the time of “The Rapture,” which is found in the Book of Revelations. The Rapture is the sudden instant vanishing of all true-believing Christians on the earth. These people were chosen because they all are true believers of God. If you weren’t one of the chosen, the remaining people are presumed to be in serious trouble with their lives. Is this the time of The Rapture?
The reviewer found this book very intriguing with the entire concept of The Rapture. Ms. Bujold Ryan did a remarkable job entertaining her readers with this concept from start to finish. There was a large ensemble of characters and each gave their own perspective of how they saw things and how they were trying to adapt to their new world of missing their friends and family members. It was a bit puzzling, however, that there never was a definitive answer to where all the “innocents” went.
Since there was such a diverse cast of characters, it was easy to find a few that you could fall in love with and feel as if they could be real people in your life. The author did a great job of making these characters vulnerable and some naive enough to have them continually question why they weren’t one of the chosen ones as their friends and family members were. Some on the other hand, were obnoxious, and certainly readers will grow to dislike their rudeness to others as the remaining people who weren’t chosen had to learn to navigate their new world.
This is book one in the Trib Trilogy and it’s uncertain if book one will flow into book two’s storyline or not. It did seem that the ending of book one was left too open ended for readers to feel satisfied enough with the ending being conclusive. There were many questions left unanswered, and one can only hope book two will pick up where this one left off in order to fill in more of the blanks.
Quill says: Harpazo by Nathalie Bujold Ryan is one story which will intrigue readers with the concept of the Rapture and entice them to seek their own answers while reading this unique storyline.
May 28, 2025
This is a must read. I have read the "Left Behind" series and this book goes with the Left Behind books but I love the characters and their stories. I loved how the author put all of the character stories together. If you are not a Christian it is time to get right with God. I would not want to be on this Earth during the Tribulation. Can't wait to read the other stories.
April 14, 2025
Just wow. so much happened in this book!!
People going missing but they are all christian
Great characters all coming to help each other
Deadly pandemic viral infection
Meteor showers destroying cities
People going missing but they are all christian
Great characters all coming to help each other
Deadly pandemic viral infection
Meteor showers destroying cities
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
Not exactly what I expected. I didn't realize it would have a religious story line. I will read the next one, because I hate to not finish what I start, but hoping the religious aspect is untrue.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews