The Firstborn: They See What Others Cannot. But None Can See the Evil They Will Face from Within.

by Conlan Brown

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ's death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced. Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far.

Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the River-walk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in West Virginia, and ultimately back to our nation's Capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

Genres: Adventure, Christian Fiction, Fantasy, Christian, Supernatural, Fiction, Suspense

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2009

About the author

Suffering from severe dyslexia, Conlan Brown finally learned to read and write from his grandmother when he was homeschooled by her his fifth grade year. He has since gone on to accomplish numerous life goals.

After completing his first degree in Mass Media Production Conlan went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Journalism, then moved directly into graduate school. While earning his MA Conlan worked as a Teaching Associate at the University-level while working on his MA, teaching public speaking to undergraduates. During his education he continued to find skills pertinent to his craft, gaining both a strong understanding of human interaction which has informed his writing and the constant schedule of graduate-level writing.

Conlan lives on Colorado's front range. He enjoys video editing, classic film scores, and developing high octane, thought provoking fiction that turns pages and excites the senses.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conlan has crafted a compelling story along the lines of such talent as Bronleewe, Dekker and Parrish. I am truly impressed. The creativity of this story combined with a believable plot that twists around world problems in existence today is profound. This story breathes life and truth rather than destruction. Seriously. Don't let the creepy cover fool you.

Yeah, there are dark people in this story, but there is also light and self-sacrifice. Serving God rather than ourselves is a major theme, and showing just how misguided people can be when they think they know best rather than consulting God can be disastrous. This novel really makes you think. It's scary, bloody and a bit gross, but not without purpose. It's a man's man book, yet this wuss enjoyed it, too. Why? Because I enjoy an intelligent book with symbolism and truth interspersed throughout the plot.

I didn't see false doctrine or new age teaching, just a storyworld with clearly fabricated spiritual gifts (this is fiction) that conveyed a real life lesson Christians need to read about and hopefully allow into their hearts. The end doesn't always justify the means, but following the God of Love is crucial. Conlan did a great job showing these things without distorting the heart of the Scriptures. Bravo!

[Sierra Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was an okay read. I might be picking up the second book.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

If a book can't grab me within the first 35 pages, then I throw in the towel. There was a LOT of back and forth between storylines and a LOT of characters in the first chapter. It was choppy and confusing and I felt like there was some forced religion coming my way, so I abandoned ship.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a series.
The book introduces the reader to the idea that those who were raised during Jesus Christ's resurrection were the "Firstborn" and then their descendants received particular gifts. Some of them are able to see the past; some are able to discern what is happening in the present; and some are given visions of the future.
In an attempt to avoid the Thresher, plots are hatched and executed in order to have a position established as "Overseer".
Hannah, who can see the past; Devin, who can see the future, and John, who can discern the present are drawn together to expose the internal plot of the Firstborn. (Foresight, insight, hindsight)

There is also a sub-plot that John, who can see the future, and Trista, who can see the future, were in a relationship prior to this book - but because they are of different branches, their relationship is either forbidden or not encouraged.

Eventually, the Overseer is established. While others wanted Devin to be Overseer, he eventually accepted, named John as his successor, and stepped down.

I appreciated that the focus of the book was not a conversion experience, but rather a call for people of differences to work and worship together because of our shared God.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really disappointed that I didn't like this book all that much.

The writing was great, the story fascinating... Why, oh why, Mr. Brown, did you flip flop between the different characters every other paragraph or so?

I'm exaggerating a little, but it did feel that way reading the first couple of chapters, which is all I managed to do. I'm okay with learning about the perspectives of different characters, but not at the expense of flip-flopping through too many narratives in a single chapter. If you had paced out the chapters to one character at a time, it would have been MUCH more enjoyable and it would not have ended up on my Did Not Finish book list.

I'm really upset I didn't like this book, it had such promise!

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and its sequel The Overseer back in high school, and they continue to be the best that contemporary Christian novelists have to offer!

Set in modern day, we have three secret factions, the Prima, Ora, and Domani, all part of a collective group of Christians called the Firstborn, blessed with the ability of hindsight, insight, and foresight, depending on their faction. For instance, the Prima can only see visions of the past. They are seen as useless and less impactful by the other factions. The Ora can see visions of things in the now, and they are seen as reckless and impulsive by the other factions. Lastly, the Domani see visions of the future, who pride themselves with being the most important faction of the Firstborn, as they can see things yet to unfold. Ever since Christ's death on the Cross brought darkness and earthquakes across the land in 30-36 AD, the nearby deceased believers rose again and re-entered the city from their place of rest. These people were the beginning of the Firstborn, blessed with different types of visions, meant to bless God's people by using these gifts to glorify God. These people lived in secret, fearing persecution and prejudice. For years, they were seen as witches and warlocks and were consequently burned or hanged thusly, creating a fear in these Firstborn. It wasn't until the 1600's or so when an Italian man called Alessandro D'Angelo, the only Firstborn known to have ALL THREE SETS OF VISIONS, called the men and women of visions together, uniting them with a single purpose and a feeling of meaning. He gave them their factions (Prima, Ora, and Domani) and called them the Firstborn. That was the START of the collective group and its factions. And it was also the start of the animosity and tension between factions, a mistrust that grew from one of D'Angelou's many prophetic visions, which warned of a threat from within the orders called Thresher.





Take a deep breath. You still with me? That's just the set-up. We haven't even gotten to the plot yet! But trust me...it is oh so worth reading!

Cut to modern day. An islamic priest is shot by his car in a parking lot, a vision seen by many Prima. An American elementary school blowing up, killing hundreds, as an act of Islamic terrorism, seen by many Domani. The yearly meeting of the Firstborn, this year in San Antonio, TX, makes sure to discuss these visions and attempt to calm tensions. Our main characters include a brand new Prima named Hannah (a young innocent who just realized she had powers of hindsight and was suddenly thrust into the world of the Firstborn and its politics), a lonely middle-class Domani named Devon, and a free-spirited and godly young missionary man and Ora named Johnny (who has a bad reputation after being caught in a relationship with a Domani girl).

When corruption within the orders arises at the Firstborn meeting in San Antonio, the leader of the Prima is murdered and a corrupt Overseer is appointed (a position that oversees all three factions, a position not filled in many years). Our main three characters Hannah, Devon, and Johnny must uncover who is behind the corruption and why. They track down terrorist threats, as seen in visions by our characters, in order to stop both the corruption going on within the Firstborn ranks, as well as the Islamic attack on the elementary school in the future. And, interestingly enough, both these things are intricately connected. Why? Because the one behind the corruption skews the purpose of the Firstborn, the Way set in front of the Firstborn by God Himself, as fear of Thresher becomes an all out war between the members of the Firstborn. And all the while, a dark shadow whispers into the ear of the man behind the corruption, telling him lies, turning his heart and soul....



This book is such a thrill! I love the idea of visions, I love the action and tension, and I love that three people from different factions have to come together to stop terrorist attacks (despite the tension between factions). I love the lore of the story, and I wish Conlan Brown finished the series!

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I'm a devout Christian, I tend to shy away from Christian novels because they tend to be a bit cheesy, even the ones that claim to be "fast paced" and "action packed." But I picked this one up and didn't even know that it was a Christian novel until I was about 2 chapters in.

The Firstborn got is theme from Matthew 27:52. "And the graves were opened; and many of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised." In the book, the Firstborn were descendants of these saints that were raised from the dead and were endowed supernatural gifts. Throughout the years, the Firstborn were separated into different division according to their gifts: The Prima (ones who can see the past), The Ora (ones who can see the present), and the Domani (ones who can see the future). During the times of "witchcraft" a lot of the Firstborn were hanged or burned because the church thought their powers were satanic. So when one of the Firstborn were caught, they would often point them to another Firstborn and they would always show them the location of a person from another division. This is how, during present time, the Firstborn are separated. It was basically forbidden for a Domani to talk to an Ora and so on.

The book is centered on Devin, a Domani, who sees the future. He makes a mistake when he sees a girl, Hannah, kidnapped and about to be killed. He saves her in the process but later on finds out that she's part of the Prima and her grandfather the head of that division. The grandfather takes notice of this and Devin, Hannah, and another Firstborn from the Ora, John, is plunged into this mayhem of deceit within the company and trying to prevent a world catastrophe from happening.

The Firstborn was extremely fast paced. I finished it in a day and a half. It has a great balance of Christian themes and action series that something like John Sanford would write. The themes were great (declaration of Christianity, falling out of love with Christ, stepping away from Christ, and of course, Love) and I really felt a connection with the characters. The only thing I didn't like was the layout of the novel. There is a lot of brief breaks. It's probably written to read like a movie, switching from scene to scene, but I find it a little distracting for a couple of chapters. But the brain learns.

Read the book! It's not like any of the Christian novels out. This ones for the people who love the Lord AND action. Great book, 4 stars!

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firstborn by Conlan Brown is what appears to be the first in a series of gifted individuals trying to do God's will here on earth. Devin Bathurst is a member of the Domani, one of three groups who view the world in a unique way. The Domani can see the future, the Ora the present, and the Prima the past. Devin races against time to rescue a young woman who has been kidnapped. Once she's safe, he discovers that the woman, Hannah Rice, is the granddaughter of the patriarch of the Prima . The two of them are soon on their way to a meeting of the three sects who normally never intermingle, but threats from the outside are causing some of them to want an Overseer to be in charge of all three groups. Devin, Hannah, along with rogue Ora John Temple are pressed hard to stop several terrorist plots while trying to figure out who is their enemy and who is a friend. I had a hard time at first getting into this debut novel. There are a few places that would have been served by a bit more polish, but once the action started, I literally could not turn the pages fast enough! Brown provides a great deal of insight into the point of view of each of the three groups, and those perceptions transfer to reality as well. Those who are focused on the future tend not to worry as much about immediate needs. Present minded people tend to live for the moment without worrying about consequences, and those living in the past can become depressed and apathetic. The action is brutal and well-written. I could see it all playing out in front of me. The characters are interesting and definitely worth following into future entries in the series.

[Wyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read many Christian thrillers so was delighted to have a new idea presented. You may have come across this idea before but I haven't so bear with me. The idea ~ that those who were raised from the dead by Jesus after the crucifixion (Matthew 27:52) continue with their life on earth but because they have seen paradise, they continue to experience time out of time. This gift they pass on to their descendants who gradually divide into three groups, called the Firstborn. Some see the future, some what is going on right now, and some see the past. Because of their differences they gradually break apart and stop trusting each other but all continue to think that their purpose in life is to keep the world safe. It's the present time and Palestinian terrorists are threatening the children of America. Three members of the Firstborn plus one new member must stop the terrorists and at the same time keep the Firstborn from disintegrating and destroying themselves. The book moves quickly from one character to the next which helps to increase the tension of the story. Their characteristics are well developed and continue to develop throughout the story which I like, a growing character adds tension and interest. Little twists and turns help to keep the suspense building but I must admit that I didn't care for some of the very graphic torture details. Adjectives and adverbs abound in this thriller making it all the more exciting to read. I read this book through in one afternoon, constantly waiting for the next twist. Definitely a sign of a good book. I am giving this 4 stars.

[Sam Batterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conlan Brown bursts onto the Christian Fiction scene with a book unlike any other - a combination of "Die Hard"-like action with the mis-matched, allies-enemies-partnership of the "X-Men." The book literally crackles with action and the 311 pages go by very quickly - it's a great airline book or vacation book. Each chapter...wait, hold that...each viewpoint holds tension and literally compels the reader to turn the page.
Conlan uses a very interesting technique of looking at each character through multiple viewpoints. Not only does this give the reader a varying perspective on these interesting characters, but in some cases it feels like these viewpoints are cameras on the action capturing the paddle-kicks, punches and bursting gunfire from High-Definition perspectives. For being a first time author, Conlan Brown shows he is a master of Point of View and advanced plotting. The fight and action scenes are exceptionally well done - always a challenge when something so visual and visceral is required delivery in the form of a book.
Finally, what I truly appreciated about this book is throughout the book Conlan keeps the reader contemplating and wondering whether these "heroes" are really anti-heroes, reluctant heroes or heroes grappling with revenge. In short, he adds humanity to the cast of characters he has brought to life in "The Firstborn."
I can't wait to see new works from this exciting new author.

[Jill Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Firstborn starts out with a rescue mission. Devin Bathurst is having visions of a kidnapped woman. He uses this sight to try and rescue her before she is killed. The scenes volley back and forth between Devin, the woman, and the kidnappers. Then we discover that the woman, Hannah, has a similar gift. She can see where a man has been, his past deeds. This leads us to the clever premise of the Firstborn, descendants of those who were raised from the dead when Christ died on the cross. The Firstborn fall into three orders: Prima, Ora, and Domani. Those that can see the past, present, and future.

But the Firstborn has grown paranoid over the years, each order fearing the other, and one man is trying to take over. Can Devin manage to follow God’s will or his own to fight against what lies ahead?

I thought this premise was brilliant. It’s like, what if there were Christian mobsters? How would they act? What choices might they make? The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and gripping. The writing style was a bit jolting at first. Brown uses sentence fragments a lot and jumps from one point of view to another. But once it got going, I was hooked. I really liked Brown’s characters, especially the play between Devin and John. If you’re looking for a new suspense read, look no further. I’m excited to see what Conlan Brown comes up with next.

[Brigette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

I thought this was an okay read.

I liked a lot of the ideas that were presented here, especially the concept of the three orders that can see past, present, and future who are descended from the "first-born" who were raised to life after Jesus' death and resurrection. It's not an idea I've ever seen in a book before, so I thought that was an interesting, original concept. And I liked some of the themes that the author seems to be going for in the book.

But outside of that, I didn't really connect with this story. The writing was a bit confusing at times because of all the constant jumping around between POVs, and the characters felt pretty flat to me for the most part. Devin and John seem to get the most time and development in this book, but it didn't feel like enough for me to really connect or care that much.

Overall, I think this book had a lot of potential, but it just didn't quite reach it.

[Tommy Buteau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I am still not sure why they call this a Christian novel. It was a fast read, too fast in my opinion. By the end I was feeling like, "Wow, Christians sure like to fight a lot." It reminded me of a Dan Brown historical fiction novel but with more action and less puzzles. I guess it was the message that we need to love our enemies that made it a Christian novel? Ideas: Palestine vs. Israel background, time world views ( I particularly liked the character divisions between future, past and present focused characters.), and becoming friends with those who are different. It was kind of like the odd couple, but with various sects.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't finish this one. I gave it 135 pages, but into the "action," I couldn't keep the characters straight much less remember the three divisions of the Firstborn. It just wasn't interesting. And worse for a book lover, I had no compassion for the characters...there was no development, so nothing for me to identify with. I felt nothing for them and their situations. There's no place in this story where I found myself in the drama. I wasn't even an observer. I had more invested in the duck pond I passed this morning.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. I was impressed by the author's creativity. I've read the passage of Christ's death and the dead that rose I've never really thought about much but giving them gufts to see the past, present and future was inventive and creative. I also liked how the author incorporated prayer, faith, and the realization that humanity even with gifts are can be corrupted. Thank you for a great read.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok. Usually, I try to give a book a fair chance and read a few chapters before I decide if I want to continue reading, at LEAST. This book, though... I couldn't even get through the first CHAPTER. I mean, the general story line seems interesting, but it just... This book just doesn't do anything for me.

[Carrie Milkanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of characters and hard to get into. Stick it out through page 65, it will all come together. I don't agree with the premise of the book, that God has appointed people with gifts of foresight, the truth in now, the ability to see the past. The Ora, Prima and Domani are the three religious orders of the firstborn. Has a great rhythms, keeps you turning those pages!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. After waiting to read this for so long, I wasn't disappointed. It was difficult to get into at first, but about halfway through I really connected with the characters. I really grew to love John Temple's character and the whole story was ultimately fascinating.

[Singleyoungchristianmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written. I found myself reading it for hours, time literally flew by. It is a gripping tale, and an interesting fictional twist to Christianity. The book has the underlying message of Christ throughout, but the book centers around action and intense situations. I really enjoyed it!!

[Linz]

Eh... No thanks.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action starts from the first page. If you can get past the narrative changing perspectives quickly it is a quick read. Pretty good if you like "sci-fi"ish action.

[Michelle]

Surprisingly good.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Highly recommended!!!!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been watching for more to come from Conlan Brown. His first two books were homeruns for me.

[Peter Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read.

I don't know Conlan Brown or anything, but I truly LOVED this book!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of terrorism and religion; fast paced; easy read.

[Stephanie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. A page turner from the beginning. Eager to read the sequel.