For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and These are the beginnings of sorrows. Mark 13:8
When Agent Joshua Stone is called to a high-level meeting at the Department of Homeland Security, he learns about a new global order which will be transitioning into power. Stone is read in on the plan for a single planetary government and a world-wide cashless-currency, which will step in to fill the void left by the failing monetary system. To win wide acceptance by the nations of the world, the old system must first be allowed to fail, bringing about a state of global chaos never before seen by mankind. Once desperation has taken the place of pride and hubris, humanity will beg for the proposed one-world empire led by the charismatic tech guru Lucius Alexander.
The United States will fall without a single shot being fired.
While still considered a sovereign nation under the new global charter, America is required to make some major adjustments in order to fit in. One of the mandatory changes comes in the form of oppressive firearms restrictions. Agent Stone is tasked with infiltrating a group of anti-government nationalists to monitor their activities in the wake of the new gun ban. But what he learns from the group while working undercover causes him to question if he is on the right side of the fight.
The final world empire will demand absolute loyalty.
Stone will have to make an impossible choice. If he chooses to ignore the information gleaned during his time undercover, he will violate his deepest personal convictions. However, if he turns his back on the Global Union, he’ll put not only his own life on the line, but also those of his wife and son.
Don’t miss this chilling depiction of what America will look like in the last days. Listen to The Beginning of Sorrows, a heart-stopping tale of the end times, today!
As with all works by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
Mark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.
Remember, this is fiction. Just like every author, Mark Goodwin uses real-life events and other material as inspiration for his stories. It's fiction inspired by the non-fiction. I really enjoy Mark Goodwin's writing. He writes for the veteran prepper and the novice. The political, secular, and Christian narratives unfold in the telling of his relatable stories. You'll recognize similar events to real-life current events without feeling like you're being fed a cheesy story. For a "Christian" book, it has some shocking scenes that I did not expect but was unexpectedly pleased with. I will say that I didn't like the way this series ended but I still can't wait to read the next series.
Ideal for readers who enjoy faith-based dystopian fiction, survivalist themes, or prophetic narratives. If you’re new to Goodwin, this is a great introduction to his work. Check it out on Kindle Unlimited or Audible (narrated excellently by Kevin Pierce) for an immersive experiencepp.
The series follows Agent Joshua Stone, a Department of Homeland Security operative tasked with infiltrating a group of anti-government nationalists amid a new gun ban. As Stone uncovers a global conspiracy involving a one-world government, he grapples with a moral dilemma: remain loyal to the Global Union or risk everything—his life, his wife, and his son—to stand against it. The narrative weaves real-world issues like economic collapse, skyrocketing inflation, and weaponized crises with biblical references, particularly from Mark 13:8 and Revelation, to craft a chilling vision of America in the “last days.” Goodwin excels at grounding his fiction in plausible scenarios inspired by current events, making the story feel eerily prescient. Themes of faith, redemption, and resilience shine through, as characters like Stone, his wife Stephanie, and others navigate a world of chaos, betrayal, and spiritual warfare. The series doesn’t shy away from conservative principles or scripture, which may not appeal to all readers but adds authenticity for its target audience.
True to Goodwin’s style, the series contains no profanity, explicit sex, or gratuitous violence, making it suitable for readers seeking faith-based fiction without compromising intensity. Some shocking scenes still pack a punch, which I found refreshing for a Christian novel. As a prepper advocate, Goodwin weaves in valuable survival tips—stockpiling supplies, hardening defenses, and preparing for crises—that readers, including myself, found educational. It’s like a survival guide wrapped in a thrilling story.
I have to say that the reality in this book deeply touched me chapter after chapter. The things I learned about being prepared and getting supplies, etc. was invaluable. And even thought I don’t agree with the conclusion I gave it 5 Stars. I totally believe that Jesus is coming back but I hold to the ancient teachings of the church that there is no secret coming where Jesus “raptures” believers. If you believe that then this book is the greatest for you. All the while I was reading I knew that Mark believes but again, this was one of his finest works. I highly recommend it!
Lots of action, dedicated well developed characters, perseverance, creativity, fortitude, and valor are poured into the pages of this series. I read each book, one right after the other, and loved that they blended so well into each other. I do enjoy Mark’s books and love the fact that his stories, though they be fiction, are not filled with curse words, demented or debased scenarios. They also continue to open my eyes to the world around me…how lazy we have all become to acknowledge what REALLY matters…our relationship with the true God and his word, The Holy Bible.
This book was great from the beginning til the last word ! I look forward too continuing the story with Emilio and Mackenzie as they navigate through the later half of the tribulation.
Loved the authors knowledge of scripture and prepping. Could hardly put the books down. So appreciate the author not using any profanity, etc. Truly a talented writer.
Good cast of characters and lots of fast action. Taking Biblical warnings from Revelation and place in realistic detail very close to home. You have difficulty dismissing the words in Revelations.
Enjoyed this complete boxed set very much. Having scriptures at the beginning of each chapter was a plus too. Makes you think to be prepared in more ways than one.