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The Barren Fields: A Christian Post-Apocalyptic Novel
A STAND-ALONE CHRISTIAN POST-APOCALYPTIC NOVEL
Shon was studying abroad when she thought God told her to return home. Without hesitation, she packed up and caught the next flight back to the States. The moment her plane touched down, bombs went off across the US. She didn't know if this was the start of World War III or the end of the world.
Surely, God hadn't called her home for this...?
The bombs destroyed almost everything. And whatever was left withered away in the radiation left behind, forcing survivors to live indoors or underground. The world outside is dead now. Barren. But Shon hears rumors of a settlement for Christians seeking shelter, and she suddenly remembers God's words to her years ago. With nothing but the clothes on her back, Shon sets out in search of this haven, daring to cross the American wasteland alone as she looks for her family in the Barren Fields.
Shon was studying abroad when she thought God told her to return home. Without hesitation, she packed up and caught the next flight back to the States. The moment her plane touched down, bombs went off across the US. She didn't know if this was the start of World War III or the end of the world.
Surely, God hadn't called her home for this...?
The bombs destroyed almost everything. And whatever was left withered away in the radiation left behind, forcing survivors to live indoors or underground. The world outside is dead now. Barren. But Shon hears rumors of a settlement for Christians seeking shelter, and she suddenly remembers God's words to her years ago. With nothing but the clothes on her back, Shon sets out in search of this haven, daring to cross the American wasteland alone as she looks for her family in the Barren Fields.
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Published March 22, 2024
87 people are currently reading
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About the author
Valicity Elaine
36 books613 followersI love fantasy and magic and quirky high school stories. Writing is my passion, Jesus is my life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 1, 2023
This book blew me away. I went in hoping to find a post -apocalyptic read that kept me entertained... boy was I wrong. This book hit so hard on so many levels. I love the way Valicity weaves a story, creates a believable world, and teaches a lesson; not only to her characters but to her readers as well.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Keep fighting the good fight.
January 15, 2025
Okay this was my first zombie apocalypse book and I LOVED it. Zombies & radioactive dogs with neon blue eyes is wild. The author is Christian and expressed an underlying message of when you have nothing & the world is chaos, it doesn’t mean God is absent. Bad things happen to good people all the time and that turns people away from God, but really it’s meant to grow our faith.
January 3, 2024
5.5 Stars for me. This book was wonderful. I haven’t read a book this quickly in a long time. It was filled with such action. I love apocalyptic books. I’m also a Christian. This book kept me so engaged and at the same time incorporated faith.. it made me feel so many emotions. The overall message of the book was very uplifting. My only opinion on the down side of the book was that the end felt slightly rushed. However, I think that also added to the novel too. The book is about the journey the main characters face. In the Barren fields and with their own faith in God. So the ending didn’t need to be longer. Perfect first book to start off my New year❤️
September 23, 2024
Well written. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. She allows you to build quite an image with your imagination. Some parts are real and disturbing. You have to have an interest and love or interest for post apocalyptic events to really enjoy.
April 26, 2025
I don't usually write reviews on this app but I feel like this one was warranted. I wanted to like this book, was excited to see a Christian take on an apocalypse story, and a lot of this book wasn't bad, at first. It could have been a great story, it has a good concept and a new twist on an apocalypse, and there were a lot of Biblical truths in it, but it felt like a first draft, there were errors and things that could have been written better after being revised. However my main issue was the end of the book, it completely ruined the entire thing for me. I almost put the book down right then, but I only had 2 or so chapters left and it honestly continued down hill. I would not recommend this book to another Christian or someone with questions because I feel that there are aspects of the Bible and Christianity that are misrepresented in this story.
August 18, 2025
Absolutely Incredible
The Barren Fields vivid imagery and high-octane plot felt more like a movie being watched than a book being read! From the very first page, I was captivated by this riveting Christian post-apocalyptic novel. I've been following Valicity Elaine for quite some time now, and I can't help but think how much I regret not picking up this book sooner. It's absolutely incredible! Each page draws you in deeper, and the writing is simply mesmerizing. If you haven't read it yet, you're missing out on something truly special!
The Barren Fields vivid imagery and high-octane plot felt more like a movie being watched than a book being read! From the very first page, I was captivated by this riveting Christian post-apocalyptic novel. I've been following Valicity Elaine for quite some time now, and I can't help but think how much I regret not picking up this book sooner. It's absolutely incredible! Each page draws you in deeper, and the writing is simply mesmerizing. If you haven't read it yet, you're missing out on something truly special!
April 2, 2025
Wow. I loved this.
May 27, 2025
This book is amazing! The story line is fully of bombshells and strong plots. Highly recommend!!!
March 25, 2024
The first 60% of this book was amazing, so 3 star rating is solely because there are a lot of things that don’t line up with scripture towards the end of the book that made me so sad to see because of how much I loved the first half.
Reader beware of reading Christian books and taking exactly what is written as lining up with scriptures.
Reader beware of reading Christian books and taking exactly what is written as lining up with scriptures.
May 21, 2025
In this Christian Post-Apocalyptic novel our FMC is RaShonda. After years of studying abroad, she feels God is calling her to return home. Just as the plane has lands, the apocalypse begins. Shon holes up in the airport with the others. One day she breaks the rules and is banished from the airport community. She heads out into the barren fields to attempt to find her family. Everything is withered up or mutated. And by everything I mean plants, animals and humans who were left outside in the contamination. Along the way, she meets Erik who accompanies her. Erik does not believe in God. As they travel and run into others outside, there’s rumors of a clean untouched community of survivors who are protected by God. Although Erik scoffs at this idea, he still stays with Shon to help her find her family and this community.
The premise sounds fairly simple, but’s actually much more complex. These people have complicated pasts and at several points, my jaw hit the floor. The characters feel incredibly real, especially Shon. She struggles with her emotions regarding faith, her ex-boyfriend, her son and her new friend Erik. In this new landscape, Shon has been forced to kill, starve, and walk on hip that didn’t heal correctly. The situation is bleak, but she only has 2 options. Believe God or abandon Him. Her internal conflict is felt through her tears, prayers and actions. This book is an emotional one that I find to be a rarity in this genre. The relationship dynamics and drama felt natural. This book is a must read!
The premise sounds fairly simple, but’s actually much more complex. These people have complicated pasts and at several points, my jaw hit the floor. The characters feel incredibly real, especially Shon. She struggles with her emotions regarding faith, her ex-boyfriend, her son and her new friend Erik. In this new landscape, Shon has been forced to kill, starve, and walk on hip that didn’t heal correctly. The situation is bleak, but she only has 2 options. Believe God or abandon Him. Her internal conflict is felt through her tears, prayers and actions. This book is an emotional one that I find to be a rarity in this genre. The relationship dynamics and drama felt natural. This book is a must read!
January 23, 2025
Wow...this was unexpected. At first, I was going to give this a 4-star rating, but I have to go with a 4.75 star rating for this beauty. I am in awe of how faith-centered this dystopian novel was. It was gritty and dark but still held true to the Word of God. There was beauty hidden in the pages as I read.
This is a dystopian world -- specifically set in Georgia after an explosion kills everything. Power, communication, people, animals, and everything in between. We follow Shon (RaShonda) who has returned home upon God telling her to. We see her live her life after her arrival once the explosions take place.
I enjoyed Shon as a character. She was bold, humble, and could be a savage when the need arose. Her faith was what got me though, she stayed strong in the face of so much instead of choosing vengeance. Erik was a nice addition to the story. He was the opposite of Shon faith-wise, but watching him grow in it was beautiful. The romance was the sweetest in the world.
I enjoyed how clean yet gritty this story was. It dragged at first, but as I read on, I fell in love with the story, plot, and characters. There was too much information dumping, but considering that it's a standalone, I get it.
If you love a good dystopian novel, give this a go!
Valicity Elaine is an author I follow on social media and finally gave a try and I plan to read all of her books.
This is a dystopian world -- specifically set in Georgia after an explosion kills everything. Power, communication, people, animals, and everything in between. We follow Shon (RaShonda) who has returned home upon God telling her to. We see her live her life after her arrival once the explosions take place.
I enjoyed Shon as a character. She was bold, humble, and could be a savage when the need arose. Her faith was what got me though, she stayed strong in the face of so much instead of choosing vengeance. Erik was a nice addition to the story. He was the opposite of Shon faith-wise, but watching him grow in it was beautiful. The romance was the sweetest in the world.
I enjoyed how clean yet gritty this story was. It dragged at first, but as I read on, I fell in love with the story, plot, and characters. There was too much information dumping, but considering that it's a standalone, I get it.
If you love a good dystopian novel, give this a go!
Valicity Elaine is an author I follow on social media and finally gave a try and I plan to read all of her books.
January 23, 2025
Wow...this was unexpected. At first, I was going to give this a 4-star rating, but I have to go with a 4.75 star rating for this beauty. I am in awe of how faith-centered this dystopian novel was. It was gritty and dark but still held true to the Word of God. There was beauty hidden in the pages as I read.
This is a dystopian world -- specifically set in Georgia after an explosion kills everything. Power, communication, people, animals, and everything in between. We follow Shon (RaShonda) who has returned home upon God telling her to. We see her live her life after her arrival once the explosions take place.
I enjoyed Shon as a character. She was bold, humble, and could be a savage when the need arose. Her faith was what got me though, she stayed strong in the face of so much instead of choosing vengeance. Erik was a nice addition to the story. He was the opposite of Shon faith-wise, but watching him grow in it was beautiful. The romance was the sweetest in the world.
I enjoyed how clean yet gritty this story was. It dragged at first, but as I read on, I fell in love with the story, plot, and characters. There was too much information dumping, but considering that it's a standalone, I get it.
If you love a good dystopian novel, give this a go!
Valicity Elaine is an author I follow on social media and finally gave a try and I plan to read all of her books.
This is a dystopian world -- specifically set in Georgia after an explosion kills everything. Power, communication, people, animals, and everything in between. We follow Shon (RaShonda) who has returned home upon God telling her to. We see her live her life after her arrival once the explosions take place.
I enjoyed Shon as a character. She was bold, humble, and could be a savage when the need arose. Her faith was what got me though, she stayed strong in the face of so much instead of choosing vengeance. Erik was a nice addition to the story. He was the opposite of Shon faith-wise, but watching him grow in it was beautiful. The romance was the sweetest in the world.
I enjoyed how clean yet gritty this story was. It dragged at first, but as I read on, I fell in love with the story, plot, and characters. There was too much information dumping, but considering that it's a standalone, I get it.
If you love a good dystopian novel, give this a go!
Valicity Elaine is an author I follow on social media and finally gave a try and I plan to read all of her books.
October 20, 2024
★ ★ ★ ★
The Barren Fields by Valicity Elaine is a beautifully written novel that skillfully blends post-apocalyptic survival with emotional depth. The story follows a group of characters navigating a world that has been stripped of hope and resources, yet the author excels in creating moments of humanity amid the desolation. The character development is a major strength—each individual feels layered and real, facing inner battles that parallel the external challenges they endure.
Elaine’s world-building is vivid, immersing the reader in an environment that feels bleak and unforgiving, yet there are glimpses of beauty in her descriptions that keep the story from being entirely heavy. Her writing is lyrical without being overly complicated, and the pacing, while slow at times, allows for rich emotional exploration.
Overall, The Barren Fields is a strong, reflective novel that will resonate with people who appreciate stories of resilience, hope, and survival in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Barren Fields by Valicity Elaine is a beautifully written novel that skillfully blends post-apocalyptic survival with emotional depth. The story follows a group of characters navigating a world that has been stripped of hope and resources, yet the author excels in creating moments of humanity amid the desolation. The character development is a major strength—each individual feels layered and real, facing inner battles that parallel the external challenges they endure.
Elaine’s world-building is vivid, immersing the reader in an environment that feels bleak and unforgiving, yet there are glimpses of beauty in her descriptions that keep the story from being entirely heavy. Her writing is lyrical without being overly complicated, and the pacing, while slow at times, allows for rich emotional exploration.
Overall, The Barren Fields is a strong, reflective novel that will resonate with people who appreciate stories of resilience, hope, and survival in the face of overwhelming odds.
October 25, 2025
4.75 ✨ I loved this zombie apocalypse with a twist of finding faith in God. The world building was simple. The characters pov was done well. There was a moment of a couple of plot twists where I had to pause and take a few deep breaths to digress before moving forward. I felt immersed in the book and empathized with the characters. What I love about this novel on how not only does it teach about the gospel but it shows what it’s like to walk away from faith and how to find it again. God doesn’t ask much from us except to repent, pray, rebuke demons, and believe in Christ to have a relationship with him as our number 1. And that was shown in this book. Overall, I had a great time reading this novel.
Some of my favorite highlights,
“If Jesus can give everything for the people who hurt him, then I can take a chance for someone who’s hurt me too”.
“That He would trust us with the pain we suffer.”
“The Bible says trouble will come. There is no promise of a perfect life in the Word of God, just a promise that Jesus would be with you when you faced hard times”.
Some of my favorite highlights,
“If Jesus can give everything for the people who hurt him, then I can take a chance for someone who’s hurt me too”.
“That He would trust us with the pain we suffer.”
“The Bible says trouble will come. There is no promise of a perfect life in the Word of God, just a promise that Jesus would be with you when you faced hard times”.
January 19, 2024
This book was so amazing! Once I had started it, I literally didn’t put it down. I read it all in one day. I tried to stop so I could make the enjoyment last, but I couldn’t. It’s very action packed with a touch of romance and hard hitting storylines of these characters and the things they had gone through. It definitely left my jaw on the floor a few times. What I love the most, it’s not your typical bs of nothing bad will happen to you lie that gets told in most Christian books. It definitely shows the wilderness side and struggle of dealing with the reality how being a Christian isn’t a shield from the evils of this world.
June 26, 2025
Okay, so this one is hard to give a firm number rating because potential and story line are a 5 star BUT for me the character development lacked severely. I understand that we're getting dropped in the middle of someone's life but I feel like more of the main people could have their story rounded out more which would have made the book even more gripping!
Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (aside from a few theological differences that won't apply to everyone so I'll leave those out)
This one kept me on the edge of my seat practically the whole time and left me wishing the book wasn't over. If you want a good clean "zombie" book, this one is it!
Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book (aside from a few theological differences that won't apply to everyone so I'll leave those out)
This one kept me on the edge of my seat practically the whole time and left me wishing the book wasn't over. If you want a good clean "zombie" book, this one is it!
May 8, 2025
Absolutely beautifully written !
The ups the downs, the doubting, the trials and tribulations honestly got teary eyed reading most of the scenes because our God is so good and gracious, he is all we need. That mustard seed of faith to seek him and we will have all our answers and trusting him even when we question him. You honestly wrote this so beautifully I was fully invested in the plot as well and the questions from everything going on in and around the barren fields 10/10!!!!!
The ups the downs, the doubting, the trials and tribulations honestly got teary eyed reading most of the scenes because our God is so good and gracious, he is all we need. That mustard seed of faith to seek him and we will have all our answers and trusting him even when we question him. You honestly wrote this so beautifully I was fully invested in the plot as well and the questions from everything going on in and around the barren fields 10/10!!!!!
January 27, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but am so glad I gave it a go. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, this is a must read. Valicity Elaine did such a wonderful job building this atmospheric, post apocalyptic world, while holding tight to the hope of Jesus Christ. The FMC was strong, yet completely relatable. She held onto her faith when all seemed lost. Such a great story and a really fun reading experience!
October 8, 2025
So Good!!!!
This was an absolute amazing read. I just started getting convicted and transitioning to more christian/ faith based fiction books and o m g. I cried, i smiled, i gasped. I didn’t even know a book could boost my faith in Christ the way this book did. It truly embodies his unconditional fatherly love so well. Amazing read!! May need to even buy a paper copy for my library ;)
This was an absolute amazing read. I just started getting convicted and transitioning to more christian/ faith based fiction books and o m g. I cried, i smiled, i gasped. I didn’t even know a book could boost my faith in Christ the way this book did. It truly embodies his unconditional fatherly love so well. Amazing read!! May need to even buy a paper copy for my library ;)
January 27, 2024
Simply God Written
I loved to read this book. I love how it shows the love of God even through the darkest of times and the fact that He’s literally everywhere in it. This is the 6th book I’ve read from Valicity Elaine and I am never disappointed. Such a Godsend for a Christian book lover.
I loved to read this book. I love how it shows the love of God even through the darkest of times and the fact that He’s literally everywhere in it. This is the 6th book I’ve read from Valicity Elaine and I am never disappointed. Such a Godsend for a Christian book lover.
October 4, 2024
A Great Way to incorporate a little horror into a Christian Book
While this a little on the horror or thriller side, it’s a beautiful story. It made me cry so many times. I love how this Christian author doesn’t shy away from serious and hard themes/topics. If you love God and you also like zombies, this is the book for you!
While this a little on the horror or thriller side, it’s a beautiful story. It made me cry so many times. I love how this Christian author doesn’t shy away from serious and hard themes/topics. If you love God and you also like zombies, this is the book for you!
December 29, 2024
Five out outta five stars
This book was amazing best book I've read this year I finished it in 2 days, probably would of finished it in one if I didn't start it so late. It's not slow at all its packed with action, love, fear, and faith. If your looking for a post apocalyptic book that you can't put down this is the one for you
This book was amazing best book I've read this year I finished it in 2 days, probably would of finished it in one if I didn't start it so late. It's not slow at all its packed with action, love, fear, and faith. If your looking for a post apocalyptic book that you can't put down this is the one for you
January 12, 2025
Book Review: The Barren Fields by J.D. Shepherd
Y’all, The Barren Fields absolutely delivers on the Christian post-apocalyptic vibes. Imagine The Road meets The Pilgrim’s Progress but with a spiritual edge that’ll have you questioning your own faith journey while dodging dystopian chaos. The story follows a small band of survivors navigating a desolate wasteland, where every step feels heavy with suspense and divine purpose.
The world-building is top-tier bleak crumbling cities, abandoned fields, and a constant sense of danger that’ll keep you glued to every page. Shepherd doesn’t shy away from the big questions either. Themes of redemption, hope, and sacrifice are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it both thought provoking and action packed.
If you’re into slow-burn character development, this book is IT. The protagonist’s inner struggles hit hard, and the faith-based reflections are raw and authentic. Don’t worry; it’s not preachy it’s just real. Bonus points for the unexpected plot twists and the hauntingly poetic writing style. The ending? Let’s just say it left me in my feels, pondering for days. Highly recommend this one for fans of speculative fiction that packs a spiritual punch. I personally enjoyed it and I think I would be reading more books like this.
Y’all, The Barren Fields absolutely delivers on the Christian post-apocalyptic vibes. Imagine The Road meets The Pilgrim’s Progress but with a spiritual edge that’ll have you questioning your own faith journey while dodging dystopian chaos. The story follows a small band of survivors navigating a desolate wasteland, where every step feels heavy with suspense and divine purpose.
The world-building is top-tier bleak crumbling cities, abandoned fields, and a constant sense of danger that’ll keep you glued to every page. Shepherd doesn’t shy away from the big questions either. Themes of redemption, hope, and sacrifice are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it both thought provoking and action packed.
If you’re into slow-burn character development, this book is IT. The protagonist’s inner struggles hit hard, and the faith-based reflections are raw and authentic. Don’t worry; it’s not preachy it’s just real. Bonus points for the unexpected plot twists and the hauntingly poetic writing style. The ending? Let’s just say it left me in my feels, pondering for days. Highly recommend this one for fans of speculative fiction that packs a spiritual punch. I personally enjoyed it and I think I would be reading more books like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
this book was my first experience with a christian book that wasn’t like a self help book. it was actually so good!! non fiction is just so boring to me and i’m happy i found a new author and a whole community where i can read christian stories without literally just reading what somebody else thinks you know? really really good!!
March 19, 2025
Pretty Good.
This was a pretty good book. This is my 1st post apocalyptic book. I usually watch post apocalyptic TV shows. This book is well written and gripping. I loved seeing the characters faith and connections to God; however some scriptures that were mentioned didn't align with what was mentioned. I read the Bible and I highly recommend you read it for yourself too.
This was a pretty good book. This is my 1st post apocalyptic book. I usually watch post apocalyptic TV shows. This book is well written and gripping. I loved seeing the characters faith and connections to God; however some scriptures that were mentioned didn't align with what was mentioned. I read the Bible and I highly recommend you read it for yourself too.
December 4, 2023
This book was AMAZING!!! I was nervous that it was going to be like a cheesy Christian book, but it was far from it. It was truly amazing, with a great storyline, and a great story on faith in Jesus. I would HIGHLY recommend this book!
March 29, 2024
This was a great book. Full of action. The way it was written was so, so good. I love how God was a major focus and that the author put in some scripture, the message I received from this story was amazing. I laughed and cried and had the anxiety shake going the whole time.
April 16, 2024
Great book! A Christian point of view on a what if story line. Honestly was raw and real! Most of the feelings and sentiments were ones I had as I read it too! I felt like I could relate so much to the characters. I hope to get more books from this author
May 27, 2024
I read this book in a day. I could not put it down! It has been a very long time since I’ve found a book where I feel a connection with the characters. I was in tears so many times. This book truly touched my soul.
October 13, 2024
wow!!!
This book is so well written and captivating!! It got me hooked in the first chapter and was a page turner. I will definitely be reading more of valicity books. This book is hands down my favorite right now !!
This book is so well written and captivating!! It got me hooked in the first chapter and was a page turner. I will definitely be reading more of valicity books. This book is hands down my favorite right now !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews