As leader of a special military unit charged with stopping potential pandemics before they spread, John "Haggs" Haggerty has a front-row seat to the sharp increase in natural disasters that precede the Rapture--including plagues, earthquakes, famines, wars, and rumors of war. And each crisis is becoming more intense.
Meanwhile, his own world feels like it's falling apart. He's still caught in the grief of messing up his relationship with his ex-wife, and he's trying to keep it together so that he can show up for his adult daughter before she wants him out of her life entirely. As both personal and professional situations push him to the brink, Haggs finds himself stretched further than ever in his desire to be the kind of good person he knows he should be.
Just when it seems as if things might turn around, Haggs is forced to decide between his need to find solutions and his need for personal redemption.
Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, felt God’s calling on his life at a very early age. Born February 13, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Jeremiah was raised in a family deeply committed to ministry. At the age of eleven, Dr. Jeremiah and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio where his father, Dr. James T. Jeremiah, was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and in 1953 became the President of Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio.
As Dr. Jeremiah was sensitive to God’s leading in his life, he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1963, Dr. Jeremiah received a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College. In that same year, Dr. Jeremiah married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson who also was attending Cedarville College as a business major. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1967. He completed additional graduate work at Grace University and was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.
In 1969, Dr. Jeremiah began Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and developed a Christian school grades K through 12. In the 12 years he served as pastor, Blackhawk Baptist Church grew from 7 families to 1300 members. He also launched The Bible Hour television program.
Dr. Jeremiah heeded God’s call, and in 1981 he and his family moved to California where he became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now Shadow Mountain Community Church.
Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego County. It is also the home of Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools.
As Dr. Jeremiah began his ministry at Shadow Mountain, he felt God’s calling to continue the broadcast ministry he started in Fort Wayne. In 1982, Turning Point Ministries became a reality.
Today, Turning Point's 30-minute radio program is heard nationally and internationally on over 1800 stations and translator/satellators. In recognition of Dr. Jeremiah’s commitment to teaching the Word of God, he received the Broadcaster of the Year Award in 1999 from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), in August 2002, received the Award of Merit from the Western Chapter of National Religious Broadcasters for Excellence in Broadcasting and Faithfulness in Service, and in 2006 Turning Point received the Best Radio Teaching Program Award. Dr. Jeremiah has served on the Board of Directors for the NRB since 1996.
Turning Point launched a television program in 1982 in San Diego and went nationwide in 2000. Now seen around the world through cable and satellite technology, as well as on terrestrial stations all across the United States, conservative estimates suggest that close to 200 million homes around the world have access to Dr. Jeremiah's Bible teaching each week. Turning Point Television offers a half-hour Bible study message and a full hour worship service with the same great preaching. Carried on several national and international networks such as TBN, ION, and INSP, Turning Point Television has most recently been added to Middle East TV Network and BET, the Black Entertainment Network.
Dr. Jeremiah is a sought-after conference speaker for organizations around the country. He frequently speaks at Cedarville College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Billy Graham Training Center, Phil Waldrep’s Senior Adult Celebrations and numerous NFL, NBA and Baseball chapels.
Along with his speaking schedule around the country, Dr. Jeremiah also finds time to fulfill another passion in his life, writing. His books are always gripping and right to the point. Some of his books include Escape the Coming Night, The Power of Encouragement, What the Bible Says About Angels, Prayer The Great Adventure, which brought him The Gold Medallion Award in 1998, God In You, Gifts from God
An exciting and engrossing story prior to the end times. I loved the characters, plot and faith content. The pacing was perfect and rapid. I’m looking forward to more in this series. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I enjoy End Times fiction, and I found Vanished to be a compelling and timely read. The premise, plot, and character development were strong, and it was fast-paced in a way that made me want to keep reading to see what would happen next.
At times, though, the story felt a bit choppy, and the flow didn’t always feel consistent. A lot was going on, and just when I started getting into one part of the story, something else major would happen. That made it a little harder for me to stay fully connected as things kept shifting. It almost felt like two books in one.
The book ends a bit abruptly and leaves you with some unanswered questions, without giving the reader much closure. But I would definitely read a second book if one is released.
If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, I think you’ll enjoy this one too.
I was sent a complimentary copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are 100% my own.
This is one book I found very interesting as it is SO timely for our world today and preparing our hearts for the end times of our world. I have several of Dr. David Jeremiah's non-fiction on my to-read list and this book really prepared my own heart to dive into those sooner rather than later.
This follows John "Haggs" Haggerty who is a leader of a special military unit that is very involved with stopping potential pandemics before they spread and he essentially has a front row seat to the increase is the "birth pains" leading to the Rapture, such as the plagues, earthquakes, famines, wars etc. Everything is becoming more intense and his own personal life is a mess as it is. He's trying to patch things up with his daughter and still struggles from the grief of his relationship with his ex-wife.
Right when things seem to be looking up.......we see major changes and events take place, getting closer to the Rapture.
I really appreciate this story being a quick reminder for everyone to be READY for the end times. Be prepared. We have no fear because we know where we are going - there is true hope in Jesus Christ no matter what happens before He comes back for His children.
The ending left me needing to know what happens next so I hope to see this as a series!
I would recommend this for anyone who loves suspenseful Christian fiction surrounding end times, and biblical prophecy. Perfect for fans of the Left Behind series as well.
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Major General John Haggerty, U. S. Army, “Haggs”, 30 years as an army doctor, is Commander of the Potential Pandemics Task Force. It’s one of five that have been formed by the government and military to help manage the never ending global challenges facing the post apocalyptic world. Haggs has just exercised his authority by declaring the island of Crete to be under quarantine for a minimum of three weeks because of SARS-CoV-12, a new coronavirus that’s worse than 2020’s COVID-19. This one strikes the young and healthy. It’s brutally fast and non responsive.
Did the swift action of Haggs and his task force keep the virus contained? Not so much. His boss orders him and the task force to Italy where it appears the virus has spread. The Mediterranean area will likely end up in lockdown creating a crisis for everyone in the government and military. Haggs still needs a translator and needs one now. Providentially, his daughter just happens to have a good grasp on conversational Italian. She’s also agreeable to improving the strained relationship between them. With an hour to pack, father, daughter and PPTF head to Italy with determination to quell an impending pandemic.
Italy had other ideas. A natural disaster puts Haggs and Sonya underground, trapped without technology access, proper medical care and access to food or more importantly, water. Others in the group have perished from the earthquake and some, like Sonya are seriously injured. Much of the story takes place here, underground in the caves. Haggs’ best friend and executive officer, Caleb, is anchoring the search and rescue mission and coordinating the PPTF, dealing with General Burgess, the dragon lady who’s Haggs’ superior officer.
The above is one half of the story. Woven into this post apocalyptic storyline is another story about a family in crisis. Death of a child drove Haggs to bury his pain into work and separation from his family. Good results for work; devastating consequences for the family. Author, Dr. David Jeremiah, spent minimal time with this aspect of the story and it caused character development to suffer.
The Haggerty family in total has issues with God and the concept of Salvation. Sonya and her mother, Marianna, have been seeking information and answers from a bible study and from Caleb, a solid, long serving Christian and family friend. I found some of this text to be soft with respect to the author’s other many books on this subject. Snippets of this theme are dropped into the story in what I’m assuming was supposed to appear natural. For me, they are disjointed and missing an impact that’s sorely needed.
A decent read for those enjoying: adventure, apocalyptic, light thriller, suspense or futuristic fiction with a gentle inspirational element📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks (3.5 stars rounded up)
I always enjoy End Times fiction, so I had to read this, especially when I saw it was Dr. Jeremiah's first foray into fiction. The premise, plot, and in particular the character development, were all excellent. However, the pacing felt very off, to the point that this felt like a duology or trilogy packed into one book. There was simply too much happening that wasn't given room to breathe and be fleshed out before something else major occurred.
The story also ends abruptly, leaving me wanting more to both resolve the unanswered questions and to see what's next for the characters. I'm not sure a sequel is planned, but it feels necessary.
Rating: somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars Book 23 of 2025
This is the end of the world type story. With pandemics, wars and such. It follows John Haggerty is a military leader of a special unit. He has had a rough life and we get to learn all about his back story. One of those things, being divorced and disconnect with his adult daughter. In the first part of the book he reconnects with his daughter by bringing her along on one of his assignments. I thought the writing was well done and flowed nicely. I was a little confused when the “Vanished” part was going to happen, (spoiler alert) as it doesn’t happen til almost the end. If you know anything about the Left Behind books it’s similar to those. The story ends on a cliffhanger, so I assume there will be more. I do wish the rapture would have happened a little sooner in the story, but I still really enjoyed it. Good Christian content. Also listened to the audio which was great! Overall, I enjoyed this story and I recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I grew up reading a book series on the Rapture and the end times. When I cam across vanished by Dr David Jeremiah I just had to read it. It really didn't disappoint. Some similarities to the other series Ive read but it was different overall and was very enjoyable. I enjoyed that the book started way before the Rapture talking about the build up of events that some characters had noted and saw it coming. I really liked getting to know the characters before the crisis happened for them.
Fiction story based on biblical prophecy of the end of earth. This book ends after The Rapture and a few days into the Tribulation (Judgment/Antichrist) time. I was disappointed in this one. My attention got snagged WAY too late in this tale .. namely at the cave-in scene. Haggerty bugged me throughout. Too little cohesiveness for this reader…. There are two authors here and that may be the problem ….
This is a story about the end times from the Bible and how different fictional characters in the book are affected by the events. General John Haggerty is a dedicated physician and on the task force to try to stop a global pandemic. Unfortunately, the illness cannot be contained and in his pursuit of trying to save people, he almost loses his beloved daughter Sonya. The novel is over three-fourths of the way done before the Rapture occurs, so it is not the focus of the story. The real focus is what comes before and how people react to wars, famine, earthquakes and rampant diseases. The U.S. government has a task force for everything but what they don’t have is a relationship with God that could help them have the wisdom to get through these times. The characters were realistically portrayed and flawed, and the plot moved quickly to a semi-conclusion. The story isn’t really over because at the end of the story, the Tribulation is just beginning for those who were not rescued during the Rapture. I liked the story, especially the way the scriptures were accurately represented in a way that encouraged people to get right with God before it is too late to do so. This is the first fiction book that I have read from this author and I found it to be well-written and thoroughly enjoyable. Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Dr. David Jeremiah is one of the best teachers of our time and he has penned one of the best apocalyptic fiction books I’ve ever read in Vanished. If you are a fan of Christian Apocalyptic Thrillers, this one is definitely for you.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a riveting book that I was able to read within a day based on its fast-paced and suspenseful action scenes. It's hard to believe that this is Dr. David Jeremiah's fictional debut with Sam O'Neal as we follow John "Haggs" Haggerty into this engrossing story of the end times. I appreciate that this book touches on more modern-day crises that we have faced, including pandemics, natural disasters, and forced migrations of people groups. The scenarios depicted of worldwide taskforces are both plausible and relatable, with government agencies working to stem further disasters from taking place. As students of prophecy well know, these efforts are in vain, bringing us into the unrelenting catastrophes that the characters in Vanished face. While it's evident that circumstances are culminating into the Rapture, I love that readers have the opportunity to get to know the people in the story through multiple perspectives that offer greater depth to their emotions and motivations. As a result, Haggs comes across as a complex man overcoming grief, guilt, and pride in order to better love and serve those around him.
To say that this book has whet my appetite for more is an understatement. The authors are able to provide clear teaching through natural conversations, making biblical truths approachable and digestible. The geopolitical forces described create a fascinating setting that will intrigue anyone curious about the intersection between history and prophecy, which simultaneously grants readers the space to evaluate current world issues through a biblical lens. This book is an excellent and thoughtful introduction to eschatology by focusing the story more on God's Word than merely a series of events to be executed and endured. If you are interested in biblical prophecy and are looking for a fresh take on how God may be working through recent world events, Vanished will captivate your mind and propel you toward deeper faith in Him in these last days.
Wow, what a timely story! Especially after experiencing a global pandemic and quarantine in recent years, it’s easy to sink into the setting and events. Having grown up with a military background, I appreciated seeing a military character, John “Haggs” Haggerty, take center stage.
Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah is an emotional and meaningful read. I’ve listened to his sermons for years and respect his conversational tone and extensive knowledge of the Bible and biblical history. After reading many of his non-fiction books, I was intrigued to discover his debut fiction story and am excited that it will continue as a series.
This end-time thriller’s pacing intensifies as you read, with themes of the Rapture and eternal redemption. The troubles depicted are of biblical proportions, including plagues, wars, earthquakes, etc. About halfway through, the events had me quickly turning pages, but it was the personal relationships that resonated with me the most. It’s easy to relate to Haggs and his heavy burdens, challenges, and choices, as well as the foreseen events in the book of Revelation. I could imagine the confusion and uncertainty for those left behind in the Rapture. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly anticipating book 2!
First Line: “It’s gotta be here somewhere.” Series: The Vanished Series, book 1 Genre: Christian Science Fiction Author: Dr. David Jeremiah Page Count: 331
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
Vanished is book 1 in a new series by Dr David Jeremiah. It is about biblical end times prophecy. However, most of this book is about the birth pains (see also Matthew 24:8). The main character, John Haggerty, is the leader of a military group responsible for containing pandemics. This group is one of five that are trying to battle the forces of nature that continue to get worse. It’s a fascinating concept that is handled well.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the next. I’d recommend it to lovers of eschatological stories and for those who recognize what is happening in the world these days.
This is Christian fiction about God intervening into human history to bring about justice against evil so expect a lot of prayer and conversations about God and salvation.
Family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I read to the 25% mark and gave up. It was not compelling, IMHO. I’ve read many of Dr. Jeremiah’s theology books but this foray into fiction was difficult for me to get into.
Plagues, earthquakes, famine, wars, and rumors of war… Vanished tells the story of society in turmoil as Biblical prophecy plays out on the world stage. Major General John Haggerty and others race to stem the spread of a global pandemic and understand the causes behind increased, widespread disasters in order to determine their solutions. It is the story of humanity coming to terms with its limitations and an individual man struggling to reconnect with his daughter, Sonya, and find personal redemption. Most importantly, Vanished demonstrates that faith in God helps us cope with difficulties, trust in God helps us move forward in formidable circumstances, and that true answers, true hope, and true salvation are only found in God.
I really like the way Haggerty’s friend Caleb’s solid, mature faith couples with Sonya’s early, seeking faith to make Haggerty begin to question what he believes - if he can ever get past his pride and belief in his self-sufficiency. There is also a lot of geopolitical content that is currently relevant. The novel gives us a look at what could transpire in the day-to-day lives of people living in the final days leading to the rapture - what would they see? What questions would they ask? How would they react? What would they do to find hope to carry on? The novel ends in a good spot, but there may be room for a sequel. If that’s happening, I’m here for it!
Remember, the end can come at any time - we can be ready with saving faith!
An Army General is trying to stop plagues from taking over the world by quarantining everybody, even though no large scale quarantine has worked in the history of mankind.
Then it seems like The Rapture may have arrived...
This book was really slow going at the beginning, but once I got to the halfway point, it got so good that I didn't want to put it down. I got very invested in the lives of these characters, and I can't wait for the next book so I can see where their stories take them.
The rapture. What do you think of when you hear or read that word?
Honestly? I think of those who will be left behind. Will they understand what's happened? How many will die because of unmanned vehicles? What about those planes who will suddenly lose their pilots? That's what I think of.
But then I think of my mamaw. My grandpa. My great-grandma. And I think of how much I miss them, but I know I'll see them in the blink of an eye.
And then I think of Jesus. Of being in the very presence of God Himself. The praises of the angels. And I'm overcome.
This book makes me want to scream from the rooftops: Are you ready? Will you still be here after the rapture, or will you be taken with us?
What a glorious day that will be.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
Vanished follows the life of Lt Colonel John Haggerty in the months leading up to the Rapture. I found this book to be well written and engaging. I liked all of the characters and found myself cheering them on, hoping they would make the right decisions. The events in the book seem realistic, as though they could happen at anytime. Although it doesn't say I feel this is the first of a series and I eagerly look forward to reading the next book.
I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
I was completely drawn into the world of John Haggerty. This book was surprisingly good. It is end times/apocalyptic themed with (not really a spoiler based on the title alone) a pre-tribulation rapture so if you can't stomach that eschatology, you may not like the book. I think the book is enjoyable even if you're not dispensational in your beliefs. The narration was well done. Thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan audio, and Netgalley for providing a copy for me to read in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
What an amazing book! I could not put this book down! It was fast paced and the writing was sooooo good! This is a book for our times. Our world is hard to navigate and more than anything we need Jesus in our lives. He is the Lord.
This was heavy in the theme of the main character John Haggerty dealing with a new pandemic on the island of Crete. For me it overshadowed the theme of his personal life as mentioned in the synopsis. It seems to be well written. But the pandemic is too fresh and so I have this book flagged for future reading. I received a complimentary copy of Vanished from Net Galley with all opinions completely my own.
Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal is a contemporary story that is so well written it feels like it is actually happening. This story is so good. It brings to life the events the Bible tells will lead to the Rapture. It gives a look into what the end times might look like and how those left behind will respond. The characters in the story are a nice mixture of professional and personal characters in John’s life with a blend of Christian and non-Christian, which helps make the story realistic.
The story starts out focusing on a new deadly illness that John and his team are responsible for stopping. He has a limited relationship with his ex wife and daughter, yet he reached out to his daughter to help him with a national crisis. I totally enjoyed this story. I enjoyed reading the background information on John and his family. It is interesting to see how he tried to correct old wrongs, how his ex and daughter have turned to God and how his daughter tries to talk to him about it. I found it interesting to see how John and his friend’s daughter knew of God yet didn’t take the step to make a personal relationship with him. I look forward to seeing how they move forward.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.
This book is a first book in an end time series. it is basically a bunch of bad things that happen in between a few sermons. I did not enjoy it and found it frustrating for the amount of drama.
This novel about the rapture belongs definitely to the better ones of the genre, and I'm looking forward to the next one of the series. The characters are relatable, the discussions about Christian themes are not too pushy, the style engaging and the suspense will keep you reading.
(1 1/2). I am going to be really kind and mark this book up to two stars. I had no idea what I was getting into here. For the first half and a little more this was an interesting thriller. Then it turned into a God squad manifesto. Totally turned me off and pissed me off. I should have seen it coming. Blah!
Title: Vanished Author: Dr. David Jeremiah Genre: Mystery/thriller, Christian Rating: 4 out of 5
This was a fast-paced, easy read, and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the Left Behind series when it first came out, but it feels very dated now, so this was an interesting contrast to that, but I liked the more modern take. I Liked the varied settings and the characters, but their relationships showcased their personalities the best. I’m interested to see how this series develops.
(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction in exchange for an honest review.)