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Judgment Day #1
Judgment Day
Kingdom of Light; The Forces of Darkness
Ira Breitling---Man of God; Manuel Crow---Lord of Darkness
Even the universe is not big enough for the both of them . . . especially when Ira Breitling is handed a divine gift---an interstellar engine that can lift humanity into the heavens. Crow---awash in riches, commanding nations, supremely powerful---swears eternal vengeance on Breitling and his Fellowship of the Faithful . . . and on all humankind.
The reign of Lucifer---prophesized as a thousand years of darkness---is about to begin. With the world falling fast under Crow's violent sway, Breitling's Fellowship---having only one choice---seizes their divine gift, their faster-than-light flight, and flees the earth. Their journey takes them beyond the distant stars to a perfect planet uncorrupted by Crow and his Kingdom of Darkness.
But even as Manuel Crow razes and racks the Earth, Revelations' scourge is not yet sated. Crows eyes the heavens, fixed on the Faithful.
Ira Breitling and the Fellowship must defend not only themselves but the soul of all A Kingdom of Light against the Forces of Darkness. Will the Fellowship prevail . . . or fall under Revelations' reign?
Let the battle begin.
Ira Breitling---Man of God; Manuel Crow---Lord of Darkness
Even the universe is not big enough for the both of them . . . especially when Ira Breitling is handed a divine gift---an interstellar engine that can lift humanity into the heavens. Crow---awash in riches, commanding nations, supremely powerful---swears eternal vengeance on Breitling and his Fellowship of the Faithful . . . and on all humankind.
The reign of Lucifer---prophesized as a thousand years of darkness---is about to begin. With the world falling fast under Crow's violent sway, Breitling's Fellowship---having only one choice---seizes their divine gift, their faster-than-light flight, and flees the earth. Their journey takes them beyond the distant stars to a perfect planet uncorrupted by Crow and his Kingdom of Darkness.
But even as Manuel Crow razes and racks the Earth, Revelations' scourge is not yet sated. Crows eyes the heavens, fixed on the Faithful.
Ira Breitling and the Fellowship must defend not only themselves but the soul of all A Kingdom of Light against the Forces of Darkness. Will the Fellowship prevail . . . or fall under Revelations' reign?
Let the battle begin.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
656 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2005
6 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
James F. David
25 books30 followersJames F. David has a Ph.D. from Ohio State University and is currently a professor of Psychology as George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. He is the author of the thrillers Footprints of Thunder, Ship of the Damned and Before the Cradle Falls. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Tigard, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2012
On the surface, this book seems like a passable pot-boiler. But when you think about it a bit, you realize that it has several problems. The story involves a group of American Christian fundamentalists. One of the founders of their group receives from God a technology that allows the development of faster-than-light spaceship engines. He co-founds the group with a recently widowed minister to fulfill God's mission, which is to re-locate the faithful to another planet to create a fully Christian world. They are opposed by a group of Satanists, led by the founder of a nation-wide chain of funeral homes who runs for political office to acquire enough power to stop the Christians. The Satanist leader and his personal assistant are the only ones who know they're really working for Satan.
So far, so good. This blending of science fiction and Christian literature is an interesting twist on the Rapture, where the Christians lift themselves to "heaven" using God-sent technology. But although the writing is competent, the plotting isn't. Faster-than-light travel is a staple gimmick in science fiction that long-time readers accept without question. But David handles it awkwardly here, hinting at time-dilation effects, but then not following up. The technology seems mundane. Flight times to light-years-distant planets is inconsistent and glossed over. Ships are flying back and forth on regular supply runs, but the story seems to stop during the months these trips take. It's never clear how this group of civilians navigates its way through space without getting hopelessly lost. The government, urged by the Satanist leader, attacks the Christian compound, but only with ground troops. Why no aircraft to stop the spaceships? The middle section of the story covers at least 10 years, and while child characters age as expected, adult characters seem to stay in early middle age throughout. The reaction of the rest of the world to the Christian group's adventures feels wrong, understated. Their reactions to the excesses of the Satanists also seem inappropriate and strangely muted. The epilogue involves a wildly improbable set of crossed paths.
The book's marketing, through blurbs on the book jacket, make this appear to be a pro-Christian novel of the Apocalypse, but I wonder if the blurb writers read the book. The Christians are portrayed as narrow-minded, bigoted, and overtly racist, not as the heroes of God the blurbs suggest they are. The only likeable character in the book is a non-fundamentalist Christian mediator, who seeks to find a middle ground between the space-going Christians and the Satanist-led government (although few of the major Christian characters knows of Satan's influence). The blurb gets the name of the Christian group wrong and mis-identifies the focus of the plot. The Christians are shown as disapproving of sex except for reproduction, but have no problem killing innocent bystanders (along with some truly evil people) to get their way. Any sex in the book is always off-stage, but graphic violence is front and centre.
Finally, there are technical problems. The book has 150 chapters in 655 pages. Almost every scene gets a new chapter. It keeps the pace moving, but is tiring and unnecessary. Every chapter begins with a quotation, but one quotation appears twice, just a few chapters apart. One character's name is given incorrectly in a scene -- it's clear which character is meant, but another character's name is used for her, and the other character is nowhere near this particular scene, so it's not just a minor confusion. That's sloppy editing. Scene transitions are sometimes awkward and confusing. The action jumps forward sometimes months at a time with major plot developments given in casual dialogue as past history. Most of the characters are two-dimensional stereotypes. Motives and methods for many of the characters' actions are clumsy or absent.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book.
So far, so good. This blending of science fiction and Christian literature is an interesting twist on the Rapture, where the Christians lift themselves to "heaven" using God-sent technology. But although the writing is competent, the plotting isn't. Faster-than-light travel is a staple gimmick in science fiction that long-time readers accept without question. But David handles it awkwardly here, hinting at time-dilation effects, but then not following up. The technology seems mundane. Flight times to light-years-distant planets is inconsistent and glossed over. Ships are flying back and forth on regular supply runs, but the story seems to stop during the months these trips take. It's never clear how this group of civilians navigates its way through space without getting hopelessly lost. The government, urged by the Satanist leader, attacks the Christian compound, but only with ground troops. Why no aircraft to stop the spaceships? The middle section of the story covers at least 10 years, and while child characters age as expected, adult characters seem to stay in early middle age throughout. The reaction of the rest of the world to the Christian group's adventures feels wrong, understated. Their reactions to the excesses of the Satanists also seem inappropriate and strangely muted. The epilogue involves a wildly improbable set of crossed paths.
The book's marketing, through blurbs on the book jacket, make this appear to be a pro-Christian novel of the Apocalypse, but I wonder if the blurb writers read the book. The Christians are portrayed as narrow-minded, bigoted, and overtly racist, not as the heroes of God the blurbs suggest they are. The only likeable character in the book is a non-fundamentalist Christian mediator, who seeks to find a middle ground between the space-going Christians and the Satanist-led government (although few of the major Christian characters knows of Satan's influence). The blurb gets the name of the Christian group wrong and mis-identifies the focus of the plot. The Christians are shown as disapproving of sex except for reproduction, but have no problem killing innocent bystanders (along with some truly evil people) to get their way. Any sex in the book is always off-stage, but graphic violence is front and centre.
Finally, there are technical problems. The book has 150 chapters in 655 pages. Almost every scene gets a new chapter. It keeps the pace moving, but is tiring and unnecessary. Every chapter begins with a quotation, but one quotation appears twice, just a few chapters apart. One character's name is given incorrectly in a scene -- it's clear which character is meant, but another character's name is used for her, and the other character is nowhere near this particular scene, so it's not just a minor confusion. That's sloppy editing. Scene transitions are sometimes awkward and confusing. The action jumps forward sometimes months at a time with major plot developments given in casual dialogue as past history. Most of the characters are two-dimensional stereotypes. Motives and methods for many of the characters' actions are clumsy or absent.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book.
June 18, 2007
I think the emphasis on this being a Christian novel like the Left Behind series will stop a lot of people from reading a book that they will really enjoy. Those who are not Christian and/or not into Christian-Lit may read the summary for this book and immediately be deterred thinking that there's a lot more preaching than storyline. That is definitely not the case and actually one reason I enjoyed this book a little more than I enjoyed the Left Behind series.
Judgement Day stays away from preaching, and even though the Christian group are the protagonists of the novel, they are not without fault or blame and are far from perfect, yet another reason I really liked this novel. The only flaws that I found in the book were the timeline was a bit stretched and confusing (I'm a reader who prefers a clear timeline), the scientific mumbo-jumbo went a little over my head (it was kept to a minimum though), and the name of one of the characters went back and forth between Faith and Ruth a couple of times (though that may have just been my book which was an Advanced Reader edition).
I warn you though, this book is big and hard to put down. And like I said at the beginning, because it is supposed to be geared towards Christian readers, don't let that stop you. I'd say this book is more Science Fiction that Christian-Lit. I think comparing this novel to Left Behind isn't really neccessary because the only similarity I found was it was set in a somewhat Apocalyptic world. Unlike Left Behind it doesn't really follow the predictions set out by Revelations nor is it full of "repent or die" sentiments and many visions. I think David has written in a way that's friendlier to the non-Christian readers that are curious about picking up the book.
I've read that this is supposed to become a series, and I would love to see where David continues to take the characters and plot he has started with, but at the same time I'm not against keeping this book as a stand-alone novel, because it holds its own quite well.
Judgement Day stays away from preaching, and even though the Christian group are the protagonists of the novel, they are not without fault or blame and are far from perfect, yet another reason I really liked this novel. The only flaws that I found in the book were the timeline was a bit stretched and confusing (I'm a reader who prefers a clear timeline), the scientific mumbo-jumbo went a little over my head (it was kept to a minimum though), and the name of one of the characters went back and forth between Faith and Ruth a couple of times (though that may have just been my book which was an Advanced Reader edition).
I warn you though, this book is big and hard to put down. And like I said at the beginning, because it is supposed to be geared towards Christian readers, don't let that stop you. I'd say this book is more Science Fiction that Christian-Lit. I think comparing this novel to Left Behind isn't really neccessary because the only similarity I found was it was set in a somewhat Apocalyptic world. Unlike Left Behind it doesn't really follow the predictions set out by Revelations nor is it full of "repent or die" sentiments and many visions. I think David has written in a way that's friendlier to the non-Christian readers that are curious about picking up the book.
I've read that this is supposed to become a series, and I would love to see where David continues to take the characters and plot he has started with, but at the same time I'm not against keeping this book as a stand-alone novel, because it holds its own quite well.
April 26, 2008
Judgment Day covers a universe of people, spiritual battles, and even distant planets. In 690 pages, James David takes you from the earliest days of a new science in anti-gravity to the darkest recesses of anti-Christian bigotry and the evil forces behind it.
If the author had fully explored every character that is presented in this story, and fully vetted the events that unfolded, it would have taken three times the volume to explore it all. As it is, the author gives us small glimpses into certain characters, while fleshing out those we come to care about and respect by the story’s end. He even delves into the very psyche of those characters we learn to fear the most (reader discretion advised – half kidding).
I couldn’t help but identify with the members of the ‘Fellowship’ and the situations they found themselves in. How remarkably prophetic this story seems now, considering the recent raid on a LDS compound in El Dorado, TX.
I read this book almost a year ago, and it still conjures up images I’ll never forget. Images such as the constant awareness of an awesome God who quietly pulls the strings on behalf of those who trust in Him. And, images of a very real enemy we face, who would like us to think is all-powerful, but really isn’t in the same league.
The author does not present the gospel or any other religious dogma in an overpowering manner. But, there is an ever-present guidance at work, masterfully leading the reader into the unknown these characters face around every turn.
If you are looking for Christian Fiction for Young Adults, you might try the Vicki Silver Mystery Series.
If the author had fully explored every character that is presented in this story, and fully vetted the events that unfolded, it would have taken three times the volume to explore it all. As it is, the author gives us small glimpses into certain characters, while fleshing out those we come to care about and respect by the story’s end. He even delves into the very psyche of those characters we learn to fear the most (reader discretion advised – half kidding).
I couldn’t help but identify with the members of the ‘Fellowship’ and the situations they found themselves in. How remarkably prophetic this story seems now, considering the recent raid on a LDS compound in El Dorado, TX.
I read this book almost a year ago, and it still conjures up images I’ll never forget. Images such as the constant awareness of an awesome God who quietly pulls the strings on behalf of those who trust in Him. And, images of a very real enemy we face, who would like us to think is all-powerful, but really isn’t in the same league.
The author does not present the gospel or any other religious dogma in an overpowering manner. But, there is an ever-present guidance at work, masterfully leading the reader into the unknown these characters face around every turn.
If you are looking for Christian Fiction for Young Adults, you might try the Vicki Silver Mystery Series.
September 5, 2009
This book surprised me. I expected some overused plot based upon a largely misunderstood concept of the Christian idea of the Judgment. Instead what I received was a rather interesting science fiction treatment of the same topic. Though I cannot remember all the details of the book, I do remember being engaged and also troubled by some aspects of it. I am careful of supporting cults, and yet the heroes of this book sure could look like cultists in another light. In the end, however, I found a good read with something that closely dovetails with my own system of beliefs, which is not something one can often say when he is both a Christian and a reader of Science Fiction. If you share my beliefs pick it up because it is one book that does not challenge the core of your Faith. If you are not, pick it up because it is a good read about one possible future of the human race.
December 20, 2014
I found this book at the dollar store one day while shopping. It was $3 I believe! I have to say, it may have been inexpensive in price, but not in content!!! The characters were well written as well as the storyline. Although I do have to say that what caught my attention was the title of the book - also I do go against the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." I thought that this book would some how talk about the judgement day mentioned in the Bible, but I was wrong. It does have somewhat religious content in it, but nothing that deals with the Biblical Judgment Day. Either way though this book is a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something with some suspense in it.
December 11, 2012
James F. David is actually my favorite author, but I was hesitant to read this book because it was in the religious section. I am catholic but don't practice it very much, so I don't read much religious writings. But I thought I should just give it a try. Wow, I couldn't put it down. Awesome book! One of my favorites.
October 21, 2008
Lousy, overly long, book founded on sociological and scientific premises that I just couldn't buy. But at least it wasn't another literal-interpretation-of-Revelations sci fi book.
June 16, 2010
This book sucked hard. Did not actually finish it.
December 29, 2020
One of my favorite books.
April 6, 2018
I have so many problems with this book that I don't even know where to start. The only good thing I can say about it is that the writing - the tone, voice, and structure - was good. Other than that...egads.
My complaints in no particular order:
*one dimensional characters; caricatures, really.
*racist
*written to appeal to every paranoia on both sides of the political divide
I was looking forward to this book because on the back cover there's a quote by Jack Anderson promising "Judgment Day leaves Left Behind in its dust". I really, really enjoyed the Left Behind series, so I approached this book with what I feel to be an open mind. I wanted to like it! I expected to like it because one of my favorite motifs is Good vs. Evil and what embodies that more than God vs. Satan?
Yet, I must admit that I wasn't always cheering for the "good guys". These Christians weren't very Christian. Seriously, they debate accepting Black people into their new settlements because their leader "worried about the impact of adding inner-city families to their community" (pg. 498). Nevermind the fact that these were God-fearing people wanting the same chance to practice their Christianity in peace as well. Their skin color made them Other; religion playing a secondary factor in the decision-making taking place.
Oh, and I can't even tell you what was done near the end of this book because it would include spoilers. If I hadn't been mere pages away from the ending, I would have DNFed the book right then and there.
I guess I will end by saying this was not a fictional interpretation of Revelations. I'd say it was more closely modeled on Moses' trials and tribulations as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. Only instead of leading his people across the Red Sea, Mark Shepard leads his people across the universe to another planet. Playing opposite in the position of Pharaoh is Manuel Crow, who is being conveniently aided by a demon-possessed woman.
Seriously, how does this book have so many positive reviews?!?!
My complaints in no particular order:
*one dimensional characters; caricatures, really.
*racist
*written to appeal to every paranoia on both sides of the political divide
I was looking forward to this book because on the back cover there's a quote by Jack Anderson promising "Judgment Day leaves Left Behind in its dust". I really, really enjoyed the Left Behind series, so I approached this book with what I feel to be an open mind. I wanted to like it! I expected to like it because one of my favorite motifs is Good vs. Evil and what embodies that more than God vs. Satan?
Yet, I must admit that I wasn't always cheering for the "good guys". These Christians weren't very Christian. Seriously, they debate accepting Black people into their new settlements because their leader "worried about the impact of adding inner-city families to their community" (pg. 498). Nevermind the fact that these were God-fearing people wanting the same chance to practice their Christianity in peace as well. Their skin color made them Other; religion playing a secondary factor in the decision-making taking place.
Oh, and I can't even tell you what was done near the end of this book because it would include spoilers. If I hadn't been mere pages away from the ending, I would have DNFed the book right then and there.
I guess I will end by saying this was not a fictional interpretation of Revelations. I'd say it was more closely modeled on Moses' trials and tribulations as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. Only instead of leading his people across the Red Sea, Mark Shepard leads his people across the universe to another planet. Playing opposite in the position of Pharaoh is Manuel Crow, who is being conveniently aided by a demon-possessed woman.
Seriously, how does this book have so many positive reviews?!?!
February 25, 2008
I enjoyed the plot of the book, but the characters were very thin.[return][return]The premise is that God has given a Christian sect, the secret to faster than light travel. Satan has his minions fight to gain that knowledge and destroy the Christians. The Christians make it into space and away from Earth. This is at the expense of giving Satan control of Earth.[return][return]I hope David does a sequal. He left a bunch of plot threads untied.
February 23, 2008
I liked this book despite some of the flaws in its theme. All of the Fellowship were the good guys and just about every Social Worker, Government Employee, Media Person and etc. was either a Satanist or unconsciously helping Satan's cause.
William
William
Read
January 17, 2013It is not what I thought it was going be....I thought it was more Christian based. It has alot of Christianity in it...but...in other words I thought it was going to be like The Left Behind Series. But overall a good book.
July 10, 2013
The story line is quite good yet I'm quite disappointed at how the things get together. I thought the synopsis at the back of the novel got me a wrong perception on the entire story. But, its all good! i DID LOVE READING IT ALTOGETHER. :)
June 17, 2007
Very fun read.
October 3, 2012
This is interesting...not formulaic or predictable, I am enjoying so far
May 23, 2014
Great book, not really what I expected, but thoroughly enjoyable.
August 29, 2014
One of my favorite books ever.
Want to read
April 8, 2010From Thrall's weed list. Like Left Behind, but leave the earth.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews