The Sword of Goliath

The Bloodline Chronicles #1

by Anthony Jones

The Sword of Goliath focuses primarily on a man named Jacob (or Jake) Stanton, who is spending his days in San Quentin Penitentiary for a crime he did not commit. Jake was wrongly accused, unfairly tried, and unreasonably sentenced for the murder of his wife, and he’s just lost his final appeal. As Jake begins to mentally prepare for life inside the walls of San Quentin, he’s assigned a new cell-mate, Stephen Stross. Stross befriends Jake and, in earning Jake’s trust, convinces him that he is a member of the Shaddai.

The Shaddai, descendants of the Biblical Nephilim through the bloodline of Seth, are on the hunt for twelve artifacts that will help them to win the final battle over the demonic Grigori; they believe the key to finding one of these powerful artifacts, the sword of Goliath, rests inside the mind of Jake Stanton. After engineering a successful escape from San Quentin, Jake and Stephen begin the quest for the legendary lost sword, but it will not be an easy effort. As escaped convicts, they are on the run from the law; as Shaddai, they are the targets of the Grigori and its evilunderlord Zoltar. Jake is going to need every resource imaginable, from skeptical law enforcement agent Sam Jericho; to prophets of the Old Testament; to the hand of God Himself.

The Final Battle has begun, not only in this world, but in other unseen dimensions. (less)

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Suspense, Mystery

346 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2016

About the author

Anthony Jones is the author of The Sword of Goliath and The Wizard of Nod, the first two books in a longer tale of "The Bloodline Chronicles Trilogy."

Born September 8, 1963, Jones was raised in northern California and attended Healdsburg High School and Tahoe Truckee High School. Jones was inspired by such books as The Hobbit, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Hines feet on high places.

Jones greatest influence remains Stephen King and his work on the Dark Tower Series. The Bloodline Chronicles was very much inspired by Stephen Kings book, Wizard and Glass. Other authors of inspiration for Jones include Thomas Harris, Jon Krakauer and John Grisham.

As a high school journalist in Truckee California, Jones wrote editorials for the school paper, mostly about his love for the outdoors and fishing. Jones never abandoned his love of writing and continued authoring short stories, poems, and songs as he paid the bills in a more traditional fashion.

Jones studied Community Relations, and Criminology at Lassen College in Susanville and went on to study Leadership and Labor Relations at Sacramento State University.

Jones retired as an Associate Warden for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2013, after 23 years of service, 15 at San Quentin.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see this review and others please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com

The Sword of Goliath by Anthony Jones is the first installment of The Bloodline Chronicles. It's a fantasy fiction story, which has been drawn from Genesis Chapter 6 in the Bible. I definitely consider it to be faith-based, but I believe the book can be relished by all regardless of their faith.

The main character is Jake Stanton, who is serving time for a crime he didn't commit. Another important character enters the story and becomes very connected to Jake as they are about to set out on a mission to regain the lost Sword of Goliath.

I found it absolutely exceptional the way the author has used Genesis Chapter 6 to create a fantasy of such magnitude, which includes lucid characters and an enthralling story. As you read the story about Jake and Stephen, you're left to wonder what trials and tribulations will emerge. Will they be blessed, and will Jake's dreams for a life with loved ones be granted?

I adored many aspects about this book. Right off the rip, I fell in love with the cover. Also, I appreciate the writing style. It's easy to read and the layout is unique. There were many different attracting components to the story as well. I loved the different worlds the author created, especially The Crossing, which was my favorite element in the story.

I'd recommend this book series to anyone, but highly to those who enjoy reading the fantasy genre. Surely grab yourself a copy of The Sword of Goliath!

I'm looking forward to reading The Wizard of Nod (The Bloodline Chronicles #2).

Thanks to author Anthony Jones for sharing a copy of The Sword of Goliath with me. I'm glad to have read it!

4****

[Brian Michels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me be clear, Fantasy is not my choice reading material. I’m open minded and have taken a stab at it here and there but I never stay around for much of it. That doesn’t take anything away from the genre. Different strokes for different folks is all. But it’s important as a writer to get out of your comfort zone in order to keep your pencil sharp. So when Anthony Jones and I connected and decided to read and review each other’s book, I was very open to the idea.

The Sword of Goliath is Fantasy. A better description might be Fantastic. Anthony Jones’ writing style was easy, timed well, and unique; which was exactly the prescription needed for an exciting read. I got hooked right from the start and buzzed through the first 100 pages faster than the sling shot of Shaddai Warrior (read the book). Jacob Stanton, or Jake, was the main character pulling me along with ease. He did so because he was a remarkable guy dealing with the worst situation life can throw at you, yet remained strong; with a little mythologically inspired help from his adventure partner, Stross. Jake is the guy I want on my side in any battle; the guy I’d also like to head down to the bar and have a beer with, or invite over to meet my wife and kid for a Sunday dinner. Anthony Jones has created a franchise with Jake.

The story takes us from San Quentin Penitentiary to otherworldly realms. Normally “otherworldly” loses me. But Anthony Jones has married the real world and fantasy seamlessly. This made the read especially stimulating because just as I happily settled into the storyline with earthly characters the Angels and Demons are introduced and the two worlds become one. I normally don’t think that sort of story is possible but that’s exactly what Anthony Jones pulls off without missing a beat. (A quick note, if you want to know what it’s like to be locked up in San Quentin Penitentiary and then escape, this early part of the story will satisfy completely - it’s good.) The story is not disjointed because the cast of characters from the readily recognizable world are just as good as the Angels and Demons from other realms. The scenes that transpired throughout actually made me speak aloud a number of times while reading: “Wow.” Which was followed by my wife’s elbow and a mumbled: “Go to sleep.” Great imagination at play and great writing. I especially felt Anthony Jones showing off his chops in the realm, The Crossing - a supernatural place where communicating with dead loved ones is possible; this area was especially touching, thought provoking, meaningful. The Crossing alone made the book a worthwhile read. But the story has more, a lot more. Ultimately is is the story of Jake discovering his Biblical/Mythological purpose. He is a descendant of Seth from the Bible; a Shaddai Warrior, half man, half angel; a heroic bloodline thoughout time. Jake is on a mission tracking down the important artifacts that he will need if he hopes to win the war with the Grigori - Demons! Boy oh boy, do I hate Demons.

I read the book in two bedtime sessions. In my opinion that is the mark of a really good book. I believe if all of the characters were as fleshed out as Jake this book would be absolutely perfect. I exchanged messages with the writer and he is considering a series with Jake. I highly recommend it. In fact, I bet Anthony Jones could take Jake Stanton anywhere in the universe with great success. I’d go along for the ride. In short, this book was a unique work, an example of the gifted and fantastic imagination of Anthony Jones. Hats off to you, sir.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eternal
Anthony Jones has created a wonderfully imagined take on the angels versus demons story, with a Herculean task to recover the Sword of Goliath, one of the enchanted weapons of God. This is a book of supernatural fantasy that embraces the bloodline of angels and the seemingly eternal fight of good versus evil. Those angels that remain loyal to God are known as Shaddai and those that rejected God are called Grigori. There exist 12 instruments that make up a talisman of invincible power that should either side collect, would provide the capability to eliminate the other. The Paladin are the selected 12 Shaddai preordained to use the 12 enchanted instruments and likewise, the Mesa are 12 dragons chosen by the Grigori to use those 12 instruments. The battle between good and evil will continue until one destroys the other.

The novel is very cleverly plotted to utilise many religious beliefs and enrapture us in a thoroughly beguiling and captivating story. Jake Stanton is serving a life sentence in San Quentin State Prison for the wrongful brutal and horrific murder of his wife Teresa. His recollection of the night she was murdered was

“… when something shook him. He jumped to his feet and saw a dark shadow move across their bedroom towards the bathroom. As he went for his gun in the nightstand drawer, he felt pain on the top of his head and warm blood pouring down his forehead before all went black. He woke with Teresa’s name on his lips. Jake dazed and in pain, found himself handcuffed in a hospital bed. Here he was met by two Sonoma County detectives who showed him pictures of his beautiful wife, bloody and hacked to pieces.”

When in jail, Jake is joined in his cell by Stephen Stross, who opens Jake's mind to the power he possesses and his destiny, should he choose to accept it? That destiny is to recover the Sword of Goliath and its location resides in his subconscious. Through time it will make itself known. The story unfolds in a very engrossing and pacey manner where the race to find the sword cannot be more crucial. The Grigori are hot on their tails and don't even need Jake alive to learn what he knows - they just have to consume his brain.

As the hunt continues the death toll rises and the police are brought into the story where detective Sam Jericho leads the investigation along with an expert in religious myths, Dr Ruth Springer. This introduces a romantic dimension and an aspect of the story that grounds it back in everyday life and not all fantasy. It also provides layers to characters that aren’t just all GOOD or BAD, but shades of grey.

The structure of the book has short sections within each Chapter and I find this works really well for the snappy and gritty pace that’s set early on. The narrative is very intelligently woven between the religious beliefs, legends and real-world conflict that Jake, Stephen and his brethren are embroiled in. I did feel the story dragged a little bit in the middle with Jake coming to terms with his family situation but the additional strand from Detective Jericho in trying to make sense of the strange incidents, corruption and attempts on his life became interesting, and for me started to capture the main attention.

A highly recommended book. Many thanks to Anthony Jones, for a free version of the book in return for an honest review.

[joyce g · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book containing great and interesting twists and turns. The search for The Sword of Goliath traverses multi-layered worlds both beautiful and deadly. Thank you author Anthony Jones for the opportunity to read and enjoy your work. On to The Wizard of Nod!

[Anthony Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book because I wrote it ~ However, the official onlinebookclub.org review is below

Online Book Club . ORG REVIEW 3 out of 4 STARS
 
For Christians and non-Christians alike, The Holy Bible is a tome full of mystery, riddles, and speculation. As such, the stories contained therein have spawned an entire genre of fictitious tales seeking to explain the unanswered questions of the Christian holy book. Whether it be the story of creation, the location of the Garden of Eden, the final resting place of Noah’s Ark, or the healing power of the cup Jesus drank from at the Last Supper, countless authors have found success speculating The Bible’s timeless lore. The Sword of Goliath, the first book of The Bloodline Chronicles by Anthony Jones, is no different. Drawing on the controversy surrounding the Nephilim, half-angel half-human beings who are briefly mentioned in the sixth chapter of the Book of Genesis, Mr. Jones has crafted a tale that assumes the bloodline of the Nephilim still exists. Although they are unaware, these powerful beings walk the earth as regular humans until being “awakened” by another member of the bloodline. Some are righteous; some are demonic. All are called to be soldiers in the ultimate battle between good and evil.

The Sword of Goliath focuses itself primarily on a man named Jacob (or Jake) Stanton, who is spending his days in San Quentin Penitentiary for a crime he did not commit. Jake was wrongly accused, unfairly tried, and unreasonably sentenced for the murder of his wife, and he’s just lost his final appeal. As Jake begins to mentally prepare for life inside the walls of San Quentin, he’s assigned a new cell-mate, Stephen Stross. Stross befriends Jake and, in earning Jake’s trust, convinces him that he is a member of the Shaddai. The Shaddai, descendants of the Biblical Nephilim through the bloodline of Seth, are on the hunt for twelve artifacts that will help them to win the final battle over the demonic Grigori; they believe the key to finding one of these powerful artifacts, the sword of Goliath, rests inside the mind of Jake Stanton. After engineering a successful escape from San Quentin, Jake and Stephen begin the quest for the legendary lost sword, but it will not be an easy effort. As escaped convicts, they are on the run from the law; as Shaddai, they are the targets of the Grigori and its evilunderlord Zoltar. Jake is going to need every resource imaginable, from skeptical law enforcement agent Sam Jericho; to prophets of the Old Testament; to the hand of God Himself. The Final Battle has begun, not only in this world, but in other unseen dimensions; and Jake Stanton may be the catalyst for victory or the harbinger of doom.

For those who enjoy stories spun out of Biblical speculation, there is much to love about The Sword of Goliath. Foremost is the fact that the cornerstone of this novel is based around a true mystery of the Bible, the fate of the Nephilim. Whereas Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and Knox’s The Genesis Secret rely on heavily debunked assertions to support fallacious premises, Anthony Jones contrives this tale around a piece of scripture that, across millennia, has yet to be fully explained or understood. However improbable, the nature of this book still lies within the realm of “possible,” and that alone lends a huge amount of credibility to the author. Also to Mr. Jones’s credit is his ability to extrapolate the ideas of angels and demons, as well as Divine Intervention, through the use of interdimensional worlds. One such world is The Crossing, a Purgatory-like land eerily similar to Dekker’s Other Earth in the Circle series. It is in The Crossing that the Shaddai can communicate with deceased loved ones, Shaddai ancestry (including the prophet Samuel), and even Jesus of Nazareth; The Crossing, as well as other dimensions, serve to both simplify and enhance such Christian ideals as human suffering, unconditional love, and the nature of sin, using both imagery and appropriate narrative. Regarding appropriate narrative, Mr. Jones does the reader a third and final favor: He writes for the appeal of a wide audience. A glaring problem in the Christian Fiction genre is that the characters are often too faithful to be flawed; conversely, secular fiction finds characters so flawed that even a dynamic revelation or redemptive event can’t bring them closer to God. The Sword of Goliath makes no assumptions about the religious background of the reader and instead seeks to tell a good story steeped in the Christian faith while allowing its characters to struggle under the weight of their own humanity.

The Sword of Goliath is a solid story with a great foundation; however, there are a few elements that I found disagreeable, and they all seem to center on the novel’s two most prominent minor characters, Sam Jericho and Dr. Ruth Springer. These two develop a close relationship as the novel progresses, but their conversations are almost as awkward as two shy seventh graders on a bad blind date. Their verbal communication is always clunky and feels completely forced. Also, Dr. Springer knows way more than she should about the Shaddai and the Grigori. As much of a mystery as the bloodline of the Nephilim is, Springer seems to literally know everything about the two opposing forces, from the hierarchy of each to the fabled twelve instruments, including Goliath’s sword. She dispenses this information at the slightest nudge, and at no point does she stop to question the legitimacy or validity of anything she is saying. What’s worse, though, is that neither does Inspector Jericho. He simply accepts the premise that there are immortal descendants of angels fighting for supreme control of the earth without batting an eyelash. I like Sam Jericho as a character, but when paired with Dr. Springer, the team moves the plot forward in an extremely forced and unfashionable way. That being stated, they are only minor characters, and the majority of the novel is superb and very worthwhile.

My minor plot and character concerns notwithstanding, I can easily rate The Sword of Goliath 3 out of 4 Stars. As soon as I read the final page, I immediately scoured the internet in an attempt to find information on the next installment of The Bloodline Chronicles (alas, I came away empty-handed). The story is fresh, the writing is smooth on the whole, and the main characters are likeable and sympathetic heroes. Anthony Jones has included in this novel everything essential to beginning a traditional high-fantasy saga, albeit with a contemporary, faith-based twist. There’s a little cussing, and the story gets ever-so-slightly steamy at times; but adult fans of Frank Peretti’s Darkness duology, Ted Dekker’s Circle series, and Lewis’s Narnia Chronicles will enjoy what Mr. Jones has brought to the table.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://twogalsandabook.com/ .... see our interview with author Anthony Jones.

I would call this book one of the Christian fantasy genre, but a person does not need to be one of faith to enjoy it. The story is based on Genesis 6, verses 1-6 of the Bible, which says:
" And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
That the sons of God (angels) saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."


Sons of God taking wives of the daughters of men

The resulting children of these unholy unions, from the angels rebelling against God, crossing a boundary, and corrupting human DNA were the Nephilim:






And Goliath (yes THAT Goliath), who little David fought and defeated in the Bible (I Samuel 17):


David took the sword of slain Goliath, and is the focus of the book, for it has been hidden for millenia, and the evil and good alike are seeking it, for it has magical powers.

I believe that the author took artistic license with the Biblical account, for according to the Bible, good angels did not also come down and have children with women in order to keep the evil ones in check, but for the larger sake of the story, I think it works. It is an example of the classic good battles evil scenario, and is compelling.

Main character, Jake Stanton has known his entire life he was a little different from everyone else, but he could not put his finger on just how. When his lovely wife is slain, and he is wrongly sent to prison for her murder, his destiny begins to be revealed to him. I can't wait to continue on this journey that Anthony Jones has crafted in book two, The Wizard of Nod. I can't wait to see what happens to Jake, Stephen and the cast of characters, and if they do ultimately win!

My thanks to author Anthony Jones for providing me with a copy of the books in exchange for an honest review.

[David Dowdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow in the past month I’ve read three fantasy novels involving humans, angels, and demons. I’m hardly familiar with the genre, but slowly understanding it.

Here, the author connects with Old Testament stories and brings them forward to today. He uses the powers and tools found in them in modern settings that feature realistic characters and story lines we can identify with.

This story reiterates Biblical lore without being dogmatic or preachy. There’s plenty of scenes involving Christian worship, but that shouldn’t stop the reader. I would take it as plot and leave it at that.

Among some of the interesting and likeable aspects of this book: a police investigator; an expert in the occult; an inside view of incarceration and the justice system; close male friendship.

All I ask from fiction is a cogent story that takes me away from it all and shows me how a problem can be solved adequately. This book does that with a well-written linear plot that provides satisfying reading. It has a good conclusion that establishes a need for more (a series!).

Anthony Jones has put a lot of work into this book. I especially liked the afterword in which he connects with the reader. I will be reading the next book in the series, The Wizard of Nod, The Bloodline Chronicles.

[Monte Desai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you sir Anthony Jones...this book is amazing..thanks for mailing me this book and it's sequel...
WHAT an amazing book...LOOKING FORWARD TO READ MORE FROM YOU.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!  I loved the tenuous tightrope Jake and Stephen walked between two very different worlds.   As they are both convicts on the verge of escape/escapees and members of the Shaddai on a quest for the Sword of Goliath.  I enjoyed the contrast between the very structured world in San Quinten and the fantastic good vs. evil other world where they are fighting the evil under lord Zoltar.
This author knows the prison system, the bible, and apparently the fantasy worlds we may encounter in other dimensions - I was fascinated with the battles, betrayals, love stories, and characters in both worlds. I can't wait to start the next book in the Bloodline Chronicles 'The Wizard of Nod'. An author to follow and a good read.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unexpected treat. Not the type of book I was expecting. It is set in present day and deals with prisons a the wrongly imprisoned. It is a fast moving a fast moving and will keep the reader interested until the end.

[Melissa Rothman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from it's brilliant author Anthony Jones and I will say I did love this book it's a very different book a little out of my comfort zone but so happy I read it OK so a couple of things I liked 1 I have read a good portion of the Bible so I really liked how Anthony did his research and how accurate some of the book line is with the Bible while still adding his own flare to his book! 2 the complete sense of the good vs evil angles vs the fallen is very fascinating and well written without falling to over board with it! 3 the way Jacob wakes up and is able to see his wife was very amazing and I loved that part of the story line 4 Jacobs relationship with Stephan is fun to read! I highly recommend this book and thank you again Anthony for your fantastic book!

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Anthony Jones for sharing a copy of his book with me, I honestly enjoyed reading it and I'm so happy he chose me.

Anthony Jones’ writing style was easy, wel timed, and without a doubt, unique. Exactly what any novel (fantasy or not) needs.

The Bloodline Chronicles tells the story of the Shaddai and the Grigori, descendants of the Nephilim. I have to admit that I have read books with a Nephilim storyground, but this book makes a complete change to the story.
The Bloodline Chronicles tells us where the Shaddai and the Grigori are now, and what they are looking for. The twelve enchanted instruments.

Jacob "Jake" Stanton is in jail after allegedly killing his wife, serving a life sentence when he meets Stephen Stross, a mysterious inmate who is extremely interested in Jake's life. After revealing the truth and scaping San Quentin, the prission they both are serving sentence in; the battle for the Sword of Goliath begins.

The Sword of Goliath is a capturing book, with mystery, betrayal and romance. Although I have to admit there is a romance storyline that I found unnecessary, since the story could have work great without it.

I am not giving the book a five-star review because of that romance that was hard to buy, and because I don't like books that leave me with some unanswered questions, they make me mad because I have to inmediately read the next book, but hey, that means Anthony Jones did a great job.

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the character development, the central theme of man's choice between good and evil and especially the action sequences. I did not want to stop reading and would go back to the book at every opportunity. The Sword of Goliath focuses itself primarily on a man named Jake Stanton, who is spending his days in San Quentin Penitentiary for a crime he did not commit. Jake was wrongly accused, unfairly tried, and unreasonably sentenced for the murder of his wife, and he’s just lost his final appeal. As Jake begins to mentally prepare for life inside the walls of San Quentin, he’s assigned a new cell-mate, Stephen Stross. Stross befriends Jake and, in earning Jake’s trust, convinces him that he is a member of the Shaddai. The Shaddai, descendants of the Biblical Nephilim through the bloodline of Seth, are on the hunt for twelve artifacts that will help them to win the final battle over the demonic Grigori; they believe the key to finding one of these powerful artifacts, the sword of Goliath, rests inside the mind of Jake Stanton. After engineering a successful escape from San Quentin, Jake and Stephen begin the quest for the legendary lost sword, but it will not be an easy effort.

[Michael McLellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story. A fantasy novel hatched from a single bible verse. I have to admit, I’ve never read anything quite like it. With clever narrative and well-constructed characters, The Sword of Goliath takes us from ancient scripture, to modern day San Francisco, to other planes of existence, on a quest for an ancient and powerful artifact; the sword of Goliath.

A grieving and wrongfully convicted man sits in prison, until one day he’s joined by a mysterious cellmate, who awakens him to who he really is. The two men bond and set out on an adventure that is both complex and enchanting.

This is Anthony Jones’ first novel, and it’s a fantastic start. I think he has an opportunity here to further master his craft and deliver a series of books that will garner him a large following of devoted readers. Well done, Mr. Jones.

The second book of the series, The Wizard of Nod is on my shortlist of To-Reads. The title alone is worth the price of admission.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received a complimentary copy.

It's definitely a faith-based fantasy read. Imaginative for sure. It has a distinctive voice - Not sure how to describe it (maybe a bit parable like); is voice/tone reminded me of a book I read many years back titled God on a Harley (again in voice only, not storyline).

My personal likes would be to have more descriptions of Jakes weapons training. And a bit more fleshed out dialogue between characters.

[GABBY LUCAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked the book. The plot was great and can't wait to read the second one.

[Leah Speller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed. It is one that stayed with me even when I was not reading it. As a Christian, I did not in any way feel offended in any way, if anything I felt it was plausible.

I for the actual story, with every character with every close call I would find myself gripping my kindle hoping they all made it through and no one was lost. I found With each character brought in, there was a warmth of a lost friend returned to me. (I think that comes from all the Bible study.) And you brought them to life with a true realness to them not just of the body but emotions the soul if you will that makes each of us unique, you did with all of your characters. Some could use more but I think that is what makes people acquaintances. We only know them on the surface but as we get to know them more it is no longer just the surface.

At the time of writing this review, I will admit I have already dived into the second book and I am ready for more.

[Kaajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book.

The language wasn't as smooth as I would have liked, the descriptions a little childish; while the content is not meant for young kids for sure. I'm not Christian, so a lot of references aren't as obvious to me.

BUT, the premise was good and I did enjoy the story; the journey. I admit, I am a little curious about what will happen next and I might just end up reading the next in the series.

[Todd Coburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel the Blood of Immortality Flow as You Walk in the Shoes of One Descended from Angels

Step into the shoes of one falsely accused and convicted as he becomes aware of his true heritage and bloodline, which traces back to the time when angels intermingled with mankind. Walk in his steps as he joins the struggle that he and others of the "good" bloodline engage in against those of the "bad" bloodline as they seek and employ relics of power to aid in their quest. Explore what it would be like to become immortal and to walk the line between this life and the realms of those who have gone before.

This book falls in the fantasy genre yet leverages a number of Biblical passages, people, and events to spin the tale. The result, although not something that "could" be due to development of the story in a number of areas contrary to the Biblical account, is quite entertaining and takes a new path that I have not seen in the fantasy genre.

I found the book interesting, enjoyable, and fun, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy or novels unconstrained by the limitations of mortal life.

I am looking forward to the next one in the series...

[Julia Sarene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one wasn't too bad. I liked the start, but over time I lost interest more and more...

The prose was ok, but a bit stiff at times. Also there were some repetitive parts (like the word flesh being used 5 times in 2 paragraphs), which is a pet peeve of mine.

My main problem were the characters. They just took everything that was thrown at them in stride.
Paraphrasing: "So I am an angel? If some stranger I met a few days ago in prison says so, it must be true!" or "I am so sad someone died... But God does these things for a reason, so it must be ok!"

Also while it is obvious that a book about Nephilim has a lot of religion in it, it just was too much for me in this one. And they all were just too nice and over the top good. The only "unholy" thing is the frequent mention of people having sex - though thankfully not described in detail. Other than that to me it felt like most of them could go straight to sainthood..

I must confess I wouldn't have finished it, if I didn't buy the audio book - I'm way more forgiving with audio than with my actual spare "reading time".

I am sure this book is perfect for readers who are looking for good heroes to look up to - it just wasn't my personal cup of tea!

[Harmen de Jong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I like the story or not.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I acquired this book by winning a Giveaway an Goodreads and so I will try not to be harsh, however this was not the book for me. I went into it knowing it was a touch out of my typical genre and reminded myself to have an open mind knowing this was going to be a "Religious Adventure". My issues were primarily that the book went from explaining the supernatural powers of angels and fallen angels to then integrate witches and wizards, as well. This was unexpected and honestly felt like a mixing of genres that wasn't necessarily welcome.
Additionally, the writing at times felt very slow, to the point where I was nodding off trying to get through sub-chapters. The adventure in and of itself was well put together and well explained. However, most other aspects of this book felt either exhaustive with description or forced to fit which resulted in a clunky narrative. Despite the fact that this book sometimes felt extremely descriptive, the author would also quickly introduce characters with minimal backstory which resulted in a lot of confusion during scenes where multiple new characters were thrown together.
This book took me almost a month to read because I did not feel invested in the story, I could mostly anticipate the ending, and it felt more like a chore to read than an exciting adventure.

*Semi-spoiler alert*
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Then when I finally did convince myself to sit down and finish the final 60 pages...the conflict we had been building up to ended quickly and simply and - quite frankly - underwhelmingly. So the amount of time I spent on this book felt wasted. I understand that the author intends to write many more books but I personally cannot see myself spending the time to explore them.

[Jason Bishop · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an amazing story concept! I love the mechanics, the world-building, and the characters. I love even more the duality of existence between the physical world and the spiritual, and the contrast between prison and naivity, against freedom and spiritual awakening. Very cool concept.

I rated this three stars because although I could easily become enraptured by a storyline such as this, especially with the whole duality of worlds thing (very Stephen King, The Talisman!), I found the writing style distracting. The scene changes were abrupt and blocky. The flow of information at times felt very slow, and then at other times too fast with not enough time spent developing some scenes. With some very thoughtful editing and rewriting, this series, and this author, have the potential to be a force the world isn't ready for!

[susan legge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Not your usual quest book. Some good characters developing and an unusual storyline regarding angels and relics set in today's timeline. Looking forward to reading the next book

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting twist on the Biblical story.
Jake Stanton find himself in prison for murdering his wife Theresa. Jake knows that he didnt do it but he was set up. Whilst in prison his cell mate opens his eyes to another world and together they go on a quest to find The Sword of Goliath. Meeting enemies that actually framed him on the quest who are also part of the other world.
A good story and well thought out.

[Lynn Kidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing author Anthony Jones did a wonderful job putting the Old Testament into the world today. This book was hard to put down as I just wanted to know whats going to happen next. I am so glad I won this book through Goodreads and I hope to read the next book in this series. If you like christian fiction this is a must read. Anthony writes so well that you will forget its all just pretend.

[Durga Prasad]

i think because i like the books of R.K naryan