Shadowed: The Final Judgment

The Underground Zealot #3

by Jerry B. Jenkins

In this rapid-fire conclusion to the best-selling Soon series, follow Paul Stepola, his wife, Jae, and their young children as they try to elude capture by the National Peace Organization and sentencing for treason. The law banning the practice of religion around the globe is on the brink of collapse. The tide is turning but personal, family hostilities threaten to end in disaster before the world comes to its senses.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Dystopia, Audiobook, Fantasy, Apocalyptic

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2004

About the author

Jerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Heidi Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for everyone.Makes you really question am I ready are my family and friends ready?"People get ready Jesus is coming "

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling conclusion of the Underground Zealot series is well worth reading. The ending is very satisfying, and the characters did not always remain as they seemed to be at first. It was interesting reading about the reactions of various individuals when an undeniable act of God occurs, and the amazing, ego-driven stubbornness of some. The entire series is definitely thought-provoking and intense. I highly recommend it.

[Kathryn Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trilogy was a page turned which absolutely surprised me since I don’t practice religion, but this author is a fantastic writer and kept me wanting to snatch up these books during every nap my kids took and as soon as I put them down for bed. Was a great balance between plot line and bible verse where even a person who doesn’t practice region can understand and enjoy this great read!

[Heitham Hammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just as I imagined it. These type of books really make one think about what's really going on in the world. "

[Angie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally finished! In this was just as exciting as the other two in the series. Makes you really think about what we as Christians can do if/when put in the position in which we would have to go underground. Additionally, a lot is blamed on "religion", but is it Christianity and other communities of faith, religious extremists, or straight up hate that causes wars? Anytime there is oppression against a people, they will fight for freedom.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and story are at least on par with the previous two novels, both of which were better than usual for Jerry Jenkins. However, the ending seemed too Disneyfied; bad guy gets caught in his own deception, is thrown in prison, and all is well afterwards. Where are the mass disappearances, the return of Christ, and the judging of all Earth's denizens? This doesn't seem to live up to its premise. Even with the slight disappointment, it was still somewhat good; just don't expect too much.

[Kiersten]

More great suspense from Jerry Jenkins, although not up to par with, say, the Left behind series. I felt like I just couldn't connect with the characters. I'm kind of on the fence about the ending, too - it seemed very pessimistic. I suppose Jenkins was just trying to make it realistic, but I didn't like it. It sort of downed the triumphant feel of the rest of the ending. Otherwise, though, it was good. Not excellent, not really memorable (for me, anyway), but good.

[Carla Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great finish in this trilogy of books. It was exciting to read the character transformations and plot twists and turns. The continued unfolding of the gospel was well written into the story. It was another suspenseful read.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this is one of the authors of the famed or infamous ‘Left Behind’ series (over 63 Million copies sold), and though that series started off well, it slowed down so much and became so dry I could just not finish it. This, on the other hand, is a third book in a new trilogy. It reads like a spiritual Tom Clancy or Dan Brown. The first two books in this series are Soon and Silenced and now finally Shadowed.

The premise or background in this series is based in a post World-War III world. In 2009 a new world government was established in Bern Switzerland. This WW3 is known as the religious war. Since then all religion has been banned and has been persecuted. The world has stopped using A.D. (anno Domini, ‘in the year of our lord’) with the new designator P.3. (Post-World War III) Our book takes place 37 years later in 38 P.3. and our hero is an unlikely religious hero. Paul Stepola did a Masters in Religious Studies after serving in the military. He worked for the regime in power as a sort of cop and intelligence community officer. He often infiltrated religious groups to break them up and persecute them. In the earlier books, Paul’s life went through a drastic change, from finding a letter his father wrote at his birth, in which his father declared his faith, to being blinded in an explosion, to being a believer.

Paul’s journey went from being undercover to being under suspicion for being a double agent. In most of the second book he is suspected of having turned, yet continues to convince the government of his loyalty. In this final installment he has to go underground, and not only that, he has his wife and two children with him. He has been found out and is hiding with the Columbia underground when former colleagues start helping him evade authorities.

Can he save his family, can he help bring religious freedom to the world again? Will faith prevail or finally be squashed forever? Read this fast-paced book or the whole series and find out!


(First Published in Across the Creek the St. Jerome's Students' Union newspaper column 'Book Look' December 2005)

[K Shirey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense. A real page turner and I’ve got to say this whole series is excellent. I usually don’t like books that jump from one scenario to another dealing with all different characters but in this series it is done quickly AND I’m eager to know what is going on in each situation. I do wish these books were longer. There is nothing better than opening a book that is 500+ pages long... well except to know there is more than one of them in the series. With this topic there are many avenues that could have been covered. A world where all religion is illegal. Imagine the current efforts of the Crooked & Depraved in the USA alphabet groups, who currently think it’s ok to label Americans protesting against the sexual grooming of our children as terrorists, increasing their efforts by a 1,000x. What a ridiculous situation that is. But to have those Godless demented legally sanctioned to hunt down citizens that pray? They would be as merciless as the Roman Catholics were against anyone not wanting to kiss the popes ring back in the day. With modern tools and devices I’m certain torture would be equal to, or worse, than Christians being made into Roman Candles lighting the roads. This series really does open the eyes to what the world could come to. We are well on the way with our children being taught there is no right and no wrong. First comes the One World Government with its “uniting feel good” One World Church w/demands it’s the only one. Next the enforcement for the good of all. Anyways, I do wish these books were longer, they are page turners. The first 2 I read only at night and I go to bed tired so they took awhile. This one I gave in and have read it whenever possible making the end of the series come to damned fast. I do recommend it.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is good and the pacing is faster than the other two books, but I would not recommend listening to the audiobook. The audiobook frequently jumps between volume levels using whispers for internal thoughts and yelling for, well, yelling. This constant switching between levels makes it almost impossible to choose a volume setting where you can hear the internal thoughts and not have your ears bleed from the loud arguing. Dramatically, it's great, but some volume leveling during production would have made it more pleasurable to listen to.

[Lori Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as enjoyable as the first two books had been. The author literally shoved everything in the last chapter, I would've liked it drawn out a bit more. I feel like we need a few sequels to get everyone working closer to the rapture. I also don't believe those of us who have been selected by God will not have to go through the horror this group went through. We are not meant for his wrath because we have endured enough suffering on this planet. This story needs to be neatly tied up, what happens to our favorite characters?

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong characters and exciting plot, and I might add, realistic.

Hopefully, the events in the book never happen but the way the world is going, it could. Religious persecution formed this nation. Yet, it seems like it could all be reversed if a certain group in this country. Just today, the DNC chairman blasted the church for not accepting democrat values.

The ending surprised me. This has been a great series.

[Anna Catherman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slightly confusing and disappointing end to an okay-to-good trilogy, Shadowed felt a little more cliched than the others. On top of that, the ending was quite vague and in some ways "undoes" some of the previous books. It was an okay read, I guess, just disappointed that the series went out without a bang.

[Marlene Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third Underground Zealot novel certainly made up for the lag in the second one. It didn't get boring at all and the story's action kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. It was full of surprises that upped the excitement. Mr Jenkins did a good job of rounding out the plot at the end but leaving enough wonder if a number four just might be in the making. Loved it!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series of novels. Paul was a great character committed to what he believes. Ranold's narcissism and his commitment to destroy Paul take this book to places I didn't see coming. In his desire to destroy Paul and the underground is he ultimately going to destroy himself? A fast paced read.

[Dave Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read ending to a a thrilling saga

Paul is now fully emersed in the world of the underground . He will have to fully rely on the Lord and the people the Lord puts in his path to survive and fulfill his calling .
This amazing read will leave you invested from page one , and even though brilliantly authored ; still leave you wanting more .

[Ashley Hobgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read this book because I'm a fan of Jerry B. Jenkins. I enjoyed reading this book because of the intense action. I loved that the story was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought the novel was well written. It is a must read.

[Joyce K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry Jenkins Shadowed

Number 3 in the series,after World War 3 religious practice is prohibited. In a futuristic series Jerry Jenkins tells of the struggles of believers versus the government.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

shadowed.....

This is one of the type of books that I like—-Christians living out their faith in the face of opposition. If you aren’t into Jesus and end times prophecy, the this isn’t for you. If you are a believer in God and His power, the you may enjoy this read.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Listen

This was the third book in The Soon Trilogy. I truly enjoyed listening to these three books. As with all of Jerry Jenkins books...I could stop listening. Please continue writing Mr. Jenkins.

[JR Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, it was definitely a page turner. Stayed up too late several nights not wanting to put it down. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes thrilling novels with a Christian perspective. Not hard to think it could happen today especially with the way the world is now.

[Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really good! After reading this makes you not know what to do next. If that makes sense.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Mckayla Medley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but some spots are kind of boring

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, fast paced book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series....made a lot of sense on how the future could be....not sure I think the ending would really happen....my opinion!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series! Loved the characters and the plot!

[Lynn Cansler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite book from one of my favorite authors. I've read more engaging work.

[Phycilla Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series!

This is a great book and a wonderful ending to this series. God has been lifted up and honored through this story.