FLEE:

by EK Jonathan

As the great tribulation begins, a series of puzzling instructions from the branch tests the faith and resolve of Witnesses worldwide. Follow the experiences of Peter, an elder in a congregation in Northern California, his wife Rachel, and their extended family and friends as difficult decisions and heart-wrenching sacrifices are made to be obedient and loyal. ==== An excerpt from the ==== The five men took their seats around Peter Burton’s kitchen table as an ancient grandfather clock in the sitting room clanged out a low tone on the hour. It was eleven o’clock and the air carried the scent of strong coffee and leftover blueberry pie which had been warmed, sliced, and served on small saucers by Peter’s wife before she’d retired to bed. So far the dessert had been eaten by no one––everyone was full on tension. It wasn’t unusual to be holding the elders’ meeting in a private home. For one, the hall was already in use by another congregation, and for another, the recent tumult between religion and politics had put everyone on edge. While the Witnesses’ activities hadn’t been banned outright, there were already countless instances of harassment, prompting the organization to urge caution. Many of the brothers suspected it was only a matter of time before the usual function of Kingdom Halls was interrupted indefinitely. Peter took a deep breath and studied the four faces around the table. To his right was Jack Reese, the service overseer. The brother was in his mid-fifties with greying hair swept back at his temples. He wore a perpetual frown, the face of an astute man concerned always with the details. Perched on his hooked nose were a pair of thin, frameless bifocals that he now peered over, his eyes darting from face to face before finally settling on his folded hands. Next was Ajay Sharma. Ajay had moved in from a Punjabi group in Palo Alto with his wife, Sheila, and their two small children, once they’d determined that the children needed a spiritual upbringing in English. It had been a difficult transition for the parents, but they had never regretted the decision, and the children were gradually blossoming into stable and mature preteens. Lastly was Marcus Kelly, the coordinator. The oldest member of Monte Vista’s elder body and easily the most seasoned, Marcus was well-respected not just in his congregation, but in the entire circuit, often giving talks and interviews on conventions. He’d served in past years as a missionary and then a circuit overseer, and his wealth of experience was valued by all on the body, but especially Peter. Marcus had been the one to first study the Bible with Peter, just a few months after Marcus and Vivian had come off the road from the circuit work to care for aging parents. Peter had seen firsthand how Marcus’ experiences had enriched and molded him, and rarely wasted an opportunity to glean lessons from the wizened Marcus Kelly. “Thank you all for agreeing to meet on such short notice,” Marcus began after an opening prayer. He took his time to acknowledge each of the elders around the table and continued. “I know it’s late and I’ll do my best to make sure this doesn’t drag on...” ==== Reviews & comments from ==== "I love the creativity and imagination. I don’t feel as though I’m good at visualizing things, on my own. But, your books have helped me to visualize things in a way I have long desired. I don’t expect things to be the way the book is, but it’s nice to be able to picture something.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2017

About the author

EK Jonathan was born in Hawaii, USA, and has lived in various states across the country and abroad as a need greater. In 2013 he finished his first full length novel, "All Things New". Since then, he has released, on average, one new novel per year. His last project was "Time and Unforeseen" a suquel to his 2018 young adult novel "The Bloom of Youth".

EK Jonathan currently lives in the United States with family, where he teaches English and works as a graphic designer. He is also the writer, director, and artist for an upcoming paradise-themed video game called Project Paradise.

Reviews

[Mishawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat. I have to say there were a few situations that I was skeptical about and can't wait to discuss in bookclub. I like what the author said in the afterword.. these are merely words on a page to fuel our imaginations and provide wholesome entertainment in a world where such is sorely lacking. Indeed!!! I didn't have to worry if anything indecent or spiritistic would be presented that seems to be a hallmark of most modern-day books. Thank you for this refreshing breather and now on to book 2.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

constructive fiction

So much of what we read for fun is tainted with the world. This book is refreshing and very well written.

[Candace Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Couldn’t stop listening! (Did the audiobook on YouTube) Then I had to buy the rest of the series to see the story played out! Well written! Intense. Heartwarming! This is a writer who will take us straight into paradise with wonderful novels shaped around our hope for the future, our worldwide brotherhood, and our love for Jehovah!

[Kandy Maxim-Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did Not Disappoint!

This book, just as with his other series, is amazing. It’s beyond words, honestly. I love the creativity and imagination. I don’t feel as though I’m good at visualizing things, on my own. But, your books have helped me to visualize things in a way I have long desired. I don’t expect things to be the way the book is, but it’s nice to be able to picture something. Thank you for everything. I love the audiobook, as well. Great job with the reading and various voices and accents!

[LAURA M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story grabs you from the first page. Impossible to put down!

Such a beautiful, intriguing story. Characters developed in such a way that you’re so invested in knowing what happens. Love how this story adds to your ability to imagine how events could happen and question your own reactions in similar situations. Helps to strengthen your own determination to be nothing but obedient in our own coming future. Thank you for sharing your incredible imagination and story telling ability.

[Sergio Dongala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.
Gives a clear imagine of how the great tribulation will look like.

Interesting bible parts included, well developed.
It needed a litle more suspence, but it was ok.

Good reading, waiting for the next.

[Hanna Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book in a day. I loved it!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next one

Makes you think and feel hopeful. Looove it. I can’t wait to read his next book. Very talented thoughtful writer.

[CAROL GANLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and gave me a look at different perspective.

[M$fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! So nice to find a book like this. Can't wait for our near future!! Already started the next book in this series...

[Mildred Anderson]

Excellent reading!! Starting book 2 today.

[TK]

DNF
Book club had a great time with this one. So don’t pay any attention to the fact that I didn’t finish and am choosing not to rate it. Everyone is different.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book ever

Easy to follow. Thought provoking, lots of drama and exciting plot.recommend everyone to read. I love the audio book version really put you In the book.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

whole series is amazing. loved it!!

[RocilinaLagat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really cool to think about what the great tribulation might be like. I thought I had somewhat of an idea in my head, but this book was honestly more creative than anything I had imagined. If anything, it made me even more excited for the real thing, because Jehovah will come up with something EVEN MORE genius than ANYTHING any human could ever think of!!!

What made that even more engaging was the way the story moves between different characters’ perspectives without ever feeling overwhelming. The storytelling is simple and clear, which made it really easy to picture what was happening. E.K. Jonathan did a great job making the scenes feel vivid and real.

Adding to that, the situations during the evacuation felt very REALISTIC and honestly kind of eye-opening. Some people WILL struggle to let go of their personal belongings, others get caught up in legal matters or health problems, and some may even turn back like Lot’s wife. In the end, though, it really highlights how everything comes down to the strength of our FAITH in Jehovah.

I also appreciated that this wasn’t a worldly or pointless read. There are actually meaningful reminders and lessons you can carry with you for when the great tribulation DOES come.

Some of the elders, like Peter, Alvin, and Ted, were a little more dramatic than most elders I know in real life—but I think that was mainly for the sake of the plot and the overall drama of the story, so I get it. It actually made things more interesting.

I definitely have a favorite character (starts with a J), a least favorite character (starts with a C), and a ship too 😂 (A + T).

It was also really fun seeing my siblings’ annotations as we rooted for certain characters, expressed our frustrations, and tried to guess what would happen next. There were lots of insightful moments along the way—personally, plenty of “aww” and “ughh” reactions from me.

Loved it, and I can’t wait to read the next one and see how it all plays out!

4.75/5 stars