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Goliath Code #1
The Goliath Code
THE END HAS COME AND THERE'S NOWHERE TO HIDE
A cataclysmic eruption has turned America into a suffocating wasteland. In sixteen-year-old Sera Donner's isolated Pacific Northwest town, thousands are dead and hundreds are missing, including her own mother. With precious resources running low, neighbor turns against neighbor, sparking a brutal civil war, and when the new survivalist regime decides Sera's disabled brother isn't fit to live, she picks up the rifle she’s vowed never to touch, and fights to defend those she loves.
Mysterious Micah Abrams is Sera's only comfort in the chaos; Micah clings to an inexplicable hope that Sera finds hard to resist but difficult to understand. She longs to let down her guard and reveal to him a secret that's tearing her apart. But with the stakes higher than ever, can Sera really trust a schoolyard bully suddenly turned prophet?
As the battle over control of the community reaches a fevered pitch, a powerful military leader marches into town with an imposing force, offering food, water, and promises of salvation. Everyone thinks the worst is finally over.
They're wrong.
A cataclysmic eruption has turned America into a suffocating wasteland. In sixteen-year-old Sera Donner's isolated Pacific Northwest town, thousands are dead and hundreds are missing, including her own mother. With precious resources running low, neighbor turns against neighbor, sparking a brutal civil war, and when the new survivalist regime decides Sera's disabled brother isn't fit to live, she picks up the rifle she’s vowed never to touch, and fights to defend those she loves.
Mysterious Micah Abrams is Sera's only comfort in the chaos; Micah clings to an inexplicable hope that Sera finds hard to resist but difficult to understand. She longs to let down her guard and reveal to him a secret that's tearing her apart. But with the stakes higher than ever, can Sera really trust a schoolyard bully suddenly turned prophet?
As the battle over control of the community reaches a fevered pitch, a powerful military leader marches into town with an imposing force, offering food, water, and promises of salvation. Everyone thinks the worst is finally over.
They're wrong.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2017
630 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 18, 2023
I could not put this book down! It’s very fast paced and exciting! I do have one complaint though, which is why I docked a star off the rating. I was under the impression when I bought the book that it was Christian fiction and faith is definitely a big part of the storyline, however, I was very put off by all the swearing. Maybe I’m the only one who hates that, but that’s one of the biggest reasons why I choose to read Christian fiction is to get away from all the filth in secular fiction. Idk, maybe Christians are not the intended market for the book, but it’s hard to tell when it’s marketed that way. There was also a lot of descriptive violence. If you can overlook those things though, the book itself is very well written and the storyline is very interesting.
May 22, 2018
The story was developing so nicely and it was really interesting, but then Christian religion was brought into it, and everything went downhill from there.
May 4, 2022
Gnostic Nicolatianism - Steer Clear
Loved the first book, but in the second book the main character got demon possessed right after placing her faith in Christ. This idea comes straight from the doctrine of the Nicolatians, which Jesus says He hates. (Study Eusebius and Victor for a thorough description of their doctrine which Christians are to avoid).
Christians can not be demon possessed. Nephilim have demonic spirits and can not be redeemed. This book blurrs those lines, saying God is okay with His followers having demons and using demonic powers. Steer clear of this series.
Loved the first book, but in the second book the main character got demon possessed right after placing her faith in Christ. This idea comes straight from the doctrine of the Nicolatians, which Jesus says He hates. (Study Eusebius and Victor for a thorough description of their doctrine which Christians are to avoid).
Christians can not be demon possessed. Nephilim have demonic spirits and can not be redeemed. This book blurrs those lines, saying God is okay with His followers having demons and using demonic powers. Steer clear of this series.
October 6, 2017
This riveting nail-biter is loaded with characters who jump off the page, terrifying action sequences, extinction-level disasters, increasingly high stakes, personal crises, a touch of romance, and imaginative biblical elements. The sci-fi elements are realistic projections of current technology—it’s an intelligent story that simultaneously wrings your heart. Hits the YA target with PG-level language and violence, but is conceptually terrifying enough to earn a PG-13 rating. This is a fascinating read that leaves me hungry for Book 2!
April 19, 2018
The Goliath Code is an eye opening take on the apocalypse genre
This book starts out like many post apocalyptic thrillers, but eases into a more important message of what is to come than most other stories of this genre.
I really like the characters and am eager to read the next two books of the trilogy.
This book starts out like many post apocalyptic thrillers, but eases into a more important message of what is to come than most other stories of this genre.
I really like the characters and am eager to read the next two books of the trilogy.
February 28, 2018
Can't Put It Down!
I rated this book a 5 because it is one of the best books I've read in a while. I literally couldnt stop reading it! It's Christian fiction at its best. I can't wait for book 2 to come out and read more of Sera's and Micah's journey. Y'all need to read this!
I rated this book a 5 because it is one of the best books I've read in a while. I literally couldnt stop reading it! It's Christian fiction at its best. I can't wait for book 2 to come out and read more of Sera's and Micah's journey. Y'all need to read this!
May 4, 2018
We are proud to announce that THE GOLIATH CODE by Suzanne Leonhard is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
September 5, 2018
Very very very good!
Can't wait for the next book in this series. A page Turner from the get go. A fresh perspective on the end times.
Can't wait for the next book in this series. A page Turner from the get go. A fresh perspective on the end times.
November 15, 2022
On the edge of my seat!
I have read alot of suspense books and always, ALWAYS, can predict the ending. This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire book and I just couldn't put it down. Definitely 5 stars and worth the purchase.
I have read alot of suspense books and always, ALWAYS, can predict the ending. This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire book and I just couldn't put it down. Definitely 5 stars and worth the purchase.
August 21, 2018
I decided to give this book a read after it popped up on my Amazon recommendations. It gets your attention immediately and I was hooked from there! This book has everything! Apocalyptic natural disasters, wars for survival, an oppressive government stepping in, genetic engineering, a little romance,and much more! The author weaves all these storylines together seamlessly. My only complaint is it ended too soon and book 2 is not out yet! Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 3, 2018
Well worth the read if you enjoy this type of fiction.
Great plot line and characters. I’m not usually drawn into the dystopian type future novels but the other good reviews prompted me to give it a go. Glad I did.
Great plot line and characters. I’m not usually drawn into the dystopian type future novels but the other good reviews prompted me to give it a go. Glad I did.
March 21, 2022
An interesting take on the end times and I really liked the main character. Not one of my faves but still a good read✅
March 30, 2018
Loved it!
Great read! Loved the characters and cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy. Book 2and 3here I come.
Great read! Loved the characters and cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy. Book 2and 3here I come.
October 2, 2018
Good read
Very interesting twist on biblical end times eschatology. Creative and well thought out. I enjoyed and look forward to book 2
Very interesting twist on biblical end times eschatology. Creative and well thought out. I enjoyed and look forward to book 2
February 6, 2018
Crazy good
I started the book yesterday and wasn't sure I was gonna finish it because I didn't see where the story line was going. Just a few chapters in, I was hooked and finished it tonight. Good characters and the story moved at a great speed. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I started the book yesterday and wasn't sure I was gonna finish it because I didn't see where the story line was going. Just a few chapters in, I was hooked and finished it tonight. Good characters and the story moved at a great speed. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 15, 2018
Extremely engaging
I usually avoid post apocalyptic thrillers, especially ones that are Christian fiction. This one came on my radar via Facebook advertising. I thought, why not give it a try. I found it very engaging and hard to quit reading. I think this book would have gotten five stars from me if it would not have ended on a cliff hanger. There is a spoiler for you. Now i am left staring out into the beyond going wtf? What happens!!! That I would care to know speaks volumes about how good this book is. I rarely read Christian fiction. It is hard to impress me with it. I would actually suggest this book to my Christian and non Christian friends a like.
I usually avoid post apocalyptic thrillers, especially ones that are Christian fiction. This one came on my radar via Facebook advertising. I thought, why not give it a try. I found it very engaging and hard to quit reading. I think this book would have gotten five stars from me if it would not have ended on a cliff hanger. There is a spoiler for you. Now i am left staring out into the beyond going wtf? What happens!!! That I would care to know speaks volumes about how good this book is. I rarely read Christian fiction. It is hard to impress me with it. I would actually suggest this book to my Christian and non Christian friends a like.
July 27, 2018
My original Goliath Code audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
An eruption at Yosemite has immersed America in total chaos. Many people died and many cities were destroyed. Sera and her brother David have lost their parents during the cataclysm, an with that, David's hopes of becoming normal. David and Sera's father was a scientist specialized in genetic modifications using nanobots, and he had the key to give his son a normal body. David and Sera will face the challenges and danger, each one in a different way, while they witness how Europa saves America in an unexpected way.
This book had all the ingredients to be an enjoyable post-apocalyptic story for young adults. We have two strong main characters, who antagonize each other at times. We see a clear evolution in Sera, and the way she decides to take matters in her own hands. There is also deception, mystery, and blood, lots of blood.
The plot was a bit chaotic at times, but it kept me interested. Somehow, I didn't understand Sera's decision of hiding what happened to her mother. It seemed to me at first, that it was going to be a decisive event in the book, one that could change things. And it did, eventually, just not in the way I expected, and I have to say that I felt disappointed, and even cheated towards the end. There were also other characters' actions that I found strange and that made them less real.
There is some romance, as anyone would expect in a YA book. Not too much, but there nonetheless. I added some value to the story, and created some dynamics among several of the characters.
The next point may be controversial. There is quite some religion in this book. A lot more towards the end, and for me this is not a good thing in a sci-fi/post-apocalyptic book. I think authors in general should understand that their books are read by a vast public, and that many of their readers might be atheists or have a religion other than Christianism. For me, this high level of religion in a book is a total setback. Things just don't work in the end if you pray and put up with things. Things work out if you fight and work hard for them. Or that is what I would like to read in a book.
Gabrielle de Cuir did a good job narrating this book and bringing Sera to life. I found her style a bit too languid for this kind of story, but it did not disturb me. Her voices were credible and each character had their own voice and style. The last, and more religious, part, of the book benefited from de Cuir style.
An eruption at Yosemite has immersed America in total chaos. Many people died and many cities were destroyed. Sera and her brother David have lost their parents during the cataclysm, an with that, David's hopes of becoming normal. David and Sera's father was a scientist specialized in genetic modifications using nanobots, and he had the key to give his son a normal body. David and Sera will face the challenges and danger, each one in a different way, while they witness how Europa saves America in an unexpected way.
This book had all the ingredients to be an enjoyable post-apocalyptic story for young adults. We have two strong main characters, who antagonize each other at times. We see a clear evolution in Sera, and the way she decides to take matters in her own hands. There is also deception, mystery, and blood, lots of blood.
The plot was a bit chaotic at times, but it kept me interested. Somehow, I didn't understand Sera's decision of hiding what happened to her mother. It seemed to me at first, that it was going to be a decisive event in the book, one that could change things. And it did, eventually, just not in the way I expected, and I have to say that I felt disappointed, and even cheated towards the end. There were also other characters' actions that I found strange and that made them less real.
There is some romance, as anyone would expect in a YA book. Not too much, but there nonetheless. I added some value to the story, and created some dynamics among several of the characters.
The next point may be controversial. There is quite some religion in this book. A lot more towards the end, and for me this is not a good thing in a sci-fi/post-apocalyptic book. I think authors in general should understand that their books are read by a vast public, and that many of their readers might be atheists or have a religion other than Christianism. For me, this high level of religion in a book is a total setback. Things just don't work in the end if you pray and put up with things. Things work out if you fight and work hard for them. Or that is what I would like to read in a book.
Gabrielle de Cuir did a good job narrating this book and bringing Sera to life. I found her style a bit too languid for this kind of story, but it did not disturb me. Her voices were credible and each character had their own voice and style. The last, and more religious, part, of the book benefited from de Cuir style.
January 10, 2019
Can't wait
Very well written, can't wait to see what happens next in book two. Tribulations and trials are waiting for us
Very well written, can't wait to see what happens next in book two. Tribulations and trials are waiting for us
October 31, 2017
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started reading this book, as it appeared to be a bit different from my typical read. It was, and I am certainly glad I decided to give this one a try.
Sixteen-year-old Sera Donner finds herself in the fight of her life, in a way she never imagined. Thousands are dead or missing, including her mother. A cataclysmic event has occurred, and it has pitted neighbor against neighbor, with chaos everywhere. In order to survive, will she pledge her allegiance to something she detests? Could everything she thought to be true be a lie?
This is one book that will likely make the reader think about things in a different way. Sci-fi elements mixed with modern technology combine in this imaginative novel. While geared for young adults, adults are likely to enjoy this, as well. The fast-paced action rivets the reader from the start. Leonhard offers a different take on the tribulation, with Revelation (Biblical) themes woven throughout. There is mild language and violence. Vivid descriptions make the story unfold as if watching a movie. I look forward to reading the sequel, since this book does end with a cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Sixteen-year-old Sera Donner finds herself in the fight of her life, in a way she never imagined. Thousands are dead or missing, including her mother. A cataclysmic event has occurred, and it has pitted neighbor against neighbor, with chaos everywhere. In order to survive, will she pledge her allegiance to something she detests? Could everything she thought to be true be a lie?
This is one book that will likely make the reader think about things in a different way. Sci-fi elements mixed with modern technology combine in this imaginative novel. While geared for young adults, adults are likely to enjoy this, as well. The fast-paced action rivets the reader from the start. Leonhard offers a different take on the tribulation, with Revelation (Biblical) themes woven throughout. There is mild language and violence. Vivid descriptions make the story unfold as if watching a movie. I look forward to reading the sequel, since this book does end with a cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
March 10, 2018
Great storyteller
Can't wait for the next book to come out. Couldn't stop reading. I was up all night. You won't regret getting this one.
Can't wait for the next book to come out. Couldn't stop reading. I was up all night. You won't regret getting this one.
November 20, 2017
Great Reading
I really enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to book two in the series. I loved the characters and the storyline. I have read a lot of post apocalyptic books I the last couple years most of which are set after an EMP or pandemic. This book takes a different doomsday approach a super volcano. I have read a lot of literature about the Yellowstone caldera and the threat is a real possibility in our lifetime.
I really enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to book two in the series. I loved the characters and the storyline. I have read a lot of post apocalyptic books I the last couple years most of which are set after an EMP or pandemic. This book takes a different doomsday approach a super volcano. I have read a lot of literature about the Yellowstone caldera and the threat is a real possibility in our lifetime.
June 12, 2018
A Thriller Is Right!!!
Such a good book. I really cannot wait for Book Two, this author has a fabulous imagination and has created some really wonderful characters. Anyone who enjoys a well written fast paced story will enjoy this book.
Such a good book. I really cannot wait for Book Two, this author has a fabulous imagination and has created some really wonderful characters. Anyone who enjoys a well written fast paced story will enjoy this book.
May 7, 2018
Good read
I really enjoyed the book, characters and story line. I hope book two will be out soon. Waiting patiently. God bless
I really enjoyed the book, characters and story line. I hope book two will be out soon. Waiting patiently. God bless
July 7, 2018
Great read.
Interesting take on the end times and the very real possibility of Yellowstone erupting. Loved the different characters. Can't wait for the sequel.
Interesting take on the end times and the very real possibility of Yellowstone erupting. Loved the different characters. Can't wait for the sequel.
July 13, 2018
This book was truly amazing, I couldn't put it down! The only drawback was that there is a part 2 that hasn't come out yet, so I have to wait for it!
July 6, 2024
The Left Behind series popularized end times Christian fiction over twenty years ago. Since then, a majority of books that would be categorized as Christian science fiction seem to fall within this category. Plots often begin with the premise that there is a rapture that coincides with a cataclysmic event, followed by a time of tribulation for the remaining non-Christians.
The Goliath Code follows this eschatology. However, as I read through The Goliath Code, I viewed it more as a plot device than a specific theology that Suzanne Leonhard was trying to thrust upon her readers. The dystopian setting provides abundant opportunities for exploring how humans would interact if the entire government and economic systems were to collapse.
The Goliath Code's strength lies in its characters. Serafina is a complex teenager, struggling in how to grieve over her mother's death (?), as well as being forced to align with people who she had resented in school. This first book in the series is a tale of her self-discovery through tragedy and in understanding what to make of this new world.
The story is written well and the pacing is solid throughout. There is enough intrigue that one is not left feeling like they read a story like this before. It is unique in its approach to the genre. My best comparison would be to that of a Dean Koontz novel with a strong focus on central characters and just enough weirdness to further pique my interest. The book is more sharp than sappy and does not shy away from revealing the reality the characters would experience.
The story is told in the first person through Sera, and while her character is strongly developed, I would have liked to have known a few of the other characters more deeply, especially considering this is a multi-book series. The first entry in this series does not have a complete arc and requires the reader to move onto book two to continue the story further. While I don't mind a cliffhanger, I would have preferred it to be added to a book that had a complete beginning, middle, and end.
Overall, if you are looking for a dystopian adventure, this book delivers an exciting story. I plan to continue reading the additional books in the series to learn the fate of Sera, her family, and the friends she has made in the chaotic world she now finds herself in.
The Goliath Code follows this eschatology. However, as I read through The Goliath Code, I viewed it more as a plot device than a specific theology that Suzanne Leonhard was trying to thrust upon her readers. The dystopian setting provides abundant opportunities for exploring how humans would interact if the entire government and economic systems were to collapse.
The Goliath Code's strength lies in its characters. Serafina is a complex teenager, struggling in how to grieve over her mother's death (?), as well as being forced to align with people who she had resented in school. This first book in the series is a tale of her self-discovery through tragedy and in understanding what to make of this new world.
The story is written well and the pacing is solid throughout. There is enough intrigue that one is not left feeling like they read a story like this before. It is unique in its approach to the genre. My best comparison would be to that of a Dean Koontz novel with a strong focus on central characters and just enough weirdness to further pique my interest. The book is more sharp than sappy and does not shy away from revealing the reality the characters would experience.
The story is told in the first person through Sera, and while her character is strongly developed, I would have liked to have known a few of the other characters more deeply, especially considering this is a multi-book series. The first entry in this series does not have a complete arc and requires the reader to move onto book two to continue the story further. While I don't mind a cliffhanger, I would have preferred it to be added to a book that had a complete beginning, middle, and end.
Overall, if you are looking for a dystopian adventure, this book delivers an exciting story. I plan to continue reading the additional books in the series to learn the fate of Sera, her family, and the friends she has made in the chaotic world she now finds herself in.
January 29, 2020
Having read the Left Behind series I want to commend Suzanne Leonhard for doing a much more realistic portrayal of what could happen in a pre-tribulation rapture scenario, including language that fundamentalist purists might decry (although off-color language is very rare in the book, it is how actual people talk after all).
I anxiously await the next book in the series because I have a feeling she will take this ever deeper into a more realistic portrayal of an apocalyptic landscape and human decision-making. As long as it doesn't descend into an "evangelical-only" salvation script, this could really be powerful. And timely.
I anxiously await the next book in the series because I have a feeling she will take this ever deeper into a more realistic portrayal of an apocalyptic landscape and human decision-making. As long as it doesn't descend into an "evangelical-only" salvation script, this could really be powerful. And timely.
October 26, 2020
Good fast pace story will make you think
This is a well written story that I would recommend to young adults especially in the 20to40 age group. It is well written and certainly somewhat biblically-based. It does have quite a good story as well. I gave it a four star rating rather than five star due to the language though are though I do wrecking eyes that in these times that are taking place and will soon take place there will be some rough language spoken. How be it many of us Christians would preferred to book such as this not have language such as this. I would recommend it to friends though as the story is good and the message is good as well.
This is a well written story that I would recommend to young adults especially in the 20to40 age group. It is well written and certainly somewhat biblically-based. It does have quite a good story as well. I gave it a four star rating rather than five star due to the language though are though I do wrecking eyes that in these times that are taking place and will soon take place there will be some rough language spoken. How be it many of us Christians would preferred to book such as this not have language such as this. I would recommend it to friends though as the story is good and the message is good as well.
September 2, 2020
Surprisingly fantastic
I'll admit I held off reading this for awhile due to the corney book cover. I just couldn't take it seriously. I finally read it, and it is such a good book! I was up until 2 in the morning reading it. It is definitely hard to put down. I can't wait to finish the series. It does need to be noted though that it has curse words, including the use of God's name in vain. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of that. Usually Christian fiction withholds unnecessary foul language.
I'll admit I held off reading this for awhile due to the corney book cover. I just couldn't take it seriously. I finally read it, and it is such a good book! I was up until 2 in the morning reading it. It is definitely hard to put down. I can't wait to finish the series. It does need to be noted though that it has curse words, including the use of God's name in vain. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of that. Usually Christian fiction withholds unnecessary foul language.
September 8, 2018
Well done end of world story
Only reason I gave this a 4star was that the second book is not ready! The story itself was great. Nice to see a more realistic cause for”end times”. Especially one where zombies are not involved. Loved all the characters even the evil ones. Very well done descriptions that let you truly “see” them. Story does involve bible “end times” references but they are expected since the book is listed as Christian science fiction.
Only reason I gave this a 4star was that the second book is not ready! The story itself was great. Nice to see a more realistic cause for”end times”. Especially one where zombies are not involved. Loved all the characters even the evil ones. Very well done descriptions that let you truly “see” them. Story does involve bible “end times” references but they are expected since the book is listed as Christian science fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews