An edge-of-your seat action-packed supernatural conspiracy thriller that reveals the spiritual warfare and God’s deliverance of his people under the brutal Roman empire of the first century.
The Roman Hunt for the Apostle John and the secret Book of Revelation
The isle of Patmos, 66 A.D. Roman Prefect Severus is supposed to kill his target, the Apostle John, as ordered by Nero Caesar. Severus and his servants, Jewish Alexander and Christians Cassandra and Demetrius find the Apostle John exiled on an infamous penal colony. But when Severus learns from John what the secret apocalypse scroll, the book of Revelation, really means, he decides to travel to Jerusalem. His goal: infiltrate the Christian community and find any warriors who may claim to be the Messiah in the Jewish revolt now under way. Outside Jerusalem, two Jewish warriors, Simon bar Giora and John of Gischala, struggle in a civil war to lead the revolt against Rome. But the Jewish ruling class and high priesthood are corrupt in colluding with Caesar. What they don’t realize is that a young unknown monk from the Essene Dead Sea community of Qumran holds the key to defending the holy city and holy temple. Alexander, Cassandra and Demetrius warn the remnant of Christian believers in Jerusalem to flee the city before judgment and destruction falls upon them. The only problem is, the Christians don’t believe them. And they don’t realize that the armies of Rome are already on their way.
Spiritual Warfare, Sword and Sorcery, Angels and Demons
The human story is not the only one in this series. The book of Revelation unveils the spiritual warfare involved in Biblical prophecy. So Chronicles of the Apocalypse shows the evil plans and actions of Satan and his fallen angels, the Watchers masquerading as gods of the nations. This gang of demons is not going down easily.
This is Not Your Father’s Left Behind
Most End Times Bible prophecy fiction follows the same futuristic fantasy that is speculative and entertaining, but continues to prove wrong as history unfolds. What many Christians don’t know is that there is a strong tradition of Christian eschatology that unveils the book of Revelation in its first century context as the apostle John originally intended it. Chronicles of the Apocalypse follows that lesser known Biblical prophecy interpretation of the End Times, the Last Days, the Antichrist, 666, the Beast, and the Great Tribulation.
EXTRA BONUS: Historical and Biblical Facts Behind the Fiction
You’ll get extensive endnotes with each chapter that prove the historical fulfillment of the book of Revelation and End Times Bible prophecies as depicted in this novel. The story follows ancient Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, for the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in the first century.
Brian Godawa has been a professional filmmaker, writer, and designer for over 20 years. His creative versatility was born of a passion for both intellect and imagination, both left-brain and right-brain. The result: Brian is an artisan of word, image, and story that engages heart, mind, and soul. Just think, "Renaissance Man."
As with Tyrant: Rise of the Beast, Godawa has here in the second book of his Chronicles of the Apocalypse combined fictional characters with historic individuals in a way that remains faithful to history and yet provides the reader with an exciting story. Remnant picks up the story from where the reader left off at the conclusion of Tyrant. Increasing threats within the Jewish community as well as the militant Rome provide a backdrop to the growing faith within the main characters. And the development of their interpersonal relationships grounded the story in a very human and relatable way. I look forward to continuing this series.
What follows below is from my review of the first book in this series as what I said in that review pertains to this book as well.
Godawa’s deep research and copious footnotes anchor the story firmly in historical facts. Depending upon your view of eschatology, you will be inclined to either dismiss it (if you are a futurist—claiming it’s not biblical though it has stronger biblical roots than Dispensational sensationalism) or embrace the story as well-presented historical fiction based on the internal evidence of the Bible itself and historical facts (if you are rooted in the Preterist or Partial Preterist camp).
I do not generally read much historical, biblical fiction but this book pulled me in. With so much fiction being published to push the futurist, Dispensational, Left Behind narrative, I was skeptical about another “end times” narrative. This book surprised me. Accepting Jesus’ actual timeframe of “soon” and “this generation” literally placing the “end times” at the termination of the Old Covenant and the birth of the New Covenant, I was pleased to find a creative, well-written story that entertained and informed while presenting the spiritual battle behind the physical outworkings of the persecution of early Christians by both the Jews and the Romans.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel novel, even more than I did the first one. Brian Godawa's research into the historical and theological background of the events of the Jewish Revolt and the eventual sacking of Jerusalem in the first century make for not only an entertaining but also an intellectually satisfying experience.
Having some knowledge of the many actors and factions involved in the Jewish wars, I was delighted to see so many historical figures and groups personified. From Essene monks of Qumran anticipating the final battle described in their War Scroll, to politically savvy Sadducees, to the messianic pretenders of the day, each character feels real and carries their own hopes, fears, vices, and idiosyncrasies that draw you into the narrative.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel series is Godawa's skillful use of dialogues to flesh out doctrines that are controversial even to this day. The debates about pacifism, "replacement theology", and preterism between the varied characters invites the reader to enter the scene and take in the strength of the arguments presented. The author does not put simple straw man arguments in the mouths of the "opposing" characters; rather, these back-and-forths draw from the strengths of either side of the debate, which always makes for a satisfying conclusion when the debate reaches a climax.
Remnant is a good second entry into The Chronicles of the Apocalypse. Remnant picks upon right where Tyrant left off. Alexander, a new convert to Christianity, continues to wrestle with his new faith and his feelings for Cassandra as he travels with Severus and Demetrius to find John and understand the meaning of his Apocalypse. Apollyon, having freed the gods of the nations, begins working towards the destruction of God's people. The angels and protagonists have their work cut out for them trying to warn the Christians throughout Judea of the wrath that is coming. In addition to the excitement and suspense, Remnant reveals a few answers: who is the harlot? How do Nero and the Flavians factor into the narrative? The answers are revealed quite well, and the footnotes provide a lot of fascinating background.
I withheld one star for two reasons. First, Alexander's pining for Cassandra became tiresome after awhile. Second, the behavior of Apollyon and his gods seemed more sophomoric than in previous novels, nor were they as terrifying or imposing.
Remnant is quite good, and if you have enjoyed Godawa's other books or "historical fantasy," you will like this. I'm definitely looking forward to the next entry in the series.
History becomes very real to me when it is the foundation of a great novel. as I visualize the events I am living in that time. In every one of his books, Brian Godawa never fails to teach history as well as evoke emotion with the word pictures he carefully crafts. This second book in his Chronicles of the Apocalypse series is no exception. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but the characters and storyline will make more sense if you have read Book 1 first: Tyrant.
As a believer, Godawa’s books always stretch me and make me realize how little we actually know of or think about the unseen realm. This story shows satan and the evil forces and how they battle, and most importantly, how the angels of the Almighty God battle the evil. There are endnotes for every reference which I checked periodically to learn more. I look forward to the next book in the series. I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Magnificent! This second book in Brian Godawa's "Chronicles Of The Apocalypse" series was just as thrilling, exciting, and educational as the previous one. As I said in my review of the first book, The Chronicles Of The Apocalypse is a mixture of fiction and fact, history and novel. Half of the book is heavily footnoted to document the historical and biblical sources behind everything that takes place in the story, so that you can affirm for yourself which parts of the story are innovations of Brian's and which ones are simply part of the history and prophetic fulfillment Brian's story is situated in.
You'll find yourself learning history and eschatology as you go through this thrilling historical, biblical epic.
This is one fantastic read! Brian takes documented sources and skillfully wraps a story around them. Every reference is annotated, but if you're like me, you'll so enjoy reading the story that checking sources will be the furthest thing from your mind. This is the second book in the Chronicles of the Apocolypse series, and it is best appreciated when read in sequence. However, it is my opinion this can be read as a stand-alone, too. I guarantee after reading it you will want to read everything else written by this skilled author. I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Great read if you’re looking for Biblical understanding at a greatest depth
Brian Godawa’s book are great read. I love his writing style, and the fact that he uses Scripture throughout all of his books is most important to me. I’ve only recently discovered his books and have read all eight of his Nephilium books. Just now I’ve finished reading he second of the Apocalypse and am going onto the third book. I will continue on to read as many of Mr Godawa’s books that I can get hold of. These books are so informative and fills some of the gaps I didn’t know how or where to go to find. LOTS of AHA moment.
I slugged through half of it. I do not believe in replacement theology, how can any Christian Believe God would divorce his own people. That would make the whole book of Hosea irrelevant and the idea of his conditional live and creation of marriage irrelevant. He loved us while we were his enemies. But I'm suppose to believe the people he picked from the beginning and cared for throughout their history are some how worse then the Christian? No, especially with the political climate now, I will not continue to read this series. God is not done with Israel.
This series is amazing. I just finished this one and am about to read the third. This writer is fantastic. I love the story! It is so well written with just the right amount of descriptive writing and amazing vocabulary. I've been introduced to many new words and it's not intrusive. It doesn't feel preachy but at the same time it's amazing! Like as a Christian in tribulation here in 2021 it's very inspiring even though a work of fantasy and history combined.
Brian Godawa takes you back to A.D. 66 so you can view prophecy through the eyes of Christians living at that time. Today we are reading someone else’s mail, this book takes you back in time so that it is written to you. You will learn a lot from this book but I can’t express the joy you will experience; I didn’t want it to end.
Mine blowing! If you think you know the bible think again. Brian Godawa and his books gave me a whole new slant on looking at things that has answered questions I have had. He makes sense of Revelations that others haven't!! I highly recommend all of his books.
Godawa continues our adventure with Severus, Alexander, Cassandra, and Demetrius as they try to beat the Romans to find the apostle John and the secrets behind the writing of the Book of Revelation. This is a fast-paced intriguing story pitting followers of Jesus against Romans, Jewish Sects, and even the fallen angels themselves as they try to help bring others to salvation.
A great telling of the history behind revelation. An eye opener for people who have not been exposed to other views concerning eschatology. Brian's work is interesting, helpful, and we'll researched.
Remnant Rescue of the Elect (Chronicles of the Apocalypse
What a awesome Book i enjoyed reading and researching it Brian it be out crarity to the pages of this books Thank you so much can't wait for the next book
The author has done a great job of turning historical fiction into a real page turner. Whatever your view of Revelation is, you’ll be sure to enjoy this series
Excellent description of John’s book of Revelations. Loved the fictional storyline. It flowed and blended with the truth of the scripture written by John.
A Fun read! (But a word of caution) These books are a retooling of Biblical events. The Author uses other biblical sources (The Book Enoch, Jubilees, Jasher and other historical texts) to convey an ongoing battle between 'Watchers', Demons and Christ! These books may challenge your belief systems... You are encouraged to read other books by the author (the nephilim series) for a full understanding of the Authors' context.
I enjoy Mr Godawas writing While we don’t share the same eschatological views, he makes me think. I appreciate how much I learn and his interpretations of specific verses makes the meaning more clear. The citations and explanations are so helpful they should be required for all historical fiction The characters are likeable Looking forward to the next book
Brian Godawa is an incredible author. I really enjoyed this book even more than the first book. Even if you don't agree with the idea that what was written about in Revelation has already taken place, the parallel is fascinating. I can't wait until the next book comes out!!
Wow! Great book!!! Now still not sure what I think of this interpretation of Revelation but it sure was a fun ride!!! Great compliment to the Chronicles of the Nephilim series by the same author!! Highly recommended!!!