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Band of Believers #1
Dissent
During the tribulation, Christians in Willow Archer’s quiet Montana town are being rounded up and forced to take the Mark of the Beast. When Willow attempts to escape to the forest with her brother and a few friends, Capt. Marcus Laramie and his task force pursue the group tirelessly. Meanwhile, Candy O’Connor, who might have been responsible for the death of Willow’s father, attaches herself to Willow’s group.
The wilderness presents devastating challenges for the young Christians. Can Willow survive disaster and elude pursuit while leading her band of believers to a new home? Will they ever be safe?
Faith and forgiveness struggle and grow in this riveting, futuristic novel designed to inspire young adults and challenge mature ones. Fast-paced and full of suspense, you won’t want to miss this new take on the apocalyptic end times.
The wilderness presents devastating challenges for the young Christians. Can Willow survive disaster and elude pursuit while leading her band of believers to a new home? Will they ever be safe?
Faith and forgiveness struggle and grow in this riveting, futuristic novel designed to inspire young adults and challenge mature ones. Fast-paced and full of suspense, you won’t want to miss this new take on the apocalyptic end times.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2018
1455 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 15, 2021
Recommended for: fans of apocalyptic action/adventure
Thoughts:
-Overall, enjoyed it. Scarily realistic, considering the subject matter. Thought provoking.
-I wish the author would've omitted/condensed the lists of what the characters brought on their journey; I really don't need to know every single thing they brought with them. However, it did feel well-researched from a prepping/survival standpoint.
-The tiny mentions of different Montana things like huckleberries and the picture of Willow's family at Flathead Lake... :)
-Some reviews I read beforehand mentioned iffy theology. Obviously I'm not an eschatological expert and everyone has different views of the end times, but nothing I read was anti-Biblical in any way.
Content: None/Mild.
Will I read the sequel? If it becomes available for free, yes. However, I'm not invested enough to continue otherwise. From the snippet at the end, I can definitely anticipate things that might happen concerning Matt's mom, and none of them beneficial for our band of believers....
Thoughts:
-Overall, enjoyed it. Scarily realistic, considering the subject matter. Thought provoking.
-I wish the author would've omitted/condensed the lists of what the characters brought on their journey; I really don't need to know every single thing they brought with them. However, it did feel well-researched from a prepping/survival standpoint.
-The tiny mentions of different Montana things like huckleberries and the picture of Willow's family at Flathead Lake... :)
-Some reviews I read beforehand mentioned iffy theology. Obviously I'm not an eschatological expert and everyone has different views of the end times, but nothing I read was anti-Biblical in any way.
Content: None/Mild.
Will I read the sequel? If it becomes available for free, yes. However, I'm not invested enough to continue otherwise. From the snippet at the end, I can definitely anticipate things that might happen concerning Matt's mom, and none of them beneficial for our band of believers....
December 21, 2018
Dissection
Believer or marker? Faith in God or Faith in man?Run believer run! We that are marked can do anything and who is going to stop us? Po!ice are too busy looking for you. They don't care if we strip your house, steal everything not bolted down. Who are you going to call? The police? Go ahead. They're looking for you too. You don't have the mark. You are breaking the law. So run believer run, go to the mountains, go to the woods. If the elements don't kill you, if you don't starve to death, the markers will find you anyway.
Believer or marker? Faith in God or Faith in man?Run believer run! We that are marked can do anything and who is going to stop us? Po!ice are too busy looking for you. They don't care if we strip your house, steal everything not bolted down. Who are you going to call? The police? Go ahead. They're looking for you too. You don't have the mark. You are breaking the law. So run believer run, go to the mountains, go to the woods. If the elements don't kill you, if you don't starve to death, the markers will find you anyway.
July 4, 2021
Christian?
The premise was great, but the more I read I was thinking, where is the Faith part of the story? The words prayer and Christian are scattered in but the Character’s Faith is an afterthought check-the-box. Starts out with a little then gets less and less. Like a juvenile End Of The World as we Know It was written and then the idea, “oh I could just throw this in the Christian Fiction genre, let me just sprinkle a few of the right words.” No depth. And the antagonist…obsessed with protagonist and then just … moves on? 2/3 through and remembered I don’t have to finish (very rare for me, I almost always hold out hope for redemption in the end) and move to another on my TBR.
The premise was great, but the more I read I was thinking, where is the Faith part of the story? The words prayer and Christian are scattered in but the Character’s Faith is an afterthought check-the-box. Starts out with a little then gets less and less. Like a juvenile End Of The World as we Know It was written and then the idea, “oh I could just throw this in the Christian Fiction genre, let me just sprinkle a few of the right words.” No depth. And the antagonist…obsessed with protagonist and then just … moves on? 2/3 through and remembered I don’t have to finish (very rare for me, I almost always hold out hope for redemption in the end) and move to another on my TBR.
October 16, 2019
Awesome, End of Times Novel
I have read books about Prophecy , all my life. Jamie Lee Grey, captivates us with a Journey through the beginning of the Tribulation period. Anyone that takes the mark of the Devil, will end up in the pit of Hell. This book, is well written with Scripture from the Bible , as I verified every verse written in this book. Looking forward to reading the entire series and I recommend this book to believers in Christ ', and for those whom are looking to learn and understand the path to the Lord. Thank you Jamie Lee Grey!
I have read books about Prophecy , all my life. Jamie Lee Grey, captivates us with a Journey through the beginning of the Tribulation period. Anyone that takes the mark of the Devil, will end up in the pit of Hell. This book, is well written with Scripture from the Bible , as I verified every verse written in this book. Looking forward to reading the entire series and I recommend this book to believers in Christ ', and for those whom are looking to learn and understand the path to the Lord. Thank you Jamie Lee Grey!
May 27, 2018
Great start!
I was so excited to read the next book that I almost forgot to write a review for the first one. I love the strong Christian personalities but all to easily recognize those not quite as strong. Can't wait to hopefully see those grow stronger in their faith.
I was so excited to read the next book that I almost forgot to write a review for the first one. I love the strong Christian personalities but all to easily recognize those not quite as strong. Can't wait to hopefully see those grow stronger in their faith.
November 12, 2018
Inspirational
It held my interest even when l wasn't reading the book. I couldn't wait to get back to it. And the prayers expressed are those that l have asked of our LORD...and HE came through everytime.
It held my interest even when l wasn't reading the book. I couldn't wait to get back to it. And the prayers expressed are those that l have asked of our LORD...and HE came through everytime.
December 29, 2019
This is an interesting and thought provoking book. Great start to the series.
May 6, 2023
4.5⭐️ (Down 1/2 star because the book didn’t really have an ending.) This is like one long book split into four stories. The true ending happens in book 4. Since I enjoyed the story and writing I rounded this up to 5⭐️.
While visiting her sister, Willow's mother was picked up in a raid against Christian’s who refused to have the federal I.D. placed under their skin — what many Christians claimed is the mark of the Beast. So Willow (17), along with 4 other Christians and one child, decided to head for the hills (literally) and hopefully escape local and federal law enforcement hunting them.
Whew. What a thrill ride this was. I don’t have number two in the series, but I’d like to read it eventually. I so enjoy Jamie Lee Grey's writing. Different from my normal historical fiction genre.
Futuristic, but believable!
While visiting her sister, Willow's mother was picked up in a raid against Christian’s who refused to have the federal I.D. placed under their skin — what many Christians claimed is the mark of the Beast. So Willow (17), along with 4 other Christians and one child, decided to head for the hills (literally) and hopefully escape local and federal law enforcement hunting them.
Whew. What a thrill ride this was. I don’t have number two in the series, but I’d like to read it eventually. I so enjoy Jamie Lee Grey's writing. Different from my normal historical fiction genre.
Futuristic, but believable!
November 25, 2019
Nice read.
Want to read
February 22, 2020EReaderCafe
August 3, 2019
Very good book! It's not pretrib, but still is a great read. I really enjoyed it.
July 24, 2020
This is a well written novel that goes along with the current events of today, somewhat, in my opinion. I enjoyed reading it and I think most conservatives will as well.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I like the light out of it. I think it is written from a somewhat realistic point of you. I would recommend it to conservative Christians. I think it will wake those up that are just going along with their every day life. We are like most everybody in history that have gone through disasters and catastrophes as well as those that will face some possible horrors in the future, we think we will live life as we’ve always lived it, this author has characters face horrible events and shows how they deal with them in a graceful manner. It is an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I like the light out of it. I think it is written from a somewhat realistic point of you. I would recommend it to conservative Christians. I think it will wake those up that are just going along with their every day life. We are like most everybody in history that have gone through disasters and catastrophes as well as those that will face some possible horrors in the future, we think we will live life as we’ve always lived it, this author has characters face horrible events and shows how they deal with them in a graceful manner. It is an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
October 3, 2020
Band of Believers
Almost stopped reading after the first couple of chapters because of differences in what I believe to be true and the author's viewpoint. But, I did enjoy the book after deciding it was fiction and I could read and still hold to my beliefs.
The characters were interesting and I'm sure some of the back stories of several will be revealed in later books: like where did Raven come from and why did her half-brother call her a half breed, and who was Maria's father and will Willow ever forgive Candy. Left off one star because I am a pre-tribulation rapture believer and this book has everyone being forced to take a Mark and those who refuse (Christians) are hunted down and arrested prior to the Tribulation Rapture of all born again believers. On to reading the next book.
Almost stopped reading after the first couple of chapters because of differences in what I believe to be true and the author's viewpoint. But, I did enjoy the book after deciding it was fiction and I could read and still hold to my beliefs.
The characters were interesting and I'm sure some of the back stories of several will be revealed in later books: like where did Raven come from and why did her half-brother call her a half breed, and who was Maria's father and will Willow ever forgive Candy. Left off one star because I am a pre-tribulation rapture believer and this book has everyone being forced to take a Mark and those who refuse (Christians) are hunted down and arrested prior to the Tribulation Rapture of all born again believers. On to reading the next book.
June 2, 2021
Excellent on the edge of your seat faith filled read
The author presents an interesting futuristic option... The mark of the beast assigned to the global population prior to the rapture and tribulation. What do Christians do? What if you are forced, could you withstand the pressure? What about feeding your family? The story follows a small hours of six people, aged 2years of age to 18 or 20 and their determination to not receive the mark, and God's provision and protection.
The author presents an interesting futuristic option... The mark of the beast assigned to the global population prior to the rapture and tribulation. What do Christians do? What if you are forced, could you withstand the pressure? What about feeding your family? The story follows a small hours of six people, aged 2years of age to 18 or 20 and their determination to not receive the mark, and God's provision and protection.
December 1, 2019
Great book
I loved this book! The author kept the story moving forward at just the right pace. The story line about the end times is so interesting. I had a hard time putting this book down! I bought the other books in this series because I liked this one so much!
I loved this book! The author kept the story moving forward at just the right pace. The story line about the end times is so interesting. I had a hard time putting this book down! I bought the other books in this series because I liked this one so much!
March 18, 2023
great story of faith
A thrilling journey alongside Willow and her band of believers, this story has a number of twists and turns to keep you gripped throughout. But at the centre of it all is God, and how those who give their life to Him will be guided by Him to safety.
A thrilling journey alongside Willow and her band of believers, this story has a number of twists and turns to keep you gripped throughout. But at the centre of it all is God, and how those who give their life to Him will be guided by Him to safety.
May 5, 2018
Interesting plot
A new take on end times. So nice to see some depending on God. Well written and no editing errors. A very worthwhile read.
A new take on end times. So nice to see some depending on God. Well written and no editing errors. A very worthwhile read.
August 2, 2019
Great story!!!
I love it when I can find an author that writes without profanity. Plus the fact that this series is great reading.
I love it when I can find an author that writes without profanity. Plus the fact that this series is great reading.
May 22, 2024
In the small town of Ponderosa, Montana trouble arises. There is growing pressure to get inserted with the I.D, known to believers as the Mark of the Beast. Many people have willingly obtained the I.D., however there are those who remain resistive to the mandate. In turn, the local authorities have begun to take a more hostile and aggressive approach to enforcing the I.D. Yet, there remains a small group of believers in Jesus, whose refusal of the insertion of the I.D. causes them to flee the unjust treatment. Dissent by Jamie Lee Grey is an action packed, fast paced novel, that shows the resiliency of a group of believers as they navigate surviving a life as fugitives in the terrains of a dense forest. While maintaining their survival within the confines of the forest, they soon become aware that they are being targeted and hunted by the local authorities for their rebellion. Their faith and trust in the Lord will be their anchor to survival.
Luke 12:8-9 (ESV) “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.”
Dissent is an engrossing tale with memorable characters. There are two protagonists that yield the engaging plot. Raven Deepwater is a loyal follower of Christ, who receives a warning that the urgence of the acceptance of the I.D. will soon increase. She warns other believers and contacts several surrounding churches to warn fellow Christians of the impending threat. Willow Archer is a fellow loyal follower of Christ, who heeds Raven’s warning. She and her brother escape with Raven to the forest. Enduring feelings of grief, when a surprising newcomer shortly joins the group, Willow is faced with extending the grace of forgiveness despite her loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, as well as the skillful writing of author Jamie Lee Grey. Dissent is book one in a four-book series entitled ‘Band of Believers’. I am eager to read the other books in the series. Containing wise Christian faith content, I was encouraged by the resiliency that the believers upheld in the face of strong opposition. While reading this novel a question arose, what would one do if confronted with a life-threatening situation for refusing to deny Jesus Christ? I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling, faith filled novels, based on the tribulation.
Luke 12:8-9 (ESV) “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.”
Dissent is an engrossing tale with memorable characters. There are two protagonists that yield the engaging plot. Raven Deepwater is a loyal follower of Christ, who receives a warning that the urgence of the acceptance of the I.D. will soon increase. She warns other believers and contacts several surrounding churches to warn fellow Christians of the impending threat. Willow Archer is a fellow loyal follower of Christ, who heeds Raven’s warning. She and her brother escape with Raven to the forest. Enduring feelings of grief, when a surprising newcomer shortly joins the group, Willow is faced with extending the grace of forgiveness despite her loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, as well as the skillful writing of author Jamie Lee Grey. Dissent is book one in a four-book series entitled ‘Band of Believers’. I am eager to read the other books in the series. Containing wise Christian faith content, I was encouraged by the resiliency that the believers upheld in the face of strong opposition. While reading this novel a question arose, what would one do if confronted with a life-threatening situation for refusing to deny Jesus Christ? I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling, faith filled novels, based on the tribulation.
June 10, 2020
This was an easy read. As you can see, I actually read it in a day and half. It's book 1, but can be read alone. I liked it. I like to read books with Christian elements to it and this one was definitely in that category. It's about a time when Christians are outwardly and fully persecuted. The writer has set it before the Rapture, but after the mark of the beast (666) is being forced as an ID on everyone. Although, I don't consider that timeline to be Biblically correct because I don't believe that will happen until after the Rapture, that didn't bother me from enjoying the story and getting important truths from it. It could just as easily have been after the Rapture with a band of people who had become Christians after the Rapture. This group of people who refused to get the mark of the beast chose to run away into a vast forest in Montana, where they lived. It's a good story of courage, caring, forgiveness, and how dangerous it will be when such a time comes upon the world.
December 24, 2020
I read this book in two days. That's very fast for me, as I'm a notoriously slow reader. But once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. This story follows a group of Christians who go into hiding in the wilderness after the government starts arresting people who don't accept "the mark of the beast." This group--which includes several teenagers and a young child--must deal with the dangers lurking in the wilderness, as well as the local law enforcement officers who are relentlessly pursuing them. The chapters are short (I love short chapters!!) and the author deftly moves the story along at a rapid pace. This is also a timely book, as we are already seeing the control some local governments have tried to enact over the churches in the wake of the lockdowns. It makes you question what you would do, as a Christian, if you were faced the same impossible choices these characters must face. The story left me wanting more, and I'm very excited to read the rest of the series!
May 31, 2021
Markers
This tribulation/post apocalyptic series opener is set in a small town in Montana, where the local police have been ordered to round up Christians who haven't accepted the subdermal chip that will allow them to buy or sell. Raven has warned everyone she can that the police will soon be arresting those who continue to resist, then she packs up her go bag and heads out to the National Forest entrance nearby, hoping to meet up with some of them there. The group ends up being small, mostly young but resilient believers, who will soon be tested on their novice survival skills and their faith.
I've been on a postapocalyptic marathon and found this book to be one of the better ones for "I can see that happening", especially after the insanity of the past year. The author makes very good points for Christians banding together for survival and praying without ceasing. I'm looking forward to book two.
This tribulation/post apocalyptic series opener is set in a small town in Montana, where the local police have been ordered to round up Christians who haven't accepted the subdermal chip that will allow them to buy or sell. Raven has warned everyone she can that the police will soon be arresting those who continue to resist, then she packs up her go bag and heads out to the National Forest entrance nearby, hoping to meet up with some of them there. The group ends up being small, mostly young but resilient believers, who will soon be tested on their novice survival skills and their faith.
I've been on a postapocalyptic marathon and found this book to be one of the better ones for "I can see that happening", especially after the insanity of the past year. The author makes very good points for Christians banding together for survival and praying without ceasing. I'm looking forward to book two.
November 9, 2019
I would like to have seen more character and storyline development. Everything seemed abrupt including the ending, but I promptly started book 2 in the series (a girl’s gotta know what happens next)..... :) ..... It’s an easy read. I finished it in 2 sittings.
My favorite thing is watching the spiritual growth of a character through prayer and increasing obedience to Scripture even when it’s hard. I’m glad that character isn’t written as “perfect”. None of us are. Yet.
Another aspect of the book is very timely. While taking the Mark isn’t upon us, the persecutions are. The Eastern hemisphere has been suffering for decades and it’s starting here in the West. While we aren’t being imprisoned, tortured and killed, we are being ridiculed and discriminated against. Oh it’s slight now, but growing.
My favorite thing is watching the spiritual growth of a character through prayer and increasing obedience to Scripture even when it’s hard. I’m glad that character isn’t written as “perfect”. None of us are. Yet.
Another aspect of the book is very timely. While taking the Mark isn’t upon us, the persecutions are. The Eastern hemisphere has been suffering for decades and it’s starting here in the West. While we aren’t being imprisoned, tortured and killed, we are being ridiculed and discriminated against. Oh it’s slight now, but growing.
December 19, 2023
Overall: It was hard to not compare to similar End Times series, like Left Behind (the Kids). But this is a fast-paced read (and captivating enough because I finished it in 2.5 hours) that definitely got me thinking about preparedness for the future. Feels a bit Hunger Games-esque.
Likes: Thought-provoking, End Times fiction
Dislikes: Some of the dialogue and descriptions felt a bit generic and not very realistic.
Recommend? I would, but I'd also say to filter it through your faith as you read. There were a few sentences where I had to sit with their interpretations of how God is and reflect on them in comparison to biblical truths. It also may cause distress for those who find End Times to be an anxiety-inducing topic.
Likes: Thought-provoking, End Times fiction
Dislikes: Some of the dialogue and descriptions felt a bit generic and not very realistic.
Recommend? I would, but I'd also say to filter it through your faith as you read. There were a few sentences where I had to sit with their interpretations of how God is and reflect on them in comparison to biblical truths. It also may cause distress for those who find End Times to be an anxiety-inducing topic.
July 31, 2023
Unusual apocalyptic thriller!
This book has the usual cast of characters I’ve come to expect from apoc/dystopian novels, which I love reading. But, this one has a very different plot, it’s based on the beginning of the end of days as foretold in the Bible. I’ve only read one other series like it and it certainly makes me think about my plans to read Revelations again later this year. The characters are interesting and realistic and their circumstances are action packed and tension-filled. The world of this series is well described so the reader can easily visualize the area. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
This book has the usual cast of characters I’ve come to expect from apoc/dystopian novels, which I love reading. But, this one has a very different plot, it’s based on the beginning of the end of days as foretold in the Bible. I’ve only read one other series like it and it certainly makes me think about my plans to read Revelations again later this year. The characters are interesting and realistic and their circumstances are action packed and tension-filled. The world of this series is well described so the reader can easily visualize the area. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
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October 17, 2020Slow but good start
I read Jamie Lee Grey's Daughter of Babylon series and absolutely loved it. I saw the advertisement for this series and jumped riding in. The story is good but starts off a little slower than D of Babylon. However you shouldn't judge one series by another because it's different people under different circumstances. I'm definitely moving on to book two. The characters are becoming more and more developed and I really want to see how they progress through this crisis
I read Jamie Lee Grey's Daughter of Babylon series and absolutely loved it. I saw the advertisement for this series and jumped riding in. The story is good but starts off a little slower than D of Babylon. However you shouldn't judge one series by another because it's different people under different circumstances. I'm definitely moving on to book two. The characters are becoming more and more developed and I really want to see how they progress through this crisis
November 17, 2020
Fast-paced, inspirational, and thought-provoking tribulation narrative. I enjoyed the survival aspect of the story and the female lead characters who showed strong faith. Others, who were weak in their faith, were upheld and encouraged. The ending wasn't ideal because it seemed setup to make the reader buy the next book. Overall, I thought this was a good Christian story geared to young adults.
Her stomach growled, and she longed for a drink of water. She tried swallowing her spit, but there was barely enough to moisten her tongue.
Her stomach growled, and she longed for a drink of water. She tried swallowing her spit, but there was barely enough to moisten her tongue.
September 2, 2021
Amazing
I actually choose this book because of the title, the information sounded interesting and it was free! I had never read anything by Jamie Lee Grey. I am always happy to find new Christian authors. I told my sister about it and she read it first and was very excited about it and she is in a second series. I put an article on Facebook saying all Christians should read it. The I called a friend from my hometown and told her about the book. Yes I encourage everyone to read this book! God bless!
I actually choose this book because of the title, the information sounded interesting and it was free! I had never read anything by Jamie Lee Grey. I am always happy to find new Christian authors. I told my sister about it and she read it first and was very excited about it and she is in a second series. I put an article on Facebook saying all Christians should read it. The I called a friend from my hometown and told her about the book. Yes I encourage everyone to read this book! God bless!
November 4, 2021
Loved it
Very exciting story. A band of Christians have decided to hide in the forest. The government has decreed that all people must have a chip embedded into their hand. The Christians must renounce their faith. The Christians who get caught have to submit to getting the chip and renouncing Jesus or jail or death, I don't remember reading exactly what happens. It didn't go into those who had been arrested. That will probably addressed in a later book.
This book was the struggle of the small band from a small town.
Very exciting story. A band of Christians have decided to hide in the forest. The government has decreed that all people must have a chip embedded into their hand. The Christians must renounce their faith. The Christians who get caught have to submit to getting the chip and renouncing Jesus or jail or death, I don't remember reading exactly what happens. It didn't go into those who had been arrested. That will probably addressed in a later book.
This book was the struggle of the small band from a small town.
May 1, 2022
Great End Times Story
I'm enjoying these end times series, but in this particular book, I was disappointed in some very wrong Theology. I don't believe people can be forced to take the ' Mark.'
Taking the Mark of the beast is an act that must be chosen as an act of worship and loyalty to the beast.
The rest of the story ( book one of Band of Believers), is pretty good.
Again, using the word 'Ugh' for so many different characters is very odd. ( Apparently she does this in all of her books- at least in all those I've read, so far.)
I'm enjoying these end times series, but in this particular book, I was disappointed in some very wrong Theology. I don't believe people can be forced to take the ' Mark.'
Taking the Mark of the beast is an act that must be chosen as an act of worship and loyalty to the beast.
The rest of the story ( book one of Band of Believers), is pretty good.
Again, using the word 'Ugh' for so many different characters is very odd. ( Apparently she does this in all of her books- at least in all those I've read, so far.)
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