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Last Dawn Trilogy #1

Dawn of Affliction

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DAWN OF AFFLICTION by D.I. TELBAT is Book One of the LAST DAWN SERIES, a Christian Post-apocalyptic, End Times Novel.

Twenty years have passed since the Meridia Virus ravaged America. Cities have burned and civilization has crumbled. One hundred million have died, leaving behind a suspicious, selfish populace in small settlements across the scarred landscape.

But out of the charred ruins of San Diego, Levi Caspertein emerges. For twenty years, he’s grown up in the shadow of his heroic father, Titus. Now, Levi must respond on his own to a disturbing communication he receives from New York. An old friend, Jenna Dowler, is in trouble.

With bold faith, Levi sets off on foot to the east, crossing desert wasteland into the Plains Zone where travelers are sooner shot than welcomed. Behind him, a rogue military general—who wants COIL’s stockpiled weaponry—is chasing him. But Levi won’t be hindered unnecessarily from his trek east, even with his mother and cousin in tow, and he stands courageously for Jesus Christ.

At every town and resupply stop, Levi is thrust into fresh misery, violence, and strife. Each person who joins him is put at risk, but every enemy who stands against him must look down his barrel of determination to care first for the afflicted. He is a Caspertein. He is a Christian. And America desperately needs a symbol of hope—a new dawn—in her smoking ruin.

The needs are intense and God's people are ready, but evil has never been more brutal . . .

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2019

402 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

D.I. Telbat

55 books73 followers
I've been writing novels and short stories since I was a young teen. God has greatly impacted me, and I now desire to honor the Lord with my life and writing.

My stories can be read in several online and print publications, as well as three anthologies. My bestselling COIL Series include novels Dark Liaison, Book One; Dark Hearted, Book Two; Dark Rule, Book Three; and Dark Vessel, Book Four, and are available at most e-retailers, as are Jaguar Dusk, a Christian Special Forces novel, Sea Scribe, a Covert Christian Mission Suspense, and End Times Novel, God's Colonel. See my website for other novels and stories added often, including Dark Cover, COIL Book Five, to be out late 2014.

I offer free weekly Christian short stories, or serialized novels, my Author Reflections, and occasional challenges to the Christian Church on my Telbat's Tablet blog at http://ditelbat.com.

When I'm not writing, I'm very involved in Christian ministry. I've kept my home office in the NW U.S. where my assistant, Dee, lives and helps with my editing and writing needs.

My motto: There is no redemption without sacrifice.

[This is Dee K. Borah. I work with David Telbat and will be managing his Goodreads account for him. All reviews and bookshelves belong to D.I. Telbat.]

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5 stars
265 (78%)
4 stars
53 (15%)
3 stars
14 (4%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Cindy .
704 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2020
At least we can be sure this book really is Christian fiction. Check out this excerpt of the Authors note:

" Levi Caspertein is meant to inspire genuine believers as to how to behave and react in the most dire of circumstances."
and:
"In these challenging times in America and beyond, may we focus intently on God's promises of security, preservation, and loving care. In this way, and in no other way, will we best care for others as the world is shaken. Jesus Christ is the only answer to all of man's problems. He died for us, that we might live again!"

This is a fantastic book! You really see the difference between Christians and the unsaved; the difference that should be there. The Christian characters are quite real. They're by no means perfect. The author lets us watch as they grow in their faith. We see them when they sin and when they back slide. We see the amazing ways of our Lord who saves people we think are beyond help, and the ways others respond to that. Now I want to read many more of his books, starting with the next one in this series.

Praise God for real Christian authors!!!
Profile Image for Lady The Owls.
389 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2019
I loved the story showd me so much a Christian in true faith will go through. Many different levels shown in the book and I loved the different layers not showing we all have to be the same level of faith in our Lord that we get there as we mature. So much realism in the story and what could really happen if the U.S. had something like this happen.
I loved that the book took the time for the main character Levi to to look and admire and be in awe of what God made around him. He was very real to me and loved that part of him. He was also kind of a dunce around woman and how one felt about him or at a loss how to handle it.
I would so recommend this book to anyone non-believer or born again person to start reading this series. I am excited and can barely wait for the new book to come out.
Profile Image for Catherine Steveley.
22 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2019
Wow! Again!

David Telnet never disappoints his readers! COIL is not gone, and the Christians are still winning the war against the pervasive evil of human sin. If the next book in the series brings Corbin Dowler back, what has happened to Levi and Layla Caspertine? Everybody leaves you on the edge of your seat and this one is no different! Even more, the spiritual lessons from David's books have stayed with me.
Profile Image for Grace Ashley.
Author 21 books21 followers
May 17, 2019
Dawn of Affliction is the first book in the Last Dawn Trilogy by D. I. Telbat. It’s been two decades since Pan-Day and the collapse of the United States. Following the death of his father, Levi Caspertein takes himself and what’s left of his family on a journey across the country from San Diego to New York. Levi’s father was a member of COIL a Christian military group that has a secret cache of lethal weapons that the Pacific States military wants. With the Brogdon’s following them from behind and unknown dangers ahead Levi is hard put to keep everyone safe. Facing cold-hearted killers is made much more difficult when your faith demands mercy. Will Levi be able to maintain his Christian values as the danger around him mounts.

I don’t know where to begin in my praise for this amazing series opener. Dawn Of Affliction will astound and leave a warm feeling in your heart scene after scene. There’s a lot of fiction out there claiming to be Christian but this book by D. I. Telbat is the real deal. In this tale of trial, forgiveness and hope the characters are challenged to the maximum to prove their faith. Levi is like so many biblical heroes in his journey. He’s a Moses leading his people out of Egypt. A David sparing King Saul’s life in spite of the danger. Jonah trusting God’s will even when it seemed out of place. The author truly gives us a story full of life lessons for any believer today. I can’t wait to read Dawn of Oppression coming out in the fall of 2019.

My favorite Levi Caspertein quote:- ‘You’re better off in God’s hands than mine.”
Profile Image for Gophergirl58.
359 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2019
I m not sure where to start, but I will say that, if I could give half points, I would rate this book 3.5 instead of 4. Why? It didn’t have the oomph of the other Caspertein books, as I’ll call them; it was in first person which always, to me, diminishes a story; and there were too many gaps from where the previous series left off (did I miss something in the twenty-something years that passed? Were there other books that filled the gaps?) as well as perceived continuity errors AND a big spoiler that I wish hadn’t been in the story. There wasn’t enough building of characters, either, for my taste, adding people to the storyline that we, the readers, really didn’t get to know. So all in all, I have to grudgingly admit that this story was a let down for me although it had some bright points; they just seemed to come and go without much fanfare. I love, however, how author Telbat writes his books, the characters loving our Lord and willing to do His Will.
233 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2019
Another great story of courage and foregiveness only possible through steadfastness and faith

Another great story of courage and foregiveness only possible through steadfastness and faith . Unspeakable horrors and hate, anger, resentment, fear, and anguish can all be turned by God into growing experiences, and DI Telbat writes with compassion, and shows how Christians can overcome. Many times, reading a Christian novel can be irritating and false sounding, with too much preaching and an a holy-er than thou attitude, but I have read many of Telbat's stories and have never even thought that any were too goody-two shoes... I highly recommend for Christian's and jonChristians who love a good thrilling storyline.
11 reviews
February 18, 2019
I have read all of David Telbat books and have followed the COIL Team around the world. It will quite frightening to be in the end times. I just hope it does not get to be like this. Love the way the book is written, keeps the suspense going. And the Christian values that are shown in each and everyone of the main characters and how Levi touches the lives of everyone who crosses his path.
Look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Gin Hunt.
203 reviews11 followers
March 11, 2022
YES, YOU MUST READ!

I was not expecting this book or these people to grab such a strong hold on me. Skipping meals because I just couldn't put the book down. Staying up too late because I couldn't put the book down. Almost didn't write a review because I'm so anxious to start the next book! All I'm going to do is repeat myself-YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. What an exciting breath of fresh air. HIGHLY RECOMEND! :D A++++++++++++++
6 reviews
February 20, 2023
Best of his series so far

This is the best of his series so far. I didn't catch the almost secret joke of Colonel Tentmaker the first time through this book years ago. Also if you don't read the Coil series before you will be confused or at least it won't be as meaningful. You have to meet Titus in Coil legacy before this series . Also Steadfast series first as it is referenced.
Profile Image for Brenda.
195 reviews10 followers
April 9, 2019
You've got to read this book!

Honestly, I wasn't too sure it was something I'd enjoy, but I stayed up all night to finish it. It is just that exciting! If you're a Christian, you'll love the way the author shows the strength of Christians and brings the love of Christ into battles with the enemy. There's a lot to reflect on in this book.
13 reviews
September 7, 2019
The Enemy Within

I chose this rating because this is a well written book that makes it easy to follow from one character to another smoothly without jumping around in the story. The second reason for this rating is that as much as I wish it was just fiction I think it's closer to prophecy. I
221 reviews
August 20, 2020
Excellent Christian book

This is a great book! Levi and what is left of his family try to survive in a world hostile to Christianity until the rapture occurs. They plan to bring as many with them in to heaven as possible showing the love of Christ in all situations. I wish I were half as good at sharing the good news of the gospel!
Profile Image for Tami Kennedy.
48 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2020
Faith Warrior

Fast paced,action filled, imagination builder. D.I. Talbot has done an excellent job of depicting what faith in our risen savior Jesus Christ and all of His promises to the children of God, might look like in a broken and depraved world. I can’t wait to read all of his books!
123 reviews
December 11, 2020
Great read!

Follow Levi Caspertein as he sets out to travel East to help out an old friend. Levi is filled with the Spirit and effuses the grace of God. All kinds of things mess with his plans. There are some VERY interesting turns and twists in the story. It is interesting to see how God works in the lives of the Casperteins. Good enough I just purchased book 2.
Profile Image for Pat Ison Saylor.
84 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2021
Good Book

I love your stories. I have read him before. My only concern is how you make it like Christians shouldn't shoot someone. If it is to protect your family and home, you do what you need to do. There are no guns that normal people can use that shoot tranquilizers. You put way too much pressure on those who might face those circumstances.
152 reviews
May 2, 2021
Awesome Book

I love this author. He never compromises his belief in Jesus in his books. This book was wonderful. It had a little of everything, war, love, and most of all heros and heroines that love Jesus and witness to everyone they meet - even their enemies. I highly recommend this author's books.
410 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2019
Amazing read by D.I. Telbat

The next generation of COIL and the journey they are on to liberate Christians who are being imprisoned and killed for their beliefs. The end of civility for 20 + years and now they are fighting back.
Profile Image for Karen Palmer.
13 reviews
June 5, 2020
Telbat’s books are well considered books with a strong faith element. Apocalyptic, adventure, Christian. Great for teens because they are quick easy reads. My 13 year old enjoys them as much as I do.
42 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2020
Great story

I am so glad I found a Christian writer that is so wonderful! The characters are great and I find myself cheering Levi on as he trusts in God and puts himself out there for the truth of Jesus!! God bless you D.I Telbat!!!!


Profile Image for Tonya.
Author 22 books2 followers
December 4, 2021
This book was really dark and also made pride seem like a good thing in the Lord which it’s not. It was definitely an adventurous story and if you have enough discernment to spit out the bones might be an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Michael.
127 reviews
January 7, 2022
Well Written

It is rare that you find a good clean Christian centered book, but this is one of them. A fun read and you never know how the characters will get out of the next problem. Worth the purchase price.
644 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2019
I have read almost all the series and I'm waiting for the next one ! Such faith and suspense !! You can't go wrong with David Telbat .
Profile Image for Martha Presley.
13 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2019
So happy for a new series

As all his other books, DI Telbat has done it again!
A must read it you're looking for a bit of action with Christian values.
2 reviews
February 14, 2019
Great read

Enjoyed this book looking forward to the rest of the series, knowing that God works though slot of different people.

499 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2021
Great book

I am very much enjoying this series. It is so refreshing to have a good story without all the swearing and sex scenes.
1 review
March 23, 2023
Couldn’t put it it down!

Love D.I. Telbat books. Great to have a Christian author that writes such great stories. Looking forward to book 2!
5 reviews
March 6, 2024
Great and Exciting Read

The story was good and I appreciated the Christ-centeredness of it. Feel at has been my favorite Christian dystopian writer for several years. Thanks
2 reviews
July 15, 2024
Great book

I loved all the characters and seeing the faith of Levi and how he helped others find Christ. It is great to see how God works through others.
200 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2020
Another home run!

DI Telbat is a true writer of God. I have tried to go back and read other Christian authors but few can hold my attention like Telbat's writings. I dont like to spoil other readers experience in reading this book so just take my word, you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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