People don’t stumble into the Cloaked City of BethEl. They’re brought there for a reason. But for Cohen, it's been seven years, and he still hasn't discovered his purpose or his Gifting. So when he finds a bloodied young woman on the outskirts of town, he wonders if their encounter is doomed or destiny.
After a violent accident, sixteen-year-old Rachel awakens with no memories and is shocked to find herself inside the invisible walls of a mystical, hidden city. Despite feeling enchanted by the magical town and fascinated by her handsome Finder, Cohen, Rachel's new life is haunted by disturbing nightmares of being pregnant and her child violently stolen. When her new Mentor hears of these horrific visions, he believes they're tied to an ancient prophecy and clues to help their city find and rescue a promised child—the Anointed—the forerunner to the End Times.
As the quest for the Anointed ensues, Rachel and her new friends are thrust directly into the center of a supernatural war. But as Rachel learns to use her dreams and newfound Giftings, she begins to distinguish memories from the hellish nightmares that plague her. And the truth she discovers is even more terrifying. Now, as her past collides with her present, Rachel must not only find and rescue the Anointed, she must save herself from her own damnation.
After discovering the power of stories through her first bestselling novel, H. R. Hutzel has been on a journey to write inspirational stories that guide readers into the mystical realm within, where they can not only “lose themselves” between the pages but find themselves too.
Hutzel lives in Kentucky with her husband and beloved golden retrievers. She’s an introvert by nature, an extrovert by necessity, and one of those delightful weirdos who’s best understood by other weirdos—and dogs, of course! When she’s not writing, you’ll find her digging in the garden, walking with her pups, or hanging out in the hammock with a good book.
Anointed is an Un-Put-Downable, Genre-Smashing Read I was a hooked on this story from page one! HR Hutzel paints a vibrant picture of a pristine and magical city hidden in the midst of a dark, morally decayed, futuristic world. Rachel, a girl with a mysterious past, wakes up in this strange and wonderful word, with no remembrance of her former life. But when she sleeps, she’s tortured by disturbing and violent dreams. Her new friends seem to think she was brought to their hidden city for a special reason, but Rachel’s not so sure. There’s intense action threaded with ancient wisdom, biblical mysteries, humor, hints of future romance, plus shocking revelations I never saw coming. This story is good versus evil taken to the next level. Badass warrior angels and repulsive, reptilian demons battle for Rachel’s soul and the ultimate fate of humanity. I normally don’t read Christian fiction because much of it seems watered down and stale to me. HR Hutzel has peeled back that faded façade to show us Christian spirituality in its truest form: revolutionary, powerful, mysterious, and other worldly. She presents biblical principles in a vibrant, sometimes shocking way that will surely ruffle some feathers of the traditionally religious (which makes me love this story even more.) You know a book is amazing when you find yourself cooking your husband’s dinner with your Kindle on the kitchen counter, because you literally can NOT put it down! I haven’t been this hooked on a series since Twilight! Can. Not. Wait. For. Book #2!!
This was one book I could hardly put down! I recommend this book to all, no matter what your religious or faith background is. It’s extremely captivating and has many genres wrapped into one beautiful story. I laughed, I cried, and I even got scared sometimes. There’s romance, drama, warfare, and fantasy. It’s such a beautiful story and I absolutely can’t wait for the second one! The characters are relatable, and easy to fall in love with. Beautiful pictures are painted with the authors words, which makes her words truly come to life. If you’re looking for a good read, this is one you’ll want to read many times over! Definitely worth it!
As an avid reader, including of science fiction (Christian and not), I really enjoyed Hutzel’s Anointed! This book was gripping in a Ted Dekker-like way and I could not put it down. Her characters were instantly likable and overall very relatable. I really enjoyed the book and Hurzel’s writing style. I will admit to struggling not to skim through some of the theological discussions in this book to get back to the action. I would give this book 4.5 on readability anyways. I enjoyed the twists at the end though I was not terribly surprised by any of them. Overall a good read and I look forward to the sequel.
This book was confusing, probably because it included many various truths from the Bible along with an almost distorted story. Though I did like the characters and the writer had done much research and knew scripture. I love Christian novels but this one confounded me.
This book is a must-read for any fiction lover interested in or curious about end-time prophecy, Christian or not. It was truly insightful and inspiring. Reading this book brought me more understanding of end-time biblical events and awakened and renewed excitement in my heart for the Lord's return. Although it is a fiction novel, I found myself more diligent about searching the scriptures for greater understanding. Interesting characters and a great action-packed storyline make this a book you won't want to put down.
We have so much happening right now in our world, books serve as a welcome escape. And this one, especially. In Hutzel's first book of this series, I was drawn out of the world as I know it into realm that, though noticeably strange, also seemed deeply familiar.
If you want to lose yourself into another world, and maybe come back a little more in touch with this world that you left, I recommend Hutzel's "Anointed."
I don't normally read fantasy type novels but this was recommended by my pastor's wife so I thought I should try it. It is one that leaves me unsure how to feel after reading it. There were parts I really liked and others where I was struggling to really engage with how fantasy based it was. Overall I liked it and would read the next one.
On the first page, an intriguing mystery is introduced, and the suspense does not let up until the end. Hard to put this book down - the author is an up-and-coming Christian novelist who does not disappoint with the quality of her writing nor the depth of creativity in her story nor her engagement with Biblical truth. I'm looking forward to the follow-up volume! Highly recommended.
The "Fable of Eylan" is the most riveting and emotionally satisfying fantasy novel I've ever read! It's a page-turning thriller that delivers a deep emotional punch while conveying profound spiritual truths about life, loss, hope, redemption, and the unbreakable bond of love between a young lady and her three Golden Retrievers.
I couldn't put this book down. With Anointed you are taken on a journey between the spiritual and physical realms battling between darkness and light. I am left wanting more! Can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
This book starts out with a mystery and keeps revealing more as the story goes on. The best part is the revealing of good and evil and God's victory over evil. I stayed involved all the way through.
An intense read! Having started "Escape" i now understand better what the author was sharing. Reading Anointed was a never ending twisting and turning adventure. Very thought provoking. Will need to read book 2 to see what that raises.
Probably one of the best books I’ve read. It was challenging and very involved. It kept me on my toes constantly I was never bored. I followed all the characters too. I did not want it to be over.