The Five Barred Gate

by Jeff S. Bray

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Non-Offensive Movement in the United States became federal law? What would happen to the freedoms guaranteed to us through the Constitution? This is the story of Jacob Andrews. He is faced with the decision to follow his heart and disregard what the law says about how he should live; even if it means his life.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2019

Reviews

[Molebatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff S. Bray's The Five Barred Gate presents a chilling and timely dystopian vision of America under the oppressive Anti-Dehumanization Act (ADA). The story follows Jacob Andrews, a man stripped of everything — his son Michael and his wife Renae, whose life is shattered further when he is imprisoned for "speaking out of turn." In a bleak prison cell, he meets Eric, a pastor imprisoned for his Christian faith after his church was seized by the state. This encounter sets the stage for a profound exploration of personal and political freedom, framed by the ominous presence of Federal Police, known as "Officials," who enforce a regime where stating one's opinion has become a criminal act.

The novel's core is Jacob's powerful transformation from a broken man lamenting that his mantra of "leaving nothing unsaid" has ruined him, into a figure of resilient faith and defiance. Through Eric's influence, Jacob undergoes a spiritual rebirth that not only mends his relationship with his wife, Renae, who grows to admire the man he has become, but also galvanizes his resolve. Their commitment leads them to the Carrelton Underground Church, where the declaration that "the Lord’s message will not be silenced" becomes a dangerous act of rebellion. The tension culminates in a harrowing open service, a stark and brutal demonstration of the state's tyranny that the novel pointedly frames as the very opposite of what the American Revolution was about.

The Five Barred Gate is more than a thriller; it is a poignant cautionary tale about the fragility of First Amendment rights. Bray effectively uses the personal crises of Jacob and Eric to illuminate a national tragedy where churches are closing en masse and faith is driven underground. The title itself, a callback to a second-grade math lesson, evolves into a potent metaphor for the barriers erected by a totalitarian state. This is a compelling story of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring cost of freedom, leaving the reader to ponder the dangerous slope from censorship to outright dehumanization.

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel briefly tells us about freedom. Yes read right. It tells what if our freedom of expression is no longer available. And a law is passed.
It was like a bird suffocating when put in a nest.
I liked the whole idea.
The turn down for me is grammatical errors and many typo errors.

That let Down the whole essence of book.
Overall a brilliant take on the subject of our rights.

[Radwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I’m not religious, I truly appreciated and was inspired by how the characters in this book stood firm in their beliefs and supported one another in the face of persecution. It also offers a hopeful message—that a change of heart and the choice to do the right thing are always possible (as seen in Jesse’s case). The writing was solid and the story was easy to follow

[Mike Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing exploration of the end result of our current "culture of offense" by first time novelist Jeff S. Bray.

[Carolyn Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff keeps me at the edge of my seat with this book... I can't even imagine what it would be like to not have the freedom to speak my mind. Good read!

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was such an incredible story to read the way jeff explained in great detail how freedom of speech is abolished and the dangers it can lead too

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to the striking cover of this book, and at the start, I took an interest in the prison setting. I tried to think of it as a place where the protagonist, Jacob, was confined, but could still potentially connect with others and befriend them, through the experience of being confined. I was curious to understand the meaning behind the book's title, but I don't think I understood fully until the end.

I expected a gritty and suspenseful thriller, and there was definitely some suspense that kept me turning the pages. At the same time though, the book follows Jacob's personality journey, and I was moved to see how his faith helped him through everything.

[Harmony Okoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very suspense filled and intriguing novel. You open the first page, you are not going to stop because you are curious about what happens next. The title sounds like a fantasy or an adventure book, but it's a Faith filled book that's is all about God. Kendrell Edward an official of Federal Corp, uses his office to avenge his corrupt Uncle's death and persecute Christians. Jacob Andrew, Michael and Racheal could only be saved through their Faith in God. A wonderful read, that leads you rushing for the book II .

[Summer June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a nice thriller read and Jeff pouring the genuine ideas of his to composed the story neatly. The freedom of expression abolished and I would've never imagined how i live a life like that, horrible mess. Unfortunately I can't left the grammatical errors behind—that placed in many pages, with some revise would be more great!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but I really struggled with all of the typos and gramamtical errors. Also, the characters all felt two-dimensional. It could have been such a better book with a little more work.

[Mt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is good, the subject is interesting. I was always to see what the characters would do next. Although, the many grammatical errors bothered me, I had a fun time reading it.