Quest for Atlan

Cradleland Chronicles #2

by Douglas Hirt

This is a story of what might have been in a time about which we know so little—the beginning of civilization—and how God, even then, could have chosen the weakness of frail humanity to accomplish His purposes! In this, the second of the Cradleland Series, Rhone's evil brother rules over Atlan—until Rhone is commissioned by the Gardener (Christ) to remove him! But there are obstacles to be overcome—the forces of evil and even the power of love that sometimes clouds our way. Still, Rhone must find a place where Noah can be safe and eventually build the ark that will preserve faith in the earth through a remnant of souls. Download the Readers' Guide.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian Fantasy, Science Fiction

512 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2005

About the author

Douglas Hirt was born in Illinois, but heeding Horace Greeley's admonition to "Go west, young man", he headed to New Mexico at eighteen. Doug earned a Bachelor's degree from the College of Santa Fe and a Masters of Science degree from Eastern New Mexico University. During this time he spent several summers living in a tent in the desert near Carlsbad, New Mexico, conducting biological baseline surveys for the Department of Energy.

Doug drew heavily from this "desert life" when writing his first novel, DEVIL'S WIND. In 1991 Doug's novel, A PASSAGE OF SEASONS, won the Colorado Authors' League Top Hand Award. His 1998 book, BRANDISH, and 1999 DEADWOOD, were finalists for the SPUR award given by the Western Writers of America.

A short story writer, and the author of twenty-nine novels and one book of non fiction, Doug now makes his home in Colorado Springs with his wife Kathy and their two children, Rebecca and Derick. When not writing or traveling to research his novels, Doug enjoys collecting and restoring old English sports cars.

Douglas Hirt is a "fabricator of armchair adventures" who also writes as Jason Elder and Doug Hawkins.

Reviews

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second volume of a three volume set by a skillful, creative author who has crafted a fictional story of the political environment during the time period between humanity’s expulsion from Eden and the flood. Action packed, unusual characters, and great descriptors

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil is the cancer that has fallen to Earth and it is spreading fast. Noah and his mother, Mishah, reside safely in the Cradleland while Rhone is commissioned by the Gardner to retake Atlan from his sinister evil twin, Zorin. Meanwhile, Lamech must endure the hardships of his imprisonment for the Creator. Despite the hardships he faces, Lamech knows that the Creator has a purpose for where he’s at and what he’s doing, even if it seems impossible. The second book in Douglas Hirt’s Cradleland Chronicles is packed with adventure, more intrigue and scary stuff that will continue to cause the reader to think how things might have really been during the pre-Flood times.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Marik warriors and their creed of honor. The story progressed in an interesting way that kept me turning pages. I thought is strange that Rhône waited more than seven years to commit to Leenah (and she was my favorite character in this book).

None of this had any reference to things recorded in the scriptures but I found it all plausible. I was sad when the Garden disappeared from Earth. What a wonderful day is coming when we will have free access to all that wonder and the Tree of Life.

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, Hirt doesn't disappoint

While at times the story is a bit predictable, Hirt manages to keep his narrative reined in to a perfect pace with revelation and intrigue. I couldn't help but smile at the little people and picture dwarves in their mines. I highly recommend this book even if some portions are predictable. It is still very good writing and great editing.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Terry Brooks' "Shannara" series and J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", Hirt has conjured the world that might have been between Genesis 1:1 & 6:22. He proposes roots for the myths of elves, dragons, Atlantis, the Zodiac, giants, and preternaturally long life. Several explanations he sets forth make a lot of sense, while others are purely fantastical and deviate from Scripture.

This second book in the Cradleland Series follows Noah's father Lamech as he is forced to work on the temple for the Oracle; Noah & his mother as they wait under the protection of the Gardener; Rhone as he plans to retake his rightful place as ruler of Atlan; and several other characters.

Fans of sci-fi fantasy would enjoy this book.

Plot: A
Writing: B
Vocabulary: C
Level: Intermediate
Rating: PG 13 (woman almost raped, slaves worked hard, trapped in dark dungeon, battle with demon-possessed people) - I experienced incontrovertible demonic attacks during and soon after reading this book
Worldview: Christian

[Jeffrey Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much as it delves deeper into the world of a fictious Biblical world set up in Book 1. If you read my review for the first one, it's obvious that I was very refreshed by the multiple different aspects that were tied into the books. I guess a little of the amazement melted away as this didn't feel as novel. I still liked the plot, the new characters, and the further character development.

All in all, still a good read, but it just lacked the wow factor that I felt in the first book. Still kept me intrigued until the end and curious enough for book 3!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superlative romp in the imagination and in the Bible all at once. The second book in the Cradleland Chronicles, Quest for Atlan is an epic tale full of astonishing events that can be enjoyed on many levels. More than a retelling of happenings between Eden and the Great Flood, author Douglas Hirt brings an unknown world alive with wondrous creatures while remaining faithful to the biblical narrative.

[Sara Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Cradleland series, this book follows Noah and his friends as they step into the roles that God has for them. A great story despite the seven year hole in the middle.

I know the author and started reading the series because he wrote them but I got hooked in book one. A great read- full of imagination.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it because the plot was full of Action, the characters (at least one or two) underwent growth and changed their worldview. It is reminiscent of what Tales of Earthsea by LeGuinn, Lord of the Rings by
Tolkein, and a religious book of your choosing would be like if they were aLL mashed together.

The best part of all is as you finish, you realize the truths it tells

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book. Feels rushed to print.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book just as much as the first book. Really related to Mishah and Rhone. Read it in a day thanks to my girls sleeping all day. :P

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly fictionalized (but exciting) account of the flood. The demon-hybrids were especially strange.

[Sharon White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesom series

[Mandy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can't wait to read the next one!!