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Subversive
The United States is no longer a land of freedom. Christianity has been declared a threat, and believers are hunted, imprisoned, or worse. Gemma Alcott knows the price of defiance. She’s paid it with her freedom, her safety, and the future she once dreamed of. Now she hides among the ruins with other "subversives," clinging to a faith the world has outlawed—and mourning the love she left behind.
Taylor Nolan wears the uniform of the very men who destroyed Gemma’s world. As a soldier in the government’s elite Task Force, he’s been trained to eliminate threats without question. Gemma was once his first love. Now, she’s his target. But when she’s captured by a rogue Task Force unit—one even more brutal than his own—Taylor becomes the only one who might be able to save her.
As Gemma braces for what awaits her in the darkness of captivity, Taylor must confront the question that could define—or destroy—him: Is he fighting against evil… or for it? Because in a nation where truth is treason and faith is a death sentence, love might be the most dangerous rebellion of all.
Subversive is the pulse-pounding first book in a dystopian trilogy about forbidden love, unshakable faith, and the courage to stand when the world demands you kneel.
Taylor Nolan wears the uniform of the very men who destroyed Gemma’s world. As a soldier in the government’s elite Task Force, he’s been trained to eliminate threats without question. Gemma was once his first love. Now, she’s his target. But when she’s captured by a rogue Task Force unit—one even more brutal than his own—Taylor becomes the only one who might be able to save her.
As Gemma braces for what awaits her in the darkness of captivity, Taylor must confront the question that could define—or destroy—him: Is he fighting against evil… or for it? Because in a nation where truth is treason and faith is a death sentence, love might be the most dangerous rebellion of all.
Subversive is the pulse-pounding first book in a dystopian trilogy about forbidden love, unshakable faith, and the courage to stand when the world demands you kneel.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2020
456 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Raena Rood
10 books108 followersRaena lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring historic battlefields (her kids always drag her up the tallest lookout towers), family movie nights that feature cheesy 80's and 90's action films, and daydreaming of expanding her backyard farm (goats are still under discussion). Her goal is to write stories that challenge, encourage, and remind readers that even in the darkness, when all hope seems lost, God is always in control.
Find out more at:
https://www.raenarood.com
Find out more at:
https://www.raenarood.com
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April 1, 2024DNF about 45% through
I'm honestly not sure if it's the characters or something about the way it's written, but I'm having a hard time really loving this like I'd hoped. I could see myself giving this 3 stars if I pushed through and finished it, so it's not a bad book, but I'm not vibing at all.
I'm honestly not sure if it's the characters or something about the way it's written, but I'm having a hard time really loving this like I'd hoped. I could see myself giving this 3 stars if I pushed through and finished it, so it's not a bad book, but I'm not vibing at all.
December 22, 2021
To be honest… Going into this book I didn't expect as much as I got. I knew, from reading the sample, that it was at the very least going to be good and definitely had the potential to be great. But I didn't realize just how great.
This book is INTENSE. Seriously, if you're looking for something that's, well, nice and soft and fluffy / feel - good, this probably isn't the book you want. But if you're like me, where I want it raw and real (Note what I didn't say: gory, graphical, etc.), then yeah, this is your book.
As near as I can tell, this book is set in about our time period. Sure, it's a little farther advanced, but I would not necessarily call it 'dystopian,' at least for what I define as dystopian.
Because of that, I find it a whole lot easier to relate to and believe that it could actually happen. That's part of what's scary: We're not that far from THIS happening. This intense, dogmatic pursuit and persecution of Christians.
The story is set in an abandoned coal mine, which was toured by people back in the day. Now it's not used as anything but a hideout for 'subversives.'
The coal mine setting I find very picturable / believable. The author adds little details through Gemma's point of view that make it seem plausible.
Speaking of Gemma… I liked Gemma herself as a character. She was relatable to some degree. Like her longing for books back in her old life. (POTENTIAL SPOILERS: She herself isn't sure she won't crack under Carver's interrogation. She knows she could crack but *spoiler alert* she doesn't, often drawing strength at the last minute.)
The book mostly focuses on Gemma, but there is some Taylor in there. I like him for the most part, he just made some bad choices based on trauma. But for Gemma… Well, he'll do anything for Gemma.
The suspense at the climax was… Yeah well, gripping to say the least. I would argue the book starts out a mite slow, but it definitely picks up speed.
Mullen is a big reason it picks up speed. (SPOILERS: seriously, something is FREAKY wrong with this kid. I can't even pity him for this rough childhood. Props to the author for making such a disturbing bad guy. Picking the cap off a pimple while lighting a barn full of people on fire is just… yeah.)
The other reason is Carver. To my surprise, I COULD actually LIKE him. Except… Well, if you read it, you'll find out.
Finally, there is one interesting thing that stuck out to me about this book, and that was the inclusion of the Elevation church, with its pastor David Ogden. This church is allowed to function fully. Because all that it preaches is 'fluffy Christianity'. Your happiness is what's most important, your destiny, your goals. I find it interesting that the author includes this because this very well could be the direction that some churches are heading. (And yes, that includes Elevation.)
Finally, there's the deer fly. Yes, the deer fly. Near the end there is a deer fly. And let me just say that I don't like flies at all, but I could just about kiss that little deer fly XD.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, if intense, read. I do recommend it to anyone ages 15+. I think it might be a little strong for anyone younger / more sensitive. I hope to continue the series if I can.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is INTENSE. Seriously, if you're looking for something that's, well, nice and soft and fluffy / feel - good, this probably isn't the book you want. But if you're like me, where I want it raw and real (Note what I didn't say: gory, graphical, etc.), then yeah, this is your book.
As near as I can tell, this book is set in about our time period. Sure, it's a little farther advanced, but I would not necessarily call it 'dystopian,' at least for what I define as dystopian.
Because of that, I find it a whole lot easier to relate to and believe that it could actually happen. That's part of what's scary: We're not that far from THIS happening. This intense, dogmatic pursuit and persecution of Christians.
The story is set in an abandoned coal mine, which was toured by people back in the day. Now it's not used as anything but a hideout for 'subversives.'
The coal mine setting I find very picturable / believable. The author adds little details through Gemma's point of view that make it seem plausible.
Speaking of Gemma… I liked Gemma herself as a character. She was relatable to some degree. Like her longing for books back in her old life. (POTENTIAL SPOILERS: She herself isn't sure she won't crack under Carver's interrogation. She knows she could crack but *spoiler alert* she doesn't, often drawing strength at the last minute.)
The book mostly focuses on Gemma, but there is some Taylor in there. I like him for the most part, he just made some bad choices based on trauma. But for Gemma… Well, he'll do anything for Gemma.
The suspense at the climax was… Yeah well, gripping to say the least. I would argue the book starts out a mite slow, but it definitely picks up speed.
Mullen is a big reason it picks up speed. (SPOILERS: seriously, something is FREAKY wrong with this kid. I can't even pity him for this rough childhood. Props to the author for making such a disturbing bad guy. Picking the cap off a pimple while lighting a barn full of people on fire is just… yeah.)
The other reason is Carver. To my surprise, I COULD actually LIKE him. Except… Well, if you read it, you'll find out.
Finally, there is one interesting thing that stuck out to me about this book, and that was the inclusion of the Elevation church, with its pastor David Ogden. This church is allowed to function fully. Because all that it preaches is 'fluffy Christianity'. Your happiness is what's most important, your destiny, your goals. I find it interesting that the author includes this because this very well could be the direction that some churches are heading. (And yes, that includes Elevation.)
Finally, there's the deer fly. Yes, the deer fly. Near the end there is a deer fly. And let me just say that I don't like flies at all, but I could just about kiss that little deer fly XD.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, if intense, read. I do recommend it to anyone ages 15+. I think it might be a little strong for anyone younger / more sensitive. I hope to continue the series if I can.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2020
Subversive is a beautifully written debut dystopian novel. In this book the government has declared Christianity illegal. The goverment is actively seeking out the ones they call "subversives" in order to place them into detention centers. The thing I most enjoy about the concept is that it is not at all far fetched historically speaking.
Subversive offers its readers suspense, romance, a little gore and takes them on a compelling journey. The story is well written and thought provoking. As a Christian myself this book really made me pause. What would I do if I were to be thrust into such a situation? What if I were demanded to renounce my faith to the barrel of a gun?
The characters are relatable and well developed. I especially loved Gemmas character. I found myself fond of her strength in face of such a hard existence.
The ending left me needing more and I am all too ready to read book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Subversive offers its readers suspense, romance, a little gore and takes them on a compelling journey. The story is well written and thought provoking. As a Christian myself this book really made me pause. What would I do if I were to be thrust into such a situation? What if I were demanded to renounce my faith to the barrel of a gun?
The characters are relatable and well developed. I especially loved Gemmas character. I found myself fond of her strength in face of such a hard existence.
The ending left me needing more and I am all too ready to read book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2020
So this was an impulse read for me. I rarely ever read a book without reading reviews first, but as this is the first book by this author and no one else had reviewed it yet, I basically went in blind. Luckily, though, I was not disappointed.
The Christian dystopian genre is always hit or miss for me, but I really liked how Rood made it work. Something that jumped out to me especially was that the setting for this book was real. A lot of times, dystopian worlds are so far removed from our current society that it is almost more like reading fantasy or sci-fi. This book, however, made pop culture references, drove the same cars that we do, and was clearly our world (but with a lot of additional hostility towards Christians). I was never able to pinpoint a year that it took place in, but that added to the impact for me. Because it was "my world" it made me think about how easy it would be for America to get to this place of open hostility towards religion. It was a little unnerving, but interesting just the same. I generally find that dystopian fiction makes me think more than other genres of fiction, and this book held true with that.
On a more specific note, the story was great. So much happened, but it took place over the span of five days. To say it was a hard book to put down is an understatement (I read it in 24 hours if that tells you anything). The characters were great and the plot was suspenseful. It was so refreshing to read a captivating book that didn't have explicit content in it. There were a few scenes that had slightly gory descriptions, but that was it.
Overall, my only complaint is that now I have to wait forever to read the sequel!
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
The Christian dystopian genre is always hit or miss for me, but I really liked how Rood made it work. Something that jumped out to me especially was that the setting for this book was real. A lot of times, dystopian worlds are so far removed from our current society that it is almost more like reading fantasy or sci-fi. This book, however, made pop culture references, drove the same cars that we do, and was clearly our world (but with a lot of additional hostility towards Christians). I was never able to pinpoint a year that it took place in, but that added to the impact for me. Because it was "my world" it made me think about how easy it would be for America to get to this place of open hostility towards religion. It was a little unnerving, but interesting just the same. I generally find that dystopian fiction makes me think more than other genres of fiction, and this book held true with that.
On a more specific note, the story was great. So much happened, but it took place over the span of five days. To say it was a hard book to put down is an understatement (I read it in 24 hours if that tells you anything). The characters were great and the plot was suspenseful. It was so refreshing to read a captivating book that didn't have explicit content in it. There were a few scenes that had slightly gory descriptions, but that was it.
Overall, my only complaint is that now I have to wait forever to read the sequel!
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
December 9, 2025
I Love These Books!!!
I Love to read and it's even better when it's about God and how His goodness and love for us always prevails. I've just finished the first book of the series and am ready to start the second book but wanted to stop and give a quick review. The characters are interesting and relatable and the story picks up right away and never slows down and before you know it your at the end and ready for the rest of the story!
I Love to read and it's even better when it's about God and how His goodness and love for us always prevails. I've just finished the first book of the series and am ready to start the second book but wanted to stop and give a quick review. The characters are interesting and relatable and the story picks up right away and never slows down and before you know it your at the end and ready for the rest of the story!
June 17, 2025
Wow
This was a pretty realistic book. The characters were authentic. The FMC is a regular girl with tough decisions to make. The end times are coming and anyone could be in a similar situation. It was a great story line with good pacing and had me hooked! I'm ready to read the next book in the series!
This was a pretty realistic book. The characters were authentic. The FMC is a regular girl with tough decisions to make. The end times are coming and anyone could be in a similar situation. It was a great story line with good pacing and had me hooked! I'm ready to read the next book in the series!
June 15, 2025
Subversive
This is an excellent example of what life for a Christian may soon be like. Filled with all the struggles that walking out that faith might look like along with what it is to be quietly strengthened by God when you feel like all hope is lost. It's a quick read, with no dull moments!
This is an excellent example of what life for a Christian may soon be like. Filled with all the struggles that walking out that faith might look like along with what it is to be quietly strengthened by God when you feel like all hope is lost. It's a quick read, with no dull moments!
September 11, 2025
Scary to think about .
This story is hard to read but you have to keep turning the pages to get to the end. Don't plan on sleeping.
This story is hard to read but you have to keep turning the pages to get to the end. Don't plan on sleeping.
November 24, 2025
I highly recommend this series for teens! The author does a great job at simulations or staging realistic and plausible concepts many of us expect that believe in the Bible and Revelations. The world turning against Christians while creating a new self driven society, and the people that have to hide from persecution because they wont renounce their belief in Jesus. The basics to surviving as outcasts until they are caught....
It's not as dystopion as you might hope based on the state of the world now.
It's not as dystopion as you might hope based on the state of the world now.
April 22, 2020
This novel portrays a chilling time in the future when the government comes for every Christian who will not renounce their faith. First they went for the leadership but all too soon the life of every Christian was in danger. Small groups of believers hid in old mines and abandoned farmsteads.
Gemma was one of them. Her parents had been taken. She had known the government Task Force would come for her next. She had gone into hiding, leaving behind the love of her life, Taylor. He was the son of a pastor but had joined the forces now eliminating the Christians. Would she ever see him again?
This is an engaging novel. Rood has done a great job developing Gemma's character as well as the supporting ones. The plot is well thought out. I really got a sense of the intense hatred some had toward Christians. There were some really evil people bent on wiping out the faith, especially on the government Task Force.
This is also a thought provoking novel. It made me think of my own faith and what I would do if the same situation happened in my lifetime. I though about the Task Force leader who lied and manipulated people to inflame their hatred of Christians.
Though Gemma is a young adult and there is an element of young romance included, this is a well written novel for all ages. It will cause readers think about the depth and commitment of their faith and value the freedom to assemble for worship.
This is the first book in a series and I will definitely be looking for the next one.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Book Sirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Gemma was one of them. Her parents had been taken. She had known the government Task Force would come for her next. She had gone into hiding, leaving behind the love of her life, Taylor. He was the son of a pastor but had joined the forces now eliminating the Christians. Would she ever see him again?
This is an engaging novel. Rood has done a great job developing Gemma's character as well as the supporting ones. The plot is well thought out. I really got a sense of the intense hatred some had toward Christians. There were some really evil people bent on wiping out the faith, especially on the government Task Force.
This is also a thought provoking novel. It made me think of my own faith and what I would do if the same situation happened in my lifetime. I though about the Task Force leader who lied and manipulated people to inflame their hatred of Christians.
Though Gemma is a young adult and there is an element of young romance included, this is a well written novel for all ages. It will cause readers think about the depth and commitment of their faith and value the freedom to assemble for worship.
This is the first book in a series and I will definitely be looking for the next one.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Book Sirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 21, 2020
I read many books and will read almost any style of fiction or non-fiction. But when it comes to my preferred read for sheer enjoyment it needs to have some suspense. I found this book to fall right into that enjoyment category. I was advised these copies are provided prior to print so there may be a few grammatical errors but this book had fewer than some printed books I have read. As for the content of the book, it was a smooth read. The author does an amazing job of bringing both the characters and their surroundings to life. She has an ability to use words to breathe life into the world inside her pages that is often only seen in experienced authors. I enjoyed the in-depth descriptions of both objects and feelings. The line between today’s reality and a dystopian society became blurred and I feel like that added to the appeal of her storyline. The story does have a religious vein running through however it feels like the basic underlying struggle would be relatable regardless of the readers belief system. As is often true with trilogies, completing this book left me feeling bereft. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more reads from this author.
I signed up for this website in order to be able to read this book prior to its release date, I was provided a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I signed up for this website in order to be able to read this book prior to its release date, I was provided a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2020
Dystopian books aren’t my typical go-to genres, but this book was absolutely incredible. I literally could not put it down and stayed up way too late each night reading it. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, Subversive was suspenseful from the very first page to the last. And I so look forward to reading the other books in the trilogy when they’re published!
June 18, 2020
Page-turner. Better than the "Left Behind" series. Can't wait for Books Two and Three.
September 3, 2020
Wow! Awesome & thought provoking! Very suspenseful!
June 4, 2023
Great starter to series
Exciting, dramatic, heartbreaking thriller about a near future when America becomes like Iran, Iraq, or China. If you like thrillers with romance and apocalyptic settings, you’ll enjoy this book —whatever your faith.
The main characters are nicely developed. It starts almost as a Romeo/Juliet feel, but quickly turns as the male main character chooses love over duty. But will his stubborn refusal of belief cost him his soul? The female MC is appealing and I look forward to seeing her growth in future novels.
The story is about Christians hiding and on the run after their religion becomes outlawed. It’s not preachy at all, so nonbelievers will enjoy it but might not understand the reluctance of some charcoal to renounce. This is reality is places like India and Nigeria (where more Christians are martyred every year than anywhere else in the world). If you think the concept isn’t believable, you’re not paying attention to what the FBI is already doing to Catholics. Or what Christians are facing in England, and how much the media has eroded into nothing more than a spokesman for the elite minority like Soros and Gates. This can and will happen here. Will you stand firm, or renounce your beliefs? Will you help the government when they come for others, or not care until they come for you?
Highly recommended. I’m on to the next book in the series.
Exciting, dramatic, heartbreaking thriller about a near future when America becomes like Iran, Iraq, or China. If you like thrillers with romance and apocalyptic settings, you’ll enjoy this book —whatever your faith.
The main characters are nicely developed. It starts almost as a Romeo/Juliet feel, but quickly turns as the male main character chooses love over duty. But will his stubborn refusal of belief cost him his soul? The female MC is appealing and I look forward to seeing her growth in future novels.
The story is about Christians hiding and on the run after their religion becomes outlawed. It’s not preachy at all, so nonbelievers will enjoy it but might not understand the reluctance of some charcoal to renounce. This is reality is places like India and Nigeria (where more Christians are martyred every year than anywhere else in the world). If you think the concept isn’t believable, you’re not paying attention to what the FBI is already doing to Catholics. Or what Christians are facing in England, and how much the media has eroded into nothing more than a spokesman for the elite minority like Soros and Gates. This can and will happen here. Will you stand firm, or renounce your beliefs? Will you help the government when they come for others, or not care until they come for you?
Highly recommended. I’m on to the next book in the series.
December 27, 2025
I read Raena's second trilogy, Reverence, before diving into this one. While I loved that series, this first book in Subversive resonated with me so much more!! I love the poetic ways she describes things, but I especially love the gritty battle of good vs evil here, and how faith is very prominent throughout. There is good growth in the characters and the dynamics between them, and I look forward to seeing more of that in the next book. I especially love the multiple POVs!
What I love most? I can feel the genuine love for her faith and the heart that Raena must have poured into this book. Bravo!!
What I love most? I can feel the genuine love for her faith and the heart that Raena must have poured into this book. Bravo!!
September 22, 2025
In light of recent events, this book was a really eye opening read! The tables can turn so quickly in our society and it truly makes you question if this could really happen one day. While other countries have to fight for their religion regularly, Americans have been quite spoiled with our freedom. Great story and I can't wait to read the next two in the trilogy.
June 3, 2024
So so good! I kept telling everyone about the book. What kept on going through my brain is that this could potentially become a reality for us, in the United States, but for many it is already a reality. Think about the underground church in China, Iran and not just Christianity. Many other religions or groups are killed for different thinking too.
September 20, 2025
Relevant End Times Story
I have enjoyed reading about how Gemma and the rest of her group are living through this period of the end times, where Christians are being arrested and forced into hiding. The events taking place don’t feel that far removed from the world we live in now and it has made me want to be more open about my faith while I still have the freedom to do so.
I have enjoyed reading about how Gemma and the rest of her group are living through this period of the end times, where Christians are being arrested and forced into hiding. The events taking place don’t feel that far removed from the world we live in now and it has made me want to be more open about my faith while I still have the freedom to do so.
July 15, 2021
I enjoyed the book! Raena Rood is an excellent writer and what is placed in her words is believable. Take the time to read this excellent book.
July 4, 2023
4.5 rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Extra half star since the author is local to J county 😉👍🏼
Extra half star since the author is local to J county 😉👍🏼
December 29, 2022
So good!
It’s been a while since I was this emotionally invested in the characters of a book. I can hardly wait for the next one.
It’s been a while since I was this emotionally invested in the characters of a book. I can hardly wait for the next one.
May 3, 2020
In this realistic fiction novel, the government has declared Christianity illegal and any Christians that are apprehended by the Federal Task Force soldiers, and do not renounce Jesus Christ, are arrested and housed in detention centers. Gemma Alcott witnessed her parents' arrest and has been in hiding ever since. She has joined a secret group of Christians hiding out in an abandoned mine in the mountains. To the government, they are known as subversives.
Taylor Nolan is a Task Force soldier who had previously detained and arrested his own father, a pastor. He has an impeccable record in the Task Force and has moved up in rank quickly. He has never forgotten his true love, Gemma. While on patrol one night, he finds Gemma and the subversives hideout. This meeting sets in motion a chain of events that will put Taylor's sense of duty and Gemma's faith to the test.
This book is very thought-provoking. It takes place in a time in the not-too-distant future where this type of situation could be seen as a distinct possibility. It definitely makes the reader question how they would react if they were put into a situation like this.
The story takes place over a span of five days. So much happens, but it is a quick and relatively easy read. The descriptions throughout the book made me cringe (there is a bit of violence in the story, but it is handled well), get chills, and even cry. I felt like I was there with Gemma, rooting for her, and was inspired by her strength and bravery. Since this is the first book of a trilogy, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. It definitely makes me want to see what happens next with Gemma, Taylor, and the rest of the subversives.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Taylor Nolan is a Task Force soldier who had previously detained and arrested his own father, a pastor. He has an impeccable record in the Task Force and has moved up in rank quickly. He has never forgotten his true love, Gemma. While on patrol one night, he finds Gemma and the subversives hideout. This meeting sets in motion a chain of events that will put Taylor's sense of duty and Gemma's faith to the test.
This book is very thought-provoking. It takes place in a time in the not-too-distant future where this type of situation could be seen as a distinct possibility. It definitely makes the reader question how they would react if they were put into a situation like this.
The story takes place over a span of five days. So much happens, but it is a quick and relatively easy read. The descriptions throughout the book made me cringe (there is a bit of violence in the story, but it is handled well), get chills, and even cry. I felt like I was there with Gemma, rooting for her, and was inspired by her strength and bravery. Since this is the first book of a trilogy, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. It definitely makes me want to see what happens next with Gemma, Taylor, and the rest of the subversives.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2024
The following is excerpted from my full review found at kayckaybookreviews.wordpress.com:
I was extremely impressed with this novel. It is a contemporary dystopian story of a post-Christian world. I thought was extremely well-written and the Christian worldview was well represented. The story starts off with a bang and it never lets go! You will be hooked from the very first paragraph.
The story is expertly crafted and the characterizations are genuine. While the novel is fiction, persecution of this type is not implausible and that made the book intensely thought-provoking. I am quite impressed with Subversive and I cannot wait for Ms. Rood's next novel in this series! I know she can write well, but I hope she can write really fast, too!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
I was extremely impressed with this novel. It is a contemporary dystopian story of a post-Christian world. I thought was extremely well-written and the Christian worldview was well represented. The story starts off with a bang and it never lets go! You will be hooked from the very first paragraph.
The story is expertly crafted and the characterizations are genuine. While the novel is fiction, persecution of this type is not implausible and that made the book intensely thought-provoking. I am quite impressed with Subversive and I cannot wait for Ms. Rood's next novel in this series! I know she can write well, but I hope she can write really fast, too!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
October 22, 2022
The Place: The United States of America.
The Time: Somewhere in the very near future
Christianity has been declared illegal and followers of the religion are hunted down and persecuted. This story is told from the perspectives a one of the 'Subversives' and also one of the task force whose mission is to track them down and deal with them.
A powerful tale of a physical struggle for survival and also a mental struggle to know what is right.
Will faith and love find a way to protect the subversives from persecution?
This is a well told tale that is firmly grounded in our world with a scary look at a possible future.
The Time: Somewhere in the very near future
Christianity has been declared illegal and followers of the religion are hunted down and persecuted. This story is told from the perspectives a one of the 'Subversives' and also one of the task force whose mission is to track them down and deal with them.
A powerful tale of a physical struggle for survival and also a mental struggle to know what is right.
Will faith and love find a way to protect the subversives from persecution?
This is a well told tale that is firmly grounded in our world with a scary look at a possible future.
June 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awesome book!
I could not put the book down and I had to know what happened next.
Very scary to think how close our nation is to the reality that this book illustrates. As a local to area the towns in the book were based off, it really hits home that this could happen not just in a large city but in rural towns.
As a Christian, I loved the scripture references in the book!
After reading the first book, my choice for my next book has been decided for me. I need to read the next book in the series to see what happens next and to support a local author.
Keep up the great work Raena and thank you for spreading the Word of God to the world through your books! 😁
Awesome book!
I could not put the book down and I had to know what happened next.
Very scary to think how close our nation is to the reality that this book illustrates. As a local to area the towns in the book were based off, it really hits home that this could happen not just in a large city but in rural towns.
As a Christian, I loved the scripture references in the book!
After reading the first book, my choice for my next book has been decided for me. I need to read the next book in the series to see what happens next and to support a local author.
Keep up the great work Raena and thank you for spreading the Word of God to the world through your books! 😁
April 14, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the story that was being told. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again.I also like the concept of the book.I Would recommend this book to anyone.
June 29, 2025
Great start to the series
This book was really enjoyable for me. The topic of persecuted Christians is always such a heavy thing but I appreciated Raena’s attempts at humor and romance to lighten the book a bit. Though sometimes it fell a little flat. I feel like we didn’t get enough foundation to fall in love with Taylor and Gemma’s relationship. However, the characters were realistic and the story is so believable it hurts. I wish we saw more out of their relationship with God and them being transformed to love their enemies as hard as it sounds. Hopefully there’s more of that in book two.
This book was really enjoyable for me. The topic of persecuted Christians is always such a heavy thing but I appreciated Raena’s attempts at humor and romance to lighten the book a bit. Though sometimes it fell a little flat. I feel like we didn’t get enough foundation to fall in love with Taylor and Gemma’s relationship. However, the characters were realistic and the story is so believable it hurts. I wish we saw more out of their relationship with God and them being transformed to love their enemies as hard as it sounds. Hopefully there’s more of that in book two.
August 11, 2020
Subversive
The story is during the tribulation, when being a true Christian is dangerous and deadly. One girl is loved by a fellow believer, and a backslider, and only had her heart. There are several villains who relish killing and torturing and they also want the girl. Well written, and inspirational. So much tension I was eager and hesitant to turn the page. Cannot wait for the next book, hurry please!
The story is during the tribulation, when being a true Christian is dangerous and deadly. One girl is loved by a fellow believer, and a backslider, and only had her heart. There are several villains who relish killing and torturing and they also want the girl. Well written, and inspirational. So much tension I was eager and hesitant to turn the page. Cannot wait for the next book, hurry please!
May 4, 2022
good thought provoking novel
What if Christianity became illegal and its adherents hunted like animals? It could happen someday. Raena gives a glimpse into what a post apocalyptic Christian world might look like. It’s a romance and a thriller at the same time. I enjoyed it. The story continues in book 2 of the series.
What if Christianity became illegal and its adherents hunted like animals? It could happen someday. Raena gives a glimpse into what a post apocalyptic Christian world might look like. It’s a romance and a thriller at the same time. I enjoyed it. The story continues in book 2 of the series.
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