Through the imagery of the seals and the trumpets of Revelation, God has revealed the terrible reality of the Antichrist’s reign and the wrath to come. The second book in the Narrow Path Trilogy, Transhuman is based on what the world could look like at the halfway point in the Tribulation. The Rapture has already taken place. The chaos that ensues is horrendous. Follow Josh as he comes up against an apocalyptic world of genetic engineering, transhumanism, artificial intelligence, child-sex trafficking, super soldiers, and deception in the church. The question Josh is asking is, "Will We Obey God or Play God? "Soon time will be no more. The curtains are opening on the world stage. Come…
This is an engaging novel for Christians who believe the pre-tribulation rapture interpretation of the end times. Groot gives us a view of what the world might look like about half way through the Tribulation, concentrating on Revelation chapters 5 through 9.
Groot speculates how advanced genetic modification might be used to enhance humanity. There are some serious considerations we need to think about. What happens when human and animal DNA are mixed? Are there barriers God intended man should never cross and are we getting close to them even now? Who decides what is ethical? There are personal issues to think about too. Are we willing to die for our faith? Can we look for God's supernatural support in times of persecution? There is a clear presentation of the gospel in this book.
This series is a good addition to end times fiction. Groot uses lots of Scripture to back up her ideas of what might happen in the future. Readers should remember that the view of end times Groot presents is one of several and one that, until about two hundred years ago, was not really known and believed by the church in general.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
“You’ve been selected for a very special project.”
It seems everyone is talking about the terms AI and transhuman these days. Rena Groot has worked this concept into her Revelation trilogy, with Transhuman: Will We Obey God or Play God? Book 2 in The Narrow Path Trilogy, Transhuman picks up where Manhunt left off. I wasn’t a big fan of Manhunt, but Groot really changed the way she approached the narrative in Transhuman, and, yes, I’m a fan.
First off, Groot provides enough backstory and back flashes that I believe you can read this book, even if you haven't read book 1.
Secondly, and most important to me, there is much more actual storytelling going on in Transhuman. And it is very captivating. There is much Scriptural truth to be shared, but Groot chooses to weave much of it into the storyline, using in her own words and visions and dreams of the characters. Now I could pay attention to the Scripture quotations when they are used, as a reasonable amount of insertion of straight-up information.
I really felt the novel flowed smoothly, except for the jitters I got from the suspense of Josh’s, Rachel’s, Frank’s, and Juliet’s situations. The King accomplishes amazing good for the world after the startling great disappearance of millions. Yet, he ultimately has one goal: to be like the Most High. You will be amazed at the King’s plan for Josh’s life. While he claims to have a wonderful plan for people’s lives, he actually leaves lives in ruin. How different from the true King, who has a wonderful plan of fulfillment, joy, peace, and eternal life for those who follow Him. I read with great anticipation to see how the various believers would handle the challenges forced upon them. Never once does Groot let the reader relax. The angst Groot inspires is strong throughout the book and leaves the reader ready for the last novel, Convergence. The Gospel is clearly presented, which is a key factor as well.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“They asked God to get out of their lives, to leave them alone, and He did. Now people were feeling the effects of the universe falling apart. This was the unintentional consequence of man turning their backs on God.”
“You can’t force people to trust.”
“If these brain chips can be used to upload thoughts to computers — wouldn’t the reverse be possible as well? Couldn’t thoughts be downloaded from computers directly into the brain allowing populations to be manipulated and controlled? I believe this technology will lead to man’s greatest nightmares.”
The end times are upon us in this gripping, hard hitting story that leaves you crying out to God. The author explores Tribulation in a realistic, thought provoking journey. Friends turn on friends and danger creeps near as the warnings become fact. Without question this book will have a lasting affect on many. I appreciate the author writing with truth found in the Bible and captures the end times in a commanding way.
If you haven’t studied Revelations then be prepared for scripture to come to life as the author leads us through a journey like no other. I liked Josh and how he was willing to sacrifice his life for his wive’s. He is told that “you always have a choice.” That is very true for each of us. God has given us free will. The choices we make are our own. We must diligently seek Him to make the right choices. Will Josh find a way to free himself from those who hold him captive?
One important part of the story really grabbed my attention. As Josh nears his time to meet the King, he knows that this man is not to be worshipped or trusted. He thinks about the spiritual leaders who pointed people in the wrong direction. Why did they not teach from the Bible and warn others about the return of Christ? How often have we heard a sermon on Revelations? Going to church doesn’t get you into Heaven, but sadly some people were led astray and found themselves left behind.
The author does an amazing job of mixing scriptures into the story and having it become a time where Revelation is now becoming true. The action is good and I loved following Josh as he tries to escape from the quest that puts him against transhumans. I got shivers as the plan is laid before Josh. What evil has taken over and why must Josh be used in an experiment that has dire consequences?
This book has kept me up nights long after reading it as I think about the what ifs. The author paints a picture of what it could be like when we turn away from God and start to follow a false profit. The eerie description of turning someone into a machine was scary at best. Friend now fighting against friend in a battle where evil is abundant sent shivers down my spine.
I appreciate how the author ends the story by giving us questions to ponder. What will we choose? God loves us and “does not want us to be lost.” Now is the time to turn from our wicked ways before it is too late. Don’t miss the end of this book where the author has given us scripture to lead us to Christ to be saved.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Question: What do you get when you merge a human with a machine? Answer: a transhuman. Combining machines with human beings seems like something from a Star Wars or Star Trek episode. But, the concept is much closer to reality than you might think. A contributor to the World Economic Forum website, David Tippett describes transhumanism as being . . . “Rooted in the belief that humans can and will be enhanced by the genetic engineering and information technology of today, as well as anticipated advances, such as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and molecular nanotechnology. The result is an iteration of Homo sapiens enhanced or augmented, but still fundamentally human.” In short, according to Tippett, “The central premise of transhumanism, then, is that biological evolution will eventually be overtaken by advances in genetic, wearable and implantable technologies that artificially expedite the evolutionary process.” In the words of Dana Carvey’s church lady, “Isn’t that special?”
So, what will transhumanism look like? Author Rena Groot gives us a good peek into that robotic world in her second novel in her Narrow Path Trilogy series. “Transhuman” gives us a glimpse of what the world may look like at the half-way point of what the Bible calls the Tribulation. Two main characters from Groot’s debut novel, “Manhunt,” Rachel and Josh return to pick up where their earlier adventure left off.
Drawing heavily from the apostle John’s visions as recorded in the New Testament book of Revelation, “Transhuman” follows the Biblical narrative much like Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye did in their apocalyptic series of best sellers beginning with “Left Behind” in 1995.
Bible students are aware that chapters five through nine of Revelation detail what is expected to take place on planet Earth during God’s judgments known as the seven seals and the seven trumpets. Those five chapters form the foundation, the setting for the Tribulation believers’ life and death struggles, as God pours out His wrath on all of mankind.
Two millennia ago, the apostle John foresaw what life during the Tribulation will be like for the people of Earth. Now, in “Transhuman,” those characters get to live that life. It will be a time of unprecedented terror. In the words of the 1950 classic Bette Davis film, “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night!”
This is Rena Groot’s second book in her trilogy based on the biblical end times. This is a continuation of Josh’s path as he navigates the events and struggles of what has come to pass.
I liked many aspects of this book, and there were a few things I didn’t care for as much.
Some of the things that I thought were strong in the book were:
The creative way that the author crafted real world events based off of the biblical book of Revelations. I thought some of the details were unique and fun and illustrated what the end times could look like. I also appreciated the scriptural references throughout, especially those outside of Revelations. I feel that this added solidity to the story and perhaps suggests a little more than just fiction.
Overall, I didn’t care for the dialogue, or perhaps the style thereof. I felt as it was unrealistic at times and it took my mind away from the storyline. Last, I felt that there was a good amount of detail that could have been added to paint a better picture and develop the characters.
Overall, if you enjoy biblical end times stories, this book provides a pretty solid storyline and was a very quick read.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the opinions here are my own.
Transhuman: Will We Obey God or Play God? is Book 2 in author Rena Groot’s Christian futuristic, apocalyptic The Narrow Path Trilogy. Transhuman begins where Manhunt ended, but there is enough backstory and flashbacks to allow readers to follow along even without reading the first book.
This is an end times novel that will grab your attention and refuse to release it. I was immediately captivated in this story taken from Revelation Chapters 5-9. This is the halfway point in the Tribulation.
Author Groot does a fabulous job with her take on End Times. Her novel is gripping, exciting, and a total page-turner. More than once, I was on the edge of my seat while reading this riveting tale.
Characters are believable and multilayered. If you read book one, you will recognize Rachel and Josh. I was immediately invested in them. The story flows smoothly even though there is a lot of action. Scripture is heavenly woven throughout this amazing story.
I highly recommend this book and series. It gives readers a different perspective on the last days while staying true to scripture. This would make an interesting television series or movie. It gets a five star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.
Transhuman by Rena Groot is a work of Apocalyptic Fiction. This book is the second book in the Narrow Path trilogy. This book addresses the idea of whether those on earth will honor God or whether we will try to play God.
Addressing the words found in the Book of Revelation and the judgments we will face during the time of the Tribulation, this second book takes the words of the Bible and brings them to life in a very real way. I found myself unable to put this book down.
The situations of Josh, Rachel, Frank, and especially Juliet (Josh and Rachel’s daughter) captured my attention and concerned me. I loved how Rena Groot weaved together the transitions from one character to another. The King, his desire to be God, and his path towards transforming people into Transhumans provided the right amount of suspense to keep me reading.
So if you enjoy or are looking for a work of Apocalyptic Fiction, check out Transhuman by Rena Groot for yourself. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Transhuman – Will We Obey God or Play God? is book two in the Narrow Path Trilogy that is written by Rena Groot. The author gives us a look at what the world may look like during the Tribulation. The author does a wonderful job in making sure scriptures are added throughout the story to back up her ideas.
The author did a good job in exploring what may happen in the end times - friends and family turning on each other, genetic modification, and so much more. Josh is a likeable character as he sets out on his journey and feels that the spiritual leaders are pointing him in the wrong direction.
While apocalyptic fiction is not my go to genre, this story kept me reading late into the night. I love that this author can write across many different genres. The book is well written with great Biblical evidence to back it up. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Transhuman: Will We Obey God Or Play God is the second installment from Rena Groot's Narrow Path Trilogy. I thought it was a pretty good read. It is one of those books that are purely from the author's imagination but written so well that can be believable. It really made me really think. It is just around one hundred and thirty pages and easily read in one sitting. I liked it.
I am giving Transhuman: Will We Obey God Or Play God four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books that are from the genres of clean science, fantasy, and apocalyptic fiction. I would be interested in more releases from Rena Groot.
I received a digital copy of Transhuman: Will We Obey God Or Play God from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
This book kept me reading until the end. The author uses the Bible to write a very likable account of what the end times will be like. I encourage all Christians to read this book and the book “Manhunt”.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
What an incredible story of what could take place among people giving their lives over to the Lord during the Tribulation. So many evil things will take place. I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
This was an interesting story on what happens after the Rapture. It makes you think and question what you would do. I’m looking forward to reading the next one