Light of the Ark

Light the Ark #1

by James Bonk

“Dad. This isn’t for me…Is it?”

The holy glow of an ancient artifact illuminates Matthew and his father.

In the past two months, Matthew has learned an untold secret of his father’s past and the family secret they are sworn to protect. It all started when Matthew’s best friend was approached by a figure from the past. A person with sinister motives who believes he is working for Jesus and will stop at nothing to set his plan in motion.

Matthew Light is the last son in a long line of pastors that stretches back thousands of years. Follow Matthew's journey as he discovers the secrets of his family’s past and the repercussions on those closest to him.


You don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy Light of the Ark. It is perfect for fans of Thrillers, Mystery and Suspense, Supernatural, Religous Adventures, and of course Christian Fiction. Pick up your copy of Book 1 in the Light of the Ark series today!


Light of the Ark Series
Book 1 - Light of the Ark (Set in the 2020s)
Prequel - Isaiah Light and the Sea of Darkness (Set in the early 1960s)
Book 2 - Shadows of the Ark (Picks up from Book 1) - Coming early 2022!
Book 3 - Light of the World (Picks up from Book 2) - Coming in 2022!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Suspense, Audiobook

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2021

About the author

James Bonk writes Christian Fiction to develop his own faith and as a ministry. He lives in the North Florida area with his wife, two daughters, and fluffy Chartreux cat, Porkchop. When he's not writing, he's usually swimming or building forts with his girls!

His Light of the Ark book was the #1 New Release in Young Adult Christian Fiction upon release, with multiple five star reviews from adults and young adults alike.

Besides writing, parenting, and being a husband, James Bonk is a business intelligence professional. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA. He also holds his Professional Engineering license in Industrial Engineering.

Find out more at and get a FREE book at jamesbonk.com

You can also find James at:
- Facebook
- BookBub

Reviews

[Rick Farlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

CHIRP AUDIOBOOK

The book has a lot of good scripture references and the theology is sound, but the storyline is kinda weird…. Having “a piece” of the Ark doesn’t really make any sense and I think it has too many characters involved in the story. On the other hand, if someone is a non-believer and is reading this, curiosity may lead them to look further into the Kingdom of God and ultimately to salvation through Christ. Overall, I believe the authors intention was good, but the storyline needs tweaking.

[Melissa Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light of the Ark perfectly set the stage for a thrilling adventure series. The storyline draws you in quickly and is hard to put down. I kept telling myself just one more chapter often as I eagerly wanted to know what happens next. Great fictional read with religious connections, but you do not need to have a biblical background. Looking forward to continuing the thrill ride with the Light family.

[Dj Acrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story!

While I do often read this genre, I don't often leave a written review, but I'm compelled to do such with this amazing gripping work!
I'm not going to give any "spoilers" as I feel that may take from your discovery, but I will say that this book held me spellbound, while it was a touch predictable, there was still enough that kept me on the edge of each page! I couldn't stop myself from reading "just a little bit longer" lol only to find it had been hours lol
If you like action packed, soul wrenching (at times) , Christian reads, then this is one you definitely want to read!
I'm looking forward to following this series and this Author!,

[Rachel Teasley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a terrible book. Way too many characters to keep up with, many characters were never mentioned in depth but there. It made it hard to follow, the book jumped around a lot in different stories. The ending was so terrible and out of the blue. It didn't make sense. I would not recommend this book to others.

[Dan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

In full disclosure, I know the author pretty well. And in reading this book, I felt like I was sitting with him and listening to him tell me these stories. The characters are extremely relatable, and I feel like I'm part of the family now... "in" on their big secrets. And as a Christian, I love how the power of God is present throughout. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Mjb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and thrilling- not my usual genre but really enjoyed!

[Amy Hagberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

James Bonk’s Light of the Ark had all the makings of a high-stakes Christian thriller—an ancient relic connected to the Ark of the Covenant, a family bound by secrets, and a battle between good and evil. Unfortunately, the story didn’t live up to its potential.

Instead of feeling like an edge-of-your-seat novel, much of it read more like a series of sermons. As a devout Christian, I usually welcome Scripture and spiritual truths in my fiction, but here the “Christianese” was so thick it bogged down the storytelling. I doubt it would hold much appeal for nonbelievers looking for a page-turner.

The pacing was another hurdle. The first 80 percent moved at a crawl, with long stretches of dialogue and theological exposition. Only in the last fifth did the action finally pick up—and by then, I was more frustrated than thrilled. Honestly, I should have stopped reading early on, because the payoff didn’t feel worth the wait.

Other readers have said they couldn’t put it down. I had the opposite experience. The premise was promising, but the delivery was uneven and, for me, very disappointing.

[Kristina Conrad · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't read this by choice. I was in a 12 hr car ride with my parents who had it on. The whole concept of Christian horror is stupid. How do you even get scared when you have an all-powerful friend who always triumphs over evil?

The worst part though is the way the author treats women. None of them do anything! Chapter 1: There's an evil snide mom who is evil and snide because she does ~rumors~ about the pastor after her son is put in a coma. The situation was not the pastor's fault, but I think its weird to make a woman out to be evil for defending her son who was put into a coma. The mom and son aren't even relevant to the plot, so it's just a footnote of "women are gossiping broodhens" for the sake of painting women as gossiping broodhens.

Even the good women dont do anything but worry and cook and have babies. I swear to god, every sentence with a woman has "to the kitchen" "from the kitchen" or "in the kitchen"

[Shelly C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, Isaiah Light was gifted a Bible and an ancient artifact from his father, Michael. Isaiah passed on this treasured relic to his son, Zechariah, when he felt it was time. Now it's Zech's son Matthew's turn to have it passed down to him. But evil lurks in an aquaintance from the past, seeking to kill and destroy. Matthew is drawn back into the church that had become less important to him over time. When evil comes to destroy the family, the church, and expose the ancient artifact, it's up to Matthew to protect them. But he needs to grow his faith in order to do so, and rely on the Lord. This is an intriguing, gripping story that will have your heart pounding and turning the pages until the end.

[John Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waaaaaay too many characters. So much so that it got confusing early. Would have been an okay plot with a few scriptures referenced, but the author penned entire sermons within the text. Way too wordy, especially if a non-believer might want to read it. It was confusing. The entire thing. Was ready to shelve it but read that the last 100 pages were better. They were. Slightly. Not enough so to make me want to continue the series. It should absolutely NOT be compared to any of the Left Behind or Frank Perertti works.
I would imagine most of the authors congregants have read it and posted glowing reviews. But those of us who just teach high school English and have no ties to the guy, yeah, nah. Not a literary masterpiece.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I was surprised because I am not really a fan of the Raiders of the Lost Ark type books but this one had me totally invested. I felt like I was reading a present day New Testament journey with all of these biblical names, lol! Isaiah was the real hero. Terrence was the best antagonist. I am looking forward to seeing his end in further stories. The story has nice pacing and kept my interested. I read along with the audio but didn't really need to because my mind did not wander at all. Theologically, it wasn't quite right but hey, it's fiction and the theme is good vs evil.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't have a lot of good to say about this book. What denominations have churches that are dynasties where one family is pastor generation after generation? That was weird. They are Jewish, from the family of Levi, but they hide their heritage - protestant pastors - I guess. That was weird. They talk about drinking a couple of pitchers of beer, but only when no one can see them...because they're pastors. The bartender tries to entice one of them, but he doesn't go with her...because he's a pastor. These are just a few of the odd things in this book. Not a fan.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Purchased on an impulse buy in a package deal. Not as hokey as I expected. Character development was good, but often characters did things for no apparent reason. Disappointing, deus ex machina ending.

Would only appeal to a small subset of evangelicals. The author assumes a lot about the reader's background. I am an evangelical, but much of the assumed culture here misses me.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pros: not too long
Cons: boring
confusing
misogynistic (ladies like church because they get to wear Silly Hats and go shopping)
preachy
a collection of sermons hog-tied together with other words (not gonna call it a plot)
preachers resort to guns to stay safe
hypocritical (I drink beer but pretend I don't)
plus knowing what I know about evangelicals right now, I really wish I didn't have to hear them chirping at me from this piece of nonsense.

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An answer to a calling

This is an excellent example of fulfilling a calling to use a talent for God purpose. James mixed mystery with faith messages as part of the story very well blended as a complete tale. This is a very interesting concept with a personal message to the reader. Well done.

[Sandy Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting idea about the Ark in hiding by a family descended from the tribe of Levi. I enjoyed reading the book. The ending was quite a thrilling episode. The characters are likable, except for Terrence and his associates. But they are “good” at their badness. Why was Terrence not in jail at the end? Will need to read next book to find out why! (Zech’s sermons were a bit long for me.).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light of the Ark
God doesn't just call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
I liked this book. Evil exists but not everyone can see it for what it is; especially when it appears so close to the truth. We need to really know and understand what truth is so that we can recognize it when we hear it and know the lie when we see it

[APRIL L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book would have more suspense in it but that didn’t pick up until the last 100 pages, if that. Reading the back about Matthew Light I assumed the book was about him but to me it seemed he was more of a secondary character? I’m glad to have finished the story but haven’t decided if I’ll continue with the series or not. I had bought the set from an ad of Facebook.

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad Christian fiction novel. Pretty predictable and filled with a lot of cliche “christianese,” which, in my opinion, felt trite. I did like the plot and some of the suspense. I’m hoping that since the first half was mainly character development, that books 2 & 3 are faster paced and less predictable.

[Eleyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started off slow and seemed to repeat itself. I had trouble keeping the characters straight but the last half picked up speed and began to make sense. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to continuing the story.

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Loved the characters and the Christian influence in the story. Don't get to many Christian suspense novels so it always good to find one and this one is great. Looking forward to continuing on with the series and will probably be staying up late I to the night to read it like I did this one.

[Cathy Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite thriller

Religious thriller I hadn’t thought of reading. But this was pretty good and moved forward and resolved in a thrilling way. Some of the theology doesn’t match mine, but that is ok. Life lessons and knowing who and what to follow are important to anyone.

[Joseph O. Gilpatric II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Not overly preachy but spiritual overtones. To some extent, this book reminded me of This Present Darkness by Frank Perretti. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Bonk.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real life like picture of good and evil. It also shows how people think their way is better.

[Roy Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Dominique · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m surprised so many found this so hard to put down. I had a very hard time connecting. Sorry… I’m going to pass on the rest of the series.

[Louisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually give Books 3 chapters to keep me interested. I actually read up to chapter 5 but it just didn't grab me. The premise was great but this just wasn't good in my humble opinion.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t blown away, but I liked it enough to finish it pretty quickly. I can’t decide if I’ll read the next one or not.

[Susan Wilders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely need to read book 2!!

[Ame Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

slower than .5, so would recommend reading .5 last