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The Withering
Their world has reached its end... the fight for their future has only just begun.
The moon will soon collide with the surface of Noloro, and three orphaned teens have nothing left in the world but each other.
As the apocalypse threatens to end all life on their world, Rho is desperate to protect his little brother and secure a future for themselves, while Jeema falls captive to her dark past.
A sardonic traveling magician offers them a way off their dying world, but at what cost?
Their search for an escape will force them to face questions of flesh v. spirit, natural life v. eternal life, and physical death v. spiritual death.
Family, faith, and courage are at the heart of this end-of-the-world adventure.
The Withering is a clean read, but has some intense scenes that may be a bit much for the under 12 crowd. The mood and themes are one part Book of Eli, one part The Gunslinger, and three parts Perelandra.
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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
"Patton has crafted a redemptive tale of brotherhood, sacrifice, and hope."
—Emily Hayse, 2020 Realm Award Winner for Book of the Year, Seventh City.
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"The Withering is a compelling story set against a stark dystopian landscape. Patton has put together a gripping scenario that combines suspense, intrigue, and a truly likeable cast of characters to cheer on. This smartly written, tautly paced, and carefully plotted tale will linger with you long after you turn the last page."
—Shana Dow, Author of The Keepers of the Balance series.
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"I stayed up into the wee hours and read the whole thing. Superb storytelling … Compelling and thought-provoking. It will be a great witnessing tool for the sci-fi/fantasy community!”
—Daphne Self, author of When Legends Rise.
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“I really felt those Perelandra vibes throughout, and the mix of tension with (superbly done) supernatural elements made me feel like I was reading a peer of Peretti or Dekker.”
—Kate Stein, Author of the Earthbound series.
The moon will soon collide with the surface of Noloro, and three orphaned teens have nothing left in the world but each other.
As the apocalypse threatens to end all life on their world, Rho is desperate to protect his little brother and secure a future for themselves, while Jeema falls captive to her dark past.
A sardonic traveling magician offers them a way off their dying world, but at what cost?
Their search for an escape will force them to face questions of flesh v. spirit, natural life v. eternal life, and physical death v. spiritual death.
Family, faith, and courage are at the heart of this end-of-the-world adventure.
The Withering is a clean read, but has some intense scenes that may be a bit much for the under 12 crowd. The mood and themes are one part Book of Eli, one part The Gunslinger, and three parts Perelandra.
---
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
"Patton has crafted a redemptive tale of brotherhood, sacrifice, and hope."
—Emily Hayse, 2020 Realm Award Winner for Book of the Year, Seventh City.
---
"The Withering is a compelling story set against a stark dystopian landscape. Patton has put together a gripping scenario that combines suspense, intrigue, and a truly likeable cast of characters to cheer on. This smartly written, tautly paced, and carefully plotted tale will linger with you long after you turn the last page."
—Shana Dow, Author of The Keepers of the Balance series.
---
"I stayed up into the wee hours and read the whole thing. Superb storytelling … Compelling and thought-provoking. It will be a great witnessing tool for the sci-fi/fantasy community!”
—Daphne Self, author of When Legends Rise.
---
“I really felt those Perelandra vibes throughout, and the mix of tension with (superbly done) supernatural elements made me feel like I was reading a peer of Peretti or Dekker.”
—Kate Stein, Author of the Earthbound series.
- GenresScience Fiction
396 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 26, 2022
This was quite an adventure! The immersive descriptions of Noloro really brought the world to life—although "life" may be a poor word choice, since the characters were surrounded by hopelessness and desolation. Boy, I felt for Rho, Nod, and Jeema! Those poor kids had to go through a lot. Nod was such a sweet younger brother, too.
The spiritual themes were fascinating. I enjoyed how a lot of elements mirrored our world but weren't exactly the same. It gave just the right touch of unpredictability.
I did struggle a little with the plot. There were times when it seemed to wander. Also, because of that, the characters' goals didn't always feel consistent to me.
Nevertheless, it was an intriguing story the whole way through. Having read The Withering, I'm interested to see what P.S. Patton might come up with next!
The spiritual themes were fascinating. I enjoyed how a lot of elements mirrored our world but weren't exactly the same. It gave just the right touch of unpredictability.
I did struggle a little with the plot. There were times when it seemed to wander. Also, because of that, the characters' goals didn't always feel consistent to me.
Nevertheless, it was an intriguing story the whole way through. Having read The Withering, I'm interested to see what P.S. Patton might come up with next!
August 3, 2022
Superb storytelling....
Compelling and thought-provoking...
A great witnessing tool for the sci-fi/fantasy community.
Compelling and thought-provoking...
A great witnessing tool for the sci-fi/fantasy community.
July 26, 2022
P.S. Patton’s “The Withering” is an incredible story. To me, it felt like a blend of classic fantasy world traveling stories like Lord of the Rings and ominous sci-if like Dune. The characters feel real and relatable and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how those characters would make it through. Add in some excellent biblical allegory that felt so natural to the story and not forced at all, combined with a few interesting plot twists leading up to the finale, and it is a great read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering it!
May 29, 2022
A well crafted story that grips you with high stakes from the first pages. It felt like a Perelandra type story for a whole new generation without being prescriptive or predictable. The character of Rho, an older brother fighting to hold his family together in the face of the world falling apart, had me immediately rooting for him.
Quick paced and easy to read. This story had me engaged from beginning to end.
Quick paced and easy to read. This story had me engaged from beginning to end.
June 21, 2022
The Withering is a compelling story set against a stark dystopian landscape. Patton has put together a gripping scenario that combines suspense, intrigue, and a truly likeable cast of characters to cheer on. This smartly written, tautly paced, and carefully plotted tale will linger with you long after you turn the last page.
July 19, 2022
A solid and imaginative debut from this author. He does a really nice job with world building and characterizations. Plenty of action, and some thought provoking spiritual musings, as well. Looking forward to more from P.S. Patton.
September 24, 2022
What an epic story! It gave me Perelandra vibes, and I was so nervous for the characters! I loved the brother relationship, and how this end times story tied in with our planet’s own story. Unique and reminiscent of older books!
July 27, 2022
I stepped into another world and I was sitting on the edge of my seat wondering, What path is each character on ? Is the dark so dark there is no light ? What do they have to encounter? Can they overcome these challenges? Where is their hope ? What is going to happen to them in “The Withering” ? I found myself asking these questions in which PS Patton answered as his story unfolded. I recommend that you read this thought provoking book. You will even find yourself wondering ? Though this is fiction could there be elements of it that are real ? Could a future people experience something like this ? Even what would I have done if I was faced having to make the same decisions ? I just might read more books like this because I enjoyed this one. I had not read any like this before. Oh the dark is not too dark for the true light to shine. I Loved the outcome of the Withering.
July 26, 2022
Wow! This book had me thinking about relationships with self, other people, and God. Our thoughts are powerful, and our minds can be wise, but we can also be seduced. As each character wrestles with that truth, their actions show how we behave when we are vulnerable, angry, scared, curious, loving, and strong. Something changes in Rho when he recognizes evil; he realizes there must also be good. This story connects with the whole of being human; heart, mind, body, and soul. Great work, P.S. Patton!
March 3, 2023
I enjoyed the story and look forward to P.S. Patton's next novel.
June 27, 2023
P.S. Patton presented a 'Metaphoric Imagery' using symbolism and combining the beginning (Genesis) and the end (Revelation). An astounding novel that signified the inerrant Truth of God's Word.
This book isn't a light read nor for the faint of heart.
It's powerful and engrossing. A what-if scenario that turns the fantasy and sci-fi genre around.
Pros:
Strong character development, detailed settings, and told from a Christian worldview.
Cons:
If you are hesitant about any book that mentions or shows occult practices, then you may not like this book.
Would I recommend it?
Yes! A resounding yes for any sci-fi/fantasy lover out there.
This book isn't a light read nor for the faint of heart.
It's powerful and engrossing. A what-if scenario that turns the fantasy and sci-fi genre around.
Pros:
Strong character development, detailed settings, and told from a Christian worldview.
Cons:
If you are hesitant about any book that mentions or shows occult practices, then you may not like this book.
Would I recommend it?
Yes! A resounding yes for any sci-fi/fantasy lover out there.
September 26, 2024
really enjoyed
This was a really interesting read. The Biblical parallels were also really enjoyable. I would definitely read a book by this author again.
This was a really interesting read. The Biblical parallels were also really enjoyable. I would definitely read a book by this author again.
March 20, 2023
This book...was surprisingly one of the best books I've ever read in years. If you're looking for a good speculative Christian fiction read, with spiritual warfare elements, scenes where faith-driven characters quote scripture against attacks from the enemy, this is your book!
I felt so inspired and uplifted through this book <3
I felt so inspired and uplifted through this book <3
May 24, 2023
This is not your typical dystopian book. There is no happy ending--at least not for the three characters, Rho, Nod, and Jeema, though they are satisfied with the decision they make. The author never explains why people settled on this world and didn't leave when it became so unstable. How did they lose all their knowledge within one generation? The timing and history of the settlements weren't well explained. The concept was interesting and the ending was, as well, though also confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews