Soon: The Beginning of the End

The Underground Zealot #1

by Jerry B. Jenkins

A New York Times Bestseller
A CBA Bestseller Paul Stepola is an agent working for the National Peacekeeping Organization, formed at the end of World War III to enforce compliance with the world's prohibition on religion. Paul relishes his job and he's good at it, until his life is turned upside down. Something big is coming - something that can't be stopped. And it is coming soon. Jerry Jenkins has written a dozen New York Times bestsellers. His repertoire includes fiction, nonfiction, and books for children. Jenkins is frequently interviewed in national media to discuss the Left Behind series and his other works. Jenkins is also a USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Religion, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Mystery

493 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2003

About the author

Jerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Daenel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a modern retelling of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9: 1~21) that’s set in a post~Apocalyptic United States that has been reduced to seven regions which mirror the last seven churches in the book of Revelation. And much like the Christians in the early church, Christians in post~World War III America have to live and worship underground or face prosecution.

I wanted to like this book because I’m such a big fan of the Left Behind series but I couldn’t suspend my belief long enough to let it happen. I don’t doubt for a minute that there will come a time when Christians will be persecuted (to an extent, Christianity and many of its core beliefs have already come under fire) but what I have a hard time believing is that the U.S. will reflect the last seven churches as portrayed in the book.

The characters are a little dull and the action is brutal/intense to say the least (there are a couple of murder scenes that are kind of gory). I just think there could have been more to this story than there was… Maybe if it had followed the Bible a little more closely and not been as contrived it could have been better. I didn’t mind it being set in the U.S., I just have a hard time with the obvious connection between the United Seven States and the seven churches of the last days (it just seems like that would be more of a Middle Eastern focus).

On the positive side, this was a quick and easy read that leaves just enough cliffhangers to flow into a series. It’d be interesting to see if the characters are more fleshed out and if the story aligns more closely to biblical prophecy than it does right now.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fast paced, faith based, and that ending, WOW! I literally wanted to stand up and cheer!

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

While browsing around in my local second hand store, my eyes fell on two books in this series and I was immediately intrigued. Though they where hardbacks and not I usually look for there but I'm so glad I bought them. Such an interesting and intriguing plot all way through. Never a dull moment and I was always curious on what was going to happen next. Never heard of this series before. You can find such gems and great finds on second hand for the cheap!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soon, in many ways, feels like a prologue. Though the book is light on action, I got the feeling that the story will really heat up in the next two novels. Frankly, Jerry Jenkins isn't my favorite writer, but he does better than usual here. I don't agree with the whole Rapture thing, but, as with the Left Behind and Babylon Rising series, it's simply an interpretation of Scriptures that us humans can never fully understand. In short, fans of Jerry Jenkins, Tim LaHaye, or Frank Peretti will probably like Soon.

P.S.: The title makes me think of the classic Home Improvement scene:
"When, Tim, when?"
"Soon, Jill, soon!"

[CCSemick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The storyline was solid and believable and held my attention till the last word and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series. The best part is I was alerted to the fact that the protagonist's world could very easily become mine very soon. I, too, could face such persecution for my faith. The question that rolled through my mind on every page was, Would I hold fast to my faith in Christ no matter what it cost? Lord help me!

[E.G. Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, Jenkins did a great job writing an intriguing novel with an interesting setting and a compelling interpretation of possible end time events. I always have a bit of hard time relating to Jenkins' characters, so my attention wandered quite a bit during this story, and I did skim parts in order to get to the end, where the pace picked up a lot. His writing style is just not my cup of tea, but I do admire his work. He tells excellently-crafted Christian stories.

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the Gospel is given, the response of the believers to persecution bothered me. Christians being killed, as the Bible said they would be, does not mean God will intervene to save them. Demanding God judge the world now is not Biblical. Matthew 5:44-48, Luke 6:27-38, Romans 12:14 Yes God cares for His people, but he also cares for the Lost enough to die for them.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good novel. I was really struck with the idea of how things in the end will be a mirror of the way they were for the early church. And I literally got goosebumps at the ending...can't say what happens because of course that would give everything away, but wowwww was it ever awesome!! :P

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seemed more like a beginning work from a beginning writer who also happens to be the religious sort. The framework was there for a good story, but it lacked polish and the ending was a big fat letdown of no ending. Don't waste your time.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

As gripping as the Left Behind Series. Very well written. I couldn't put it down once I started it.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiantly looking forward to the sequel...While the reviews stated that the book was preachy I didn't find it to be at all. Also it was a free nook book! Score!

[Heidi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of suspense action a real thriller .

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this some time ago, not sure when, and while I liked it, it wasn't memorable enough for me to remember how much I liked it. So I'm giving it three stars.

[Catfantastic · Rating 1 out of 5]

In a future America where religion is illegal, a heroic double agent protects his fellow Christians from unjust persecution... by ruthlessly persecuting everyone else.

[Heitham Hammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenkins does it again. Moving on to the second book SILENCED.

[Barry Martin Vass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the writing in this to be surprisingly dry in relation to the subject matter. Here's the basic plot: after 9/11 in 2001 and the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict escalates, prompting brutal terrorist attacks in the countries that tried to stop it. At the same time there were escalating religious stand-offs, causing skirmishes around the world, resulting in World War Three in 2008 (apparently the financial crisis in 2008 never happened). All-out nuclear war follows, with widespread devastation around the world. As a result of this, all religions are outlawed. Mr. Jenkins is the author of the Left Behind series, so you can guess where this is going. Soon's protagonist is Dr. Paul Stepola, a special agent with the National Peace Organization, in what is left of the USSA, the United Seven States of America. Dr. Stepola's job is to hunt down and "eliminate" anyone that harbors religious beliefs, especially Christians. After a particularly brutal attack on a religious zealot in Texas, Dr. Stepola is blinded by an oil-well explosion. Months pass, and then suddenly, while flying to Chicago, lightning flashes and he can suddenly see again. Convinced this is a miracle from God, he renounces his former way of life and immediately begins helping Christians. I was able to finish this book, but just barely.

[K Shirey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently started reading the Bible I’ve found this author’s writings interesting. You don’t have to be Christian to enjoy his books because he really does a good job with crime & suspense. This book provides a very clear picture of what our world could be like if the One World Government wins the day. That would be followed by, or possibly preceded by, the One World Church. Anyone with eyes to see can’t miss the big push by the Catholic Church to bring all religions back to her. Most notably the Protestants. (Look for stories about “one God with many faces”) Historically Christians who didn’t follow the Catholic Church were persecuted and eventually many eventually broke away from the Catholic grip and formed almost all the religions we now see. Some of these religions actually teach from the Bible, but in my search I’ve found few that aren’t supplementing with doctrines of man. It’s very discouraging. So, read the Bible for truth, and read this book series for a peek at what the world might come to when religion is outlawed.

[Terry Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A few reviews I read were comparing it to left behind and were apparently disappointed. Lots of authors write different takes on end times and I don't compare one authors work to another. Each book is rated on its own. I loved how Paul in the book was similar to Paul in the Bible. Most authors that write about end times assume Christians will not be persecuted like this till Jesus returns and we are in the tribulation. We really don' know but I enjoyed this take on it. It was an easy read but not at all boring. The book really made me think. It is possible for this to happen. Am ready to get started on book 2.

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this book 10 stars! I'm very excited to start the next in this series and would love to see this turned into a movie adaptation. The biblical correlations to the United Seven States of America were great and to see the power of God at work in the last days was amazing. Seeing the life of the biblical Paul mirrored in the life of this series Paul was pulled together very nicely and uniquely. I wish I could give a better review of this book, but I'm still high off the excitement from just finishing it and so eager to start the next one that I can't sit still! On to the next one!

[OceansDream · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took awhile to really pick up once you got past the initial scene. The final third of the book is pretty exciting though, and it does leave me wanting to read the second book in the series. Was it as stellar as Left Behind, as by Jerry Jenkins? Not quite up to par there, but still a good read.

[Craig Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only do audiobooks. This was a great story line of end time scenario with a lot of action and intrigue. Paul has to be a double agent in the crusade against Christians. The two book series was really well done.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the author’s best work. Needed an editor who knows the difference between a Command Sergeant Major and a Major; also that a Command Sergeant Major would never be addressed as Sergeant Major in a formal situation.

[Joy Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat read!

Author Jenkins has introduced his main character Paul and developed an exciting and biblically-supported novel that found this reader hard put to quit reading.

I loved how the storyline developed, and the way characters entered the plot at the perfect times, the emphasis on the way emphasis was placed on salvation rather than past failure, and also the references to the “old ways,” which were actually our ways now! I got a thrill as I watched God and his angels work with the believers as they prayed.

My favorite part was when a young believer named Rhoda opened the door and saw a fellow believer standing there whom she thought was dead, just like the story of Paul in the New Testament!

[Anna Catherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-paced, intriguing story, Soon manages to be quite distinct from Left Behind, which Jenkins co-wrote with Tim LaHaye. The characters are interesting, the plot distinct, and the underground church pre-rapture (along with its covert operatives in the secular government) a very interesting thing to contemplate.
(One thing I did find of note and rather odd is the fact that upon several occasions references are made as to dates in the 2000s and 2010s which, rather obviously, did not actually happen (most prominently, World War III).)
Those who enjoy end-times fiction will find Soon a pleasant read (or listen!), but there's nothing ground-breaking here.

[Sandy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of end time novels , you will love this book and this 3 book series. From one of the authors of the Left Behind series, this series is similar . but moves quicker.I love all the Bible references, the are used to backup then story
.I only wish the verse location was given, but because it wasn't it made me dig deep - mayle that was the plan.

Many things that occur in this book have similar story in the Bible. The main character is Paul who begins by beinga persecutor of Christians, he looses his vision and remains it similar to Saul turned Paul in the new testament. Great characters, wonderful plot.

[Tom Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, this one seemed to take off - fast-paced action, before lead character experienced a traumatic, life-altering injury. But, such also begins the 2nd part of the story, and what a story Jenkins weaves. There is kinship - in approach, thinking - to his earlier Left Behind series, which culminated with the ultimate victory of the Church, aka Revelation. This was a fast read - as all of my time in late night (instead of getting a good night's sleep!). I'm thinking there should be a sequel I've yet to find, as there were quite a few unanswered twists left open.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Stepola, an agent working for the National Peacekeeping Organization (NPO), is so peaceful. He's tasked with exposing and eliminating religion.

Then is life is turned upside down. He must unravel the truth.

Something big is coming and soon.

I loved this story and couldn't put it down. As a fan of the left behind series, this one caught my attention. I don't know why it took so long for me to read this.

The next book in the series is in my hands, and I'm ready to read.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the idea of a prequel to the Left Behind series, but this book isn't nearly as compelling as I thought it would be. I like the idea of a double agent working within the government to prosecute false Christians to save the real ones too. The protagonist's relationship with his wife seemed strange though even after the conversion. I'll finish the series, but it's not as memorable as Left Behind.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Great Book! "Soon"

I have read many books written by Jerry Jenkins and this one is the first in another series written by him. I enjoy the way he can pull us readers into the stories so that we feel as though we're right there watching the story unfold. I can't wait to start the next in this series: Underground Zealot
Book 1 "Soon"
Book 2 "Silenced"
Book 3 "Shadowed"

[Kathy Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soon & Very Soon!

Jesus is coming back SOON!!
The intense persecution of Christians in the United States is right around the corner! This through provoking novel with a modern day Paul challenges my own thinking about how I trust the ONE TRUE GOD. Yet though my enemies plot against me and man may persecute or even slay me, I will still praise, believe, and trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ. This book reminded me we serve the KING OF ALL KINGS!