Customer Reviews:
Eye opening book........2007-09-30
This book had a few earlier reviews that left me feeling skeptical before buying and reading it myself. Now that I have read it I feel it is a great tool for showing what very could have happened in our Earths history.
The author did a very good job of explaining the content and left me with no questions about it. I personally believe what he researched and authored is very likely the truth. It gave me the "proof" of knowing that our world was indeed created by an awesome God. The fallen angels who corrupted Gods perfect creation by breeding the half man-half angel "Nephilim" really makes it all come together.
The last part of the book emphasizes a relationship with our creator God (Yeshua) aka. Jesus. That is the best part. Only when we recognise that we ourselves are corrupt in the heart and rebel against God, do we finally understand the need for a savior (Jesus). The good part is that what he did on the cross paid for all our rebellious sin. All we have to do is accept it for ourselves freely.
I recomend this book highly.
Great about understanding an ancient race....in religion.......2007-09-21
This book is excellent in understanding the pyramids and an ancient race that was coursed. and how it all times in to end time prophecy...
AN EXCELLENT FOUNDATION BOOK..........2007-09-12
Dr. Patrick Heron's book is one the first book I've read that deals with the fallen ones extensively... I was really amazed how good he is at pointing the facts. Indeed it is convincing. The second part of the book tells about the Apocalypse and End Times. I particularly like this Biblical quote that Dr. Patrick emphasized...
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE
GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS
CHRIST, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM
SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL
LIFE......." John 3:16
Believe and you shall have Eternal
Happiness...
FAITH....
Two words to sum it all up: YOU'LL BELIEVE!!
Raised More Questions.......2007-08-24
I thought the book was very good. I've been interested in the details (what details there are that are credible) pertaining to Genesis 6 for a while now and Patrick Heron has provided some. I wished that Mr. Heron would have discussed more about the possibility of the existence of the Nephilim today (i.e., in this day and age). I question if there is another program by the fallen to dilute the human race again seeing as The Anointed (the one true hero in the greek sense) has all ready arrived in the flesh. The discussion about the pyramids was interesting and Mr. Heron suggests that the Holy City described in Rev. 21 is in the shape of a pyramid. Possible, ...but I prefer the interpretation of it being cubic in shape as this would make it a six (6) sided structure rather than the five (5) sided design of a pyramid. The number five (5) of course being associated with the adversary (Satan).
CONNECTING THE DOTS.......................2007-08-08
HAVE READ ABOUT A THIRD OF THE BOOK AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS A LOT OF EVIDENCE THAT PROVES THE BOOK IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY.
A FEW PIECES OF INFORMATION MAY SURPRISE YOU AND EVEN SCARE THE H-E- DOUBLE- HOCKEY- STICKS OUT OF YOU!
Book Description
A Harvard-trained independent scholar looks at the numerous ways Advanced Beings--Von Ward's term for angels and extraterrestrials--have been influencing human history since the dawn of time. Using biblicial and other ancient sources, along with modern scientific and achaelogical findings, he unearths new information about AB's contributions to humanity including the roots of language, technology, math, science, and more.
"Gods, Genes, and Consciousness" ties this new historical information to the present day by revealing the ways in which our cultural memories of ABs as well as records of AB involvement have been systematically suppressed in order for government and church officials to control the population. This provocative book culminates with a stirring call for the U.S. government to stop the cover-up and tell the truth about AB involvement.
Customer Reviews:
An Honest Opinion - David Heffernan.......2007-09-18
I'm an English mother tongue speaker in a non-English speaking country. I, like many people have a deep interest in the origins and history of man. Thanks to Amazon I can get books shipped half way around the globe, and, as such keep myself up to date. The expence is usually worth it.
I noticed alot of people have given this book a 5 star rating, nobody gave it 4 or 3. People did however give ratings of 2 and 1 stars. I suppose that means you like it or you don't - no middle ground.
I feel compelled to give this book a one star rating. It is clear that the author (or at least a research team on behalf of the author ) did the research. I have been researching this field for nearly a decade and can confirm that nearly every person, topic, artifact and theory makes a cameo appearance.
Where is the problem?
The Author begins with his conclusions and reads them without any reservations whatsoever into everything introduced into the discussion thereafter. This book contains the scarest liberal interpretation of the bible I have ever seen. It doesn't stop there.
The book is inexplicably lacking in quotations, evidence or anything tangible at all.
I don't think the author (research team) properly thought through their ideas. You can't except all the dogma of evolution and confirm the biblical flood at the same time. Evolution is a dead theory, the evolutionary time scale is dogma not science. The so called classifications given to so called prehistoric man are but the mere utopian dreams of accademics from two or three generations ago.
Advanced beings (Angels, demons, aliens, spirits etc.) if they really did exist, I'm sure that someboby somewhere would dig a hole in the ground and unearth definitive proof...it hasn't happened.
If they exist today...where are they!...I'm sure that there is some intergalactic secret to explain why hundreds of thousands of people testify to having encounters with nonhuman beings and none of them bring back the proof to prove it.
There are no two ways about it, hard evidence is the proof of a phenomenon, not wishful thinking, weird and wonderful tales or golden memories.
What a disappointment this was.......2007-08-15
Nothing but New Age agenda laden, anti-Christian schlock. This book spends most of its time bashing Christians and their faith and hardly any time discussing the real culprits which are the fallen angels and their offspring the Nephilim. Pity, it could have been so much more.
A must read for those thirsty for knowledge.......2007-07-25
I can't believe this book has been out for 3 years and I just discovered it. The author builds upon what I consider the best books to date on this subject - those by visionary Zechariah Sitchin (the author builds on other authors and research of course as well). Then author Paul von Ward offers an academic and almost scitentific analysis of human history, tying in links with myths, culture, religions, human psychology and more. Finally someone with strong credentials offers a well-researched and credible explanation of our ancestry and the history of our civiliztion.
Exceptional--a Masterpiece of Extensive Research.......2007-05-16
I cannot recommend this book too strongly for anyone serious about understanding both our human past and the implications of it for our current evolution of consciousness and improvement of society. I do a lot of reading in several related disciplines and this has been the single most helpful book I have read in many years. It has connected the dots in some key areas where I had yet had "blanks."
My extensive formal and personal study in Christian theology/Biblical studies, psychology, cosmology, the "paranormal," and such have led me to find that virtually every element of the author's historical reconstruction rings true. That is not to deny that some aspects of it are necessarily a bit speculative, as Von Ward would acknowledge. But the critical outline of the story is significantly in tune with the clear implications coming out of the fields mentioned, and others, particularly archaeology.
Especially helpful and on-the-money is Von Ward's explanation of how and why theology and science, via the institutions that drive them, both avoid the kind of observations he brings out. This is massively important for our society and the world. He has new conclusions I've not encountered before, but they are based on solid work by many scholars in various fields. Now, these scholars are often not in the mainstream for the very reason that the mainstream tends to avoid looking at the larger picture.
So, if you are tied to only conventional, "accepted" authorities, this book may not be convincing. Still, I'd hope you would give it a hearing, and perhaps follow up on some of the many great footnotes and bibliography, which are extensive. All readers: do take the time to look up the footnotes, even if you read them all at once as I tend to often, to avoid constant flipping back and forth--there are many gems there.
This book is so valuable, I wish there were a way to get it to be standard reading, at least in the many relevant courses in a college curriculum. It is important as a stimulator of further questioning and research, as well as in its conclusions. Besides academia, it is a must-read for all serious seekers of an understanding of where we come from and where we are going--and OUR OWN POWER to affect that.
This is a Must-Read for those researching and wanting to know more then what their religion tells them to believe........2007-04-15
I loved this book. The first few chapters were dedicated more for metaphysical stuff, but after those there is some really good information in this book, to those who are open in their trains of thinking. This is my favorite book thusfar regarding this subject. It has the most information, I have found in one spot. This book touches many subjects such as Nibiru, The Annuaki, timelines in history, and other interventions in our history. The author often asks what most people don't. This talks about forbidden history, the effects of other cultures on ours, and how all of man-made religions were made. A Great read.
Book Description
This ground-breaking and provocative book presents new and astonishing interpretations of ancient history, mythology and world religions that will call many established beliefs into question. In Gateway of the Gods, author Craig Hines invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions concerning Biblical theology in light of recent scientific discoveries and inquiries concerning the nature of the universe. This fascinating exploration reveals a number of ideas that have been suppressed and obscured behind layers of symbolism and misguided propaganda for thousands of years... until now. Why is it that so many world cultures share details of an event when fallen angels descended upon the earth and fathered hybrid offspring called the Nephilim? Is it possible that these beings used "gateway" technology housed within pyramids and holy temples to travel between the heavenly and earthly realms? Do the latest advances in theoretical physics lend credibility to the idea that otherworldly beings might reside in dimensions parallel to our own? Do the recorded voices of the "dead," known as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), indicate that we may be able to communicate with these other realms? Was a secret message embedded within ancient texts that could only be revealed after we have attained the knowledge and technology necessary to understand it? Does this message offer a solution to the approaching environmental disaster that scientists warn will be more devastating to human civilization than any others in recorded history? Drawing from a variety of historical sources and years of meticulous research, the author weaves together a compelling argument involving a range of seemingly disparate topics that when considered together, formulate a radically new narrative concerning the history and destiny of the human race.
Customer Reviews:
A fresh perspective!.......2007-09-06
This is a well written, informative book. It will really get you to consider all possibilites in regards to our future. I very good read.
Gateway To The Pondering Mind.......2007-07-17
If this book is about 'gateways', one of the passages has to be into the realm of thought. Thinking is definitely challenged in this multi-faceted work, and the author is to be admired for what had to be arduous dedication, to his task. It's most assuredly not a book for one who is satisfied having their beliefs and understanding resting comfortably in a box.
The author is honest to the point of almost being apolgetic for suggesting theory over proven fact. For offering possibilities rather than absolutes. I would have been a bit happier had he allowed himself exit from this redundant humility. I'd say extrapolate with gusto, Mr. Hines. Your devotion to this project gives you that right. Your careful attention to detail and fairness in presenting various sides to these unanswerable questions, lends credence to your theory in and of itself.
Whether every Spiritual premise you suggest rings true to everyone who ponders them or not, you are to be commended for 'ringing' the bell. As for the verbal wake up call on the Coming Storm, I'd say you nailed that one way beyond theory.
Gateways of the Gods is a book for anyone who wants to explore outside of 'forced' dogma and the doctrinal limits regarding the questions that Man first asked with etchings on cave walls.
Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE
FIBERS IN THE WEB
A Fascinating Search for Explanation of Ancient (and Modern) Mysteries.......2007-07-17
Craig Hines has taken on the formidable task of finding common meaning and connections between and among many ancient texts and artifacts, from many civilizations, all pointing to the possibility that Mankind has been visited by beings from another dimension or universe in the past---and may be visited again . . . or we may find the way to visit them. He has collected in one book a remarkable mass of information and detail, showing similarities in myths, construction of holy buildings (pyramids in Egypt and in the New World; Ziggurats in other cultures)and in language, even to similar words from vastly different languages. This is not a "fast read," but instead is a book which rewards the careful reader, who will likely want to come back to re-read many passages---and may be motivated to join the search for meaning in this ancient and modern knoweldge.
Gateway of the Gods: A "Must Have" for your Library .......2007-07-16
Gateway of the Gods is one of the most delightfully surprising works that I have ever read which speaks to earthly/human wonderings and spiritual ponderings. It is both well researched and well written, and the Summary at the end of each chapter is extremely helpful.
Whether you are a `fledgling' along your path of light or have traveled quite a distance, you will find that Gateway offers richness on many levels. It filled in a lot of the blanks in my `crossword puzzle of knowledge' that I have been working on throughout my 61 earth years. The author's ability to be non-threatening with new ideas and simply ask, "What if there is another meaning..." pulled me along, and I couldn't put the book down.
Granted, some of the ideas are beyond my scope of knowledge and understanding right now, but isn't that why we read?
After reading Gateway of the Gods
· both the Bible and the Book of Enoch now have an enhanced light;
· Venus (the Evening Star) will never look the same to me again (even though I have to admit that I still make a wish!); and
· The chapter called "The Gateways of the Gods" was breath taking;
o That chapter was (to me) worth the entire price of the book.
There is no way for me to even begin to describe the wealth of information and new ideas in Gateway of the Gods. You need to read it.
HOWEVER, the real `Hook' for you to buy the book is;
· You would never have stumbled onto it (as I did) if you weren't poking around trying to find so-called `hidden/forbidden' truth!! Now admit it!
I had been searching the Internet for fallen angels; Nephilim; giant race after the flood; Watchers; and then, thankfully, Gateway of the Gods popped up.
(You know: When a student is ready, a teacher (in the form of a book this time) appears!) It was money well spent.
Just one question, Mr. Author: Is wine REALLY the nectar of the gods? Please say `Yes'!!
New Answers to Old Questioins.......2007-07-04
Craig Hines, author of GATEWAY OF THE GODS, has obviously done an enormous amount of research in an astoundingly wide variety of fields. Theology, Egyptology, angelology, ancient religious texts, the mystical significance of numbers, String Theory, electronic voice phenomena, the Greek and Hebrew languages, American politics, and global warming, to name a few. Somehow, Hines blends them all together, perhaps for the first time, to arrive at a new and challenging view of some of the world's oldest and most troublesome questions. Where did mankind come from? Why is he here on earth? What is the purpose of his life. And what lies ahead in his future?
Despite the breadth and depth of his subject matter, Hines weaves it all together in an organized, cohesive and well-written way. If you enjoy looking at Life through a set of new lenses, and don't mind plowing through a thicket of theories, GATEWAY OF THE GODS is a good way to spend a rainy (or even a sunny) weekend.
Russ Heitz
russheitz.com
Customer Reviews:
Devils and Demons and the reurn of the Nephilim.......2007-08-28
This is an excellent book. If you want to know more about how Gods Covenants go along with Jewish traditions this is a must. A lot of reserch went into this book. Don't let the title fool you. It is truth and must read. It keeps yo interested to the end. You will want to read it again
I'm Ready For Book Two!.......2007-08-08
I read this book just last year, and I learned a lot. I wish they'd hurry and get the second book out, though. I mean, we're in the end times NOW, and things are just going to get worse as time goes by. We all need to prepare for Christ's Second Coming, and we need to do it quickly because one never knows; He could come tomorrow, next month, next year, whenever. Book two is supposed to focus more on the Book of Revelation, and I really cannot wait to see what is said in it. I hope that when people read this book (Book One), that they feel they have a better understanding of the Bible and the Book of Revelation. Please Mr. Kline and Mr. Spears, get the next book out as soon as possible; we need it.
Devils and Demons and the Return of the Nephilim.......2007-06-04
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the authors did a very good job and even touched on some subjects that I myself recognized and they expanded on it even farther. It only has one chapter on Demons and Nephilim, which I regretted and they keep mentioning a second book which is disconcerting as it alludes to having even more information on the subject of Demons and Nephilim. I hope they do produce it.
On a seriouse note- I do feel they are in error as far as there not actually being a new covenant!! Please read Hebrews 9:15 +/- all of chapter 9 talks on the subject of the old and new covenant and that Crist died for the new to be accessable to us.
Lucifer.......2007-05-13
I purchased this book to learn more of the Fall of the Angels. My perception differs from the author's as to the reason for all the turmoil in the World. I don't know that I believe in Nephilim and their giant spawn, but I do believe in Lucifer.
Devils and Demons and the return of the Nephilim.......2007-01-23
Very disapointing! Too much off topic information. It has only some information on devils, demons and the nephilim, and nothing at all on the return of the nephilim. Strange when you consider the title. I do not feel good about this purchase or the misleading reviews.
PS. I don't know why "Son of Bigfoot" shows up on my reviewer name.
Book Description
In this sequel to Nephilim and The Unholy Deception, events in the Middle East seem to be culminating in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies found in an unpublished Dead Sea Scroll that tells of a manifestation of hundreds of UFO's over the old city of Jerusalem and the revealing of the Antichrist. Book Three in the Nephilim Series.
Customer Reviews:
Very enjoyable book.......2007-05-15
This book is as the title suggests, very enjoyable. It gives a different light to UFO's and alien sightings. I would recommend this book. I am planning on buying hte other 2 books in the series.
This CAN'T be the final book!.......2006-09-21
LA Marzulli, The Revealing (Zondervan, 2004)
I am desperately confused. First, the Nephilim books were billed as a trilogy. Then came The Revealing, the cover of which changes the nomenclature to "The Nephilim Series." And then you get to the end of The Revealing, and it begs a book four. Then you go to L. A. Marzulli's website... and it still says trilogy.
Marzulli, you can't be that mean. Can you?
The Revealing opens not long after the events in Yemen that closed Unholy Deception. Mac and Johanen have to stop the Cadre from arranging the birth of the Antichrist. They managed to stop the major events of book two, but Al-Jazeera (of course) still managed to get some footage, and so everyone's still talking about the reappearance of the Bethlehem Star. Things are still headed for the end times, and Mac and Johanen are still trying to get in the Cadre's way.
Before you get to the end of the book, the most confusing thing about it is that characters from book two are either marginalized or disappear altogether from book three. Uri, who played such an important role in the first two books, only gets a few scenes; Mac's wife gets mentioned a few times, but gets no screen time; Roswell's daughter has disappeared without a trace. (For the first fifty pages or so, I had confused Nora, a new character in this book, with Roswell's daughter, whose name I can't recall.) But still, the action is satisfying, and the story cnotinues, though a good deal of things seem to be happening off-screen; much of the first two-thirds or so of the book feels like setup for something much bigger than this (in other words, a fourth book. You hear me, Mr. Marzulli?) As a result, the book carries over the feel from Unholy Deception of middle-book doldrums-- a curable affliction, certainly, as long as there's a satisfying ending.
What we have here is most assuredly not satisfying at all. Can't say what happens at the end without spoilers, but I can say that there is no resolution whatsoever to be had here. MacKenzie and Johanen, and their new pal Brian Fitzpatrick, have a whole lot to do as this book ends-- and so does the rest of the world. In fact, things are just gearing up for an all-out orgy of apocalyptic, messianic wordsmithing when this book ends. And... it just ends.
I'm rating this one under the assumption that there will be a book four. If there's not, knock two stars off. ***
Why continue to be deceived..........2006-06-29
Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins, and others in the Pre-Trib circle, such as Ed Hindson, Tommy Ice, Chuck Missler, Zola Levitt, Thomas McCall, John Hagee, Grant Jeffrey, Marlin Maddox, Perry Stone, Texe Marrs, John Walvoord (deceased), etc., continue to put forth the same deceptions that Hal Lindsey popularized decades ago. The notion of a pre-tribulation rapture is foreign to scripture, it is foreign to the teachings of the early Church, and it is grooming the Church for destruction through ignorance and lack of preparation for what is really coming. These men are novices and not prophecy "experts" or "scholars" by any stretch of the imagination; they are those who tickle the ears of gullible Christians. Why continue to be deceived? Tim Cohen, in his excellent book, "The AntiChrist and a Cup of Tea," provides biblically sound and testable evidence to show that the coming AntiChrist is known NOW. Not only that, the same author (Tim Cohen) has now put out the strongest presentation on the whole issue of the rapture EVER offered to the saints of God in Christ: "The REAL Rapture". If you really want to know the truth about the timing of the coming rapture, then you need to hear Tim Cohen's "The REAL Rapture" (based on a volume in his forthcoming "Messiah, History, and the Tribulation Period" series (see Prophecy House's site for details on these items, which are also available via Amazon).
Couldn't put it down, but...................2006-03-21
I bought all three books together and it was a "can't put them down" type weekend. Mr. Marzulli did an excellent job of providing me with a captivating story an well as a topic, from a non fiction view, that needs serious thought and prayer, and this makes it priceless. But, it is a fiction trilogy and I was disappointed beyond words in this last book, when most of the characters I had become emotionally involved with, just disappeared without a mention. Phase them out, kill them off, but give me some closure, don't leave me wondering. I enjoyed the new characters, but I did not get as emotionally involved. I did read it as fast as the others, but I think I was trying to hope each new chapter would bring my beloved characters from book 1 and 2 back. I hope he plans to write more and include the old characters. Even with this minor complaint, these are great reads.
The Revealing.......2006-02-23
This book is very exciting and captivating. A real page turner. I enjoyed it very much. The ending was not very satisfying for me. However the end is yet to be seen.
Book Description
The aliens are coming and they are not what you think they are.
Customer Reviews:
Somebody help him!.......2007-05-27
This author writes about subjects that I believe merit real study and discussion. He does a disservice to the issues, with his mad ramblings. The one thing I learned from his book is that he needs psychological help. I am not big on medicating people, but in his case I'll make an exception.
Return of the waste of paper.......2006-07-05
This is one of the most laughabe lamely written books that I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. If you wanna read stupid stuff about how the author can just look at people and know that they are demons ect. then go ahead and waste your money the same way I did.The author is full of hatred and judgement and wants to be veiwed as a messiah. Truly worthless waste of paper.
Shocking.......2006-03-12
Shocking that after buying this book, further contact with the author has resulted in him confessing he doesn't believe in Jesus.
False advertising !!!
Eye Opening Book for Truth Seekers.......2004-03-29
This book touches on topics that most will not dare tread, it's not for the faint hearted or fearful of what others may think. It's thought provoking and though I'm still chewing on some of the ideas and explainations presented, many of my questions were answered. Once reading this book, you will never look at things the same. It really is a life changing experience and satisfies that thirst for deeper knowledge of the lost truths that have been long oppressed, and points the way to find out for yourself, you don't have to take Rick's word for it. Even if a reader doesn't agree with everything presented, it will make the reader ponder and seek for himself what God has to say about such things and draw his own conslusions. I would recommend it for sure but only for the real seekers of God's truth.
A X-File Christian book.......2003-11-08
Return of the Stargods reveals how the ancient alien gods of old will soon return to establish a New World Order of satanism. The book also takes the reader though the Bible showing a vast amount of scriptures that the churches ignore or will not deal with. Scriptures reveal that there is a fifth column that lives among us that are working against God's children in establishing a New World Order as an ultimate goal. They are the ones among us that are waiting for their father to return to them as the beast who will crush all opposition to his rule. But this will not take place until the Rapture of the church takes place first.
The Bible is also very clear that a government of fallen angels now runs this earth. They run all aspects of our matrix reality and remain hidden behind a shadow government. There are strong indications in scripture that here is also royalty of non-humans called the Reptilians and Nephilim that rule over us. They are the ones that have come from hell to transform themselves into rulers of this world. The Return of the Stargods explains all this strangeness by using scripture, and not just opinions and hearsay.
This book is very deep, and not meant for shallow Christians that believe in Church doctrine and not Bible doctrine. This book is a must for those Christians that want a deeper understaning of endtimes and spiritual warfare. It will teach you how to see all the people around us for what they really are so that we can best protect ourselves from these predators. Return of the Stargods is an introduction to the reality that lies outside the religious matrix. If you are a discerning Christian who regards scripture as the final authority and not church, then this book is a must read! -Author-
Book Description
Art MacKenzie finds himself in the midst of the aliens he was writing about where he learns of a plan to lure the world into accepting their alien agenda--revealing the "true christ" (Anti-Christ) and bringing about a one world government.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent UFO/Nephilim material........2007-06-09
I highly recommend this read for anyone interested in this subject matter. The book was exciting, fast paced and an easy read. You won't be disappointed
THE UNHOLY DECEPTION.......2007-03-16
I discovered this book after researching the book of Enoch and comparing it with the UFO evidence that is throughout the Bible. It is not a far stretch for me and I find the book to be much more than science-fiction. A wonderful subject (I am of course bias!)
That said, I was a little unimpressed with the charactor development. (hence the 4 stars instead of 5)It just wasn't there. Except for the main charactor the people introduced in the first book were left right were they were. More details but not real insight. That is an editorial issue not a subject matter issue.
The premise of the book is right on. It just wasn't "deep" enough given the incredible story line that was being dealt with. Someone who is not "well read" can easily enjoy this book. I wanted more.
In the end the subject matter wins out to make a great (albeit somewhat shallow) story.
Middle-book doldrums, but still fun........2006-06-29
L. A. Marzulli, Unholy Deception: The Nephilim Return (Zondervan, 2003)
It depresses me that the Christian fiction world seems to have bonded over the wooden, dull Left Behind series when there's stuff like this out there. You want a fun, action-packed series about the Tribulation that actually has characters that aren't made of cardboard? Marzulli's Nephilim trilogy fills the bill. Not that it doesn't have problems, but in comparison, this is Pulitzer material.
Unholy Deception suffers from the middle-book-of-the-trilogy doldrums, but it's still pretty good stuff. The usual suspects are back, this time trying to thwart the Nephilim's attempt to dupe society into believing that a tomb they buried two thousand years ago contains the body of Jesus along with extraterrestrial artifacts that would prove a link between Jesus and the Martians (actually, the Nephilim, who are tied in with Lucifer and his fallen angels).
The book starts a bit slowly, as Marzulli reintroduces us to the characters coming over from the first book and adds a few more into the mix. Once it gets going, though, the action comes fast and thick. Marzulli keeps the pages turning, and the book's ending pretty much guarantees that those who have come this far are going to go onto the third book in the series. Good stuff. ***
A very worthy sequel to Nephilim.......2004-06-19
I found Nephilim to be such a unique approach to end-times Christian fiction that when I closed it I immediately opened its sequel, The Unholy Deception. The continuity of the story was good and the plot thickens in this second installment. Once again I found the characterization to be excellent. The only trifling annoyance to me was the emphasis on Uri's broken English...but this was not enough to downgrade the book. The idea of Satan and his fallen angels using the deception of extraterrestrials was clever. Yes, this book is far-fetched, but after all, it IS science fiction. It's action-packed and well written--altogether quite entertaining. I am eager to read the 3rd installment in the trilogy.
Introduction of new thoughts regarding end-times........2004-02-06
I really enjoyed the book. The notion of John the Beloved continuing til the coming of Christ was new for me. The nephilim and the fallen angels as aliens, grays and repetile-like beings, connects alien and biblical communities. The Great Deception could well manifest in ways we least expect. I can't wait for the 3rd installment. P.S. This is my first review. That is how strong I feel about the story. Thanks.
Book Description
Journalist Art Mackenzie follows a lead and discovers a supernatural plot that sheds the light of Scripture on the mystery of extraterrestrial life and UFOs.
Customer Reviews:
Reinforces the notion that Christian fiction is pathetic.......2007-05-09
LA Marzulli gives us yet another in a long line of cliche-ridden hackneyed book exposes of well-worn TV-esque themes and derivative X-files lore--the Nephilim of Biblical scripture come alive at Area 51 and when the characters run out of ideas, and the writer runs out of story, everybody calls on Jesus! And using Jesus as a literary device, read that 'deus ex-machina,' actually demeans Jesus and the work in question.
Bad writing is simply bad writing, cloaking yourself in Jesus is a convenient strategy, one that has brought millions of dollars into the corporate pockets of Christen-dome (see Left Behind, one of the most illiterate and silly books ever written). Marzulli's nephilim series will never get into mainstream, and that's good news for Jesus and those truly of spirit. I'll give him this: he does "play" to his audience, most of whom probably have never read actual literature in their lives, being brought up on white-bread backwater Church culture.
It is intersting to note that the publisher is Zondervan, owned by none other the same corporate Beast that brings you Fox News, Simon and Shuster, Vivendi, Warner Media, and so many others that Christians would call "AntiChrist" outfits as the push the ultimate in abominations: TOLERANCE.
Marzulli, the Mr. Magoo of Christian fiction, serves double-speak well. Write bad stuff, God loves it.
Scary.......2007-03-11
This X-Files type/Christian thriller about an alcoholic reporter who stumbles into a vast government conspiracy involving human-alien hybrids is scary and well-researched and thought out. My complaint is that the supporting characters are much better developed than Mackenzie, the protagonist. Mac is a bare sketch of a person who says "yeah" and "for crying out loud" far too many times.
Another thing is that author L.A. Marzulli has not left out a single action in the sequence of events. So the book moves slowly. Still, plenty of chilling moments, as well as food for thought.
For Such A Time As This.......2007-01-24
This book is a wonderful novelization about things done in the shadows, past and present. It kept me riveted throughout, and was a great example of the importance and application of spiritual warfare. In the times in which we live, this is essential information to be armed with. It ties so many mysteries together. I also liked his inclusion of the book of Enoch, as most people are unaware of this ancient text, which is so relevant to today. Hopefully this book will spark the curious to research out these things for themselves. It is a novel, but it is a reflection of the truth of what is actually happening. Knowledge is power and we need to be armed against the coming Great Deception.
Marzulli's Writing Is the Greatest Abomination.......2006-12-08
I can't say more emphatically that Marzulli's NEPHILIM is the worst Christian-oriented thriller I have yet to read. This book makes the similarly themed AHRIMAN'S GATE by Tom and Nita Horn --another book I didn't care for-- read like WAR And PEACE in comparison.
Lynn Marzulli unabashedly relies on almost every tired cliche ever used in both genres of mystery/thriller and Evangelical fiction. The plot is implausible, contradictory, populated by stereotypes. What's worst about the book is that it is nothing more than a set up for its sequels, THE UNHOLY DECEPTION (2003) and THE REVEALING: THE TIME IS NOW (2004). NEPHILIM just introduces you to the silly and vapid personalities which run around trying to expose the coverup concerning Satan's deception with demons masquerading as extraterrestrial aliens. To paraphrase Capt. Kirk's question to a wannabe "God" in STAR TREK 5: The FINAL FRONTIER: What does Satan need with a starship?
As a sidenote, I want to say that the funniest thing about this book is in the way Israelis are depicted. Lynn Marzulli and many other Evangelical Christian Americans like him need to better familiarize themselves with the Israeli people they are so enamored with. Israel is a very secular and social-democratic state; furthermore, most Israelis aren't religious. It is also rare to hear the word "shalom," instead the common greeting is either "Mah ha'inyanim?" (How are things?) or "Mah nishmah?" (What's up?). Another interesting thing about Israel is that its citizens are some of the most well-travelled people in the world. That's why I found Marzulli's depiction of the character Uri Ben Hassen, a scholar connected with the Israeli government no less, becoming giddy and overwhelmed at arriving in America to be not only highly unlikely but also quite condescending.
UFOlogy meets Christology.........2006-02-21
and I liked it!
Very well written, and even better researched, though there were a few parts in the beginning where I was thinking, 'Uh huh.. riiiighhtt..'; however, the book gets great very quickly and does not relent until the final page has been turned.
Thumbs way up, and I will be reading the sequel.
Book Description
A riveting science fiction novel set in the days of Noah, when superhuman beings lived among men, and faith was assaulted by evil. God had a plan - but Lucifer had one, too. In Book Three of the Cradleland Chronicles, time is running short for mankind. The judgement of God on a wicked world is drawing near, and Noah, having received a commission from the "Gardener" (Jesus), is building the ark. Lucifer targets Noah for destruction, knowing that if he stops Noah, he will have won his battle against the Creator. Hirt weaves a wonderfully imaginative tale around biblical facts. This highly detailed and well-researched novel serves to satisfy the appetites of fantasy readers and provides redemptive, God-glorifying truth in a story that just could have been.
Customer Reviews:
A fitting end to the first trilogy........2007-01-08
This book leaps forward in time from the second one and is set close to the approaching Great Flood.
The Oracle's backup plan concerning the Nephilim, knowing the Great Flood was coming, was a cool concept, though I don't want to give away details.
The way some people in Noah's extended family and some in the community bemoaned the fact that they would be left behind, seemed odd to me. Surely, if they were righteous (believers in the True God), they would be allowed on the ark as well. This was why Noah was preaching the whole time--hoping to turn people from their evil to the Lord and thus save more souls. These interactions were purely fictional though, as the Bible tells us that all but Noah's close family were evil at the time of the Great Flood, with their thoughts continuosly on evil things. The way the author writes the tale, though, at the end, those we know made it onto the ark were the only ones in the ark. The other's--well, that would be saying too much--but it was resolved to my satisfaction.
The way the animals were brought to the ark, which was built on an island, was quite inventive. The technology and location of some of the Nephilim was more reminiscent of sci-fi, but was cool, nonetheless. The final stories of Lamech, Rhone, and Bar'ack were very strong. The character of Thore was awesome, as well as Noah's dog, Vaul. The behind-the-scenes angelic warfare was also a powerful element of the story.
The story of the journey to get the Book that Noah needed to retrieve before taking refuge in the ark was intense, and the way the Oracle passed on his own poisonous words to the next generation was sly.
Overall, I enjoyed this final book in the trilogy as much as the others. It appears that Mr. Hirt is continuing the Cradleland Chronicles, yet we jump into the future for the next novel, to the Ottoman Empire of A.D. 1645. I can't wait for this one to be released. Keep up the excellent works, Mr. Hirt.
True rating about 3.75 stars..........2006-10-21
This review was first written for Christian Book Preview's site.
The Fall of the Nephilim is a unique novel with a science fiction twist on the Biblical account of Noah's ark. All of the characters from the Biblical story are present, but in Hirt's book he adds a few characters for additional conflict. One is the eldest son of Noah, Wend, who is never mentioned in the Scriptures. However, Hirt illuminates the Noah's characterization in a way that makes sense...through his dialogue and description. In particular, he offers a believable explanation for Nephilim and their purpose in the Old Testament, as well as showing a glimpse of the depravity of man--such as human sacrifice--which led to God's decision to destroy the earth and begin anew. Hirt's novel makes me think of Noah meets Darth Vader (in Star Wars) with a bit of C. S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters and Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness inserted for added flavor.
For the most part The Fall of the Nephilim an action-packed tale. It has a lot going on...sometimes so much you lose track of the details. However, as in the famous tale of the "unsinkable ship" The Titanic, the reader knows in advance how The Fall of the Nephilim will end because it mirrors the Biblical account of Noah. We know that not all was lost, and that he and his family were saved. Thus at the outset there is a sense of hope. In Hirt's account, Noah has additional children and grandchildren not mentioned in the Scriptures--who are lost, but Shem, Ham, and Japheth and their wives in the Genesis account were saved from the coming destruction.
On occasion I felt like the author went on a bit too long in his description-- like when Noah and his sons were choosing the wood for the ark--almost to the point where I found myself losing interest. Other portions were riveting, such as the scenes with Lucifer and his minions plotting to take Noah out, or at least bring him down. Overall, I'd say Hirt's novel offered an insightful look into the Great Flood as well as the inner workings of the enemy's mind as he attacks out human weaknesses. For people who love Sci fi, Biblical fiction, and spiritual warfare books, this story is sure to be a hit because it contains all of the above.
Intriguing Pre-Flood Sci-fi!.......2006-09-14
This is a fascinating, well-researched trilogy, offering a high-tech view of the "first world" before the Great Flood. Author Douglas Hirt has portrayed the advance of pre-flood civilization--and it's subsequent corruption--with adventuresome style and great attention to detail. I was particularly intrigued by Rhone's character and was reluctant to see his story end.
Sad to see it end........2006-08-29
I will miss all the wonderful friends I have found in this trilogy. Oh, they will continue with me in my memory, but when you read the last word on the last page of a series like this you can't help but feel a little sad. You can't go wrong by reading this series. I'll never be able to read the story of Noah in the Bible in the same way. I know the fantasy world Mr. Hirt created is, well, just that fantasy, but still I will silently smile whenever I hear a sermon or read something about Noah and remember my friends in the Cradleland.
A Great Finish.......2006-06-29
In the "Fall", Douglas Hirt ties up all the loose ends from the first two books. Of course, we know how the story of Noah is going to end, but going into this book, I wondered how he would deal with the characters introduced in the first two books. After all, if God was going to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of ten righteous men, surely He couldn't destroy the whole earth when there were so many of His followers still around. Hirt deals with this issue quite well. Hirt also develops Noah as a flawed character. This is refreshing to see, in that the religious hero is not perfect by any stretch, but is faithful to God. I was very pleased with this book, and look forward to reading more of Hirt's work.
Customer Reviews:
3 chapters of book, the rest preaching.......2007-06-04
I was very disappointed in the book. I bought it for information that the title promised, and then found that over half of the book is preaching. Be warned before you buy, if you want a long sermon then buy it
what a waste of money !!!.......2007-05-09
It's a very bad book, plenty of fantasious ideas that aren't based neither historic nor scientific evidence. In addition, that ideas are mixed with the traditional concept of 'christ'. The author shows a lack of rigoruos analytic thinking in his statements.
If you want to enhance your knowldege with points of view more independents of both historic and religious traditional influences, I recommend to read "The Orion Mystery", "Fingerprints of the Gods", and books of zecharia sitchin.
Just okay.......2007-04-03
I bought this book because I wanted to do more research on the issue of the identity of the "sons of God" and the Nephilim in Genesis 6. Among evangelical biblical scholars there is disagreement regarding who these beings were. Some scholars say that the "sons of God" were Sethites who intermarried with Cainite women; some others say that they were warriors descended from Cain; and others say that they were angelic beings who fell from their glorious state in heaven.
Patrick Heron does an excellent job demonstrating that the "sons of God" were fallen angels who took on fleshly form and mated with human females. I was never fully convinced with the Sethite and Cainite view of the sons of God because of their weak exegetical and historical foundations (the Sethite view cannot explain why the "daughters of men" must refer to Cainite women, and the Cainite view was unheard of before the 2nd century AD). Heron provides intriguing evidence to point out that the sons of God were indeed angels: the pantheon of gods in Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman mythology (one can include the mythologies of other Indo-European cultures like the Norse and Indics); the practice of genetic manipulation in antiquity (demonstrated by records of hybrid beasts in stone tablets and murals); and vile religious practices of these ancient people.
Though many Christians may find the angelic theory of the sons of God/Nephilim/ancient gods far-fetched, Heron still does an excellent job showing why there is a vital connection between the fallen angels and the "heroes of old" (ancient gods/goddesses). He reveals how the ancient pyramids of Egypt, Southeast Asia, and pre-Columbian Americas are intricately tied to these sons of God and the coming apocalypse. (Heron's theory is backed up by recent findings in the last century of huge skeletal frames found in various parts of the world. Some of these skeletal frames are as tall as 20 feet. These findings show that in ancient times there existed humanoid giants that roamed the earth and caused havoc among native civilizations.)
However, despite these positive and enlightening points, Heron's book takes a downward turn in the second half. The second half of the book is basically an advocacy of the dispensational pretribulational view of the end-times. Though I am strongly premillennial and futurist in my interpretation of Revelation, I just thought that Heron made major assumptions and leaps in trying to fit his whole theory into a pretrib/premill eschatological schema. Yes, I believe that there will be bizarre events in the near future signalling the beginning of the end (and I believe that these fallen angels will play a large part in the coming catastrophe), but that can all be found in the Book of Revelation. In short, the second part of the book read like another one of Hal Lindsey's end-time books with some interesting things thrown into the mix.
Overall, I would recommend this book ONLY for the information on the sons of God and Nephilim. Many Christians will find Heron's advocacy of the pretrib/premill position problematic. One can definitely find better books elsewhere if one wants a more scholarly work on eschatology.
The Nephilim and the pyramind of the Apocalypse.......2007-03-09
I viewed this work as very enlightening on the subject of Good/Bad Angels and his take on the Pyramind's while not new is very intertesting
Open your mind because here it comes!.......2007-01-10
This book will change the way you think, and confirm your what you may have already wondered. Truly fascinating.
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Devils and Demons and the Return of the Nephilim
Gateway of the Gods: An Investigation of Fallen Angels, the Nephilim, Alchemy, Climate Change, and the Secret Destiny of the Human Race
Fallen Angels and the Origins of Evil: Why Church Fathers Suppressed the Book of Enoch and Its Startling Revelations
Nephilim Stargates
Apocalypse Soon
