
Member Reviews

Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal is a contemporary story that is so well written it feels like it is actually happening. This story is so good. It brings to life the events the Bible tells will lead to the Rapture. It gives a look into what the end times might look like and how those left behind will respond. The characters in the story are a nice mixture of professional and personal characters in John’s life with a blend of Christian and non-Christian, which helps make the story realistic.
The story starts out focusing on a new deadly illness that John and his team are responsible for stopping. He has a limited relationship with his ex wife and daughter, yet he reached out to his daughter to help him with a national crisis. I totally enjoyed this story. I enjoyed reading the background information on John and his family. It is interesting to see how he tried to correct old wrongs, how his ex and daughter have turned to God and how his daughter tries to talk to him about it. I found it interesting to see how John and his friend’s daughter knew of God yet didn’t take the step to make a personal relationship with him. I look forward to seeing how they move forward.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.

Title: Vanished
Author: Dr. David Jeremiah
Genre: Mystery/thriller, Christian
Rating: 4 out of 5
The end of the world . . .
As leader of a special military unit charged with stopping potential pandemics before they spread, John "Haggs" Haggerty has a front-row seat to the sharp increase in natural disasters that precede the Rapture--including plagues, earthquakes, famines, wars, and rumors of war. And each crisis is becoming more intense.
Meanwhile, his own world feels like it's falling apart. He's still caught in the grief of messing up his relationship with his ex-wife, and he's trying to keep it together so that he can show up for his adult daughter before she wants him out of her life entirely. As both personal and professional situations push him to the brink, Haggs finds himself stretched further than ever in his desire to be the kind of good person he knows he should be.
Just when it seems as if things might turn around, Haggs is forced to decide between his need to find solutions and his need for personal redemption.
This was a fast-paced, easy read, and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the Left Behind series when it first came out, but it feels very dated now, so this was an interesting contrast to that, but I liked the more modern take. I Liked the varied settings and the characters, but their relationships showcased their personalities the best. I’m interested to see how this series develops.
Dr. David Jeremiah is a bestselling author. Vanished is his newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction in exchange for an honest review.)
(Blog link live 7/12).

Vanished
by Dr. David Jeremiah
Pub Date: July 1, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
As leader of a special military unit charged with stopping potential pandemics before they spread, John "Haggs" Haggerty has a front-row seat to the sharp increase in natural disasters that precede the Rapture--including plagues, earthquakes, famines, wars, and rumors of war. And each crisis is becoming more intense.
Meanwhile, his own world feels like it's falling apart. He's still caught in the grief of messing up his relationship with his ex-wife, and he's trying to keep it together so that he can show up for his adult daughter before she wants him out of her life entirely. As both personal and professional situations push him to the brink, Haggs finds himself stretched further than ever in his desire to be the kind of good person he knows he should be.
Excellent book!

Thought provoking, inspirational, hopeful, realistic. Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah is all of this and more. Pandemics, increased natural disasters, increased violence - sounds like today. 'Vanished' or 'left behind'?
Releases July 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fact or fiction? The lines are blurred in this gripping story that feels ripped from today’s news. With well-developed characters and compelling scenarios, this is a story that felt completely real.
Even though I knew the “big event” was coming, it still caught me off guard. I had chills and tears seeing the beginning of the end through beloved characters’ eyes. It made me realize how utterly devastating the “big disappearance” will be.
I am glad this is the start of a new series because I need more! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel. You do not want to miss this exciting new novel by Dr. David Jeremiah!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vanished: A Novel is the first fiction book I’ve read by Dr. David Jeremiah, one of my favorite evangelical Christian authors and the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church. To me it was somewhat reminiscent to me of the first book in the Left Behind series first released in the mid-1990’s except for a few more modern plot twists including a worldwide pandemic. Similarly, this is the first book of the Vanished series.
Dr. Jeremiah’s vast biblical end-times knowledge is evident throughout the plot of this biblically based book, which will hopefully be of interest to both Christians and non-Christians alike. While I did enjoy reading this novel, which starts out a little slow, but becomes progressively more interesting, I personally prefer this author’s non-fiction books and writings.
I am thankful to have received an advance digital reader copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion and unbiased review.

I have read other works of apocalyptic fiction in the past, including part of a popular series I won't mention here by name, which had pretty good facts but the writing itself was poor, as I recall, which is why I stopped reading those ones.
"Vanished" is about a character who is too busy trying to save the world, both the world around him and his personal world, to pay much attention to spiritual questions. I will stay away from spoilers, but the book ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger set in a fairly predictable moment in time. Apparently there will be future volumes in a series, and I'll be interested to see how the authors handle that moment in time and what ensues after it. (So far, the writing is better than the afore-unmentioned series.)
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an electronic copy in exchange for a review.

Interesting approach to end times events. Modern day current events are related to prophecy as a thought-provoking story

Vanished is book 1 in a new series by Dr David Jeremiah. It is about biblical end times prophecy. However, most of this book is about the birth pains (see also Matthew 24:8). The main character, John Haggerty, is the leader of a military group responsible for containing pandemics. This group is one of five that are trying to battle the forces of nature that continue to get worse. It’s a fascinating concept that is handled well.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the next. I’d recommend it to lovers of eschatological stories and for those who recognize what is happening in the world these days.
This is Christian fiction about God intervening into human history to bring about justice against evil so expect a lot of prayer and conversations about God and salvation.
Family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Vanished
Dr. David Jeremiah
John (Haggs) Haggerty is a problem solver and has a stubborn will. Which explains why he is the leader of a military unit; their mission is to prevent the spread of diseases that cause a pandemic. Haggs observes the increase in natural catastrophes. There are epidemics, seismic activity, food shortage, conflicts and allegations of war. The world seems to be falling apart. His demanding career as a Army Physician hasn’t been good for his family. He knows he placed work before the people he loves; he’s made poor decisions, which he regrets. He wants to reestablish a relationship with his family if it isn’t too late. The death of his young son is devasting and the cause of his failed marriage. He is on assignment in Italy along with his adult daughter who is working with him as an interpreter when a natural disaster hits. Haggs has a heart for helping others, but does he know Jesus as his Savior?
Author Dr. David Jeremiah is a well know Christian speaker; he has written numerous books, but this is his first foray into fiction. The characters are interesting and well developed. Book, one helps set the scene for the following books. This tale ended with a cliffhanger. I enjoyed reading this tale and look forward to the next installment.
This is the first book in a new series with the focus on the Christian faith and end times/rapture.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.

Dr. David Jeremiah is an all time favorite of mine. His writing pulls me in and also makes me sit down and look at my life and myself and what I can learn from his writing. The choices we make affect our daily life? Good or bad. It reminds us to be a committed Christian and live our life the way He would want us to live. THank you once again for a read that tries to help me cope with my walk .

Vanished is the first book in a new fiction series by Dr. David Jeremiah that revolves around the end times/rapture. I really enjoyed the buildup in the novel to get some good building of the books main characters. With this being the first book in the series, I feel like a lot of the plot was buildup to the ultimate cliffhanger at the end of the book but it ended in a good way and I look forward to seeing how the story continues in the next book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers and this one is well done.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance.

I read to the 25% mark and gave up. It was not compelling, IMHO. I’ve read many of Dr. Jeremiah’s theology book but this foray into fiction was difficult for me to get into.

Where does your value lie? Is it in the applause and validation of man? Does it reside in your finances, career, or materialistic possessions? Or is your worth measured according to your personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Main character John Haggerty is confronted with these questions as he, along with the rest of mankind, experiences a tumultuous shift in the world. There is a rise in catastrophic weather conditions, an increase in deadly pestilences, and a surge in famine. Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah is an engrossing novel set during an approaching poignant time in history. This intriguing story will inspire readers to examine their hearts and spiritual standing.
John Haggerty is the typical military man, large in stature and physique, with a sharp ability to problem solve, and a tenacious will. His long career as an Army physician and unrelenting ambition has negatively impacted his personal relationship with his family. Inundated with guilt from poor decisions, wrestling with the burdens of blame, and enduring the wounds from a troubled childhood has afflicted his heart and mindset on Christianity. As John begins to attempt to reestablish a better relationship with his family, the world significantly changes and leaves him questioning how his newfound purpose in life is connected to a relationship with Jesus.
Author Dr. David Jeremiah is a pastor, and his vast biblical knowledge is suitably displayed in the novel. The Christian faith content in the story is essentially convicting and eye-opening. The novel is medium paced with satisfactory character development. This is book one in a series, so readers will be able to follow the main character in upcoming novels. There are elements of suspense, morale, and spirituality that make Vanished an intriguing read that I recommend to others.

An intense book with depth of characters and strong storyline. Such a reminder of things to come and a reality check on what I believe.

This is the first non-fiction book I've read by Dr. Jeremiah, although I have previously enjoyed many of his other works. I highly recommend this compelling narrative, which tackles the significant topic of the Rapture. It is my hope that it will spark interest among readers, both believers and non-believers.
The story follows John "Haggs" Haggerty, a medical doctor who struggles with guilt over the death of his young son, an event that also led to the end of his marriage. He currently is part of a military unit working to prevent another deadly pandemic from spreading worldwide, against a backdrop of increasing wars, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, including famine.
While on assignment in Italy, where he is permitted to bring along his adult daughter—who is fluent in Italian—they find themselves victims of a devastating natural disaster. Although Haggs believes he is a good person with a heart for helping others, he has not fully embraced his friends' and family's personal relationships with God. Just as he thinks his life is starting to get back on track, Haggs is forced to make difficult, life-changing decisions.
This fast-paced story captured my attention from the very first page and kept me engaged until the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

Dr. David Jeremiah is one of the best teachers of our time and he has penned one of the best apocalyptic fiction books I’ve ever read in Vanished. If you are a fan of Christian Apocalyptic Thrillers, this one is definitely for you.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I could hardly wait to read Vanished by Dr. David Jeremiah, whom I have followed for years as a Christian teacher and author, and I was not disappointed. The book is written to be enjoyed by Christian readers as well as secular, with a military foundation in characters. While the genre is speculative, it mirrors the very times we are experiencing now, in epidemics, political upheavals and human suffering. Dr. Jeremiah’s message is clear and urgent; time is short, today is the day of salvation. Vanished has a definite cliffhanger ending, and I anxiously await the next installment. While waiting, I will certainly read the book again, because it the midst of the story is much biblical knowledge to be gained, and hope for a new beginning.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
The situations that are depicted in this book could happen today in our world.
Major General John Haggerty and his team are racing against time, a new epidemic called the Dirty Dozen has broken out on the island of Heraklion in Greece and they are trying to contain it before it spreads further - then they get word that it has spread to Spoleto, Italy.
John asks his daughter Sonya to help translate as she knows Italian, they try to contain the virus there, but a person with known suceptibility to the virus has been let go and John and Sonya see him in a cave they are exploring.
Just then they hear a rumble and shaking noise, the cavern is being hit by an earthquake - Sonya is seriously hurt and John, a doctor tries to help the other wounded. They only have a days worth of water left...

VANISHED by DR DAVID JEREMIAH is a novel written by a well known Bible scholar, an expert in last days prophecy and Biblical truth, and is totally based on the Word of God. It is a wake up call as we see how the lawlessness described in the book lines up with that of today. The characters and their emotions are very well portrayed.
Major General John Haggerty of the United States army is the commander of the Potential Pandemis Task Force. There is a new type of corona virus in Europe and he is trying unsuccessfully to halt its progress. He takes his job very seriously. He is a man who is doing his best, in his own strength, to make life better for everyone. It is almost as though he is trying to make up for the way he failed his family. His executive officer and best friend, Caleb Johnson, is a committed Christian who lives his faith and is trying to get through to his troubled friend ……..
The story is about the choices we make, family dynamics and the battle between good and evil.
I cannot recommend this wonderful book strongly enough.
I was given a free vopy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this rebiew are completely my own.