The Valley of The Dry Bones

First of all let me say that I have enjoyed Jerrys books!! I wasn't sure at the very beginning if this was a book I would enjoy, but once I got into it, it was hard to put down! I felt I was right there among the little band of believers. I loved how Zeke learned to hear and trust the voice of God even if it made no sense. A great lesson there for me that God uses the foolishness of men to show His glory and plan. I highly recommend it'

Jerry Jenkins is well known for his fictional works about the end of the world, if Left Behind (the book series, not the movies) rings any bells. His works have typically been an engaging and enjoyable read, prompting excellent questions and investigations into eschatology. He is also known for his police series. This title, however, fits more into the former series. An apocalyptic work based off a drastic drought that utterly destroys the State of California, this book tells the story of a modern Ezekiel, facing a literal valley of dry bones.

Written in a style that is image-rich and, well, fairly depressing, this book crushes a parent’s soul in the first pages, and seeks to eradicate everyone else’s with the harsh environment that the sun has scorched. Jenkins has done it well, giving an amazing quality to the work that, while dark, promises to entertain readers who enjoy this genre. The work feels like a mix of Mad Max and Water World, presenting drastic scenarios that permit G-d to work in. Definitely containing a strong spiritual element, those who have enjoyed Jenkins’ other works will love this title, and anyone looking for a thrilling apocalyptic fiction will find a companion in this book.

Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.

Interesting futuristic tale set in a drought devastated California, with some references to the book of Ezekial. Some dialogue was firmly based on Scripture, with a main character named Zeke acting as a teacher- prophet, leading an underground group left behind in the evacuated disaster zone.
Readers who like science fiction apocalyptic fiction with faith elements may like this book. It reminded me of the movie I Am Legend, except with biblical references. More character driven than an action adventure. Not a comfortable read for me, but dystopian fiction fans may enjoy it.

When I read about the setting I expected a story about the end days. It sure seems like the beginning of the end. But the story is not evolving around the end of this Earth as we know it or about the Second Coming. The greater part of it is about the small group of christians living together in an underground compound, about leadership, ambitions, trust and forgiveness.

The novel starts with a shocking event, but then it takes its time to pick up pace and I had the feeling that some parts were redundant repetitions.

What I like about the book is how it shows that listening to God's voice will lead us ways we'd never chose on our own, throwing us in difficulties we could have avoided, but opening opportunities we wouldn't dare dream of.

I want to thank Netgalley for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an absolutely amazing book. I could not put it down. The story is really great and captures the imagination. I enjoyed the characters and how they evolved. Unexpected ending which is fantastic when reading a novel of this kind. Author has never disappointed me. Would recommend this book to my friends.



The Valley of The Dry Bones

A Novel

by Jerry B. Jenkins

Worthy Publishing

Christian, General Fiction (Adult)

Pub Date 31 May 2016

I was given a copy of The Valley of Dry Bones through the publisher and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:

Devastating earthquakes have leveled much of California. After the quakes tens of thousands of Native Americans were displaced and moved to Arizona from California after the quakes.  Zeke and Pastor Bob are slowly gaining trust of the Peyote people.  He shares his Faith with them.  Because of his preaching to the Peyote people Zeke is arrested for Religious intolerance.

Will Zeke be able to continuing reaching out to those who are lost or will he die trying?

The Valley of Dry Bones is a contemporary end times tale like which Jerry B Jenkins is famous for due to the Left Behind series.

I give this book five out of five stars

Happy Reading

I was first introduced to books by Jerry Jenkins through the Left Behind series. The possibility that the end times would play out in a manner similar to the books was an idea that had many people hooked on them and talking about the series.

Now Jerry Jenkins has come up with a scenario that has many possible elements for future events. In this book, drought, earthquakes and wildfires have left California in pretty bad shape and the government has decided to discourage people from living there by saying that are not responsible for anyone who remains. Of course there are those who refuse to leave including Native Americans who wish to remain on their land. The main characters in this book consist of a group of Christians who decide to stay to teach the remnant about Christianity and be of service to them.

I liked that the author, as always, has a very strong Christian message in this book.

Thoughts:

THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES: An End Times Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins leads us into a not too far-fetched tale starring the drought ridden and abandoned state of California where the inhabitants that can go nowhere else are stuck.

When most people are long gone, some cared enough to stay, and these doers provide for those inside a wasteland when others refused. Ezekiel (Zeke) Thorppe, Doc, and Pastor Bill along with many others bring medical help, food, and the richness of water without profit or gain along with His word to give hope.

However, all are not accepting of not for profit ideals as others are in this mess of a place to make money and wreak havoc. Tension quirks up as they know who to avoid, but it's the avoiding that becomes more dangerous once terrorism looms.

Who is guilty?

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

Jerry B. Jenkins writes THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES: An End Times Novel to include a current day dilemma in a fictional theme of abandonment by a nation and those left to fend for themselves.

In the wake of a political storm and a presidential bid, those left, after a declaration that the entire state of California is a disaster area, are no longer protected by the laws of the United States as only a scant military presence will stay.

The remnants are eclectic in background, values, and ancestry, but while they fight to survive, the California desert can make enemies out of friends as insults hover over helping hands when a government detects a terrorist threat.

But who is the threat?