The Battle for Heaven and Earth was a wonderful speculative novel of the fall of mankind through the fall of Lucifer, as seen through the heavenly realm and the seven literal days of creation. While speculative, the subject matter is treated with utmost reverence and respect, which allows for the wonder and possibility to shine through the telling of God’s story of the very beginning of the human race. Free will was always a factor in heaven and earth, and still is. We all carry the sorrows of selfish choices made by us or for us in error, but in God’s plan, there is redemption. This book was a far-reaching look into what may have been, and why, and the love of God Who will never leave us, even in our error.

This book was such an unexpected pleasure to read. I went in as a longtime Jerry Jenkins fan, but the partnership with Mark M. Yarbrough adds a richness and theological clarity that really elevates the story.
The plot moves quickly, but what impressed me most was how seamlessly the authors balance action with meaning. The spiritual themes are woven in naturally — never heavy handed, always purposeful. The result is a story that entertains while also inviting reflection on Scripture, faith, and the unseen realities the Bible describes.
Whether you’re drawn to end times fiction, biblical imagination, or simply a well crafted story with heart, this book delivers. A solid, satisfying five star read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

I can already see the graphic novel version that is sure to follow this engaging treatment of inception of Evil as the result of the rebellious pride of Lucifer/Satan. Yarbrough and Jenkins have teamed up to masterfully bring to life a conjectured version of these events through the use of first person accounts from angels Michael, Gabriel, and Paroketh as well as third person omniscient revelations from Lucifer and those who followed him. The book is both an easy read and engaging and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is sure to become a must-read in Christian circles and will likely find its way onto many Christmas lists. It will surely be the catalyst for many meaningful discourses about the love of God and the Evil One who seeks to undermine it. Biblical references are skillfully woven into the text that will be recognizable to those brought up in the church but will not confuse those who are dipping their toe into faith based literature for the first time. This book takes the story from the initial prideful ideations of Lucifer up to the point of Adam and Eve's banishment from Eden. Hopefully Yarbrough and Jenkins will continue the saga and pick up where they left off to continue the "Story of Scripture" all the way through to the New Heaven and New Earth spoken of in Revelation. This is a perfect companion book for the Story of Scripture experience and lecture series led by Yarbrough.

What a story! It was engaging and easy to read with a plot that held your attention and enticed you to keep reading. While the story is the subject of the ages, this rendition uses imagination and Biblical fact to weave the tale of the Battle for Heaven. This is a timeless story of both heavenly and human choice and consequence. Poetry in song appears throughout the story and expresses both praise and sorrow. While leaving you at the beginning of Genesis, it reminds us of the joy of Revelation. The best is yet to come. Well done! I would have expected nothing less from these two authors.

The Battle for Heaven and Earth, along the lines of The Screwtape Letters, gives you a fictional view of what may have happened in the uppermost heavens before and during the creation of earth. Similar to the CS Lewis classic, the authors personalize the Scriptural characters, including the celestial attendandts Michael, Gabriel, and other heavenly hosts in a believable and interactive way. In first person narrative, the archangel Michael describes in great detail the appearance of God's magnificent celestial home and the community of angels that worship the Lord, breaking out in songs and worship when they interact with the Creator. We also see the fall of the angel Lucifer as he attempts usurp Gods authority in all creation and demands worship he craves only deserved by the Host of Heaven. We see the effect of sin on the fallen angels as they are cast into prison to be held until the Day of the Lord, sometime in the future. We are privy to Lucifer's evil dialogue with his demon followers and the moment he is cast out of heaven.
The creation of the earth is beautifully described, creating a mental scene as if the reader is watching the miracle of creation take place. When Lucifer confronts Eve in the garden, I found myself rooting that she and Adam see through the serpents evil scheme to hurt God, even though we know how the confrontation turns out.
The story also equips Christians and reinforces the fact that despite the apparent chaos in the world today, the Almighty still reigns and still loves His creation and created creatures deeply. There is a plan, God tells the angels in the garden, to redeem back the creation when someone is born in the future to redeem it all.

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The Battle for Heaven and Earth: A Story of Scripture Novel by Mark M. Yarbrough and Jerry B. Jenkins is a powerful and imaginative retelling of the events that shaped the beginning of Scripture. This sweeping biblical epic takes readers beyond what we often picture when we read Genesis and explores the unseen spiritual battle surrounding creation, the fall, and the rebellion of Lucifer.

What I appreciated most about this story was the way it brought deeper wonder and perspective to familiar biblical truths. The authors use vivid storytelling to help readers reflect on the weight of pride, the reality of evil, the beauty of God’s creation, and the incredible significance of His redemptive plan.

The battle between light and darkness is portrayed with intensity and imagination, while still pointing back to the sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness of God. It invites readers to pause and consider the bigger story of Scripture and how every part of creation points toward His ultimate purpose.

For readers who enjoy Christian fiction, biblical retellings, and stories that inspire awe and reflection, The Battle for Heaven and Earth is a unique and thought-provoking read. It’s the kind of book that encourages you to return to Scripture with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for the story God has been writing from the very beginning.

This is certainly an unusual book, containing as it does the fictional story of all created beings (angels, demons, animals, and humans) from eternity past until Adam and Eve are ejected from the Garden of Eden. The authors do a good job of telling the story from the perspective of the archangel Michael, who was present during the entire timeframe. They paint good word pictures and use an appropriate vocabulary (I only had to look up a couple words, e.g., sycophant.) While I first thought that the audience would be Biblically-literate readers, I have decided that those who have not read the Bible may enjoy it as a new story line. The authors take the opportunity to include some Bible quotes. E.g., the archangel Gabriel at one point says, "Two are better than one; a cord of three strands is not easily broken." (Ecc. 4:9). They also insert some truths that are fitting: 1) God did not create evil but allows it for His purposes and glory. 2) The theme of Satan coming to steal, kill, and destroy. 3) Only God can use pain for our good and His glory; it gives us a story only we can share. Even though I knew the story line coming in, I still enjoyed the book. I pray I will be able to pass it on to others who may be intrigued to learn a possible explanation for what happened before the creation, or who may have their interest piqued to ask some questions leading to a gospel-sharing moment. I plan to read some other works by Dr. Yarbrough, who does write as well as he speaks.

Wow. I loved this. It brought a lot of questions to the table on how things may have actually happened. and an interesting point of view from the Angels and Lucifer and how the battle of good and evil came to be. Obviously it’s just a story but the author took bits and pieces of the Bible to write it and it does paint a pretty good picture of what it may have been like. I am a fan of the left behind series so I knew this one wouldn’t disappoint and I was honestly hooked from the beginning.

This book was a beautiful love letter to God and His creation. The authors did an excellent job giving a unique fictional perspective, but also staying true to the Bible at its heart. The poetry/songs really pulled you in with a true worship mindset, and the telling of the creation itself was similar to the feeling in Tolkien's Silmarillion and Lewis' Narnia when everything was sung into being as wonderful and mysterious. I feel this book will become a must read for many Christians for the comfort it brings in God's plan. Also an excellent excuse to read through Genesis and even Revelation again and really think about it. A sign of a good story for sure when it points back and encourages you to read its source material! Highly recommend!

Wow, what an awesome book.
It is very well written and captivating. I had a very hard time putting it down.
The book is biblically sound and I believe a must read.
The authors displayed a sense of humor also throughout the book by intertwining songs and poetry.
Some of which I chuckled at.
Although this is Christian fiction;
It could have all unfolded in this manner.
I will strongly recommend this book to everyone I know.
My prayers will be for many readers and for possible salvation for all unbelievers who may be just curious enough to read it.

Ernest Henson

Have you ever read the passages in the Bible that mention Lucifer’s fall from heaven and wonder what really happened? The authors of this book make this entire event come alive in a way that is not only credible and believable, but it is so clear and well presented that the reader feels like they are witnessing actual events.

The story begins prior to the creation of the earth, in a period outside of time and space. Heaven is a place where God is worshipped simply because of who He is and all of the attributes He possesses. But one day that changes when pride begins to sow seeds of rebellion. The reader is given a front row seat to the conflict and war that follows.

However, the resistance and challenge to God’s authority is only the beginning of a struggle that is still unfolding. We, as believers have already skipped ahead and know how the story ends. But the beauty of this book is that it fills in the details of what happened. We are treated to an account of life in the garden of Eden before the fall. And more importantly, the writer’s portrayal of the consequences of the fall are so well written that I felt myself empathizing with Adam and Eve. I read their account with a profound sense of sadness. It helped me to gain a more in-depth perspective of just how consequential their disobedience was.

I consider myself to be a serious Bible student (having read the Bible cover to cover many times). And, as someone who takes Bible study seriously, I believe this book should be on every Christian’s reading list. I believe it is that good, But more importantly, I believe that it will simultaneously strengthen a person’s faith and also help them feel closer to God.

This is one of the most captivating works for biblical fiction I’ve read in a long time. The authors paint a vivid picture of the unseen spiritual realm, bringing the battle between heaven and earth to life in a way that is both exciting and thought-provoking. Their portrayal of Satan’s fall and the angelic conflict is imaginative while remaining faithful to the biblical narrative.

The story held my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself thinking about its themes long after I finished reading. Jerry Jenkins’ storytelling shines through, making complex spiritual concepts easy to visualize without sacrificing depth.

If you enjoy biblical fiction, especially stories that explore the unseen spiritual battle described in Scripture, I highly recommend this book. It’s an engaging, inspiring read that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the reality of the spiritual realm.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and these opinions are entirely my own.

As an avid Bible reader for many years, I often wonder about the realities of the story of creation, the fall of man, and the spiritual warfare described in the heavenlies. Jerry B. Jenkins and Mark M. Yarbrough make that possible. They have crafted a story of what may have taken place with vivid characters, dramatic scenes, and glimpses into the supernatural intertwined with Biblical truths from the Word. The story flows easily with shorter chapters that keep you wanting to read more to find out what comes next. While we will never know how it all went down this side of Heaven, it is a very interesting read that leaves you with more questions but at the same time, paints a picture where you can actually envision how it all played out.

I loved this version of how Heaven and Earth was created. It took the Bible and explained it in layman words. Even though this was part much an explanation of Creation, it did not feel like that at all. I love how this story was woven together!

“When Lucifer bolted from the holy premises, he took with him the innocence of Heaven.” p. 37
Many people don't believe there is a heaven, let alone Satan. If you have questions about heaven and Satan, you will find a fascinating fictional account in this novel. If you have ever asked yourself why, you are invited to consider that this is a valid question and there are answers. I have been suffering (as most of us have or will) and Mark Yarbrough's theology along with Jerry Jenkins skillful writing have woven comfort into this novel's pages.

This book gives a face and a voice to the great nemesis of God called Lucifer. The reader also meets Adam and Eve, and the heavenly host as well. The great drama of the war in heaven is quite exciting. The reader will greatly enjoy the rest of the creation story.

This book had my attention the moment I began reading. It is a marvelous intertwining of Biblical Scripture and Biblical mysteries which beg our human questions of “why,” “I wonder if,” and “How did …?” The authors’ imagery of Heaven, angels, battles and Creation held me spellbound and opened new perceptions of Scriptural events I have read about and studied my entire life. Rarely do books bring me emotional reactions; this one did. The price paid for the presence of evil is heartbreaking; but this book ends with the beginning of the greatest love story ever told. I highly recommend it.

This book is just as the title states; there is a battle for heaven and there is a battle for earth. It's a huge feat of imagination and a careful study of Scripture to examine what could have been taking place behind the scenes in the heavenly realms before the earth was formed. Told through multiple perspectives, this story is an eye-opening and harrowing look at the true cost of sin and evil while demonstrating God's holiness and sovereignty. The three sections of the book—the rebellion, creation, and fall—document the origin of our world in such vivid imagery that it evokes a glimmer of the majesty accompanying the presence of God in a surreal manner.

The Battle for Heaven and Earth is not just a theological retelling of Genesis 1-3. It is an emotional tale, placing readers right into the shoes of Adam and Eve as they fellowship with God and then decide to rebel against Him. It is an introspective invitation to us as it considers what free will and the choice to love freely means. And it is a convicting reminder that the thoughts and actions of Lucifer and his fallen angels are ones that continue to exist today as humanity sins against each other and against a righteous God. If you are keen to see the opening of the Bible come to life in an unexpected way, this book is a memorable opportunity to be immersed in the Story for the ages, where war and destruction have taken place, but there is still much to come.

Great focus on GOD's attributes in the midst of pain and trial
Clearly a lot of thought went into developing Lucifer's character; a lot of what he says are things in the world
The beginning (Part 1) is somewhat slow-moving, but the book is easy to read with short chapters that tempt you to read "just one more chapter"
Enjoyed how the angel's battles, feelings and responses mirror ours
Generates an awe for how HE creates and a sense of HIS joy in us and love for us
Beautiful ending of hope after a strong focus on the sobering seriousness of sin
Looking forward to the sequel!

Mark Yarbrough and Jerry Jenkins combined their skill sets to write a spellbinding classic. Balancing theology and creativity they lead the reader to imaginative levels of awe and surprise. The Bible declares the struggle historical and ongoing. This novel lets first-hand witnesses recount what precipitated "The Battle for Heaven and Earth" and why there is hope for a world gone wrong.
Lew Whittle, retired career missionary in El Salvador and Spain; former Executive Vice-President of CAM International.

The Battle for Heaven and Earth is a fictional story of Satan's pride, the creation of heaven and earth, and the fall of humanity to sin. Jerry Jenkins and Mark Yarbrough tell the story masterfully through the eyes of the angels and Satan's perspective, while maintaining an orthodox understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. Mankind is made in God's image, but the story of Satan's pride and subsequent fall to sin is a humbling realization that our sinful choices are a reflection of Satan's rebellion. This book was a fairly easy read, and is light on difficult vocabulary but full of orthodox theology that is explained simply.
The experience of reading the creation story through the eyes of Adam and Eve was a delight until the story of the fall, which made the separation of humanity from God and the experience of grief so much more heartbreaking. I would encourage the authors to add a warning regarding a sensitive experience in the fall. The inclusion of such an experience helps to drive home the actual price of sin, and a reminder of the price that God paid for the redemption of believers.
This fictional account is highly relational and relatable, opening up the imagination to the grandure of heaven, the wonder of God Almighty, a glimpse of what heavenly worship might look like, and a more emotional understanding of the price for sin. It comes highly recommended for people at every point in their faith journey, and for those who are curious about Christianity.

This is a book I would personally recommend. It was enjoyable and stimulating reading. Significant theological issues were addressed in conversation between various characters. It caused me to think in new ways about how the unfallen angels were impacted by the treachery of their former friends. Satan's approach to Eve was expecially thought provoking.

I was a little hesitant with the direction this fictional work was going but by the end, the overall story was very moving. The build up of the relationships of Lucifer and the other heavenly hosts and how the related to each other was interesting and felt very humanlike. The enemy twists and turns everything good into something corrupted and his only goal is to hurt our Almighty God. This book was very thought provoking and I literally wept the last few chapters.
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Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Battle for Heaven and Earth was so well written, and I absolutely loved it. The battle in heaven between good and evil, creation, and free will are brought to life in such a vivid way that I could visualize every scene.

The story was captivating, and experiencing it through multiple points of view made it even more interesting to me. I’m a longtime fan of Jerry Jenkins and have read many of the books in the Left Behind series, and I loved this one just as much.

If you’re a fan of the Left Behind series or Christian fiction, I definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.

The Battle for Heaven and Earth takes us to a time in eternity past, before Genesis 1 in the Bible. when God created the heavens and the earth, and before humans were created in His image.

This story fills in some of the blanks in my wondering about life and worship in heaven before the earth was formed. The descriptions of the Celestial City are exquisite and stunning! You can imagine the sights and the sounds in heaven as the glory of God and worship fills the air. We get to meet Michael and Gabriel and imagine the seraphim and cherubim and hosts of angels in the Throne Room of God in worship.

We meet Lucifer, the highest-ranking cherub assigned to exalt God and lead others in worship. We are invited to see his reasoning, his jealousy of God and his defiance as he becomes impressed with his own stunning radiance. We see his methodology in convincing one third of the angels in heaven to join him in a rebellion against God's sovereign rule. The authors help us to experience the faith and adoration of the angels who remain loyal to God versus the bitterness, hatred and defiance of those who join the rebellion against God. The details of the battles in heaven and the war strategies read like a movie script, and the descriptions are easy to picture.

Lucifer's methods of deception, pride and a jealous fear of missing out is taken into God's newly created earthly realm. His methods of persuasion that was used then can be seen in the Garden of Eden, in people, nations and rulers throughout the Bible, and against Jesus in the wilderness. He has one mode of operation. This book left me wanting to read part 2 to see how the authors show us the unseen realm after man's expulsion from the garden. I'm already reading this one a second time. It's an inspiring, exciting read! Sherunda Johnson DTS Alumni MACE

An interesting and imagintive narrative of fall of Lucifer and Adam and Eve. Appreciated that Scripture was integrated into the story. As believers, it's often difficult to picture what Ephesians 6:12 describes, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authoritities, against the cosmic poers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenlyu places (ESV). "The Battle for Heaven and Earth" gives us a vivid mental picture of what this might have looked like in the begiining and continues until today. Some of the battle scenes are reminiscent of "Star Wars" but well-adapted to this scene in heaven before and after God created the "heavens and the earth."

A read well worth the time.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC.

I chose this one for CampNetGalley and I was. so happy to read it.

such a captivating story. I couldnt stop reading. One of the best books I've read