WHEN A JEW RULES THE WORLD by Joel Richardson

Narrated by Joe Geoffery

Kingdom Come On Earth as it is in Heaven

Now here’s a book with a provocative title and thought-provoking text to match.  This is an excellent and thorough treatment on the distinctions between the Christian eschatological positions of Amillennialism and Premillennialism. As he carefully develops his argument Richardson gives his detractors plenty chew on. By the end of the book he is redefining Supersessionism as Divestment Theology because the adherents would take away all the scriptural blessings directed toward Israel and would have the Church usurp those blessings. He does a fine job explaining how eschatology shapes and defines a person’s theology in m any areas. I think he makes his case convincingly and that his discussion should give anyone wanting to consider the Church as the new Israel pause. This is a fine eschatological treatment in defense of Premillennialism. I can recommend this to anyone wanting to hear the Premillennial case expounded and defended.

Joe Geoffery, the narrator of Joel Richardson’s earlier book Mideast Beast, again does the reading for this book.  And like that other book, I found Mr. Geoffery’s diction and tone of voice to be soothing but his inflection to be muddling. I so wish that he had made more of a distinction between the text and the many lengthy quotes.  

WRITTEN IN FIRE, BRILLIANCE SAGA 3 by Marcus Sakey

Narrated by Luke Daniels

A Fitting Conclusion

One of the most fulfilling aspects of listening to a book series is finishing a trilogy that was clearly planned as a three book series. This series starts strong, has many interesting plot developments and finishes with an ending that is satisfying. Much better that many an open-ended series that loses its way and doesn’t know how to stop. I am speaking in vague generalities here because I want you to benefit from the experience of having the story unfold before you just as I did.

Luke Daniels is one of the best.  He first caught my ear in the Frontlines series. And here he brings his repertoire of character voices with him to perform an audio drama just for you that comes to life in your head.  

A BETTER WORLD, BRILLIANCE SAGA 2 by Marcus Sakey

Narrated by Luke Daniels

Sci-Fi Thriller Continues

This second book picks up the story seamlessly from the first paragraph and never lets up. The Brilliance Saga is really one long novel in three parts.  Suffice to say that this volume is completely in character with the first and third books in this fine series. This series is really a Thriller with some Science Fiction elements. There is plenty of action for Thriller fans and a dose of sense of wonder for us Sci-Fi fans.

Luke Daniels is top notch as always. I’d listen just to hear him exercise his character voices once again. 

BRILLIANCE, BRILLIANCE SAGA 1 by Marcus Sakey

Narrated by Luke Daniels

Epigenetics Unleashes Hidden Potential

I am writing this after listening to all three books in the Brilliance Saga. The primary appeal of this series for me was that it was narrated by Luke Daniels, one of my favorites. And the high rating from Audible listeners didn’t hurt. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I became tuned into the characters almost from the start. After that the plot began to develop with an interesting Sci-Fi idea—that of an epigenetic shift in human DNA that enhances mental ability. From there I was hooked.

Start it for Luke Daniels. Finish it for the gripping story. 

FEAR THE FUTURE by Stephen Moss

Narrated by R.C. Bray

Infusion of Characterization Keeps the Interest

The capstone to a solid hard Science Fiction™ (HSF) trilogy. Stephen Moss clearly had the end in mind when the series began. The series ends nicely. Like most HSF the characters take a back seat to the juggernaut of ideas. Without giving anything away I can safely state that the book is strongly plotted and qualifies as a space opera. Now, perhaps giving up a few hints, the best part became the political intrigue. Among the alien invaders. There are two alien characters that become the main focus, even surpassing the humans for human interest in the story. Wanting to hear how the big encounter would play out kept my interest when my fascination with the gadgets was beginning to wane.

Again R.C. Bray delivers an always clear and easy to understand performance. 

FEAR THE SURVIVORS by Stephen Moss

Narrated by R.C. Bray

Alien Politics Provide Good Backstory

This second installment carries on the pace and tone set by Fear the Sky.  I most liked the complex plot full of intrigue. 

R.C. Bray is somewhat better than in the first book. His characterizations see, to my ear, to be more distinct and special for some of the major characters.