Kindle Edition Amazon riseoftheantichrist Category:  Action/Thriller Publisher: Kindle ISBN-10:  8843210137 Type: Fiction Pages: 253 Copyright: Aug 8, 2022 ISBN-13: 9798846701748 Price: $3.99 (eBook) After the Rapture America and the rest of the world are working to recover. Meanwhile the 12th Imam is making his move to consolidate his power and take total control of the world. The Rapture has occurred, America is devastated and the Islamic Messiah, the 12th Imam, is moving quickly to establish his ultimate control over the world. Soon all will be in place according to the plans of the Antichrist. As America attempts to recover from the trio of a nuclear explosion in the nation’s capital, an EMP attack on the electrical grid, and the disappearance of millions of people across the globe, over in Iran the Islamic messiah known as the 12th Imam takes advantage of the ensuing chaos. To consolidate his power, he quickly divides all the nations into ten distinct districts ruled by the ten clerics who confirmed his identity as the Mahdi, the 12th direct descendant of Muhammed. With Islam now being the pre-eminent superpower by emerging virtually unscathed from the worldwide catastrophes due to having a relatively small number of Christians, the Mahdi flexes his power and goes about eliminating any and all factions that refuse to comply with his dictates. Back in the remnants of the United States, President Stevens is frantically attempting to reunite the nation as new members of Congress are seated to replace the entirety of American government lost in the Washington D.C. nuclear attack. As the nation descends into tribalism with states fiercely reclaiming their sovereignty, the president works to repair and restore the electrical grid while cleaning up the vast swathes of destruction that resulted from attacks on State capitols and innumerable vehicle crashes following their driver’s disappearances. The wreckage of the Pope’s plane has been located and the College of Cardinals moves to elect a new pontiff. The 12th Imam seizes on the opportunity to influence the selection process by playing on statements by previous popes suggesting the two religions worship the same God. Over in Israel construction of the new Temple is quickly moving along and Isaac and his sons are being installed as priests. The two witnesses are having an influence on the Jewish people, leading to the proliferation of a new sect of Messianic Jews who are beginning to spread the word of God around the world, much to the chagrin of the 12th Imam.           Excerpt “Oh ‘Enlightened One’,” cried Omar in a frightened voice as he burst into the Mahdi’s office. “What is it?” Demanded the Mahdi angrily at Omar’s interruption. “The news cast,” exclaimed Omar. “What about it?” replied the Mahdi curiously. “We have a huge problem in Jerusalem,” replied Omar reluctantly. “What kind of problem?” “The two strangers.” “What kind of problem could they possibly be,” said the Mahdi with a superior tone in his voice. “They’re dead and gone. They can no longer interfere with my plan.” “They are gone,” replied Omar with caution. “But, they’re not exactly dead.” “What are you babbling about, you fool,” snapped the Mahdi angrily. "I’ve seen their dead bodies on the television for the past few days. Of course their dead!” “No, sir, they’re not,” said Omar fearfully. “Spit it out Omar,” demanded the Mahdi. “What are you trying to tell me?” “I was watching the news on television,” replied Omar hesitantly. “And?” asked the Mahdi. “They were televising the celebrations going on about the death of the two strangers, when they suddenly stood up and began to rise into the air.” “They did what?” Said the Mahdi, suddenly confused and visibly shaken from the news. “They rose into the air and disappeared into the clouds,” said Omar. “What are we going to do? There’s no way to hide it. Everyone around the world was able to see everything because the media was covering it.” “What is the public’s reaction so far,” inquired the Mahdi with a sigh. “Most of the people are worried and scared,” replied Omar. “But,” said the Mahdi slowly. “The new followers of Jesus are celebrating,” answered Omar. “They say that they see this as a sign from God.” “This is bad,” said the Mahdi quietly. “Very bad.”

DMook
I finished reading your manuscript this morning. I think both Christians and non-Christians are interested in books about the rapture and tribulation. There are so many events, details and interpretations to consider. The cover is eye-catching and tells about the story before the book is opened. I read a little last night, but the majority of the book I read all together this morning. I found it to be fast paced, in that I wanted to keep going instead of reading it chapter by chapter. I do believe it stays on topic and leads from beginning to end without getting sidetracked. Some books confuse me by straying too far from the story and I have to back up and remind myself what is happening. That didn't happen with your story. I like fast paced stories that stay on track like that. There are many characters in the story. I like that it keeps returning to Pastor Glenn for Biblical explanation. He wasn't raptured, yet it's obvious he knows the truth. Some of the conversations between Pastor Glenn and Sam seemed more wordy than they needed to be. I think the same is true for Omar and Mahdi. The information from those conversations was important, but it felt more like an interview. An example would be a conversation between Pastor Glenn and Sam which used "what happened", "what happened then", "what next" to lead their interaction. I think you could probably rework a few of those parts to lessen the back-and-forth convo, but still include information that is important to the story. I had a hard time staying focused in Chapter 7 when the supplies and foods were stated. I found myself drifting from those paragraphs because there were so many items in each grouping. It felt a little like a list. The fact that those supplies were being provided by the people is important to know, so I wouldn't take it out. I would look for an opportunity to lessen the details while still getting the point across. I enjoyed reading your book today and honestly I wanted it to keep going! The ending was great. I could hear Mahdi speaking quietly. I guess your third book will pick up from that point. My opinion is that it did flow very well and maintained excitement throughout the story.