Begotten
Incarnate Series Book 2
Antony Barone KolencISBN 9798887091464
eISBN 9798887091471
ASIN B0GF92VCT7
This is the second volume in a new series from the masterful pen of Kolenc. I have read most of Tony’s books. All but one that is not available digitally. And I have read stories from 3 anthologies he has contributed to, and 5 stories he co-wrote. Everything I have read has been well worth the read. And I eagerly anticipated this volume for over a year, since finishing the first in the series. The description of the volume is:
“Summer, 2012. After five years on the run from perilous government assassins, Joshua Christiansen—the purported clone of Jesus Christ—has taken refuge in a monastery, but skeptical religious authorities still fear he may become the Biblical antichrist. Stalked by cultists who believe he’s a long-awaited prophet and struggling to control his growing psychic abilities, he and his best friend Rachel must cross the globe to uncover the true source of his creation.
Is he really the clone of Jesus, or is he part of a diabolical hoax foisted upon the world? Can he learn to control his formidable powers without turning into the very thing he dreads? Or is his destiny inevitable—to trigger the End of Days and the final battle between Evil and Good?
In this sequel to the groundbreaking thriller Incarnate, Joshua will face enemies both old and new, but the battle with the highest stakes still rages inside his own soul.”
About the author we are informed:
“Tony is the award-winning author of a gold-medal YA historical fiction series released by Loyola Press--"The Harwood Mysteries"--which takes place in 12th century England. You can learn more about him at www.antonykolenc.com.
Tony is a professor at Ave Maria School of Law in Florida. He also writes a legal column for homeschooling families in "Practical Homeschooling" Magazine, and he speaks at legal, writing, and home education events. His family has homeschooled their five children.
Tony retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. During his career, he has litigated both civil and criminal cases before trial and appellate courts. His professional writings have focused on matters of constitutional law and military policy. He previously taught at the University of North Texas and Florida Coastal School of Law, and he has also taught undergraduate courses at the Air Force Academy and Saint Leo University.”
When I read the first volume I could not put it down. That was the case again with this second in the series. I admit to staying up too late to finishing in one evening.
This story moves at a brisk pace, with travel across a back and forth between Europe and the states. Joshua’s previous cult shows up where he is in hiding, and the priest and monks hiding him are aware he has been exposed. There is a terrifying government agency still set on his recapture or death if need be. They have even unleased 2 other subjects in order to capture or kill him. A former pastor set on executing him to prevent the end times, is in prison and received a ‘word’ and some outside assistance.
The story again revolves around Joshua Christiansen he has spent 5 years hiding since the last story. Being taught and mentored. He still doubt s the truth about his origins but is also cautious enough to fear his powers. His best friend, Rachel, has graduated university and started her career, but her life is soon to be upended again.
This second book was terribly hard to put down, it was only work and family commitments pried it from my hands.
This is a very intense story, though in many ways not as intense as the first. This one is more of a slow burn mystery or thriller then the non-stop action of the first story. Written as a Young Adult novel but it could be ready by anyone who loves a good story. I said it in my last review and state it again, it reminds me of some of the Science Fiction I read many years ago, especially The Eye’s of Heisenberg by Frank Herbert and even Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land; but written with a very clear Christian or Catholic undertones. The way the story ends reminds me of Declan Finn’s many works. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here. This is a great story and in an excellent series. I can easily recommend it for mature teens, YA or anyone who love a great story.
A thrilling story in a series from the skilled pen of Kolenc!
Warning: This book is much better than a lot I read as a tween and teen. But there are some intense and sensitive items in this volume and some parents might object. We witness more than 1 murder. There is discussion of pornography, sex trafficking, including a scene in a brothel.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral
Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral
Harwood Short Stories:
The Lucy Mysteries:
…
…
Other Books:
Penny and the Stolen Chalice
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Contributed to:
.JPG)
