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Cradleland Chronicles #1
Flight to Eden
Civilization is advancing rapidly, the world population burgeoning. Satan has caused the fall of man and now wants complete control of earth. His chief problem is the annoying line of humans descended from Seth. They insist on honoring the Creator. His other problem is the prophecy spoken in the Garden of Eden. There's a Redeemer coming who has the power to "crush his head" and ultimately defeat him. Satan is determined to stop this from happening. Knowing the Redeemer must be born of a human to be truly both human and God, Satan initiates a grand scheme to pollute the human bloodline and prevent the prophesy from coming to pass! Based on Genesis 6, this story will inspire readers as it transports them to an ancient time in the development of Christ's lineage! Download the Readers' Guide.
512 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2004
41 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Hirt
56 books25 followersDouglas Hirt was born in Illinois, but heeding Horace Greeley's admonition to "Go west, young man", he headed to New Mexico at eighteen. Doug earned a Bachelor's degree from the College of Santa Fe and a Masters of Science degree from Eastern New Mexico University. During this time he spent several summers living in a tent in the desert near Carlsbad, New Mexico, conducting biological baseline surveys for the Department of Energy.
Doug drew heavily from this "desert life" when writing his first novel, DEVIL'S WIND. In 1991 Doug's novel, A PASSAGE OF SEASONS, won the Colorado Authors' League Top Hand Award. His 1998 book, BRANDISH, and 1999 DEADWOOD, were finalists for the SPUR award given by the Western Writers of America.
A short story writer, and the author of twenty-nine novels and one book of non fiction, Doug now makes his home in Colorado Springs with his wife Kathy and their two children, Rebecca and Derick. When not writing or traveling to research his novels, Doug enjoys collecting and restoring old English sports cars.
Douglas Hirt is a "fabricator of armchair adventures" who also writes as Jason Elder and Doug Hawkins.
Doug drew heavily from this "desert life" when writing his first novel, DEVIL'S WIND. In 1991 Doug's novel, A PASSAGE OF SEASONS, won the Colorado Authors' League Top Hand Award. His 1998 book, BRANDISH, and 1999 DEADWOOD, were finalists for the SPUR award given by the Western Writers of America.
A short story writer, and the author of twenty-nine novels and one book of non fiction, Doug now makes his home in Colorado Springs with his wife Kathy and their two children, Rebecca and Derick. When not writing or traveling to research his novels, Doug enjoys collecting and restoring old English sports cars.
Douglas Hirt is a "fabricator of armchair adventures" who also writes as Jason Elder and Doug Hawkins.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 26, 2012
I saw this book sitting in the store, read the description, then looked it up on goodreads and decided to give it a shot. At first I was kind of skeptical as it gave no prologue, background, timeframe, or anything. It jumped right in telling the story of a man named Rhone and him gathering spider webs in the forest. As much as I would like to divulge a complete play by play of this book, I'll spare the intense details and hope that the review encourages you to pick it up for yourself.
In short, I would classify this book as Biblical fiction. It takes place during the period described in the first few verses of Genesis 6 (pre-Flood). While there are certainly characters and locations named that are in the Bible (Nephilim, Eve, Eden, Euphrates, Seth, Cain, Abel, etc), it is an otherwise fictional account of the parents of a prominent Biblical character (given the reference above, you can figure out who, but I'll at least pretend I didn't tell anyone). The technology described is further advanced than what I picture for that time period. They have what are like hot air baloons propelled by condors and have very simple machines. In an interesting perspective that I've never heard before, the world is not completely fallen yet, stemming from what happened in Genesis 3, and some animals have yet to experience the affects of the Fall. This doesn't factor into the story greatly, but it's a unique aspect nonetheless. The basic plot is that this man Rhone must protect a small band of people across the known world to a safe haven (Eden). Exremely oversimplified, but I don't like giving away plot points. While the plot itself isn't terribly original, it's all the other supporting aspects that made me really like this book.
Some of the main pros for me personally (aside from it being Biblically based) is that it features several Nephilim whose names are derived from Greek gods. On is Herc, the son of Ulex, or Herc of Ulex (Hercules!) and the rest are similar in form. Pose of Doon gets cast into the sea by Satan and inhabits the Leviathan. While I would not call myself a Greek mythology buff, I find it very cool that he added that into the book. They serve an antagonistic role, and it made me speculate that perhaps people saw these giants and derived the Greek gods from their appearance. Pure speculation on my part derived from the author's perspective, but I suppose it's possible. Another pro is that he includes a bit of spiritual warfare. Not nearly the degree of Frank Peretti's Darkness books, but more of a Job 1 scenario or Screwtape Letters situation where it's simply discussion about humans and non-combative. Dinosaurs also make an appearance, as creatures called "mansnatchers" are referred to as winged reptiles.
I also loved the many different references to God. Creator, tyrant (from the demons' perspective), Gardener. In fact, I don't think that he is referred to as God once, even by His chosen race. There are a few dreams sequences of a cosmic level, where one of the main protagonists is in the heavens and observing our solar system. Not main points in the story, but hints of what's to come.
The book ended well, with a very temporary conclusion, but certainly not the end of the story. The immediate conflict gets resolved in what I think is a satisfactory manner, but you know that there's a much larger story to be told.
As far as cons go, there was one scene that I found rather far-fetched at first, but then thinking about it again, I realized that there was a simlar story in Scripture, also far-fetched and a stumbling block for many skeptics. So while I concede that this story happened as the Bible says it did, I found it a little out of scope of the book, like it was something you'd see in a movie that just seemed created as a fantastic escape. Other than that, I had no problems with the story, development, or characters.
Overall, this was a unique and fresh read for me, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
In short, I would classify this book as Biblical fiction. It takes place during the period described in the first few verses of Genesis 6 (pre-Flood). While there are certainly characters and locations named that are in the Bible (Nephilim, Eve, Eden, Euphrates, Seth, Cain, Abel, etc), it is an otherwise fictional account of the parents of a prominent Biblical character (given the reference above, you can figure out who, but I'll at least pretend I didn't tell anyone). The technology described is further advanced than what I picture for that time period. They have what are like hot air baloons propelled by condors and have very simple machines. In an interesting perspective that I've never heard before, the world is not completely fallen yet, stemming from what happened in Genesis 3, and some animals have yet to experience the affects of the Fall. This doesn't factor into the story greatly, but it's a unique aspect nonetheless. The basic plot is that this man Rhone must protect a small band of people across the known world to a safe haven (Eden). Exremely oversimplified, but I don't like giving away plot points. While the plot itself isn't terribly original, it's all the other supporting aspects that made me really like this book.
Some of the main pros for me personally (aside from it being Biblically based) is that it features several Nephilim whose names are derived from Greek gods. On is Herc, the son of Ulex, or Herc of Ulex (Hercules!) and the rest are similar in form. Pose of Doon gets cast into the sea by Satan and inhabits the Leviathan. While I would not call myself a Greek mythology buff, I find it very cool that he added that into the book. They serve an antagonistic role, and it made me speculate that perhaps people saw these giants and derived the Greek gods from their appearance. Pure speculation on my part derived from the author's perspective, but I suppose it's possible. Another pro is that he includes a bit of spiritual warfare. Not nearly the degree of Frank Peretti's Darkness books, but more of a Job 1 scenario or Screwtape Letters situation where it's simply discussion about humans and non-combative. Dinosaurs also make an appearance, as creatures called "mansnatchers" are referred to as winged reptiles.
I also loved the many different references to God. Creator, tyrant (from the demons' perspective), Gardener. In fact, I don't think that he is referred to as God once, even by His chosen race. There are a few dreams sequences of a cosmic level, where one of the main protagonists is in the heavens and observing our solar system. Not main points in the story, but hints of what's to come.
The book ended well, with a very temporary conclusion, but certainly not the end of the story. The immediate conflict gets resolved in what I think is a satisfactory manner, but you know that there's a much larger story to be told.
As far as cons go, there was one scene that I found rather far-fetched at first, but then thinking about it again, I realized that there was a simlar story in Scripture, also far-fetched and a stumbling block for many skeptics. So while I concede that this story happened as the Bible says it did, I found it a little out of scope of the book, like it was something you'd see in a movie that just seemed created as a fantastic escape. Other than that, I had no problems with the story, development, or characters.
Overall, this was a unique and fresh read for me, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
July 24, 2023
An enjoyable work of fiction based on the story of Noah and the flood that I learned about in Sunday School. The author created characters and actions to support the story we learned but the sub-plots are creative and obviously fiction.
August 29, 2023
It took nearly half the book before I was invested in the storyline and understood the cast of characters’ allegiances. From that point, it was a roller coaster ride.
A perfect blend of biblical fictionalization and fantasy, this story made me consider Genesis chapter six and what the world must have been like during those hundreds of years as men became more evil.
A perfect blend of biblical fictionalization and fantasy, this story made me consider Genesis chapter six and what the world must have been like during those hundreds of years as men became more evil.
September 15, 2008
What a neat premise: what if The Fall wasn't instantaneous, but Adam and his children slowly degenerated (as witnessed by their extraordinarily long lives between the Fall and the Flood)? And what would it have been like to live along side your grandparents back five or six generations?
May 25, 2009
Excellent book. The Biblical basis made me go back and re-read my Bible for more fact-finding on his ideas. I was shocked at how much I had "missed" in my readings of Genesis. Most interesting!
December 28, 2023
For me it was hard to get into the book.
I was attracted to the premise of the story, but, I felt the writing style was rough.
However, I appreciated the creativity and that a writer was bringing the first part of Genesis to life.
Reading through the Bible always had me curious about the pre flood world. While this book is fictional I have heard other theologians speak to the brilliance of the people of that time.
The narrator Michael Taylor while ok with main characters, was difficult to listen to when he portrayed the secondary characters in squeaky high voices.
Other than that, I enjoyed the read/listen.
I was attracted to the premise of the story, but, I felt the writing style was rough.
However, I appreciated the creativity and that a writer was bringing the first part of Genesis to life.
Reading through the Bible always had me curious about the pre flood world. While this book is fictional I have heard other theologians speak to the brilliance of the people of that time.
The narrator Michael Taylor while ok with main characters, was difficult to listen to when he portrayed the secondary characters in squeaky high voices.
Other than that, I enjoyed the read/listen.
December 7, 2017
A great Christian book. How Noah got born. It tells of the time before the flood. I enjoyed this book immensely. I will read the chronicles.
April 17, 2015
Evil fell to Earth to destroy all that the Creator had brought into existence. Nothing would stop this dark power from controlling the entire planet, nothing, or so thought the Prince of Darkness. He had not counted on a determined and steadfast line of humans: the descendants of Seth who would be a thorn in his side for the rest of his dark days of destruction. This is a compelling tale of the age from the Fall of Man to the Great Flood. The story of the birth of Noah and how the Evil One attempted to snuff out his life even before he was born. I believe Douglas Hirt has been given a prophetic look into what the world was like during those times. This is a fantastic book and will give you a new spin on how things might have been long ago before the Great Flood.
October 6, 2007
A "what if" novel set in pre-flood times, this story follows Noah's parents as they travel to visit Mother. The world is quickly disolving into chaos as evil tries to take over the world.
I know the author and first read it becuase I read all of his books- but I have to say, this one was very intriguing and got me hooked. I loved the way Doug wasn't afraid to explore how the world might have been before the Fall and in the years after as the world slipped farther and farther from perfection.
I highly recommend this for any fans of Lewis, Tolkien or any Christians who want to read well-written fiction!
I know the author and first read it becuase I read all of his books- but I have to say, this one was very intriguing and got me hooked. I loved the way Doug wasn't afraid to explore how the world might have been before the Fall and in the years after as the world slipped farther and farther from perfection.
I highly recommend this for any fans of Lewis, Tolkien or any Christians who want to read well-written fiction!
March 25, 2014
Once I got into the flow of the story and knowing the characters, I enjoyed the book. I was at the beginning of the story of man though after being sent out from the Garden of Eden by Creator God. Sin has opened up the world to evil. So the battle has begun. Their only hope is returning to the Creator's Garden. That journey and the battle that raged for man's heart to make a choice between Lucifer or Creator God certainly held my attention. I'm looking forward to starting book #2 "Quest for Atlan".
March 9, 2016
I couldn't put it down! It's an epic tale that takes place before Noah's birth. A LOT of action, sometimes a tad bit too much violence for me, but I loved the suspense. The societies are advanced well beyond so-called "cavemen" and dinosaurs roam the land. A fanciful and imaginative exploration of what the world might have been like before the Flood. While nothing quite contradicts Scripture directly, there are a few elements that I found highly unlikely - but it was a wonderful tale nonetheless! Highly recommended.
July 19, 2011
This book had an interesting idea looking at what life must've been like for people in the Old Testament who lived live to be nearly 1000. The book was interesting though seems very historical Christian fiction to me more than I would've expected from Old Testament book. The reader and the audio book version I listen to was atrocious. Overall it was a reasonably interesting read though I don't think I'll continue on with the series.
October 28, 2015
I am only giving this four stars because the narrator was awful (I listened to the audiobook) other wise this would be a five star read... Christian fiction can be hokey and/or beat you over the head with A MESSAGE (although I did roll my eyes twice at some anachronisticly modern right wing stuff thrown in there) . While obviously its a story about a little known view of human history after The Fall, Christian themes didn't over shadow what was just a plan old good adventure story.
August 20, 2014
The kind of book that was a bit more difficult to get into, but in the end you were hit with such drama and action that when you were done you were fooled into thinking it was a great book. I think it's just because the beginning is all character and plot developement... Onto the second book though, so obviously this book was good enough to leave me wanting more.
April 20, 2009
Good book. I loved the premise. I had a hard time in the first few chapters because I felt some things were not laid out clearly enough. However, the book held my attention and I hope to read the other two in the series.
June 30, 2011
One of my heart's desires is to return to Eden where there is perfect communion with Elohim, my creator. This book is a work of fiction fantasy, what it may have been like and the age old battle of defeating the deceiver.
August 4, 2011
Absolutely LOVED this book. My only regret is that it took me two years to pick it up. (Sorry Ken). Fabulous telling of what pre-flood earth might have been like. Loved it. Don't know if I'll give it back. :P
April 18, 2022
This book was very-well written. The pacing was complimented by an engaging, yet predictable plot. Still, overall, the story was well developed, vast in scope, yet personal in its approach. I highly recommend this read.
January 14, 2015
Was given this book to read and asked for an opinion once I started reading this book I could not put it down.I could not wait to get the other two in the series all I can say is awesom series.Highly recommend the series
April 16, 2015
Hard to get into book but then BOOM!! Pulls you right in and at the end you find your self frantic to get a hold of the next one. Make sure you have the second book at hand if you start this book. You will thank me later.
August 21, 2015
Great story
I liked this book a lot. It had "good" trying to stay out of evil's way. Plenty of action and fantastic creatures. It also had romance without being "dirty". I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good read.
I liked this book a lot. It had "good" trying to stay out of evil's way. Plenty of action and fantastic creatures. It also had romance without being "dirty". I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good read.
January 11, 2016
Thought-provoking and imaginative reading. The author obviously has a background in antediluvian times, and expands the imagination of the reader by the possible imagery and dialogue of times and technological development.
July 23, 2007
Great book written from the perspective of time before the birth of Noah and the flood. Very interesting observations about the interactions of man and nature after the Fall.
Read
July 21, 2008great story
January 19, 2012
Very fun read. If you like dystopian, apocalyptic, or preflood history...this fits the bill.
July 26, 2016
Highly fictionalized (but exciting) account of the flood. The demon-hybrids were especially strange.
May 25, 2014
Awesome series
August 21, 2014
Just couldn't do it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews