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Before the earth splinters into continents, before the first raindrops fall from the sky, only one family is destined for salvation. Denah is not among them by choice. Her husband is a disgrace, her sisters-in-law are cursed, and the family adheres to the rigid demands of an outdated God. Denah simply wants the life she deserves. She will follow her own forbidden path to fulfillment, encountering blackmail, jealousy, and betrayal along the way. What she deserves turns out to be far different than what she imagines, and she must face the tumultuous consequences of her decisions before the past and future of all mankind collide in the shadow of Noah's ark.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2012

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Rachel S. Neal

6 books27 followers

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5 stars
263 (52%)
4 stars
168 (33%)
3 stars
59 (11%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for wanderer.
463 reviews45 followers
October 9, 2012
The story line wasn't that outstanding, though I liked that this book was about married romance for a change. What I loved about this book was the details of the pre-flood world. I don't remember reading a book set in this time period and it fascinates me.

How civilized was Noah's generation? How did they live? What were cities like before the flood? What would a marriage celebration be like? Was creation a distant memory?

Noah and his family are ridiculed and scorned and his daughters-in-law deal with it in different ways. Methuselah still lives in this book, at going on one thousand-years-old. Renita, the servant, is a good woman, though scarred. Denah's little sister is an innocent. Noah and Carmi grew up like brothers. But every thought of man is only evil continually, the water is coming, and the Bible says only six souls were saved.

My favorite part involved the animals and how they came.

Of course, this is just one author's imaginings, but I thought she did a great job and made it an appealing setting.
Profile Image for Cindy .
708 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and wish I could read the rest of the series.

I finally got the whole series, so started reading from the beginning. I enjoyed it even more the second time around! The characters are well developed and seemed very real and true to life to me. I liked the way the author handled God too. It would have been easy to put words in His mouth, or pretend He did things He really didn't. After all, it's a fiction book. But she held true to scripture which I really appreciated. I also appreciate that although this is the first book in a series, it's not a cliffhanger. While you'll want to read the other books, it's only because you enjoyed this one so much and don't want the story to end.

First read April 6 - 9, 2018.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 46 books459 followers
January 21, 2019
I picked this up for free because there were a lot of positive reviews. I didn't think any book about Noah's day could come close to The Heavens Before While that book remains my favorite, this story was just as good in its one way. I have to give Neal a lot of credit because she did a fantastic job of not white-washing some hard topics (arrange marriage, pervasive immorality, violence, and idol worship) yet she wasn't overly graphic or make me feel dirty.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,885 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2020
I’ve had this book on my Kindle for over 3 years. I started it yesterday, read until after midnight, and finished this afternoon. I didn’t want to put it down! It’s a fictional story of Noah, his family and the building of the ark. There’s so much of it that resonates with the biblical story. It was an awesome read!
Profile Image for Brenda Poulos.
Author 13 books79 followers
April 15, 2018
The Ark, Noah, and Grace

Beautifully written. Exquisite. Tender. Heart pounding. This book tapped into all of the human emotions. It was a suspenseful page turner, inspiring this writer to push myself toward the literary excellence portrayed by Ms. Neal. An outstanding read.
Profile Image for Eve Culley.
Author 10 books5 followers
April 9, 2018
I found this book to be very interesting and can safely include ending of this story as it is one that almost everyone has heard before. However, the twist is that this is a fictionalized account of the lives of Noah and his family following the Bible story. The story begins before the flood with the procuring of materials for the building of the ark, the arrival of the animals God sent and ends with the family in the ark waiting for the waters to recede. At the end of the book is a thought-provoking Q&A on Noah, the animals and possible explanations of the events.

Blood of Adam includes the customs of the day, spice and perfume markets, selling of farmers produce, and the temple practices with the other gods worshipped by the people of Noah’s town. Also included is why Noah was compelled to preach, the huge undertaking and completion of building the ark, and of the probable attitude of the people toward Noah’s family along with the jeering and verbal insults of barrenness hurled at the women of Noah’ family by the townsfolk.
The people in the book are presented as humans who are following God’s plan with all the pitfalls that includes. Overall Ms. Neal has, in my humble opinion, done justice to Noah and his family. I would encourage you to read this book.
Profile Image for Cherei.
557 reviews66 followers
May 13, 2017
I absolutely fell in love with the story! Denah and the rest of Noah's family became so real. The author spent a great deal of time researching and introduces so many of her own ideas of how Noah and his family lived in the decades as they prepared the Ark to save the critters and son's of Adam's family. It's not a preachy book at all. It's a lovely love story filled with mystery! I highly recommend reading this novel! I'm so glad I stumbled upon it in my TBR pile. Hard to believe, I purchased it five years ago... and consumed it in two nights of continuous reading. I could not put the book down. It's WONDERFUL!! So inventive and creative.

NOTE: I also wrote a separate and different review on Authors on the Air.

https://www.facebook.com/BookReviewCr...
546 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it dealt with sin and forgiveness.
I also found the ideas on what life may have been like back then fascinating.
Of course, the sin nature of mankind has not changed, but the depiction of how evil it grew was well done.
A lot of lies, misunderstanding, betrayal, etc. but how with the true God, in the end to those few who believed, it all worked out for good.

I wish I could afford to read the next in the series. I certainly recommend this book.
Well written, kept my interest throughout.

I very much appreciated that it was a true Christian fiction novel. I have read some that claimed to be and there was almost no mention of God, no scripture etc. This novel however, had both and a great story as well.
I love this author.
I really like the way she depicted the animals coming to the ark in the end.
354 reviews
May 8, 2018
A wonderful story

This is a well written story about Noah and his children. Jepheth, his first born turned from God when he questioned his existence, so Noah made Shem his successor. There was a third son, Ham. Denah was given by her father as the bride of Jepheth, but she did not know if he would accept her. After there marriage she was not accepted by the women of the family and, because of this, her life, which was very different from how she grew up, was very hard for her. She wanted a child but none of the wives of Noah's children became pregnant. She decided to go to the temple of her people and became pregnant thereafter, but whose baby was it? She was banished from the home of Noah but did she make it back before the great flood? This is a wonderful story with many twists and turns which I know you will enjoy.
Profile Image for R.E.J. Burke.
Author 8 books1 follower
June 12, 2018
I ordered this book because it is set in antediluvian prehistory, and promised a good read. I was not disappointed. It started out like a romance, which is not what I usually read, but it hooked me quickly with the depth of characters, pacing, and fascinating setting. I expected I would read on and it would fizzle. It never did. Instead the tension grew, subplots tracked well with the main plot, and danger was multifaceted: emotional, physical, reputational, ethical, spiritual, and more. Given that it is a Christian novel dealing with a period which is not taught adequately in the Church (Genesis 6:1-4 and consequences) and little known by most of my Church friends, I was surprised to find the author shaped the plot around the biblical history very well. Christian young adults and older will likely find the story as captivating as I did.
Profile Image for Kathy.
143 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2018
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord

And because he believed, he and his family are saved from the great flood. Not as simple as it sounds. We know about Noah's son's, but what about his daughter s in law? Did they believe in the One God or was it Noah's faith that saved them? Neal writes from the perspective of Japheth's wife. We see her struggles with belief and with her relationships with her new family. Will she survive her difficulties to be able to survive the flood?
Profile Image for Kristine Morgan.
675 reviews61 followers
March 22, 2019
Blood of Adam is a fascinating story of what life may have been like in the Days of Noah. This book is about the relationship of Japheth and his wife. Ms. Neal has done a wonderful job of creating a story that remains true to the Biblical story but adds rich details as to what might have happened. I look forward to reading the rest of this trilogy. So grab a mug of mint tea and relax with a good story.
Profile Image for Amy.
165 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2016
An interesting take on the family of Noah and the world that surrounded them before the flooded, as well as an intruiging idea as to why the birth order of Shem of Japtheth changes. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews103 followers
January 3, 2019
2348 BC. Denah, had an arranged marriage to Japheth (Noah’s son).
The marriage happened nothing elaborate.
She said goodbye to Beth (step-sister).

Shem (1st born) married Eran, & Ham married Naomi.
Other family members are: Carmi (Noah’s brother), Beth (Carmi’s daughter), Noah (Carmi’s brother), Jael (Denah’s mother-in-law).
Lamech Noah’s father had died.
Fast forward the ark shown brightly in morning light.
Supplies for the 40-day voyage had been loaded.
Now to get the 1,318 animals, birds, etc. into their cages or stalls.

Adam & Eve had 33 son’s & 23 daughters before she died & was buried.
Noah & his sons oversaw the help who would till/plant the earth with food.
Timber cutting & wine making was also looked after.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction biblical book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great biblical movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; withallmyheART publishing; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
4 reviews
November 8, 2020
This book is absolutely fantastic. As a general rule I am often wary of biblical fiction, however, this series exceeded my highest expectations. The author has devoted an immense amount of work and research to writing Ancient History, and brings the characters of the well-known Bible story to life. In terms of the writing, it is all superb, and every moment is gripping. I want to encourage the author to continue writing superb novels such as this--my family and I are absolutely in love with her work! As a generally speedy reader, I was able to finish the book basically without stopping because of how good it was. And to everyone else, read this book and the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Tami Kennedy.
48 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2018
Poingnent

A very believable representation of what live may have been like during Noah’s preparation for the flood. The great mercy of God, is evident in the characters heart, as is their sinful human nature. This is a story that exposes the impotence of man, in the face of God’s Holy will for mankind. We have free will to choose to believe. Father God weaves the events of our lives to provide opportunities for us to see His great love for each of us. Will we choose the light of truth, or the blindness of pride?
286 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2022
An interesting view, especially of the wives of Noah's sons. Considering the condition of the world in which this judgement was executed it was fascinating to consider that the sons wives were actually redeemed from idolatrous families and circumstances. I very much enjoy biblical fiction and the "what if's." This was a new author for me and I will be on the look out for more of her works. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction and the possible thoughts and characters of some named and unnamed individuals.
Profile Image for Sharon Broaster.
148 reviews
April 8, 2018
Interesting

As a work of fiction this book is engaging. I am not sure if the fact it incorporates a biblical storyline is good or bad. The author has I believe followed the account in Genesis,and there are questions answered at the end to explain where her storyline came from.

All biblical portrayals in media have some creative licence,but it is important to know what the source says. I look forward to reading the 2nd book.
Profile Image for Debra Webster.
Author 16 books6 followers
July 22, 2018
I expected to struggle with a book in such an ancient setting. Instead I loved it. The characters captured me quickly. Ms. Neal put enough relationship difficulties in that needed solving and some that could never be solved. There we unexpected outcomes and historical accuracy. Much need to be fictionalized because the account in the scriptures is very short. This Ms. Neal did in an engaging way.
132 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2022
A good read

This was a good story about how the story of Noah could’ve happened. I wasn’t sure about the timeline in the beginning and I’ll do some research on it. The Q&A at the end was nice, however, the questions at the end of the answer section seem a little defensive of the authors behalf, it could be just me? But it did read as defensive for the first few ends of the questions. I do like how the author made all of the characters as flawed humans who found grace in God.
Profile Image for Reba.
239 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2018
Intriguing

This was my first book by Ms. Neal, and it won't be my last. I often wonder about the everyday lives of people in mentioned in the Bible...This book helps my imagination flow. Though not Biblically correct because we simply can't know with certainty, the author weaves an intriguing tale around the facts we do know.
Profile Image for Don Glass.
106 reviews
April 9, 2018
Sweet, warm and fuzzy!

A very sweet romance based around a true Biblical account. Rachel was entirely true to Scripture and added a substantial dose of human interest and romance.
Some historical details were slightly wrong, and a number of assumptions made were quite different to expectations, but not displeasing!'
A nice quick read!
4 reviews
April 11, 2018
Flood and forgiveness

I choose the rating of five stars on this book because I thought it ewas that good. There was so much to like it was wonderfully written. I can't wait to read the next two books. This author is a good story teller believable characters and I can imagine the attitude of the day. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read
160 reviews
February 27, 2022
Ironically, I just finished reading L’engle’s 4th book in the Wrinkle of Time series which levers off the Bible story of Noah. I’ve also been through a bible study about it beyond childhood Sunday School classes. Enjoyed the focus on family members beyond Noah. Enjoyable read that adds so much to depicting society in his era.
55 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2024
I just had to leave a review. This was a wonderful book, I read a lot of biblical historic fiction, and I had never heard of this book. It was recommended to me from a Facebook group, and I’m so glad it was!
I really didn’t know how I would feel about a story centering around the Flood and Noah, but this one really grabbed me from the first page.!
I’m excited to read the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Tgar.
40 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2018
So interesting the Blood of Adam.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Very entertaining and believable. So much we do on our on each day that gets in the way of Gods blessings. This is a great stay on the edge of your seat read.
1 review
April 21, 2018
Fantastic book! Definitely recommend!

Fantastic book. Definitely brings the characters and time period alive. Had me turning towards the Most High for grace while reading, and thanking Him for all my blessings. Thumbs up!
1 review
April 27, 2018
Interesting book.

Very well written and certainly holds your interest. I had a hard time putting the book down. Even though it is an age old story, the additions are very realistic.
7 reviews
June 12, 2018
Entertaining

I enjoyed the book. Been reading some non fiction books that I decided to give this a go to change a bit. One of those books that you want to read to find how it all end
17 reviews
June 12, 2018
The story was very interesting and memorable. I do not agree with the author that no matter what the Bible is infallible, however. Adam was not created 6,000 years ago. And it doesn't matter. Faith is alive despite that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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