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The same flames that consume the chaff will purify the silver.

Unlike many of the people in their compound, Shane, Julianna, and Cole are still alive. However, their trial by fire is far from over.

The replacement currency has failed and America is crumbling from within. Roving gangs scour the country, preying on small towns which are too weak and unprepared to fend off their carnivorous attacks.

When one such band of ruffians shows up in Sylva, NC, Shane and Julianna will have to strike a decisive blow before they are subjugated into slavery.

A spark has found a bed of tinder. The inferno of chaos may never stop burning.

If they are successful in their campaign against the lawless criminal biker gang, the next challenge will be taking on the IMF’s special commission, which is tasked with selling off all of the country’s assets in what amounts to a national bankruptcy. Profiteers swoop in like vultures ready to harvest the still-beating heart of America. With carte-blanche privileges, the pillagers make their own laws, take what they want, and force US citizens to carry out the abominable work of draining America dry of all her resources.

Will this blaze of destruction thaw Julianna’s frigid heart?

No matter how hard he tries to push it out of his mind, Shane can’t stop wondering what it would be like to hold Julianna in his arms. She has warmed somewhat, but still keeps him at arms’ length. Yet, the more he allows himself to dream about the family which could be, the more distracted he becomes from the mission at hand. If he fails to keep Julianna, Cole, and himself alive, nothing else will matter anyway.

Don’t miss the heart-stopping conclusion to the Black Swan trilogy. Read Gehenna today!

As with all works by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2019

272 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Mark Goodwin

108 books413 followers
Mark Goodwin is a Christian author and host of the popular Prepper Recon Podcast which interviews patriots, preppers and economists to help people prepare for the uncertain times ahead. His previous fiction series, The Days of Noah spent several months at number one on the Amazon best-sellers list in multiple categories. His first series, The Economic Collapse Chronicles, also hit the Amazon best-sellers list in several categories.

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5 stars
257 (69%)
4 stars
81 (21%)
3 stars
28 (7%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
7 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2019
Epic Goodwin!!!

I couldn’t put this book down!!! I read it in one day! Mark Goodwin can’t write his books fast enough for me. This book was action packed from beginning to end. Loved all the characters and absolutely love Mark Goodwins books! ALL OF THEM!!!
40 reviews
April 10, 2020
Packed with action and suspense, but will good conquer evil?

Shane has continued to be the leader of the revolt against tyranny and the local corrupt government. When the U.N. arrives things get rough and and Shane's leadership starts sliding down the rocky slope. His group is outnumbered and caught off guard, which leads him to consider giving up and backing down. They've lost a lot of loved ones and have no hope. His group sadly follows his lead and submits to rules requiring them to work in labor camps. Suddenly, a little bit of hope and a questionable plan begins to change the possible outlook, but not without sacrifice.
295 reviews
December 11, 2019
Another Goodwin Winner

Excellent storyline with finely drawn characters. I love the cleanliness of Mr. Goodwin’s books. Refreshing that he conveys the full gamut of emotions without having to resort to trashy talk and blasphemy to do it. Very little if any errors which makes for a smooth reading experience. You will be glad that you read this series!
233 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2019
Another great apocalyptic tale

Another great apocalyptic tale by one of the best endtime authors! Mark Goodwin did it again, Book 3 in the Black Swan series was fast paced, realistic and believable. The stage set in this novel series could actually start on a similar downward spiral this month or next...
410 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2020
Another awesome novel by Mark Goodwin

To take out forces of evil who are trying to take over and to kill anyone who disagrees or doesn't want to participate in the killing, destroying of the country etc. An EMP makes just surviving day to day so hard and then having criminal and government officials trying to do this is terrible for all.
737 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2020
Great Series

Lots of negotiating for necessary equipment including man power, a lot of intestinal fortitude, many brave souls unable to fight again. Did they really win? Is it really over? Can they live in peace taking care of their own community? A happy ending, will it stay that way? Great job. Thank you.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
468 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2020
Another great book!

I don't know if I can survive in this environment. Decisions will be tough and it may be kill or be killed. And there is always evil to fill any gap. So much of this book is about survival after the fall of our country and the world's economic crash. No one will stand back and politely starve to death. Prepare and pray.
7 reviews
December 10, 2019
Another good read.

Overall the story line was pretty good, although it did at times feel like it was a bit rushed to wrap up some character paths. Looking forward to the next series!
237 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2019
Powerful series

Just finished the last book in this series and all I can say is wow! Believable action packed novel with many twists and turns. Just when you think all is lost, God proves He is there for the faithful.
144 reviews
December 16, 2019
Captivating!

This an scary portal into what our society has become. It’s a mind opening view with characters that you become invested in their journey. A must read and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
127 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2020
Great read, better then most books like this.

The book was so good I couldn't put it down. It's a real page-turner. They gave a lot of good tips and lessons learned that will stick with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Charlene.
680 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2020
Great

Another great book by Mark Goodwin. I love the characters in this series. I would recommend the complete series and all of Mark’s books. I’m listening to the complete box set on Audible.
184 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2021
The final.chapter of thrilling series

The story of Shane black continues and from.page one will have you.glued to.each preceding page. another brilliant story from a brilliant author
76 reviews
March 6, 2022
Love this author... Love his books...

And I thank God he shares The Word of God in his writings...so thank you Mark for helping me understand so much more than I did...God Bless You and I pray you continue sharing as you do...

Suzanne
99 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2022
Riveting action and intrigue

Fun read. Easy to identify with the main characters. Lots of action and intrigue. Story seemed very probable and that kind of realism adds to the excitement. I strongly recommend this story.
Profile Image for Bill Harper.
148 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2024
The last book of the series is as good as the first two. They are biblical based in looking towards the End of Times. He has other series that go into the Rapture and the tribulation. I will most likely get into the rest of his other series because they are very good. They even made me think about going back to church or at least reading the bible again. I highly recommend this series not for the biblical references but because they are thought provoking books. Great job Mark Goodwin
Profile Image for Lowell Moore.
188 reviews1 follower
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December 12, 2019
Be sure to read this series

Be sure to read all three of the books in this series. It relies a bit on Christianity. The story is well told.
Profile Image for Anna mccall.
16 reviews
March 30, 2020
Amazing

Love these books! I live in Sylva where these books are written about I live on Sutton branch.
I enjoy the books can't wait for the next one.
1 review
May 16, 2020
What a great set of books !!!!

This has become one of my best loved sets of pre trib books that I have ever read . I read all three in two days..

4,416 reviews28 followers
June 19, 2020
Gehenna review

Gehenna is the third post apocalyptic survival book after America's financial collapse in the Black Swan series written by author Mark Goodwin.
Profile Image for Amy Lea  Miller.
134 reviews
April 11, 2021
Great

Must read just keeps getting better and better. I’m hoping the next one is it so i can download it now
265 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2021
Excellent

I can't say enough for this series. Believable characters, admirable characters. I wish there were more books in the series. I want to know what continues.
Profile Image for Aaron Stewart.
53 reviews
January 7, 2022
I read Christian fiction for enjoyment and with hope. This last book in the Black Swann series accomplished both for me. Now I have to find the next Christian fiction book and hope for the same.
200 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2023
Good read

I truly enjoyed the characters in this series and loved the story line. It was easy to see how the financial crises could come about. Thnaks
2 reviews
September 5, 2023
Fast paced

Just like all Mark Goodwin's books. Plenty of action and no filth. Now I need to decide which series to read next!
4 reviews
December 18, 2025
A fun read!

These series provide a much needed alternative to the garbage the world offers! Every series is great for learning and entertainment!
Profile Image for Brandon.
556 reviews38 followers
January 10, 2020
Hell of a series. I was even a bit surprised to hear how far Mark took things in the story. I'm typically all for necessity, but, damn. At one point when they're debating who's head to cut off and throw off the roof to show the biker gang they're not playing around, even I was surprised. This part of the series was definitely my favorite. Between fighting the biker gang and the UN occupation unit, let alone the corrupt bureaucrats, it was entertaining for sure.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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