What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lightning Chronicles #1
Distant Thunder
The prophet Ezekiel was never taken seriously when he predicted the destruction of Israel's enemies, but unfortunately for them, he was right. The truth of Ezekiel's words will soon be felt by the entire modern world, and it seems chaos will reign supreme. In the midst of the ensuing mayhem, Pastor Ty Dempsey arises as the man who is able to connect the dots of modern day occurrences with the prophecies of the ancient scriptures. Meanwhile, Israeli F-16 "Lightning" pilot Moshe Eldan begins to discover the truth of those same prophecies in his daily dealing with terrorists. Dempsey and Eldan will learn that they are part of a bigger plan. However, they are not alone. This thriller provides an answer to an age-old What would happen if the entire world turned on Israel? This story provides the first installment of a fast-paced, electrifying read called The Lightning Chronicles. It is filled with all the action and adventure that usually accompanies the last day events of the prophesied end of the world. "In Distant Thunder, Jimmy Root Jr. brings to life a story as relevant as tomorrow's newspaper, built on a foundation as ancient as a 2,500 year old prophecy. This fast-paced narrative brings the reader into a world of human intrigue and spiritual revelation." Robert Whitlow NY Times Bestselling Author of Deeper Water "Zip up your G suit and strap in tight! This is a prophetic thriller I could not put down." Randy Reed USAF (Ret) F-15 Eagle Pilot Distant Thunder is "a well-written chilling yarn that will make you eager to stick around and enjoy the read!" Norm Goldman BookPleasures.com
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 21, 2009
I think the premise of this story is fascinating: the exploration of ancient prophecies coming to pass in our modern day. The story alternates between Pastor Ty Dempsey in America and Captain Moshe Eldan in Israel and terrorists in Syria and America. Each has his mission, each believes that his cause and what he fights for is right and true.
As Ty follows his heart and his belief that God is prompting him to prepare His people for the fulfillment of prophecy, he clashes with some of the church deacons. There are some interesting discussions about whether the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments are to be taken literally or figuratively. The author has done his research, biblically as well as historically.
As Moshe listens to his wife speak of her new found Christian faith, he begins to see connections between his modern-day experiences with terrorists and the prophecies of old. Both men begin to realize that they are part of a greater plan than anyone realizes.
I don't have an extensive understanding of Middle Eastern history, nor a great understanding of the military, so it took me some time to get into the book and keep track of who was who and where. There is a lot of action and quite a bit of dialogue, with some interesting conclusions drawn.
I think that Jimmy Root has a talent for storytelling. I also think that the book needs a really good editor. Little errors here and there can add up and distract from an otherwise compelling story. For example, a woman wears high heels not high heals. My biggest editing issue? I love references to Pride and Prejudice, but when you're quoting a character who is one of the most beloved and well known in literature, get his name right. It's Mr. Darcy, not Mr. Darby. While probably a simple, overlooked spelling error, nevertheless, it's an unacceptable miss from an editor.
An interesting and compelling story, it's also thought-provoking and can make you take a good, hard look at your own life and where you stand in your personal faith. Part of The Lightening Chronicles series, I do look forward to the next books and finding out how the stories of Ty and Moshe play out.
As Ty follows his heart and his belief that God is prompting him to prepare His people for the fulfillment of prophecy, he clashes with some of the church deacons. There are some interesting discussions about whether the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments are to be taken literally or figuratively. The author has done his research, biblically as well as historically.
As Moshe listens to his wife speak of her new found Christian faith, he begins to see connections between his modern-day experiences with terrorists and the prophecies of old. Both men begin to realize that they are part of a greater plan than anyone realizes.
I don't have an extensive understanding of Middle Eastern history, nor a great understanding of the military, so it took me some time to get into the book and keep track of who was who and where. There is a lot of action and quite a bit of dialogue, with some interesting conclusions drawn.
I think that Jimmy Root has a talent for storytelling. I also think that the book needs a really good editor. Little errors here and there can add up and distract from an otherwise compelling story. For example, a woman wears high heels not high heals. My biggest editing issue? I love references to Pride and Prejudice, but when you're quoting a character who is one of the most beloved and well known in literature, get his name right. It's Mr. Darcy, not Mr. Darby. While probably a simple, overlooked spelling error, nevertheless, it's an unacceptable miss from an editor.
An interesting and compelling story, it's also thought-provoking and can make you take a good, hard look at your own life and where you stand in your personal faith. Part of The Lightening Chronicles series, I do look forward to the next books and finding out how the stories of Ty and Moshe play out.
September 7, 2009
As a Christian I love a book that is fiction, yet based on the Bible and current events. As much as I loved reading the Left Behind Series, Jimmy Root's book Distant Thunder topped those. I am anxiously waiting to read the second book "A Gathering Storm". I enjoyed this book for many reasons. It starts out with the prophet Ezekiel being strongly nudged by God to go to those who think he is already insane and pass along God's word. I thought to myself that I don't know if I would have his courage and stamina to do what he did. It showed his human side. His feelings about not wanting to appear insane yet his willingness to do God's bidding. From the set up of Ezekiel, which is the background context for this book we are taken to modern day. We view the lives of three very different factions. First there is Ty, the preacher in Missouri who has more or less gone along with the status quo when preaching feel good messages. When his brother is killed in battle God starts dealing with him. His preaching is beginning to step on some toes. We see the way God works in his life when he brings the woman he has prepared for him into his life. She is his prayer warrior during the troubling times ahead. We enter the life of Moshe Eldan a military man in Israel. His wife has become a believer. I think one thing I really enjoyed about his character was the fact that it was made clear that he had not enveloped his own Jewish beliefs which left him open to his wife's example. The story didn't end with this wonderful and explosive conversion that we read about in so many books. It was real to life. His struggles physically, emotionally and spiritually left you wanting to read more. Finally we enter the life of men like Hamid, Yaed, and the cab driver who consider all American's, Jews and anyone else who are not followers of Islam to be infidels. We are brought along on their journey to meet Allah by carrying out what they believe they were born to carry out.
This book held my attention from the first page. Especially since I was able to see so many correlations between what is happening in our own lives with what was being told in the book and backed up by scripture. It was a powerful book. It in no way put down anyone of any religious beliefs. It brought out their beliefs and how they came to those beliefs. I was very impressed. However, as a Christian and an American I believe we need to stand up for our own rights and stop letting them be trampled on. I felt this book motivated me to take a look at my own life, including my prayer life and ask myself some very important questions. I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends
This book held my attention from the first page. Especially since I was able to see so many correlations between what is happening in our own lives with what was being told in the book and backed up by scripture. It was a powerful book. It in no way put down anyone of any religious beliefs. It brought out their beliefs and how they came to those beliefs. I was very impressed. However, as a Christian and an American I believe we need to stand up for our own rights and stop letting them be trampled on. I felt this book motivated me to take a look at my own life, including my prayer life and ask myself some very important questions. I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends
September 22, 2009
Just a caveat before starting: The author's views do not match mine on Biblical prophecy. However, I am a fan of any book that gets people to search the Bible and analyze how current events fit into prophetic timelines, particularly when such searching prompts a new or renewed commitment to Christ. I found it interesting that this book uses Ezekiel's writings rather than the more popular Daniel and Revelation when it comes to current prophetical applications. I also appreciate the Christian elements in this book when it comes to relationships and changed hearts.
That being said, I'll be reviewing this book more from an entertainment perspective than from a doctrinal perspective.
Overview
While a spiritual awaking is happening in the US, events in Israel set the stage for nuclear holocaust. Pastor Ty Dempsey challenges his congregation to take Biblical prophecy seriously, much to the consternation and anger of some of his main church leaders. On the other side of the globe, Israeli pilot Moshe Eldan starts to connect the dots of Biblical prophecy and experiences a loving, saving God for the first time.
The Author
"Jimmy Root Jr. is the Lead Pastor of Family Worship Center of Smithville, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. He is a student of Biblical Prophecy and an avid supporter of Israel. His writing is designed to awaken a sleeping American and a lethargic church to the probabilities of renewed terror and prophetic fulfillment."
My Review
In addition to the two main characters, the author does a great character development of a number of people elemental to the story, even getting into the mind of a suicide bomber.
He also does a fabulous job jumping back and forth across the globe (not to mention the centuries) throughout the book, keeping my interest engaged as parallel stories emerge.
Fast-pasted and driving, this book has the elements of a good thriller, including the realization that the book's events are not all that far-fetched given the timeline of recent events that have already occurred.
The climatic ending definitely sets the stage for another book - it's one of those that leaves you a little disappointed that you can't read the next happenings right away...
For more information on this first book of The Lightning Chronicles series by Jimmy Root Jr., see The Lightning Chronicles website.
Thanks to author Jimmy Root Jr. and Pump Up Your Book Promotion for the review copy of this book.
That being said, I'll be reviewing this book more from an entertainment perspective than from a doctrinal perspective.
Overview
While a spiritual awaking is happening in the US, events in Israel set the stage for nuclear holocaust. Pastor Ty Dempsey challenges his congregation to take Biblical prophecy seriously, much to the consternation and anger of some of his main church leaders. On the other side of the globe, Israeli pilot Moshe Eldan starts to connect the dots of Biblical prophecy and experiences a loving, saving God for the first time.
The Author
"Jimmy Root Jr. is the Lead Pastor of Family Worship Center of Smithville, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. He is a student of Biblical Prophecy and an avid supporter of Israel. His writing is designed to awaken a sleeping American and a lethargic church to the probabilities of renewed terror and prophetic fulfillment."
My Review
In addition to the two main characters, the author does a great character development of a number of people elemental to the story, even getting into the mind of a suicide bomber.
He also does a fabulous job jumping back and forth across the globe (not to mention the centuries) throughout the book, keeping my interest engaged as parallel stories emerge.
Fast-pasted and driving, this book has the elements of a good thriller, including the realization that the book's events are not all that far-fetched given the timeline of recent events that have already occurred.
The climatic ending definitely sets the stage for another book - it's one of those that leaves you a little disappointed that you can't read the next happenings right away...
For more information on this first book of The Lightning Chronicles series by Jimmy Root Jr., see The Lightning Chronicles website.
Thanks to author Jimmy Root Jr. and Pump Up Your Book Promotion for the review copy of this book.
September 19, 2009
Distant Thunder: Book One of the Lightning Chronicles
is an adventurous , intriguing and mysterious story. Even if your not a Christian lit . fan this book will keep you entertained!
For guys, it has plenty of air fighting action. I like how the author describes Moshe flying his jet . Moshe's jet is an F-161 Barak Lightening : " He reacquired his tactical display by looking at the panel just above his left knee. He immediately saw that the Jordanian planes were climbing towards the north. As their altitude allowed his radar to paint them more clearly, he was able to see that each triangle represented a formation of four"....
Captain Moshe Eldan is a Jewish F161 Pilot. Not a religious man until his wife attends an Ezekiel Conference and learns about the ancient prophecies of Ezekiel.
As his wife tells him what he learns, Moshe is somewhat fascinated.
God is impressing upon Ty, a Pastor of a small town church, to prepare His people for the the future. Ty gives a stunning, powerful sermon and it has ruffled some feathers! Ty is being approached by the deacons about his sermon, they want it stopped! But the Spirit is not letting him, he must continue to do Gods word.
Yaed is looking forward to his reward from Allah. The plan is in motion and Yaed will be carrying it out.......
I don't want to say to much more or I'll be spoiling it for you! An action packed story with a deep meaning , a highly recommend reading!
is an adventurous , intriguing and mysterious story. Even if your not a Christian lit . fan this book will keep you entertained!
For guys, it has plenty of air fighting action. I like how the author describes Moshe flying his jet . Moshe's jet is an F-161 Barak Lightening : " He reacquired his tactical display by looking at the panel just above his left knee. He immediately saw that the Jordanian planes were climbing towards the north. As their altitude allowed his radar to paint them more clearly, he was able to see that each triangle represented a formation of four"....
Captain Moshe Eldan is a Jewish F161 Pilot. Not a religious man until his wife attends an Ezekiel Conference and learns about the ancient prophecies of Ezekiel.
As his wife tells him what he learns, Moshe is somewhat fascinated.
God is impressing upon Ty, a Pastor of a small town church, to prepare His people for the the future. Ty gives a stunning, powerful sermon and it has ruffled some feathers! Ty is being approached by the deacons about his sermon, they want it stopped! But the Spirit is not letting him, he must continue to do Gods word.
Yaed is looking forward to his reward from Allah. The plan is in motion and Yaed will be carrying it out.......
I don't want to say to much more or I'll be spoiling it for you! An action packed story with a deep meaning , a highly recommend reading!
September 26, 2009
It is always interesting to read books that compare prophecy of the Bible with current events. I liked the layout of the book with the change of locations, and I especially like the characters of Moshe and Tasha. I would have had liked more development of the complex conversion from Judaism to Christianity by these characters. The relationship between the husband and wife was touching.
Unfortunately, there were several things that were distracting to me. I knew right away that the book was written by a pastor because of the storyline of the challenging church member and the poor attacked pastor who can do no wrong. It is one that shows up in many fiction books written by pastors. Also distracting are a few scenes of emotionalism that are exhibited in the Charismatic movement.
Aside from these things, Distant Thunder is still well-written story and a good start to a series of prophecy thrillers. With the changes in our world today and the constant threat of terrorism, we can not ignore the comparisons.
Unfortunately, there were several things that were distracting to me. I knew right away that the book was written by a pastor because of the storyline of the challenging church member and the poor attacked pastor who can do no wrong. It is one that shows up in many fiction books written by pastors. Also distracting are a few scenes of emotionalism that are exhibited in the Charismatic movement.
Aside from these things, Distant Thunder is still well-written story and a good start to a series of prophecy thrillers. With the changes in our world today and the constant threat of terrorism, we can not ignore the comparisons.
September 14, 2009
Read this Book!!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews