What do you think?
Rate this book
The Apocalypse #2
The World at War
NOT FOR SALE
507 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Pam Funke
26 books125 followersI am no longer an author. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Since I've been old enough to read, I've been devouring books. Besides writing, I also enjoy drawing, painting, scrap-booking, photography and cooking. I am a very creative person.
Since I've been old enough to read, I've been devouring books. Besides writing, I also enjoy drawing, painting, scrap-booking, photography and cooking. I am a very creative person.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 23, 2013
This novel is absolutely scary in its possibilities yet also enlightening in the same manner. Funke has taken the battle of good vs evil, of God vs Satan and put in in a modern day perspective with such realism that you can’t help but shudder at the consequences.
I noticed a marked change in the author’s writing style, as compared to the first novel in the series. Funke has a very clear and straightforward writing style that lays out everything for the audience’s perusal. This flows very well with the subject matter and storyline of the novel. The news articles that Funke works into the novel make everything seem all the more real. They also add a layer of clarity with respect to the things that occur both in the main storyline and behind the scenes. I also enjoy that the intertwining storylines are coming closer and closer together with this instalment. Although you could see the connections in the first novel of the series, with this one you can feel them.
Funke has created some extremely well developed characters. Those that were present in the first novel in the series become even further developed here and the new ones take on a life of their own, working their way into your heart and soul. As a reader you get to know the characters so well that you develop a real love/hate relationship with some of them. Through these remarkable characters Funke makes the weird and offbeat seem real and possible. It’s a thrilling ride.
Overall this is a very hard hitting story. It builds on the events of the first novel in the series and becomes even more superimposed on reality as we know it, so much so that even those without strong religious beliefs will enjoy this novel, and the series as a whole.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I noticed a marked change in the author’s writing style, as compared to the first novel in the series. Funke has a very clear and straightforward writing style that lays out everything for the audience’s perusal. This flows very well with the subject matter and storyline of the novel. The news articles that Funke works into the novel make everything seem all the more real. They also add a layer of clarity with respect to the things that occur both in the main storyline and behind the scenes. I also enjoy that the intertwining storylines are coming closer and closer together with this instalment. Although you could see the connections in the first novel of the series, with this one you can feel them.
Funke has created some extremely well developed characters. Those that were present in the first novel in the series become even further developed here and the new ones take on a life of their own, working their way into your heart and soul. As a reader you get to know the characters so well that you develop a real love/hate relationship with some of them. Through these remarkable characters Funke makes the weird and offbeat seem real and possible. It’s a thrilling ride.
Overall this is a very hard hitting story. It builds on the events of the first novel in the series and becomes even more superimposed on reality as we know it, so much so that even those without strong religious beliefs will enjoy this novel, and the series as a whole.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2013
Disclosure statement: I received a free PDF of this book for this review. I have tried to be as honest as I could be in this review.
Niclotaines, President of Italy, tricks many nations into thinking that their allies are attacking them. Since they are already afraid due to the previous missile attacks, they immediately retaliate. So, the world is at war. Insiders are working on starting a one world religion which blames Christians for the current chaos in their world.
This book was fast-paced and very exciting. Some salvation scenes felt a little too long. However, the scenes were necessary to slow the pace at times and remind the reader that God is in control even when evil seems to be all around us. The PDF version that I read had not received a final edit. So I will not evaluate the spelling and grammar like I usually do. As I stated in my review of the first book in the series, I enjoyed the evil character, Niclotaines, and the way the mystery man (probably an angel) the most. I also liked how she described the rapture. The glorious light was comforting to Christian but guilt inducing to non-Christians.
Niclotaines, President of Italy, tricks many nations into thinking that their allies are attacking them. Since they are already afraid due to the previous missile attacks, they immediately retaliate. So, the world is at war. Insiders are working on starting a one world religion which blames Christians for the current chaos in their world.
This book was fast-paced and very exciting. Some salvation scenes felt a little too long. However, the scenes were necessary to slow the pace at times and remind the reader that God is in control even when evil seems to be all around us. The PDF version that I read had not received a final edit. So I will not evaluate the spelling and grammar like I usually do. As I stated in my review of the first book in the series, I enjoyed the evil character, Niclotaines, and the way the mystery man (probably an angel) the most. I also liked how she described the rapture. The glorious light was comforting to Christian but guilt inducing to non-Christians.
August 14, 2013
What would happen if one man had the power to manipulate the world powers so they would go to war against one another? This book is a look at what could happen. Since it is a Christian novel, it is thought provoking. The reader may want to ask himself/herself what the family of god's response should be to this sort of thing. I had to give this book a five star review because it is well written. I felt like I was listening to newsreels during the first part of it
October 14, 2020
This book made it to number 8 on Amazon's Bestsellers List. Get your copy today to find out what all the hubbub's about.
http://amzn.to/12huD1f
http://amzn.to/12huD1f
September 3, 2013
The previous book in the Apocalypse Series, Operation Dark Angel ended with nation declaring war upon nation, the result of a plan set in motion by Nicolaitanes Balac, whose "miracle" birth started that book. This second book in the series picks up where the first left off, an international slug-fest with the drums of war beating loudly in the ears of the world. This book, as was the first, is a fictional retelling of the events prophesied in The Revelation of Jesus Christ, written nearly two thousand years ago by St John while exiled to the Greek island of Patmos. This is not the first book written along those lines, and since we do seem to be living in apocalyptic times it will likely not be the last, but unlike other attempts which focused on small stories within a larger framework, Pam Funke tackles the epic nature of the events head-on while at the same time weaving in the lives and concerns of ordinary people coping with extraordinary times. The result is an incredibly complex tale with a dizzying number of characters, but related in a linear fashion that makes it relatively easy for the reader, whether approaching the book as a cautionary tale of the near future, a source of inspiration in these tough times, or simply as an adventure story with a message.
Despite the linear nature of the narrative and the way it is approached as a literary process by the author, the book still manages to score very highly with me. Still, far too many sections (and there are a lot of them within chapters) start off with "Meanwhile..." or "Back at..." or "Meanwhile, back at..." Were we to take these intrusive phrases literally, everything would be happening at once, when that is clearly not the case. Also unsettling to the discriminating reader will be the incorrect use of ellipses...while they can be effective in indicating a pause, an omission, or a trail off to silence, they grate upon the sensibilities when composed of more than the three standard dots. These are of course technicalities, and will probably not affect many modern readers (who have had a much more laissez-faire education in grammar) but those raised with grammar books and editorial style guides will find them a distracting element.
Grammatical and stylistic quibbles aside, we are left with the story, and as Samuel Sidney McClure so rightly pointed out, "The story is the thing." So what about Pam Funke's story? It's based on The Revelation of Jesus Christ, so she is given something of a framework, but since the Biblical book can be (and is by so very many) interpreted in myriad ways, the story is her own, not St John's. There are many layers to her book -- the epic, the mundane, the masses, the individual, God and the Adversary. The story is both engrossing and engaging; though it is a very long book, the narrative flow makes the journey seem relatively short. As mentioned earlier, it will appeal to different sorts of readers whether looking for a "good read," a source of inspiration, some insight into the often baffling imagery of Revelation, or assurance that there is some sort of plan at work, even if we lack the necessary point of view to understand or appreciate it.
We all want to know the plan. We all want to know the hour. We all want to know when the thief will come in the night. Pam Funke's book will tell you none of those things, but if you believe that truly inspired fiction serves a purpose in life, then what you will obtain from this book (along with entertainment) is the sense that there is a plan, that the hour will strike, and that the thief will come in the night.
Despite the linear nature of the narrative and the way it is approached as a literary process by the author, the book still manages to score very highly with me. Still, far too many sections (and there are a lot of them within chapters) start off with "Meanwhile..." or "Back at..." or "Meanwhile, back at..." Were we to take these intrusive phrases literally, everything would be happening at once, when that is clearly not the case. Also unsettling to the discriminating reader will be the incorrect use of ellipses...while they can be effective in indicating a pause, an omission, or a trail off to silence, they grate upon the sensibilities when composed of more than the three standard dots. These are of course technicalities, and will probably not affect many modern readers (who have had a much more laissez-faire education in grammar) but those raised with grammar books and editorial style guides will find them a distracting element.
Grammatical and stylistic quibbles aside, we are left with the story, and as Samuel Sidney McClure so rightly pointed out, "The story is the thing." So what about Pam Funke's story? It's based on The Revelation of Jesus Christ, so she is given something of a framework, but since the Biblical book can be (and is by so very many) interpreted in myriad ways, the story is her own, not St John's. There are many layers to her book -- the epic, the mundane, the masses, the individual, God and the Adversary. The story is both engrossing and engaging; though it is a very long book, the narrative flow makes the journey seem relatively short. As mentioned earlier, it will appeal to different sorts of readers whether looking for a "good read," a source of inspiration, some insight into the often baffling imagery of Revelation, or assurance that there is some sort of plan at work, even if we lack the necessary point of view to understand or appreciate it.
We all want to know the plan. We all want to know the hour. We all want to know when the thief will come in the night. Pam Funke's book will tell you none of those things, but if you believe that truly inspired fiction serves a purpose in life, then what you will obtain from this book (along with entertainment) is the sense that there is a plan, that the hour will strike, and that the thief will come in the night.
March 1, 2014
Just like the first book in the Apocalypse series, Pam Funke, showcases what to expect in the last days of chaotic destruction as this world goes into a World War 3 in desolate mode. Therefore, this would give Nicolaintes a chance to show that he could save the world from such destruction that was caused by the man himself. Some went into the operation dark angel blindly but their sixth sense or intuition was telling them otherwise, yet some of them chose to ignore for their selfish greed. The book continues where it left off, with a little from the previous book so you have a clear idea what is going on this series...
Funke also displays throughout the novel, a time for repentance and redemption for your former sins or even not knowing the true God YHWH due to deceptive religious beliefs. She also unites the reader in different countries, different places, and different scenes of these characters with such revelation knowledge and customs that are unprecedented. (This reader is hooked, and also called to write an apocalyptic thriller series entitled "Miss the Mark").
However, this novel is longer in length than the first book in the series (nearly 200 pages more) and much more characters introduced which actually this time makes it harder for me to keep up with who is who, and can be a little confusing at times too. Because of the numerous characters jumping in and out of the chapters, even sometimes a few pages after reading a few, new ones are introduced or ones you haven't read for quite awhile, can lose the reader. The pace is intermediate, and writing is well-written yet you cannot connect to the characters because of so many to keep track of (could be developed better with less to keep track of). I told the author but she stated that these characters are all needed for the future series. Therefore, it took me months at a time to read this one (had to keep coming back days, weeks, or months later). She definitely can be classified like Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins, and others who write Christian Fiction with suspense/apocalyptic thrillers.
Nicolaitanes can be rather convincing or conniving to make matters seems like he is helping the nation when really he wants the nation to bow down to him and reign.
I received a complimentary Kindle version when it was available for free on Amazon (Oct 12, 2013) in exchange for a review (Willing to read Christian books Goodreads group, June 2013). I plan to continue to read the next installment in the series.
I wavered with a score for this one between a 3 to 4 stars, so will go with 3.5.
Adrienna Turner, author of "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More: www.dream4more.org
Funke also displays throughout the novel, a time for repentance and redemption for your former sins or even not knowing the true God YHWH due to deceptive religious beliefs. She also unites the reader in different countries, different places, and different scenes of these characters with such revelation knowledge and customs that are unprecedented. (This reader is hooked, and also called to write an apocalyptic thriller series entitled "Miss the Mark").
However, this novel is longer in length than the first book in the series (nearly 200 pages more) and much more characters introduced which actually this time makes it harder for me to keep up with who is who, and can be a little confusing at times too. Because of the numerous characters jumping in and out of the chapters, even sometimes a few pages after reading a few, new ones are introduced or ones you haven't read for quite awhile, can lose the reader. The pace is intermediate, and writing is well-written yet you cannot connect to the characters because of so many to keep track of (could be developed better with less to keep track of). I told the author but she stated that these characters are all needed for the future series. Therefore, it took me months at a time to read this one (had to keep coming back days, weeks, or months later). She definitely can be classified like Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins, and others who write Christian Fiction with suspense/apocalyptic thrillers.
Nicolaitanes can be rather convincing or conniving to make matters seems like he is helping the nation when really he wants the nation to bow down to him and reign.
I received a complimentary Kindle version when it was available for free on Amazon (Oct 12, 2013) in exchange for a review (Willing to read Christian books Goodreads group, June 2013). I plan to continue to read the next installment in the series.
I wavered with a score for this one between a 3 to 4 stars, so will go with 3.5.
Adrienna Turner, author of "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More: www.dream4more.org
July 24, 2014
Feb 11, 2013
I am reviewing this book as a swap for her reviewing my book. As this is the second book in a series, and I have not read the first book, I wonder if I will be able to do it justice.
I must say that the subject matter of this book meets the highest requirements IMHO for what Christian Fiction should be. I think there are two basic purposes for Christian Fiction:
1. To serve as a teaching mechanism - an allegory, by showing a truth through a concrete example. This is what Jesus Himself did through parables. Sometimes the story is quite simple, such as the Chronicles of Narnia, and sometimes the story is quite complex, controversial and can show us the fulfillment of prophecy. The author does not claim to be a prophet, however. This is not a "thus sayeth the Lord" which would by necessity be categorized as non-fiction; instead it is a fictional interpretation of prophecy based on the author's understanding of Scripture.
2. To remind us that this world is not our home and that we are called to a different way of life. Our mindset, our mentality, our actions and our reactions should be different than if we were not Christians. My book would fall into this second category of Christian Fiction.
After watching the book trailer videos for both this book and the previous book, I will give a tentative 3 stars for now, as I am sure it deserves at least that many, even without reading it. After I read it, I will come back and add more to this review, as well as reconsider the number of stars.
I am reviewing this book as a swap for her reviewing my book. As this is the second book in a series, and I have not read the first book, I wonder if I will be able to do it justice.
I must say that the subject matter of this book meets the highest requirements IMHO for what Christian Fiction should be. I think there are two basic purposes for Christian Fiction:
1. To serve as a teaching mechanism - an allegory, by showing a truth through a concrete example. This is what Jesus Himself did through parables. Sometimes the story is quite simple, such as the Chronicles of Narnia, and sometimes the story is quite complex, controversial and can show us the fulfillment of prophecy. The author does not claim to be a prophet, however. This is not a "thus sayeth the Lord" which would by necessity be categorized as non-fiction; instead it is a fictional interpretation of prophecy based on the author's understanding of Scripture.
2. To remind us that this world is not our home and that we are called to a different way of life. Our mindset, our mentality, our actions and our reactions should be different than if we were not Christians. My book would fall into this second category of Christian Fiction.
After watching the book trailer videos for both this book and the previous book, I will give a tentative 3 stars for now, as I am sure it deserves at least that many, even without reading it. After I read it, I will come back and add more to this review, as well as reconsider the number of stars.
October 1, 2013
I very much enjoyed The World at War. It's a wonderful read and managed to keep my attention until the end. The characters are complex and the way Pam Funke delivers the story makes you realize the world could certainly be headed towards this type of destruction. I hightly recommend this book. Pam Funke is a talented author.
April 16, 2014
Not as compelling as the first, however still gripping. I have a major gripe with the healing part. Only God can heal, that was the pharisees mistake, as they said Jesus heals by the power of the devil. Lying wonders is just that, lying wonders.
May 10, 2017
Love this book
Keep writing Pam
Keep writing Pam
March 3, 2017
Timely Read
This is like reading about current events, and it really makes you examine yourself. I was deeply moved and touched while reading, and I believe every Christian should read this series. We need to get the Word out to those not ready; plus, we need to prepare for what is to come.
This is like reading about current events, and it really makes you examine yourself. I was deeply moved and touched while reading, and I believe every Christian should read this series. We need to get the Word out to those not ready; plus, we need to prepare for what is to come.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews