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The Quickening
In the year 1058, an aged cloistered monk holds an ornate relic that when opened unleashes a plague. Bringing death and suffering to those not sealed by the Holy Spirit, the evil traces to Nahash, an accursed snake.
Nearly a thousand years later, two Oxford students investigate a recent and mysterious archaeological discovery–a golden box containing an unknown chemical element. When opened in 2026, a second terrible plague is unleashed and wreaks ghastly destruction.
Will those fighting for good discover any additional artifacts containing the demonic element?
In the interstice of the temporal with the eternal, what will prevail? The wickedness of Nahash or the will of the One who holds all in His hands?
Two timelines interweave and converge in a breath-taking finale. This Christian speculative fiction novel offers a fresh immersion into the ongoing battle pitting dark against light–the ultimate victory belonging to almighty God.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Revelation 12:11
Nearly a thousand years later, two Oxford students investigate a recent and mysterious archaeological discovery–a golden box containing an unknown chemical element. When opened in 2026, a second terrible plague is unleashed and wreaks ghastly destruction.
Will those fighting for good discover any additional artifacts containing the demonic element?
In the interstice of the temporal with the eternal, what will prevail? The wickedness of Nahash or the will of the One who holds all in His hands?
Two timelines interweave and converge in a breath-taking finale. This Christian speculative fiction novel offers a fresh immersion into the ongoing battle pitting dark against light–the ultimate victory belonging to almighty God.
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Revelation 12:11
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2023
15 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Sarah L. Frantz
3 books31 followersAward winning author of The Quickening, Overcomers Book 1
Gold Medal Illumination Book Award, Mystery/Thriller 2024
Selah Finalist, Speculative Fiction Genre 2024
Ash Island, Christian Devotional Novella November 2024 collaboration with Abigail Wallace and illustrated by Abigail See and awarded a 2025 Christlit Book Award
Gold Medal Illumination Book Award, Mystery/Thriller 2024
Selah Finalist, Speculative Fiction Genre 2024
Ash Island, Christian Devotional Novella November 2024 collaboration with Abigail Wallace and illustrated by Abigail See and awarded a 2025 Christlit Book Award
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 11, 2023
I stepped way outside my comfort zone to read The Quickening by Sarah L. Frantz, but in the process met one of my reading goals for the year—read something in a genre I don’t usually read. So for all of you fans of Christian speculative fiction or fantasy, this book is for you. It is so well written.
In this dual timeline novel, Frantz really put in the research on several fronts and it shows. With a lyrical touch to her prose, she tells a mind-blowing story of good vs. evil—of God Almighty and his people vs. Satan—the old serpent himself—and his dark kingdom of demons. Because of the vivid and sometimes too-creepy-for-my-taste descriptions of the evil one and his horde, I’ve got to admit it was too much for me at times. (Thus not five stars for my personal tastes but four stars for being so well-written.)
Again, for you fans of this genre, you will definitely want to add this one to your list. Well done, author Sarah Frantz. And thank you for using the Word of God so boldly and effectively in this work. Yes, well done!
In this dual timeline novel, Frantz really put in the research on several fronts and it shows. With a lyrical touch to her prose, she tells a mind-blowing story of good vs. evil—of God Almighty and his people vs. Satan—the old serpent himself—and his dark kingdom of demons. Because of the vivid and sometimes too-creepy-for-my-taste descriptions of the evil one and his horde, I’ve got to admit it was too much for me at times. (Thus not five stars for my personal tastes but four stars for being so well-written.)
Again, for you fans of this genre, you will definitely want to add this one to your list. Well done, author Sarah Frantz. And thank you for using the Word of God so boldly and effectively in this work. Yes, well done!
August 3, 2023
Fascinating and Riveting! Not my normal genre to read, but a few chapters in I was hooked. The double settings made it an extra interesting read. Seeing the spiritual side of life coinciding with the natural was a reminder that life is more than what we see. God does protect His children.
June 11, 2025
The book is really nice and great easily 5/5
June 21, 2023
This dual timeline story draws the reader into the culture and characters of an 11th century English Abbey and modern day Oxford academia that are alike in unexpected ways as the two storylines intertwine in the telling of this classic timeless good versus evil plot. The book captures the essence of Christian faith in a very real and relatable way. Spellbinding to the end
Currently reading
June 21, 2023Some amazing historical research went into this book! Really engrossing settings, past and present!
August 22, 2023
I just finished THE QUICKENING and I cannot stop asking “What if?”
What if you could see the spiritual world as clearly as you can see the physical world? What if you could see at the molecular level how the Holy Spirit protects his own? What if your cells are like “a quantum gate” that assimilate information from other dimensions? What if there is Lamb’s book with real names written in it? What if a trumpet's note could “seep into the tapestry of reality” and if one day evil will never again touch God’s children?
This split-time fantasy, prophecy, history, mystery was like none I’ve read before. High action and captivating plot drew me in from page one. The author’s familiarity with both biology, physics, and theology, as well as Old England and monastic life, was evident.
What if you could see the spiritual world as clearly as you can see the physical world? What if you could see at the molecular level how the Holy Spirit protects his own? What if your cells are like “a quantum gate” that assimilate information from other dimensions? What if there is Lamb’s book with real names written in it? What if a trumpet's note could “seep into the tapestry of reality” and if one day evil will never again touch God’s children?
This split-time fantasy, prophecy, history, mystery was like none I’ve read before. High action and captivating plot drew me in from page one. The author’s familiarity with both biology, physics, and theology, as well as Old England and monastic life, was evident.
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed the premise and the time split story. Pacing increased as the story progressed and I found it to have a satisfactory ending. That are some great details that meld faith and science that I found intriguing.
This is a plot driven story and written in an omniscient narrator point of view. Most of the time this did not bother me once the story got rolling along, but at times the head hopping got a tad overwhelming. However, this point did not stop me from reading to the end to see what happened. If you go into this story knowing this, it is far easier to digest if you are used to character driven stories and one point of view character per scene like I am.
This is a plot driven story and written in an omniscient narrator point of view. Most of the time this did not bother me once the story got rolling along, but at times the head hopping got a tad overwhelming. However, this point did not stop me from reading to the end to see what happened. If you go into this story knowing this, it is far easier to digest if you are used to character driven stories and one point of view character per scene like I am.
September 16, 2023
Intriguing. Fluctuating between medieval and modern England, the story shows the gruesome and glorious realities of the spiritual warfare all around us. I was intrigued by the author's blend of science, spirituality, and historical understanding. If you like Frank Perretti or Ted Dekker, this may be a great next read for you. I had to put it down several times because the postal of the evil that we know as Satan bothered me (as it should). But I'm glad I read it. It was a good reminder of the spiritual realities we tend to forget.
June 21, 2023
This dual timeline story draws the reader into the culture and characters of an 11th century English Abbey and modern day Oxford academia that are alike in unexpected ways as the two storylines intertwine in the telling of this classic timeless good versus evil plot. The book captures the essence of Christian faith in a very real and relatable way. Spellbinding to the end
June 27, 2023
I was drawn in from the get go. I enjoyed the history, science, and suspense of this story and its strong grounding in the truth of Scripture. Sarah Frantz so well depicts the spiritual battle which rages around each of us. Her well-developed characters strengthen my resolve to stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight. Applause for Book "The Quickening"! I look forward to Book 2!
July 9, 2023
This book is thought provoking both spiritually and intellectually, research is evident in every detail, and it's a good story!! It reads like CS Lewis which makes it a smidge outside of my wheelhouse however it has the whimsy and imagination of Madeline L'Engle and Ted Dekker (the rise of the mystics series) which kept me turning the page. Cannot wait for book two!!
September 2, 2023
I was excited to read this story and it did not disappoint. I'm grateful for the way Sarah has used God's power and majesty to showcase how believers are protected from evil. Too often we downplay the spiritual aspect of our faith. This is a wonderful story that illustrates the importance of God's protection and our faith in choosing Him and His amazing love that never fails to choose us. It's wrapped up in a thrilling two time period interlocking tale that has characters facing immense odds and overcoming them by God's power. It's personal and relative to our time since we've all experienced what it's like to be attacked with something unleashed on the world in the last few years. I love her descriptions and I love the setting of England. I love the shifting back and forth between times and I'm excited for what is next in store for this series.
July 12, 2023
This split time novel was definitely a page turner! I loved the suspense and action as well as the rich historical aspects. Not only was the plot well paced, but the spiritual aspect of the book was powerful. I was challenged and motivated by the strong devotion of the characters in the book to continue to grow in my prayer life and knowledge of the Bible. Some aspects of the book reminded me of science thrillers like The Red Zone while others were reminiscent of The Davinci Code. I haven't read anything like it before and I highly recommend it!
September 21, 2023
Sarah Frantz breathtakingly draws the reader into an edge-of-your-seat story of good versus evil. As Christians, we know there's a spiritual world we don't see, but this book portrays a depth most of us can't imagine. This unnerving truth leaves the believing reader acutely aware of the gift of salvation. Both thought-provoking and expertly crafted, two parallel timelines run throughout the speculative fiction and culminate in a fantastic ending, leaving the reader ready for the next book! I couldn't put it down!
January 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Speculative fiction is not my usual genre, but I was quickly drawn into the story. The author does a wonderful job of painting the English backdrop, and she weaves the two timelines seamlessly. It is a powerful, redemptive story that brings great glory to God and leaves the readers wanting to know what happens next. I definitely recommend it, especially if you are a fan of this genre.
January 6, 2025
Beautiful
I absolutely recommend this. The storytelling is a finely woven cloth of characters you love, characters who break your heart, action to carry you along and most of all, the timeless power of God.
I absolutely recommend this. The storytelling is a finely woven cloth of characters you love, characters who break your heart, action to carry you along and most of all, the timeless power of God.
June 26, 2023
I love the historical fiction aspect interwoven with science fiction. This is a great novel!
July 29, 2023
A lad from rural Oklahoma is irresistibly drawn to the ancient. Shane joins a team of researchers in Oxford, England, as their archaeologist. His curiosity and focused work ethic embroil him and his British cohort, Avery Wall, in a wild encounter with demons and a spiritual world he’d never dreamed actually existed.
The battle for power, life and man’s future begins when they crack open a small ceramic archaeological find. The MRI had declared it empty. It was not. “Time split open with a deafening hiss.”
As the story alternates from the perspective of demons to the action and thoughts of humans of different ages in time, it builds suspense and direction. Gradually, the reader and the characters change their purpose from simply defeating the demons to joining in the work of redemption, saving various people engulfed in darkness, before they descend to eternal torment.
It’s a lively Christian fantasy. I think the fragmented design of the text, along with lack of indented paragraph structure, kept me from genuinely investing in the characters and conflict.
The battle for power, life and man’s future begins when they crack open a small ceramic archaeological find. The MRI had declared it empty. It was not. “Time split open with a deafening hiss.”
As the story alternates from the perspective of demons to the action and thoughts of humans of different ages in time, it builds suspense and direction. Gradually, the reader and the characters change their purpose from simply defeating the demons to joining in the work of redemption, saving various people engulfed in darkness, before they descend to eternal torment.
It’s a lively Christian fantasy. I think the fragmented design of the text, along with lack of indented paragraph structure, kept me from genuinely investing in the characters and conflict.
July 7, 2023
A valiant first novel, Sarah L. Frantz’s “The Quickening” is as brightly illuminated as the medieval manuscripts that are integral to its plot. This unabashedly Christian book reads, thematically, like a blend of Frank Peretti, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle, so readers who love those authors will also enjoy this. Dramatic and imaginative, it is quite scary in places and breathtakingly beautiful in others. There is enough description to set the scene but not so much as to slow down the plot. Near the end I wished it would slow down a little, though, so I could enjoy it longer!
July 28, 2023
A complex and beautiful book! Sarah Frantz is a master weaver in this epic story with protagonists from multiple time zones. There is not a dull moment in this book! You will be immediately drawn in to her compelling storyline and characters. Highly recommend for a summer read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews