Babel: The Story of the Tower and the Rebellion of Man by Brennan S. McPherson

Babel: The Story of the Tower and the Rebellion of Man Reviews

• 
  Hallie (Hallie Reads)

  Brennan S. McPherson’s Babel recounts the biblical story of the Tower of Babel with patriarch Noah at the center of all the drama. He expounds on the Genesis narrative through a combination of research and imagination, telling a story deeply rooted in both faith and family, as Noah confronts his failures as a father and leader in the post-flood society. The characters that surround him, too, shine light on the complexities of navigating that world and its rampant evils. All in all, it proves an epic way of bringing the familiar to life with a fresh perspective.
  
  Now, I enjoyed reading Babel—and it certainly made me think—but I also did not feel wholly engaged while doing so (I still can’t figure out why!). Still, fans of biblical fiction could easily appreciate this Old-Testament retelling, so make sure to check it out, if it piques your interest.
  
  This review is also posted on
  Hallie Reads.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
• 
  Sarah

  As much as I love Biblical fiction, it is one of those controversial genres that are difficult to write well. There is a delicate balance between expounding upon the events and people of the Bible on the one hand and overstepping by trying to add to the Scriptures on the other. When done competently, Biblical fiction will always draw the reader back to God’s Word, and there will be a clear delineation between fact and creative license. To me, this genre sheds light on the lifestyles and customs of the Biblical era and hopefully offers perspective to aid in demonstrating that the Word is still relevant today and will always remain so. Therefore my expectations are high, and there are only a few authors whose work in this genre I trust. Brennan McPherson just may be another author to add to my list!
  
  “Babel: The Story of the Tower and the Rebellion of Man” surpassed my hopes for an informative and
  genuine novel about this watershed Biblical event. McPherson writes a riveting story that considers what Noah’s life may have been like over a century after the flood and during the construction of the Tower of Babel. The passage of time is one of the first details that I noticed, with 170 years separating parts one and two of this book. Likewise, throughout the narrative, Noah reflects on past events and how quickly time has gone, even hundreds of years’ worth. This reminded me of how today we feel the same way, and also that “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8). As Noah’s fictionalized story in this book demonstrates, we need to make the most of each day by living for the Lord, loving others and proclaiming His love and care.
  
  McPherson’s concept for the Fall of Man series, which can be read as standalones, is to explore the failures of the patriarchs. Admittedly, that sounds a bit strange at first, but the more I read, the more I understood his focus. While esteeming the fathers of the faith, it is also crucial to remember that they were just as human as the rest of us, and they made mistakes, but God used them in spite of that. He uses us in our imperfection, too! Our weaknesses are where God’s strength is made manifest. He will not forsake us: “The Almighty had always been faithful to him. Even when Noah had been unfaithful.” In “Babel”, there are several different points of view, but the main emphasis remains on Noah as “the father of all living people" and his fallibility. He feels guilty for abandoning his sons and living an isolated life after his wife’s death, lamenting, “What had happened to his family? Noah’s family’s story was not supposed to be that of Adam’s. For that first family had been built of dust, while Noah’s family had been washed in the floodwaters. The world was supposed to begin anew with them. But now, Noah’s family had become just like Adam’s. Nothing more than a pile of fractured dust.” Looking at Noah’s story through a post-Resurrection lens, we see clearly why Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary. Once sin marred the world through our first parents, Adam and Eve, its stain has spread to every one of us, able to be wiped clean only by the blood of Jesus. This drives home the difference between the Old and New Covenants, and reminds us that we can talk to God freely and hear from Him in His Word, secure in the knowledge that He is with us.
  
  For Noah, however, the case was different, and this increases the heartache of his story as told in “Babel”. Although there are humorous moments, the predominant themes include failure, obedience to God, forgiveness, and retribution. As Noah explains to Aran, “The Word of the Almighty doesn’t bring suffering. It heralds the suffering purchased by our mistakes.” The consequences of Noah’s passivity include the Tower’s construction and the rampant evil of the Light Bringer (Lucifer), which put me in mind of what we see happening in the world today: “They believe in the vision of total unification, over and above the Almighty’s vision for repentance.” God cannot and will not ever be defeated, and as Noah’s story illustrates, we too will be victorious if we cling to Him.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Vincent Dores Tagupa

  Satisfyingly Awesome!
  
  "Babel" is one of the best Biblical fiction novels that I have read so far. Though I know much of the novel is not really mentioned in the Bible, I am just glad knowing that it is creatively based on the Holy Book. I love the way brother Brennan writes. Characters in his novels are gradually and beautifully built up. Biblical themes are always present and the endings are satisfyingly glorious, giving glory to our Creator. It is also a relief that he only builds up his imagination solely on the Bible, not adding the extra-biblical ones, which is what others have been doing.
  
  By the way, I have now read all of the "Fall of Man Series". I cannot wait for the sequels after "Babel". I think Abraham's story is next, am I right? Please let me know.
  
  Godbless you brother Brennan! Keep on writing!
• 
  MJSH

  “Trust the Almighty. Give him your heart. Surrender to his will. Obey his word. Love him more than you hate your father. Choose him over your desire for Zillah. Believe he is greater than your sin. He has chosen you to receive his grace. I am more convinced of this than of anything.”
  
  This is the first book by Brennan McPherson I have read and it’s definitely an epic tale of God’s all-encompassing, unwavering love and humanity’s repeated, innumerable failures in loving Him back. Yet His great mercy does not leave us entrenched in darkness but rescues us. This book is not like the other Biblical fiction out there (I’ve read Connilyn Cossette, Jill Eileen Smith, Angela Hunt, Tessa Afshar, Mesu Andrews, Carole Towriss to name a few authors) and I’m not completely sure if I would call it Biblical fiction. Quite a few of the characters in the book and events surrounding Babel are based on Biblical accounts but most of the plot is imaginary and has a heavy speculative and fantasy component.
  
  I highly recommend all readers read the author’s Research Notes and his Themes and Motives Behind Fall of Man series at the end of the book first before starting the book. Reading the author’s thoughts first will give the reader a better perspective of the novel and a different lens to appreciate the book.
  
  The author’s voice is melodious, lyrical, and captivating. There are many characters in the book, some mentioned in the Bible and some not, so it takes a bit of time until all the main players can be sorted out. The journey that Noah takes, even as the oldest man on earth, is soul-piercing and convicting on multiple levels as he seeks to dispel evil and bring people to the Almighty. Aran and Zillah’s journey is equally heart-rending as they encounter narrow escapes from death and evil but also kindness and touch from the Almighty.
  
  This is book 3 in the Fall of Man series but is a stand-alone novel. If you enjoy speculative fantasy novel with supernatural component, you will enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
• 
  Becky Lewis

  Wow! Powerful, eye-opening, electrifying. Babel, by Brennan McPherson, is the presentation of a world wiped clean by the Flood, only to quickly degenerate into a nefarious world leading up to the demise of that great Tower. Pulled in by Noah’s sorrow, quickly followed by Canaan’s curse, I couldn’t believe the paths the characters were forging. Choices made had staggering consequences, as even Noah discovered. I stayed up late to finish Babel to avoid bad dreams. This was not the book I wanted to start the New Year with, but I am so glad I did. Certainly, my reading year started with a bang! Brennan McPherson has created a thought-provoking novel that stays true to what we know of Scripture and yet fills in what could have been. His words answer the “why’s” and the “how’s” of those early Genesis chapters. While McPherson believes his theories plausible, he is quick to explain his thinking and admit this is one idea of how things happened. Those that love Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness or the nonfiction books by Michael Heisler that speak of “lesser gods” will enjoy the underlying spiritual warfare.
  Some themes are even the best are sinful, and that filters down and grows malignantly; wickedness tries desperately to hide or annihilate the Light, and God’s mercy can forgive even indescribable wickedness. We are all responsible to/for the world around us. There was at least one more very heavy-hitting theme that I thought was overdone. Reading the author’s note at the end helped me understand why.
  What an amazing Biblical fiction novel that will leave you petrified, yet hopeful and secure in God’s unfailing love!
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
• 
  Janice Sisemore

  Babel
  
  Babel is a biblical fiction which is a genre I don’t usually read. If you do like biblical fiction you will like this book. Each chapter has a different character. Among the characters are Noah, Aran and Zillah.
  
  Even though I really didn’t get into the story too much I found the research notes very interesting. The questions and answers brought a lot of insight to the story. I manage a lot more research was done in writing this book. I always appreciate the hard work an author puts into the research.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
• 
  Shelly Roy

  Great imaginative fiction
  
  Loved this series! The author uses the Bible as his guide to imagine what the world may have been like when the events that are chronicled in Genesis took place.
  
• 
  Naomi Craig

  5 Things From Babel by Brennan McPherson
  1) Noah lives in a cocoon of his vineyard, ignorant to the evil his descendants have indulged in.
  2) Aran is scarred with his past
  3) Hearing the news of babel's tower they travel to denounce the evil
  4) Obstinate camels, petty thieves, destitution, the sins of the fathers
  5) As emotion bubbled over, the Man reached down and took hold of Noah's frayed flesh. scarred hands against a broken body, tenderly embracing a sin-shattered soul as light returned and grew in intensity.
  
  Brennan McPherson does an excellent job weaving scripture with story. It is a very timely message of engaging with our children and those around us for the sake of God's Kingdom. Turning a blind eye to what goes on around us, only leads to heartache.
  
  **This book does have dark elements of spiritual warfare
• 
  Deana Dick

  I like reading biblical fiction because it gives me a vision of what it was like during the time period. What I like about the author’s writing of this story is how he interprets what might have happened. We need to remember that everything in the book is not exactly what the Bible says, but rather the author’s rendition of what could have happened. I know I have always loved the story of Noah. What is unique about this book is how the author takes us past the flooding to when The Tower of Babel was to be constructed. I leaned that Babel means confusion so it makes sense that the tower was called that. God wanted confusion at the tower so people couldn’t communicate and finish the tower.
  
  It was interesting to read about the dynamics of Noah’s family and the turmoil that was running through family members. Noah has been grieving but now must take a stand and try to find out what is going on. I was fascinated by his family and how the scriptures tied into the story. The author does a great job of taking us back in time to a story that had lasting effects on many.
  
  Mistakes, disobedience and lies cause people to stumble and stray away from the truth. God was always there in the midst but the people needed to trust Him and not become disobedient to His Word. Throughout the story we can feel God’s presence and how His mercy was there to heal. The author intrigued me with this wonderful viewpoint of Noah that I want to read more of his books. He has a way of telling a story that flows easily and gives details that help you visualize what is taking place. We may never know what really happened but with the author’s help we can begin to see a clearer picture of what may have occurred. I really liked the part when Noah is explaining how anger can destroy your life. “And unless you can get rid of your anger, it will cost you everything too.” What a powerful statement that was. Our bitterness and anger can destroy relationships and keep us from God’s blessings.
  
  I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, The review is my own opinion.
• 
  Richard Myers

  Good book
  
  This is a very good interpretation of the reasons for the Tower of Babel and the different peoples that were involved in the building of the tower. The reader will delve into the different families and groups and read what makes them tick.
• 
  Marilouise Gilley

  I have read all three books in this series, and enjoyed reading each of them. I admit that I read book two, Flood first, then went back and purchased the other two. I enjoy reading Christian Fiction that takes it's work from the Bible itself. We know that because it is fiction, it isn't fact, but none the less enjoyable because of that. Each author writes a book, I call it their baby because they create the entire environment we read, and adds their thoughts on "what might have been" according to the biblical account and elaborates upon fact. I find that an enjoyable read, however, I am a daily Bible reader myself, so I take the book as it truly is.............fiction. I enjoy this type of read primarily because it is a good read not filled with unneeded language, or other types of graphic situations that are the main filler of other types of fiction. Today's works of fiction are filled with Filthy disgusting language and really graphic violence that I skim over when I encounter it. I realize that much violence has been man's downfall since the beginning, but I really don't want to read so much gore all the time. These three books show "what might have been" in an enjoyable read with some added characters to show us "what might have happened" back at the beginning. I know if you are a person that likes biblical readings, you will enjoy all three of these books in this series.
  
• 
  Michael Wells

  Noah and the tower of babel
  
  The author is made of fictional account of Noah and his involvement with the Tower of Babel. The characters are all fictional but they make a very interesting history of the people around the time of the tower of babel. I found that Noah And his family were torn between allegiance to God and allegiance to light bringer. This is a great story with the Tower of Babel playing the secondary part until the end of the book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Bible stories and fictional characters.
• 
  Kathy Brickert

  Great story
  
  What a heartbreaking story! To read of how Noah's children fell back into idolatry after seeing the world destroyed to cleanse it of evil truly should touch our souls! Of course this is fiction, only a possibility of how it may have happened, but the basic truths are there! Great read!
• 
  Barbara Beebe

  Babel
  
  Interesting biblical fiction / fantasy story. Another I can hardly put it down book from Brennan McPherson. It did encourage me to read about the true story of these people and places. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction and/or fantasy.
• 
  Emily Summy

  Fun and thought-provoking!
  
  I appreciate the author note at the end as much as the story. The whole book makes me see myself in the roles. It moves from character to character so you see all perspectives. Highly recommend if you enjoy biblical fiction.
  
• 
  Gareth

  A great work of fiction based on Biblical facts. I like the author’s imagination in the telling. Readers must keep in mind that this is pure fiction.
• 
  John R. Grass

  Fantastic!
  
  This book could become a very good movie. It would be fun to select the actors and actresses to play the roles. Noah: Jeff Bridges? Go for it!
• 
  Marcia Richardson

  Excellent story
  
  This book was great! Please go read it for yourself. He makes you feel like you have to keep on reading until the end.
• 
  Jo Burl

  Did not finish.
  I rally liked the first book, slogged through the second and just didn’t have patience for this one. They just seem to much the same.