Flood: The Story of Noah and the Family Who Raised Him (The Fall of Man #2) by Brennan S. McPherson

Flood: The Story of Noah and the Family Who Raised Him (The Fall of Man #2) Reviews

• 
  Mesu

  Any biblical fiction author who values God’s Word is diligent in research before writing a single word—no matter which scriptural story they’re telling. The courageous few authors who dare to write characters who lived before Abraham are a rare breed. Those who do it well are rarer still.
  For those of us who don’t normally enjoy fantasy-type fiction (me included), we should make the extra effort to open our hearts and minds to “odd” pre-Flood possibilities—under one condition. An author who has done thorough biblical and historical research and is handling God’s Word with care and respect deserves our attention and respect. How do I know which authors do good research? Look for an Author’s Note or Note to Reader in the book that explains the author’s heart and/or research process. You should be able to discern their attitude toward God’s Word from that section.
  Brennan McPherson, is one of those diligent researchers—and he has an imagination that just won’t quit! Flood, the newest release in his Fall of Man Series, is the story of Noah and his family. Brennan’s style reaches the twenty-somethings age group and extends beyond my church-going crowd. His stories are disturbingly realistic to describe a time when the condition of men’s hearts was, “only evil all the time.”
  Violent? Sometimes. Weird? A little. But ask me about Noah’s relationship with the Almighty. Flood walked me through an intriguing spiritual journey that I’d never considered. Of course, Noah had doubts, dealt with forgiveness issues, sinned. He was human.
  Now, ask me how the Flood could have actually been an act of mercy on God’s part as well as His judgment. And have you ever wondered how Noah could be the only righteous person on earth—and built an escape ark without all the evil people killing him for it? Do you see how a speculative (fantasy) imagination is necessary to make sense of some of those age-old questions and conundrums?
  Flood is not a book for the faint-of-heart, but it is a fantastic read for those with inquisitive minds. Be sure to read Brennan’s comments at the end of the book to see the heart with which he researches and studies before he writes. I believe then you’ll understand, as I did after reading Flood, that we’ll only know in eternity what the pre-Flood earth was like, but that God gives us imaginations today to ponder the ways things might have been. Flood is a gritty but great read.
  
• 
  David Larson

  Flood is a book that speculates the details of Noah and his parent's lives. Here are a couple of thoughts after reading an advanced copy.
  
  The book's very first section, on Noah's parents meeting; is incredible. McPherson takes a non-linear approach to having them meet and it just works. And while Noah has more material in the Bible, I actually found Lamech-Noah's father- to be one of my favorite parts of the book.
  
  Noah's world is a dangerous place and overrun with Nephilim. While most experts disagree on what the Nephilim were, but I actually found McPherson's interpretation (fantastic as it is), to be one of the most accurate depictions of the time period. The strands of Cain's artistry appears in this book also- most of which relates to the depiction of the spirit world.
  
  After reading the book, one of the biggest things I took away was how decadent Noah's time period had become. There's a moment I really enjoyed when Noah and Lamech talk about a third character's problem and I think it just underscores the struggle of that time period. I think it's setting is going to resonate with how many people feel about the time period we live in.
• 
  Ian

  Having read two of his other creations which left me with mixed views I was a little unsure what I’d find when I started reading ‘Flood’. I was soon pleasantly surprised by the flow of the story and the clever way McPherson approached the fictional account of life before Noah. McPherson is very good at creating a ‘fantastic’ world loosely based on his readings of Genesis and no doubt exhaustive research thereon. The fact the account of Noah and the flood only covers a few chapters in Genesis doesn’t inhibit his imagination in crafting a powerful story of mercy and judgment.
  
  My key struggle with the stories I’ve read of his is that he loves to explore the darkness and at times doesn’t shed sufficient light into the story to bring out the essence of Christ’s nature. The enemy wants us to be titillated by darkness and having been an author that spent too much time exploring the shadows, I know it’s generally not the best place for us to spend our time nor does it serve to effectively demonstrate Christ’s redeeming love.
  
  The horrors of the world Noah is born into are depicted brilliantly by McPherson. Satan’s army with his key lieutenant, the God-king, rule earth and create their own race of nephilim or horned creatures who drink blood of virgins for sustenance. And they generally kill men who no longer serve any purpose.
  
  But it’s the story of how the God-king plays with Noah that is so interesting. He knows as a result of God’s judgment at the time of the Fall that a human man will one day come to crush the head of Satan and this hideous character is tasked with the challenge to ensure it doesn’t happen, hence, the creation of the nephilim and treatment of Noah. It’s clever writing.
  
  There is very little in fact about the flood, it really only spans the last 50 pages (ie the Biblical account), the rest being effectively a prologue that shows the world has become a horrid place under the murderous leadership of the God-king.
  
  We meet a cast of Biblical characters: Methusalah, Lamech, Enoch and Noah’s children plus a bunch of others who are fictional creations. Perhaps the one weakness of this novel is the amount of ‘telling’ of the story, in particular, of the motivations of the various characters. We always know what’s going to happen which doesn’t necessarily take away from the story so much as it would have been further elevated by less of the ‘telling.’ I would have also liked to have seen more of a relationship between Noah and God. Yes, he talks about God and from time to time hears his voice but I was never really convinced there was a tight relationship even though Noah did what God asked him to do.
  
  The final climax of the story is tremendous. The ambiguity within Noah’s heart when he finally comes to realise he has been played by the God-king but all of us can testify to knowing how Noah must feel having seen firsthand the merciless cruelty of the God-king. Interesting that it is Noah’s wife that has the greater spiritual discernment and helps rescue her husband.
  
  Overall, this is a tremendous read. It was well paced with an excellent perspective on mercy, judgment and God’s immense love for his people. Highly recommended.
  
• 
  Lynne Modranski

  I've read this about 1/2 way, and I'm still up in the air as to whether I'll finish.
  Mr. McPherson is a pretty good fantasy fiction author, so if you're just looking for a book in that genre, you'll probably enjoy this; however, if you are a fan of the Biblical fiction, this probably won't be a good choice.
  
  At half point, this book just isn't believable from a Biblical standpoint. There's too much fantasy. There's a lot that can't be proven one way or another from the Bible. We just don't know much, but in my forty or fifty times of reading Genesis 5-9, there isn't one element in his interpretation that I've ever pictured.
  
  To begin with, the author misses opportunities again (much like his first offering). Adam's son, Seth was alive until Noah was about 100. In fact all of the grandfathers except Adam and Enoch could have conversed with the young Noah (and even the old Noah), but all of that is left out of this book. Hardly anyone even knows this fact, it could have provided for many interesting plot twists, including listening to a second hand account of Creation and the fall. Noah could have been influenced by many of these who did know Adam personally, but instead he chose to only introduce the most unbelievable grandparent in the story.
  
  His attempt to fit Genesis 9:3 in later in the story bothered me all the way through too.
  
  There is really a lot of potential in this author. He does keep my attention, but I'm so distracted by the holes, variance from scripture and impossibilities, that I can't get excited about the book. Perhaps if he'd written it purely as a fantasy . . . changed the names and allowed the Christian elements to influence the story I could have gotten through it. But as is, it just isn't my cup of tea.
• 
  L.K. Simonds

  When Stephen King was asked why he wrote horror, he replied, "What makes you think I have a choice?" Similarly, McPherson writes that he couldn't imagine the story he tells in Flood being any different, and that's the important thing to remember about this novel, especially for religious readers. McPherson imagines an entirely hostile pre-Flood world in which there is no safety anywhere. He's imagined a demonic, dominant race of beings ruled by an antichrist-like God-King. McPherson has his reasons for telling the story as he did, and they are good ones.
  
  Philosophy aside, McPherson has proved himself as a pro of a storyteller in the broad genre of Christian fiction. Readers of CBA books will enjoy Flood, and they'll find familiar themes within its pages. I highly recommend this novel, particularly to those readers. But I also recommend this book to readers who have trouble reconciling a merciful God who is also a holy Judge. You will not be disappointed. You'll be engaged from the first page, eager to see the world Brennan imagines from the "rest of the stories" of Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah. And when you've finished, you'll have some takeaways to carry forward in your walk with Christ.
• 
  Ursula

   
  Excellent! A great piece of history that Brennan turned into an amazing journey that will take you where you have gone before and just make it all the more better. A masterful work that has such truth and clarity and wonder! Brennan continues to prove himself a great storyteller in the wonderful world of Christian Fiction.
  
  Read it! ENJOY! :D
   
• 
  Val Shaw

  Fantastic!
  
  I loved this book! It's hard to read in some parts but the times were terrible, thus the reason for the flood. I really enjoyed the characters and Enoch was my favorite. I recommend this to all Christians. Of course, I don't mind the elaborated story since it brings it to life so stretch your mind a bit and enjoy the ride.
• 
  Ruth

  While I enjoyed the book, there were some things that were definitely "fantastical" about it. That's the author's word describing it. I'm thankful I have the Bible to read when I question something and I'm thankful for books like this that make me think and be sure of what I believe.
  
• 
  Dave Wheeler

  Noah
  
  This book is a great read and as Brennan say it is a story based on the Biblical story of Noah and some of His and therefore our ancestors, if it gets you thinking about the truth behind the real story then he's done a great job. I love this because it doesn't claim tho be fact but there has been a lot of research done and the characters are very believable starting from the meeting of Noah 's Mum and Dad. Lamech his Dad who's name we know and his Dad Methuselah, His Mum's name is not recorded but She is given the name Adah. Obviously these time were so different to kites and we can never know the reality it's hard enough to fully understand any other life than what we have experienced but we can all dying the love of GOD which had never changed except to grow. This story tells of the times they lived in as good as any i have read unless we are all wrong and the live if GOD even if it will have been played out differently the enemy of still the enemy and GOD is GOD. I found myself challenged in a positive way and aware none of us are perfect save One and the realisation that even Noah want perfect but He discovered His Savour in a hostile and evil world and didn't let go. I'm not sure what the faith background of many of His ancestors was apart from Enoch who was and was then no more because GOD took Him as the Bible tells us. This may not be a tool to a theologians degree but it can help to shape your heart as well as entertain you or out another way that's how i found it working for me. I do recommend this book and any other by Brennan McPherson,v well researched and a joy to read.
• 
  Kathie

  I've though and I've thought about what to say about this book, and I'm still tor between one person's ideas and blasphemy. I can see where the author is coming from, but the extremes are just too hard to say yes to. There were also a great deal of jumps in time where more story could have gone, but didn't - perhaps even to explain the author's intent with his storytelling.
  
  If you want a faithful retelling of the story of Noah, this is definitely NOT the book for you.
• 
  Lynn's

  If you read my review about the first book in the “Fall of Man Series”, you’ll know that I didn’t have a high opinion of the approach the author took with Cain’s story. However, “Flood” was the complete opposite...seriously, I couldn’t put this book down! The characters were believable and the plot was imaginative - McPherson did a great job putting a fictional twist on the world Noah grew up in.
  
  The first thing you should know about this novel is that it mostly focuses on Noah’s parents, Lamech and Adah. We meet Adah as a young woman in her parents house trying to talk her way out of an unwanted betrothal. In these first few chapters, we are thrust into the tragic world that grew exceedingly more evil day by day. If you’ve ever tried to wonder what the pre-flood world was like and what made it such a terrible place, Adah’s part of the story is an ample picture of such evil. Of course, it’s fiction. Yet, the fantasy part of the novel isn’t so overwhelming that it makes you think something like this couldn’t have happened. Though it most likely didn’t in the exact way the author portrayed, it helps us imagine a world that’s in worse shape than ours, and in that, it did it’s job beautifully.
  
  When we meet Lamech, we find him to be much like you would imagine and at the same time, not anything like you’d imagine. His family’s segregated life in the mountains is the perfect set-up to explain how Noah could have been born into the world previously described, yet, not be tainted with the ambitions of the Devil trying to mark every child born. And can I say, I loved Methuselah! The cranky, yet wise old man played a perfect role in the story!
  
  The second thing you’ll be interested in knowing is that Noah doesn’t appear in the book until about half-way through the novel. That’s a lot of set-up, I know. But it helps the reader completely understand this fictional world Noah lives in and how it affects him growing up. When I finished the book, I was impressed with how the author took Noah’s character and grew him from an angry young boy who wanted to be like everyone else to a wise builder who followed God wholeheartedly. The transformation was masterful and took time, just like it does in real life. So, while the things that happened in that part of probably aren’t the most believable part of the book, the end result was pleasing.
  
  So, the question that everyone will ask… “Do you need to read ‘Cain’ in order to understand ‘Flood’?” No. If I remember correctly, the author wrote these novels to be read as standalones, so you don’t need to read the first book if you’re not interested. That being said, even though I disliked the first book in the series, I can’t deny that it helped me understand the significance of some characters. (Mostly the character that represented the Devil - how he got where he was and what his mission was in the fictional setting.)
  
  Conclusion: As most books in the fantasy genre, this story didn’t have a lot of romance, even though we see people get married. The emphasis leaned more towards survival and how someone like Noah could keep going in spite of circumstances. This was the best rendition of Noah’s story I’ve read so far in Christian Fiction. Yes, there were parts that were a little “far out” there, but overall, the reader can accept the imagination and thought behind the creative side of the story. For one, I was very pleased that the author took the interpretation that God flooded the world because Noah and his family were the only ones left with 100% human blood. Sounds crazy, right? I won’t go into it completely, but I will say that I’ve heard this preached before and it makes complete sense! In closing, I really, really enjoyed this book. It might not be for everyone, but I have not doubt that many who enjoy fantasy with a Biblical twist would enjoy it. Brennan McPherson - thank you for writing an amazing novel!
• 
  Holly

  Sometimes I read a book for information. Sometimes I read a book for pure fun and raw escapism. Those books are easy to pick up, and equally easy to toss aside and forget. Ultimately, though, I want the books that I read to inspire me to be a better person and to do greater things than I would be and do otherwise.
  
  Flood, while offering good information in the author's note and resource guide, and certainly providing escapist-style reading in its fantasy about the pre-flood world, achieves my ultimate aim and provides what I think the best, and most lasting, books provide. Flood makes me see my sin for what it is and for what it could be. The Noah of the end of the book wrestles with a lack of love for God like I do every time I am honest and examine my own heart. What can I do about it? Flood answers that question and relieves me of the guilt for even needing to ask it. That is something I can hang on to, long after Flood has gone back to the bookshelf.
  
  I was worried that Flood would be horrendously gory and gratutiously upsetting in describing, "every intention of the thoughts of his heart were only evil, continually." Honestly, I thought it was quite mild, particularly in comparison to what I have always imagined the pre-flood world to be like. I would never want to see, or read, anything LIKE what I imagine. Yes, there is every kind of debauchery and violence referenced, but none of it is described in a stomach-churning fashion. Still, I would not hand this book to a ten-year-old child as a Christian fantasy fiction follow up to The Chronicles of Narnia. This is a fantasy fiction for more mature readers able to "handle" the corruption working out in the lives of the characters.
  
  For me, the best part of the book. . .and the best conversation starters with my teen and adult children. . .is the very strong pro-life message. I don't want to spoil anything for people who haven't read Flood yet, but suffice it to say that this book is very life-affirming and shows that God not only loves and values people in all sorts of sad situations, He redeems and uses them to advance his Kingdom. We have had such inspiring talks about very difficult circumstances as a result of reading Flood.
• 
  Sarah Sisk

  WOW!! I was blown away by this take on the flood. It made me rethink my ideas of what it might have been like for Noah and his family.This book is a must read for lovers of historical fiction. Although, go into this with an open mind; knowing that the author took some creative liberties with the story. However, a lot of that is explained in the beginning, and the end, of the book. Also this book has some really dark themes. So if you’re not comfortable with references to sexual abuse and brutality to women, I don’t recommend you read this. (given the nature of the biblical story, I don’t find these scenes to be unfounded or unnecessary) All in all, i found it to be a really compelling story that peeled back the layers of modern Christianity and provided some foundation on why we believe what we believe. It definitely helped me to realize that bible study time is essential to knowing what ground you’re really standing on and to not take everything that comes across a pulpit at face value. Instead, to research things thoroughly for myself because ultimately, I’m going to be the one answering to God. Not my pastor. Not my friends. But I will have to give an answer for the foundation that I stand on. All of that aside though, this book helped me to gain a new perspective on a story that I assumed to know. And I found out that there’s still plenty to learn.
  
  Just an overall eye opening experience! 10/10 do recommend!
• 
  Louise Hay

  As the author states up front, and again at the end, this book is not a traditional story of Noah in any way. The author reaches into the "begats" and populates a family tree with Noah's ancestors (an apple tree in the Garden of Eden?) and weaves a story about their lives and destinies. This story contains fantasy. Horned devils and evil in many forms are represented. The story would indicate that the evil in Noah's world began with Cain and ended, but only temporarily I think, with the Great Flood. The flood is actually not much spoken of in the book and is at the very end. There is a lot of violence--murder, whipping, knifing, beating--which I, personally, do not enjoy reading. If one sits back and takes a look, though, was Noah's time so very different than ours? While currently we enjoy technology and an easier life, the "bones" are very similar to Noah's time. There is evil trying to take over the world. One does not really know who to trust and who not to trust, so faith is essential. One phrase seems especially relevant to today: "Hate is a symptom of ignorance. Distrust is a symptom of being lied to." So, while I initially found the book a tough read and almost gave up more than once, by the end, I understood it.
• 
  Carolyn

  I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy, so 'thank you' Brennan.
  I did enjoy this story a lot more than 'Cain', but that may be because I understand the authors writing style a bit better this time. The story flowed a lot better for me and I was completely taken by the characters. (I do have an issue with the name of Noah's mother but that's just me being picky).
  The story takes you back to pre-flood times, a time of disturbing evil. Satan is doing all he can to prevent the birth of the foretold Saviour. He knows that Noah plays a very significant part in this event so a plan was put in place to draw Noah away from the ways of the Almighty. The servant of Satan, the God-King, does whatever it takes to harden Noah's heart. The reader is taken on a journey of fear, mis-trust, love, betrayal, truth and discovery.
  Brennan McPherson has an amazing imagination which, when written down, provokes you to challenge your own boundaries of possibilities. That is what I love best about this author.
• 
  Vincent Dores Tagupa

  Fantastic Read!
  
  I hope I could give more than 5 stars. 😊🙏
  Blessings to our brother in Christ, Brennan, for carefully crafting a fictional tale that respects the text in the Bible about Noah and the flood. The imagination he weaved into this story is fascinating. Moreso, it also emphasizes God's judgement and mercy at the flood. You will get the answer on why God could allow all people (except Noah and his family) to drown and die in the flood. Brennan made the characters, especially Noah, so relatable that I can also see myself in his emotions and actions.
  
  I thank God for brilliant Christian writers like you, brother Brennan. I am looking forward to more Bible-based novels that you will craft in the future. Now I am proceeding to read "BABEL" and will support the future sequels too. Godbless you! 🙏
• 
  Maggies Daisy

  This story brings us the tale of the biblical Noah and the great flood. Having read several books on the subject, I found it an enjoyable tale of how God chooses his leaders. In a previous book I read called "The Buried Book," you are introduced to Gilgamesh and the library that was discovered by several archeologists and their quest to unearth the meanings on the clay tablets. One of the tablets talked about Noah and the flood. While this book is fiction, the story revolves around Noah, his father, and grandfather who God speaks to. The bible has many tales of how to reach heaven, and this one is of those stories of how God can change your life when you follow his teachings.
• 
  Dave

  Great historical fiction
  
  It is entirely possible that the world that was destroyed in the flood was something way beyond our imagining but this book is a great step in providing some well-thought out ideas as to what it may have been like. It could be that Noah was found perfect in the sense that humanity was polluted genetically beyond repair and he and his family were the last of us. If so, this fiction goes a long way in telling a story based on thinking that is not un-biblical, just not understood fully. Good, creative story!
• 
  Michael Wells

  The story of Noah
  
  The author has written a fictionalized version of the story of Noah. From when he was born to the great flood. It is an interesting book and by no means factual but it gives you a look at who Noah was and what made him. No it was chosen by God but by no means was he a hero or anything like it. This is a great story and while fiction it really touches your heart as to what message God is trying to sound. I enjoyed this book And I would recommend it for those who would like a fictional telling the story of Noah.
• 
  April

  Another excellent story, dark and telling. I adore a good fantasy/sci-fi and if you can make it High Fantasy Christian, I am in! This is that....McPherson is doing an amazing job of retelling a story that is so amazing, most don't dare to go here. What I love about the stories is that he doesn't take anything away from scripture, yet creates a picture of 'what could have' been going on. Eden was fantastic, and I'm happy to say, Flood was just as good! Keep it up Brennan. Your talent is beautiful and how you're choosing to use it is a blessing!
• 
  Cyndi

  Very entertaining
  
  I chose this book based on the recommendation of author Tosca Lee. Since I really enjoy her biblical fiction stories, I thought I would give this one a try. The reading was fluid and the pace was quick. It was a good page turner. I really enjoyed how the author fleshed out the story of Noah and the flood.
• 
  megarg

  This and its previous book "The Fall Of Man" are not worth reading. Nor should they be named after anything Biblical! I read 6 chapters of both and I found them gruesome, nothing Old Testament about them. Noah? Please! These are just garbage, gruesome female abusing, Fantasy! It's unbelievable that someone can think this is literature! Or that somebody actually dreams these up!