3.5 stars for this dual timeline novel by Jerry B. Jenkins. I'll start by saying that I loved the premise of this book. A dual timeline (my favorite style) where the modern timeline takes place at an archeological dig searching for proof of Abraham, and the historic timeline starts with Abraham as a boy and goes through his father Terah's life. The possibilities were fascinating and Jerry B. Jenkins is a legend in Christian fiction. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit short for me. While the writing style was good and the story itself was interesting, I found the characters to be not as relatable and the conversations often seemed stilted. I think part of my struggle was that I didn't realize this was book 2 until I committed to reading it. While the story itself stood alone, there was some history I was missing by not having read book 1. I think I also had higher expectations than if this had been an unknown author to me as well.

This book follows Dr. Nicole Bergman in the modern timeline as she embarks on the dig of a lifetime. Having worked hard to get to where she is, she is still surprised to be granted the opportunity both as a Messianic Jew and as a woman to lead a dig in Saudi Arabia. When she finds an inscription on the dig that seems to support her theories, things begin to go horribly wrong. Can she keep control of her site and prove to the world what she found? In the historic timeline, Terah has sent off his wife and son in order to keep them safe when he's confronted by the Almighty with his own sins. As he seeks to make things right, will he survive to let his wife and son know what happened? The historic timeline includes the story of the Tower of Babel, the legend of King Nimrod, and Abraham's history from age 10 through his death. It was interesting to see the author's speculation on Terah's life as not much is known about him. However, once we got to Abraham's time, the historic timeline came directly from scripture and didn't really expound too much on more.

While I enjoyed the story itself, I did not find myself caring enough about the characters to go back and read the first book or to read any future books in this series. Because I've enjoyed other books by this author, I will continue to read his works, but will be more cautious with my expectations. I would still recommend this one to readers who enjoy reading about archaeology and biblical historical fiction and would probably recommend this series be read in order. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Good book which I enjoyed reading. A compelling story of a modern-day archaeologist, intertwined with the story or Abraham and his father.

This is the second book in the Dead Sea Chronicles series. I had not read the previous book, and I definitely felt like I was missing some things, and as such had a hard time getting into this one so I would definitely recommend reading them in order to get the most understanding and enjoyment.

I must admit, Biblical fiction is not one of my preferred genres as I just tend to prefer a little bit more modern stories. However, the writer did a good job of bringing that world to life, and intertwining that with a present day storyline as well. While this particular type of story might not be my personal cup of tea, I can appreciate good storytelling when I see it and this certainly had it. Likewise, I appreciate the research and thought that went into and know that those who are more into Biblical fiction are going to enjoy this all that much more.

**I received a copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Another gripping page turner with a reality that is inspiring. It reminded me that God is always in control and cares deeply for each human being. Inspiring and brining old testament to life in conjunction with 20th century reality.

I didn’t read the first book in this series, which is something I purposely decided to do for a different perspective. While I’m sure there were probably many things Dead Sea Rising set up for its Conspiracy successor, I did not feel lost in having read these books out of order. Heads up, there are some spoilers.

Dr. Nicole Berman seemed to be the kind of person who lived in her own bubble despite being so book smart… or maybe because of it? Either way, even though I came into this read with zero history, I paused at the breadcrumbs in the beginning even when Nicole didn’t. Someone had tried to kill Nicole’s mother because of Nic’s Saudi bid. Okay, first book stuff. But we see in the beginning of the second book Mom, who Nicole supposedly felt very close to, was well on her way to leaving the hospital when she suddenly died there instead. Dad was all over that, but Nicole just wasn’t there with him in needing to understand what just really happened. That peeked my curiosity because my immediate impression was mother and daughter had a healthy, loving relationship, so Nicole's watering things down made me pause to think about why she wasn’t suspicious like her Dad. And then on top of that, I also already knew at this point Nic had not just one but two doctorates. How can someone so intelligent still be so naïve and talk herself into thinking Mom’s death was unavoidable when an attempt had already been made on her life? And then I thought, if Nicole was so focused on the Saudi dig and unearthing the truth of the past, then how could someone who was so determined to shine a light on history, not want to do the same in her own Mother’s death? Nicole, Nicole. You made me wonder about you from the very start because I couldn’t help but think, what else aren’t you seeing because of something that is now feeling like an obsession?

Personally, I enjoyed the author’s fill in the blanks when the timeline shifted to the past. I liked the change in speech, I thought the author’s and biblical consultant’s interpretations of what actually happened were interesting, and I loved those here and there moments that reminded me of my grandmother throughout the story. But there always is a darker side and King Nimrod definitely fit that and to a point, so did Terah. Even though Terah did what he did to save his son, Abram, I got the clear feeling he was not an awful person like King Nimrod. To me, it just showed how everyone has the capacity to cross that line we all draw for ourselves under the right circumstances. In reflection, personally I couldn’t help but think if Terah had not lost faith in the Lord to begin with, then he wouldn’t have found himself caught between that rock and hard place when Nimrod’s stargazers sentenced Abram to death. Such as the burdens that can be carried when some choices are made though… but then how much lighter they are when the Creator is in one’s heart. I definitely felt that through Terah’s eyes.

Always open to whatever catches my eye, I absolutely loved this story even though I am not one to typically pick up something with this much religion involved in a book. So, if you’re looking for a different branch to hang out on, I highly recommend giving this one a try. Dead Sea Conspiracy got me thinking as Nicole’s character worked for me and drew me in, but in the end it was Terah who ended up being a bigger part of why I kept reading because I loved seeing how he was able to stand tall again despite his past.

This was an interesting conclusion to this duology. While in the first book the first two timelines didn't make sense on how they'd come together, after reading book two I look at it as a funnel. In book one the timelines are far apart, but the closer we got to Abraham's life it starts to come together.

Book two picks up right where the first one leaves off. Doctor Nicole still seems like a flat character. The author tries to write her as intense, but oftentimes I didn't find her to be that strong of a character. She has an end goal in mind, but seems very naive to what her dig means to not only her team, the Saudis, and the world at large although she says she does.

There were parts of the story that got my attention, especially as more comes to light in regards to those on her team, but other parts of her storyline felt like space filler. There is an interesting twist that I was rather surprised about. I also felt like the author was really trying hard to get a message across about salvation that didn't seem...subtle? It just didn't feel like it flowed "naturally"?

I ended up liking the Biblical times timeline better this time. I think it's because I read the book and didn't listen to it. Terah is still a rather simpering man. I liked that God didn't give up on him even after all of the evil he did. Honestly, I would've preferred to follow his wife, Belessunu. lol She was much easier to read and like, but then we wouldn't have been able to see the change in Terah and his (very weak) faith in the Lord.

I ended up liking how the storylines ended in both times, although I would've liked more closure in the current timeline. I could see more books springing off the current timeline. I liked that the Biblical time followed Scripture and the stories we know about Abraham, Sarah, and Issac.

This is the second book in the Dead Sea Chronicles series. I recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this one as many of the threads that make up this book are woven in the first story.

I enjoyed the story told in this book. I loved the threads of archelogy and Bibical history. While I didn't necessarily agree with all the theology in the book (i.e. Methuselah dying in the flood), I was able to put this aside and focus on the story.

All in all, it was worth a read and I would read another in this series if the author continues it. I got this in exchange for an honest review. It is a book I'd recommend to others.

The author continues to produce high quality Christian fiction that causes the reader to think, as well as teaching and inspiring. The parallel stories used in this novel are particularly strong.