**Book Review: *Act of God: In the Beginning* by J.B. Strogh**

*Act of God: In the Beginning* by J.B. Strogh is a gripping and thought-provoking first installment in the *Act of God* series that blends elements of science fiction with a deep exploration of humanity's survival in the face of an impending ice age. Strogh presents a chilling and immersive vision of Earth’s bleak future, where technology and resourcefulness are being employed in a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable.

The central premise of *In the Beginning* is that Earth is on the brink of a global ice age, and humanity's best efforts to stave off this cataclysmic event are failing. Governments and scientific communities have joined forces to create diversions and temporary solutions to maintain a semblance of hope among the population. But as the temperature continues to drop and the cold sets in, only a select few understand the true extent of the devastation ahead. For them, there is no escape on Earth—only the possibility of salvation in the stars.

The novel follows a cast of complex characters who are navigating this harsh new reality. As resources dwindle and the planet grows colder, the stakes grow higher. The narrative is filled with tension as different factions, each with their own agendas, must decide how to survive and whether there is any hope for humanity beyond Earth. While some of the characters are focused on securing a future for the people of Earth, others are making preparations to leave the planet behind altogether. These conflicting goals drive much of the intrigue, leading to morally complex dilemmas and moments of true suspense.

Strogh’s writing is both immersive and expansive, as he delves into the science behind the coming ice age while weaving in philosophical questions about the survival of the human race. The world-building in *In the Beginning* is thorough and well-executed, presenting a believable future where both technology and humanity’s frailties are on full display. The novel strikes a fine balance between action and intellectual exploration, keeping the reader engaged while also providing plenty of room for reflection on the nature of hope, survival, and the unknown future of humankind.

The pacing of the novel is steady, with just enough intrigue and action to maintain a sense of urgency, while still allowing for character development and exploration of the book’s more profound themes. The characters themselves are well-crafted and morally ambiguous, making it hard to tell who the true heroes are, which adds to the tension and emotional depth of the story.

One of the strengths of *In the Beginning* is its ability to blend elements of speculative fiction with existential questions. What does it mean for humanity to face the ultimate end? Can technology and ingenuity save us, or will we need to look to the stars for redemption? These are some of the central questions that Strogh poses, creating a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is engaging.

For fans of apocalyptic fiction, *Act of God: In the Beginning* is an exciting and ambitious start to a series that promises to explore humanity’s future in the face of extinction, both on Earth and in the universe. If you enjoy books that explore complex global dilemmas, human survival, and space exploration, this is a series you won’t want to miss.

I only got through about 1/3 before I had to put this book down. The formatting and editing are so horrible I can't get through this. The bit of writing I did get through was okay to the point I'm not sure I'd want to finish. I was bored, honestly.

This book desperately needs editing and formatting. I stopped reading about 10% in because there is a carriage return every two lines for the remainder of the novel making reading painful.

If Freisen Press is helping this author, they have failed.
Take the book down. Run it through editing software like ProWriting Aid to fix punctuation and other typos. Fix the formatting, then upload and try again.

Once the book is edited and formatted properly, I'd be happy to give it another try.