Title: Harpazo: Book 1 of The Trib Trilogy

Author: Nathalie Bujold Ryan

Genre: Christian Fiction

 

When Tyler October, a heavy rescue tow truck operator, heads out with his colleague and esteemed mentor, Joe, the last thing he expects is to be involved in a random traffic accident. But when a vehicle inexplicably crashes into the back of their truck, and Joe mysteriously vanishes into thin air, things begin to take a sinister turn. People are disappearing from all across the city, leaving nothing behind except piles of discarded clothing and empty shoes. With the arrival of the Rapture, society must adapt, irrevocably changing lives as people grapple with themselves and others.

In Harpazo: Book 1 of The Trib Trilogy, the reader is introduced to a diverse range of characters, all of whom have their own particular idiosyncrasies. From dedicated teacher, Gloria Fogelsong, to courageous firefighter, Luke Fernsby, these humble people represent every facet of society. Third-person narration and succinct chapters form an overall tapestry of different perspectives, which is built upon throughout the story.

The plot is infused with foreboding and suspense from the outset. This drives the plot onward, with the reader being pulled into a nightmarish dystopian world. Specific details, such as Peter’s abandoned dog found by Sara at the park, create a feeling of unease, adding plausibility to the story. Challenging issues, including alcoholism and domestic abuse, are also explored, adding background and depth to the characters’ past and present struggles.

As the situation escalates—with violence and food shortages becoming an issue throughout the city and across the globe—it becomes clear that those who are left behind are, in fact, the ones in peril; not the innocents and Christians who have been raptured. The turning point for this is the suicide of Mrs. Appleton, when she finally realizes that her disabled son is gone forever. At this point, the interactions begin to take a different turn, adding new and unexpected plot twists.

Due to the number of different characters, it might have been helpful to have provided a short one-sentence explanation at the beginning to outline their various roles and backgrounds, so the reader could refer back to it, if necessary. A short list of definitions for biblical terms used throughout would also have been advantageous.

Many interesting themes arise throughout the Tribulation. For example, the importance of solidarity and community. As the characters’ lives begin to rotate on a different axis, they forge new bonds, creating new “families” with one other. The ending is emotionally satisfying, while also providing an engaging cliffhanger for the second book in the series.

From the first page onward, Harpazo: Book 1 of The Trib Trilogy is a gripping novel, exploring the Rapture and its aftermath within a suspenseful apocalyptic framework. With well-crafted characters who the reader can root for, this book will make addictive reading for those who enjoy Christian fiction at its best. With its fast pace and fearless portrayal of humanity at its best and worst, Nathalie Bujold Ryan leaves the reader eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

 

 

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