THE FIFTH SEAL

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 19 Nov 2024 | Archive Date 24 Nov 2024

Talking about this book? Use #THEFIFTHSEAL #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Your ideas about science, religion, and the nature of existence are about to be blown apart...

When brilliant but socially awkward astrophysicist Barry Adams encounters a mysterious messenger during a dark energy experiment, he's thrust into an epic battle between order and chaos that will determine humanity's fate. Joined by Jane White, a compassionate art teacher grappling with a crisis of faith after leaving her strict religious upbringing, Barry must navigate a treacherous landscape of international politics, cutting-edge technology, and ancient prophecies.

Set against the backdrop of Berkeley, California, Barry struggles to reconcile his rational mind with prophetic visions, while Jane must embrace a spirituality that defies her fundamentalist upbringing. Their budding romance is tested by cosmic responsibility and those who would see the world burn.

Dark forces, armed with devastating weapons harnessing the ubiquitous power of dark energy, threaten to plunge humanity into oblivion. As the Seven Seals of Revelation begin to break, are the two of them prepared to face an enemy beyond imagination?

Your ideas about science, religion, and the nature of existence are about to be blown apart...

When brilliant but socially awkward astrophysicist Barry Adams encounters a mysterious messenger during...


Advance Praise

The Fifth Seal is a gripping blend of science fiction, spiritual thriller, and apocalyptic drama that will captivate readers who enjoy thought-provoking explorations of faith, technology, and humanity's future. Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of chaos, this novel follows the intertwining stories of Barry Adams, an astrophysicist turned unlikely prophet, and Kian Shariati, a brilliant scientist grappling with the consequences of his discoveries. As they navigate a world where dark energy drones threaten global stability and cosmic forces battle for humanity's future, readers will find themselves questioning the nature of reality, faith, and free will.

What sets “The Fifth Seal” apart is its nuanced approach to spirituality and science. Rather than pitting these worldviews against each other, the novel suggests a harmonious coexistence, challenging readers to expand their understanding of both. The book's exploration of love, sacrifice, and redemption adds depth to its high-concept premise, grounding the cosmic battle in very human experiences.

Fans of authors like Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, and Ted Chiang will appreciate the novel's blend of scientific speculation, spiritual intrigue, and philosophical depth. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a lover of well-crafted speculative fiction, “The Fifth Seal” offers a unique and unforgettable journey that will leave you pondering its implications long after you've turned the final page.

The Fifth Seal is a gripping blend of science fiction, spiritual thriller, and apocalyptic drama that will captivate readers who enjoy thought-provoking explorations of faith, technology, and...


Available Editions

ISBN 9798338996263
PRICE US$4.99 (USD)
PAGES 325

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 9 members


Featured Reviews

I really enjoyed the combination of high-stakes geopolitical drama and cosmic-level threats, and I think the concept of blending dark energy with biblical prophecy is a unique and exciting premise.

Barry Adams is a strong central character, and his evolution from a socially awkward scientist to someone grappling with the weight of human destiny was well done. His internal struggle to reconcile his scientific mind with the prophetic visions added depth, and his journey felt authentic. However, I think there’s room to flesh out some of his motivations and fears more deeply. Perhaps a few additional moments where we see the internal toll these revelations take on him would heighten the tension.

Jane White is an excellent foil to Barry, bringing a sense of grounded humanity and emotion to the story. Her crisis of faith and the way she begins to embrace a more mystical spirituality were compelling, but I’d love to see more of her backstory. A deeper exploration of her life before meeting Barry could make her transformation more poignant. Their budding romance felt natural but could benefit from some slower development, especially given the weight of the events around them.

The way you handle the Seven Seals of Revelation was creative and engaging, particularly the breaking of each seal and the chaos it brought to the world. I do think the pacing was a bit rushed in the second half of the book, especially during the transition from the real-world geopolitical crises to the more fantastical, otherworldly battles. Slowing down here would allow readers to fully absorb the significance of each seal breaking and its global impact.

Thematically, the book does a great job of challenging the reader’s views on science, religion, and the nature of existence. I found myself questioning how these concepts could coexist, and that’s a testament to how well the novel weaves them together. However, at times the philosophical and theological discussions felt a bit heavy-handed. A lighter touch in some of the more dialogue-heavy sections could make these ideas feel more organic and less like exposition.

Was this review helpful?

This book does a fantastic job of blending global politics with cosmic, apocalyptic stakes. The mix of dark energy and biblical prophecy feels fresh and unique. Barry Adams’ journey from an awkward scientist to someone grappling with humanity’s fate is compelling, though more exploration of his inner conflict would have deepened the tension.
Jane White offers a nice contrast with her emotional and spiritual transformation, but more of her backstory could have strengthened her character. The Seven Seals of Revelation were handled creatively, though the second half felt rushed as it moved from political drama to more fantastical battles.
Overall, the novel tackles themes of science, religion, and existence in a thought-provoking way, but the philosophical discussions could have been lighter to blend more naturally into the story.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of "The Fifth Seal". Thanks for letting me read the story.

In a world teetering on the brink of annihilation, “The Fifth Seal” is a compelling fusion of science fiction, spiritual thriller, and geopolitical drama that challenges our understanding of reality, faith, and the human spirit. Taking place in Berkeley, California, and spanning global hotspots from Tehran to Washington D.C., this novel blends cutting-edge physics with ancient prophecies, creating a narrative as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping.

At the heart of this drama is Barry Adams, a brilliant yet socially awkward astrophysicist, and Jane White, an art teacher wrestling with her faith. As they unravel the mysteries of dark energy and confront otherworldly beings, their growing bond becomes humanity's last hope against impending doom. Alongside them, Kian Shariati, an Iranian-American scientist turned defector, adds layers of moral ambiguity and geopolitical intrigue to the unfolding crisis.

The novel's exploration of dark energy as a conduit for divine communication offers a fresh perspective on the age-old conflict between science and religion. It reframes traditional religious concepts like God, Satan, and the soul through a scientific lens, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of spirituality in a universe governed by physics. The introduction of the "Global Friends" platform as a tool for fostering worldwide compassion instead of divisiveness shows what social media platforms could accomplish. The portrayal of dark energy drones as both a threat and a potential tool for peace adds another layer to the moral complexity.

At times, the narrative slows to delve into philosophical discussions and technical explanations. But that helps readers grapple with profound questions about existence, faith, and the nature of good and evil, all while delivering a pulse-pounding thriller that keeps readers guessing until the last page.

In an era of global uncertainty and rapid technological advancement, this novel is timely, offering both a warning and a beacon of hope for humanity's future. "The Fifth Seal" will appeal to fans of Dan Brown's religious thrillers and Michael Crichton's science-based narratives, This is not just a must-read—it's a must-ponder.

Was this review helpful?

This had me questioning things and in a good way. The characters had that feel that worked in this universe and had that concept that I was looking for. The story was everything that I wanted and enjoyed that this was used in the genre. I enjoyed the way Robert Albo wrote this and the characters and can’t wait for more.

Was this review helpful?

The novel's exploration of faith, free will, and the nature of good and evil reminded me of my high school days at an all-girls Catholic boarding school . I particularly enjoyed Jane’s journey from believer to atheist to a new type of spiritual belief. The twist at the very end, treating human existence as a sort of cosmic game, made me reconsider everything I’d read before and put the story in a completely different light.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: