The Rise of the Water Kingdom

By: Jamin Bradley

Narrated by: Jamin Bradley

Angels and demons. Zombies and ghosts. Water serpents and cyborg dragons. Heaven and hell. Politics and religion. Brennan and Kahli experience it all when their lives are flipped upside down by a miracle man named Sarx, who is on a mission to install a kingdom on the earth that will overthrow the great dragon and end the corruption that plagues it. As this allegorical fantasy unfolds, you just might find yourself seeing the Gospel story in a whole new light.

©2019 Jamin Bradley (P)2019 Jamin Bradley

Not As Expected

TLDR; I expected High fantasy and I got a round table discussion. It was good though.

When I first started listening I thought this was going to be a high fantasy adventure, but I quickly realized that what I had actually joined was a Socrates style round table discussion with a theological twist.

Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was good. I just want people to know that when you read this, expect it to play out as a conversation about your beliefs as a Christian, and less as an adventure story.

This makes sense though, and is even referenced by Jamin in his epilogue about allegory. This makes sense, because Jamin is fantastic in his non-fiction books. (I highly suggest The Rush and the Rest) This is like a fictional version of his Rush and Rest book.

Captivating Allegory

The author paints a vivid story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Even though I knew the basic storyline well, I was inspired and encouraged with a fresh wonderment to plunge deeper into the Water Kingdom! I feel this would be a great book not only for fledgling believers but seasoned as well.

interesting Christian theology/allegorical story

An interesting Christian theology/allegorical story, very similar to something like Pilgrim's progress, but with many things heavily on the nose when it comes to Christ. His life and the spiritual aspects of who He is, which I think is the coolest part of this story/allegory. There were others that were a bit of an eyeroll, but I understood the idea (carrots rather than wood).

Ultimately taking on a true defeater of our faith, which I would prefer not to mention as it can be a spoiler in a way. Very clever and an interesting way to "teach" such a thing.

Story is told in parts and follows the gospels, pretty on target as well. Goes quick this way and the story gets told well, but there are not as in-depth character development - though all development is in line with those in the gospels themselves so this makes sense.

This was written after a book of theology (also by the author) and I have not read that at this time, but preferred not having that thought process as I took this in. I will read the other as well though at some point in time as I enjoy the way the author puts forth the message and, in that, God's word. I even like their personally done audio books - voices and energy is wonderful.