Progeny by Shawn Hopkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first 4 verses of Genesis 6 introduce the rationale for God’s flooding of the earth: angels—the sons of God—were making wives out of the daughters of men. And having children with them. “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4). The contention is that God caused the flood to wash away the remnants of this corruption to return humanity to its pure roots. In Shawn Hopkins’ Progeny, the practice never stopped.
In a story I can best describe as The DaVinci Code meets Stargate, Hopkins weaves fallen angels, the gods of ancient mythology and the Bermuda Triangle into an intricate tale whose true focus is in the power of redemption. In a quest to find his missing brother, ex-Ranger John Carter is transported (literally) into a world of secrets and bloodlines, angels and demons. And giants. Big, nasty, bloodthirsty giants.
Carter’s quest is a much about his brother as it is about his own identity and the ties that bind. Hopkins knows his stuff and it is evident, though a little heavy-handed at times. His proficiency in scripture, the Book of Enoch, and ancient civilizations makes this novel credible and a little frightening. Hopkins describes the similarities between ancient mythologies and Old Testament tales with academic dexterity and makes them central to the plot of the story. Where his skill lies is in pulling you, through John’s experience, into the disconcerting realities his research suggests and the sinister conclusions they hold.
Progeny is equal parts religious thriller and action-packed roller coaster ride. Hopkins may write Christian-themed fiction but he doesn’t play it safe: it’s a gritty, bloody tale that will make you think, question and cringe from one page to the next. Did I mention the giants?
Crooked Letterz 