“There could be no salvation for the Earth. In the times to come, the breakdown of civilization would be total. The planet would be laid waste.” But in Act Of God: Book 1, In The Beginning by J.B. Strogh, it is not Earth that needs salvation; it is humanity. That salvation takes the form of an ark; however, this time, it is not one made of wood to sail the seas but one of metal to navigate the stars. With half a million people aboard, the ark searches for a new Earth, but something goes wrong, and the commander of the mission, Michael, awakes from suspended animation to discover the mission is failing. As he tries to understand the malfunction and get the mission back on track, Michael discovers that few things are as they seem, and the mission may not be what he thought.

Science fiction with a heavy dose of mysticism is the essence of Act Of God by J.B. Strogh. The plot is straightforward enough, with a powerful organization attempting to ensure humanity survives a coming ice age, but this is quickly overtaken by a story shrouded in mystery. Deep sociological themes permeate the novel and raise the question of who created whom. Was it God who created man, or vice versa, and if it could be done once, could it be done again? Sophisticated and multifaceted character development is highlighted by several enigmatic individuals who are all more than they seem or what they believe. A steady pace drives an epic and fascinating tale, resulting in a science fiction story with few peers that will delight fans of the genre and anyone who questions the origins of man.

J. B. Strogh's Act of God is the opening installment of the In the Beginning series. It is a gripping ride through a future ravaged by climate change and characterized by humanity's resultant struggles for survival. The prologue introduces Simone Lynn, a weary maintenance worker in a gradually disintegrating world dominated by ice. Subsequently, the story follows Michael, a gifted young man transitioning into a space commander tasked with the survival of humanity. The primary plot summarizes the struggle against a relentless, encroaching ice age, leveraging deep-rooted themes of faith, duty, and existential longing against an apocalyptic backdrop. Simone Lynn’s awakening to the world’s tragic decline resonates with current ecological anxieties, perhaps a harbinger of humanity's negligence. Michael – mentored by the enigmatic Cardinal Ricci – symbolizes hope and potential. His evolution from an introverted boy to a pivotal leader highlights the juxtaposition between individual despair and collective salvation. But does he have what it takes for the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity?

Act of God is a bold narrative with an ingeniously imagined and meticulously executed setting. Thematically, the novel oscillates between optimism and despair, challenging readers to confront the repercussions of their environmental choices. The notion of a unified church transcending dogmas to prioritize human welfare echoes throughout and raises questions about morality in times of crisis. The overarching exploration of science versus faith within the story speaks of the essential relationship between knowledge and hope — exemplified by the burdens placed on Michael to lead an Ark mission far beyond his struggling homeland. J. B. Strogh’s prose is highly descriptive and has intriguing and beautifully crafted dialogues. The narrative creates a complex web of interconnected lives, histories, and aspirations. As the characters struggle to define themselves in a world torn apart by wars and climate degradation, readers ponder profoundly about humanity’s role in a deteriorating world. The conclusion hints at the persistent cycles of despair and the flickering light of hope. This novel is timely, with resonant themes and characters that stay with readers.

Act of God, Book One: In the Beginning by J.B. Strogh follows Michael’s journey as he maneuvers through a fragmented, post-apocalyptic world, first in suspended animation, then aboard a spaceship, and later in a self-sustained community on the Ark. Initially, Michael is introduced to a world devastated by the collapse of society due to a genetically engineered plant, the Bean, and his family’s efforts to prepare him for survival. He is recruited for a secret church project and tasked with leading a Mars expedition, which ultimately faces catastrophic failure when the Martian government escalates aggression. Following this, Michael, shepherding the Ark, is up against the political, spiritual, and welfare of thousands. As he interacts with others, particularly Samael, Michael is forced to question his purpose in a fractured society, where faith, survival, and leadership mix in a quest to restore humanity.

Act of God by J.B. Strogh is the launch of an ambitious series, and, with such a vague book description, I basically went into it blind. It was worth it. The writing is simple and straightforward, with an even balance of narrative and dialogue. I really enjoyed the symbolism that Strogh works through with correlations like the origins of humanity in the Bible, and the literal garden on the Ark. This makes the settings feel thoughtful in addition to their atmosphere, which Strogh portrays well. While Michael’s journey is more introspective and philosophical, I found the character of Buck to be the most fascinating. He serves as the gateway to exterior world-building and his perspective gives us a better idea of what lay beyond the Ark. Overall, this is a solid first book and I look forward to the continuation of this series. Recommended.

A severe environmental crisis hit the world. After several failed attempts to reverse its effects, Earth’s fate was sealed. All life and civilization would soon be extinct as a fast-encroaching ice age took over. Born in the time many called the beginning of the end, Michael grew up in the West, the only part of the world with civilization. His grandfather, a highly respected former military big shot, had been preparing him from a young age. When he was deemed ready, his grandfather sent him to Florida, the new world quarters of the Christian religion, into the hands of a Cardinal, the leader of the Unified Church. The church and the government had hatched a master plan to save the human race from extinction, and the linchpins of their scheme were a craft called the Ark and advanced science. Michael learns from the Cardinal that he has been chosen to lead this mission. Find out how it all goes down in J.B. Strogh’s Act of God: Book 1, In the Beginning.

If you are looking for an apocalyptic space opera with an unraveling religious back story, Act of God is just what you should be looking for. Weaving an enthralling plot in a tale of the future, survival, resilience, sacrifices, love, loyalty, adventure, drama, and so much more, J.B. Strogh whisked me away from reality and dropped me into a world of endless imagination. The plot is run on a double timeline, giving the narration an effortless flow. I watched Michael being trained for his role in the fallen cities of the West, which had become mere dystopian skeletons of their glory during the peak of civilization. The next thing I knew, I closely followed his stint in space as he took on a mission that put the fate of humanity squarely on his shoulders. The authentic dialogue, alongside introspection, gave depth to the cast’s complex traits, emotions, and conflicts, and they were easy to connect with. Strogh uses the collapse of civilization and ecosystems to explore humanity’s response and future in the wake of an apocalypse.