One of the main themes of the Bible is that humanity, and creation, are fallen. People and a world created by a perfect God are in a far-from-perfect state.
Humans are not the first intelligent created beings in the Bible. In eternity past, before time as we know it, God made self-aware pure spirit creatures – Angels. The reason for the original fall was the misuse, by His most privileged creatures, of God’s most precious gifts – self-awareness and free will.
Before the creation of our universe, the highest and mightiest angel, Lucifer, revolted against the Lord Creator. In a decisive primordial battle, the Archangel Michael defeated him. Lucifer became Satan (the Accuser) and the Devil (the Adversary) – God’s sworn enemy. One third of all angels had joined Lucifer in his revolt. They became his army of demons. Even in defeat, Satan won a perverse victory. He managed to impose Death, his most evil and powerful creation, on God’s new universe and the creatures in it.
When time as we know it and we humans came along, Satan made sure to tempt our self-awareness towards wanting to replace God with our own knowledge and wills, just as he had done. So mankind fell, as the evil angels had done.
The Lord Creator promised a Redeemer, to undo Death and break Satan’s power over creation. Jesus Christ, a human being who is also, incredibly, the very Son of God, is that Redeemer. He came from among the Jews, a People the Lord had set aside as His special nation, just for the purpose of bringing the Messiah into this world.
Betrayal and Hope, Book 1 of The Spirit War, does two things. First, it puts in place the cosmic biblical background in which the entire trilogy will unfold. With that foundation laid, it then presents an updated, plausible version of the traditional Christian story of the birth of Jesus and his family’s escape to Egypt.
Book 1 introduces the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Jesus’s parents Mary and Joseph are the main human protagonists. The Roman soldier Longinus, a main character in Books 2 and 3, also appears in a supporting role.
Betrayal and Hope incorporates interesting character nuances. Mary is an educated rabbi’s daughter. Joseph, instead of a humble carpenter, is a smart, gritty builder. Jesus himself is an ordinary-seeming baby, then little boy, with much to learn from his wise parents.
The world knows the traditional Nativity of Jesus story from which the first book of The Spirit War is adapted. So there is not much worry about plot spoilers. But the interweaving of action in human and spirit dimensions, along with the modified main characters, make the plot come alive with surprises. Herod the Great is truly a monster, and the escape to Egypt is thrilling.
Book 1, though an introduction to the trilogy, manages its own satisfying climax. Even so, the end has a definite “to be continued” note, which sets up Book 2.
Ready for a different take, for modern readers, on the traditional Birth of Jesus story? Wondering whether or not to plunge into an entire Spirit War trilogy? Try Book 1. It’s only 155 pages. Most likely you’ll love it and want to read Books 2 and 3. But whether you go on with the rest of the trilogy or not, Betrayal and Hope, stand-alone, will not disappoint.
Quotes from Spirit War readers on Amazon
“The author’s goal with Betrayal and Hope seems twofold: to write the best short book he can, and to engage readers for the much longer work that the entire Spirit War trilogy is. He achieves both. Betrayal and Hope is a very good read in itself, but it’s obvious that there has to be much more to this story. A fundamental cosmic problem of good and evil has been brilliantly put, but is left unsolved, while a strong foundation for something much bigger has been laid. Earth and spirit dimensions in which the reader is very comfortable have been well developed. Vivid, believable characters, both human and spirit, invite reader identification. What reader who enjoys this book would not ask for more?”
“This book is a gift, in more ways than one. “
“It is a read not meant to preach, but to entertain and inspire, and I, for one, find myself a richer person after having read it. Give it a try, whether you are a believer, doubter or unbeliever. For those who want their faith explored in a different manner, as well as those who have had dull moments in church, this is the book to start with. No amount of stars could do it the justice it deserves as the beginning of what could well be the series that Christian fantasy has always been in need of.”
“The book unfolds at various intertwined levels that all come together to masterfully and cohesively develop what can best be described as a great read. The language is deliberately kept at a level that is accessible and flows naturally and in a modern vernacular that makes it great for all family members. Mr. Quiros moves effortlessly through one level and then the next building as he goes a scenario that not only makes sense but also draws you in. Be it at the Roman level, the Sanhedrin, the Holy Family and Jesus’ followers or the Spirit Realm you are given a guided tour of intent and modus operandi that in the end always adheres to true human (or other) motivation, which is why, to reiterate: ‘it makes sense’. And along the way scripture is quoted that serves as support and backdrop for the events unfolding in the text.”