Book Review: Noah Primeval by Brian Godawa

I'd been hearing about a book called "Noah Primeval" for quite awhile and, based on a recommendation from a trusted podcast, I wanted to read it.

Noah Primeval is the story of the Biblical Noah's life leading up to the Flood. But this story isn't just a retelling of Sunday School story-time. Noah is a warrior and he's not really happy that God wants him to build a big boat. He'd much rather avenge the destruction of his tribe by the Nephilim and their rulers, the fallen angels masquerading as kings and queens.

There are three story-lines in Noah Primeval: Noah waging war with old friends and family at his side and running from the Nephilim, Noah's wife and son in captive servitude to the fallen angels and their lackeys, and a snarky archangel fighting alongside Noah but subtly leading him to his destiny with that boat.

The author, Brian Godawa, is a Hollywood screenwriter and director. His talent shows in this book as the action scenes are memorable, the emotions are moving, and the humor is fun and irreverent. This story takes us right up to the Flood, as Noah and his family board the Ark and the door closes. The writing style isn't perfect, and at times I had to struggle not to skip ahead. I'm glad I stuck with it though, as everything in the story matters.

It's written as epic fantasy, it just so happens to be based around people found in scripture. It doesn't try to proselytise you at all - it just weaves a fun story for you to enjoy. That being said, there is the underlying theme, similar to that of Jonah and his mission to Nineveh, of following God even when you're not sure why He has certain plans for you.

Noah Primeval is the first book in a six-book series called "Chronicles of the Nephilim." The follow up is a prequel, featuring some of the characters from this book as their younger selves in a war. The other books in the series are actual sequels, and take place post-Flood.


Noah Primeval was provided to me by the author for review.