Redeemed
About the Book
Redeemed
In a future shaped by war, plague, and political upheaval, North America has been transformed into a tightly controlled union ruled by the authoritarian Great Protector. Faith is forbidden, families are divided, and citizens are closely monitored by a government determined to control every part of their lives.
Redeemed continues the story in the second book of the three-part World on Fire series, where David’s growing doubts force him to confront the government and everything he once believed.
David’s life changes when he meets Sarah Murtagh, a Christian woman whose unwavering faith challenges everything he has been taught. Through Sarah, David is introduced to the Bible and begins to discover the truth about God. His questions become convictions, and his doubts become faith.
David ultimately joins the Christian Resistance and becomes a soldier for God, determined to destroy the government he once served. His faith, love, and willingness to sacrifice everything will be tested.
Book
Chapters Summaries
Chapter 1
"Escape and Evade"
“More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.”— Truman Capote, Answered Prayers, The Unfinished Novel.
David saves Sarah’s life. Together, they flee south toward Dallas, then west toward New Mexico. Sarah is bewildered and flustered by David’s actions. Was her rescue staged to trick her into betraying her friends in the resistance? Can David be trusted?
Chapter 2
"The Ruse"
“They may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”— 2 Timothy 2:26, New American Standard Bible
Henry receives his prize from Joshua, the cylinder containing the government’s strain of plague. He is eager to test his prize and fashion his retribution against the government and the men he deem responsible for unleashing the Black Death upon his wife, children, and millions of innocents in 2051. Elizabeth Carlisle, the Thought Police’s top investigator, is assigned to track down David and Sarah. David is designated the Number One Public Enemy in the nation. The government will stop at nothing to capture or kill him. David explains his plan to Sarah, how he hopes to get them to the relative safety of the mountains of Northern Mexico.
Chapter 3
"The Chase Begins"
“And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him.”— Revelation 6:8, ESV
Elizabeth Carlisle arrives in Oklahoma City and takes charge of the search for David and Sarah. She quickly deduces David’s attempt to throw-off his pursuers and directs the government’s agents to search likely hiding places to the west, even into New Mexico.
Chapter 4
"Three Reveals"
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”— Matthew 28:19 NIV.
As they flee from the government’s pursuit through the barren stretches of West Texas, Sarah teaches David about Christianity and the concept of the Holy Trinity. David is intrigued but far from convinced. Although not a believer, he finds Sarah’s faith in God to be her most persuasive argument for God.
Chapter 5
"The Chase Heats Up"
“Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”— 1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV.
Elizabeth Carlisle deduces David’s plan and decides to move with her hand-picked SWAT team to Carlsbad, New Mexico. She believes her prey will not elude her much longer.
Chapter 6
"The Voyage Begins"
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”— Proverbs 16:9 ESV.
David and Sarah find a hiding place in New Mexico. David looks for some way to get them further south and finds a boat he can steal, but to travel by boat, they must go north, away from Mexico. Elizabeth Carlisle and her SWAT team close in on the fugitives.
Chapter 7
"The Phoenix"
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”— Isaiah 43:18 NIV.
Thomas meets Delores and Allysa. Is God giving Thomas a second chance, an opportunity for redemption?
Chapter 8
"First Proofs"
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.”— Isaiah 42:16 NIV.
Inspector Carlisle’s pursuit of David and Sarah heats-up just before the fugitives escape to the north by boat. David teaches Sarah to pilot a boat. Sarah teaches David more about God.
Chapter 9
"Unseen Evidence"
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”— 2 Corinthians 4:18 NASB.
Sarah continues to teach David about God. They must have help to continue their escape. Does an angel come to their rescue? Sarah’s arguments for the existence of God make a strong impression on David.
Chapter 10
"Life or Death"
“If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.”— Romans 14:8 NIV.
Elizabeth Carlisle believes she has finally caught her prey. Can David elude the trap? Can he save both himself and Sarah?
Chapter 11
"Homecoming"
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”― Romans 12:2 ESV.
Henry infects himself. His life and his life’s work depend on the outcome of his gamble. Assistant AG James takes responsibility for David’s capture. Tony and Yvette help David and Sarah. The fugitives meet Lucky. Can he help? Why is he called Lucky?
Chapter 12
"Epiphany"
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”— Romans 10:10 ESV.
Allysa is assaulted by Patriot Police. Will Thomas help her? Is this a second chance for Thomas? Assistant Attorney General James regrets his decision to assume responsibility for the capture of David. Weak and nauseous, Henry’s symptoms increase. He fights to stay awake. He fears that he might never wake up if he falls asleep. David experiences a miracle. He finally comes to believe. David and Sarah hop a train for their journey to the far north.
Chapter 13
"The Journey Continues"
“All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.”—James Freeman Clarke, American minister, theologian and author, born April 4, 1810, died June 8, 1888.
Is Sarah falling in love? David learns more about Jesus. Sarah receives a treasured surprise. Sarah asks about Janel and studies the stolen information that Janel passed to David. Has Joshua found Henry in time to save him from his self-induced plague infection?
Chapter 14
"Discovery"
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ― Marcel Proust, ‘La Prisonnière’, the fifth volume of ‘Remembrance of Things Past’ (also known as ‘In Search of Lost Time’), 1923.
Joshua learns who will succeed Henry as head of the Christian resistance. Ultimately, he agrees to escort David and Sarah to Henry’s mountain hide-away.
Chapter 15
"First Steps"
“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”― Nathaniel Branden, (born Nathan Blumenthal; April 9, 1930 – December 3, 2014) Canadian–American psychotherapist and romantic partner of Ayn Rand.
After searching through Janel’s stolen information, Sarah and David discuss what she has discovered. 8 Bloodlines plus 10 Kings, 37 Times and My Lord Sings. What does it mean? Assistant AG James makes progress with his investigation, but is it enough to save him from the terror of the Attorney General and the Great Protector? Sarah shares more about Jesus and the End Times. Henry is nursed back to health by Joshua. David and Sarah’s train trip comes to an end. Time to find some other way to travel if they hope to continue their journey to Montana.
Chapter 16
"Cody"
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”— Proverbs 27:17 ESV
The Government widens its search for the traitors. David and Sarah meet Allen. Is he a gift from God or a devil in disguise? Sarah unlocks the Gubernare Guild’s most secret folder. The meaning of “8 Bloodlines plus 10 Kings, 37 Times and My Lord Sings” is finally revealed.
Chapter 17
"Revelations"
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”― John 8:32 KJV
Henry explains his plan to David, Sarah, and Joshua. Will God approve of what Henry plans to do? How do the participants see their roles in the grand plan to oppose the Great Protector? Can Henry’s small band bring down the evil government and free the people once again?
Chapter 18
"Band of Believers"
“Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken.”― Jane Austen, Emma,
Volume III, Chapter XIII, page 392.
Henry explains additional details to the conspirators. The Gordian knot is formed.
Chapter 19
"A Time for Everything"
“A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build.”— Ecclesiastes 3:3 NIV
Where are David and Sarah? The Assistant Attorney General is starting to fear for his safety. He must capture them soon or face the consequences. David returns to the mountain hide-away and immediately notices a change in Sarah’s demeanor. Henry announces they are out of time to prepare. Circumstances demand military hostilities against the Great Protector’s forces must start soon.
Chapter 20
"Secrets"
“If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.”― George Orwell, 1984
Sarah reveals some of the Gubernare Guild’s secrets. David is forced to reconsider his role in their great conspiracy.
Chapter 21
"Decisions"
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”― John 15:13 Revised Standard Version
David takes Joshua’s place. He and Sarah spend their last day together. Henry serves Holy Communion to the lovers before David leaves for Washington.
Chapter 22
"Atonement"
“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.”― Matthew 5:6 (New Living Translation)
David infects himself with the plague bacteria then surrenders to the Patriot Police. Assistant Attorney General James is the first to interrogate the prisoner. David meets Adan Marquez for the first time. SP-117 is used. Will David tell the truth or can he stick to the lie he has meticulously memorized? He is quickly transported back to Washington. David must atone for his treasonous acts and disloyalty to the Great Protector.
Chapter 23
"Strappado"
Of pain you could wish only one thing: that it should stop. Nothing in the world was so bad as physical pain. In the face of pain there are no heroes, no heroes, he thought over and over as he writhed on the floor, clutching uselessly at his disabled left arm.”― George Orwell, 1984
Sarah, safe in the mountain hide-away, is racked with fear and quilt. Adan Marquez, an expert in strappado, begins David’s torture in Washington. David pleads to see the Assistant Attorney General. Everything depends on the Assistant AG coming to see David. Adan weighs his options.
Chapter 24
"The Manicure"
“Sometimes you have to lose yourself to discover who you might yet be. Sometimes what feels like breaking down is really just breaking free.”― Cristen Rodgers, spiritual author and essayist.
Attorney General Foster whispers something strange and totally unexpected in David’s ear as he seeks his revenge. Assistant Attorney General James is invited to continue David’s inquisition. Will the torture ever end?
Chapter 25
"Promises"
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”― Revelation 2:10 (New Revised Standard Version)
A possible savior makes an unexpected appearance. Is Raphael a man or more than a man? Can Raphael save David? Sarah soothes her unborn child by reading scripture and David’s parting note.
Epilogue
The Future is Upon Us
Everything is in chaos. The Republic is in shambles. Rumors say the Great Protector, his Ministry Directors, and many of the Regional Governors are dead. The population is traumatized. Christians and other outlawed God-fearing groups band together in ever-increasing numbers for survival and to worship freely according to their individual beliefs. People are forced to choose. Will they serve God or man? “Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true. The devil exists. God exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow.” ― Ed Warren, The Conjuring, © 2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.