The Firstborn

Conlan Brown

Realms Fiction (Strang Book Group)

softcover, 304 pages, $13.99

978-1-599-79607-9

The Firstborn, a thriller by new author Brown, jumps immediately into overdrive and doesn't slow down. The opening sequence erupts with heart-pounding action, daring escapes and a victory that leaves the reader wanting more.

Brown introduces us to The Firstborn, made up of three groups: the Domani (those that see the future), Prima (those that see the past) and the Ora (those that see the present), all descendants of those resurrected during the resurrection of Christ. Mistrust fractures The Firstborn as each group can only see the purpose of their own gifting and misunderstand the significance of the other two groups, making allegorical asides about the spiritual gifts within the church.

When a member of one of the groups decides to murder an Islamic holy man, the rest must learn to put aside their differences to stop a terrorist attack threatening the lives of hundreds of innocent children. As the characters race against time to save lives, readers can almost hear the tense turning of the clock from the TV show 24

The Firstborn is an addictive adventure and written with such quality that it's hard to believe it's Brown's debut.

-Jeff Jones

Joel and Victoria Osteen, pastors of Lakewood Church in Houston, contributed notes and encouragement for the new Hope for Today Bible, which released last month from Simon & Schuster imprint Free Press. The Bible, published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the church, features the text of the New Living Translation along with Hope for Today messages and HopePoints from the Osteens. It is available in hardcover for $34.99 or embossed leather for $59.99.

Hendrickson Publishers is releasing the Hendrickson my-iBible KJV Voice Only and the Hendrickson my-iBible NASB Voice Only audio Bibles this month. Each portable listening device comes loaded with either the King James Version or New American Standard Bible read by Stephen Johnston. Features include book, chapter or segment repeats for memorization, a wall plug for recharging and headphones. The Bibles are available for $79.95 each.

Men are the target group of MANual, releasing from Zondervan this month. Including the full text of the New International Version (NIV), the Bible’s features include 100 “Myth” articles about lies men are told, 200 “Downshift” notes that include questions and reflections for personal or group study, 50 factoid profiles of men in the Bible, 200 “Knowing God” call-outs highlighting attributes of God, 300 “At Issue” notes on life topics such as money, sex and pride, book introductions, a topical index and articles to help men further their study. The Bible is available in softcover for $26.99, hardcover for $36.99 and chocolate/dark caramel Italian Duo-Tone for $59.99.

A large print version of the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation, Second Edition, will release next month from Tyndale House Publishers. The Bible will include features of the popular Life Application Study Bible such as nearly 10,000 notes, 200 thumbnail maps and character profiles in large print. The Bible will release in hardcover for $39.99, hardcover indexed for $59.99, brown/tan leatherlike for $79.99, black or burgundy bonded leather for $79.99, and black or burgundy bonded leather indexed for $89.99.

Zondervan is targeting female Bible readers with the release of True Identity: The Bible for Women this month. The Bible contains the full text of the NIV along with 100 “Myth” articles confronting lies about women, 30 “Ask Me Anything” notes that profile women in the Bible, 200 “Conversations” notes that include questions for personal or group study, 200 “He Is” callouts highlighting the attributes of God and how they affect a woman’s identity, 300 “At Issue” notes on life topics such as money, sex and pride, book introductions, a topical index and articles on subjects like mentoring, developing a consistent quiet time and Bible reading plans. True Identity: The Bible for Women is available in softcover for $24.99, hardcover for $36.99 and violet/melon green Italian Duo-Tone for $59.99.

Evangelist and author Perry Stone (The Meal That Heals) offers life lessons from the Jewish people in his new book, Breaking the Jewish Code (978-1-599-79467-9, $21.99, Charisma House), which released April 1.

Stone, who frequently teaches on ancient prophecies in his TV appearances, identifies what he calls “the Jewish DNA of Success,” which has helped the Jewish people excel in such areas as family, health, creativity and wealth. The codes Stone lists include topics such as the Jewish Covenant, the importance of the firstborn child and the significance of children’s names.

“It is my desire that unlocking these twelve Jewish codes will reveal fresh insight and practical illumination that will enlighten Gentile believers’ understanding of the divine revelations God gave to the Jewish people,” Stone writes in the book’s introduction. “Many aspects of the Torah Code can provide important instruction for practical, daily living, including keys to wealth, health, celebrating life cycles, and raising successful and gifted children.”

To help readers understand Jewish phrases, a glossary of important Jewish terms is included.

Stone, who has authored more than 40 books and booklets and produced more than 100 videos, will support the book’s release through his TV show Manna-Fest, which is seen weekly around the world.

Author stresses the importance of common sense in knowing God’s will

Kevin DeYoung, pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Mich., and co-author of last year’s Why We’re Not Emergent (Moody Publishers), has a message in the form of a book for young people waiting for a sign to help them with big decisions—Just Do Something.

While accessible for all age groups, DeYoung’s book targets 18-35 readers who are facing life-altering choices and struggling with the concept of God’s will. With his church located across the street from Michigan State University, the author frequently encounters youthful seekers questioning their life journeys.

The author of mainstream suspense thrillers Don't Say a Word and True Crime on his new Christian retail young adult release The Last Thing I Remember (Thomas Nelson), writing for young adults, God and patriotism.