The Nephilim Virus by John T. Prather - Review by LAWonder10!

Press Release
​Actor and GQ model finds success in Hollywood despite hostility toward his Christian faith

His debut novel seeks to bridge the divide between Christian and
non-Christian entertainment
    Los Angeles, CA −Actor, model, and author John Prather is outspoken about his Christian faith, even though it has cost him well-paying jobs in Hollywood. But he has found success in Los Angeles, nonetheless, landing roles in two television series as well as being featured in national magazines such as GQ, People, Men’s Health, and Muscle and Fitness. But with his debut novel, “The Nephilim Virus” (Deep River Books), he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his favorite author, C.S. Lewis, as well as his not-so-famous grandfather.
    “My grandfather was a wonderful storyteller and I used to listen to his stories over and over to learn the rhythm and pace and punch line of a good story,” says Prather, who grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. “ Being an actor is a great way for me to be in touch with my own emotions and internal motivations, and also to watch my fellow performers’ emotions and motivations. Everyone has tics and mannerisms that are specific to them, and being aware of these individual characteristics helps me create strong characters for my stories. C.S. Lewis said something that has always stuck with me. He said, "What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects—with their Christianity latent."  
     “The Nephilim Virus” is based on some obscure verses in Genesis 6 about the Nephilim, a race of beings created from the sons of God sleeping with the daughters of men. Written in short chapters and with a plethora of cliffhangers, the novel is about the world being infected with a blood disease, and desperately seeking a cure. Prather says he wrote the story with the intention of appealing to both Christians and non-Christians alike.
    “It shows the battle between good and evil without being offensive on one hand or preachy on the other,” says Prather. “Non-Christians will enjoy the book because it reads like a movie or a Netflix series
    The deeper truths are hidden just below the surface so a non-Christian could read it simply for its entertainment value and not realize the Christian themes, imagery, and symbolism right away. The novel doesn’t talk overtly about God, but you can see Him throughout the work, similar to the book of Esther in the Bible.”
    As proof of that claim, “The Nephilim Virus” has been endorsed by film star, Megan Fox, who said the book would “make a great movie” due to its combination of science, the supernatural and the apocalypse. And while Prather would be happy if the book were made into a film, he is grounded in the knowledge of what he’s up against in Tinseltown.
    “Being a Christian is the norm in the South where I grew up. Everyone has a church, even if they never go to church. In the South, it costs you very little to be a Christian, but in Hollywood, it costs you a lot. Being a follower of God in Hollywood can get you ostracized, fired, friendless, and broke. I often think of Hollywood as America’s version of ‘the gates of hell’ that Jesus talked about. Christians out here are the tip of the spear. They need a lot of support. But that’s ok, because Jesus promised the gates of hell would not prevail.”

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MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
This is an steady moving, adventurous horror tale. Although I detest most horror stories, I have to give John Prather the literary credit he earned. Although graphically violent, it is a "clean" story

This is, frighteningly, what type of a scenario could happen through some of the inhumane warfare being developed by some countries. Many individuals need to be aware of dangers by ruthless men and women in power.

Nick Reece awakes, strapped down to a hospital bed, with strangers poking, prodding and scrutinizing him. Apparently he had been in a crash and was one of only a few survivors.

Dr. Faith Richards had to be very cautious with this unusual patient. After conversing with him briefly, she succumbed to his request to release his constraints. She had no choice but to lead him to the window and let him look out. What he saw was unbelievable. How could so much change happen in such a short time?

There were few survivors. Most had been infected. Others were powerful giants! 

This is a fast-paced horror story of a few scattered individuals trying to survive, yet somehow, find a way to combat the un-combat-able!

The characters are well-developed to a point of seeming real. The dire situation and environment are vividly portrayed.. Although not very eye-catching, the Book Cover and Title are very "fitting".

The scenes flow smoothly from one to another, constantly captivating the readers attention. 

It is a interesting, fantastical theory to build upon.
This book earns a Five Stars literary rating.
This book was gifted to me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.

About John Prather:
John Prather grew up with seven siblings in Memphis, Tennessee, on a steady diet of BBQ and southern values. After graduating from the University of Memphis, he moved to Hollywood to try his hand at the entertainment industry. He has been featured in TV series such as Scream Queens on Fox as well as WWE Raw. His commercial work has included ads for FedEx, Old Navy, Burger King, and Ruffles, in addition to various other major corporations. As a model, he has been featured in national magazines such as People, GQ, Men’s Health, as well as on the cover of Muscle and Fitness magazine, among others. John and his wife are expecting twins in early 2018, and hope to adopt their foster daughter very soon. For more information, visit www.JohnTPrather.com.

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