Review of Killing Abel

Sable Pratt · Post by **Sable Pratt** » 31 Mar 2022, 18:15

[Following is a volunteer review of "Killing Abel" by Michael Tieman.]

4 out of 4 stars

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In Killing Abel, M. Tieman blends in-depth research with his own wild imagination to provide a precise, yet detailed, account of what happened from the beginning of creation to the coming of the Great Flood. Part fiction, part truth, Killing Abel tells the story of the fall of man and the major, fate-altering events that followed thereafter.

Lucifer was placed in the Garden of Eden to guide Adam and Eve as they discovered their human abilities and limitations, but the cunning angel had an ulterior, dark agenda, which became clear after Adam and Eve succumbed to his selfish temptation. Instead of obtaining the independence and power he believed he deserved, Lucifer was cursed by God to forever remain in his serpentine form. He was cast from heaven, his name no longer Lucifer, but Satan or "Prince of Darkness".

Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, an occurrence that caused as much sadness in God as it did in His children. Without any memory or experience on which to base their strange predicament, Adam and Eve relied on their instincts and their faith in God to survive life out of the garden. Adam was still tormented with guilt for going against God's wishes, but his conscience was cleansed when he knew to give an unconditional sacrifice to God. He and Eve went on to procreate and to fill the earth, but unlike what is written in the Bible, Adam and Eve had twelve daughters before they gave birth to Cain and Abel. M. Tieman goes on to narrate the legendary fratricide that ultimately influenced the course of history, the development of the Cainite and the Sethite bloodlines, the social and political changes that generated evil and corruption in the world, and the Trinity's decision to choose three men who would prepare the world for the coming flood. How will God's decision to spare Cain punishment affect the moral development of His people? Will good triumph over evil, or will salvation be bartered for riches and power?

When I first came across this book, I thought it would be another exhaustively long theological explanation of what has been hammered into my head since I was a child. M. Tieman threw me for a loop when I discovered it was actually an interesting and insightful read that went well beyond my expectations, leave alone my imagination.

Needless to say, I came across lots of positive aspects regarding this book. First, the author's ability to shock me with unexpected twists when he has based his story on well-known biblical facts was refreshing. I didn't expect Eva and Cain to end up together, and Cain's mark taking over his body and leaving a real, breathing mark on earth was mind-boggling. Second, Killing Abel maintained a fast pace as the author portrayed the characters' attributes and flaws through the most important historical events. This way, the author infused his historical narration with plot twists and turns that propelled the suspense and kept me turning the pages.

Third, M. Tieman brought to life famous, revered historical characters by giving them complexities, affirmations, conflicts, strengths, and weaknesses. I related with Eve's resentment towards her daughters when her beauty began diminishing with age and childbirth, while theirs increased. The conflict between Adam and Eva after Cain killed Abel was heartbreaking to read, as I didn't know which character to support. I also felt that Eva's fate was unfair and unsatisfactory, especially after all the patience and suffering she had endured. These reactions showed that the characters were engaging and memorable, adding authenticity to their historical world.

Unfortunately, these positive aspects were counterbalanced by a number of negative aspects. The author modernized certain aspects of the characters to make them more appealing to contemporary readers, and this led to misrepresentation of historical figures and their way of life. Also, while I appreciate the author's imagination, his portrayal of God's thoughts and feelings without a valid basis might be interpreted negatively by staunch Christians. Lastly, Lucifer was not given adequate significance, yet he was the main villain of the story. Had he been afforded just a little more opportunity, the course of this book would have been unstoppable.

Nonetheless, Killing Abel was a refreshing read that deserves a full rating of four out of four stars. It was professionally edited, as I didn't find any errors. The author blended the characters' facts and emotional truths with his imagination to create a story that is a beautiful change from the one we're used to.

I recommend it to historians, theologists and mature readers who enjoy historical fiction with biblical references. Killing Abel is based on the premise that God created the universe; thus, it is more suitable for Christians.

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Killing Abel
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Judy_Akha · Post by **Judy_Akha** » 03 Apr 2022, 06:14

I would love to read that book. Especially, it is based on biblical motives and I would love to know, how to author mixed his fantasy and historical facts.

Sharon Christanto · Post by **Sharon Christanto** » 03 Apr 2022, 11:11

I've been reading numerous reviews regarding this book, but I found yours is the most detailed of them all. I agree Lucifer didn't get enough spotlight in the book.