The Pestilence

By: Faisal Ansari

Narrated by: Gareth Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

The little girl cupped her hands and whispered almost inaudibly into her father's ear. "The Pestilence is coming. Everybody here is going to die."

A mysterious electrical phenomenon rolls above the cities of the world. The lightning, which comes from the east, shines as far as the west, turning night into day.

Two brothers of the lightning, Samuel Srour and Victor Pierre Chaput, are gifted powers by the storm. Their paths intertwined, with enemies on all sides.

Samuel Srour has unwittingly started a revolution. His healed walk the Earth - free of injury, sickness, and disease, but powerful forces stand in his way, and the Pestilence is drawing ever closer.

©2015 Faisal Ansari (P)2015 Faisal Ansari

Amazing Read!!

What an amazing apocalyptic read. Although, I am not generally a fan of this genre, this author has given me a new found appreciation. I was impressed at how the author utilized the literary tool of "juxtaposition" to intensify the plot of good vs. evil. For most who have read the book of Revelations in the bible, will agree that it's like the "new age" version of that story. Its realism is so mind blowing and captivating. The author should most definitely turn this audiobook into a major motion movie. I am so in awe, that I am suggesting it to all of my family and friends.

Film Caliber Stuff!

Wow, what a wild ride! Faisal Ansari has been added to my list of favorite authors! The story is amazing, but I can't say enough about Gareth Pierce's telling of Faisal's amazingly vivid tale. And, when the little girl's voice first slid into Gareth's narration, I had to turn on the lights it was so bone-chilling! lol Who IS that amazing little actress!?

I love a good apocalyptic story and Faisal Ansari doesn't disappoint. I don't want to give ANY spoilers, because there are just so many things I'd like to discuss with a friend or family member, heck anybody who will listen, but trust me this is one you'll want to talk about.

I haven't checked to see if there's a follow-up, but I absolutely hope so. Great work by all involved! It's just under nine hours, but it goes quickly. I listened while I was in the gym and in my car and on more than one occasion, I sat outside for far too long listening to see what would happen next. Bravo, Faisal Ansari!

interesting story and plot

If you could sum up The Pestilence in three words, what would they be?

Lightning Healing Resurrection

Who was your favorite character and why?

Samuel Srour because he gains this healing power and raise people from the dead. I liked how realistic things were described as if this could really happen.

Have you listened to any of Gareth Pierce’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't but I would love to listen to more.

Who was the most memorable character of The Pestilence and why?

Samuel Srour and his healing power although I also like Mariam as well.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the plot of a simple family that lives on a farm and a rocket lands in the center of the farm causing an electrical event granting Samuel Srour unique powers. He's like a modern day super hero. He isn't the only one that is changed by the storm, one other person is changed and he is the polar opposite of Samuel. Samuel doesn't want anyone to pay him for helping heal people, where as Victor would like to extort his newly acquired power for his own personal gain. This book seems to have a lot of biblical themes originating from Revelations.

Mr Ansari - Just what have you done?

Normally when I get to the end of a book on Audible I know pretty much exactly what I think of it and what I’d like to write in my review, and I’ve covered a fair range of authors now. Anyway, along comes Mr Ansari and with what appears to be his first book has made me think rather harder than I have previously.

Firstly, this is a brave book. It gives the hard questions about society today a solid poke. These are the ones that are obvious but tucked away out of sight and out of mind despite being the most important ones that face us. These are the guilty secrets of our generation and the legacy we will leave behind us. It also shines a light on media culture and very believably highlights how even something divine would very likely be reduced to celebrity style gossip by the modern media, both social and journalistic. It casts even starker light on the modern self-righteous belief that we are all entitled not only to hold but also to broadcast opinions based on little genuine knowledge and regardless of the damage caused (says he writing a book review!). These are all brave things to be incorporating for a new author courting an audience for his fledgling writing career.

Secondly, the presentation is a little different. A dossier of information sources including e-mails, documents and phone transcripts intersperses the live narrative at frequent intervals. I found this very effective and Ansari avoids the pitfall of including too much “header” like email addresses that become very clumsy in audiobook format.

Thirdly, the characters. They are well detailed and act consistently within the events of the story, something I very much value. If I did find one thing a little hard to get to grips with it was the way that the characters took the miraculous events on board so quickly and with such equanimity. I would have liked the author to explore their psyche a little more because some of the things that happened would push at anyone’s sanity. Stefano’s reaction when he got “injured” was particularly spectacular!

Finally, the plot is well thought out and moves along at an entertaining pace. I think some of the timing is a bit unlikely such as the development of the “healed” organization and the pace at which the Chaput Foundation took shape and progressed. Readers should also be aware that this very much appears to be an ongoing series rather than a self-contained book which Audible doesn’t make clear.

When all is said and done though I genuinely admire an author that makes me think like this. Makes me question exactly what his book meant to me. Ansari pitches magic and the divine against the varied “terrors” of modern life. There is no black and white, there are only shades of grey. All actions have consequences including those that run counter to the original motives. Taking everything into account I would strongly recommend this book and I hope that it gets some prominence so that more can enjoy it.

I have little doubt that “Pestilence” will split opinions but I for one will follow Mr Ansari’s next move with interest. I’ll be fascinated to see how his thoughts on the human condition develop and where he takes this series next. In the meantime I heartily recommend it because I forgot to mention one thing. It’s a damn good story that kept me entertained from start to finish!

Wow. Should be a block buster move on this one

I have been listening to Audio books over many years. Never has one caught my attention so much that my wife became interested in in to the extent that we. Broth the iPad to the bath with us and listened for a few hours and the next day we stayed up till 1am to finish the book.

We loved the cliff hangers and the way we were drawn into the charters as the plot developed.
We were given many clues to keep our minds active.
The reasoning behind so many different philosophies of life, religion and thinking. Everyone seems to be right in his own mind about what they wanted to do for others.
I keep thinking where is this pestilence and imaging what the end would be. It took me by surprise, especially Victor.
I still have many questions about White, the little girl and the pregnancy. Of course what is Samuel going to do with his "new" life. What are all the healed going to do with the new situation. Plus other questions. Nicely set up for the sequel.
I would recommend this to anyone who is concerned about why the world is the way it is. Those who don't want to ignore there responsibility to help others.
If you are not concerned ask yourself why?
Because I am sure if we had the power - what would we do with it. Be a Samuel or a Victor?
I am looking forward to the movie. I can see the special effects even now.

wow

this was a great listen. enthralling different very entertaining. can't wait for the next part.

Excellent read - you won't regret

Very imaginative and singularly original novel. I would be curious to see this adapted to the screen as the scenes are grandiose in nature. It is an interesting reflection on our own mortality as well humankind. Highly entertaining.

Unfinished

Not a bad book, but it is part 1 in a chronicle and 6 years on, book 2 isn't available