The Sword (Chiveis Trilogy) [eBook]

A Novel

Book One in the Chiveis Trilogy

Four hundred years from now a deadly virus and nuclear war have destroyed the modern world, and those who survived have returned to a medieval-like age of swords, horses, and feudal kingdoms. Yet the breathtaking mountain realm of Chiveis lives in peace, protected from the outside world and obedient to its own gods. Though this noble civilization seems to flourish, Christianity has been forgotten—until a mysterious book is found.

When Teo, an army scout, and Ana, the beautiful daughter of a farmer, discover an ancient Bible, everything begins to change in Chiveis. As old beliefs give way to new faith, persecution rises and the kingdom’s darkest secrets begin to surface. Will the new discovery be the end of Teo and Ana? Or will they find a way to bring the God of the Ancients back to the land of Chiveis?

BRYAN M. LITFIN (PhD, University of Virginia) is associate professor of theology at Moody Bible Institute. He is the author of the Chiveis Trilogy as well as Getting To Know the Church Fathers. Litfin and his wife, Carolyn, have two children.

“Theologian and scholar Bryan Litfin has accomplished a rare feat—he has fashioned a land and time unique to any reader’s experience.”
—Jerry B. Jenkins, author, The Left Behind series

“Some fiction is mere entertainment and some fiction is like a mirror in which we see ourselves and our world reflected in challenging and instructive ways. The Sword is a mirror of who we are at the core and what we struggle with in our non-fiction lives. Don’t miss this one. It is a compelling read that is well beyond mere entertainment.”
—Joseph M. Stowell, President, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Ever wonder about a world with an ‘almost-absence’ of God? Theologian turned ‘futurist’ Bryan Litfin provides us a compelling tale of the endurance of God’s amazing love—even to a distant remnant. Get your mind around The Sword. It could be the start of something big.”
—Mark Elfstrand, Executive Producer/Host, Morning Ride, Moody Radio, Chicago, Illinois

“Pulling us into the future to reveal the past, Bryan Litfin’s great what-if story discovers instead what is, laying bare the tendencies of the human soul, the strategies of our adversary, and the gentle sovereignty of the eternal God. In The Sword discovering truth is as exciting as discovering love, for, as Litfin skillfully portrays, they are one and the same.”
—Amy Rachel Peterson, author, Perpetua: A Bride, A Martyr, A Passion

“The one-of-a-kind concept for this novel mixes an apocalyptic near-future with an almost medieval past. The thrilling action and romance underscores the necessity of prayer and the power of God’s word to awaken a people to have hope in a love that supersedes that which they have before known. It is refreshing to read about characters whose struggles are real and whose virtues are worthy of admiration. I cannot wait until the second book in the series hits the shelves next year.”
—Seth Parrish, High School Principal, Yongsan International School of Seoul, Seoul, Korea

“The Sword’s thrilling, fast-paced story line draws you in and won’t let you put it down. It’s a swashbuckling adventure that men will love. And the character development encourages your soul, making it well worth the read. I was fascinated to discover Christianity alongside the people of Chiveis and see them experience freedom and love for the first time. It gave me a new perspective of the privilege of choosing to give one’s self to God.”
—Stacia Johnston, wife and mother of three

“The Sword has something to entice every reader: action, adventure, drama, mystery, discovery and romance. Through a commanding use of descriptive language and character development, Litfin engages his readers to the point that they will feel a part of the journey themselves. Seasoned and novice readers alike will benefit from Litfin’s ability to provide a thrilling adventure while at the same time giving the opportunity to ponder the theological implications and Biblical parallels held within the Kingdom of Chiveis. Boasting of an original plot set in a unique era which beckons its reader into a new world vaguely familiar with fresh twists on life, The Sword will leave you begging for more.”
—Narissa Muik, Vancouver, Canada