Locked and Loaded

First three episodes of Fallen World scheduled

What kind of story is Fallen World? I wanted to write a superhero like story, for Christians, where miracles happen instead of super-powers being used. Except, when I came to write what became season one - Fallen Warriors, I found myself exploring the aftermath of a miracle. We all know that Jesus called into the tomb and Lazarus walked out. But what happened afterwards for Lazarus? I’ve heard that the Pharisees and religious leaders plotted to have Lazarus killed. Can you imagine what that might have been like? You die, then Jesus raises you back to life, but then people threaten to kill you… and that threat would have rippled out, affecting Lazarus’ sisters, perhaps neighbours, friends. I did not consciously plot Emma’s story based on what Lazarus may have felt and experienced - I was influenced by thinking about it though.

There are other miracles that occur throughout the book. Often muted, subtle. You could miss them or dismiss them as coincidence, and isn’t that how we sometimes view God’s actions in our lives? We ask and God answers, yet because there are no flashing lights or earthquakes, doubt creeps in - would this miracle we asked for have happened anyway, even if we had not asked?

For Emma though, she could not ask. She was dead. As was Lazarus. The miracles were done to them. They had no say, no agency. Brought back to life, for Lazarus at least, Jesus was on hand to comfort and explain. In Emma’s story, her journey is finding out what happened to her, and why, and who. The who being Calvin - at least, he prays for her to be brought back to life - and ultimately the who is God whose power brought her back.

I felt it would be unsettling, to be brought back to life as she was. Disorienting. She is confused and worried. Her life literally ends, then restarts. How can she be the same after that? And that changes ripples through even into Fallen World.

I set out to write a superhero story. Fallen Warriors and now Fallen World are both far more complex. A mix of thriller and mystery, drama and a hint of romance. I introduce two new characters in Fallen World: Saul and Rick. Both are dealing with events out of their control. Both will have to choose how they respond.

I’ve now uploaded the first three episodes of season three to this blog. 192 pages, over 60,000 words. Starting from Friday 10th April 2026, two chapters will be shared to paying subscribers each week. I’m planning to keep uploading new chapters each week until season two completes, then I’ll begin uploading season three. As I re-read chapters I wrote between six and nine years ago, I’m reminded of what these characters are facing. They are dealing with terrible events. They experience doubt and uncertainty. Their faith is tested. Their weaknesses are exposed. They are constantly faced with a choice - to turn to God, or to try and continue in their own strength. And this reminds me - as I am tested, will I choose to turn to God? Will I trust him even when he is not ready to answer, or when the answer is no.

If you are curious about Fallen World, you can read an extract here. You can sign up as a paying subscriber for £3.50 a month and cancel at any time, or save with an annual subscription for £20 a year. At the time of writing, I have two paying subscribers. To them, I am extremely grateful! The first signed up in February and the second in March and I credit that encouragement with enabling me to commit to this plan to begin sharing Fallen World and the final season of Fallen Warriors via this blog. If only for them, I will share both novels. I would also be delighted to share the story with more of you, and if you would like to join us in sharing this story, click subscribe below: