Chad Daybell, born on August 11, 1968, in Provo, Utah, is an author known for his works in the LDS market. He is best known for his popular Standing in Holy Places series, as well as his non-fiction books for youth, including The Aaronic Priesthood and The Youth of Zion. Chad and his wife Tammy also created the Tiny Talks series for Primary children. Chad has worked in the publishing business for the past three decades and is currently the president of Spring Creek Book Company.
Daybell's writings often delve into apocalyptic visions and religious imagery. "Evading Babylon" is one such book, exploring themes of economic collapse, natural disasters, and the gathering of Latter-day Saints to holy refuges during times of turmoil.
The Premise of "Evading Babylon"
“Go ye out from Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations.” Doctrine and Covenants 133:7. In the near future, the world as we know it will suddenly change.
Natural disasters will lead to economic difficulties, leaving the United States on the edge of collapse. During this time of strife, members of the LDS Church will be invited by their leaders to survive the civil unrest by gathering to holy refuges.
In the midst of the turmoil, recently returned missionary Nathan Foster joins a secret team of men who help the Saints escape modern society's implosion. Nathan is expected to devote all of his time and energy to this cause, but he faces a major personal obstacle in doing so-Marie Shaw. Nathan has admired Marie since their high school days, and now she’s showing genuine interest in him as well.
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Readers who enjoyed the author's bestselling Standing in Holy Places novels will find a new set of futuristic twists and turns in the Times of Turmoil series.
The story revolves around Nathan Foster, a recently returned missionary who becomes involved with a secret team dedicated to helping members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints escape the impending societal collapse. As Nathan commits himself to this cause, he faces a significant personal challenge in the form of Marie Shaw, a woman he has long admired. Their burgeoning relationship is threatened by the surrounding chaos, putting their lives in peril.
Themes and Context
“As time has gone on, I have had many dreams which speak of economic collapse not just in our country, but around the world. Utah and Idaho, replete with open terrain, religious fundamentalists and hardcore outdoorsmen, have proven to be a hotbed of the prepper movements.
The book is part of the "Times of Turmoil" series and explores themes common in LDS end-of-the-world fiction. These include preparing for Christ's second coming and navigating the challenges of a world in disarray.
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Critical Reception
Some readers have noted that the writing in "Evading Babylon" is not the best, describing it as average. The characters, relationships, and events were poorly developed. You weren't really attached to anyone. However, the part I liked were the circumstances of the story. The scenarios presented were eerily close to home and a possible, realistic future that fits many prophecies. I'm looking forward to the reading the next book in the series.
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However, others have praised the compelling storyline and engaging characters, noting that it helps readers see how such events could realistically unfold in their own lives. Some appreciate how it coincides with Daybell's other series, providing more detail and context.
About the Author
After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1992 with a B.A. in journalism, Daybell worked as a cemetery sexton before establishing Spring Creek Book Company in 2004 with his wife, Tammy, who served as a graphic artist and manager.
In 2015, Chad Daybell allegedly twice heard a voice telling him to relocate to Rexburg, Idaho; he and Tammy moved there from Springville, Utah that June. Tamara passed away on October 20, 2019. Chad Daybell married Lori Vallow on November 5, 2019 in Hawaii.
Daybell was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Tammy Daybell, his late wife, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, his current wife's two children. On May 30, 2024, Chad was found guilty of all charges related to the deaths of his first wife and of Lori's children. On June 1, 2024, he was sentenced to death.
Final Thoughts
"Evading Babylon" offers readers a glimpse into a potential future filled with turmoil and the need for refuge. While opinions on the writing style vary, the book's themes and its place within the broader context of Chad Daybell's works make it a notable read for those interested in LDS end-times fiction.
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