A Story That Shakes the Soul
Some books entertain you. Others challenge you. And then there are rare ones like Ancient of Days (Author of All You Survey) by Grover “Grumpy” Pitman that crack open deep questions about faith, humanity, and destiny — questions most of us avoid asking. Told through the eyes of Joel Braxton, a once-grounded detective whose life spirals into chaos, this novel is more than just a story; it’s a bold exploration of belief, betrayal, and the relentless pull of light versus darkness. Pitman doesn’t hand you easy answers — he forces you to wrestle with the same doubts and revelations as his characters.
“I pulled my drop gun from the glove box. My drop gun was a sort of insurance policy. If I happened to killed an unarmed criminal in the performance of a, criminal act, I would simply put the gun in his hand. It would save a lot of embarrassing questions at an inquest.”
— Ancient of Days, TO SERVE THE MASTER, Foreword, p. 32
The World Within the Pages
At its heart, Ancient of Days is a gripping spiritual thriller set in a future that feels unsettlingly close. Joel Braxton, once a detective with a simple life, finds himself swept into a storm of global upheaval — one marked by radical shifts in religion, technology, and morality. As governments push for a one-world order and the church grapples with its own corruption, a new Pope’s rise sparks suspicion and rebellion. Meanwhile, the “Goliath Chip,” a piece of biotech promising convenience and equality, hints at something far more sinister beneath the surface.
Joel’s personal life unravels just as the world around him does. Haunted by his mother’s dying warning to never accept “the mark,” he watches those he loves slip away — his wife Delilah included — under forces he barely understands. Murder investigations twist into prophecies. Political reforms echo biblical warnings. And through it all, Joel is confronted with one unavoidable truth: the battle between good and evil isn’t some distant myth — it’s here, now, and deeply personal.
One of the most striking parts of the novel is its raw honesty about doubt. Joel doesn’t wear faith easily. He mocks it, resists it, and questions it — yet he’s constantly drawn back to it. That tension gives the story its power, grounding its apocalyptic stakes in something deeply human: the struggle to believe when everything seems broken.
Meet the Man Behind the Story
Grover “Grumpy” Pitman grew up in Indiana as the second youngest of six siblings. Married to his wife Deborah for over 40 years, he’s a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Beyond writing, Pitman enjoys golfing, fishing, and prayer — moments that reflect the contemplative and grounded spirit that runs through his work. The nickname “Grumpy” came lovingly from his grandchildren, but there’s nothing grumpy about his storytelling. His writing is fearless and deeply human, unafraid to probe the darkest corners of belief and the brightest sparks of hope.
Why This Book Stays With You
Ancient of Days (Author of All You Survey) isn’t just a book — it’s an experience. It’s unsettling and beautiful, cynical and hopeful all at once. It reminds us that faith isn’t about having every answer, but about choosing to believe even when the world feels like it’s falling apart. And in times like these, that message feels more urgent than ever.
Ancient of Days
(Author of All You Survey)
Grab your copy today and step into a story that dares you to question everything — and might just change the way you see the world.