Biblical Fiction,  Book Reviews

Book Review and reflection of: Nephilim Origins: Rise of the Nephilim by Chido Hove

Book cover of Nephilim Origins: Rise of the Nephilim by Chido Hove, featuring a powerful angelic figure with white wings standing protectively behind a young woman in a glowing landscape with mountains and dramatic light.

Introduction

I often go into books blind — no synopsis, no reviews, no expectations — just vibes. I want my reading experiences to be fresh and unfiltered. Nephilim Origins: Rise of the Nephilim by Chido Hove was one such read. The title was unfamiliar, but the cover hinted at supernatural elements that piqued my curiosity.


Book Summary

Set in a quiet village, the story follows Naamah, a young girl whose life takes an unexpected turn after a visit to the market. There, she meets a mysterious, ethereal man by the stream — tall, beautiful, and utterly enchanting. At the same time, Naamah is promised to another man by her father, a match she doesn’t desire. What unfolds next is nothing short of extraordinary.

Suddenly pregnant, Naamah finds herself pulled into a destiny far beyond her understanding. Freed from one unwanted union, she’s now tied to someone she barely knows — someone not quite of this world. Her story becomes the catalyst for a cosmic unravelling: an angel’s fatal decision to cross the boundary between divine and human sparks a domino effect that threatens the balance of both realms.

The novel draws from the much-debated Nephilim phenomenon — those mysterious beings briefly mentioned in the Bible. With familiar biblical names woven throughout, Chido Hove presents a bold reimagining of ancient scripture, blending mythology, spirituality, and a sprinkle of apocalypse.


Key Themes

  • The Divine & Human Intersection explores what happens when divine beings overstep their duties and become entangled with humans.
  • Agency & Destiny: Naamah’s choices (and lack thereof) raise questions about autonomy, obligation, and sacrifice.
  • Biblical Reinterpretation: Through storytelling, the novel challenges traditional interpretations of the Nephilim and invites readers to consider new spiritual and supernatural possibilities.
  • Chaos & Order: The shift from pastoral village life to cosmic upheaval highlights the fragility of balance in both personal and divine spheres.

My Reflections

Naamah completely drew me in — she stole my heart early in the book. So I’ll admit, I was frustrated when the story drifted away from her. But the author brings her back before the end, offering closure that feels both necessary and satisfying. Still, her absence for a portion of the book left a gap I found hard to ignore.

The narrative starts out simple and lyrical but becomes more complex as it progresses, especially in the middle and final sections. New characters and interwoven subplots make for a rich but demanding read. My advice? Take it slow. This is not a book to rush through. It’s structured in three parts and 21 chapters, which helps to pace it thoughtfully.


Who Should Read This?

If you’re fascinated by biblical mysteries, supernatural themes, and imaginative storytelling that reimagines sacred texts, this book is for you. It’s especially ideal for readers who enjoy spiritual fiction, theological speculation, and fantasy rooted in ancient narratives.


Final Thoughts

Nephilim Origins: Rise of the Nephilim is the first in a new series, and I’m intrigued to see where Chido Hove takes us next. It’s an ambitious read that doesn’t shy away from the mystical and the mythical. Read it for Naamah. Stay for the divine drama.

About the author – from the end of the Kindle version (p. 141).

Author Chido Hove

Image from her website:

As an author of religious fantasy novels, Chido draws inspiration from biblical characters and the apocrypha to create rich and imaginative worlds. Her stories blend elements of faith, mythology and fantasy to explore themes of courage, redemption and the battle between good and evil.

Chido is also a qualified lawyer who is passionate about green energy development.

Read more about Chido and her work HERE

Thank you for reading our review. Be sure to share with friends and family, and check out our other reviews HERE.


Discover more from African Queens' Ink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Jen Nghishitende is a Namibian writer, researcher, and mother based in the UK. She is the founder of African Queens' Ink, her passion project launched in December 2024. The blog amplifies the voices of African women and women of African descent through storytelling, literature, and advocacy. Jen is a former lecturer and postgraduate researcher, and she now works as an Equality and Human Rights Project Manager. Her work weaves together personal experience, scholarly insight, and deep cultural roots—exploring themes such as motherhood, migration, identity, and freedom. She holds a PhD focused on the lived experiences of women who have survived modern slavery. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s exploring the great outdoors, traveling, or making and eating delicious food with her daughter.

6 Comments

Leave a Reply