The story revolves around three men who were not only desirous about putting a stop to the suffering of their people but also willing to help the Zealot Freedom Fighters, a movement that arose against the Roman authority.
The events took place in first century Palestine, while it was still under the harsh control of the Roman Empire. It equally captured ancient Jewish cultures, tradition and religious beliefs.
Characters in the book include Judas, Simon, Zadok, Damaris, Maai, Hamman, Eunice, Elder Joseph, Herod and Rabordene among others.
Aside its entertaining value, the book is also an eye opener about lots of passive “behind-the-scene” activities that occurred during biblical times that were either wrongly reported or not reported at all. The author obviously researched deeply and the result is this masterpiece we have here. The author analyzed and explained certain historical events in a convincing way, including misconceptions about Judas.
There is also a glossary and notes that will help the reader to fully understand some terms and also enjoy every bit of the story.
This is a thought-provoking historical book many people would find refreshing to read!
BIO: When 21 years old, I first read the New Testament. I both loved the story and felt confused by it, for there were questions. I like facts. People and placenames, dates, and answers to the “why”. The Gospels pay little attention to these external trivia. They concentrate instead on the principal topic: Jesus’s teachings and how they can change our lives. They changed mine, and these messages keep me going as they renew themselves each day.
But the “why” remains with me still. God, Creator of the Cosmos, Universe, and every single soul who ever lived or will live, is a compassionate, forgiving, loving Father of All. Jesus, our Lord, is a compassionate, forgiving, loving companion who saves us from our sins through His teachings.
One “please forgive me” and God not only forgives us—we are told The One wipes our slate clean! One “forgive me, Lord” and Jesus says, “Go, and sin no more” and “forgive others as you seek forgiveness for yourself”.
I believe these statements to be true. Yet, they bring me to the Judas Iscariot “why”. Why is there no mention of Judas’s sorrow over his betrayal? No mention of his seeking for forgiveness at the end of his life? Are we to believe that from the God to whom he prayed everyday he never begged for forgiveness? Judas never cried out in prayer to Jesus, his friend who had showed him another way to live? Are we to believe that, for Judas Iscariot, there was no redemption—from the Cornerstones of our Faith who have given us the purest example of how to turn divine love into human love?
These questions drive me to know more about Judas, his life, and his times. Maybe this series will offer an answer.
I hope so for questions drove me to earn a degree of Master in Theological Studies from the Virginia Theological Seminary. I presently live in Florida with my husband who endorses this driving writing career. Two of my self-published books are out of print. A third is waiting for its revision. Judas took five years of research and writing. The information from the end of the BCE to the first-century CE is overwhelming. Palestine history is interesting, complex, and often horrifying. I am proud of this historical novel and pray it is pleasing in the eyes of God.