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Bachiyr #1
33 A.D.
Jerusalem, 33 A.D. The vampires of the era have long sought to gain a foothold into Israel, but the faith of the local Jewish population has held them in check for centuries.
When one of their own betrays them to follow a young rabbi from Galilee, the elders of the vampire race send Theron, a nine hundred year old assassin, to kill them both.
The rabbi's name is Jesus. Killing him should be easy.
When one of their own betrays them to follow a young rabbi from Galilee, the elders of the vampire race send Theron, a nine hundred year old assassin, to kill them both.
The rabbi's name is Jesus. Killing him should be easy.
276 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
122 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
September 22, 2013
#1, Vampire conversion. No I don't mean humans converting into vamps after bloodsucking, I mean vamps seeing Jesus and converting to Christianity. Okay then.
#2, People with strong faith glow. Oh wait, it's only CHRISTIAN faith that glows. Presumably, if you only have pantheistic faith, or whatever, you don't get the glow. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the whole damn nation started glowing with faith in Jesus (completely ignoring the fact that Christianity remained a fringe group among the Jews, he wants instead to convert the whole lot of them to the glowing light.)
#3, A centurion has a death knell conversion to Jesus just before he gets remade into a vampire, and retains this overlay of faith even after he rises!
Pah.
Seriously, this is Religious Fiction masquerading as a horror novel. Its premise, though interesting, would have been better served if the author had not attempted to stretch it around his obvious intent of retaining the concept of One True Faith.
I gave it two stars based on the fact that I finished it, and the concept was interesting. Too bad the story had to go through so many gymnastics in order to stay on the "right" side of Jesus-Lit.
Update:
The author has contacted me privately to correct my "inaccuracies," and to let me know he disagrees with my review.
He assures me that he is not a Christian, and feels the comparison to Religious Fiction is unwarranted, because apparently non-Christians are incapable of writing religious fiction. I'll be sure to share that with my writer friends who write stories that don't reflect their personal faith. In addition, Mr. McAfee, you'll note that I said you wrapped your novel around the "concept" of One True Faith, I did not suggest that it is your personal belief, so your correction is moot.
He also wants me to know that the Christian "Glow" really wasn't Christian because Christians didn't exist until after the crucifixion. Because of this distinction, he claims, ANY believer in the One God, whether or not Christian, could "Glow" with faith. Point taken, I should have said "follower of Christ," instead of "Christian." My bad for confusing the two, they really ARE quite different. Heh. My point was that he clearly was tying the "Glow" with the religious persuasion, NOT with faith, as he so claims, or there would have been many "Glow"-ers of many faiths, including the pantheists.
I don't review many books, maybe 10% of my "read" catalog, but I have to say this is the first time I've ever had an author write me to tell me I was wrong. My OPINION is that this book has serious problems. I've enumerated three of my problems with the book, and received a "correction" on those opinions, but my further opinion is that it is a correction without distinction. One star.
Update:
This update really should precede the last one, since the behavior took place during the few hours between when I posted the original review but before I responded to the email the author sent.
I have noted, several days after the fact, that you, McAfee, have gone around to a couple other locations around the internet, whining about my review, and including some ad hominem attack supposing that I wrote letters to Clash of the Titans protesting pantheism?
YOU made it personal. YOU wrote ME to tell me that my OPINIONS of your book were wrong, then YOU went around the internet on some sort of whining attack-fest. What the hell is wrong with you? The internet is a small place for niche readers, and if you want to go whining (in public!) to your friends regarding the mean old wrong reviewers, don't expect that your reviewers won't see it.
And in ALL OF THIS, you have never satisfactorily addressed my original observations, other than to tell me you are not a Christian (which I never claimed,) and that I was just wrong. FAIL.
#2, People with strong faith glow. Oh wait, it's only CHRISTIAN faith that glows. Presumably, if you only have pantheistic faith, or whatever, you don't get the glow. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the whole damn nation started glowing with faith in Jesus (completely ignoring the fact that Christianity remained a fringe group among the Jews, he wants instead to convert the whole lot of them to the glowing light.)
#3, A centurion has a death knell conversion to Jesus just before he gets remade into a vampire, and retains this overlay of faith even after he rises!
Pah.
Seriously, this is Religious Fiction masquerading as a horror novel. Its premise, though interesting, would have been better served if the author had not attempted to stretch it around his obvious intent of retaining the concept of One True Faith.
I gave it two stars based on the fact that I finished it, and the concept was interesting. Too bad the story had to go through so many gymnastics in order to stay on the "right" side of Jesus-Lit.
Update:
The author has contacted me privately to correct my "inaccuracies," and to let me know he disagrees with my review.
He assures me that he is not a Christian, and feels the comparison to Religious Fiction is unwarranted, because apparently non-Christians are incapable of writing religious fiction. I'll be sure to share that with my writer friends who write stories that don't reflect their personal faith. In addition, Mr. McAfee, you'll note that I said you wrapped your novel around the "concept" of One True Faith, I did not suggest that it is your personal belief, so your correction is moot.
He also wants me to know that the Christian "Glow" really wasn't Christian because Christians didn't exist until after the crucifixion. Because of this distinction, he claims, ANY believer in the One God, whether or not Christian, could "Glow" with faith. Point taken, I should have said "follower of Christ," instead of "Christian." My bad for confusing the two, they really ARE quite different. Heh. My point was that he clearly was tying the "Glow" with the religious persuasion, NOT with faith, as he so claims, or there would have been many "Glow"-ers of many faiths, including the pantheists.
I don't review many books, maybe 10% of my "read" catalog, but I have to say this is the first time I've ever had an author write me to tell me I was wrong. My OPINION is that this book has serious problems. I've enumerated three of my problems with the book, and received a "correction" on those opinions, but my further opinion is that it is a correction without distinction. One star.
Update:
This update really should precede the last one, since the behavior took place during the few hours between when I posted the original review but before I responded to the email the author sent.
I have noted, several days after the fact, that you, McAfee, have gone around to a couple other locations around the internet, whining about my review, and including some ad hominem attack supposing that I wrote letters to Clash of the Titans protesting pantheism?
YOU made it personal. YOU wrote ME to tell me that my OPINIONS of your book were wrong, then YOU went around the internet on some sort of whining attack-fest. What the hell is wrong with you? The internet is a small place for niche readers, and if you want to go whining (in public!) to your friends regarding the mean old wrong reviewers, don't expect that your reviewers won't see it.
And in ALL OF THIS, you have never satisfactorily addressed my original observations, other than to tell me you are not a Christian (which I never claimed,) and that I was just wrong. FAIL.
September 4, 2011
FINALLY, a vampire story that doesn’t wussyfoot around with easily vanquished opposition. Oh no, here we get...FANG-BANGERS vs JESUS…in a steel-caged death match for all the marbles.
Now put the brakes on before you go conclusion-jumping that this is either “Christian” fiction or “anti-Christian” mockery. I don’t think it's either which is one of the things I found so intriguing about McAfee's writing. While there are some (DUH?) religious elements + JC in a supporting role, I think the story is fairly neutral and can me enjoyed no matter which side of the fence you’re on (or even if you think the existence of the fence is metaphysicially uncertain). That in itself earned the author a pretty big kudo from me as I would certainly call it out to you if I thought this book was engaging in genre-masquerading while hiding some form of agenda.
Of course, people on both/all sides of the afore-mentioned fence may think differently so let me give you the plot summary and you can do the figuring for yourself.
PLOT SUMMARY
Set in Jerusalem in the year (See title), the author takes the biblical story of the "Passion of Christ" and layers in a vast conspiracy involving vamps. It's pretty interesting. According to the back-story, vampires, ruled by the mysterious “Council of 13," have long orchestrated human history to serve their buck-toothed purposes. Now, an upstart rabbi (guess who) is raising all kinds of ruckus and messing up the fang-bangers long-term plans. Something must be done and a 900 year old assassin is called upon to terminate Jesus with extreme prejudice.
From here, the biblical events of Jesus’ arrest and execution are played out as elements in a blood-sucker plot designed to remove Jesus before he mucks up the Council’s plan for world domination. I thought the author's interweaving of the story elements with biblical references was well done. I also thought his descriptions of the vampires was interesting and I especially enjoyed the concept of the "Lost Ones" which, to my experience, was something new to the Vampire mythos. The “Lost Ones” are worthy of a “tip of the cap” to go along with my earlier kudo.
Now tied up in all of this is the “religious” element that I want to mention without detailing in order to avoid major spoilage (NOTE: minor spoiler may be unavoidable). One of the primary threats that Jesus represents to the vamps is directly tied to his preaching of faith in God. Faith is one of the story elements and is akin to “garlic” or “silver” or other vamp irritants. However, the threat to the vamps does not stem from belief in any particular religion, but from the “physiological effect” resulting from the strong conviction that comes from belief in some outside power.
Quasi-religious, kinda...sorta...sure, I won't quibble with that. But it’s not in your face and don’t think it overwhelms the narrative in any way. I actually thought it was a very clever plot device and reminded me of a similar “belief-based” protection used by Poul Anderson against the realms of Faery in Three Hearts and Three Lions.
Overall, I debated with myself whether to give this 3 or 4 stars and I decided to split the baby and settle on 3.5. It was a fast read that never bored me and I thought the premise was gutsy and original. Going into the novel, I was very curious to see how the author would deal with a vampire story set during the life of Jesus since it had the potential to offend a wide audience of people. I thought he handled the subject matter of the story very, very well.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.
Now put the brakes on before you go conclusion-jumping that this is either “Christian” fiction or “anti-Christian” mockery. I don’t think it's either which is one of the things I found so intriguing about McAfee's writing. While there are some (DUH?) religious elements + JC in a supporting role, I think the story is fairly neutral and can me enjoyed no matter which side of the fence you’re on (or even if you think the existence of the fence is metaphysicially uncertain). That in itself earned the author a pretty big kudo from me as I would certainly call it out to you if I thought this book was engaging in genre-masquerading while hiding some form of agenda.
Of course, people on both/all sides of the afore-mentioned fence may think differently so let me give you the plot summary and you can do the figuring for yourself.
PLOT SUMMARY
Set in Jerusalem in the year (See title), the author takes the biblical story of the "Passion of Christ" and layers in a vast conspiracy involving vamps. It's pretty interesting. According to the back-story, vampires, ruled by the mysterious “Council of 13," have long orchestrated human history to serve their buck-toothed purposes. Now, an upstart rabbi (guess who) is raising all kinds of ruckus and messing up the fang-bangers long-term plans. Something must be done and a 900 year old assassin is called upon to terminate Jesus with extreme prejudice.
From here, the biblical events of Jesus’ arrest and execution are played out as elements in a blood-sucker plot designed to remove Jesus before he mucks up the Council’s plan for world domination. I thought the author's interweaving of the story elements with biblical references was well done. I also thought his descriptions of the vampires was interesting and I especially enjoyed the concept of the "Lost Ones" which, to my experience, was something new to the Vampire mythos. The “Lost Ones” are worthy of a “tip of the cap” to go along with my earlier kudo.
Now tied up in all of this is the “religious” element that I want to mention without detailing in order to avoid major spoilage (NOTE: minor spoiler may be unavoidable). One of the primary threats that Jesus represents to the vamps is directly tied to his preaching of faith in God. Faith is one of the story elements and is akin to “garlic” or “silver” or other vamp irritants. However, the threat to the vamps does not stem from belief in any particular religion, but from the “physiological effect” resulting from the strong conviction that comes from belief in some outside power.
Quasi-religious, kinda...sorta...sure, I won't quibble with that. But it’s not in your face and don’t think it overwhelms the narrative in any way. I actually thought it was a very clever plot device and reminded me of a similar “belief-based” protection used by Poul Anderson against the realms of Faery in Three Hearts and Three Lions.
Overall, I debated with myself whether to give this 3 or 4 stars and I decided to split the baby and settle on 3.5. It was a fast read that never bored me and I thought the premise was gutsy and original. Going into the novel, I was very curious to see how the author would deal with a vampire story set during the life of Jesus since it had the potential to offend a wide audience of people. I thought he handled the subject matter of the story very, very well.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.
April 21, 2010
(In the interest of brevity, I’ll refrain from summarizing the book plot, please see the Item Description for synopsis.)
I have some advice for you if you’re about to read this book. Do not begin it if you only have a ‘few minutes’ to spare. You will get sucked in by the first paragraph, if not the first words and I’m not easy to please when it comes to contemporary vampire fiction. I first began to read this novel when I had five minutes before leaving the house. That was my mistake—once started, I was blown away and made myself late trying to put it down. It’s that intriguing!
Also helpful, do not pick up this book for some ‘light reading.’ Author David McAfee spins a vampire yarn that obliterates all predecessors. He will touch on issues as deep as religion and as terrifying as an ancient race of vampires known by their Hebrew name Bachyir. The bloody attacks are not for the weak-kneed reader and the appearance of the greatest Man to walk the earth creates a dichotomy that thrills and enthralls.
You know by now that this Man we speak of is none other than Jesus Christ. In fact the only constant you can count on is the parallel account of the activities of the famous Jewish Rabbi. McAfee does not trample the faith but weaves a tale around the events during Passion Week, fitting his vampire plans seamlessly into the historical record. You will know Jesus’ fate because of history—the rest is up for grabs: who will live, who will die, and who will be tortured by the bad guys...
McAfee’s novel refuses to be pigeon-holed into a genre as it shatters a number of industry norms by melding the vampire tale with the biblical account of the crucifixion. This is not a ‘Christian’ tale but neither is it offensive to those who hold that faith. The thematic elements of Good/Light versus Evil/Darkness are guaranteed to occupy your mind long after you’ve read the book.
Technical Data: I love the cover of this book and it reflects the mood of the story very well. The interior format is flawless and professional, making the read not only easy but fun, with a hand-drawn graphic by McAfee himself at the top of each new chapter. Taking into account the author’s expertise with prose and suspense, it is hard to believe this is his first novel. I predict a long and illustrious career for him and I look forward to his next book. Bravo, Mr. McAfee! Bravo!
Ellen C Maze
Author of Paranormal and Vampire Fiction for the Discerning Reader
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
I have some advice for you if you’re about to read this book. Do not begin it if you only have a ‘few minutes’ to spare. You will get sucked in by the first paragraph, if not the first words and I’m not easy to please when it comes to contemporary vampire fiction. I first began to read this novel when I had five minutes before leaving the house. That was my mistake—once started, I was blown away and made myself late trying to put it down. It’s that intriguing!
Also helpful, do not pick up this book for some ‘light reading.’ Author David McAfee spins a vampire yarn that obliterates all predecessors. He will touch on issues as deep as religion and as terrifying as an ancient race of vampires known by their Hebrew name Bachyir. The bloody attacks are not for the weak-kneed reader and the appearance of the greatest Man to walk the earth creates a dichotomy that thrills and enthralls.
You know by now that this Man we speak of is none other than Jesus Christ. In fact the only constant you can count on is the parallel account of the activities of the famous Jewish Rabbi. McAfee does not trample the faith but weaves a tale around the events during Passion Week, fitting his vampire plans seamlessly into the historical record. You will know Jesus’ fate because of history—the rest is up for grabs: who will live, who will die, and who will be tortured by the bad guys...
McAfee’s novel refuses to be pigeon-holed into a genre as it shatters a number of industry norms by melding the vampire tale with the biblical account of the crucifixion. This is not a ‘Christian’ tale but neither is it offensive to those who hold that faith. The thematic elements of Good/Light versus Evil/Darkness are guaranteed to occupy your mind long after you’ve read the book.
Technical Data: I love the cover of this book and it reflects the mood of the story very well. The interior format is flawless and professional, making the read not only easy but fun, with a hand-drawn graphic by McAfee himself at the top of each new chapter. Taking into account the author’s expertise with prose and suspense, it is hard to believe this is his first novel. I predict a long and illustrious career for him and I look forward to his next book. Bravo, Mr. McAfee! Bravo!
Ellen C Maze
Author of Paranormal and Vampire Fiction for the Discerning Reader
Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider
July 26, 2010
Let me preface this with the following: I am not into vampire novels. The genre does absolutely nothing for me. This particular book caught my attention when I saw the cover and the title. The description sold it. Vampires trying to assassinate Jesus – brilliant idea!!
I was not disappointed.
It’s written by indie sensation, David McAfee. If you haven’t heard of his name, you will, because this man knows how to write a thrilling story and grab a reader’s attention.
I could NOT put this book down.
The story is based in Jerusalem in 33 A.D., the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. It is an incredible ride, this story, as McAfee weaves an intricate tale of Bachiyr (vampire) secrecy with the events surrounding the crucifixion. The cast of characters are flawed, yet you love them anyway. They lift off the page and you cannot help but empathize with their respecitve plights, whether their intentions be diabolical or not.
In all this, McAfee handles the character of Jesus deftly. He places him in all the key areas and in the few scenes that include dialogue with him, he sticks to what would be very much in character – that of a simple man.
I’m not a religious person, and my first thoughts when I saw this title was that this might be Christian fiction. I tried it anyway, and I can’t tell you how thoroughly impressed I am, not only with the story (which is quite neutral around the Christian theme), but also McAfee’s writing. It is riveting material that makes you yearn for more.
If you read anything this summer, make sure it’s this book. I, for one, will be looking at McAfee’s other books – vampire or not.
He’s that good.
I was not disappointed.
It’s written by indie sensation, David McAfee. If you haven’t heard of his name, you will, because this man knows how to write a thrilling story and grab a reader’s attention.
I could NOT put this book down.
The story is based in Jerusalem in 33 A.D., the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. It is an incredible ride, this story, as McAfee weaves an intricate tale of Bachiyr (vampire) secrecy with the events surrounding the crucifixion. The cast of characters are flawed, yet you love them anyway. They lift off the page and you cannot help but empathize with their respecitve plights, whether their intentions be diabolical or not.
In all this, McAfee handles the character of Jesus deftly. He places him in all the key areas and in the few scenes that include dialogue with him, he sticks to what would be very much in character – that of a simple man.
I’m not a religious person, and my first thoughts when I saw this title was that this might be Christian fiction. I tried it anyway, and I can’t tell you how thoroughly impressed I am, not only with the story (which is quite neutral around the Christian theme), but also McAfee’s writing. It is riveting material that makes you yearn for more.
If you read anything this summer, make sure it’s this book. I, for one, will be looking at McAfee’s other books – vampire or not.
He’s that good.
August 8, 2010
If one were to take the story of the crucifixion and combine it with vampires, you would most likely get one of the most clichéd stories imaginable. I’ve read quite a few tales regarding this very setup – all in short story format, mind you – and they all were variations on a few different plots. Either Jesus himself is a vampire, hence his rising from the dead, or he becomes Jesus Christ Action Star, staking those pesky vamps left and right. These are unimaginative stories. They either don’t do anything new with the characters or they pervert them to where they’re no longer viable. And also, there tends to be a trend towards using these stories as a promotion or criticism of Christianity. Never have I seen a story that took the setting of Christ’s last days and used them as a framework. In other words, taking the setting and telling a story around that setting to create a complete, comprehensive, and entertaining work.
Never, that is, until I read 33 A.D. This was a book that I loved so much that I can come to only one conclusion about its author:
I have seen the new face of horror, and it resides beneath the glossy, waxed dome of David McAfee.
Mr. McAfee has done the (virtually) impossible. He’s taken an iconic figure and backdrop, stayed true to their roots in legend, and layered a very human tale that deals with the supernatural over it. This book is bloody, brutal, depressing, and also moral��however, that morality doesn’t overwhelm the reader, as ethical writing is wont to do. Instead it makes us think, both about what we feel about our own past misdeeds and the power each of us holds within us to forgive ourselves.
The two most important characters in 33 A.D. are Theron, a vampire assassin who’s lived for more than nine-hundred years, and Taras, a golden-haired Roman Legionary (think a primitive version of the Secret Service) whose greatest desire is to skip out of Jerusalem with Mary, his forbidden Jewish lover, and start a family. Although there are many other characters (including Marcus, the Centurion, whose nobility and strength are measured against his weak willpower, making him a fantastic creation), this is ostensibly their story.
Theron, after killing a renegade vampire at the beginning of the novel, is saddled with the task of executing Jesus, as the Nazarene and his ability to heighten the faith of those around him is dangerous to the Bachiyr (Vampiric) Council of 13. This proves to be an arduous undertaking becaue Theron, as a vampire, cannot get close enough to a man with such strong beliefs. Because of this, he goes about framing the supposed prophet, for all intents and purposes setting in motion the events that lead to Jesus’ demise.
Taras, on the other hand, is a loyal and capable soldier. He is strong, both in beliefs and in physicality. He, as well as every other Roman, is turned against the Nazarene due to Theron’s actions.
And this is where the meat of the novel lies. Theron and Taras are different characters, and yet they are virtual mirror images of each other. One could imagine that Theron, when he was still human oh so long ago, might have been virtually identical to the Roman he now calls adversary. It’s a brilliant piece of writing, and I think the similarity of their names is meant for the reader to realize that, when you cut down to the core, they aren’t as different as they think they are. In this way, the entire book is about the choices and the aforementioned need to forgive oneself. Theron cannot. He’s been around too long, deviated too much, to will a change, even though he can. No matter how much strength he possesses, he will always be weak. Likewise Taras, towards the end, when confronted with a decision that will define the rest of his life, is similarly frail. This speaks to the humanity in both of them. Even Theron, though immortal, is inexorably human, and it is that human frailty that leads to his ultimate descent into madness. And when Jesus “rises” from the grave, that event is mirrored by the rebirths, in different ways, of the two main characters. In other words, you can draw a parallel between all three, the monster, the hero, and the prophet, and come out on the other side thinking they’re all quite analogous. In writing it this way, the author is telling us that at our core we’re all the same, all fallible, and it’s up to us – and ONLY us – to change.
The subject of religion, when used in fiction, is a slippery slope to climb. It can come off as preachy or ostentatious, and while a core Christian might find that intriguing, my guess is that the majority of readers in no way want to be sermonized to. This is yet another way that McAfee did an unbelievable job. He succeeded in taking the base values of the sermons of Jesus – his theories of love, forgiveness, and togetherness – and took away the devout fanaticism that can curtail lesser works. In this novel Jesus is a loveable, though ethereally strong, hippie. The scenes in which he is involved are tastefully done, subtle, and sublime. He is not a man of action, but one of introspection, tenderness, and amnesty. He never gives up hope for those he runs across, and in the reflection of that faith in others lays the refraction of his words. It causes those not ready to hear them to back away.
I’m sure some, especially those who aren’t Christian, may look upon this book and think it distasteful. It is not. I, myself, am strictly anti-religious. Whereas I do have faith, I understand the dangers of dogmatic belief and have no desire to pursue it. However, and this is important, McAfee does NOT preach. He uses the beliefs of New Testament Christianity as a tool, not a be-all-end-all, because I think most would admit that the idea of love, community, and mercy are something to strive for. In other words, much like in AA, he takes what works and leaves the rest. You will find no heavy-handedness here.
Okay, one last thing. Because I’m anal and certain facts never escape my attention, I have to mention the only problem I had with this book. In one scene, a character is described as “short, only five-and-a-half feet tall.” The problem is, the average height of a Roman at that time was barely five feet even. Not a huge gaffe, but one that I noticed, and I wouldn’t be pretentious old me if I didn’t point it out.
That being said, it’s a tiny little issue that doesn’t take away the fact that this is a fantastic and beautifully written novel. There is death and rebirth, betrayal and loyalty, hope and despair, and ultimately sorrow. We see where the characters end up, and we feel sorry for them. It’s well worth the read, and I have to admit that I did cry more than once while sitting on the beach reading it. For me, it is the best vampire novel to come out since “The Vampire Lestat” hit the shelves a quarter century ago. And I LOVED that book.
You get a heartfelt recommendation from me, people. Go get it. Make David McAfee a success. We should all want to read more of what he has to offer.
Never, that is, until I read 33 A.D. This was a book that I loved so much that I can come to only one conclusion about its author:
I have seen the new face of horror, and it resides beneath the glossy, waxed dome of David McAfee.
Mr. McAfee has done the (virtually) impossible. He’s taken an iconic figure and backdrop, stayed true to their roots in legend, and layered a very human tale that deals with the supernatural over it. This book is bloody, brutal, depressing, and also moral��however, that morality doesn’t overwhelm the reader, as ethical writing is wont to do. Instead it makes us think, both about what we feel about our own past misdeeds and the power each of us holds within us to forgive ourselves.
The two most important characters in 33 A.D. are Theron, a vampire assassin who’s lived for more than nine-hundred years, and Taras, a golden-haired Roman Legionary (think a primitive version of the Secret Service) whose greatest desire is to skip out of Jerusalem with Mary, his forbidden Jewish lover, and start a family. Although there are many other characters (including Marcus, the Centurion, whose nobility and strength are measured against his weak willpower, making him a fantastic creation), this is ostensibly their story.
Theron, after killing a renegade vampire at the beginning of the novel, is saddled with the task of executing Jesus, as the Nazarene and his ability to heighten the faith of those around him is dangerous to the Bachiyr (Vampiric) Council of 13. This proves to be an arduous undertaking becaue Theron, as a vampire, cannot get close enough to a man with such strong beliefs. Because of this, he goes about framing the supposed prophet, for all intents and purposes setting in motion the events that lead to Jesus’ demise.
Taras, on the other hand, is a loyal and capable soldier. He is strong, both in beliefs and in physicality. He, as well as every other Roman, is turned against the Nazarene due to Theron’s actions.
And this is where the meat of the novel lies. Theron and Taras are different characters, and yet they are virtual mirror images of each other. One could imagine that Theron, when he was still human oh so long ago, might have been virtually identical to the Roman he now calls adversary. It’s a brilliant piece of writing, and I think the similarity of their names is meant for the reader to realize that, when you cut down to the core, they aren’t as different as they think they are. In this way, the entire book is about the choices and the aforementioned need to forgive oneself. Theron cannot. He’s been around too long, deviated too much, to will a change, even though he can. No matter how much strength he possesses, he will always be weak. Likewise Taras, towards the end, when confronted with a decision that will define the rest of his life, is similarly frail. This speaks to the humanity in both of them. Even Theron, though immortal, is inexorably human, and it is that human frailty that leads to his ultimate descent into madness. And when Jesus “rises” from the grave, that event is mirrored by the rebirths, in different ways, of the two main characters. In other words, you can draw a parallel between all three, the monster, the hero, and the prophet, and come out on the other side thinking they’re all quite analogous. In writing it this way, the author is telling us that at our core we’re all the same, all fallible, and it’s up to us – and ONLY us – to change.
The subject of religion, when used in fiction, is a slippery slope to climb. It can come off as preachy or ostentatious, and while a core Christian might find that intriguing, my guess is that the majority of readers in no way want to be sermonized to. This is yet another way that McAfee did an unbelievable job. He succeeded in taking the base values of the sermons of Jesus – his theories of love, forgiveness, and togetherness – and took away the devout fanaticism that can curtail lesser works. In this novel Jesus is a loveable, though ethereally strong, hippie. The scenes in which he is involved are tastefully done, subtle, and sublime. He is not a man of action, but one of introspection, tenderness, and amnesty. He never gives up hope for those he runs across, and in the reflection of that faith in others lays the refraction of his words. It causes those not ready to hear them to back away.
I’m sure some, especially those who aren’t Christian, may look upon this book and think it distasteful. It is not. I, myself, am strictly anti-religious. Whereas I do have faith, I understand the dangers of dogmatic belief and have no desire to pursue it. However, and this is important, McAfee does NOT preach. He uses the beliefs of New Testament Christianity as a tool, not a be-all-end-all, because I think most would admit that the idea of love, community, and mercy are something to strive for. In other words, much like in AA, he takes what works and leaves the rest. You will find no heavy-handedness here.
Okay, one last thing. Because I’m anal and certain facts never escape my attention, I have to mention the only problem I had with this book. In one scene, a character is described as “short, only five-and-a-half feet tall.” The problem is, the average height of a Roman at that time was barely five feet even. Not a huge gaffe, but one that I noticed, and I wouldn’t be pretentious old me if I didn’t point it out.
That being said, it’s a tiny little issue that doesn’t take away the fact that this is a fantastic and beautifully written novel. There is death and rebirth, betrayal and loyalty, hope and despair, and ultimately sorrow. We see where the characters end up, and we feel sorry for them. It’s well worth the read, and I have to admit that I did cry more than once while sitting on the beach reading it. For me, it is the best vampire novel to come out since “The Vampire Lestat” hit the shelves a quarter century ago. And I LOVED that book.
You get a heartfelt recommendation from me, people. Go get it. Make David McAfee a success. We should all want to read more of what he has to offer.
March 27, 2011
Have you ever read a book that was so GENIUS that you wished you could go back in time to the exact minute the author finished the manuscript and kidnap said author and imprison him in a dimly lit basement where you would have his memory of life before imprisonment erased all so you could pass the manuscript off as your own?! That's how I felt after reading 33 A.D.!!! Such a great read by author David McAfee. I can't begin to describe how I felt reading this book! The way he combined the story of the vampires with the history of the persecution and death of Jesus Christ was absolutely amazing. I look forward to reading many more novels by this author and truly hope that there will be a follow-up to this story as I would love to know what happened to certain characters.
October 17, 2024
Historical fiction
A different take on Jesus and what set in motion his death. Involving Vampires and Rome this is a unique look at that time through different eyes. The story ends in a cliffhanger leading to at least one sequel in assume.
A different take on Jesus and what set in motion his death. Involving Vampires and Rome this is a unique look at that time through different eyes. The story ends in a cliffhanger leading to at least one sequel in assume.
April 5, 2010
Theron, an elder vampire who works for the leaders of his kind as an assassin, is sent on a mission to find out why one of their own has betrayed them. It’s been said that Ephraim has turned from his vampire brethren to seek salvation. Theron investigates and discovers that a human was behind Ephraim’s abandonment of his vampiric nature. Upon reporting back to the vampire leaders, Theron is charged with the mission of destroying – as painfully and brutally as possible – the man who could turn one of their own against them.
Matters are complicated when Theron discovers that Jesus of Nazareth is protected by a strong shield of faith. He can’t approach the human without becoming terribly weak. To ensure the mandate by his leaders is followed out, Theron instigates a plot against Jesus that involves the Roman forces occupying Jerusalem carrying out the execution for him. And that’s just the beginning…
33 A.D. is a new and original take on both vampires and the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This story is an action-packed thriller, filled with mystery, intrigue, betrayal and murder. The attention to detail and careful plotting are masterfully done. You’d never guess this was David McAfee’s first novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had all the elements you’d expect of a gripping, tightly plotted thriller. Best of all, nothing is held back – the gritty realism of what it meant to live in Jerusalem during the occupation of the Romans is captured beautifully. The arrogance and casual cruelty of Theron and the other vampires was so perfectly done, you have no trouble seeing them as the monsters they truly are. If you’re tired of the usual Victorian-esque genteel vampires flooding the bookshelves and want something darker and more to the tune of SALEM’S LOT, McAfee’s 33 A.D. is for you!
Matters are complicated when Theron discovers that Jesus of Nazareth is protected by a strong shield of faith. He can’t approach the human without becoming terribly weak. To ensure the mandate by his leaders is followed out, Theron instigates a plot against Jesus that involves the Roman forces occupying Jerusalem carrying out the execution for him. And that’s just the beginning…
33 A.D. is a new and original take on both vampires and the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This story is an action-packed thriller, filled with mystery, intrigue, betrayal and murder. The attention to detail and careful plotting are masterfully done. You’d never guess this was David McAfee’s first novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had all the elements you’d expect of a gripping, tightly plotted thriller. Best of all, nothing is held back – the gritty realism of what it meant to live in Jerusalem during the occupation of the Romans is captured beautifully. The arrogance and casual cruelty of Theron and the other vampires was so perfectly done, you have no trouble seeing them as the monsters they truly are. If you’re tired of the usual Victorian-esque genteel vampires flooding the bookshelves and want something darker and more to the tune of SALEM’S LOT, McAfee’s 33 A.D. is for you!
April 6, 2010
Lots of blood. And lots of vampires. And one legendary figure at the crux of his life. What's not to like?
Theron, the Lead Enforcer for the vampire head council loves his job. He gets to hunt and kill and feast as he pleases. What more could an undead hit-man want? Until one vampire breaks away from the pack to follow this upstart preacher named Jesus. Yes, that Jesus. But nobody annoys the vampire council and gets away with it, and Theron's sent to eliminate Jesus.
Except there's this Roman official who's after Theron for killing the official's brother. And the Uriah Heep of vampire clerks who's after Theron's job. And Theron's worry that if he screws up, the council will turn him into a Lost One. (Ew. Don't ask.)
McAfee deftly recreates first-century Jerusalem's sights, sounds, smells, and politics. All of these swirl around one annoying preacher who's throwing a spiritual wrench into Theron's chance for promotion. The horror and mystery of the vampire councils--and the added star-crossed love story--are icing on the cake. A vampire-type cake, of course. With blood and violence and sharp teeth that I ate up in three sittings.
Theron, the Lead Enforcer for the vampire head council loves his job. He gets to hunt and kill and feast as he pleases. What more could an undead hit-man want? Until one vampire breaks away from the pack to follow this upstart preacher named Jesus. Yes, that Jesus. But nobody annoys the vampire council and gets away with it, and Theron's sent to eliminate Jesus.
Except there's this Roman official who's after Theron for killing the official's brother. And the Uriah Heep of vampire clerks who's after Theron's job. And Theron's worry that if he screws up, the council will turn him into a Lost One. (Ew. Don't ask.)
McAfee deftly recreates first-century Jerusalem's sights, sounds, smells, and politics. All of these swirl around one annoying preacher who's throwing a spiritual wrench into Theron's chance for promotion. The horror and mystery of the vampire councils--and the added star-crossed love story--are icing on the cake. A vampire-type cake, of course. With blood and violence and sharp teeth that I ate up in three sittings.
February 25, 2011
This was a very interesting take on the crucifixion of Jesus. The author weaved a fascinating conspiracy story involving vampires and roman soldiers into a well known biblical tale. The characters were well developed and despite the actions of Taras, a Legionary assassin, I found myself pulling for him to have a happy ending. Great storytelling, supporting players, and settings, beautifully descriptive. The only negative thing I can say about this book is that occasionally the dialog slipped into what seemed to be more modern terminology than what might be heard in 33 A.D. This is really a minor gripe and does not hinder the story in any way. All in all a very enjoyable read.
March 18, 2010
Well, I had the extreme pleasure and privilege of reading an advanced copy of 33AD, and I can honestly say that this is one of the most intriguing and original novels I've read in years. McAfee manages to combine the distinct genres of paranormal, urban fantasy and historical thriller into one action-packed and thought-provoking read.
A must have for all fans of thrillers, fantasy and vampire fiction!
A must have for all fans of thrillers, fantasy and vampire fiction!
August 14, 2010
Review copy from author
There are times when I get my hands on a copy of a novel, and begin to wonder if I'm reading the same version everyone else is reading. You know, that one novel that was love at first sentence... that rocked your socks... that blew your mind... only to see that everyone else reviewed it with one or two stars? Where you are left staring at the computer screen at a loss for words, wondering what the heck is wrong with everyone, flabbergasted at how they didn't see what you saw in that novel?
Well, earlier this week, I was sitting on the opposite end of the book, wondering what everyone else saw that I just didn't see when they read David McAfee's vampire novel 33.A.D.
The book seemed right up my alley, in so many ways: Vampires and Christian Conspiracy! Blood and Gore! Secrecy and Revenge! It's Indie! and rather unknown!
It was recommended to me anonymously on Goodreads, and after reading the blurb, and seeing the great reviews it was accumulating, I contacted David and asked if he would send me a copy for review. Which he very graciously did. (Thank you David.)
Even though it sounded like it was a perfect match for me and my tastes, I just could not get into the writing. It began rather rough for me and just never got any better.
David creates an alternate Roman history in which Vampires walk the world unnoticed by humans. Secretly, they have a separate authority that they answer to, and kill for. And when one of their own breaks the rules and betrays the society of vamps in order to join Jesus and his followers - all hell breaks loose. It's humans against Vampires in the sneakiest, bloodiest battle Jerusalem has ever seen.
In order for this very ambitious story to work, David had to make some adjustments to the history of Jesus and the events leading up to his crucifixion. Now, alright, don't get me wrong, I'm not religious by any means, and I certainly do not claim to have read or remember much of what takes place in the bible, but there are just certain things that should never ever be touched, and I suppose I have to draw the line at the deception and crucifixion of Jesus. He rewrote history to illuminate the fact that vampires were the ones who actually set Jesus' downfall into motion.
The vampires do not represent traditional vamps - big fangs, blood sucking, feeding off humans. Rather, they kill more often than not with swords and super long extendable claws. Due to the lack of vampiric behavior and David's unaggressive way of describing characters, I had to keep reminding myself that the novel contained actual vampires for the first 100 pages or so.
Some of the conversations that took place happened during "fight scenes" where two vampires were attempting to kill each other, or a vampire and a human were locked in combat, and came off as forced and awkward. I am certain that if I were clashing swords with a vampire, I would not be talking to him about anything. period. I would be swinging that sword like hell or running for my life. And then pleading for my life when he caught me. And then most certainly dying a horrible, bloody death. the end.
There were a few points throughout the book where I found myself engaged with it and anticipating what was coming next. But more often than not, I was putting the book down and focusing on other things, putting some distance between myself and it. The urge to pick it back up again, sadly, was not very strong.
I admit, once I hit the half way point, to struggling with the idea of setting the novel down permanently. But I am not the type to leave a book half finished. So I kept picking it back up until suddenly, I was reading the final page.
I would be lying if I said a little sigh of relief did not escape my mouth. God, that sounds harsh as I write it. But it was a mix of so many different things for me. I was disappointed. I was craving a real honest-to-goodness vampire novel - especially after reading the dud "Fangland" - and it just did not deliver.
Here's to hoping that I find the perfect vampire novel for me. And here's to hoping that this becomes a favorite vampire novel for someone else. Perhaps for you?
There are times when I get my hands on a copy of a novel, and begin to wonder if I'm reading the same version everyone else is reading. You know, that one novel that was love at first sentence... that rocked your socks... that blew your mind... only to see that everyone else reviewed it with one or two stars? Where you are left staring at the computer screen at a loss for words, wondering what the heck is wrong with everyone, flabbergasted at how they didn't see what you saw in that novel?
Well, earlier this week, I was sitting on the opposite end of the book, wondering what everyone else saw that I just didn't see when they read David McAfee's vampire novel 33.A.D.
The book seemed right up my alley, in so many ways: Vampires and Christian Conspiracy! Blood and Gore! Secrecy and Revenge! It's Indie! and rather unknown!
It was recommended to me anonymously on Goodreads, and after reading the blurb, and seeing the great reviews it was accumulating, I contacted David and asked if he would send me a copy for review. Which he very graciously did. (Thank you David.)
Even though it sounded like it was a perfect match for me and my tastes, I just could not get into the writing. It began rather rough for me and just never got any better.
David creates an alternate Roman history in which Vampires walk the world unnoticed by humans. Secretly, they have a separate authority that they answer to, and kill for. And when one of their own breaks the rules and betrays the society of vamps in order to join Jesus and his followers - all hell breaks loose. It's humans against Vampires in the sneakiest, bloodiest battle Jerusalem has ever seen.
In order for this very ambitious story to work, David had to make some adjustments to the history of Jesus and the events leading up to his crucifixion. Now, alright, don't get me wrong, I'm not religious by any means, and I certainly do not claim to have read or remember much of what takes place in the bible, but there are just certain things that should never ever be touched, and I suppose I have to draw the line at the deception and crucifixion of Jesus. He rewrote history to illuminate the fact that vampires were the ones who actually set Jesus' downfall into motion.
The vampires do not represent traditional vamps - big fangs, blood sucking, feeding off humans. Rather, they kill more often than not with swords and super long extendable claws. Due to the lack of vampiric behavior and David's unaggressive way of describing characters, I had to keep reminding myself that the novel contained actual vampires for the first 100 pages or so.
Some of the conversations that took place happened during "fight scenes" where two vampires were attempting to kill each other, or a vampire and a human were locked in combat, and came off as forced and awkward. I am certain that if I were clashing swords with a vampire, I would not be talking to him about anything. period. I would be swinging that sword like hell or running for my life. And then pleading for my life when he caught me. And then most certainly dying a horrible, bloody death. the end.
There were a few points throughout the book where I found myself engaged with it and anticipating what was coming next. But more often than not, I was putting the book down and focusing on other things, putting some distance between myself and it. The urge to pick it back up again, sadly, was not very strong.
I admit, once I hit the half way point, to struggling with the idea of setting the novel down permanently. But I am not the type to leave a book half finished. So I kept picking it back up until suddenly, I was reading the final page.
I would be lying if I said a little sigh of relief did not escape my mouth. God, that sounds harsh as I write it. But it was a mix of so many different things for me. I was disappointed. I was craving a real honest-to-goodness vampire novel - especially after reading the dud "Fangland" - and it just did not deliver.
Here's to hoping that I find the perfect vampire novel for me. And here's to hoping that this becomes a favorite vampire novel for someone else. Perhaps for you?
November 11, 2011
33 A.D. was one of the most creative and well researched books that I have read in a long time. The book is based in the timeline that the title states, with the back drop of Jerusalem, in the days leading up to Christ’s crucifixion.
The Counsel of Thirteen is a small underground government invented and ruled by vampires. They have long wanted a stake in Jerusalem, but there is a young rabbi that is teaching the Jewish population about love and forgiveness.
Theron, a nine-hundred year old vampire, and the Lead Enforcer working for the counsel, has been sent to stop the spread of rabbi’s sermons, and to dispose of a renegade vampire that has chosen to side with the proclaimed ‘son of god’. Failure is not an option if you are part of the Bachiyr race (the term used for vampire), and it is punishable by death or a fate worse yet. The Bachiyr that cannot stand the tests of the counsel are left wondering the world as a festering corpse that serves as slaves to the vampire race.
The vampires in this book are powerful and ruthless – exactly how I like them. They feed off of humans to survive, but there is only one small problem, people who have faith in god seem to have a strange glowing ward that surrounds them. The essence that shines from these people proves to be a problem for the vampires. The closer the vampire comes to a person that is protected by their faith in god, the weaker they become, and they are unable to feed from the faithful.
The human rabbi named Jesus of Nazareth would be an easy kill, if Theron could get close to him.
FROM THE BOOK:
It was not unheard of, of course, for a human to possess such a strong faith as to ward off one of his kind, but it was rare. Theron had been surprised to see the strong glow around Jesus, who’d been only the third such person the vampire had encountered in his nine centuries.
***
In a strange twist of events, and a monumental amount of ‘what ifs’, the author wove a great web of lies, murder, deceit and conspiracy among the vampire race and Christ’s crucifixion. I look forward to read the sequel 61 A.D. Well done David McAfee.
The Counsel of Thirteen is a small underground government invented and ruled by vampires. They have long wanted a stake in Jerusalem, but there is a young rabbi that is teaching the Jewish population about love and forgiveness.
Theron, a nine-hundred year old vampire, and the Lead Enforcer working for the counsel, has been sent to stop the spread of rabbi’s sermons, and to dispose of a renegade vampire that has chosen to side with the proclaimed ‘son of god’. Failure is not an option if you are part of the Bachiyr race (the term used for vampire), and it is punishable by death or a fate worse yet. The Bachiyr that cannot stand the tests of the counsel are left wondering the world as a festering corpse that serves as slaves to the vampire race.
The vampires in this book are powerful and ruthless – exactly how I like them. They feed off of humans to survive, but there is only one small problem, people who have faith in god seem to have a strange glowing ward that surrounds them. The essence that shines from these people proves to be a problem for the vampires. The closer the vampire comes to a person that is protected by their faith in god, the weaker they become, and they are unable to feed from the faithful.
The human rabbi named Jesus of Nazareth would be an easy kill, if Theron could get close to him.
FROM THE BOOK:
It was not unheard of, of course, for a human to possess such a strong faith as to ward off one of his kind, but it was rare. Theron had been surprised to see the strong glow around Jesus, who’d been only the third such person the vampire had encountered in his nine centuries.
***
In a strange twist of events, and a monumental amount of ‘what ifs’, the author wove a great web of lies, murder, deceit and conspiracy among the vampire race and Christ’s crucifixion. I look forward to read the sequel 61 A.D. Well done David McAfee.
June 5, 2012
This is a departure from my usual historical fiction fix. Being an atheist who doesn't doubt the existence of Jesus but does not follow the propaganda, it was hugely exciting to read a story containing some historical superstars.
The story itself is gripping and really pulls you in. McAfee gives you enough detail to paint a great picture that your imagination can work with. I found it easy to visualise the scene. Theron the vampire enforcer, a troubleshooter of the undead, on a mission to destroy Jesus, although the overwhelming faith of the Son of God (!) means he can't even touch him without suffering agonising pain. Theron has to come up with an imaginative scheme, using all his powers to plot the death of the Messiah. However the Roman Legionaries who themselves fear the spread of christian faith, are a formidable foe. In particular Taras who's only desire is to flee to Rome with the girl he adores is a particular thorn in the Vampires side.
I really enjoyed this book, a great story, an imaginative tale very well written.. Some have commented that the ending is abrupt. I disagree, I love a book that leaves a little to the imagination at the end, and AD 33 does that very cleverly.
The story itself is gripping and really pulls you in. McAfee gives you enough detail to paint a great picture that your imagination can work with. I found it easy to visualise the scene. Theron the vampire enforcer, a troubleshooter of the undead, on a mission to destroy Jesus, although the overwhelming faith of the Son of God (!) means he can't even touch him without suffering agonising pain. Theron has to come up with an imaginative scheme, using all his powers to plot the death of the Messiah. However the Roman Legionaries who themselves fear the spread of christian faith, are a formidable foe. In particular Taras who's only desire is to flee to Rome with the girl he adores is a particular thorn in the Vampires side.
I really enjoyed this book, a great story, an imaginative tale very well written.. Some have commented that the ending is abrupt. I disagree, I love a book that leaves a little to the imagination at the end, and AD 33 does that very cleverly.
May 17, 2010
When compared to other vampire stories out there, 33 A.D. carves its own niche. Mr. McAfee risked a dangerous road with a story that revolves around someone sent to kill Jesus. He handled this tricky endeavor well because the mission isn't the actual plot, which focuses on the assassin, Theron.
Even with vampires roaming around, the story has a very realistic feel to it and the characters have a depth to them that draws you in; You feel the emotions that motivate Ephraim, Taras, and Theron as they each pursue their own mission: Ephraim, seeking a life with a new thing called Hope; Taras, the warrior who would like nothing more than to start a family with the woman he loves, and Theron, the vampire assassin who desires respect from the Council of Thirteen.
There were a few things that seemed to be merely touched upon that I personally would have liked to find out more about, specifically the Council of Thirteen and the concept of portals. Possibly in a sequel?
One idea that deserves a big thumbs up is the concept of Lost Ones. I can't say much about them because I don't want to ruin anything for future readers of the book, but it's an idea that really appealed to me.
Even with vampires roaming around, the story has a very realistic feel to it and the characters have a depth to them that draws you in; You feel the emotions that motivate Ephraim, Taras, and Theron as they each pursue their own mission: Ephraim, seeking a life with a new thing called Hope; Taras, the warrior who would like nothing more than to start a family with the woman he loves, and Theron, the vampire assassin who desires respect from the Council of Thirteen.
There were a few things that seemed to be merely touched upon that I personally would have liked to find out more about, specifically the Council of Thirteen and the concept of portals. Possibly in a sequel?
One idea that deserves a big thumbs up is the concept of Lost Ones. I can't say much about them because I don't want to ruin anything for future readers of the book, but it's an idea that really appealed to me.
September 4, 2011
Interesting premise but the story itself just falls a bit flat. There is a lot of stuff going on in the plot, probably a bit too much actually. Every character in the book has some sort of "plan" (the word "plan" is actually in the book 60 some times; you know a word comes up too many times when you actually stop reading and use your search function on your nook to count the offending word or phrase!),eventually everyone's plans start getting mixed up and before you know it ***SPOILER ALERT *** everyone's dead. Some of the action scenes aren't bad, I actually like the vamp's using claws instead of always biting folks on the neck, and their use of swords to kill when they don't want to leave evidence of vampiric activity behind. However, the dialogue is not quite what I would consider suitable for the times this story supposedly takes place, and reminds me of dialogue from old Playstation or Nintendo games. And the ending?
UPDATE:
Just found out that this is a first in a series of books and so that may explain the questionable ending. Reviews for the follow up stories seem to be better, so I will probably give them a try.
UPDATE:
Just found out that this is a first in a series of books and so that may explain the questionable ending. Reviews for the follow up stories seem to be better, so I will probably give them a try.
August 10, 2010
I never thought I'd get a chance to read a historical vampire fiction, but I'm glad I did. I couldn't put this book down!
Blending vampire lore and a piece of religious history, 33 A.D. is the story of a tightly-knit ancient band of vampires trying to get a foothold in the Jewish community of Jerusalem. The problem is that the Jews are so devout in their faith, the vampires can't make as much headway as they'd like.
Along comes a man called Jesus, to the Romans just another zealot preaching on the streets of Jerusalem. But this man is starts to gather quite a following because he's a standout among the other zealots, preaching love, kindness, and mercy, and the vamps are afraid he will make the community even stronger.
So they send one of their faithful to assassinate Jesus, thinking he will soon be lost to history. But Theron's plans go awry in the worst possible way.
It was intriguing to watch the struggle between some Roman centurions and a cunning vampire unfold alongside one of the most memorable events in history.
Blending vampire lore and a piece of religious history, 33 A.D. is the story of a tightly-knit ancient band of vampires trying to get a foothold in the Jewish community of Jerusalem. The problem is that the Jews are so devout in their faith, the vampires can't make as much headway as they'd like.
Along comes a man called Jesus, to the Romans just another zealot preaching on the streets of Jerusalem. But this man is starts to gather quite a following because he's a standout among the other zealots, preaching love, kindness, and mercy, and the vamps are afraid he will make the community even stronger.
So they send one of their faithful to assassinate Jesus, thinking he will soon be lost to history. But Theron's plans go awry in the worst possible way.
It was intriguing to watch the struggle between some Roman centurions and a cunning vampire unfold alongside one of the most memorable events in history.
April 2, 2010
This book takes readers on a dark and thrilling ride through the world-changing events surrounding Jerusalem in the year 33 A.D. Set in a time where political and religious beliefs clash in a profound way, McAfee does an outstanding job of spinning this tale while being respectful to the accepted history and characters of the period.
While the Romans occupy Jerusalem, various factions struggle for power and control of the people, including the Vampire Council of Thirteen, who send a formidable assassin to ensure the results they desire. His task proves much more difficult than he had imagined.
McAfee's cast of believable characters, coupled with dynamic plot-bending twists make 33 A.D. an adventurous read of the highest degree. One of the most original and imaginative books in this popular genre, 33 A.D. is sure to please even the most ardent vampire lovers.
While the Romans occupy Jerusalem, various factions struggle for power and control of the people, including the Vampire Council of Thirteen, who send a formidable assassin to ensure the results they desire. His task proves much more difficult than he had imagined.
McAfee's cast of believable characters, coupled with dynamic plot-bending twists make 33 A.D. an adventurous read of the highest degree. One of the most original and imaginative books in this popular genre, 33 A.D. is sure to please even the most ardent vampire lovers.
May 10, 2010
With his writing style and talent for background, McAfee immerses the reader in ancient Jerusalem and the tale of how a clan of vampires brought about the fall and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. This is an engrossing read. With minimal description, the author makes you see, hear, smell and feel that old city and its inhabitants. Good or evil, each player has personality, and their individual stories draw you into their world. A great read I recommend to anyone who wants a vampire tale with a difference.
I would have liked to see a happy ending for at least one character, but that's my preference, not any lack on the part of the author. This is "realistic" vampirism, and vampires are not nice people.
I give 33 A.D. 4.5 stars.
I would have liked to see a happy ending for at least one character, but that's my preference, not any lack on the part of the author. This is "realistic" vampirism, and vampires are not nice people.
I give 33 A.D. 4.5 stars.
January 12, 2011
You haven't heard of David McAfee, but let me assure you, he's the real deal. 33 AD is terrific. It's well-written, fast-moving, escapist fun. (I particularly liked his characters known as The Lost Ones, an inspired and haunting creation, that I won't ruin for you by describing them here). I've over-dosed on vampire tales and all the cliches that come with them, but McAfree manages to come up with an entirely fresh and creative take on the genre. There are some narrative problems, most notably a lot of repetitive passages and an unsatisfying ending that peters out rather than climaxes but, even so, the ride is still well worth it. 33 AD is a kick-ass, violent and highly-imaginative tale that you should be downloading to your Kindle *right now*.
July 11, 2016
33 A.D. is a story about vampires. Real evil, violent and unfeeling vampires from back when Dracula was the real deal. It follows the lives of Threon, who is the lead enforcer of "Bachiyr". He is sent on a mission to kill a traitor in their mist, who has allied himself with a rabbi. This rabbi is not just any rabbi, though, this rabbi is Jesus. Yeah, this was the part that really intrigued me! I was pulled into this story and didn't let go until the final page.
But be warned, this story is violent and for the most part there are no happy endings.
I would recommend this story to anyone is into the bad ass vampires from an Anne Rice novel.
But be warned, this story is violent and for the most part there are no happy endings.
I would recommend this story to anyone is into the bad ass vampires from an Anne Rice novel.
January 10, 2011
David McAfee took the standard vampire idea and made it his own. It was a great book to read and didn't bore me at all. It was amazing to see how the characters all mixed together by the end. The history and bible references just made the story seem all the more real. I hope he releases a sequel to this book so we can see the characters again.
Overall it was an enthralling read and i would recommend it to anyone who likes the original Dracula and the not so sparkly vampires.
Overall it was an enthralling read and i would recommend it to anyone who likes the original Dracula and the not so sparkly vampires.
February 14, 2013
I'm a little disappointed with this book as it was a part of a best of horror list and my expectations were high. Definitely a decent read, story was very interesting, and I did enjoy, but would not be part of a best of horror list for me. Just my opinion.
May 25, 2010
I really enjoyed learning more about the times. The whole vampire concept in Biblical era is fascinating. Characters were great, the plot just clipped along, could not put it down!
October 27, 2016
Interesting story. Never thought of vampires in this way. The best part is...........their not sparkly. Will be reading Book #2 to see what happens.
August 9, 2010
If one were to take the story of the crucifixion and combine it with vampires, you would most likely get one of the most clichéd stories imaginable. I’ve read quite a few tales regarding this very setup – all in short story format, mind you – and they all were variations on a few different plots. Either Jesus himself is a vampire, hence his rising from the dead, or he becomes Jesus Christ Action Star, staking those pesky vamps left and right. These are unimaginative stories. They either don’t do anything new with the characters or they pervert them to where they’re no longer viable. And also, there tends to be a trend towards using these stories as a promotion or criticism of Christianity. Never have I seen a story that took the setting of Christ’s last days and used them as a framework. In other words, taking the setting and telling a story around that setting to create a complete, comprehensive, and entertaining work.
Never, that is, until I read 33 A.D. This was a book that I loved so much that I can come to only one conclusion about its author:
I have seen the new face of horror, and it resides beneath the glossy, waxed dome of David McAfee.
Mr. McAfee has done the (virtually) impossible. He’s taken an iconic figure and backdrop, stayed true to their roots in legend, and layered a very human tale that deals with the supernatural over it. This book is bloody, brutal, depressing, and also moral…however, that morality doesn’t overwhelm the reader, as ethical writing is wont to do. Instead it makes us think, both about what we feel about our own past misdeeds and the power each of us holds within us to forgive ourselves.
The two most important characters in 33 A.D. are Theron, a vampire assassin who’s lived for more than nine-hundred years, and Taras, a golden-haired Roman Legionary (think a primitive version of the Secret Service) whose greatest desire is to skip out of Jerusalem with Mary, his forbidden Jewish lover, and start a family. Although there are many other characters (including Marcus, the Centurion, whose nobility and strength are measured against his weak willpower, making him a fantastic creation), this is ostensibly their story.
Theron, after killing a renegade vampire at the beginning of the novel, is saddled with the task of executing Jesus, as the Nazarene and his ability to heighten the faith of those around him is dangerous to the Bachiyr (Vampiric) Council of 13. This proves to be an arduous undertaking becaue Theron, as a vampire, cannot get close enough to a man with such strong beliefs. Because of this, he goes about framing the supposed prophet, for all intents and purposes setting in motion the events that lead to Jesus’ demise.
Taras, on the other hand, is a loyal and capable soldier. He is strong, both in beliefs and in physicality. He, as well as every other Roman, is turned against the Nazarene due to Theron’s actions.
And this is where the meat of the novel lies. Theron and Taras are different characters, and yet they are virtual mirror images of each other. One could imagine that Theron, when he was still human oh so long ago, might have been virtually identical to the Roman he now calls adversary. It’s a brilliant piece of writing, and I think the similarity of their names is meant for the reader to realize that, when you cut down to the core, they aren’t as different as they think they are. In this way, the entire book is about the choices and the aforementioned need to forgive oneself. Theron cannot. He’s been around too long, deviated too much, to will a change, even though he can. No matter how much strength he possesses, he will always be weak. Likewise Taras, towards the end, when confronted with a decision that will define the rest of his life, is similarly frail. This speaks to the humanity in both of them. Even Theron, though immortal, is inexorably human, and it is that human frailty that leads to his ultimate descent into madness. And when Jesus “rises” from the grave, that event is mirrored by the rebirths, in different ways, of the two main characters. In other words, you can draw a parallel between all three, the monster, the hero, and the prophet, and come out on the other side thinking they’re all quite analogous. In writing it this way, the author is telling us that at our core we’re all the same, all fallible, and it’s up to us – and ONLY us – to change.
The subject of religion, when used in fiction, is a slippery slope to climb. It can come off as preachy or ostentatious, and while a core Christian might find that intriguing, my guess is that the majority of readers in no way want to be sermonized to. This is yet another way that McAfee did an unbelievable job. He succeeded in taking the base values of the sermons of Jesus – his theories of love, forgiveness, and togetherness – and took away the devout fanaticism that can curtail lesser works. In this novel Jesus is a loveable, though ethereally strong, hippie. The scenes in which he is involved are tastefully done, subtle, and sublime. He is not a man of action, but one of introspection, tenderness, and amnesty. He never gives up hope for those he runs across, and in the reflection of that faith in others lays the refraction of his words. It causes those not ready to hear them to back away.
I’m sure some, especially those who aren’t Christian, may look upon this book and think it distasteful. It is not. I, myself, am strictly anti-religious. Whereas I do have faith, I understand the dangers of dogmatic belief and have no desire to pursue it. However, and this is important, McAfee does NOT preach. He uses the beliefs of New Testament Christianity as a tool, not a be-all-end-all, because I think most would admit that the idea of love, community, and mercy are something to strive for. In other words, much like in AA, he takes what works and leaves the rest. You will find no heavy-handedness here.
Okay, one last thing. Because I’m anal and certain facts never escape my attention, I have to mention the only problem I had with this book. In one scene, a character is described as “short, only five-and-a-half feet tall.” The problem is, the average height of a Roman at that time was barely five feet even. Not a huge gaffe, but one that I noticed, and I wouldn’t be pretentious old me if I didn’t point it out.
That being said, it’s a tiny little issue that doesn’t take away the fact that this is a fantastic and beautifully written novel. There is death and rebirth, betrayal and loyalty, hope and despair, and ultimately sorrow. We see where the characters end up, and we feel sorry for them. It’s well worth the read, and I have to admit that I did cry more than once while sitting on the beach reading it. For me, it is the best vampire novel to come out since “The Vampire Lestat” hit the shelves a quarter century ago. And I LOVED that book.
You get a heartfelt recommendation from me, people. Go get it. Make David McAfee a success. We should all want to read more of what he has to offer.
Never, that is, until I read 33 A.D. This was a book that I loved so much that I can come to only one conclusion about its author:
I have seen the new face of horror, and it resides beneath the glossy, waxed dome of David McAfee.
Mr. McAfee has done the (virtually) impossible. He’s taken an iconic figure and backdrop, stayed true to their roots in legend, and layered a very human tale that deals with the supernatural over it. This book is bloody, brutal, depressing, and also moral…however, that morality doesn’t overwhelm the reader, as ethical writing is wont to do. Instead it makes us think, both about what we feel about our own past misdeeds and the power each of us holds within us to forgive ourselves.
The two most important characters in 33 A.D. are Theron, a vampire assassin who’s lived for more than nine-hundred years, and Taras, a golden-haired Roman Legionary (think a primitive version of the Secret Service) whose greatest desire is to skip out of Jerusalem with Mary, his forbidden Jewish lover, and start a family. Although there are many other characters (including Marcus, the Centurion, whose nobility and strength are measured against his weak willpower, making him a fantastic creation), this is ostensibly their story.
Theron, after killing a renegade vampire at the beginning of the novel, is saddled with the task of executing Jesus, as the Nazarene and his ability to heighten the faith of those around him is dangerous to the Bachiyr (Vampiric) Council of 13. This proves to be an arduous undertaking becaue Theron, as a vampire, cannot get close enough to a man with such strong beliefs. Because of this, he goes about framing the supposed prophet, for all intents and purposes setting in motion the events that lead to Jesus’ demise.
Taras, on the other hand, is a loyal and capable soldier. He is strong, both in beliefs and in physicality. He, as well as every other Roman, is turned against the Nazarene due to Theron’s actions.
And this is where the meat of the novel lies. Theron and Taras are different characters, and yet they are virtual mirror images of each other. One could imagine that Theron, when he was still human oh so long ago, might have been virtually identical to the Roman he now calls adversary. It’s a brilliant piece of writing, and I think the similarity of their names is meant for the reader to realize that, when you cut down to the core, they aren’t as different as they think they are. In this way, the entire book is about the choices and the aforementioned need to forgive oneself. Theron cannot. He’s been around too long, deviated too much, to will a change, even though he can. No matter how much strength he possesses, he will always be weak. Likewise Taras, towards the end, when confronted with a decision that will define the rest of his life, is similarly frail. This speaks to the humanity in both of them. Even Theron, though immortal, is inexorably human, and it is that human frailty that leads to his ultimate descent into madness. And when Jesus “rises” from the grave, that event is mirrored by the rebirths, in different ways, of the two main characters. In other words, you can draw a parallel between all three, the monster, the hero, and the prophet, and come out on the other side thinking they’re all quite analogous. In writing it this way, the author is telling us that at our core we’re all the same, all fallible, and it’s up to us – and ONLY us – to change.
The subject of religion, when used in fiction, is a slippery slope to climb. It can come off as preachy or ostentatious, and while a core Christian might find that intriguing, my guess is that the majority of readers in no way want to be sermonized to. This is yet another way that McAfee did an unbelievable job. He succeeded in taking the base values of the sermons of Jesus – his theories of love, forgiveness, and togetherness – and took away the devout fanaticism that can curtail lesser works. In this novel Jesus is a loveable, though ethereally strong, hippie. The scenes in which he is involved are tastefully done, subtle, and sublime. He is not a man of action, but one of introspection, tenderness, and amnesty. He never gives up hope for those he runs across, and in the reflection of that faith in others lays the refraction of his words. It causes those not ready to hear them to back away.
I’m sure some, especially those who aren’t Christian, may look upon this book and think it distasteful. It is not. I, myself, am strictly anti-religious. Whereas I do have faith, I understand the dangers of dogmatic belief and have no desire to pursue it. However, and this is important, McAfee does NOT preach. He uses the beliefs of New Testament Christianity as a tool, not a be-all-end-all, because I think most would admit that the idea of love, community, and mercy are something to strive for. In other words, much like in AA, he takes what works and leaves the rest. You will find no heavy-handedness here.
Okay, one last thing. Because I’m anal and certain facts never escape my attention, I have to mention the only problem I had with this book. In one scene, a character is described as “short, only five-and-a-half feet tall.” The problem is, the average height of a Roman at that time was barely five feet even. Not a huge gaffe, but one that I noticed, and I wouldn’t be pretentious old me if I didn’t point it out.
That being said, it’s a tiny little issue that doesn’t take away the fact that this is a fantastic and beautifully written novel. There is death and rebirth, betrayal and loyalty, hope and despair, and ultimately sorrow. We see where the characters end up, and we feel sorry for them. It’s well worth the read, and I have to admit that I did cry more than once while sitting on the beach reading it. For me, it is the best vampire novel to come out since “The Vampire Lestat” hit the shelves a quarter century ago. And I LOVED that book.
You get a heartfelt recommendation from me, people. Go get it. Make David McAfee a success. We should all want to read more of what he has to offer.
February 27, 2017
Really enjoyed this. Romans, Jews, and Vampires all trying to live together in Jerusalem, all pissed off with each other and the "Zealot" Jesus. A lot of blood, betrayal, and some very interesting characters made for an entertaining read, looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
February 29, 2012
*Giveaway Bonus*
If you enjoy the review below and would like the opportunity to win a signed, print copy of 33 A.D., all you have to do is comment at Reader's Den by March 3rd, 2012 (http://www.readers-den.com/2012/02/33...).
************************
When former Enforcer Ephraim breaks the laws of his people to follow another, the Council sends Theron after him - not only to kill Ephraim, since the Bachyir don't believe in mercy when it comes to betrayals, but to figure out who could have made an Enforcer as loyal as Ephraim stop working for them.
After a fairly quick massacre, Theron reports back to the Council that Jesus of Nazareth was the one who Ephraim betrayed them for. Just as Theron expected, the Council orders him to take Jesus out. However, when Theron goes to the Garden of Gethsemane, he learns the task won't be as easy as he thought. The glow of faith around Jesus is so strong that he can't even get close to him. Plus, Jesus has hundreds of followers. To fully satisfy the Council, he'll have to put a lot more thought into how he'll murder Jesus.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the two guards Theron recklessly murdered on his way to report back to the Council about Ephraim has the city in a stir. The guard he beheaded, Didius, turns out to be the beloved brother of Marcus, the intelligent and powerful centurion who works right under Pontius Pilate. Pilate's order to take out the murderer who killed the guards becomes much more personal.
33 A.D. has multiple sub-plots and POV switches. Taras, Marcus's best friend and a secret assassin who is just a regular legionary (soldier) as far as everyone else knows, is determined to marry Mary, even though a Jewish woman is not allowed to marry a Roman man and her father hates him. But, before Taras can really consider starting a new life with Mary, he wants to show his loyalty to Rome one last time by helping Marcus uncover and hunt down the murderer of Didius. Taras was probably my most favorite character of this story with Marcus following closely behind.
Marcus and Taras are convinced that Theron is a follower of Jesus and that Jesus played a part in the murders, so, just like that, Jesus ends up being hunted by both Theron and Marcus. Theron's purpose is to brutally take out Jesus for the Council and make it look like zealots did it, as well as take out anyone that Jesus may have revealed the vampire secret to.
Basically, there is a lot going on.
There are four parts. At the beginning of part four, I was a bit nervous that all of the sub-plots would become too much, but I don't think they overwhelmed the author and they didn't overwhelm me. I feel like everything was tied up and handled as they should have been. For a story dealing with something as intense as the massacre of Jesus (albeit before they knew just how powerful Jesus could be), I liked the feeling of the plot also being large and intense to compensate.
If anything, Theron has a knack for killing the wrong character at the wrong time, and this story is definitely a tragedy with a large death count. Theron was perhaps my least favorite character - not so much because he is a bad guy who is ruthless about killing, but because, in spite of how intelligent and powerful he seemed, he was also rather reckless. Like in most tragedy stories, most of his undoing was unknowingly at his own hands.
Overall, I liked the story and would recommend it to anyone who has grown tired of flowery vampires. Plus, it has vampires trying to take out Jesus. I mean, come on, something that crazy and unexpected is too interesting to pass up.
If you enjoy the review below and would like the opportunity to win a signed, print copy of 33 A.D., all you have to do is comment at Reader's Den by March 3rd, 2012 (http://www.readers-den.com/2012/02/33...).
************************
When former Enforcer Ephraim breaks the laws of his people to follow another, the Council sends Theron after him - not only to kill Ephraim, since the Bachyir don't believe in mercy when it comes to betrayals, but to figure out who could have made an Enforcer as loyal as Ephraim stop working for them.
After a fairly quick massacre, Theron reports back to the Council that Jesus of Nazareth was the one who Ephraim betrayed them for. Just as Theron expected, the Council orders him to take Jesus out. However, when Theron goes to the Garden of Gethsemane, he learns the task won't be as easy as he thought. The glow of faith around Jesus is so strong that he can't even get close to him. Plus, Jesus has hundreds of followers. To fully satisfy the Council, he'll have to put a lot more thought into how he'll murder Jesus.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the two guards Theron recklessly murdered on his way to report back to the Council about Ephraim has the city in a stir. The guard he beheaded, Didius, turns out to be the beloved brother of Marcus, the intelligent and powerful centurion who works right under Pontius Pilate. Pilate's order to take out the murderer who killed the guards becomes much more personal.
33 A.D. has multiple sub-plots and POV switches. Taras, Marcus's best friend and a secret assassin who is just a regular legionary (soldier) as far as everyone else knows, is determined to marry Mary, even though a Jewish woman is not allowed to marry a Roman man and her father hates him. But, before Taras can really consider starting a new life with Mary, he wants to show his loyalty to Rome one last time by helping Marcus uncover and hunt down the murderer of Didius. Taras was probably my most favorite character of this story with Marcus following closely behind.
Marcus and Taras are convinced that Theron is a follower of Jesus and that Jesus played a part in the murders, so, just like that, Jesus ends up being hunted by both Theron and Marcus. Theron's purpose is to brutally take out Jesus for the Council and make it look like zealots did it, as well as take out anyone that Jesus may have revealed the vampire secret to.
Basically, there is a lot going on.
There are four parts. At the beginning of part four, I was a bit nervous that all of the sub-plots would become too much, but I don't think they overwhelmed the author and they didn't overwhelm me. I feel like everything was tied up and handled as they should have been. For a story dealing with something as intense as the massacre of Jesus (albeit before they knew just how powerful Jesus could be), I liked the feeling of the plot also being large and intense to compensate.
If anything, Theron has a knack for killing the wrong character at the wrong time, and this story is definitely a tragedy with a large death count. Theron was perhaps my least favorite character - not so much because he is a bad guy who is ruthless about killing, but because, in spite of how intelligent and powerful he seemed, he was also rather reckless. Like in most tragedy stories, most of his undoing was unknowingly at his own hands.
Overall, I liked the story and would recommend it to anyone who has grown tired of flowery vampires. Plus, it has vampires trying to take out Jesus. I mean, come on, something that crazy and unexpected is too interesting to pass up.
March 6, 2012
Back when I was younger, vampires were my thing. I loved the mysteriousness, the immortality, the knowledge that these creatures have been around for centuries and have lived through so many historical events. I reveled in the horror and the brutality of what they were and the plight of their victims in their deaths or possibly their introduction to the world of vampirism. And, yes, I even loved the occasional romanticism that comes with the vampire genre when done well and in a "believable" fashion.
But, alas, the vampire genre seems to have jumped from horror with a touch of romance into pure love story where young girls forget that these are creatures of evil and should ultimately be destroyed. There is no longer any fear as the blood sucking fiend as it makes its way to a young girl's bedside to feed and leave her corpse to be found in the morning. That is until you read 33 A.D. by David McAfee. This book was fantastic! Set at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, we are introduced to a familiar story line and location, but with some plot twists and horrific violence that bring vampire back to the bloodthirsty creatures they are and should always be.
The story line of Jesus, his followers and ultimate betrayal that leads to his crucifixion are not unique. However,there are many gray areas during this part of Christ's life where a story of a vampire conspiracy could easily be intertwined to make the events plausible and this is just what McAfee does. For me, this was highly original, very welcome and intriguing telling of the New Testament tale. The characters were well portrayed and the gore was bloody and brutal...the way a good vamp
While 33 A.D. is very much religious themed, it is not a religious book. It takes the story of Jesus's crucifixion and adds in a new element, but the original story is still treated with respect. I would find it hard pressed for many whether religious or not to find the authors spin to be offensive.
33 A.D. is a definite recommend for anyone who wants a great story with vampires that bring the fear to your souls and wrench the heart from your chest.
But, alas, the vampire genre seems to have jumped from horror with a touch of romance into pure love story where young girls forget that these are creatures of evil and should ultimately be destroyed. There is no longer any fear as the blood sucking fiend as it makes its way to a young girl's bedside to feed and leave her corpse to be found in the morning. That is until you read 33 A.D. by David McAfee. This book was fantastic! Set at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, we are introduced to a familiar story line and location, but with some plot twists and horrific violence that bring vampire back to the bloodthirsty creatures they are and should always be.
The story line of Jesus, his followers and ultimate betrayal that leads to his crucifixion are not unique. However,there are many gray areas during this part of Christ's life where a story of a vampire conspiracy could easily be intertwined to make the events plausible and this is just what McAfee does. For me, this was highly original, very welcome and intriguing telling of the New Testament tale. The characters were well portrayed and the gore was bloody and brutal...the way a good vamp
While 33 A.D. is very much religious themed, it is not a religious book. It takes the story of Jesus's crucifixion and adds in a new element, but the original story is still treated with respect. I would find it hard pressed for many whether religious or not to find the authors spin to be offensive.
33 A.D. is a definite recommend for anyone who wants a great story with vampires that bring the fear to your souls and wrench the heart from your chest.
February 6, 2011
I don't like my vampires with bling. They are evil, vile, murderous, intent only on sucking a warm human body dry of the lifeblood that flows in our veins. This story contains none of the new fad of vampire, He of the Shiny Diamond-like Skin who can walk in daylight as long as it is overcast and rainy, who sucks the blood of animals and who plays baseball during thunderstorms.
The story is not new, vampires have been around for as long as human beings have been fascinated with the evil unknown. What is new is centering it around the last week in the life of Jesus during the Roman occupation in 33A.D., weaving his story into that of the vampiric legend and adding another dimension. While there are the basic Christian tenets of faith - hope, redemption, forgiveness - these are not the overwhelming parts of the story. Jesus is but a means to an end - telling a story in such a way as to create something new out of what can and has been overdone - the Vampire legend.
It follows Theron, Lead Enforcer (assassin) of the Council of Thirteen - the most powerful vampires dead today - in his given quest. To rid Jerusalem, and the Jewish faith, of Jesus. He poses a threat to their existence.
Along the way I found myself quite liking Theron's character, and that of Taras, a centurion who is very much like Theron in that he is a stealthy spy sometime assassin. I wanted the story of Taras to go in another direction, one of hope and love - but alas it was not to be. I hope that there is a sequel and that while Theron would surely be a central character, Taras would also feature in some way.
This is not a book of Christian literature. Yes, the beginning of the Christian faith is explored, but the ending leaves you in no doubt of it's intended purpose - a horror story with a new twist on an old theme.
The story is not new, vampires have been around for as long as human beings have been fascinated with the evil unknown. What is new is centering it around the last week in the life of Jesus during the Roman occupation in 33A.D., weaving his story into that of the vampiric legend and adding another dimension. While there are the basic Christian tenets of faith - hope, redemption, forgiveness - these are not the overwhelming parts of the story. Jesus is but a means to an end - telling a story in such a way as to create something new out of what can and has been overdone - the Vampire legend.
It follows Theron, Lead Enforcer (assassin) of the Council of Thirteen - the most powerful vampires dead today - in his given quest. To rid Jerusalem, and the Jewish faith, of Jesus. He poses a threat to their existence.
Along the way I found myself quite liking Theron's character, and that of Taras, a centurion who is very much like Theron in that he is a stealthy spy sometime assassin. I wanted the story of Taras to go in another direction, one of hope and love - but alas it was not to be. I hope that there is a sequel and that while Theron would surely be a central character, Taras would also feature in some way.
This is not a book of Christian literature. Yes, the beginning of the Christian faith is explored, but the ending leaves you in no doubt of it's intended purpose - a horror story with a new twist on an old theme.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews