The Lost Gospel of Barabbas: The Thirteenth Apostle (The Lost Gospel of Barabbas Quadrilogy)

I enjoyed this book and the historical data provided. The author captured the difficulty of life under Roman tyranny, while also showing that people could still live their lives and be happy. I particularly enjoyed the journey of Barabbas and his family to the Temple in Jerusalem. The description was so vivid I could see it in my mind. The characters were interesting. They had their faults, but generally tried to do the right thing.

The author planted seeds about where this series is going. I want to see how he turns Barabbas into the 13th disciple. Barabbas is usually described as evil--sometimes even insane--but this book gives him humanity. He has tragedy in his life, but he seems able to rebound from it. Luckily, he is surrounded by people who care about him.

I liked the book a lot and recommend it.

So to start, I want to say I was also given a copy of this book with a promise to review as the only form of "payment". But I can honestly say I really enjoyed the read. I can also say - as a non religious person - I am a complete ignoramus when it comes to biblical history, so I didn't even know who Barabbas was (I hate to admit I didn't even know the Sea of Galilee was "Just a Big Lake in Israel"!). But I can completely believe in Kevin's description of life on the shores of such a beautiful place, and that it could be quite "sea-like". I also found myself slightly envious of young Barabbas growing up as the son of a boatbuilder, and as the nephew of a hunter/warrior. The vivid portrait Kevin painted of that life made me realize how much I had missed out on in my youth, and of the rich experiences which turned Barabbas into such a well rounded, spiritual young man. But most importantly I appreciated the contrast between such simple and loving people and the abhorrent existence of the Romans. Kevin states in the appendix his portrayal of them was accurate, and I have no doubt of that. In contrast, the description of Barabbas's intricate and highly ritualistic path to betrothal illustrates how much weight the Israelites gave to behaving properly towards each other, and the supreme importance they placed on the institution of marriage. In fact, it made me kind of sad to compare it to what marriage has degraded into today (though I think even back then, if I had to stick my head out the door and announce to the neighborhood block party I just had sex with my wife for the first time, I may have just shucked the whole procedure!).

There seems to be a lot of conflicting views about who the real Barabbas was and what actually happened between Jesus Barabbas and Jesus of Nazareth. Certainly, if he lost someone he loved so dearly to a gang of thugs, then I think he could be justified in retribution. But one thing for certain is that Kevin Brooks is an excellent storyteller, regardless of what actually happened in antiquity. My only concern is that I will have to wait another 12 years for the next installment!

The Lost Gospel of Barabbas is an intriguing Christian fiction blended with historical details that make this book both imaginative and realistic. The tale of young Barabbas in his formative years was a smooth read filled with adventure, love, heartache, and a supernatural ability that he has yet to harness, all taking place under the oppressive thumb of the Roman empire. The author took great care to include factual details of daily life during Biblical times that add credibility and fascination to the little-known saga of this man.

Interesting book and take on Barabbas. I enjoyed reading about the wedding rituals of Jewish people. It probably pretty accurately described how cruelly Roman soldiers treated Jewish people of the time. I was disappointed that the story ended where it did. I suppose setting up the second book in the series.

This book is about one of the biggest biblical "villains." We never knew much about him, only that when it came down to deciding whether to crucify Barabbas and Jesus, the crowd chose to free Barabbas and kill Jesus.

We never really knew who this man was. A criminal. A murderer. The "big bad." What made this historical fiction account of Barabbas so incredible is how quickly you were drawn into the story of the child, the youth, and the young man he grows to be. He is a God-fearing man, beset by a series of tragedies that impact his view on the world. Through it all, though, he remains a likeable, relatable character with many friends and lived ones, is raised faithful to The Lord and the laws of his time,
and lives a fairly simple, studious, and happy life. He has loving parents, loving and caring friends, he falls in love... All this while the Roman Empire seems bent on crushing his spirit through one brutal action after another.

The author does a great job of bringing this story to life through rich descriptions, historical references, and flowing language. Conversations are natural, giving the reader a true authentic feel for the times, the characters.

This is the first book of three that will chronicle his life. I am very much looking forward to continuing his story, learning how he grew from a strong, tender hearted man into the brutal criminal we see portrayed in the New Testament.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.

I'm halway through and the MC is still a child unable to speak to his intended bride. Not much has happened. The author uses To Be verbs with mind-numbing frequency. I thought this story was about Barnabas, who accompanied St. Paul, not Barabbas, the criminal spared when the mob chose Jesus to die. It could have been interesting if more things happened with livelier writing. I'll try skimming the rest if I get really bored.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Well written, easy to read with the characters and events becoming very real. Ready for the next book!

I found the book very instructional on everyday life in ancient times and illuminating as to the thought process of the author. I felt as if I were having a conversation w/ the author himself. Thrilling ending. Ready for the next book. I really like the cover as well.